** The big chapter is here...part II of the Unraveling. I hope you all enjoy this one- there's a lot to it! Please review and tell me what you think. I've got a few more chapters to go- but the end is here. **Warning: chapter is extremely violent, graphic, and has sexual content. Mature readers only!

Now please, sit back and ENJOY the 'Power of Love'! It's an emotional roller coaster, so hang on tight, and let me know what you think! Shine on.**

~Chapter Thirty-Seven~

The Power of Love

"NOOOO!" Brooklyn yelled out, reaching out for Rose; but Kevin had already pulled her over the edge, her screams of terror following them. Without another thought, he catapulted himself off the ledge of the Castle after them, free falling towards her, reaching his claws out to her. Kevin still had his iron-tight grip on her, while Rose was trying to fight away from him, by reaching her hands out to reach Brooklyn's claws. Brooklyn grit his teeth in an effort to fall faster to reach her; but then his eyes widened as he bellowed a warning.

"WATCH OUT FOR THE LEDGE!"

Kevin growled at the sight of Brooklyn still coming after them; but thanks to him, he was warned about a concrete ledge on the building's South side, which roofed Xanatos' offices. He quickly pulled out a device from his weapon belt, which looked like a gun, and then pulled the trigger. A hook shot out of the device and landed on a metal frame from up above them, securing himself from falling to the ground below. Once the hook secured itself to the protruding concrete, both Kevin and Rose stopped falling, and to her surprise, Kevin kept his grip on Rose as the line suddenly caught and swung them, like a giant swing, back and forth over the concrete lip and over the Earth below them.

Suddenly falling past them, Brooklyn grunted out in pain, opened his injured wings, and did a few flips in the air to change the direction of his body. He reached out his claws to catch onto the side of the building, and dug them into the concrete, stopping his own descent. They had been falling so fast; that Brooklyn slid down close to fifty feet, before his claws caught the traction on the concrete siding.

He was breathing deeply, as he glanced up at Kevin and Rose swinging on the line like a pendulum, over the ledge, and gazed up in horror; realizing the touch predicament they were in. With his wing injured, he couldn't glide upon the wind currents, which would do himself and Rose no good if Kevin decided to drop her or if she slipped.

Not wasting any time, Brooklyn began to climb the edge of the building, using his strong sharp claws to indent into the cement and try to get up to her somehow, before the night got any worse than it already was.

Rose looked down and saw Brooklyn to the side of her, climbing up the building; but Kevin had her against him and wasn't seeming to want to drop her. Not understanding why he was keeping her secured to him, she looked up into Kevin's face and began to slam her fists down upon his chest.

"Now what!?" She yelled at him. "Are you just going to drop me to my death?"

"Dropping you would be too easy of a death… and too good for you." He sneered at her. "Especially since the freak has wings and could catch you."

"WHY DO YOU CARE HOW I DIE?!" She shrieked out, hating being this close to his body, face and devilishly black eyes. "If you want to kill me… then just do it already!"

"I want to torture you and your precious Gargoyle…" He answered her, struggling to hold onto her and the line. "But because the beasts got out of their chains… we are dealing with a small change of plans. This is called 'improvising. You'll soon get the death you are begging for, my darling wife."

"I'm not yours anymore!' She screamed at him, trying to wiggle free, making them swing even more over the concrete lip, further out to the open air.

"STOP struggling!" He screamed back, as they were still swinging over the ledge and then out onto the free-earth below. "You're going to bring us both to our deaths!"

"Maybe that's what's best… " She snarled, hating him. Then thought about their predicament and knew that in order to kill him that she would have to go down with him. She suddenly wrapped her legs around his legs, shocking him by her sudden closeness, grabbed his knife from his belt and then raised it to non-fatally cut into him.

"NO, ROSE!" He roared, no longer caring about the swinging line, and instantly grabbed onto her fists, stopping her from stabbing him. They both grunted in efforts to fight each other; and fought the strength of the line; which made them swing even further back and forth over the ledge. Rose looked up at the line; and saw that it was stressed by their weight and surely wouldn't hold them much longer; especially if they were fighting each other.

As she fought against Kevin, she then looked over to the side and saw Brooklyn scaling the side as quickly as he could, coming much closer to them now; but Kevin did as well. To his rage; he saw him coming for her, swung his fists against her head and punched her as hard as he could. She cried out in pain as his fist collided with her skull which he then was able to force the knife out of her fingers, by squeezing them painfully.

"AH!" Rose screamed out in pain and rage as the knife fell down towards the Earth below. Roaring out, he grabbed onto the back of her neck and squeezed it as tightly as he could; forcing her attention on his face.

"Brooklyn! HELP!" She screamed out, as he pinched the back of her neck and cranked her neck, forcing her face inches from his.

"I can't believe you're wanting to leave me for him!..." He roared in her face, his face twisted up in pain. "I HAVE GIVEN YOU EVERYTHING!"

"You gave me nothing!" Rose screamed back at him through his tight grasp, as tears streamed down her face. "I gave you all of me, Kevin,… and when it wasn't good enough for the hole in your heart and soul, then you resorted to violence and made my life a living hell!"

"It didn't have to be like that!" He yelled at her, his voice on the verge of pleading. "I tried to teach you, Rose. I tried to be patient… but you wouldn't ever listen…!"

"AND I WON'T!" She shrieked. "I HATE YOU!"

Kevin's wet face twisted up in pain for a few seconds as he took in her words, breathed heavily, and then to her shock; he slowly let go of her neck, and moved his hand to the front of her face, as if he were suddenly wanting to be extremely gentle with her. She took in a few gasps of breath and stared up into his black eyes with great confusion, as he earnestly began crying.

"But… I love you." He whispered, his tone sincere for one. "You just refuse to see it! I've been so angry with you, Rose. But ever since you left, I have been living in a terrifyingly lonely, angry and dark place and have only wanted to be free of this pain! I'm here to kill you… but… now that you're in my arms- I'm willing to extend you mercy. Choose me, Rose- not him. If not, then I will continue with my plans and make sure you receive the death you deserve. "

She gasped at him, and didn't know what to think as Kevin held onto her tightly, and gazed deeply into her eyes. She didn't believe a single word he was saying, as it was only to butter her up for his next set of beatings, but as they hung in the air- with her true love climbing and coming for her, she had to get out of his grasp.

"You say you love me..." Rose whispered in a broken voice and tears streaming down her face. "But someone who truly was capable of love would NEVER follow that sentence up with that you'll kill them."

"I know!" He gasped out. "But please Rose… what choice do I have?!"

"YOU CAN CHOOSE TO STOP THIS MADNESS!" Rose cried out, shaking her head and crying earnestly. "Let me go to make my own choices, and seek out the help you need! Kevin… please… let me go!"
"No, Rose!" He argued. "Choose me! Not your MONSTER! Drop this poisonous dream of yours and come home! Be mine once again, and I swear on my life that I will do right by you. If not… I will kill you- as you give me no choice but to do so."

"You're insane!" Rose gasped out in a terrified whisper with wide eyes.

"Maybe so… but I am insanely in love with you!" He urged, staring deeply into her eyes with his own wild black ones.

Rose opened her mouth at him to respond, but found she had no words. Kevin was beyond help, beyond reasoning with. Seeing that he was not going to kill her right then, gave her an opportunity to escape his grasp. Tears streamed down her face once again and knew she had to do.

Seconds passed, as she stared into Kevin's black eyes, and waited until they were closest to the building before she made her move. It was against her every instinct, but she knew what to do to completely catch him off guard. She also knew Brooklyn was watching her, and would have to beg for his forgiveness later. But it was now or never if she were to escape Kevin's grasp.

Forcing bile down, she grabbed his face and then pressed her lips against his, kissing him deeply and intimately. She wrapped her arms around his back, and kept kissing him, like he would want her to; with ferocious passion. And just like she knew he would, he instantly responded to her, groaning in instant passion and held her tightly against him, passionately making out with her.

Brooklyn watched Rose and Kevin fight against each other with wide eyes and great worry as he kept climbing the side of the Eyrie Building to get to her. However, when Kevin knocked a large knife out of her hands, Rose did the unimaginable- something that made his whole world come crashing down. Out of nowhere, she pressed her lips against Kevin's, kissing him madly and deeply- with the same intense passion and intimacy that he thought was reserved for him, and him only.

Gasping out, he stopped scaling the building and felt his heart shatter into a thousand pieces. His eyes widened, and the familiar taste of Human betrayal was like poison to his heart and soul. He didn't know why she was kissing him; but as he watched them swing back and forth; he saw Kevin's fight give in and he wrapped his arms around her body, like Brooklyn would, and began to passionately kiss her back.

Brooklyn's eyes lit up in rage and jealousy, hating Kevin even more; but didn't know what would have possessed Rose to kiss him in such a passionate and intimate way. As he watched the love of his life, passionately make out with someone else, especially his enemy. It felt like a hot iron was being shoved down his throat; and he couldn't breathe.

Tears filled his eyes as anger, hurt, betrayal and rage settled deep inside of him. As he watched them kiss, he suddenly felt himself losing all will to keep himself on the side of the building, as she seemed to no longer love him… but then, before he could spiral down into the darkest part of him, he realized what she was doing, and then he was truly horrified.

Kevin was grunting, gasping, while he was kissing her- and his world seemed right for a moment. Rose's arms were wrapped tightly around his neck; her legs straddling his waist, while her soft and soaked breasts were firmly pressed against his chest. Her lips and tongue were all over his mouth, and her arms were moving all over his arms, waist and down to his legs.

He didn't care what she was doing, but closed his eyes as Rose's lips and tongue detached from his; and slid down his neck- making him cry out in pleasure. He held onto the line with one hand, but his other arm wrapped around her waist and held her close to him. Then he felt her hand grasp something on his leg, and before he could realize what she was doing, it was too late to stop her. Her hand clasped around another knife on his belt, as her lips came sliding up to his ear.

When her lips detached from his, she hissed,"You are incapable of feeling love… you… monster!"

With that, she quickly and smoothly pulled out another knife from Kevin's pant's leg and then stabbed it with one quick motion into his shoulder, making him shriek out in pain. When they swung over the concrete, she forced his arms off her, and let herself fall close to ten feet, before she slammed onto the concrete ledge.

"NO!" Rose heard Brooklyn roar out, as she fell.

Once she hit the concrete, she grunted and cried out in pain; but then to her shock and terror; the concrete was all ice and from the speed of her fall, she suddenly rolled and slid until her body rolled off the ledge. Screaming out, her fingertips barely caught her before she was seconds from free-falling towards the Earth, miles below the Eyrie Building.

"AHHHH!" She screamed out, barely able to hold onto the slippery ledge. "BROOKLYN!"

"ROSE!" She heard Brooklyn scream out; and watched as he instantly started to climb the sides of the building as quickly as he could to come up to her. "HOLD ON, I'M COMING!"

Tears fell down her face, and with them connected, she willed her thoughts to enter his.

I'm sorry you had to see that! She cried out, barely able to breathe. I had to distract him the only way I knew how… I'm so sorry… it is you I love. Only you!

Kevin was crying out in pain; as he pulled the knife out of his shoulder, and felt like he also had a knife sliced deeply into what was left of his heart. What he told her was true and yet again; she denied him and chose death. Gasping out in pain, both physically and emotionally, he saw that she was hanging on for dear life off the ledge of the concrete lip, and to his further rage, the red-monster, Brooklyn, was making his way quickly up the building to reach her- to claim her as his own- to take away what belonged to him.

Kevin was now more angry and full of desire to kill his wife, if she wouldn't be his then she wouldn't be anyone's. She had used her body, and sweet and addictive kisses to distract him and betray him once again. She had chosen the monster; and for that she would die, no more mercy invitations extended. Kevin gritted his teeth, and began to activate his belt, to let him down to the ledge. Once he got there, he would push her off the ledge and give her the death he desired for her. She would fall too quickly for the monster to catch her; and she was splatter all over New York's streets.

Smiling at that thought, he quickly began to lower down towards the concrete. When his feet touched the ground, he quickly and angrily began to try to detach himself from the hook to go to Rose, but to his rotten luck, the device was jammed and wasn't allowing him to detach from the line.

"CURSE THIS DAMN THING! Kevin screamed out, pulling on the device like a rabid animal trying to escape a cage. He couldn't cut himself free, as that was his only way off the stupid ledge, but he needed to get to Rose before the monster did.

Struggling to stay on the ledge, Rose heard Kevin's screaming which made her heart pound with fear. She knew that he was now past the point of no return of extending mercy towards her; and was going to make sure he killed her. Brooklyn was right; Kevin's will to kill her was terrifying, but that wasn't all of her problems. Due to the slushy, wet and icy snow still falling; the concrete lip was icy and she was losing traction.

"BROOKLYN! HELP!" Rose screamed in panic. "I'M SLIPPING!"

"Hang on, my love! I'm coming!" He yelled back, and to her relief, she saw him reach the lip of the concrete. With a loud grunt of effort, he detached his claws from the Eyrie Building side, threw himself over, and caught the edge of the concrete pad- digging his sharp claws into the concrete. His teeth were gritted and he instantly began to use all his upper strength in full pull ups and began to claw his way over to her

Rose watched him as he stabbed his sharp claws into the concrete, and couldn't believe that his body was capable of so many different things. Here, he was using his amazing strength to reach her, his sharp claws to stab into concrete- yet, when he touched her, he was the most gentle and passionate creature. She was also amazed at his upper-body strength as he started to slide his claws quickly around the semi-circle protruding cement; while Kevin was still trying to detach from his device.

Brooklyn was almost to her, when she tried to adjust herself. However, as she did, her fingers suddenly slipped even more- taking her thoughts away from thinking of him and was instantly in terror. She was moments from slipping, and he was still too far away.

"MY LOVE! Please hurry!…." Rose pleaded, holding on as tightly as she could, and didn't dare to move. If she tried to pull herself up; she would fall for sure. Then, without warning, her fingers began to slip despite her holding on so tightly.

"Oh no!… NO, NO! NOOOO!" She screamed out in terror, as her fingers slipped all the way off the ledge, and she began to free- fall.

"BROOKLYN! AHHHH!"

Seeing her grip begin to give out; Brooklyn gasped in horror, swung his hips a few times to get as much momentum as he could, and then used all his strength to fling over to her, grunting out in effort. The instant his claws dug into the cement next to her; her grip slipped.

"BROOKLYN! AHHHHHH!" Rose screamed, free- falling; but then she stopped falling as his claw caught her by her arm.

"I've got you!" He gasped out to her, grunting with great effort to hold himself to the small area concrete rooftop. "I've got you!"

"Oh, Brooklyn!" She cried out, clearly terrified. "Thank goodness!"

Brooklyn glanced down at her, with his teeth gritted, and felt his claws begin to slowly slip from the ledge due to his and Rose's weight.

"Damn it…." He gasped out to himself, and then yelled down to her. "It's icy out here, so I can't pull you up without my claws slipping past the concrete. I need you to pull yourself up! Okay? Use my body to climb up!"

Rose took a deep breath, was in great amounts of pain and soaking wet; but her overwhelming fear of heights was far surpassing those things. Brooklyn was just as soaked, and his rough skin was slippery, almost like wet leather, making it more scary for her to try to scale up his body; but she had to try. If she could secure her body against his, she would finally be safe.

Lips trembling, she nodded her head and gasped, "Okay… I'll try."

"Come on, babe. You've got this." Brooklyn encouraged, holding tightly onto her arm. He stuck his long and muscular leg out to her to take grasp of, and said; "Grab onto my leg, and climb up my body!"

Nodding again, she used her other hand which wasn't in Brooklyn's grasp, and wrapped it tightly around his lower leg.

"Good job." Brooklyn said, grunting in the effort to keep his claws secured to the wet concrete. "Do you have a good grip on me so I can let your arm go?"

"Yes." Rose gasped, holding onto his leg as tightly as she could.

When he let go of her other arm, she instantly grabbed onto his upper thigh with her other arm; and began to pull herself up his body; swinging her hips and using as much upper body strength as she could muster.

As she did that, Brooklyn reached up and stabbed it into the concrete with his other claw, securing them more to the concrete lip; all while he heard Kevin still struggling to detach himself from the device from up top the ledge. Gasping out in fear and pain, Brooklyn kept his eyes upon Rose, but his ears were listening to Kevin's shrieks of rage, and could tell that he was getting closer to getting out of his tangled wiring.

Rose kept climbing up his body; until she finally wrapped her arms around his waist and then both legs around one of his legs; using it like a pole to climb. He detached one claw from the concrete lip, knowing he had better traction, and then reached down and grabbed a hold of her back.

"That's it, babe." He said straining to keep himself on the side of the concrete, forcing himself to focus. "Come on, you're almost there."

Rose pulled herself up his body; and then wrapped her arms around his neck; her legs straddling around his waist, and once she was securely against him, she began to instantly cry; tears started to fall uncontrollably. Her body hurt tremendously; but her relief to be in his arms again was more than anything she could have ever wished for.

"Oh… Brooklyn!" Rose cried out, holding onto him tightly, burying her face in his shoulder, her arms wrapped around his neck with an iron-tight grip. "That was so scary!"

Brooklyn wrapped his one arm around her back; and buried his face into her long; wet hair, breathing deeply. Closing his eyes, he grasped on her sweater and loved the feel of her body against his. He allowed himself to fully enjoy the sweet scent of her hair before he forced himself to focus.

"It's alright, you're going to be alright," he mumbled, soothing her by rubbing her back with one of his claws. "I've got you…and I'm never going to let you go."

"I'm sorry…!" She suddenly cried out, holding his face with her frozen hands, tears streaming down her face. "I'm so sorry that you had to watch me kiss him! I can't imagine what you were feeling when you saw that, but please forgive me! It was the only thing I could think of to distract him enough so I could get away from him! We are in a massive mess; and it's all because of me. You're injured because of me, we are hanging over his building because of me… and I… I hurt you, Brooklyn, and for that I don't know if I could ever forgive myself, but please… I love you, and I'm so sorry!"

She paused as he stared at her with a painful expression, his own tears spilling out of his eyes, his voice so thick with emotion that he couldn't speak, nor could he argue against her. A sob escaped her mouth, knowing that everything she said was right, and she pressed her forehead against his.

"Oh God, Brooklyn!" She cried, sobbing, holding his neck. "I'm so sorry, my love! The kiss meant nothing to me, you are the love of my life, my soul mate, and the only one for me! It was my only chance to escape… I'm so sorry. Baby, please. Please forgive me. I'm so sorry!"

At her heartfelt apology, Brooklyn held her tighter against him and could feel that she was telling him the truth. With tears streaming down his face, mixed with sleet, he exhaled shakily, and then smiled sadly down at her.

"Thank you, my love. It did hurt…" he paused from speaking for a moment, took a deep breath and then exhaled sharply. "Oh, what am I kidding? It hurt a lot to see you kiss him… to see his disgusting hands all over you in that way… but I understand why you did it, and it doesn't matter anymore. You stabbed him in the shoulder with a knife to get away from him, and are now safe in my arms. I understand now that you faked it to get away from him. But… it was reckless to fall to your possible death…"

"Brooklyn…" She gasped. "I had to… I'm sorry-"

"I know…" He softly interjected, holding her tenderly against him. " I understand why you did; and I forgive you, my love."

"Thank you." She whispered in relief, as he held her tightly against him. "So… what now? How can we get back up to the castle? Your poor wing…"

"I'll climb us back up." Brooklyn answered her, looking around and still listening to Kevin struggle. "Once up there… I want you to find somewhere safe to hide… and I will take care of Kevin. He's going to wish he never came here… or dared to place his hands upon you."

With the malice dripping in his voice, she closed her eyes, and rested her forehead against his.

"I'm so sorry, my love." She whispered again, holding his face in her hands. "For everything… for this whole mess. Do you forgive me? I promise the kiss meant nothing. I stopped loving Kevin a long time ago, and the moment I laid my eyes upon you- in that alleyway with the gunman, is when I fell deeply in love with you, and it's with you that I know I'm meant to be with. No one and nothing else matters."

They stayed there for a moment, breathing deeply, and gazing lovingly into each other's eyes. Brooklyn then slid his claw from her back and gently caressed her face with his talons.

"Oh my sweet, beautiful angel." He whispered, leaning his lips closer to hers. "Of course I forgive you. Just… never do that again, okay? I didn't realize how jealous or hateful I could become, but seeing you kiss someone else, especially him, nearly did me in."

"I could never and would never. That was the only time, I promise." She breathed. "My love, lips and body only belong to you now."

He smiled and softly laughed, grinning lovingly at her all while looking immensely relieved.

"Good." He whispered, his lips inches from hers. " Because you and I are one…"

"Always and forever." Rose breathed back, smiling at him and inching her lips towards his.

Taking a deep breath, he went to kiss her when they heard Kevin finally detach from his device and began to run for them; screaming out in rage, as he had been watching them in their own intimate moment. His heart officially broke and filled with hatred as he saw Rose's true love for the monster; and it was nothing like she gave him.

"She's MINE, monster!" He screamed, stopping so that he was standing right over Brooklyn's claws, pointing a large laser handgun out to them. Brooklyn gasped and then took evasive action.

"HANG ONTO ME!" He yelled at Rose, released her body with his claw and swung them both to another part of the ledge; right as Kevin shot the gun.

BANG!

Rose screamed out, but kept herself clung to the front of him; and was watching over Brooklyn's shoulder, in horror, as Kevin kept coming for them, faster and more deadlier than ever- the lasers exploding concrete, and flying past their heads.

Brooklyn kept swinging their bodies, to get momentum from dangling off the edge of the concrete, but was being slowed down due to the many windows below them; which made it difficult for his clawed feet to gain Rose clinging to him, to his inability to glide or get traction with his feet and was relying solely on his upper strength; Brooklyn grit his teeth in terror, but kept fighting. He couldn't and wouldn't allow Kevin to win.

BANG!

BANG!

BANG!

Kevin kept screaming out in rage, shooting the gun inches from their bodies and faces, but amazingly, none were hitting them- as Brooklyn was moving quick enough. However, he knew that if he didn't get them both out of there, his luck would soon dry up. Kevin had amazingly gone through a full round of lasers, and was quickly letting the gun recharge, which gave Brooklyn the small window of chance to get out.

"Look out!" Rose screamed out, holding onto his body with everything she had, and warning him seconds before Kevin re-cocked his gun; now again fully charged. Focusing only on his and Rose's escape, Brooklyn looked over to the side, roared out in effort and tossed both to the side of Xanatos' building; finally ridding themselves of the semi-circle.

Rose closed her eyes and did everything she could to not scream or look down, as they were now jumping through the air; with the city wide open below them. To her relief, Brooklyn dug his claws into the side cement of the building with all four claws, slide down a few feet,but quickly obtained traction and then quickly began scaling up the building, with his back to Kevin.

Rose kept her legs tightly hooked around Brooklyn's waist; and looked over his shoulder, as he scaled up the building quickly; and gasped when she watched Kevin aim his laser gun carefully at them, as they were now a very easy target.

"BROOKLYN!" Rose screamed out in terror, but there was nothing to be done; Kevin had already shot it.

With another loud BANG; the laser shot into Brooklyn's side; right below his heart. Brooklyn bellowed out in pain; stopped his ascent, and now was barely able to hold onto the concrete, his breathing becoming suddenly very shallow.

"Noo! NO! My love!… Are you alright?!" Rose cried out, looking into his face. His eyes were showing a great deal of pain, and was gasping, all while trying to staunch the wound with his left claw. Blood was pouring out at a rapid pace, which alarmed Rose greatly.

"Oh God, Brooklyn!" She gasped.

"I…" He started to gasp, until he pressed his forehead into the side of the building, alarming Rose even more. "I am losing my strength…."

"Brooklyn…" Rose started to say, but then stopped as she saw Kevin raise his gun again. She gasped and then shrieked, "He's going to shoot again! We HAVE to move!"

Brooklyn quickly looked over his shoulder; and then without another word- seeing as they had no choice- spread his injured wings out and tossed themselves off the side of the building, right as another BANG shot out in the night, missing them by inches.

Rose cried out in fear, held onto him even tighter while closing her eyes, as he was forced himself to fly on his injured wings; and it was the scariest thing he had ever attempted to do as well. He tried to force most of the weight on his right wing, as his left was unable to fly, and it took everything in him to try to glide them further north of where Kevin was.

Brooklyn gritted his teeth; forcing himself to glide through the pain, until they were on another part of the Eyrie Building. Brooklyn guided them into the concrete, so that he could re-claw his way up the side of the building, but due to his injured wing, they would end up smashing into the that they were about to make a hard impact against the concrete, he held her head with one arm against the crook of his neck, and used his shoulder to brace themselves against the hard concrete.

"HANG ON!" He yelled, bracing himself and her for the impact.

Once they slammed into the hard building, he grunted out in more pain, but then re- dug his right claw into the wall, as well as his feet to stop their descent. His talons broke through the concrete with ease; but the weight of their bodies made them slide down ever so slightly, until his claws received full traction against the concrete, stopping their descent finally.

Rose cried out, gasping and breathing deeply, as she was trying to keep herself against him; and they both stayed silent for a few minutes, trying to both gain their bearings. Brooklyn took a deep breath, trying to steady his dizziness and then forced himself to continue to scale up the North side of Xanatos' building, slowly. Rose had kept her eyes closed the entire time, but now that they were secured against the concrete; she opened her eyes and focused on Brooklyn and his critical wound.

"Are you okay!?" She gasped out, shaking from fear and pain.

"I- I don't know." He answered, while gasping in pain.

Rose's eyes were wide in terror and worry, and quickly glanced down to look at his side. Once she saw it, and saw how much blood he was losing, she cried out in shock.

"You're bleeding at a rapid pace!" Rose gasped, placing one hand over his bloody side; trying to stop his bleeding.

"I know…" he growled, trying to focus on getting her to safety.

"Are you alright?" She asked him, trying to assess him.

"No," he finally answered her honestly, in small gasps. " But I will be… once I know… that you are safe…"

"Brooklyn…" Rose asked shakily, placing her arm on his wound- pressing down, and hugging herself tighter to him, to try to slow his bleeding . "What can I do for you?"

"You can survive… that's what you can do for me." Brooklyn grimaced; pushing himself harder and harder, as they were nearing the top of the Castle. He could feel her pain-filled, teary gaze upon him, but he refused to look at her; as he was struggling to get them to safety, struggling to breathe.

"I'll only survive this nightmare if you do…" She finally whispered to his dismay.

Brooklyn exhaled sharply, stopped climbing as his arms were shaking slightly, and looked as though he was about to pass out at any moment. Rose kept her hands over his bloody wound; and even gathered up some of her sweater to cover his wound and soak up his blood.

After taking a few deep breaths, trying to stay conscious, he finally looked over at her with anger. He pressed his body against hers; using his legs to hold her body up against the stone, and looked at her with powerful passion as though he was never more serious about anything in his entire life.

"You will survive… end of story." He growled at her. "Even if I do not make it through tonight… you must survive. Promise me…"

"Brooklyn…!" Rose interjected, growing more upset and angry, her own blood and tears streaming down her beaten face.

"Promise me!" He yelled at her now, tears filling his eyes, his face inches from hers. He was in a great deal of pain; but seeing her face as bloodied up and bruised as it was, he could barely handle seeing her like that, so he lowered his voice and pleaded with her instead. "Please… promise me, Rose,… that you will survive tonight! That you will live a happy and fulfilled life… even if… even if I'm not there to live it with you."

"Without you?" She breathed, staring at him in disbelief. Silence passed between them for a few seconds before she barely managed to speak again. "A life without you is not a life I would be willing to live… so don't you dare talk like that! You're going to be alright, we are together now. I'm here and will never leave you alone again."

He was breathing deeply, his arms shaking, as he was losing blood at a quick pace, which scared Rose more than anything. He raised his pain-filled eyes to look at her and then whispered, "I love you, Rose."

Tears fell down her face silently, as she breathed, "You're going to be okay, Brooklyn… please ...don't do this…. "

"I love you, my love… my sweet angel… my mate." He breathed again, his breathing becoming erratic and unstable. "I love you so much…"

Rose's lips quivered from grief and her sobs as she stared into his face, hardly able to breathe by herself. He was scaring her more than Kevin ever had tonight

"Don't leave me." She whispered.

"I would never… and even if I did; I would always be with you." He answered, tears falling down his face, which was showing an unbelievable amount of pain. "Rose Connelly… you are the wind beneath my wings, the love in my heart, the air in my lungs and the very reason my heart beats- the true love of my life. I… I don't know what's going to happen tonight, but… please… allow me to declare my undying love for you…"

"Brooklyn…don't… " Rose tried to interject again, on the verge of sobbing.

"No, Rose." Brooklyn continued to urge, pressing himself to her. "Please… let me speak. Okay? I… I am hurt; I am losing energy, and I must tell you this before anything happens."

"Nothing is going to happen!" Rose screamed out, taking hold of his face. "You're not going to die! Let's keep climbing up to the top! I'll heal you, it's not too late! Please…"

"Rose Connelly," Brooklyn said powerfully, interrupting her while pressing her body tightly against the stone, his lips inches from her. "I give you my vow of everlasting love, right here, right now. I know it's not official until our Mating Ceremony; but if I don't make it, I want to give you my vow right now."

"Please… don't…" Rose cried, but he kept speaking; his voice breaking with emotion.

"I love you more than anything in this world…" He said seriously, gazing deeply into her eyes. "I'm sorry for breaking all my promises to you, and I pray that you'll find it in your heart to one day forgive me… I promised you that Kevin would never hurt you, but as I can painfully see; he still has. I only want a life of joy and happiness for you; as well as true love. From this moment on, if you'll have me… I, Brooklyn; Second-in-Command to the Manhattan Clan, do give you my heart, my love, my life… from this moment on, if you'll have me as your mate and husband, I will spend every waking moment of my life to protect and love you."

Slushy snow was still falling out of the sky; much like an icy rain, dripping down their faces. As Brooklyn said those words, Rose was frozen, but had never felt more warmth than she did just then, but also never more terrified.

"Tell me those beautiful vows… at our Mating Ceremony, Brooklyn…" Rose whispered fiercely, her lips trembling in grief and fear.

Brooklyn smiled at her words and leaned his face into hers, kissing her lips passionately, his tongue danced with her in her mouth. She naturally wrapped both arms tightly around his neck, closed her eyes, and held onto his body with her legs. He let go of the concrete for one moment, as he held her against him, his claws feeling her skin. Their lips danced passionately, as Brooklyn pulled on her lips, deepening the kiss with every motion.

If someone would have told Rose that she and Brooklyn were sharing a passionate make out moment, on a vertical side of the largest skyscraper, miles upon miles in the atmosphere, she would have laughed. But this was no laughing matter; this kiss was terrifying for her. Although he was kissing her passionately; it seemed like he was kissing her good-bye.

"Please, stop…" she gasped against his lips, trying to re-position herself against him to pay more attention to his gun wound, but he wasn't letting her go.

"No, my love." He growled against her kisses. "I need… to feel you… and kiss you… one last time.

"Don't talk like that!" Rose cried out, her tears streaming down her face. "Stop!"

He growled against her lips, not wanting to stop, but then suddenly stopped; his skin paling; and Rose thought he was going to pass out right then, which would send them both to their splattering deaths.

"Brooklyn!" Rose screamed out in terror, shaking his face, trying to keep him awake. "We must keep going! We're both going to die for sure if we stay here; come on! We have to keep fighting! KEEP CLIMBING!"

"Sorry… I'm sorry. You're right… " He breathed, looking down at his side.

Rose followed his gaze, and felt herself growing even more faint with terror. If she didn't stop his bleeding, he would surely bleed out. However, to her relief, he seemed to read her mind and finally began to ascend up the wall again, grunting out in pain and effort, and kept going slowly until he finally reached the top.

Once he grasped onto the top, she reached up to grab the ledge with both her hands and then used her own upper body strength to climb over. Once her feet touched down upon the Castle, she immediately leaned down over the ledge and grasped onto both his arms.

"Come on, my love!" Rose gasped, pulling on him as hard as she could. "Work with me! Use your feet to climb up; we are almost there!"

Brooklyn took one deep breath, held it in, and then did as she instructed. He used his legs to climb over the ledge of the Castle; rolled over the top of the ledge, and then fell down to the ground without bracing himself. He closed his eyes and was breathing rapidly, as Rose quickly dropped to her knees and tried to stop his wound from bleeding.

"Brooklyn!" Rose said firmly and seriously. "Come on, babe. Stay with me!"

He weakly opened his eyes, and took her face gently in his claws, holding onto her tenderly.

"Rose…my beautiful mate… " He breathed weakly, his breathing becoming more shallow by the minute. "I love you. I… I'm so sorry…I wish we could have… been together… forever..."

"What are you talking about?!" Rose cried out, tears falling down. "WE STILL CAN AND WILL!"

"No…" He whispered, closing his eyes. " I'm sorry… I had… to keep my promise to you. I told you that… I would die for you. "

"NO!" She screamed in his face, tears streaming down her face. "Fight, Brooklyn! Stay with me! Please! I NEED you, my love! Please, stay with me!"

However, to her horror; Brooklyn closed his eyes, his body went very still, and his breathing stopped, making Rose go into full- panic mode.

"Brooklyn!?... BROOKLYN!" She screamed, tears falling down her face, her own breathing started to come in shallow breaths as she started to hyperventilate. "Please, baby! PLEASE! I'm not strong enough without you here beside me! Brooklyn!… Don't leave me, please! I love you!"

However, when he did not respond, grief and fear coursed through her. She would surely die too if he died and left her alone in this dark world. Needing to do something drastically immediate to save his life; she remembered the times where they healed each other; and needed to do that now. She closed her eyes, forcing herself to breathe calmly; and thought deeply about their connection; allowing the electricity to fill her entire being.

Once she allowed it, the soul connection came alive immediately; filling her entire body up with his light and love- and not only that- her own magic awakened- with an overwhelming power, one that nearly took her breath away. She gritted her teeth as she held onto his body and willed herself and their connection and the strength of her magic to heal him. Even though her head was splitting open in pain, due to Kevin's head blow, she was ignoring her own pain and was willing to give everything she had, to let Brooklyn live. Just then, the familiar hot-liquid-like feeling sensation creeped up from the core of her body and then it moved through every limb until it spread out onto Brooklyn's body.

"Don't die!" She whispered, allowing the power to flow through her with intense power. "Please, don't die! Come on, stay with me!"

The electricity pulsed through her limbs and then suddenly exploded out of her hands; but this time, her red, wispy power radiated from her hands and settled over Brooklyn's wound; surrounding it like a cloud of red mist. Rose's eyes widened and she grit her teeth in pain, gasping out, and feeling like she could easily pass out.

However, she kept willing it out of her. For the next few minutes, the power and electricity pulsed through in waves; some more powerful than the others and continued on before the powers naturally stopped.

Rose gasped as she released her hands from his skin; and suddenly felt like passing out. She fell forward, lying over his chest and stayed there, breathing deeply, until she could see clearly once again. Unsure of how much time had passed, she laid on his chest until she felt strong enough to raise her head off and then glanced down at him, where she felt her heart pounding painfully and gasped in shock.

His eyes were still shut; but his wing and side wound had completely healed itself; as well as all of his wounds he received from Kevin. She ran her fingers over where his gun wound used to be and was relieved that she had still managed to heal him. Wanting to celebrate with him, she then realized that he was still unconscious and unresponsive.

"Brooklyn?" Rose asked him quietly, shaking him slightly. "Babe… wake up. I healed you… I ... Brooklyn?"

Panicked at his lack of response, she rested her head down upon his chest and listened for a heartbeat; as well as a pulse on his wrist; and was shocked when she didn't hear or feel anything.

"NO!" Rose screamed out suddenly, sitting up. "No, please! This should have worked! Don't leave me! I love you!"

Rose stared down at Brooklyn's still form and felt like she was going to die as well. She placed her hands on his chest, crying earnestly for a few moments.

"Brooklyn… please… She begged him, sobbing uncontrollably. "Baby… don't do this… don't-"

Then another thought came to her, and couldn't believe she had just now thought of it until just now. She was a paramedic; and CPR was the basic skill of saving ones life. Taking a deep breath, she instantly sat up on her knees, placed her hands onto the center of his chest and began doing compression's, pushing down as hard as she could.

"Don't you dare give up on me!" Rose cried out at him, manually beating his heart for him. "Come on, Brooklyn! I won't let you give up! Fight my love! FIGHT!"

Rose continued fast and hard CPR for a few minutes, delivering rescue breaths against his lips, blowing air into his lungs; and then kept pushing on his chest. However, with every ticking second that he wasn't breathing or had a pulse, she was losing him. Closing her eyes, she grit her teeth and willed her magic to exit her hands again.

"Come on!" She gasped out, tears falling down her battered face. "Let him live! Please let him live!"

With every compression, her red- electrified power seeped out of her hands and, thanks to her connection to him, she could feel his heart receiving electricity with every pulse. She forced her body weight into his strong chest; forcing his rib cage to manually pump his heart, and pushed on the red power as much as he could; allowing as much force to come and heal him as she could possibly muster. She continued to work on Brooklyn, with fast and strong CPR; when she suddenly heard a voice, which turned her blood ice cold.

"I'm so sorry about your loss…" A cold voice suddenly said, as Rose was focused upon Brooklyn's compression's. She gasped, looked up and saw Kevin staring down at her, grinning maliciously, and then without any warning, he body slammed himself into her, and threw her away from Brooklyn.

"NOOOO!" Rose screamed as they slammed hard into the concrete, still screaming out as loud as she could. She had to keep doing CPR on Brooklyn, and couldn't let him die. Gritting her teeth at Kevin, she suddenly felt more rage pulse through her than ever before. The red misty power radiated out of her body, through her hands, and out of her eyes; so much so that all she could see was Kevin's outline in a world full of blood red color.

"What the… ?!" Kevin cried out, shocked at the red power coming out of her hands; and looked terrified at her as her eyes were glowing red.

"MURDERING BASTARD!" She shrieked in a high-pitched scream; kicking, biting, and punching every surface of Kevin that she could get a hold of.

He tried to hold her hands down; but she used the power in her hands to send him flying off her, with an explosion of red, electrified and powerful magic. Kevin hit into the side of the Castle with a loud and painful sound; and Rose stood, her entire body surrounded by power. Kevin stared at her with wide eyes; before he grit his teeth, picked up his gun and shot one laser at her face. Rose screamed out, and raised her hands to defend her face, and to her surprise, nothing hit her.

Opening her eyes, she glanced over at Kevin, who was staring at her with shock, and amazingly the red power, around her hands and body, had stopped the laser in mid-air- just like when she saved Elisa. It's bright white laser point was hovering in mid- air, making angry sizzling noises.

Roaring out in rage, Kevin shot another laser at her, growling in frustration and rage, but she again deflected it by her own defenses. Screaming out in rage now, Kevin kept shooting the gun, over and over again to try to get past her red wispy shield of power; but with each attempt, Rose successfully stopped it. She took a series of deep, calming breaths and glared maliciously at the man she once called her husband, as he lowered his gun and snarled his teeth at her- inching himself towards her.

"You know what happened to witches back in the olden days?" Kevin whispered, coming closer and closer to her. She remained silent as she watched him stalk towards her, his black eyes glittering in the light of the lasers, smiling evilly now.

"They were hung… or burned alive." He breathed, just a few feet from her now.

Before she could stop him, he dipped down and tripped her by grabbing hold of her legs and body-slamming her to the ground. Rose's head hit hard on the ground, as the stream of angry laser beams all shot forward and blew the wall behind her apart with a large explosion of light and stone.

Dazed, the red power stopped coming out of her hands, and allowed him to take charge again. He grabbed another knife out of his pants and instantly used the opportunity to stab it down through her shoulder. The moment it sliced into her skin and body; she screamed out in pain, and red wispy power seeping through her hands, trying to defend herself from his attacks. However; he fought past the strange power and pulled the knife back out, and stabbed her in her chest- where he once shot her.

"AHHHH!" Rose shrieked out, feeling herself weaken- and knew that this was going to be her end. However, she was going to fight until she couldn't anymore.

He pulled the knife out of her chest, as blood was streaming out of her body, and then, with a dark and triumphant smile, he raised the knife and lowered it quickly to stab her into the center of her face. With one surge of power, she brought her hands up to defend herself; and she successfully stopped him, inches from the blade penetrating right in between her eyes. Kevin was sweating as he gritted his teeth even harder, gasping and grunting in an effort to pierce through her powerful, magical defense, and sink the blade through her skull, as Rose was crying out in desperation.

"Nooooo!" She moaned, struggling to keep her power active, but was slowly losing strength against him- and to her terror, his knife was inching even closer to her face. "Please… nooo!"

Seeing that her magic was only protecting her face, he quickly brought down the knife through her leg-slicing into her bone- making her scream in horrible pain. As she screamed out in pain, she tried to blast him off her, but was in a world of unbelievable pain and couldn't. With the knife still in her leg, he brought his fist down upon her face, punching her over and over and over again- to the point where she couldn't hear anything anymore, except muffled noises. Black dots were filling her eyes, as blood was seeping out everywhere.

"Please…!" she weakly gasped out, as he pulled the large knife out of her leg and was grinning maliciously down at her. "Let… me… go…!"

"Oh, I'll never let you go, Rose." Kevin gasped coldly, as he brought the knife back down to her face. She cried out, raised her hands again and somehow the magic still pulsed out of her body- using the last of her strength protecting her skull from the blade. However, Kevin suddenly raised himself over her and began using his full body weight to try to push the knife past her red-power defense, to slice through her skull.

"Now that your Gargoyle lover is dead, I will claim you as mine! Even if I have to kill you first… "

"I HATE YOU!" Rose shrieked at the top of her throat, so much so she thought she was going to rip her vocal chords a part. "I WON'T LET YOU TAKE ME! I'LL KEEP FIGHTING AND RUNNING FROM YOU FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE IF I HAVE TO!"

"We'll see about that." He snarled, gritting his teeth while using his other hand to dig his fingers tightly into her vocal chords, cutting off her airway. She tried to cry out, but he was holding her throat tightly cutting off all air- and she was now gasping for breath- but to her horror- no air was coming in.

With the air gone, and no more oxygen pulsing to her brain; her power slowly sputtered before fading away completely. She opened and closed her mouth a few times to get oxygen in, tried kicking Kevin off her, and grasped his hands with her own trying to release his fingers; but he was not budging and she could not breathe. Tears filled her eyes, and with every second of him choking her out, she felt her world fade more and more.

"See?" He growled triumphantly, his nasty breath filling her nostrils; making her sick. "Even with witchy powers; you will NEVER be as strong as I am. You will never be worthy of anything… you're a whore, a bitch, and that's all you'll ever be. Good-bye, my darling wife! I have had my fill of you!"

He raised his knife once again over her face to stab her in the middle of her skull; and this time, with no air in her body she couldn't fight back. Tears fell down her face as the last thing she would see was Kevin's evil face smiling down at her, getting everything he ever wanted. She held onto his hand, and felt her throat begin to spasm. After a few seconds more, she would enter respiratory arrest, and then her heart would give out. Giving up, and finally accepting her death, she stopped fighting him and willed her death to happen. Only then would she be with Brooklyn again; and that thought was better than living in this life without him.

"I love you, Brooklyn…" She gasped out with her last breath and closed her eyes, as Kevin stabbed the knife down to pierce through her skull...

However, the knife never touched her.

Rose's eyes snapped open, when she didn't feel anything- but couldn't believe what she was hearing and seeing. Inches before Kevin stabbed her, Brooklyn was suddenly there, stopping Kevin's hand from delivering the knife into her head, and he looked more dangerous and enraged than ever before. His eyes were glowing bright white; sharp teeth bared at Kevin as he clasped his strong claws around his fists and arm wrestled him from Rose. Kevin gasped and whipped his face around to see the red- enraged Gargoyle taking full control of the situation.

His dangerous growls and roars filled the air around them, and it was like thunder was surrounding them; his rage towering over Kevin's. Brooklyn grabbed Kevin's other hand, and forced it off her windpipe; allowing fresh air to enter her lungs, and lifted him away from her snarling furiously.

When she was free from his death grasp, Rose coughed and inhaled as much oxygen as she could to replace what she lost, gasping for air, rolling around on the icy ground. She grasped onto her neck, with her hands, and was battling her airway which was spasming painfully- still not giving her an adequate amount of air. However, since she couldn't speak, Brooklyn was focused on one thing; and one thing only.

"You… will… NEVER… harm her again!" Brooklyn snarled venomously, shaking Kevin's body. "I told you tonight that you were going to DIE for everything you've ever done to her, and I'm going to keep that promise now… happily and mercilessly"

"But… but…" Kevin gasped, his eyes wide, and was looking afraid for the first time. "You were… dead! How is this possible?!"

Brooklyn didn't answer him verbally, but growled venomously; eyes blazing, and slowly closed his strong fists around Kevin's fragile hands; breaking and shattering all the bones. Kevin screamed out in pain; and was kicking and trying to get away from him, but to no avail.

Brooklyn roared out in a horrible roar, lurched himself forward; and threw himself and Kevin to the ground away from Rose. They both slammed into a side wall, where Kevin grunted out in pain, but kept fighting him. He whipped the knife out and tried to slice through Brooklyn's neck, but Brooklyn quickly stopped it and slashed his claw across Kevin's face instead- giving him four deep lacerations.

"AHHHH!" Kevin shrieked out and he fell to his knees, holding his face. Then, with blood pouring out of his face, he gazed up into Brooklyn's murderous face and gasped, "Please!... Mercy!... Show me mercy!"
Brooklyn roared out a terrible roar, grabbed Kevin's neck in his grasp and brought his face inches from his.
"You…." He seethed through sharp, gnashing teeth. "Never gave Rose mercy… so… you will receive NO MERCY FROM ME!"

Brooklyn kept hold of Kevin's head in his claws, and then slammed his head onto the ground, with a sickening CRACK- knocking him unconscious instantly. Brooklyn was snarling fiercely, raised his sharp claws to his face and was going to deliver his death by sinking his sharp teeth into Kevin's exposed and fleshy neck- but didn't as a small and weak voice called out to him- instantly breaking his focus.

"Brooklyn… !"

He turned quickly to see Rose lying on the ground, struggling to breathe adequately as blood was seeping out from various stab wounds. His eyes faded into normal, and instantly widened at the sight of her and grief filled his soul at how badly she was hurting and struggling. She was still gasping for air, her right shoulder was bleeding profusely and her face was battered up, with bruises and fresh cuts; and blood pouring out of almost every possible area of her face.

Forgetting about Kevin for the moment since he was out cold, he leapt forward and skidded to a stop next to her body and then sank to his knees; wrapping her up into his arms and cradling her body tenderly.

"Rose!" He gasped, resting his face in the crook of her shoulder, holding her tightly. "Oh my GOD!... Baby… what has he-?!" He then paused and saw the stab wounds on her shoulder, chest and leg- as well as the many lacerations and bruises to her face- so much so- he could barely see normal light-peachy color of her skin.

He felt sick to his stomach as he observed her wounds, and his breathing turned shallow as well. He raised his claw over her face and wounds, without actually touching them, and was shaking so badly he could barely hold her in his arms. Suddenly, tears streamed down his face, as his eyes lit up in fury and his claw turned into a fist.

"What has he done to you!?" He seethed in deep grief; his sharp teeth gnashed in pain.

Rose closed her eyes as she was in her angel's strong arms and started to sob weakly. The relief that he was actually alive was something that she could barely comprehend, and her love for him was indescribable. She weakly lifted her hands to cup his beak, ignored his outburst and sobbed- speaking to him about she felt was the most important thing.

"You're alive!" Rose cried out in a hoarse voice, after a few minutes of him holding her tightly. "I… I thought-"

He, however, gazed over her wounds with great worry and gasped out, growling slightly. "Yes. I am… but don't worry about that! My… sweet love… your shoulder… your face! There's so much blood here… "

"I'll be alright," she answered him weakly, as she closed her eyes, allowing more tears to fall down her face, and took a shallow breath. "See? My throat is beginning to open back up again… and I can start to breathe again. He wasn't able to completely choke me out…"

"He… will… pay!" Brooklyn roared out, holding her tightly to him, going to stand up, but before he could stand, she touched his arm and gasped out a painful breath.

"No… please." She gasped out. "Please, don't leave me."

"I will never." He answered her more softly, gazing down upon her eyes with his no longer glowing; but this way, she could see how dead serious he was as well as angry. "However… I'm not finished with him just yet."

Tears filled her eyes, and slowly she tried to show him she was alright by trying to stand up; but struggled as the pain was overwhelming.

"No, babe!" He urged, forcing her to stay down. "You're injured… stay lying down. I-"

However, she ignored him and the pain and stood up anyway- with him rising with her, keeping her in his arms. She stayed there for a moment, before she began to sway and Brooklyn tightened his arms around her, as she leaned heavily into his body.

"Rose..." He said softly, trying to remain calm. " Lie back down, please. You're injured…"

"Now that I'm in your arms again- I will be alright, I promise." She responded, holding herself against his strong body, hugging him tightly. "I just can't believe you're alive! I healed you with my magic and our connection… but… I couldn't feel her heart or pulse before Kevin came and attacked me. I… tried to fight him… but he kept stabbing me. And…" she paused, and started to cry more earnestly. "I'm so sorry- but once he had taken my air away, I could no longer fight him. My magic and all strength faded… and I was going to let him kill me. I only longed to join you in the next life and wanted nothing more than to be with you."

Brooklyn breathed deeply as he held Rose in his arms and closed his eyes. Tears fell down his face and his own sobs threatening to break through. Rose was ice-cold to touch, and had been out in the sleet-ice cold elements for much longer than she had in the past, and the only warmth he felt off her was the blood that was seeping out from her body. Her once peachy-colored skin was pale white, and when not bleeding, was patched with horribly large and vast, black, blue and purple bruises and swelling.

Brooklyn took a deep breath, feeling thankful that she saved his life, so he could be alive to stop Kevin- but this nightmare was not yet over. With his face over her shoulder, he slowly opened his eyes and looked over at Kevin's unconscious body with more hatred, and rage. He clenched his fists up against her back and his eyes lit up bright white.

"He is going to die for hurting and doing this to you!" Brooklyn hissed dangerously. " I swear, I will have my revenge! I hate myself for not being strong enough to stop him, but I am strong enough to kill him. He's mine for daring to touch you and harm you like he has…"

Brooklyn went to break away from her grasp, to maim and kill Kevin, but Rose stepped in front of him, stopping him and pressed her lips against his, launching herself up onto his body; kissing him passionately. Brooklyn seemed shocked for a second at her actions, before he gently pulled her away.

"What are you doing?!" He asked her, looking deeply into her eyes.

"What does it look like?" She asked him in a hurtful voice. "I nearly lost you, Brooklyn! I am so relieved that you're alive; I love you so much…"

With her words, he gave up his revenge on Kevin's still body for a moment, gazed deeply into her eyes, and suddenly responded to her passionate kisses. When their lips touched, he held onto her tightly, and kissed her gently- considering her wounds.

Though her face hurt, she still kissed him with as much passion and love as she could muster, their tongues dancing together in great passion. She held onto his face tenderly, kissing him quickly; her breathing coming quickly in gasps. They kissed for a good while, before Brooklyn gently pulled away from her lips, smiling softly. He rested his forehead against hers and chuckled.

"You're not trying to distract me, are you?' He teased her lightly.

"Absolutely not." She whispered, tears falling silently down her bloodied cheeks. "I know what you have to do with Kevin… and it's okay, I won't stop you. I know it must be done. But just for another moment, I wanted to show you, truly, how much I love you and am thankful that you're alive!"

"Thank you, my love." He whispered. "I am thankful to be alive too… and it's all because of you that I am. Thank you, Rose."

"How did you come back?" She suddenly whispered, gazing widely into his eyes, ignoring her own pain and struggling to stand. "You weren't breathing… your heart wasn't beating. I had healed your wounds, but you weren't responding… how…?

Brooklyn slowly raised his claws to her face, and gently touched her; thinking deeply, wanting nothing more than to finish Kevin off and then heal all her wounds, like she did with his.

"I don't know…" He admitted quietly, gazing over her still-beautiful, but battered face. "I guess I lost consciousness and was stuck in a place where it was dark. However, though it was dark, I could still hear chaos going around me; and I heard you screaming out. You were in danger still, and somehow I felt the same electricity we feel when we connect; and then I just… woke up."

As he said those things, he looked down at his rib cage, under his heart, and noticed that his wounds were gone. He lightly skimmed his claws over the area in which Kevin shot him, and then looked up into Rose's eyes with amazement.

"Thank you for healing me, my love." He whispered, pressing his forehead against hers. "You must have given me enough energy to wake- that and the power of our love wakened me."

"You're welcome." She said, with tears streaming down her face. "And I'd like to think it was our love as well. I could think about was how much I love you; and that I truly can't live in this world without you."

Brooklyn stared down at her beautiful, but bloodied face, and felt his heart beating faster in desire for her. He was alive because of her; because of her strength and love. Tears came to his own eyes in admiration, appreciation, and love for her; and gathered her face gently in his claws.

"Thank you, Rose… " Brooklyn whispered, his lips inches from hers, loving the familiar connection of her- and with every second they were touching- his body was naturally gearing up his own strength and connection to flow into her body and heal her. Blinking at the familiar sensations, he nodded his head, closed his eyes and then pulled away from her slightly.

"Let me deal with Kevin… and then I'll heal you like I did back in the hospital." He said softly, lightly touching her face. Then, once all is said and done, we can finally be together- and become mates… officially."

Rose exhaled deeply as tears fell down her face, relief all over her face, and she nodded.

"Thank you." She whispered, smiling happily. "I love you so much!"

"Not as much as I love you." He breathed, inching his lips towards hers. "You and I will be together forever… from this moment forward."

Electricity was pulsing through both of them, magnetizing them towards each other to kiss. However, as Brooklyn was inches away from touching his lips to hers, a dark figure moved past her head making him gasp out in horror, and suddenly realized who was now awake, and his heart dropped.

But it was too late.

"I wouldn't count on that…" Kevin's icy cold voice suddenly said, as a gunshot rang out in the night.

BANG!

Brooklyn didn't know what happened, until blood splattered all over his chest and face. For one wild moment, he thought he was shot yet again but didn't feel any pain. He blinked in shock, and still couldn't register any pain- but at the time of impact, Rose cried out, and then her body went limp in his arms and fell forward into him.

"Rose?!" Brooklyn cried out as she collapsed in his arms. He eased her down to the ground, his heart pounding painfully, the fear threatening to eat him alive.

"My love? What's-?" He begged her, moving her hair away from her face to look upon her face to ask her what happened; but then froze when he saw what happened. To his horror, Rose had a small hole at the base of her neck, with a great deal of fresh blood pouring out of the wound. Her eyes were still open and was still alive for the moment, but was horrifyingly still- barely breathing.

"Oh… GOD, no, no, NOOOO!!" Brooklyn roared out, fear tearing at his newly beating heart as he held her in his arms. He gently laid her down on the ground and cuddled her body to his; his claws desperately running over her face, and then placed his claw over her chest trying to staunch her severe bleeding.

"My love, please… stay with me!" He cried. "Come on! You just barely restarted my heart; and I will do the same for you!"

To his horror; she was gasping for breath, and he felt her growing heavy in his arms, and then to his shattered heart, her eyes closed and her breathing began to slow down, and he could feel her connection fading rapidly- and it felt like he was fading into darkness as well.

"NO!" He screamed out, tears pouring out of his eyes. "ROSE! NO!"

"FINALLY!" Kevin laughed, pumping his fists in the air, over Brooklyn's screams of grief and horror. "You've lost monster… and now… she's going to die!"

Brooklyn's eyes were bright white, and slowly looked up at the monster who was responsible for Rose's fatal gunshot, and who was cheering triumphantly. As he watched Rose fight for her life, he gently placed her body on the ground and knew what he had to do. He stood above her body protectively, shaking in complete fury, and raised his shackles at Kevin.

Kevin's face was bleeding profusely from his claw marks, and seemed to be very unstable on his feet, as though Brooklyn's head blow had injured him greatly, but not enough to stop him. Kevin was laughing a high-pitched laugh, beyond happy that he had shot Rose, and he was now holding his arms as if inviting Brooklyn over to him.

"Come on then, monster!" Kevin yelled, his eyes wild. "It's just you and I, now!"

Instantly, rage and vengeance pulsed through him, filling his entire being with the only life and purpose he had left. Wasting no more time, he roared out in a true animal-like screech; jumped up in the air, and took down Kevin.

Kevin yelled out and pointed his gun at Brooklyn, shot it a bunch of times, but each laser streaked past Brooklyn's face. Kevin slammed down to the ground, with Brooklyn on top of him. Kevin roared out in rage and kneed him in the crotch. Brooklyn grunted out in severe pain, but refused to give in. However, Kevin rolled away from him, pointed his gun up and began to shoot in every direction.

Roaring out, Brooklyn spread his wings, and used his strong legs to jump up from the platform, using different parts of the castle to jump back and forth on, while also using the wind currents to glide him. Brooklyn swarmed dangerously around him, getting closer and closer to him, and Kevin wasn't fast enough in trying to shoot him down. Kevin screamed out in rage and was shooting the gun maniacally in every direction, despite the broken bones in his hands.

The lasers crackled and sizzled out of the gun with great power and blasted apart every single part of the Castle, trying to follow Brooklyn's flying body. But every time he shot out, it was like he was a ghost or shadow of a being- haunting and hunting him- getting closer and closer as Kevin turned around in circles.

Kevin began to breathing erratically, sweating profusely with a cold sweat, and then didn't see him anywhere. He grit his teeth, stopping his gunshots, and stalked around the area for the Gargoyle, searching for him in silence.

"Who's hunting who?" He muttered, sweating profusely now.

He gazed over at Rose's still body, which now has a pool of blood underneath her, and smiled. He would have happily let her live if she'd only swallow her pride and allowed him to be her husband again. However, her defiance and betrayal was more than he could forgive. As he walked along the frozen and wet Castle platform; the only noise he could hear was the sound of his own staggered breathing, but he knew the Gargoyle was close to him.

"Come out, come out; where ever you are!" Kevin mocked in a sing-song voice. "Come and avenge your sweet Rose's death. Make me pay for what I've done to her. Prove to me that you are the true monster here! "

Then to his sudden surprise; Brooklyn suddenly landed behind him from up top the Castle, roaring deafeningly. Kevin turned around to shoot the gun in his face, but Brooklyn grabbed him by his neck in one Claw, cutting off his airway raising him from the ground, and took the gun out of his hand with his other claw, and crushed it easily in his fists.

"If you insist… " He hissed venomously while crushing his windpipe in his strong grasp.

Kevin was kicking and gasping out in pain, unable to move, unable to fight him off; and Brooklyn used every ounce of strength he had to squeeze Kevin's neck.. The sounds and sight was awful and made Brooklyn sick to his stomach, but his will to rid the world of Kevin was enough for him to keep squeezing- despite Kevin's screams in the peaceful air around them.

With one strong effort, and roaring out in rage, he finally snapped Kevin's frail neck in half; severing his spine from his head internally. Kevin's black eyes instantly went still and fixed, and neck went limp in his grasp; and Brooklyn knew it was all over. Tears came to his eyes, as he held the dead Human in his claws, and dropped his body to the hard, stone floor, in disgust. Unable to hold his sob in anymore, he staggered backwards and fell to the ground, crying earnestly, holding his stomach; and stared at Kevin's corpse. He hated the fact that he had to kill someone, but it was necessary. He had to do it to save the love of his life.

Suddenly, remembering about Rose, he whipped his head up; tearing his gaze away from Kevin's and launched himself across the Platform to instantly pick up Rose's ice-cold, limp form. When he reached her, blood was pouring out of her chest and had created a pool of blood around her head, hair, and body. Her eyes were open and staring blankly at the wall of the Castle, and her breathing was so shallow that he couldn't tell if she was alive or not.

"Rose!" Brooklyn cried out, gently picking her up in his arms and cradling her head in the crook of his arms to support her neck, and held her body to his. He gently touched her face, trying to get her to look at him, but she continued to stare at nothing.

"Baby… please…" he gasped, his voice barely able to speak. "Don't leave me… you saved me… now please, help me save you."

He guided her face to look into his eyes; but she was struggling to keep them open.

"Brook...lyn…" she managed to breathe weakly, blood pouring out of her neck at an alarming rate.

"Yes, it's me…I'm here." he whispered, relieved that she was still alive as tears streaming down his face, but placed his claw over her neck wound- willing his connection to heal her. " It's all over now. You're safe."

"I… I… love… " she tried to say, but was unable to finish her thought as her eyes suddenly became fixed, her neck slumped back slightly, and her body went limp in his arms.

"No…." He gasped out, shaking her slightly. "NO! ROSE! DON'T LEAVE ME!"

When she wouldn't respond, he crushed his lips down on hers, blowing air into her lungs and willing his entire connection power, that was in his limbs and body to flow from him, into her and save her life. He would willingly give his last breath for her continue to live and couldn't believe that she had just saved his life, but now she was in the same situation he was in just a moment ago. This was just like her near-death at the bridge, when he pulled her from the icy-waters; but from her stillness, pale skin, and fixed eyes- he knew it was over.

He raised his lips from hers and felt his world fall apart, as she still stared at nothing.

"NOOOOO!" He howled out, grief coursing through him- feeling more empty and lifeless than ever before. "NO, ROSE, NOOO!"

He held the back of her head with his claw and then raised her face up to his shoulder, crying earnestly into her hair, unable to stop his grief-filled screams. The same fear, grief and sorrow from the realistic nightmare she had all those months ago, was nothing compared to what he was feeling right now. The grief he was feeling was cold, numb, and had a weight that was unbearable.

He continued to cry and hold her limp body in his arms, and was sure he too, was going to stop breathing- his very will to live gone with her. He cried and howled out in the night, holding her tightly, and didn't hear anyone approach him- or the sound of wings for that matter- however, the Clan had heard his screams and came to his aid after dealing with the Quarrymen. Akira was first to land, looked around at the horrible scene around her and clasped her claws over her mouth.

"Brooklyn!" Akira screamed out, rushing up to him- with the Clan landing and following behind her, but then skidded to a stop when she saw Rose's still form, and stared at what she saw - gasping in horror.
The whole Clan came running to his aid behind Akira; and were met with the same terrible sight that stopped Akira in her tracks. Rose was limp, lifeless, and bleeding everywhere in Brooklyn's arms; as Brooklyn was howling and sobbing uncontrollably with Kevin lying lifeless just a few yards away. Akira's eyes filled with tears and she clasped her claws over her mouth, stifling her sobs and fell to her knees, unable to speak.

"Rose?... Lexington asked quietly, stepping forward; but then saw that she was gone he placed his claws on Akria's shoulders and immediately hung his head in sorrow. "Oh… no..."

"Oh… God… Brook… I'm so sorry." Broadway whispered, as Angela screamed out in horror; and instantly began sobbing in her mate's shoulder. Hudson hung his head low, pulled his sword out of his side belt and sank to one knee, using it as something to hold onto, as he too hung his head and sobbed quietly.

"Oh, Lass…" He mourned quietly, tears streaming down his face. Goliath had Elisa in his arms and slowly dropped her to her feet, as she clasped her hand over her mouth and looked from the gruesome death of Kevin- to Rose's even more gruesome death- and was beyond words. Goliath silently stepped forward towards Brooklyn, he too crying instantly, and clasped a supportive claw upon Brooklyn's shoulder, as Bronx began whimpering and began howling mournfully into the night.

"Brooklyn…" Goliath gasped out, sinking to one knee and pressing his forehead into the side of Brooklyn's head, hugging the side of his body to his. "There are no words I can say… other than that I… I'm so sorry-"

He paused, wiped his tears away, took a deep and shaky breath and continued to try to console him, as Brooklyn continued to sob in Rose's blood-filled hair, "I wish there was something we could do to bring her back… but with Kevin gone- she'll hopefully now be at peace."

Brooklyn was barely able to breathe, as Goliath's words sunk deeply into his mind and soul. He raised his face up from Rose's, his gaze lost in a hopeless pain, and then slowly and shakily looked down upon Rose's open and fixed eyes.

"There is still something I can try…" Brooklyn whispered, while strangely feeling his connections coming to life in his body, stronger than he ever felt before. He kept hold of Rose's neck in his claws, closed his eyes and instantly willed every single fiber of his being and strength into her- filling her empty body with his life, his love, his connection.

He couldn't explain it; but she was somehow still there with him within his soul. He breathed in and out, deeply, and grit his teeth in effort as the fire-hot liquid shot from his body into hers, healing her, and with everything he had- he willed her to live. To his relief, the electricity crashed through him, but it was unlike anything he'd ever felt before. It pulsed through him like the waves in the Ocean; taking his breath away, and felt like iron-hot metal coursing through his blood stream.

He prayed that whatever was going on, with his connection to her, that it was helping Rose to live once again. He held her body to his and kept thinking in his head, 'Save her, please… whatever you are… whatever this power is…. Please, save her. Let her wounds heal, let her heart beat once again… I love her… I'll give anything I have to her. Please work- please save her!'

For the next few minutes, he willed everything he had; everything he could give to her in sensations of pure agony. Brooklyn didn't know what was happening, but he was suddenly whisked into a 'real-world dream' like he and Rose had seen before- his mind and soul truly there...

A bright light surrounding him, and as he looked around; he saw that they were in the same spot on the platform that they were just moments ago, but the castle was not destroyed and light, as bright as the noon-day sun, was all around him.
Breathing deeply, looked down at his claws and was amazed that he was still flesh and not stone, with as bright as it was around him. He shook his head and slowly looked up; and to his amazement and relief, he saw Rose standing in front of him- wearing a long, spaghetti strapped white dress. Her long auburn hair was down and curly, her face and body completely healed. When he saw her in front of him, she slowly turned to face him and was smiling brightly.

His eyes widened at the sight of her and gasped at the beautiful angel in front of him.

"Rose?!" He croaked, tears falling down his face as he stared at her, taking a few staggered steps toward her. "Is that you? Are you really here…?!"

She smiled even wider at him and slowly nodded.

"Yes, my love." She said softly, her voice echoing slightly. "I am here."

She then opened her arms to him and silently invited him over into them, in which he instantly stumbled forward and collapsed into her arms, tightly wrapped his strong arms around her body. She felt so beautiful to him, and her body was soft and inviting- it was as if he was really there with her. Crying earnestly, he held her tightly, kissed her head and rocked her in his arms.

"Oh, Rose!" He cried out, his body and voice shaking from sobbing. "I'm sorry, my love! I failed you- Kevin… he…"

"He is gone." Rose whispered, still holding him tightly. "And can't hurt us anymore."

"I can't live without you, Rose! Please, come back! I need you... " Brooklyn cried, pulling her from his arms and cupped her beautifully soft and smooth face in his claws. She had tears in her bright hazel eyes, and held onto his biceps, gazing lovingly up into his face.

"I couldn't live without you either." She replied softly. "That's why I'm here… I'm in your soul, and you're in mine. If you heal me, like you did in the hospital, then we'll be together forever like we've always talked and dreamed about."

Brooklyn stared down at her with wide eyes, and stayed frozen as she raised her hands and wiped his tears away.

"I don't-" He said quietly. "I don't understand. What are you saying?"

"Heal me and bring me home, Brooklyn." She whispered in his face, her lips inches from his. "With the power of your love- bring me to life."

"But… I don't have magic like you do." He urged anxiously, feeling himself fading from this Heaven-like world and held onto her tighter- not wanting to leave without her. "How can I do it? I don't know how!"

Rose, however smiled at him with great warmth and love; cupped his face in her hands, and slowly brought her face closer to his.

"But you do, through our soul connection… " She whispered against his lips. "Will it to heal me, to bring me back. With the power of our love and soul connection- we can do anything as long as we are together."

He let her words sink slowly into his soul; but then as he did, he no longer could feel her body in his claws- and she began to slowly fade away.

"No!" He cried out in fear, as tears streaming down his face. "Please, don't go! What if I fail?! I can't live without you! I love you!"

"I love you too, and you won't fail." Rose's voice whispered in the bright white world- as she completely faded from his view. "I trust you with all my heart and life to bring me home. Bring me home, my love…"

Brooklyn opened his eyes, gasping, and could feel his familiar sensations flowing from his body into hers. The Clan was still mourning for her, but he could feel her soul inside his. With the hot-liquid sensation flowing through him, he calmed his breathing down and thought about her and his love for her; and willed their soul connection to bring her back.

He didn't know how much time had passed- but suddenly he no longer felt grief; but felt at great peace. He closed his eyes again, breathing deeply; much like he was meditating. Then, another wave of the sensations flowed through his body into hers; but this time he felt a bright light enter his being and he knew it was her soul- and with that light- he willed it into her empty body.

Akira has looked up at this time, and gasped out, getting the attention of the Clan; crying out, "Look!"

Everyone looked up from their mourning, and all gasped out as well at what they were seeing. Brooklyn's eyes were still closed, and looked to be in great amounts of calm peace, but out of his claw- which was covering her gun wound under her neck, was a white power that was forming through Rose's pale white skin- healing each wound; slowly giving her white skin a more alive and healthy peach color. Her long auburn hair had faded in color slightly, but now it was vibrantly dark red like before.

Brooklyn continued to allow his connections to flow into Rose's body, and after a few minutes passed, with him closing his eyes and willing her body to heal and live- his sensations suddenly subsided and to his physical relief, went away all together. He exhaled deeply, relaxed his body against the castle wall and held her body against his, with tears falling down his face. He was exhausted, thoroughly spent and was grateful for the painful sensation to have passed; but now he was terrified to gaze into her face; and couldn't live with himself if he failed in bringing her back.

Slowly, he opened his eyes, gently moved her body in his arms so he could look into her face, and what he saw nearly took his breath away. Rose's once battered, bruised and bleeding face; had been healed completely, leaving her once pale, black and blue skin, completely healed from all bruises, cuts, and was even her normal peach color.

Brooklyn gasped out loud, and lightly touched his talons over her smoothed out skin; and felt like bursting into tears again. Next, in full anxiety, he looked down at her chest at the base of her neck, moved his claw out of the way and saw that her gunshot wound had healed. Tears streamed down his face, as a loud sob left his mouth; and couldn't believe that her wounds had been all completely healed, but her eyes remained open, still and empty.

"Rose…?" he breathed, unable to talk above a whisper. "My angel- please… wake up. Come back to me… I need you here with me. I love you more than anything in this life."

Everyone waited with bated breath, as Rose's fixed eyes stayed the same- but after a few seconds, a light seemed to enter them- bringing her hazel eyes back to normal- and she suddenly blinked, and gasped in her first breath of life.

Brooklyn cried out in relief, as the Clan exploded out in joyous cries, and shouts at her return. Rose closed her eyes, breathing deeply; allowing herself to stay still as her body reset itself. Brooklyn was in complete shock and disbelief, as he realized that he hadn't failed- but had brought Rose back to life; completely healed. He closed his eyes and sobbed, slowly bringing her face back up to his, holding her tightly in his arms. Her soul connected with his once again- and her heart was beating as their chests were pressed together, and now everything was right once again.

Rose slowly raised her hand up to his bicep, and held onto his arms.

"Brooklyn?" She asked him quietly, over the Clan's continued shouts of triumphant celebrations. He slowly released her from his hug, to cup her face and gaze deeply into her eyes. Tears streamed down his face, still sobbing uncontrollably- this time in joyous relief- as he looked over her healed face and body with great love.

"Yes, my love!" He choked out, smiling at her. "I'm here… I'm here."

"You did it." She whispered, grinning at him and grasping onto his face; her lips inches form his. "I knew you would bring me back home to you."

He couldn't stop staring at her, as he held her close to him- and shook his head in disbelief, laughing slightly.

"You and I are one, Rose." He whispered, his lips grazing hers. "I wasn't going to give up on you. No way I could willingly live in this world without you."

Tears streamed down Rose's face as she cupped his beak in her hands and searched his eyes with hers, their connection magnetizing them together. Not caring that the Clan was right there, Brooklyn wrapped his arms around Rose's back and crushed his lips to hers- kissing her deeply- as she instantly responded to his lips, closed her own eyes, kissing him intensely and grasped his long, white hair in her hands. As they kissed, the Clan began clapping and whooped out their approval- not a single eye dry. Rose and Brooklyn continued to kiss passionately, before Rose pulled away slightly, grinning at him- and slowly looked back up into his eyes.

"Our connection and your love… saved me…" She whispered.

"As has yours." He whispered back, kissing her passionately again- running his claws through her long, wet hair. Then he wrapped his wings around her to keep her warm, and kissed her senseless, feeling every part of her wet body with his as much as he could. They kissed passionately, and took great joy in their moment of reunion and triumph.

Brooklyn broke away from her, and through tears and smiles; he laughed and wrapped her tenderly in a hug, as she smiled and responded; wrapping her arms around his neck; running her fingers through his thick white hair.

"I love you, Brooklyn…" She whispered in his ear. "I love you so much…"

Words, however, wouldn't come to his voice box as tears continued to roll down his face. Instead of answering, he raised his face again and kissed her, claiming her mouth and body, never wanting to let go, never wanting to stop. His life had been saved, in more than one way; and this time it was by her living. They continued to kiss passionately for a long while; before Rose broke away breathlessly, and laughed, "Baby… you gotta give me room to breathe for a moment, please."

"Sorry." He said, immediately sitting. "I'm just so relieved you're alive!"

"I am too…" She said, running her hands up his strong arms. "Both of us survived tonight, against all odds; and for that I am thankful. I love you, and never want to be apart from you."

"I can finally breathe again, knowing you're alive and will be alright." He answered her, opening his wings, but still held her tenderly against him. She gazed lovingly into his eyes for a moment, before she looked around the platform and saw the Clan surround them. Instantly, Akira and Angela both slid their way into Rose and Brooklyn's embrace and hugged her.
"Rose!" Angela cried out, holding onto her tightly. "You're alive! You're all right! Thank goodness!"

"Thank you," Rose whispered, hugging Angela back tightly, before she let her go, gazed into her eyes with worry and placed her hands on her abdomen. "Angela! Are you okay? I worried for you and Maggie with the chains! Is your baby okay?!"

"I think so." Angela answered her, smiling at her, as Akira side- hugged Brooklyn's neck; closing her eyes in relief, with tears streaming down her face. Brooklyn held all three females in his arms and rested his head against Akira's- thankful for her comfort and presence.

"It was terrible at first." Angela continued to speak, rubbing her abdomen lightly. "However, since we were able to break past the chains- thanks to your laser shot- we were able to break free. I'm a bit tired, but I think myself and this hatchling will be just fine."

"Good." Rose whispered, as tears fell down her face. "I'm so relieved to hear that."

Angela grinned lovingly at her as Broadway knelt behind her, placed an arm around Angela's waist but lowered his face down, used the other to wrap around Rose's shoulder pulling her into a side hug, and kissed Rose's forehead.

"Thank Goodness you're alive and okay, Rose." Broadway said, hugging her- as Lexingotn came up to her other side and wrapped his arms tightly around her other side.

"You sure scared us…" He said softly. "I'm thankful you're okay."

"Thank you Lex, Broadway." Rose answered, as they pulled away; giving her some space. Rose looked over at Brooklyn- as he still kept her in his arms- and gazed up into Akira's eyes. Instantly, she began sobbing- leaned forward and wrapped her arms around her neck.

"Seeing you in that state was more than I could bear." Akira cried, holding onto Rose tightly. "But when I saw Brooklyn heal you- I began to pray to all Gods, Goddess and powers in this world to bring you back to us- to Brooklyn."

"Brooklyn and I are one." Rose said softly, rubbing Akria's back as she slowly opened her eyes and stared lovingly into Brooklyn's. "I saved him tonight- and he saved me. With the power of our love and soul connections; no bonds can ever hold us from each other. He and I will stay together forever."

Akira pulled away from her, wiped her tears away- making both of them laugh slightly- as Rose raised her own hand to wipe Akira's tears away.

"I know." Akira said, smiling. "And together you will be."

When she pulled away, Hudson and Bronx came over to her- and Hudson wrapped his strong arms around her.

"It's a miracle!" He breathed, holding her close to him. "Thank Goodness you're going to be alright, lass."

"Thank you, Hudson." Rose whispered, grinning happily and holding him tightly. Once he pulled away, Goliath came back down to one knee and wrapped his strong arms around Rose- not saying anything. He held her for a long time, sniffing, and Rose knew he was crying. She closed her eyes and smiled.

"Goliath… it's going to be okay." She whispered in his ear. "Please, don't cry."

Goliath pulled away from her, quickly wiped his tears away, and held her hands his claws.

"I'm not crying," he teased her slightly, his voice croaking- as Brooklyn placed his claw on his leader's shoulders- while still keeping an arm around Rose. "I, too, am thankful you are alive, Rose. The heartbreak of losing you… was too much."

"I'm here now." Rose said softly, smiling at him.

"And here you'll stay." He said, clearing his voice, and standing back up. "From this moment forward, you are back in our Clan- to live- and as early as tomorrow night; we will put together your mating ceremony if you so wish."

Rose's eyes widened at his words, gaped at him and then looked over at Brooklyn, with joyful tears in her eyes, as he stared intensely back.

"I'll marry her, right here, right now if I could." He whispered, holding her close to him. She smiled at his words, held his face tighty in her hands and slowly moved her lips towards his as Akira piped up.

"She can't." Akira teased, grinning brightly. "Not without her dress…"

Rose paused from kissing him and laughed slightly.

"She does have a point." Rose whispered apologetically. "We-…" She then paused, and began to look around, with wide eyes.

"Rose?" Brooklyn asked her, holding her tighter against him. "What's wrong, babe?"

Rose opened her mouth to respond, but suddenly realized what all had gone on that night. Now that her reunion with Brooklyn had slowed down, she quickly looked over at the Clan and had wide eyes.

"Wait…" she said slowly, turning to face Brooklyn. "Where is Kevin?"

Brooklyn stared at her for a few seconds, and his eyes slowly narrowed- his demeanor darkening slightly. With that, she looked around- towards the edge of the platform and saw his body lying on the snowy platform. She froze slightly, and could see his black pant leg from where she sat, but Broadway quickly cleared his throat and stepped to the side so that he was blocking Kevin's body from her view. She placed her hands upon Brooklyn's chest and turned to face him once again; her eyes searching his.

"Is he…?" She gasped out, pausing.

"Yes." Brooklyn answered immediately, his voice was dark and numb. "He's dead. After he shot you… I… killed him.."

She placed a finger over his lips to quiet his nervous stampering, and slowly began to stand up. Brooklyn gasped at her, quickly stood, and held her as if she were about to fall over and pass out again.

"Rose…" he warned quietly, keeping her arms in his claws. "Baby… don't rush yourself-"

With that, he paused and suddenly felt light headed himself. He staggered backwards for a second, but Goliath reached out and held Brooklyn stand, as Rose reached her arms out and wrapped them around his chest; looking anxiously into his face.

"My love?!" She gasped out, as he chuckled nervously.

"I'm okay," Brooklyn said softly, closing his eyes for a few moments. "I'm sorry- I should have realized that I gave a lot of myself and energy to you tonight. We both will be quite weak…"

"You two must rest." Goliath suddenly admonished. "Sunrise is still four hours away- and all of us have been through a great deal tonight- especially you two."

"I'll be okay, Goliath." Brooklyn said, keeping Rose in his arms, and feeling a lot better. "I won't argue against taking a nap though-"

"I, too, feel all right for the moment." Rose told Goliath, before looking over her shoulder towards where Kevin was lying. "But… forgive me. I must make sure for myself that Kevin is gone. It's not that I don't trust anyone- I just- he was once my husband… I just-"

Brooklyn didn't say anything, as Elisa suddenly came over to her and wrapped her arm around her waist- while supporting her arm.

"I'll help you over there." Elisa said softly, resting her head against Rose's for a moment. "Tell me what you want done with his body and I'll make sure he gets put in a body bag and shipped off to the right mortuary."

Rose smiled at Elisa gratefully and nodded her head.

"Thank you, Elisa."

"I'm so thankful that you're alive and all right, as well." Elisa said, helping her over to where Kevin was lying, away from Brooklyn. However, as they passed Broadway- Brooklyn suddenly came on Rose's other side and wrapped his arm around her waist.

"I'm here for you, Rose." He said softly. "I know this won't be easy on you… I just…"

"Brooklyn," Rose breathed, smiling at him. "Babe, you did wonderfully. Don't worry- no matter what I see- I will always love you. Remember?"

Brooklyn slowly nodded his head and then both of them stepped closer to Kevin's body- and once Rose saw him more closely, she felt her stomach drop and instantly became nauseous.

Kevin's body, lying on the ground, in a broken and unnatural angle, and his neck was misshapen- making it clear to her that Brooklyn had snapped it in half. His skin color was already an icy pale; ashen color, and he looked nothing like the man he used to be. After spending her time in the medical field, she knew that he was gone- and had no idea how to feel.

"Rose?" Brooklyn asked her nervously, hating looking down at his corpse; but Rose held his claw in her hand, turned to face him and rested a finger upon his lips.

"Shhh.." She suddenly whispered. "It's okay… just… please give me one moment."

He nodded silently at her and watched as she slowly turned away from him, and then walked over to Kevin's body and stared down at it; unsure how to feel, unsure what to do. The monster and demon who haunted her, hurt and abused her, made her life a complete hell, was finally dead…

Rose stared down at Kevin with an inscrutable expression, as he lay on the cold wet ground; staring blankly at her; his cold black eyes fixed and un-moving. Tears were falling down her face, as the grief suddenly settled into her heart. She kept staring at those black empty eyes, and then collapsed to her knees, holding herself, sobbing. She didn't know why she was mourning for Kevin, but this past year of being hurt, abused, and tormented into hiding all seemed to come out. The man who was responsible for all the hurt was finally dead and gone, but so was her husband.

Brooklyn crouched next to her, gazing down at Kevin in a state of shock and regret, as he was the one responsible for his death. Gargoyles normally didn't kill unless they absolutely had to, but this was one of those moments in which it was rendered absolutely necessary. He slowly looked over at Rose, as she was having her moment of grieving; and understood her complexity of emotions. Taking a deep breath, he reached out and closed Kevin's eyes so she didn't have to look into those eyes anymore; and then gathered her up into his arms.

"Rose…" He started to find the right words to make this situation better for her; but instead of listening to him, she continued to stare into Kevin's face, trying to breathe. By her reaction, Brooklyn was sure that he made the wrong choice in killing him, and didn't know what to say to her to make things better, but he had to try.

"My love…" he begged, stepping towards her, his claws outstretched towards her. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry… please… come away from him, you don't need to see him like this…"

"Yes, I do." Rose suddenly said, in a dead voice.

"Please, my love." Brooklyn begged her, tears forming in his eyes. "I'm sorry I killed him, I was just trying to protect you. I know you've always asked me to turn him over to the Police, and God knows I tried, but when I thought he killed you; I was beyond rational thinking. You are the very breath I breathe, and I was sure I was going to die too… a life without you is not a life to me… please, forgive me for killing him. I'm so sorry…"

He came over and knelt down in front of her, grasping her in his claws, tears streaming down his face; his emotions all over the place. She looked over at him in shock; and then seemed to snap out of her trance.

"Are you alright, my love?" He gently asked her after a few minutes in silence, wiping the tears from her face. She took a few more deep breaths, sniffs, and then finally gazed up into Brooklyn's face.

"He's gone…" She whispered, running her hands up his muscular arms.

"Yes… I know. I'm sorry." Brooklyn repeated, unsure how to feel. He watched her glance over upon Kevin's body with a stillness; but it was almost icy in nature.

"I'm not." She suddenly said quietly, glancing back up to look into Brooklyn's face. "I am finally free of his abuse… and you're alive! I can finally breathe knowing that you're here with me…"

"I can too… these last moments I didn't know how I was going to stay alive without you here with me." Brooklyn breathed, smiling at her. " I am in awe of you, as you have not only saved my life tonight, but you saved the Clan's… and you did everything I have asked of you, by surviving."

"As you've saved me." Rose breathed back, gazing deeply into his eyes."I'm sorry you had to see me mourn Kevin just now- I don't expect you to understand…"

"But I do." He whispered, wrapping an arm around her shoulder. "You are a good person, a kind-hearted woman- and while he was a monster- he was still your husband. I'm sorry. I hoped to spare you of this pain."

Elisa stepped forward and helped Rose stand up.

"It's better this way." Elisa whispered. "He was too dangerous to live."

"I know." Rose said, taking a deep breath and running her fingers through her hair. "I always wished for him to find peace- to let me go and find happiness once again- but he was too disturbed. I only hope he can find that resolve in the next life."

"Me too." Elisa whispered, side-hugging her. They all stayed silent for a moment, and then Rose turned to face Elisa.

"What do we do now?" Rose asked her. "What happened with the remaining Quarrymen?"

"They are tied up- and I've spoken to Matt and my department should be any second." Elisa told her. "That's why we were coming to check up on you guys. It's best if you all seek refuge deep within the Castle, so that the Police can helicopter the living Quarrymen out of here to jail. And then, we have a lot of bodies to bag up and transport to the morgue."

"Could you bag Kevin up?" Rose asked her quietly. "I will deal with his body later… there's just…" she paused, closed her eyes and felt herself growing weak. "There's just so much to do now. I don't know where to begin!"

Instantly sensing her weakness, Brooklyn kept his arm around her and held her gently to his side.

"What do you mean?" He asked her softly, as Rose took a deep breath and leaned into his side for comfort.

"I have to bury his body- pay for all that stuff; appear to the courts, legally become Rose Connelly again and everything in Kevin's name to mine. I have to sell our apartment, most likely to pay for his funeral costs- I don't plan on having a funeral, but I still have to bury him and…"

"Rose…" Brooklyn started to say, sighing heavily; as Elisa interjected.

"No," Elisa said, taking her face in her hands and forcing her to look at her. "You don't have to do any of that. At least not right now. For right now, you all need to get inside- get warm and dry- and let my department clean everything up. Owen came out, shortly after Kevin pulled you off the side, and used his Puck magic to help us tie up the Quarrymen. Then, Fox and Alex came out from safety. Owen has Alex, and Fox is transporting Xanatos to the hospital. His robots are already beginning on cleaning up the Castle platform. Tonight is over- you need to rest. You both do."

Rose stared at Elisa for a moment, thinking deeply, then looked down at Kevin's still form. Taking another deep breath, she then looked at Brooklyn. He smiled warmly down at her, and instantly she turned to face him and wrapped her arms around his chest- hugging him tightly. He wrapped his strong arms around her- holding her close to him- as she whispered, "Okay. Let's go inside… it's over."

Brooklyn smiled at her after she let him go, took her hand in his claw and gently began to guide her away from Kevin's body- over to the Clan. Goliath looked at his family and smiled gently.

"Let's go inside and rest." He said warmly, as Elisa wrapped her arms around him. "We'll let the Police do their work- ours is done."

With that, the Clan- Brooklyn and Rose walked inside one of the doors, and the further they entered the warm Castle; the more Rose was aware of how wet and ice-cold she was. Brooklyn had healed her, brought her back to life; but as she instantly began to thaw out- her body still ached, hurt, and was thoroughly exhausted.

Brooklyn looked down at her, with her hand in his claw, and could feel how hurt and exhausted she still was.

"Are you okay?" He asked her quietly, stopping her- as the Clan moved on without them. They were in a hallway- just outside of the dining room- and Rose could feel her eyes closing in exhaustion. She exhaled deeply, and rested her head upon his chest- wrapping her arms tightly around him. He cupped the back of her head with his claws; and wrapped his wings around her body. She could feel his hot breath down the back of her neck, and as he held her body to his- a heat began to rise between them. She slowly raised her face to his, and gazed deeply into his eyes.

"I'm more than okay." She replied, reaching up and taking hold of his face gently. "Just tired… sore… but the monster who has hurt me, abused me, and has haunted my thoughts and dreams for these past few years is finally gone. I'm relieved… "

"I'm relieved too…" He whispered, his claws gently caressing her face- as if she were made out of glass. Heat and feelings of deep intimacy continued to rise in both of their bodies- and they had not been able to truly kiss and communicate to each other how they really felt- how relieved they were to both be alive.

Slowly, Brooklyn lowered his face to hers until their lips were inches from touching. Rose closed her eyes and longed to feel his touch once again; especially the soft, tender and passionate way he would kiss her lips. It had been too long since they've been able to be together.

His lips slowly; but deeply, claimed hers, his tongue entered her mouth and danced sensually with hers. Immediately, she moaned at his touch and kiss, and could feel the heat, intensity and power enter through her body. His claws explored up her backside, pulling her hips against his pelvis, and then instantly slid her up her soaked sweater, easily finding her skin once again.

Brooklyn kept his touch slow and light, as though he was touching a fragile piece of art., which only made her want him to touch her more. The moment her pelvis touched his; she wanted to scream out in pleasure, as she suddenly felt complete being pressed against him. She threw her arms around his neck, allowing him to pick her up off the ground with his strong arms up her sweater, holding her firmly to him, as well as exploring up her back and into her long and messy hair. His right clawed hands and talons found the base of her head- his claws gently taking hold of her long hair; and held her face against his to secure their lips as she naturally straddled his waist with her legs.

She suddenly broke away from his lips and threw her head back as his lips instantly found their way to her soft fleshy neck, and began to kiss as well as taste her skin. Since their minds were connected, they both were having a feeding frenzy over their desires for each other; but Brooklyn suddenly slowed down as one of Rose's thoughts entered his own; and could feel her body weaken. He had healed her; but she was still recovering from being dead; as was he.

With one strong inhale; Brooklyn stopped kissing her all together and pulled away from her slightly, so he could look into her eyes. They were closed, as she was lost in passionate love for him, but then opened. He exhaled deeply and eased her legs off his waist to touch back down on the stone floor. She didn't want him to stop; but she knew that her wandering thoughts had stopped him. Cursing herself slightly, and the connections for allowing him to venture into her mind and stopped this heavenly moment, she reached out to him saying, "No… my love. Please, don't stop… I'm fine! I promise, we can rest later."

She tried to kiss him again, but he smiled gently at her and took her outstretched hands in his, and pressed his lips tenderly against her skin; before he raised his dark eyes up to hers.

"We must rest, Rose." He whispered to her, smiling even brighter now. "But you have my promise that when we are married; I won't stop. I will not stop until we are both exhausted."

"I'm holding you to that." She whispered, grinning mischievously; before resting her head against his beak. "You're right… I… I'm sorry. Not only me, but you gave your entire soul to save mine- so much energy."

"I did." He said softly. "And I would do it again in a heartbeat. I'll be fine. But we need to get you dry and warm. More than ever- I wish to lie in your arms and sleep with you, knowing that we are both free from this nightmare."

"That sounds wonderful." Rose breathed, smiling at him; as he caressed her face with his talons. He stared down at her, as he lightly pulled on her pink lips with his talon; and then guided her face back up to his. With an exhale, he claimed her lips with his- sticking his tongue exotically in her mouth; tasting her and kissing her passionately again. She moaned as he claimed her, his arms holding her tightly; and exploring all over her body. Heat and passion rose up their bodies once again, and the exertion left Rose suddenly faint. He stopped kissing her, felt her begin to fall; and quickly gathered her up in the bridal carry in his arms while opening his wings.

"Sorry-" She tried to say, weakly; but Brooklyn was looking at her with great worry, and shook his head.

"No, I'm sorry." He said, holding her close in his arms and began to walk inside the Castle- past the dining room. "I shouldn't have pushed anymore intimacy. We both are not yet clear of this night. Let's get you dry and then let you rest."

"As long as you stay by my side." Rose said softly, resting her head on his collar bone.

"Or course." He whispered, resting his head upon hers and smiling. "There's nothing else more important than being with you."

"Good." Rose whispered back, smiling at him, as he kept carrying her past the dining room. The Clan was making their way into the large media room- when she heard her name being yelled out.

"Rose?!"

Brooklyn stopped walking suddenly, and tightened his grasp on her; as she looked over to see who it was. Running towards them, with his hands in handcuffs; was Mike. He was limping, had blood coming out of his nose, lip, and looked to be beaten up. Elisa looked over and saw that he was approaching them. She whipped her gun out, ran towards him and raised it up.

"STOP!" She yelled.

"No, it's okay!" Rose yelled out, wiggling out of Brooklyn's arms and swayed as she stood on her feet. Brooklyn kept his claws around her arms, keeping was eyeing Mike with great distrust, as he approached Rose. Elisa looked over in confusion at the approaching Quarryman- and even more confused when Rose rushed forward and hugged him. Brooklyn narrowed his eyes at them, as Rose exhaled out in relief, and pulled away from him. His hands were in cuffs and couldn't hug her back, but he grasped her hands in his.

"Holy crap, Rose!" He exclaimed "Are you okay? I can't believe you escaped… or that you survived! Where is psycho?!"

"Whoa, whoa." Rose laughed, holding her hands up in surrender. "Calm down, Mike. Yes, I'm okay. Brooklyn saved me…" She paused and looked lovingly at her love, and then back to him. "And… Kevin is uh… dead."

Mike looked down at her, then up to Brooklyn and shook his head in amazement.

"Good riddance." He said seriously. "That guy was bad news- and that's saying something coming from an ex-Quarryman."

Elisa, and the Clan watched Rose and the man talk, as if they were friends, with wide eyes.

"Ex-Quarryman?" Elisa asked him, pocketing her gun and stepping forward, and Brooklyn folded his arms across his chest- still looking distrustful of him.

"Yeah," Mike said slowly, running his hands through his short dark hair. "I have been feeling out of sorts for quite some time now- and about this whole thing with Castaway. Even when myself and my partner, Terry, followed you to the warehouse…" He paused and looked warily into Brooklyn's narrowed eyes, then took a deep breath and continued to speak, more nervously, as the Clan slowly surrounded him.

"I uh- can't speak for all of them." He continued to speak, pointing to the tied up; unconscious Quarrymen in the living room. "But I… I just wanna say that I'm sorry for all the grief I've caused you all. When I met Rose tonight, and was ordered to bring her to Castaway and Kevin… I just… couldn't-" He paused again, looked down at Rose and smiled at her- then stepped towards Brooklyn nervously. With every step, Brooklyn's eyes narrowed, but he stayed still.

"Um…" Mike started out, sheepishly, looked at the Clan again; and then took off his glove and stuck his flesh hand out to Brooklyn. "I'm sorry for everything. I uh… I can tell ya'll are good creatures and that your hearts are in the right place."

"Did I hear that right?" Angela asked, stepping forward in awe and teasing him. "A Quarryman admitting that we are not monsters?"

"Yeah, well… I prefer ex-Quarryman now." Mike chuckled softly, smiling at her, as she smiled back.

"So do we." Goliath said, crossing his arms over his large chest and looking pleased, as Mike turned back to Brooklyn.

"I hope you uh, don't mind me sayin' this… but you uh… you've got yourself one amazing woman. She convinced me to be courageous and stand for what's right… but uh… it was actually you that helped me the most. The advice you gave me… when you left Terry and I at the dumpster. You were right, I have been throwing my life away, for a very long time. But now, I'm hoping to do right by my own family; by my unborn baby daughter. Thank you."

Brooklyn stared at Mike's hand with amazement, and was caught off guard. Rose chuckled at his expression, walked over and wrapped her arms around his bicep, smiling at him. Brooklyn blinked a few times, cleared his throat and reached his available claw out to him, and briefly shook his hand.

"Uh yeah…" He answered awkwardly. "Sure thing. Thank you for your help as well. I didn't realize you were helping Rose until she took off the Quarryman mask. But, sincerely, thank you for helping to save her."

"Of course," Mike answered. " I couldn't stomach what Kevin would say about her. I hated that Castaway forced us to be with him because he was a disgusting bastard- a whole different level of evil, in my opinion. The things he would say about Rose, even though I didn't know her, made me ill. I had to do the right thing."

"It's never easy to do the right thing." Goliath suddenly said, stepping forward and placed his claw on his shoulder. "But it is a reward in itself. Thank you for helping Rose, and for helping my Clan. My family."

Mike smiled at Goliath, but still looked slightly uncomfortable.

"Um, sure thing." He said, looking back at Rose. "I'm glad you're alright and are safe."

'Thank you, Mike." Rose answered softly, feeling more weak as she was standing there. Brooklyn quickly wrapped his arms around her waist and held her to his side- as Mike looked back and forth between them.

"I'm still not gonna be used to this idea of you two being together…" Mike said slowly, shaking his head. "But hey, if you two is happy, then who the hell am I to judge?"

Brooklyn looked lovingly down at Rose, before looking back up at Mike and smiled at him.

"Thank you for understanding." He said quietly. "We are very happy"

"You're lucky.." Mike said suddenly, looking at him. "She is strong, kind… and beautiful- inside and out." He paused, blushing slightly and refused to look at either of them now. "A true gem."

Brooklyn took a deep breath, knowing and sensing that Mike was attracted to Rose, but didn't let it bother him as Mike glanced up at him once again.

"Thank you," Brooklyn replied. "I know she is."

"Take good care of her, ya hear me?" Mike asked him, nodding his head.

"I will." Brooklyn replied, holding her tighter against his. "And don't worry- I know she is the most incredible woman. I am blessed and beyond lucky to have her; thank you for your kind words, for your help.."

Mike smiled sadly, nodding, and backed away from them slightly.

"What about you?" Rose asked him, feeling more exhausted as she was standing there. "What's going to happen to you now?"

"Uh," Mike said a bit snarky, looking down at his handcuffs and then glanced over at Elisa. "Looks like I'm heading to jail- but it's alright. I deserve it. I'll serve my time in jail, and will hopefully get out before my baby daughter is born, and hopefully I can patch things up with my ex-girlfriend. Only time will tell."

"If you continue to have good behavior, you'll hopefully get your sentence time cut down." Elisa said softly, placing a hand upon his shoulder. "Plus, I get to tell the judge that you saved multiple people from Kevin… that should count for something."

"Nah, I ain't no hero here." Mike replied to Elisa, smiling at her. "But thanks, I'll take any help I can get."

Elisa smiled back at him, as Matt- her red-headed detective partner came walking in. Broadway, Lexington, and the other Gargoyles waved and smiled at him- and came over to Elisa.

"The department is coming up right now." Matt told her.

"Okay" Elisa replied, turning to Goliath. "You guys better get going. We'll take this over from here."

The Gargoyles listened to her and quickly turned away, making their way into the media room- where more couches had been brought in to house them all until sunset. Goliath gathered her up in a hug for a moment before whispering, "Then you'll come and get some rest yourself?"

"Count on it." Elisa responded, kissing him lightly on his cheek.

Goliath nodded at her, turned to Rose and Brooklyn and motioned them to follow him. Brooklyn kept his arms around Rose and gently guided her away.

"Thank you, Mike." Rose said, waving at him. "Good luck with everything."

"You too." He replied, watching them walk away from him, before he walked over to a wall, and sat down. Waiting for the Police to collect him and the other Quarrymen. Down the hall, Goliath turned to Brooklyn and began to speak quietly.

"Brooklyn- how about you and Rose make yourselves comfortable in the library. Set up a fire, get her warm and dry, and set up the couch so she can sleep." He told them. "Rose you know your way around- and know there's a bathroom nearby, or you can use your old room. It still does not have a mattress- nor are the other rooms ready…"

"It's okay." Rose told him quietly, leaning into Brooklyn even more, feeling her eyes close. "We'll stay in the library for tonight. I'll visit Xanatos soon and see what he wants me to do."

"Welcome back home, Rose." Goliath said quietly, smiling at her. "I believe the Mutates are in the library right now- and will sneak out through the back side of the Castle."

With that, Goliath and the rest of the Clan entered the large library- and Rose stayed outside of it for a moment more, looking around at the destroyed living areas of the Castle. She didn't know how they were going to rise from the ashes in which were around them.

Brooklyn looked down at her, hearing her thoughts and gently cupped her face.

"Rose?"

She blinked a few times, took a deep breath, and then finally turned her face to look into his.

"How do we rebuild from all this? The Castle and the Labyrinth are destroyed…" She whispered, looking into his face with urgency and worry. However, when she looked up into his face, he was smiling gently and softly raised his talons to skim her long hair away from her face, trailing softly along her skin as he did so.

"We have everything we need to start to rebuild our lives, Rose." He replied softly.

Rose finally smiled up at him by how good he felt against her, and rested her hands on his chiseled chest, leaning her body into his and reaching her face and lips to kiss him. The moment their lips touched, another wave of sensation shot through them, which made them deepen their touch and kiss more. Rose slid her hands up his chest so that she could touch his face and hold onto the back of his neck. They kissed deeply, but modestly for a few seconds, before Brooklyn broke away, smiling.

"Come on." He whispered, taking her hands in his claws. "Let's see the Mutates off, and then get you cleaned up."

"Don't threaten me with a good time." Rose chuckled, pulling on her messy hair- which was drying but had blood all over. "I feel disgusting right now."

"Well you look beautiful." He whispered, kissing the top of her hand, before leading her into the library. When they arrived, the Clan and Mutates looked up- as well as the Clones- and another series of joyous noises were made.

"Rose! You're alive!" Maggie cried out, as Talon exclaimed, "You're alright!"

Rose smiled at them as Claw suddenly rushed forward and scooped Rose up in a huge hug from behind, breaking her from Brooklyn's grip, and spun her around a few times. She broke out laughing at Claw's playfulness; and Brooklyn stepped back a bit so that Claw wouldn't smack Rose into him as they spun, and smiled.

"Hi bud!" Rose gasped in his tight hold. "I've missed you too!"

He let her go and placed her on her feet, much to her rib cage's relief. She held her sides and smiled brightly up at him as he tried his attempt at sign language, which Rose was familiar with due to her time in the Labyrinth. From his movements, she could tell that he was trying to tell the story of the ceiling nearly falling on top of her and then he didn't know where she was after he came to.

Rose smiled kindly at him, stepped forward and touched his arm saying, "I know, that was scary. You were knocked unconscious and you're much larger than I am, so I couldn't move you from danger, I'm so sorry. There was so much chaos around us; from the bombs to the Quarrymen's guns… I didn't have a weapon to help protect you all, since the Labyrinth doesn't allow weapons, so my only choice was to try to escape and make my way to this Clan and recruit their help. However; once I got here, I soon found out that the Quarrymen had split up their attacks, and had already attacked the Castle. I… I was never more terrified for everyone than in that moment. So, believe me when I say that I am beyond relieved to see everyone alright and safe."

Talon made his way over to Rose, as Maggie ran past him, towards her ,and hugged her tightly.

"We were all sick with worry about you, Rose!" She gasped in a thick voice, with tears filling up her eyes. She pulled back after a tight hug and said, holding her face with her small clawed hands, "I was beyond relieved when the Quarrymen or Kevin couldn't find you… but then I feared greatly for you when we touched down here and saw that the Quarrymen had attacked and taken down Xanatos' security and all the Gargoyles were chained up in their stone forms. I… I must admit. Tonight started out very grim from the goodness we saw out of you in the Labyrinth; to your bravery tonight, fighting your terrifying abusive ex-husband… I am truly in awe of you. Thank you for saving us all, including my unborn child. You have saved everything dear to me; and for that, we are forever indebted to you."

"Oh…" Rose said sheepishly, running her hand through her semi-dry, but extremely dirty and snarly hair. "I don't know about that, Maggie. I didn't save you guys, the Gargoyles did. Without them, I fear the battle would have been lost with just me. I created this giant mess by marrying Kevin in the first place… but regardless of that, I wasn't going to let him win."

"But… I heard that you died!" Maggie suddenly asked her, in a very serious voice. "I heard Brooklyn's grief filled howls outside…"

Rose stared at Maggie for a few seconds, unable to speak for a moment, before tears filled her eyes, and thankfully Brooklyn was suddenly there, holding her.

"I uh-" She said softly. "I did die. Brooklyn too…"

"Wait… what?!" Goliath suddenly asked, and now everyone's eyes were on them.

"Yeah," Rose said softly. "When Kevin pulled me off the side of the Castle, we landed on the concrete lip hanging over Xanatos' offices. Brooklyn got to me, before Kevin could get to me, but was shot trying to get me to safety. We barely made it up to the Castle, before his heart stopped beating, and I used my magic and our soul connection to bring him back."

"Just like he did with you?!" Akira piped up, stepping up to them, looking at them with wide eyes.

"Right." Rose said, leaning into Brooklyn. "Kevin reached me once again and was stabbing me, when Brooklyn came and stopped him. "But… then… unfortunately, Kevin wasn't dealt with yet, and ended up shooting me when he and I weren't paying attention to him. I think that's when you all came to us… and I can't really explain it, but I never really left. My spirit and soul connected with Brooklyn still; and I knew that if he healed me, using our love and connection, that I would live once again."

"Your soul connection... " Akira gasped, clutching her heart. "Brought you back to life!? Both of you?"

"Yes," Brooklyn spoke up, resting his face down upon Rose's head. "The power of our love saved both of us."

Everyone stayed silent for a moment, as tears filled Akira's eyes and Angela clasped her mouth.

"How romantic!"

Rose laughed and her comment and wrapped her arms around Brooklyn, sighing happily.

"Yeah," She replied quietly. "We are both pretty lucky to have survived."

"Well thank goodness you didn't… stay dead... that's very lucky to have those powers!" Maggie exclaimed.

"Yes, thankfully it didn't come to that." Brooklyn suddenly said in a hard voice, not wanting to remember Rose's dead body in his arms.

"It appears that we all have been very lucky tonight." Talon said, placing his arm around Maggie. "Thank goodness our Clans have survived tonight."

"Yes," Goliath said, shaking Talons' claw. "We shall come and help you rebuild the Labyrinth. But for now, we must all rest."

"I agree." Talon said, grinning. "I won't turn down that. Come, my Clan. It's time to leave."

Maggie stepped forward, hugged Rose tightly and then said, pulling away, "Good luck you two! We will see you two whenever you decide on your mating ceremony… we will be there."

"Yeah," Talon said happily, also wrapping Rose up in a gentle side hug. "We wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Thank you so much." Rose said happily, relaxing a bit, as exhausting was slowly creeping into her being. It was close to two AM at this point; and the night had been full of terror and high-adrenaline. "I have thought a lot about our mating ceremony… and I actually do know where I want it."

"Oh?" Brooklyn suddenly said, stepping forward again to stand next to her. "And where would that be?"

"The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens, of course." She replied softly, turning to face him- telling him this for the first time. "It makes sense to me to be mated in the place of my love's namesake; especially since it was one of our favorite places to go on dates. The gardens are absolutely beautiful and will be a perfect place to exchange our vows to each other; in front of everyone we love."

Brooklyn looked at her with a stillness for a small moment before his eyes softened even more. He took her face in his claws once again and gently pulled her to him; kissing her forehead with a long and tender kiss. Rose smiled at his modest kiss, and held onto his forearms as he held her face. After a moment of him kissing her, he stopped and then pulled her body to his, holding her tightly.

"What did I do to deserve such a beautiful, selfless, and most amazing woman?" He whispered, closing his eyes.

"I am pretty great, aren't I?" Rose teased him, lightly being sarcastic.

"Yeah, you are." He said honestly, without any doubt in his mind, smiling brightly at her.

"That settles it then." Goliath stated, smiling at them. "We will all help each other rebuild this Castle and the Labyrinth; and will wait until Rose gets her life settled. Once we are all settled, then we will pick a night to make this ceremony happen."

The Clones and Mutates all nodded, smiling at them, and walked out; and waved good-bye. Goliath then turned to his Clan, and said quietly, "I am very proud of all of you, and for the hard work we've done tonight. Let's go and find Fox, Alex and Owen… and make sure they are alright; and then we will check up on Xanatos. He will most likely have been taken to the infirmary. We owe him our lives as well, so for now, let's use this time to start to clean up this Castle, while Rose and Brooklyn get some rest."

He offered her a small smile and he said that and started to walk away, the Clan dispersing from the Library, leaving Rose and Brooklyn alone. Rose closed her eyes for a few moments as they stood in silence, and exhaled deeply as more exhaustion settled into her sore body. Brooklyn quickly walked over to the fireplace, grabbed fresh wood; and ignited it with a few matches, and within a few seconds; a warm fire was up and going for them.

Then, he walked over to a cabinet, and grabbed out blankets and sheets, placed them on the couch and then came up from behind her, wrapped his wings around them and cocooned them together, sitting down in front of the fire; holding Rose's waist.

"Time to get warm my Human- Popsicle." He teased her, holding her tightly. She giggled at his smiled through her closed eyes; and twisted around, so that she was facing him again while resting in his lap, and rested her face against his beak. He was also closing his eyes, feeling her and loving this moment with each other.

"Mhmmm… I've missed this so much." Rose breathed, running her hands up and down his exposed chest and abdomen, touching his chiseled muscles, and then finding her way to his back, holding him closer to her.

"I have missed these moments too…" Brooklyn breathed back, immediately finding her lips with his, kissing her soundly and deeply, wasting no more time. She breathed him in and kissed him deeply and passionately for what felt like a few hours, when they finally pulled back, breathlessly. They hadn't rushed anything; but had kissed each other, with their tongues dancing sensually, slowly and with great feeling.

"You are… soaked." He added, in a very quiet voice, chuckling slightly.

"Yeah," Rose laughed, looking around the room. "I need to get out of these clothes so I don't get hypothermia again, plus I have tons of blood stains… which is sad. I actually liked this shirt; but it's trash now."

She stopped talking for a second but then looked around the library fondly.

"Funny enough, if I did get hypothermia, this is where you first rescued me when I last had hypothermia; where you held me against you to keep me warm."

"How could I forget… as it was one of the best nights of my life?" Brooklyn whispered.

"Me having hypothermia was one of the best nights of your life?" She teased back, raising her eyebrows at him.

"No," he said, with great intensity. "But, it was one of the many nights in which I fell in love with you..."

Rose stared deeply into his eyes, smiling gently at that memory; and knew what he was referring to. The fire in the fireplace, was burning heatedly; like it was that night, and she was again, safely in his arms, not to be harmed again by Kevin.

Brooklyn gazed lovingly down into her eyes; gently touched her face, before he slowly lowered his claws down her neck, over her perky chest and lower still until he reached the bottom of her soaked shirt. Heat followed his talons, on her skin, and she felt her breath catching in her throat. She knew exactly what he was doing; and was not going to stop him. Sitting up now, she straddled his waist, ignoring the spark of intense intimacy and heat that she felt for him and longed for him to continue what was going through his mind. He held onto the ice cold fabric for a few moments, his breathing a bit staggered, and without any fear, she raised her hands over her head; allowing him to help her out of her soaked shirt.

They gazed into each other's eyes for a moment, before Brooklyn finally mustered up the courage to pull up on the fabric, exposing her skin to him, and revealing herself in only a bra for coverage. His eyes drank her beauty in, as he dropped the wet shirt on the ground, and started to breath uncontrollably. She lowered her hands down, and slowly took her soaking wet jeans off; to reveal her underwear; and then slid her arms around his neck, pressing herself against his skin. He had actually never seen her in her undergarments; but in a thin black night dress. While he was turned onto her beauty that night; nothing seemed to top what goddess was before him now.

Brooklyn's breathing was coming in gasp-like inhales, as though he was literally struggling to breath. No longer wanting to just stand there, Rose pressed her lips against his, and encouraged this intimate moment along. Though she had always seen him, with just a loincloth on for modesty, there was something exhilarating about being half naked herself, and touching his skin with hers. Her lips danced delicately against his; their electricity sensation going crazy under their skin, connecting them, also encouraging their intimacy. Brooklyn seemed to be in shock as she kissed him. She pulled away from a moment, and realized that he must have been trying to keep their promise of not mating before getting married.

Smiling sadly to herself, she pulled away.

"I'm sorry," she said quietly. "I didn't mean to just… strip in front of you. I'm going to find a blanket to cover myself up, and try to get warm."

Before she could walk away from him, however, he blinked a few times and then immediately grabbed her back to him, wrapping his strong arms around her half-exposed body, re-covering them up with his wings.

"Nothing to apologize for," he whispered, standing them up and cradled her in a bridal carry, walking them both towards the couch. "Forgive me… I just… I have never seen anyone more beautiful than you. I'm still going to be true to my word, as I want to be married to you, but… I have to feel you right now, if you'll allow me to."

She smiled at his words and wordlessly let him carry her over to the couch, where he eased them both down, to lie down, her body under his. Instantly, she could feel the heat off his body, and it seemed to soak deeply into her ice-cold skin, warming her up. It could have also been the connection sensation flowing through them, to 'heal' her, by warming her; but regardless of what it was, Rose didn't care. The only being she cared about was right on top of her; and the way he was looking at her.

Brooklyn wrapped one arm under her neck, to support her head, while he pressed his body to hers; kissing her deeply on the lips. Rose naturally invited her to him, by spreading her legs and resting them over his hips; and then secured her arms under his arms, holding him closely.

She could feel every abdomen muscle against her exposed stomach; and could feel the arousal of his groin against hers, and she swore that she was about to pass out. She broke away from his lips, gasping in pleasure as he kissed her neck with the lightest of touches- his hot breath against her skin as he moved them lower towards her cleavage. He then slowly began to rock and rub his groin over hers creating intense friction for them, and a sharp pleasurable sensation shot through both of them; making them jump slightly. His breathing came in gasps, and she almost passed out; her toes curled against his rock-hard calves, as she groaned out in pleasure.

His breathing and kissing became more intense as he kept slowly rubbing himself over her, but as he did so, she felt herself actually pass out. When he felt her consciousness fade; he suddenly stopped and raised his body off hers and gazed down upon her with wide eyes, and to his anxiety, she was about to lose consciousness.

"Rose?!" He urged, shaking her slightly; and after a deep breath she came back, looking extremely pale.

"Sorry… I… oh, sorry… I don't know what just happened. Where were we? " She whispered, trying to pull him back down to her, but he resisted her.

"No... we're done." He said seriously, and stared down at her with great worry. She closed her eyes, longing for him to continue to do that to her, but then reality set in; and she still wasn't well. She ran her fingers through his hair, breathing deeply; before she shook her head, hating herself for stopping this now.

"No," she argued weakly, but he quickly stood and grabbed a few blankets for the pile and placed one over her half-naked body, and then sat down next to her.

"You've got to rest." Brooklyn said softly. "No more make outs tonight."

"Damn it." Rose grumbled, moving her face on her pillow to look at him, and smiled at him. "You were taking my breath away…"

Brooklyn continued to stare at her nervously, before he couldn't help but crack a smile and chuckled despite how he was feeling.

"Good one…" He teased her, as she grinned at him, placed the blanket over her chest, and then reached her arms out to him.

"Come here…" She said softly.

"There's not enough room for me." He grinned at her, resting his head down upon his arm and gently ran his talons through her hair, but stopped when she suddenly shot a glare at him, with her eyebrow raised, as if she didn't care.

"Come… here…" She repeated seriously, smiling at him as he began to laugh at her demand.

"Okay, okay." He said, holding his arms up in surrender. "Don't bite my head off."

He moved the blanket for a moment, and couldn't help but stare down at her beautiful body, and exhaled while shaking his head. He then gathered her into his arms and lifted her up.

"What?" She asked him, grinning mischievously.

"We uh… probably shouldn't have shed your clothes, babe." He said in a cracking voice, easing himself down on the couch, and laid her on his body; with her back to the couch. He wrapped his wings around them, and then grabbed the blanket again, so she was more covered and warm. However, with her body against his, he looked her up and down and couldn't help but admire her beauty, and was blown away by how amazing her skin felt against his.

"Yeah?" She grinned at him, lightly tracing a finger over his chest, teasing him- before she slowly raised herself to lie on him and began kissing him.

"Why not?" She breathed against his lips innocently, smiling at herself, loving that she was teasing him. "It's survival- one-oh-one."

He chuckled dryly, closed his eyes and refused to look down at her, and placed a claw over his face.

"Because… we uh... oh... boy... " he answered lamely, obviously trying to ignore her touch, her beautifully luscious body against his. She grinned at herself, and began kissing his bare chest, trailing her tongue over his skin, making him jump and tense up. She laughed at herself and his reaction, moved her long hair away from her face, and kept teasing him, kissing him lower and lower- until she reached his abdomen.

Rose saw his other claw grasp tightly onto the couch, digging his talons into the fabric, as he was slowly losing control. However, before she could go lower, he grabbed onto her arms, slid her back up to his face, and he turned and looked down upon her now. His eyes were excited, and his smile was teasing. He grabbed hold of her hands, slid his talons through her fingers, and then raised her arms over her head, while he straddled her.

"What are you doing to me?" He growled, his lips coming down to hers; making her groan out in pleasure. He pulled on her lips, kissing her deeply, his tongue dancing with hers- before he lowered his lips to her neck. She closed her eyes and laughed, as he tasted her neck; and then slid one claw down to graze over one of her breasts, before trailing a talon down her stomach; sending a sensation of pure intense pleasure to her stomach.

However, before she could begin hyperventilating again, to pass out, he stopped and whispered, "That's why. You almost lose consciousness whenever you get excited, and I can't seem to keep my claws off of you."

"And that's a bad thing?" Rose asked him breathlessly, as he raised his face to look down upon hers.

"If you're passing out while doing so, then yes." He explained, laughing slightly. "While you are… unbelievably beautiful and beyond desirable, I didn't think I could be the strong one tonight… not after you shedding your clothes, but I will for your safety."

"Me?" She laughed at him. "Um… no, that was all you who started that fire."

"Only because you let me…"

"So?" She grinned mischievously at him. "It didn't take you very long to give into…"

"Can you blame me?" He grinned back at her, running one talon over her bra; down her abdomen, and lightly over the side of her underwear.

With every touch, he seemed to create a line of fire against her skin; and a trail of desire in which Rose desperately needed to surrender to. She closed her eyes and groaned slightly at his touch; and wanted more than anything for him to continue; but the next thing she felt was him moving his body off hers. He settled against the couch, next to her, and held her close to him. She could still feel his aroused groin against her, which made things difficult, especially as she was half-naked in his arms- but she was finally dry and was warm, much like she needed to be.

"I'm sorry for doing that to you… you know… stripping down." she teased, not meaning it, trying to breath away that fire still lingering on her skin.

"I'm glad you did." He breathed, kissing her on the forehead, and then moving them to her lips; and holding her cold body close to his to gather more heat. "Especially with what we've endured tonight. I don't know about you, but I need to feel your heart beating against my chest." He paused and ran his talons from her neck to cup her breasts; kissing her neck, breathing her in and the beautiful feeling of her breast in his claw.

Rose took a deep breath, still trying to calm down the fire that Brooklyn seemed to leave on her skin; and when he rubbed himself against her groin, she almost felt as though she could have exploded in pleasure if he kept doing that much longer. However, before she could become faint again, he released her breast and wrapped his arms around her. Sighing, she snuggled up to him, and tried to relax more in his loving hold; raised her head to look into his eyes, and instantly was met with his lips. They kissed each other, modestly and unhurriedly.

"It feels like we've been with each other much longer than we truly have." Rose whispered against his lips, as their electric connections started to build in their hands, feet and stomachs, as they touched and held each other, their bodies creating more intense heat of passion and desire. "It seems like a lifetime ago that we battled Kevin… and it's only been one hour."

"I know," Brooklyn breathed, through small kisses on her lips, lingering his on hers. "Though it was the hardest thing I've ever done…especially almost losing you… it was worth it. You are worth fighting for…"

"If we had to do this all over again… trial and all with Kevin… would you? If it meant we would meet each other and fall in love?" Rose asked him, her bright eyes peering into his dark ones.

He stared at her for a moment, thinking deeply, before he answered in a deeper voice.

"Yes. Without question, I would fight this all over again for you. But, luckily for us, we won't have to, as the outcome was well in our favor."

Rose giggled at him, claiming his lips again with hers and her hands up through his thick white hair, deepening their kiss. He immediately responded to her, holding her even tighter against him, almost taking her breath away once again. She began to smile again through their kisses, making Brooklyn pull away slightly.
"What's so funny?" He teased, kissing her on and off.

"I was just thinking about if we had to live that nightmare again, and while I agree with you, I wouldn't want to if I didn't have to… but… there is one thing that I would relive, over and over again, without question." She answered him.

"Yeah?" He asked her, grinning mischievously at her. "What would that be?"

"I would relive falling in love with you." She said, doing her best to gaze into his eyes with as much intense love and devotion for him, in which he always; somehow, looked at her.

After a moment of staring at her, he smiled warmly.

"We can relive that, my love. Every moment of every day, in fact. We don't have to go back in time to fulfill that wish."

"How?" She asked him, running her fingers over his abdomen; making him smile.

"Because every time I look at you, I fall in love all over again."

Rose stared blankly at him, and thought she had a good 'pick-up' line, but was floored when he pulled that one out of his head and heart. She shook her head in disbelief, smiling, and laughed.

"Wow. That was a really good one."

Brooklyn grinned, laughing softly, as he came closer to her again, his dark eyes burning through hers.

"I thought so… but it wasn't hard to come up with because it's true." He said softly, now bearing his soul to her. " I love you, Rose. Words can no longer try to explain or describe my love for you. You are my life, my soul, and now the very reason why my heartbeats; and my heart continues to beat, thanks to you." He paused from his speech, shook his head as tears entered his eyes, and his voice was suddenly very emotional.

"When I came back over to you, after I killed Kevin, and felt your soul leave your body- and glanced down upon your limp body- I couldn't stand it. Your dark and empty eyes will always haunt me, and in that moment, I could not breathe. I could not stand to live another moment without you next to me. When I found your soul within our connection, and I willed you back to life, I felt light enter back into my own life. When you came back, you gave me purpose, a reason to keep living, to keep fighting…"

He paused again, as Rose's eyes filled with tears, and then both of them silently began to cry- as the feelings of love and grief were real with them. He cupped her face with his claws, and then lowered his forehead to hers, sniffing and breathing deeply as his tears fell down his face and slid onto her skin. Sobbing weakly, Rose reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, and he began to kiss her, both of them still crying. When he stopped, he breathed in deeply and continued to speak to her, through a whisper.

"Rose… I cannot tell you how thankful I am that you came back and lived. How grateful I am to have a second chance with you. I fall in love with you every time I look at you. You're beautiful, inside and out, and I am floored into a state of awe and amazement at your strength, kindness, selflessness, and beauty in which you carry in your heart and soul. I'm the luckiest Gargoyle on the face of this planet because I have been given you to take care of and love, and that is the greatest honor I've ever been given."

He leaned closer to her her lips, lightly grazing them over her skin and then slid down to her neck. Rose closed her eyes in total ecstasy at his touch and kisses; as he breathed through his kisses.

"Just like every time we touch… every time we kiss… I can feel you in my very soul, and I fall even deeper in love with you." He finished; leaning his aroused groin back to touch hers, increasing the intensity of their desires. Rose smiled through her tears, tilted her head back breathing deeply as he kissed her passionately.

"Oh, Brooklyn…" She breathed, wrapping her arms around him, kissing the side of his beak. "I am completely, irrevocably, and desperately in love with you."

He smiled against her skin, and then slowly raised his lips back up to hers to kiss her soundly, passionately and breathlessly. Their lips and tongues danced feverishly together, immediately feeling like they were about to break down that wall of will and finally make love.

"Not as much as I'm in love you." He breathed back, holding her body against his, easing himself back on top of her. His lips urgently found hers once again, as they quickened and deepened their intimacy.

"It's not a competition." Rose smiled through their kissing; their lips moving in harmony with each other.

"It's not… because I've already won."

Rose laughed, shaking her head at him, and pressed her face into his chest; hugging him tightly. Brooklyn continued to chuckle, but then eased his strong, heavy body off hers, and then rested his head, holding her tightly.

They laid in each other's arms in silence for a few minutes, allowing Rose to finally feel her body start to thaw out, and her muscles to relax. Once they did, she then realized how truly exhausted she was. It would have had to have been close to two am; and now, she could hardly keep her eyes open as he held her against his warm body. They stayed quiet for a few minutes, as he ran his sharp claws up and down her arm and then up into her hair, tickling her softly.

"Brooklyn…?" She mused, barely conscious at this point.

"Yes, my love?"

"You're putting me to sleep… I have… to still… find blankets and sheets for… the couch." She said slowly, with a bit of a slur.

Brooklyn chuckled softly, bringing a smile to her face.

"I know... "

"So, you're doing this on purpose?" She asked him, falling deeper and deeper into sleep, her body becoming heavier.

"Why in the world would you need blankets, when you have me?" He asked her softly; his hot breath against her face, his lips kissing hers with the lightest of touches.

Rose tried to force her eyes open, but everything from tonight was literally knocking her out cold. Now that she was safe and was no longer in danger, she was losing the control and will to fight off sleep.

She smiled at his words, and then rested her face against his warm and started kissing his chest, while running her hands up and down his sides, pausing to cling onto the bottom fabric of his loincloth. She was breathing deeply, and seemed to be a stupor of a dream in which she never wanted to wake up from, and then blindly raised her lips up to meet his, wherever they were. To her joy; her lips were met by his, and his strong arms were all around her, keeping her against him. He paused his kissing and breathed, in a voice almost as quiet as the wind.

"Sleep, my love…"

However, she didn't respond as she was completely out.

He smiled gently down at her and rested his own head down on the couch, holding her against he stared down at her face, he drank her beauty and every beautiful detail in. She had very long, dark lashes, and a few freckles on her cheeks. Her lips were pink and full; which made them very desirable to kiss; as was her soft and smooth skin. His skin was a lot more rough and a great deal tougher than hers; but she seemed to love his body and skin enough. He lowered his lips down once more to claim her beautiful pink ones, slowly and sensually. He didn't want to wake her, nor take advantage of her; but he loved her so much, it was hard not to lie there and kiss her. When he came back up from kissing her lips, he ran a talon over her cheek as lightly as he could and felt his heart beat faster. He was indebted to her for fighting off Kevin when he fell victim to him.

She stepped up and saved his life and for that, he was in awe of how amazingly strong she was for a Human. Now, finally; Kevin was out of their lives and when the dust settled, they would be able to be married. As he gazed over her beautiful body; he then thought about the horror of nearly losing her. Her calm face, with eyes closed, reminded him greatly of that awful moment. Taking a deep breath, he rested his claw upon her chest, and felt her heartbeat softly and normally. Tears naturally came to his eyes again as he held her tightly against him, and felt like sobbing hysterically. The feelings he had tonight were more than he could bear, and he prayed that he wouldn't have nightmares over that experience. As long as he could feel her heartbeat in her chest he knew he would be okay.

He smiled at that thought, kissed her lips once more, before whispering, "I love you… I will always love you; and I'll never let anything happen to you ever again. You'll be safe in my arms and heart always."

With that, he wrapped his arms tighter around her delicately soft and curvaceous, half-naked body and allowed their breathing and hearts to synchronize, as he closed his eyes; resting. He then opened his eyes, as he had to drink her beautiful body in, once again, before he rested. In awe, he admired her large and perky breasts in the bra; her flat stomach, and her curvy hips, to even the shape of her pelvis. She was so beautiful and desirable to him, so much so that it was beyond difficult to be next to her, in such a way, and to not make love to her.

However, with her completely asleep and unaware of him, he would never take advantage of her. When they made love, he wanted her to be his mate; and wanted to feel her touch, and her body moving against his, with as much force and passion in which he would lovingly give her. Taking a deep breath, he held her tenderly against him, willing his own eyes to close. They would become one soon enough; and he would wait for as long as it took for them to be completely ready for that beautiful night.

For now, he wanted to have this small, intimate moment with her; and hold her sleeping body against his, feeling her rising chest against his; reminding him that she was breathing and that her heart was beating. Reminding him that she was now, finally, free and safe from any more pain, therefore; making him free and safe. As long as she was alive and breathing; his life would be in complete and utter bliss.