Gargoyles- The Heart of Darkness (2)

by Sunmoonlight

Newly-mated pair, Brooklyn and Rose have finally found the life and love in which they both had fought for. But Rose's dark past, and magical forces beyond their control have come back; threatening to tear them apart. Will their love and powerful soul-bond be able to survive the test? Or will the darkness destroy everything they've created together completely?

21. Chapter 21- Underneath the Surface

~Chapter Twenty-One~

Underneath the Surface

After their romantic dance and passionate make-out session, Brooklyn begrudgingly left a half-naked Rose in their bedroom to greet his brothers and their mates when they heard them arrive at their home. He paused with his claw on their door and looked back at her.

"Thank you for this night, my love." He said softly. "But just you wait…when we are alone again, I will make sure we finish off our romantic evening my way."

"Oh?" Rose teased in a flirtatious voice. "How so?"

"Just you wait." He said in a very sexy and low voice. "It'll blow your mind."

"It had better." Rose whispered teasingly with an eyebrow raised and a smile. "Bring it, babe."

With a wink, he slowly checked out her body one last time before he turned from her and shut their bedroom door behind him. While he headed up to the patio to greet the others and get their dinner cooking, Rose quickly got dressed. Wanting tonight to be absolutely perfect for their romantic date, she rummaged through her closet trying to look for a nice outfit for the night, and after a few minutes, she found what she thought would drive her husband crazy with desire. She decided on a floor length, tight fitting dark blue spaghetti strapped, summer dress that swooped down low on her chest, which would show off her perky cleavage. It offered her a built in bra, so she didn't have to wear one, and had a criss-cross back.

Quickly putting it on, Rose smiled at herself in the mirror and felt beautiful and sexy. Her long auburn red hair was down and curled loosely; her makeup was done really nice, and with the dress hitting her in all of the right places, she felt like a million bucks, if she did say so herself. Then, she finished it off with her necklace Brooklyn gave her when he proposed, and her ruby red wedding ring. Turning away from the mirror, she quickly hung up her wedding dress, put on some sandals, then left her room and made her way out to the kitchen. Grabbing as much food as she could in her arms, she made her way up the stairs to go to the outside patio; when she was suddenly met with Angela, who looked at her with wide eyes

"Whoa! Hottie alert!" She exclaimed. "I love that dress on you! You look so pretty!"

"Oh, thank you, you're so sweet, Angela." Rose exclaimed with a smile.

"Can I help you with anything?"

"Sure, thanks!" Rose said, handing her some bowls of food to bring upstairs. "Did you guys just barely get here?"

"We've been hanging out for close to ten minutes, but Brooklyn was prepping the grill for food, and we were all just waiting for you."

"Oh dang it, sorry for making you guys wait, I was just finishing getting ready." Rose said. "Luckily for us, since we need to hurry and eat so we can make it to fireworks, I've prepared all the food already. So once the meat is done then we can start eating."

"Perfect." Angela said with a grin. "Let's get this party going then!"

Smiling, they both walked up to the patio and were both met with a wonderful sight. It was a nice, dark and warm summer night, the party lights were on, the fire pit was going, and someone had turned on the outdoor stereo playing soft rock music. Rose smiled at the party outdoor space with pride and loved this home as this was the very reason she bought it. They put the food down on the outdoor table, and instantly Akira came walking over to give her a huge hug, squealing out a greeting.

Sitting in front of the fire was Broadway, Lexington, Hudson, Goliath and Elisa who had also come to join in for dinner. Rose was finishing giving Akira a hug and receiving her compliments, then she saw her mate standing over at the grill working on cooking hot dogs and cheeseburgers; watching her.

The moment their eyes met, their connections instantly flowed through them, and instantly she could feel how much he loved her and hear the thoughts that were shooting through his mind. Most of them being naughty, but she didn't care. He was her mate and the sexy thoughts were about her, so she didn't mind at all. Taking his bait, she raised her shoulder up and seductively smiled at him and he couldn't help but grin back at her in awe.

Jalepena… I don't know how you do it, Rose. He suddenly said in her mind.

Do what?

Become even more beautiful with every passing second. She smiled at his comment and felt herself growing more turned on by him, as he continued to speak into her mind. Seriously, babe. This is getting ridiculous.

At this, Rose laughed at herself and then raised her eyebrows at him in humor.

What is? She asked.

I value my life and the breath I breathe… so I'm gonna have to ask you to quit taking it away every time I see you.

Rose's heart melted at his cheesy pick up line, but she absolutely loved it. Smiling brighter at him, he slowly shook his head at her with a loving smile. Then, she watched as his eyes lowered to her chest and suddenly he looked like he could easily throw the spatula across the patio, jump on her and make love to her. He cleared his throat and quickly looked away, but she grinned more teasingly at him.

I saw that. She teased him.

Saw what? I don't know what you're talking about…

You were checking out my breasts.

Silence passed between them for a moment, and she wasn't sure if he was going to respond, but when he did; she could hear the desperation in his voice.

Yeah… so? He teased, trying to remain calm and collected. I would be an idiot if I didn't… I'm actually gonna have to ask you to put them away. Those beautifully perfect pillows of sexy pleasure are only meant for me to see and enjoy. Okay? They are mine! You hear me? They are mine, woman, MINE!

Rose suddenly burst out into laughter at his comment, gaining the attention of the others. Clasping a hand over her mouth, she quickly stopped and broke off their silent mind conversation; walking over and began to converse with the others, who were smiling back at her.

From where he stood, Brooklyn couldn't help but smile as she broke off their connection, but couldn't seem to keep his eyes off of her. When he first saw Rose and how beautiful she looked again, she left him breathless. First with her wedding dress, to this one she was wearing. The long, thin, dark blue summer dress was flowy, but hugged her hips and breasts in all the right places. The dress hung low and showed off her beautifully perfect cleavage which made his talons sweat and his heart pound.

She was so beautiful to him and he had to pinch himself every second knowing that the beautiful goddess standing there was his mate and wife. She was beautiful and perfect in his eyes. Everything from her bright hazel eyes, to her smile and laugh, to her waist-long dark red hair, to her body; he loved her with every ounce of his being. Smiling endearingly at her, he watched as she laughed and smiled with his siblings and their mates, and his life was truly complete. He often experienced quiet moments of romanticized slow-motion events as he watched his mate shine like she always did, but underneath that happiness was a creeping feeling of anxiety and worry.

Ever since the Draugr attacks, three weeks ago, he had been incredibly worried for her safety, but he tried to remain cool about it. Not only that, but they also found out that she wasn't a full-blooded Human. While finding that out wasn't too big of a deal for him, it was still a strange thing to think about. It still didn't feel real. The only Third Race beings he knew were Puck, Lady Titania, Lord Oberon and the Three Weird Sisters; all of which were nothing like Rose. She didn't look like a fairy, act like she was better or more powerful than everyone else, and was simply… Human, despite her powerful magic, which is how he preferred her.

He still couldn't believe and was in true amazement and awe over the fact that she held off the Draugr like she did back at the attacks, all by herself. She even managed to kill the remaining Draugr by exploding the chemical warehouse they were in together; while also protecting them both from death. His wife was extremely powerful… but she never basked in it or let it change how she treated people, and that was one of the most awesome things about her. She loved all she met, didn't judge by appearances and was the kindest soul. However, no matter how much he admired his wife, her strength and the way she was able to handle herself during stressful situations, he still was very worried for her well-being, happiness, and safety.

It was made official to them, from Skuld, that she was Hela's and Lord Demetrius' daughter, and with that news, it brought a variety of fear into his heart and mind. He knew that she would not turn evil, because she was too good for that, but it wasn't impossible. Nobody was perfect, and even the most goodliest being could turn evil if certain cards were played right, and though he knew her soul… he knew there was a very strong darkness lurking deep within her. He saw it emerge during Puck's last training a few weeks ago, when he transformed into Kevin and pushed her past her breaking point.

He was still extremely pissed and bothered about that, but now that certain events have transpired, he was secretly grateful that Puck did what he did. They knew just a little bit more about Rose now, and how they could better help her from going down that dark path. But if anyone made it possible for Rose to break and lose all will to be good… it was Kevin. The same day of the Draugr attacks, Kevin's body was taken out of its grave by Demona, in which Rose dreamed that he was brought to life and was now working with Hela in trying to bring her down. They still hadn't heard from Kevin, Hela or even Demona, so it was hard to say that it was true, but the Draugr knew of Kevin… and that haunted him the most.

Some of the most dangerous and lethal beings existing on this earth were out there somewhere; working together to bring the love of his life, down to her destruction and it scared him more than anything. He couldn't lose her and couldn't even fathom these evil beings, especially Kevin, getting a hold of her. It was enough to stop his heart in fear. Ever since the Draugr attacks, he slowly felt the evil beings closing in on them somehow, despite him trying to protect her from it all. And even though things were good and peaceful right now, he could almost sense danger slowly stalking towards them; surrounding them strategically in every way, coming closer with every passing night. Like a ghost in the night.

Everyone's silence from the world of the undead caused him more anxiety than he ever realized would, and knowing Kevin like he did, he would not remain silent, or stay away, for long. His anxious thoughts stormed through his head, poisoning his thoughts, but when he heard his name being called, he snapped out of it.

"Brooklyn?... Babe? Are you okay?"

Blinking, he looked up and was shocked to suddenly see Rose standing in front of him. He could instantly see in her eyes that she looked concerned for him, and he hoped that she hadn't heard his thoughts. He cleared his throat and blinked a few times, trying to look cool and happy.

"Yeah, I'm great." He answered with a smile. "Sorry, my mind just kinda… wandered a little as I've been waiting for the meat to cook. Life is amazing and you're amazing."

She touched his chest and leaned into him while gazing deeply into his eyes, as if trying to peer directly into his soul. Her eyes narrowed slightly, as if she knew that he was withholding something from her, but after a second, she relaxed and smiled lovingly at him.

"Okay, good." She whispered calmly. "I'm glad." She then leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on his lips briefly, before pulling away. His heart leapt happily again at her touch and longed to continue their kiss, taking it deeper and more passionate. Sensing his thoughts, she smiled lovingly at him again, caressed his beak, which always managed to send shivers down his spine, and then glanced down at the grill.

"So, how's the food coming?"

"Good," he answered, lifting the grills hood up to check the meat with a billow of heat and smoke. "We are pretty much there, are we all ready to eat?"

"Yes, I think so."

He smiled down at her, wrapped his arm around her waist and then pulled her to him once again, kissing her again modestly briefly. When they detached, he sighed happily and shook his head at her.

"You're incredible, babe." He said softly. "I'm so damn lucky to have you as my wife and mate. I love you so much."

Rose opened her mouth to react sweetly to his compliment, but couldn't as Broadway suddenly came up to check up on the food. Overly casual, he draped his arms around his and Rose's shoulders playing it like he wasn't hungry.

"Hi guys! How are my two favorite sex-crazed siblings doing?"

"Hey," Brooklyn greeted dryly, immediately bothered, as Rose giggled.

"Hi, Broadway!"

"You know Rose, I think you're misunderstanding the whole 'being mates with Brooklyn thing'." Broadway teased her. "You can still be yourself and don't need to sport red skin or wear blue clothing just because Brooklyn does. What's next? You're going to dye your hair white?"

At his second jab, Brooklyn rolled his eyes and flipped a few burgers with his spatula and growled. "Ha- ha. You're so funny…"

"Pshhh no..." Rose scoffed teasingly, played along. "It's called I'm being patriotic, Broadway. Red, white and blue are the colors on the American flag. I'm just showing my support to my Country. Duh..."

"Ohhh okay. So it has nothing to do with the fact that you are sunburned?" He teased, poking her burned skin. She laughed, but flinched and leaned away from him.

"Nope. That has nothing to do with it."

They laughed at each other, while Brooklyn checked the meat. Seeing that it was done and fully cooked, he closed the lid, whistled loudly and called out, "Yo! Dinner's up! Come and get it."

At hearing those words, Broadway pumped his fists in the air and whooped out, "YES! Finally! I'm starved!"

Then, without wasting another second, he pushed them out of the way, grabbed a paper plate and began dishing up on enough food to feed an entire Human family. Snorting a laugh at herself, Rose watched Broadway pile on the food with awe and slight shock. She slowly turned to look at Brooklyn, who was staring at Broadway with a glare and slowly shaking his head in disbelief.

"Wow… somebody's hungry." Rose whispered to him with a laugh.

"Yeah, he's always been that way. It's kind of embarrassing, actually." Brooklyn replied bitterly.

"Oh, it's not. He's okay…" She replied lightly, trying to be positive while rubbing his arm. "That's what people are here for, right? To eat food and enjoy each other's company."

"Sure, yeah, eat food. Not have a buffet fit for ten people."

Rose snorted out a laugh while leaning into his side, and then crossed her arms over her chest, sighed and suddenly looked nervous.

" I… I just hope I made enough food for everyone." She whispered.

"You did." He whispered back while instantly wrapping his arm around her waist, holding her against his side; his talon resting on her hip bone. "We just made the mistake at inviting the one-man-band over there."

Rose snorted out another laugh briefly, but then rested her hand upon his chest and gently rubbed his pectoral muscle.

"Be nice, babe. He's not eating that much… it's okay."

"No, it's not, Rose. He always pigs out everywhere we go and I'm really getting sick and tired of it." Brooklyn argued quietly. "I'm not being mean, but it's just the truth. He doesn't think of anyone except his stomach sometimes. Broadway has always had this issue. We are just trying to be patient with him, but it's getting old."

"He's fighting a personal battle like the rest of us are everyday." Rose suddenly told him quietly and gently. "You are brothers, warriors and comrades. In a war, if you saw that he was in trouble and overwhelmed with his fight, would you just… leave him on the battlefield and say, 'Well... looks like you're struggling, but you've got this, so uh… we'll leave you to it. Good luck?"

Blinking in surprise at her, he glanced down at her; looking shocked. "No, never."

"Right… well the same thing applies here." She said softly. "He's struggling with a lifelong issue of overeating and controlling his weight. So, perhaps instead of constantly reprimanding, teasing or mocking him for his trial, I think you all should look at his health with more sensitivity. Encourage and uplift him when he makes healthy and conscious strides to be better." She paused, while watching him and then tapped his chest again. "See? Like that. Look at him and Angela."

Brooklyn looked up at what she was pointing at. Broadway was sitting down next to the fire and was sharing the pile of food with himself and her.

"He got food for himself and Angela." She continued gently. "You judged too quickly before knowing the situation."

Feeling a bit ashamed of himself for being rude, he felt slightly downcast. However, before he could overreact, she gently touched the side of his face and forced him to look into her beautiful hazel eyes. She was smiling lovingly at him, leaned forward and kissed him tenderly on the lips. When she released him, she rubbed his beak and whispered, "I wasn't trying to make you feel bad, babe. Just pointing out what I was seeing, is all."

Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes and held her body more tightly against his, breathing in her scent and hair.

"I know… and it's okay. I'm not offended, you're just amazing, Rose." He whispered, cupping her face and caressing a talon over her soft skin. "Thank you for the reminder of being more kind and less judgmental, babe, I needed it because I can judge too quickly sometimes. You're incredible and constantly helping me to be a better leader, mate and Gargoyle with every passing night. Thank you so much." He paused and stared intensely into her eyes. "What would I do without you?"

Rose grinned brightly up at him and shrugged. "I don't know, I'm sure you would get by just fine."

Even though she was teasing him, a pain shot through his heart and that was the most untrue and unfathomable thing that she had ever said to him before. Unable to help himself anymore, he leaned down and pressed his lips against hers, kissing her desperately, but still modestly. Their lips danced with each other for a few moments, before he pulled away and smiled.

"No, I wouldn't be fine and you know that. I love you so much, my love. My sweet angel. Thank you for helping me to be better."

Sensing the pain in his soul and hearing it in his voice, she looked up into his eyes a bit concerned. "Are you okay?"

"Yes… I… I'm fine."

"I wasn't trying to make you feel bad…"

"It's not that." He suddenly said, holding her tightly to him.

"Then what is it?" Rose asked, gently touching his chest. Brooklyn stared down into her eyes for a few seconds, before he slowly smiled and then pulled her into a hug. He closed his eyes, cupped her head against his and gently ran his claws through her hair.

"Brooklyn?" She inquired quietly, still sensing his sadness.

"I love you." He whispered suddenly, while squeezing her body more tightly against his. "I love you so incredibly much, Rose. I just… I just want you to know that."

"I do know that," She whispered, rubbing her hands up and down his back and feeling extremely confused by his behavior. She could sense something was wrong, but when she tried to reach into their connection, he was using all of his energy to keep her closed off from gaining access to his mind. Trying not to feel hurt or worried, she slowly pulled away from him as he cupped her face.

"You're pushing me out from hearing your thoughts." She whispered. "Babe… what's wrong?"

"I'm only doing that because I want to enjoy tonight and not worry about my anxieties, okay? I promise, I will tell you what's bothering me later. Not tonight. Please, Rose? I'm just having anxiety and I ask that we not dig into it right now? You slow dancing with me and surprising me has helped a great deal, so let's just let this night be blissful and romantic." He paused, caressed a talon over her face and smiled gently at her. "I promise, I'm okay."

"Okay…" Rose said with a smile. "Thank you for telling me that much, at least, my love. I just want to make sure you're happy and doing well."

"Well, I am." He lowered his lips to hers, kissed her softly and then pulled up. "I have you, and because of that, life is amazing."

"Thank you." She whispered. "I love you so much. I'm sorry if I offended you with the whole Broadway thing."

"No, you didn't." Brooklyn instantly said, waving her comment away. "It's just that-"

"You are wonderful just the way you are, and are a very good and supporting brother." Rose suddenly said, as if nervous that he wasn't being truthful to you. "Please know that I am very proud of the leader and Gargoyle you are, and are becoming. I was just trying to encourage you to remember that in a world where you can be anything, choosing to be kind and patient, especially to those closest to you, you'll never regret anything."

He stared down at her for a few seconds, smiled and then kissed her forehead again. "You're right, I should be more kind, thank you for your thoughts. I promise I'm not offended by your words, if anything I'm thankful for you because I needed to hear them. I hope to become more like you my love."

"You're welcome." She said kindly, but then chuckled. "And… I don't know about that. I'm not that great, Brooklyn, I have my own issues as you already know. I wasn't trying to be preachy."

"I didn't think you were being preachy. Sometimes I need a kick in the backside, so no worries at all." He paused, smiled as the Clan had all gotten their food and were sitting around the fire pit eating, then glanced down at her. "So, do you want to get yourself a plate of food?"

"Yeah, we should." She said, stepping away from him and getting her own plate of food set up. "Now that I'm finally not nauseated for once, I'm starving."

"I'm glad you're feeling better." Brooklyn said with a smile. "Let's keep it that way."

"I agree." Rose replied, smiling back at him.

"Hey love-birds!" Lexington suddenly called out. "Are you guys going to join us?"

"Yeah, we're coming." Brooklyn replied back.

He and Rose quickly filled their plates up with food, then walked over to sit down on their large and nice outdoor couch, surrounding the fire. They sat down next to each other and began eating and joining in the table conversation, which was random and about various things.

After being there for a few minutes, the conversation moved onto various patrol situations that they've recently been on that were hilarious to them, and Rose smiled as laughter filled the air around them. She was happy to be surrounded by such good company and to be finally feeling better from her nausea. It was still slightly there, but she was more hungry than anything. Diving into her food, she ate and enjoyed the food as she snuggled next to her mate under the stars.

Brooklyn was right, life was amazing.

---

~Three Weeks Ago~

Avalon

Kevin slowly walked along the smoking battlefield that was now burning in his wake. His very first introduction to the magical world of Avalon was one that was sure they would remember for eons to come. He easily took down the twenty Asgardian soldiers that greeted him, but word quickly spread that a threat was there and more soldiers came. When they did, Kevin gave them the same fate that he did the others.

Using his ruthless and cunning skills of killing, and now the power that flowed through his veins from Hela and the Draugr; they were nothing for him. His black combat boots crunched on dead vegetation as he slowly stepped over the wasted corpses that once belonged to Asgardian soldiers and smiled pitifully down at them, shaking his head in disappointment at the fact that they had all failed horribly in protecting their home.

He didn't win this fight all by himself unfortunately, as a portal opened half-way through his violent slaughter, and a group of blood-thirty Draugr burst through helping Kevin take as many Asgardian lives as they could get their claws on; and take lives they certainly did. The bodies that weren't half eaten and mutilized, Kevin made sure were no longer alive. Compared to him or the Draugr, Kevin was the merciful killer.

Fires burned all around them, but luckily for him he was wearing his half-face black respirator mask again, so the smoke did not bother him. A few excited Draugr landed behind him and were making sure any remaining soldiers, who were dying, were quickly eliminated. Some screamed out in terror as the Draugr opened their large mouths and quickly stabbed their teeth into their fleshy necks, ending their screams.

Tisking his tongue, he slowly walked along the carnage when suddenly a hand reached out and grabbed his ankle. Somewhat surprised, he stopped and then glanced down to see Tyr, the first soldier he stabbed, still alive. He was gasping for air, blood was running down his mouth and gushing out of his armor. He held onto Kevin's ankle and with his dying breath, gurgled, "You… won't… win."

Groaning out at his words, Kevin slowly crouched down, while grabbing Tyr by the cuff of his neck.

"Oooh." He cooed mockingly. "I already have."

Then with a slice, Kevin slit his throat, ending his life as he originally meant to. Blood splattered all over his face, hands, boots and legs; and he ignored the pool of blood that was slowly draining out of the Asgardian. Not bothered by it, he stood up, but was suddenly blinded when a white light appeared and lightning, as large as he's ever seen, began striking down the screaming Draugr behind him. It was bright white, blue and its electrical charge shook Kevin down to his core; capable of burning him up right where he stood. He was sure he was going to die.

However, after the blast of thunder, he looked around to see that his back-up Draugr had been destroyed and he was still alive, but all alone.

There, standing in front of him was a very tall being, wearing all white armor, a white cape and looked to be Demetrius's twin, but with slightly different physical traits. Next to the light-blue skinned powerful high-Lord, was another being with long red hair, green skin and looked very similar to Hela, in were accompanied by a large blue skinned Gargoyle male, Three Avalonian witches, and a large white bearded man.

And with a smile, he knew exactly who they were.

"Ah… finally. Some real action." Kevin whispered, knowing they could hear him from the distance. "At last… Lord… Oberon."

---

Lord Oberon and his wife Lady Titania have never been more grateful to be back home in their rightful birthplace of Avalon than they were right now. But it came with a price. For almost three weeks, Titania was held hostage in Hel by his evil brother, Lord Demetrius and when searching for her, Oberon was captured by Hela.

Together, they shared the same cell for a short time before he was able to escape the iron shackles that held his strength and powers in. When his brother released him, allowing him to help Titania, Oberon sucked up just enough power from Hel and escaped the cell with his wife, destroyed the Draugr guards, and returned back to Avalon where both Demetrius and Hela were forbidden to enter.

Now that Oberon knew that his evil brother and his evil queen had teamed up to declare another war, it was a war that they were going to get. The moment he returned, and his powers regained their strength, he and Odin, who stepped in as guardian of Avalon in his absence, had spent the time in hatching up their Avalonian and Asgardian armies to slaughter his brother, the Draugr and Hela. Oberon was putting an end to the children of Hel once and for all. Tensions had been very high between the two families for some time, but now a second war to keep the peace and save all of his 'children' from the evil grasps of the children of Hel, was here and there was no turning back.

Titania had been nursed back to health, but hadn't said much to him since they've been back, and he could sense that his lady was in great distress over the coming war between his brother and her sister; but there was nothing more to be said or done at this point. Oberon, and Odin were in the room, coming up with a plan to begin a war with children of Hel. Oberon and Odin were conversing quietly when suddenly the Weird Sisters came running and bursting into the room.

"My Lord! Come quick!" Phoebe, the blonde headed sister suddenly gasped out.

"Someone from Hel is here on Avalon!" Luna cried out, as Seline screamed, "Asgardian soldiers are being slaughtered!"

Oberon and Odin looked over at each other with wide eyes, then Oberon turned to them.

"Who?" he demanded. "Who from Hel was able to come onto our soil. Who is it?!"

"It's a… a human corpse! A mortal turned immortal!" Seline answered in a deadly voice. "He has the magic of Hela, but the strength and power of a Draugr."

Upon hearing this, Oberon grit his teeth and faced Odin, who wore a look of complete deadliness.

"Let us go and meet with this… immortal…"

"Come quickly, my Lord, we beg of you to make haste! He isn't the only one here! He's brought Draugr with him!" Luna screeched, and the moment Oberon heard that, he cursed himself, ran over to his Titania's mirror and summoned the Gargoyle leader, Gabriel, from the Avalonian Clan.

"Gabriel, to me! QUICKLY!"

Gabriel, a light blue-skinned, blonde-haired and very strongly built male Gargoyle, who was sitting in his chambers with his mate, Ophelia, glanced up in surprise at being summoned by Oberon, but instantly stood up and came. He walked through the mirror and into their chambers with wide eyes.

"My Lord?" Gabriel asked, bowing. "What is wrong?"

"A great threat has come upon Avalon, and I need your fighting skills. Can you aid me in this?"

Upon hearing that Avalon was in danger, he puffed his chest out and stood up taller.

"Of course, my Lord. Where is the threat?"

"Down by the river!" Luna cried out, since they didn't actually know yet. Not wasting any time, with a whoosh of his hand, Oberon instantly transported himself, the sisters, Odi, Gabriel and his Queen to the scene of the slaughter and what met their eyes made them all gasp out in terror.

Hundreds of slain Asgardian bodies laid on the ground with blood soaking the grass. Some were simply slain, but the rest had been mutilated by the Draugr and eaten alive. At this horror-fest, Oberon glanced up with wide-eyes and saw that twenty to thirty Draugr were hissing, laughing and standing behind one man, dressed in all black, with a black respirator covering half of his dead face. Seeing his soldiers laid to waste, Odin roared out in rage, raised his hands up and shot out powerful white and blue lightning from his hands, destroying the Draugr from the battlefield. Their screeches were heard for a moment before their boned, decaying bodies disintegrated into ash with an explosion.

Once they were all destroyed, Odin pulled his powers back and all of them stood and stared at the masked human standing in the middle of it all, with two bloodied swords in his hands.

"Ah, finally, some real action." The masked man whispered in his mechanical voice. "At last… Lord… Oberon."

Oberon stared down at the human with a glare and clenched his hands into fists, standing with Odin and Gabriel, leaving the Weird Sisters and his Queen behind them.

"Who are you?" Oberon immediately demanded in an echoing voice. "And what is the meaning of this outrage! This… unspeakable massacre of my people?!"

"My name is Kevin… and I'm nothing more but a messenger."

Snarling, Oberon gritted his teeth even more. "A messenger from where?"

"It doesn't matter where… so heed my message for I'll only say it once. I've come for the sword Excalibur, but now see that but I am overpowered and right now, it's not possible. So, take these soldiers' death as a forewarning for what's about to come to all of you. The real war is coming." Kevin told them in a dark voice.

Then, suddenly, he waved his hands and opened a portal behind him, stepped back and disappeared.

"My Lord?" Gabriel asked in confusion, as Oberon stared after the mysterious Human with wide eyes and instantly took control.

"Odin, summon all of your soldiers and have them ready to fight. Gabriel, tell your clan and fellow warriors that this evil will be returning to Avalon and we must all be ready for it when it does. Sisters?"

The weird sisters stepped forward with uncertainty.

"Summon all of my Children home and fetch Anubis… he's the only God of Death I can trust at this time. Tell them Avalon is under attack… we need to collect all of our powers together to protect what is ours. And then make sure the Lady of the Lake stands guard over Excalibur still. That is the key for our deaths and it cannot fall into the wrong hands"

They nodded and instantly disappeared as Gabriel stepped forward.

"Protect Avalon… from who?" Gabriel asked nervously. "You are acting like a war is soon coming for us…"

"That's because one is." Oberon said quietly, turning to face the fallen soldiers.

"From where?!"

"Hel… where my fallen and evil brother, Demetrius and his Queen, Hela; rule and reign. They've grown in great power, strength and numbers all of these years, without my knowledge, and now they are coming. Demetrius is rising up against me and wishes to rule, and I fear that I alone am no longer strong enough to battle him."

"He may be stronger than you've ever known… but you are still the rightful Lord and ruler of Avalon, my Lord." Titania finally said, stepping forward; speaking for the first time in hours. "Demetrius is not stronger than you. You still have the final say in his existence. Much like you overthrew your mother, Mab, you must get rid of your brother. You've kept him alive all these years because you love him, but just like I still love my sister… the damage of the past has been too great. We must do what we should have done all those years ago and destroy them for good. Anubis should be the only God of Death in charge."

"True, my Queen." Oberon said, turning to face her. "But this is the beginning of the Second great Avalonian War. They are powerful together… him and Hela."

"Yes… they are. But they are not stronger than all of us, children of Aesir. Avalon will stand with us… with you." Titania said slowly, she then walked forward and placed her hand upon his arm. "My Lord… but what of their child? Rose?"

"What of her?" Oberon asked suddenly a bit coldly.

"She is still in the mortal world with Goliath's Clan, but she is their daughter and they seek to bring her home to Hel. I do not know what plans they have for her, but I feel so strongly that we need to protect the child. They are going to make her a weapon against us, I just know it. We have to protect her from that deadly fate… please my Lord? She is of our blood and is our full-blooded niece."

"The girl is not a concern for me at the moment." Oberon said smugly. "I have more important things than to worry about her."

"Then I will go to her…"

"No, you won't." Oberon snapped. "My love, you are not to leave Avalon again, not while this war is gearing up. That is an order. If you venture into the mortal world then you will be at the mercy of your vengeful sister again." He paused, stepped forward and took her hands in his. "I just got you back, my Queen. I need you, your strength and wisdom by my side. I cannot lose you again."

"But what of Rose?!" Titania begged. "My Lord, she must be warned of what they are planning! Puck needs to know so he can help her! Let's bring him back, please undo his fate and let him return home to us. He will help us, I know it!"

"No, Titania-"

"You say you need my wisdom, and here it is coming from my lips, yet you refuse to listen to it." She continued to urge. "We need the girl on our side, my husband. Possibly Goliath's Clan as well as all of the Gargoyle Clans throughout the world. Hela might have created them, but they are good and noble creatures, who I know will stand with us, just as Gabriel's Clan has! And I know your anger with Puck is fierce, but we need him too... and you know it."

"I agree with your Queen, my Lord." Gabriel suddenly said, stepping forward. "I don't mean to overhear this conversation, but I know Goliath's Clan will help us fight as will other Gargoyle Clans. If we asked, I know they will stand with us."

Oberon opened his mouth in a snarl, but Titania clenched his hands tighter in hers, and leaned her face closer to his, getting his attention on her once again.

"Gabriel is right. Please put the past behind you, my love. All of the hurt, the pride, the hatred… we need them, and we need the girl! She, along with them, could be of use to us! Hela is trying to recruit the girl right now as we speak, to fight on Hel's side. If we reach her first, having her and all of the Gargoyles on our side, is how we might win this war!"

"I've already made up my mind." Oberon said in a finalized voice, squeezing her hands tighter in his. "I shall consider your words, but for right now, it is much too dangerous. I will send the sisters to Goliath's Clan in the mortal world to speak with them, the girl, and Puck; when they return with the rest of the Children. Until then, we must ready and exhaust all other sources before retrieving the girl to fight in a war that she did not ask to be a part of."

"But she is one of us… her Human form is a temporary shape-shifted form. A shell. One that she doesn't know how to break yet" Titania whispered frantically. "She's not really a Human. This is just as much as her fight as it is ours."

"I shall consider it." Oberon whispered, gently kissing her on the forehead. "Fear not, my Queen, and please have faith in me. I shall soon set this all right again and when the time is right, we shall send for her."

With that, he turned from her and placed his hand upon Gabriel's shoulders, discussing war plans, as she looked out at the horrible and sickening gore fest in front of her. Unable to help herself, tears slowly fell down her tears, grieving the lost lives. Ever since she was captured by Demetrius, she knew time had already run out and they were too late.

"No, my Lord…" She breathed to herself in a sob, tormented that she couldn't disobey his wishes again and take leave of Avalon to warn the girl. "The time to act is now."

---

Kevin stepped through the portal from Avalon back into Hel, in Demetrius' and Hela's castle, and was instantly met with a very angry Demetrius. He was glaring at Kevin, with arms crossed across his armored chest, and his yellow eyes piercing his.

"Well?" Demetrius snarled. "Where is it? Where is Excalibur?"

"I didn't get it." Kevin answered smoothly. "Myself, and the Draugr you sent to assist me killed a bunch of Asgardian soldiers; however before I could venture more into Avalon, I was met with Oberon, Titania, a Gargoyle, the weird sisters and a white bearded God… who's name escapes me, but looked enraged by me killing the soldiers."

"That would have been Odin. All father of Asgard… God of war." Demetrius answered angrily. "Which means that your act of killing has now started this war and without a way to DESTROY Oberon, we are now very under prepared. We have no weapon!"

"If you want to place blame, then look in the mirror." Kevin snarled, looking cool and unconcerned by Demetrius' rage. "It is not my fault that Oberon is back in Avalon and at full-power. If you hadn't released your brother from his iron chains, he wouldn't have escaped in the first place."

"WHY YOU-!"

"Hang on." Kevin said calmly, before Demetrius could rip him apart. "Now that he's back on Avalon, his strength is back and he's gearing up for war. You must have a plan E or F at this point? Excalibur can't be the only weapon of plan you have in mind to kill Oberon and his children… right?"

"It's not our only weapon." Hela suddenly said, stepping into the conversation from the side, before Demetrius could blow his lid at Kevin's insolent words. They both looked over at her in surprise, and she looked as if she was ready to go to war. She was dressed in a black armored suit, her waist long jet- black hair down and straightened, her shoulders open and exposed, with a black cape coming out from them. Her eyes were glowing red and she looked dead serious. From her tone, Kevin knew exactly who she was talking about.

"If you say your daughter, my ex-wife is your grand and oh-so-powerful weapon, I just might slit my own throat and end this farce right now."

"Be our guest." Demetrius snarled.

"Enough of this." Hela snapped, looking from Kevin to her husband with disdain in her eyes. "True, nothing has gone our way so far, but we aren't weaponless! As…" she turned to face Kevin. "Asinine as you are to work with Kevin, I have made you for a reason. For weapons; we have you, a curse that'll destroy all life on this Earth, the rest of the Draugr are ready for battle and now our daughter is ready to transform into the daughter of death that she was meant to be." Hela finished in a deadly voice. "Since we were unable to secure Excalibur, we will continue with our last resort, and original plan. I've given Rose all the time she needs to grow in her magic, and even though we lost Skuld and his troop, her magic has proven to me that she is ready."

Interested, Kevin smiled at her. "What are you saying?"

Slowly, Hela turned to face Kevin as she went to stand by her husband, who was watching her with zero emotions. Hela placed her hand upon his shoulder, turned and then eyed Kevin with great contempt.

"Bring Rose to us." Hela whispered. "Fail… and I will not hesitate to kill you. Succeed, and you shall have her as your wife again, if that is what you wish. But bring her to us… alive. Do what you wish to the others, but she is to come home. You have one full day to accomplish this, for we are to go to war in a few days. We have to ready the rest of our curse… which Demona is aiding us with."

"One day here means a month on Earth." Kevin mused. "So how many days are we talking until you release the curse?"

"The curse will be ready in one month, Avalon time, one year in the mortal world." Hela replied. "But once you bring Rose to us, it will not matter anymore what Earth's time is. You have one day, Avalonian time, to bring her back home."

"You're going to release me to the mortal world, for one whole month their time, and let me hunt down my ex- wife?"

"Yes, I'm glad you're good at math." Hela replied darkly. "Go… and do not fail us again."

"Don't you want to come with me?" He asked lightly. "Surely you two want to meet your daughter finally?"

At this, Hela smiled widely and whispered, "Don't worry, I plan to. We are preparing the curse, and I'm needed here for it. Once you have Rose, I'll come."

"You've got it, see you then." Kevin said while opening the portal. Without another word, he walked through into the mortal world. When he walked through the wispy black and red portal doorway and out into Manhattan's Central Park, he smiled through his mask and began laughing mechanically.

"Hello… New York. I'm back."

---

~Present time~

Manhattan

Everyone had eaten their dinner and the food was put away. Rose, Brooklyn, the couples, Hudson, Elisa, Bronx and Goliath were all playing Pictionary and laughing a great deal. They split up into couples, but not mates. Rose was paired with Hudson, Elisa and Lexington, and all were playing against Broadway, Goliath, Akira, Brooklyn and Angela; and of course, things had gotten competitive. The teams were slightly uneven, but it didn't matter. Not to Rose anyway.

Laughing, she, Elisa, Lexington and surprisingly Hudson were all very good at drawing things quickly; so when they were asked to draw what the card said, they were able to hold themselves up against the other team. But the game was very close, and they were barely winning by one point. One full game went by, and by tooth and nail, Rose's team barely won.

"Times up!" Akira called out, and instantly Rose, Lexington, Elisa and Hudson cried out happily; as Broadway groaned, "Damn… we lost again! We can't pair Rose and Lexington up on a team anymore, they dominate every time!"

Rose giggled. "Nah, we just barely won. You guys were a point behind us every round. I say it was a very close game."

Brooklyn was lounging on the couch, staring at her with a smile and reached his claw out to her. "Good game, babe."

Reaching out, she took it and he pulled her onto his lap, wrapping his arms tightly around her. He leaned his lips forward and began kissing her, as she was giggling. Then his kissing turned into him tickling her. Rose burst out in laughter, trying to wiggle free from his grasp but he held her tightly and didn't relent.

"Mercy, Brooklyn! Mercy!" Rose cried out, laughing. He was laughing along with her, but then stopped and held her tightly on his lap.

"Alright, mercy granted." Brooklyn whispered, kissing her shoulder, just as Hudson warily got to his feet, and stretched.

"Dinner was wonderful, thank you for the invite, Rose and Brooklyn. I'm off to visit my friend Jeffrey, so I hope everyone has fun watching the fireworks."

"Bye Hudson!" A few of them called out, and Rose watched her 'grand-father' leave their party.

"Thank you for coming." She called out with a smile, and to her joy, he came walking over and gently took her hand in his claws.

"This was fun." He said happily. "Thank you for inviting all of us. Enjoy yourselves tonight, you deserve it lass."

With that, he pulled away from her, walked to the edge of her rooftop and then took off. Rose watched him leave and glide farther away, when Elisa and Goliath also stood up. Elisa yawned, stretched and sighed, "I've gotta get going as well. Unfortunately, it's one of the busiest nights for Cops. After fireworks, what are the rest of you all planning on doing?"

"Myself and Bronx will go back to the Castle where I will catch up on some of my reading and protect the castle and egg until others return. If you should need anything, we all are wearing our radios."

Everyone nodded, and Brooklyn spoke up, "Yeah, Rose and I are going on a date after the fireworks, but we will be around should anything extreme come up. We all plan on doing patrols while we are out."

Elisa nodded, smiling at her family.

"Well, have fun and be safe everyone. I'll talk with all of you later." She then turned, as everyone said good-bye to her, and walked over to her mate.

Goliath instantly pulled her small frame into his huge arms and hugged her tightly. Rose smiled at the two, and even though she had her own incredible inter-species romance of her own, watching the very first Gargoyle/Human romance right in front of her was heart-melting. Goliath whispered a few things in Elisa' ear, which made her blush and smile, then she slowly looked up into his eyes and he quickly leaned down and pressed his lips to hers. They kissed deeply, but briefly, before Elisa turned and walked away. Her waist-long black hair moved in the warm wind behind her, and with the moonlight shining showing off the blue-hue within the black hair color, and there was a new spring in her step.

As she watched Elisa walk away, she suddenly had a thought and wasn't sure if she should ask her or not. Elisa had always been loyal and easy to talk to, and she always encouraged Rose to come to her if she had any questions or things she wished to discuss, since she was the only one who understood being Human and having a Gargoyle mate. And Rose did have a question or a series of questions. Instantly making up her mind, she jumped up from Brooklyn's lap and quickly followed after her.

"Elisa, wait up! I'll walk you out."

"Oh, thanks Rose." Elisa turned and smiled at her. Together, they descended the stairs together until they were inside her cozy home. "That was a really good dinner! You and Brooklyn seem to be finding a nice balance in marriage, even more than Goliath and I have."

"Well, I'm sure it's different because Goliath's the Clan leader." Rose said, trying to be positive, as they entered her kitchen. "Brooklyn takes being the Second-in-Command very seriously, but he doesn't have the weight or complete responsibility of the whole Clan's safety and well-being on his shoulders, and mind, all the time like Goliath does. So I guess that helps. And besides, your career is a lot more grueling and time consuming than mine is. I think you two have a fine balance with what you have to work with. Goliath is head over heels in love with you, and you with him, and I think your guys' relationship is very special and beautiful."

Elisa smiled at her and nodded. "Yes, I think it's special and beautiful, as well. It's different, for sure, but we've made it work out and we are very happy."

Rose smiled at her, but stayed quiet and bit her lip; unsure how to bring up her question. She watched Elisa grab her red jacket and zip it over her black tee-shirt. Sensing that she was being watched, Elisa glanced over at her and instantly saw how nervous she was.

"Hey… you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm great." Rose replied simply, nodding her head; but her mind was full of questions and she wasn't sure how to ask her. Elisa stared at her for a few seconds, adjusted her jacket's collar and then nodded at her answer.

"Okay. Well, thanks again for tonight, it was fun. I'll see you later."

Elisa walked away from her, reached out and grabbed the front door handle, making Rose act upon her questions, now or never.

"Actually… Elisa. I have uh… a question to ask you really fast."

Elisa stopped with her hand on the door handle, dropped her hand and then turned to face her.

"Sure, what's up?"

Rose closed her eyes, took a deep breath and then opened her eyes to look into Elisa's honey brown ones. "I uh… I hope this isn't an insensitive question, but I need to ask your opinion on something… a bit personal."

Elisa smiled, crossed her arms across her chest and nodded. "Go on, I'm an open book. Ask me anything."

"Do you and Goliath… um…" She paused again, bit her lip and then forced it out. "Do you and Goliath ever talk about having children… together? Or um… has that been an… impossible thing to achieve since you're a Human and he's a Gargoyle?"

At her question, Elisa blinked in shock and even though she said that she was an open book, her question seemed to trigger something sad inside of her, making things a bit uncomfortable all of a sudden. Elisa took a deep breath, lowered her head and moved her long hair away from her face and behind her ear, and seeing the sadness on her face, Rose instantly felt awful for prying.

"Oh Elisa… I… I'm-"

"No, no." Elisa suddenly said, holding a hand up. "It's alright, Rose. You- you don't have to apologize. Your question is a valid one, since you are the only other Human in a mated Gargoyle Clan that we know of. You've been intimate with Brooklyn, as I've been with Goliath, and it only makes sense to wonder if children can come about from that act of love and procreation."

Rose stepped closer to her and placed her hands upon Elisa's, thirsty for an answer. "Can it?"

"For me?... No. It's becoming very obvious that my body can't support Goliath's DNA as a Gargoyle." Rose blinked in surprise and stared at her.

"How are you so sure that it's impossible to conceive with him?"

At her question, Elisa smiled sadly, squeezed her hands and took a deep breath; the sadness within her eyes made Rose's heart hurt.

"I have been with Goliath intimately as his mate for two years now." Elisa explained quietly, and though her eyes were sad, her voice remained strong and steady. "I have spoken with Doctor Sato and even though I am in my thirties, I am healthy and my reproductive health is still good and fertile. However… with Goliath, at least, I am unable to produce a child with him." She paused, and Rose continued to stare at her, not daring to ask why. When Elisa was ready, she told her the rest of what she had been longing to know, but wished she didn't find out.

"Over these past two years, I have had countless miscarriages, Rose. I've now lost track of how many exactly, but the last one I believe was fifty. Some were almost immediate, but others… I would find out that I was pregnant, to only lose it a month in. None of them have lasted past the twelve week mark. My body just… flushes the fetus out because my body doesn't recognize what it is."

At hearing this, Rose's heart sunk into her stomach and she felt like she could easily throw up once again, this time out of heartbreak for one of her best friends. She slowly raised her hand from Elisa's and touched it to her mouth; wishing she didn't ask, bothered that she pried. However, despite that shame, she couldn't' seem to keep the questions from flowing from her mouth, this time out of complete shock and concern.

"Oh… Elisa!" Rose gasped in a shaky voice. "I- I am so sorry! I had no idea…"

"It's alright." Elisa said quietly. "I haven't told anyone… not even my own parents. It's just something that Goliath and I share together, a burden that we are faced with. It's not anyone's fault… he and I chose each other, knowing the risks. Even though it's heartbreaking, and it's something I want with him, it's just not meant to be… biologically, at least."

"What do you mean?" Rose asked.

"Goliath and I do really want a child together, but biologically it's not looking likely. So, I've gotten on birth control and don't plan on coming off of it ever again. However, he and I have talked about adoption. It would most likely be a Human child, but I've worked a good career and have a lot of money saved up since I've ever settled down. The child would be in my name, but Goliath and I will be its sole parents." She smiled to herself, tossed her long black hair away from her face and said, almost to herself, "He said that he loves me with his entire soul and supports me with whatever I choose; and would love whatever child I bring into this life. He will be its father."

Rose slowly lowered her hand from her mouth and placed it on her chest, while still clutching onto Elisa's hand with the other.

"I am so sorry for bringing up that hurt…" Rose whispered, feeling extremely emotional. Now that she knew that she and Goliath had been trying for children, but terribly unsuccessful, Rose was unsure if she should even tell her that she believed that she was pregnant with Brooklyn's child.

"It's okay." Elisa said softly with a meaningful smile. "You didn't know, but I've come to term with it."

"When… when was the last miscarriage?" Rose asked, shaking her head in disbelief.

"At Christmas." Elisa replied in a numb voice. "After that security guard, Adam, shot me in the shoulder; when Kevin attacked the castle and bombed my car. I didn't know I was pregnant until I went to the hospital later to have the bullet in my shoulder cared for. As I was lying in the hospital bed, I started cramping horribly and bleeding everywhere. The staff freaked out and didn't know what was going on. They thought it was another injury, an internal one, that was making me hemorrhage; but since I had so many miscarriages I knew this was one of them. I told them there was a chance that I was pregnant and had a history of miscarriages. And I was right. We quickly found out that I was pregnant and miscarrying." She stopped talking and looked very emotional all of a sudden.

"They tried all they could to help me, but it was too late. The fetus was only a few weeks along, so there was nothing really to see. But this time was different for me, more traumatic, I guess. Being in front of an audience, when I usually dealt with my miscarriages alone, was my breaking point. I told Goliath about it when I came back and told him that I was done; and he agreed. For my health, for my emotional health, for my happiness- he didn't want me to hurt or suffer anymore. He held me as we both cried… a great deal… but eventually we moved on and agreed that there are other ways of having a child, and at the end of the night, if all other options don't work out, we still have each other, our love and the Clan. So, I called up Dr. Sato the day after Christmas, asked him to make me a birth control prescription and he did. I've been taking them every day and I haven't looked back on that decision since then."

Rose stared at Elisa, unsure what to do or say to her and didn't realize that she had been crying until Elisa chuckled softly, reached forward and wiped tears away from her face.

"It's okay, Rose." Elisa whispered as tears came to her own eyes. "It's sad, yes, but you don't need to cry or be upset for me. You, of all people, know that this life is full of trials and hardships. This is merely mine and Goliath's to deal with and we are at peace with it."

Rose blinked and slowly reached her own hand up to wipe her tears away, shocked that her face was wet with them.

"I… I…" She tried to say, but words weren't coming to her. Strangely enough, she actually felt a great deal of shame and guilt rip through her. The stress that Kevin brought during that attack must have made Elisa miscarry, and even if it wasn't a sure thing that the pregnancy would stick the full term, Rose couldn't help but wonder if that time would have been it or not, had it not been for Kevin.

Elisa held her hand tighter and seemed to read her mind somehow. "Hey, don't do that. It's no one's fault… not Kevin's, not mine, Goliath's, yours… no one's. It's alright, Rose. I'm good, I promise. You… you don't have to say anything."

"I do." Rose said. "But all I can manage is that… I'm sorry, Elisa. I had no idea… and I can't imagine the pain in which you've endured. The pain that both you and Goliath have gone through. I've been so caught up in my own stupid problems that it hasn't even registered to me that other things could be going on. And yet, you guys have lost so much and have still been there for me."

"Of course." Elisa said with eyebrows raised. "True, we've had it rough lately, but we haven't had demons of death hunting me down. You've been focusing on surviving, Rose, no one blames you for doing that."

"I feel so selfish though..."

"For focusing on yourself for a change and fighting for your life?" Elisa asked, looking more surprised and confused. "I don't see how that's selfish. Pure instinct, yes, but not selfish."

"I guess." Rose said, still feeling numb and frozen where she stood. With that, Elisa dropped her hands and smiled sadly at her.

"Don't worry about me, Rose." Elisa whispered. "I'm good, really, I am! You are such a kind-hearted person, one who is always thinking of others; don't punish yourself for not knowing what Goliath and I were going through. There wasn't anything you could do to help, but knowing that your desire is there, is enough to warm my heart. Thank you."

Rose still stood frozen, when Elisa walked forward and tightly wrapped her in a brief hug. They hugged for a few seconds, when Elisa pulled away; smiling down at her.

"I've got to get going." She said, glancing down at her watch. "But uh… was there something else you wished to talk about? Or was wanting to know the possibility of us having children together something you were truly wondering?"

Rose continued to stand frozen, unsure what to say or think; and her silence seemed to tell Elisa all she was questioning. Her smile faded and she slowly walked closer to her.

"Is… is there something going on, Rose?" She asked, and then gasped. "Are you… and Brooklyn-?"

Elisa didn't finish her question, and even though Rose didn't know the answer for sure, she knew what she was asking. Even if Rose was pregnant, she wouldn't tell her. She couldn't; it didn't seem right, or fair- not after what horrors and heartbreak Elisa had gone through.

"No." Rose lied, coming out of her stunned silence and shook her head. "No um… I'm still on birth control… I was just um… curious is all."

"Oh." Was Elisa's answer, and Rose felt awful for lying.

In truth, she had no idea if she was pregnant or not. She hadn't yet taken a test, but all the symptoms were there. However, now she was wracked with more than guilt for possibly being pregnant when Elisa could not seem to hold a pregnancy. She now also had the fear that if it was true, that her body would also reject the baby, and she and Brooklyn would go through the same heartbreak and loss that Elisa and Goliath did.

Rose knew what she was capable of handling, but Brooklyn had been through so much pain and worry; all thanks to Kevin. He also took the same risk of being Rose's mate, like Goliath did with Elisa, despite them being different. But Goliath had Angela; and Brooklyn first love and mate was her. The desire for him to be a father was there, and it was incredibly great; which made Rose feel all the more grief-stricken and sad if she couldn't provide that want for him.

Rose and Elisa stared at each other for a few seconds, before Elisa slowly backed away.

"We'll talk later, okay?" She said, opening the door. "Go back up there and don't worry about me, sweetie. Have a nice and enjoyable night with your mate, be selfish for once and be happy. You've gone through so much darkness and horror-filled nights, it's okay to be happy and relish in your own peace for a change."

Rose forced herself to smile and nodded. Elisa slipped through the door, shutting it behind her, and left her to stand alone thinking about all that Elisa had confided in her. It wasn't something that she would be sharing with anyone else, that wasn't her place, but it instilled more questions in her mind.

Minutes passed and she still stood frozen, somehow unable to move from her spot; when a second-long lightning sensation passed through her entire body from her abdomen. Gasping out, she lifted her hands up and grasped onto her flat stomach. She didn't have time to try to contemplate that feeling again, it wasn't as breath-taking as when it first happened down at the beach, but this one was almost a small reminder that seemed to say, yes, I'm still here.

She stood there and held her stomach, unsure what to think or feel. Something was definitely inside of her… she knew it now by the felt its soul, even for a second.

"Rose?" Brooklyn's voice suddenly entered the room; making her jump and scream a high-pitched scream. She whipped around to face him, and when she did, his eyes went wide as he jumped. She seemed to scare him just as badly as he did her.

"Oh my gosh, Brooklyn." She gasped out with a laugh, placing her hand upon her chest. "It's just you."

"Who else would I be?" He exclaimed, looking completely alarmed.

"No one." She answered, shaking her head. "I'm so sorry for screaming- I didn't hear you behind me, or felt our connection like I normally do, and you scared me."

"I'm so sorry." He said, calming down, stepping over to her. "I didn't mean to scare you, my love. I just came to see where you went. Goliath just barely left with Bronx and it's getting close to ten-fifteen. The fireworks are starting soon."

"Oh, right." She said nodding. "I was just showing Elisa out. We… we can go now."

She smiled at him, but Brooklyn didn't smile back as he got closer to her. She still had one hand over her stomach; and for a moment she wasn't sure if he felt that twinge in their connection or not, or if it was just her that could feel it.

"Sweetheart… are you alright?" He suddenly whispered, reaching his claws out to her hips and pulling her close to him. "You look sad, worried… and like… you were crying a minute ago." He paused, and his dark-brown eyes lingered down her body and saw her holding her stomach. "Are you still feeling ill?"

"I… I'm fine." She answered a bit lamely, and she knew he didn't believe her so she pressed. "Really I am… Elisa just um… confided something confidential to me and it… it made me feel really sad for her is all."

"Really?" He asked in surprise, clearly it was news to him as well that Elisa had been having a rough go. "What's wrong… is she alright?"

"Yes."

"What did she say to you?" He asked, caressing a claw up to her face, while sliding the other around her lower waist and upper backside. Rose closed her eyes at his touch, but slowly shook her head and turned away from him; holding onto her arms.

"I can't say. It wouldn't be right… it's hers and Goliath's secret to tell, not mine."

"Then why did she tell you?" He asked, coming back closer to her and resting his claws upon her bare shoulders. Brooklyn's body was hot against hers, and even though the situation was semi-serious, she could feel his great desire for her. The heat flooded from his entire body and seemed to wave into hers. He lowered his face down on top of her neck, and wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Because I asked her a question and she answered it by telling me something that she and Goliath have gone through in private. It made me cry for her… and that's it. She didn't actually ask me to keep it a secret, but if I were her, I would not want anyone to say anything until I was ready to tell more people."

"Including your mate?" Brooklyn purred against her skin, making her shudder slightly. "The one who knows your every thought without much effort?"

Rose exhaled a laugh, turned in his grasp and let him hold her body tightly to his, as she rested her face against his, while caressing her hand up and down his beak.

"Just… we'll talk about this later, perhaps. Okay? And please don't read my mind, my love, I would feel awful if you found out and Elisa didn't want the Clan to know."

"Relax, babe." Brooklyn breathed, kissing her lightly on her nose. "I was kidding. I would never betray your mind or trust like that. I can understand and appreciate you keeping Elisa's secret from others until she's ready to tell us. That's admirable, my love."

"Yeah… well… I guess." Rose breathed, leaning into his body; loving and needing more of his touch. She softly kissed his beak and then smiled up at him.

"Let's not make the others wait any longer." He said softly, smiling back at her, and she nodded in silent agreement. When he started to pull away, she suddenly still needed more of his touch. Without saying anything, she squeezed his claw and pulled herself back to him, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck and digging her face and lips against his red skin.

"Whoa there-" Brooklyn laughed, having to take a few steps backwards as she clung to him, but he instantly responded to her hug. He wrapped his arms around her body, and squeezed her tightly to him. These were the moments that they both lived for.

Without needing to say anything, he could feel that his mate needed him to hold her, needed his comfort; and he needed her. Their connections flowed gently between them, and even though there was something in their connection, like a small disturbance of some sort, he could feel that she was happy but knew of its presence. He closed his eyes, cupped the back of her head and sank his beak down into her amazing smelling hair.

Brooklyn knew she would confide in him when she was ready, but he still worried for her. Whatever was going on, whatever he felt in their connection, she knew about and was keeping it from him; but he wasn't going to pry. Just like Rose was doing for Elisa, he was doing the same for her. He knew something secret was going on, but he was going to remain patient and supportive until she came to him; unless he felt it endangered her life.

Minutes passed as they silently held onto each other; both of their minds connected, yet thinking separate thoughts. Rose ran her fingers through his long white hair and breathed on his skin, longing to be held for a moment longer and feel his warm body against hers; and his hot breath was running down her neck, intensifying this moment together. Finally, Brooklyn slowly lifted his head off of hers, kept her body against his and smiled down at her. Her hazel eyes looked dazed as if she truly wasn't there, but after she blinked, he could feel that she was back from searching her own mind and its thoughts.

"Will you also tell me what's going through your mind soon?" He suddenly asked boldly, taking her by surprise once again. She raised her head off of his bare chest and had to crank her head upwards to look into his eyes. His eyes were intensely gazing into hers, and though they held concern, they were kind and sincere. Just like they were the first night they met when a gunman was about to kill her; the very first time she ever met him and he saved her life.

"I know something is up, Rose, but I'm trying to give you space since it's not life-threatening… or at least I can feel that it isn't."

"What… what do you mean?" She asked quietly, and they both knew that he wasn't a fool.

"Don't do that." Brooklyn said softly, forcing himself to be patient. "You know what I'm talking about. I can feel that something is… weird about our connection… and I honestly don't know how else to describe it other than that, but you know about it and feel it too." He paused, raised an eye bone at her and exhaled deeply. "Whatever is bothering you, whatever it is that is on your mind… you can tell me and I'm here for you. I won't force myself to read your thoughts against your will, unless your life was in danger, but I would like you to confide in me soon please. I love and support you no matter what, Rose. You know that, and even though we've been through some tough times, I'm here for you if there's more to tackle. If it's more hardship, then we'll do it together."

Rose stared up at her mate with wide eyes and slowly opened her mouth, but couldn't find the words or oxygen to properly express what was on her mind. It seemed too complicated at the moment, too much for even her… but he was right. She needed to stop holding secrets in and let him help her.

"Thank you." Was all that she could muster through an exhaled breath, smiled up at him, touched his face and then slowly leaned forward and kissed him. "I will talk to you about this very soon, I promise. I just… need to find out some answers for myself first before I bring it up to you."

Thinking her answer would be good enough for him, she was surprised when it wasn't. His beak had formed into a hard line and slowly he lowered his claws from her waist. The hurt and anger in his eyes shot through her like a bullet, and when he turned away from her, she reached out and placed a hand upon his chest, stopping him.

"Babe?" She tried to say, but he whipped around and faced her; inches from her.

"I don't accept that answer, Rose." Brooklyn said in a hushed tone. "I know I said I wanted tonight to be worry-free; but you are hiding something from me and it's disconcerting. If you don't want to tell me yet, then… fine, but don't be surprised as I tell you that it hurts my feelings. When you don't tell me things, I feel like you don't trust me. I'm trying to be patient with this, but I also know that you hold things in and whatever is bothering you, is making you sick… making you cry and beyond tired… you pretend that I can't see it, but I'm not an idiot, Rose. I can see these things and I'm growing worried." He paused, stared down into her wide-eyed face and sighed a more calming tone, as he gathered her back into his arms. "Babe… I just don't understand why you won't let me in. Haven't I proven to be a more loving, trustworthy and better spouse than Kevin ever was…?"

Seeing where he was coming from, Rose gasped out and couldn't believe that he was thinking she didn't trust him; and that he was comparing himself to Kevin. When it came to their marriages, Kevin's came nowhere near close to Brooklyn's ability to love her.

"Sweetheart… no!" She gasped out, grasping onto him. "That's not it at all."

"Then why can't we find out answers together?" He whispered. "Let me in, Rose, please. Tell me what's going on. I want to help you out… perhaps I can help you find these answers…?"

"Because I don't want to scare you!" Rose suddenly whispered back. "I don't want to worry you if it's nothing."

"You don't want to scare me?" He asked as his eyes widened with worry. "Nothing scares me much, except for the thought of losing you. It… so this is something bad! I do need to be worried… !"

"Brooklyn, no." Rose breathed, placing a hand against his mouth to stop him from talking. "Please listen to me, okay? You don't need to be worried, I'm fine. I'm just… feeling sick and you're right, something… strange… has been felt through our connection. I can't explain it either and I don't know what it is, but I'm hoping that some medical tests can point me in the right direction. Tomorrow morning I will meet with Doctor Sato and have him give me a physical examination. Once I find out some answers, ones that the medical and science world can explain to me, then I will tell you. Regardless of what the tests tell me, I will tell you what is going on and what I feel is happening. Sound fair?"

"But-" He tried to argue through her hand, but she gently lowered her hand from his mouth.

"You and I are one, Brooklyn." Rose whispered. "I do trust you… and never do I ever want to hear you compare yourself to Kevin, because… there's just… no comparison. Understand? You are the most loving, patient, understanding, kind and most… incredible husband and mate. I am sorry for hiding things… I don't mean to do so, but I am only trying to internalize what's going on. I'm not used to having someone equal to me, share my same thoughts, and I only want to understand them first before we discuss them. I know that you want to help me, and if this were you, I would be pushing to help you as well. But please my love, can we just go out and have fun for now? I want us to have this night together, worry-free. I don't want to think about anything bad…" Rose closed her eyes, leaned her face against his and began caressing his face, making him breathe deeper and hold her tighter to him. "I want to laugh, smile, kiss and make memories with you and the others. I want us to go back to that place of romance and bliss. Trust me to tell you tomorrow night, but please give me this night Brooklyn."

Slowly, he opened his eyes and internalized her words. After a few minutes, he finally smiled at her and his worried eyes melted away, being replaced with love for her.

"Okay." He breathed against her face. "I can do that, my love. I will give you this night and I will make it one to remember… if you promise to tell me the truth tomorrow night what's on your mind."

Rose smiled gently at him, eased her face closer to his and barely grazed her lips to his.

"It's a deal."

Brooklyn growled, pulled her at her and crushed his lips to hers; kissing her fiercely. Even though it was brief, it still took her breath away. He smiled at her when he pulled away and saw her reaction, then intertwined his talons through her fingers.

"Come on…" He beckoned her towards the patio door. "Our night of fun, happiness and romance starts right now…" With a grin, she tightened her grip around his hand and followed him out of their home, not bothering to lock up the patio door behind them.

---

Their house remained in silence for a few minutes, nothing moving, nothing out of place. While they, and the other couples leapt off the rooftop of their home to head towards fireworks at the Statue of Liberty, a smash of glass was heard in the silent house from their master bathroom window.

A figure, wearing all black suddenly descended down from the ceiling and looked around the darkened bathroom. His black combat boots landed on top of the shattered glass, his breathing loud and mechanical through the silence. Silently the creature walked through the bathroom, taking all of it in, then he slowly opened the door that led out to the master bedroom.

Kevin slowly looked around with great fury and contempt.

Here, in this room, was where most of the 'magic' happened, where the red-skinned monster mated in great heat with his ex-wife… with the woman he used to make scream. He felt like throwing up, if he had anything to throw up in his empty body by the very thought of her having sex with the Gargoyle. Walking around, their apartment was slightly smaller than his and Rose's was; and a lot more her style than his. His and Rose's apartment was modernized, fancy, and a lot nicer than this one was. However, this one had a great patio up top the roof, one that Kevin did like.

As he looked around the dark room, he couldn't seem to stop staring at the large king-sized bed; couldn't stop thinking about what the damn Gargoyle would do to her on that bed. What he used to do in bed with her. Pictures of her and Brooklyn were lined all over the bedroom, he was on a motorcycle, dressed in sunglasses, a helmet and a leather jacket; and they were all smiles. Their happiness and love for each other was obvious and sickening to him. Rose's eyes were twinkling the pictures in a way that they did not shine when he was her husband.

Just then, something strange happened to him; even though his heart had been stilled thanks to Brooklyn; he still felt his heart break. The rage of losing Rose to him, losing all that he had with her, came crashing into him like a wave; and more than anything he longed to rip his heart out and crush it in his fingers so that he couldn't feel anything anymore. Then his brain, so he couldn't think of her anymore.

With an enraged growl, he whipped himself from their bedroom and walked out into the living room. Rage pulled at his heart even more, but with every step into the living room, his heartbreak and rage only grew with each step. Again, there were pictures of them lined everywhere. Flowers were in a vase, ones that he gave to her no doubt, love letters were everywhere, and on a wall; a very large canvas picture of her and the monster in wedding attire.

Kevin didn't need to breathe to live as his new life was cursed by Hela and the Draugr, but he still couldn't seem to catch his breath. He crouched down, holding himself and couldn't believe that entering her home would bring him down to his knees, to offer him a weakness. Yes, he loved her once, but this was a whole new level of hurt and betrayal. A whole new level of hatred and rage.

He was dead, thanks to her and her beloved mate, and yet, here he was still losing, still being mocked by what he lost.

Damn her, damn him… damn them all… He thought to himself, trying to calm down, but hatred flowed through him like never before. He was here to scope the place out, find out how to attack her really good. He wanted to take them down… while still leaving some pieces left of Rose for Hela and Demetrius. They promised him revenge, and this was his last shot at it.

So far, Rose knew he was gone from his grave; but she had no idea how close he was to taking her. How very close he was to making her pay for what she's done; and scream again… for and because of him. He wanted to make himself known, without blowing his plan.

Slowly, he stood up and was going to leave a message for them, loud and clear, but for now; he wanted to haunt Rose slowly and watch her lose her mind. Hela said she was going to send her more visions and nightmares again, and when Hela gave her a nightmare when she fell asleep after their 'romantic' date, Kevin wanted to be there to haunt her further, let her know that he was indeed alive and real again.

Walking over to her bookshelf, he searched for a book that he knew she had. One that she had when they were married as Rose was always a sucker for romance novels, but she also loved Shakespeare; especially, 'Romeo and Juliet.'

Finally seeing it, Kevin grabbed the book from the shelf and started to rummage through its pages. When he found what he was looking for, he ripped the page out and then put the book back. Smiling to himself behind his mask, he then walked up to every picture of her and Brooklyn, and slugged his fists against the small picture frames, shattered them. Then he grabbed the large picture of their marriage and ran a knife through it, ripping it to shreds. Dropping the broken wedding picture on the ground, he slowly walked back to their bedroom, broke every single picture again; then once every memory of them together, destroyed; he placed the paper with the poem down on her pillow, with his signature gift to her.

Pleased with how simple yet haunting it was, and knowing this would be a proper build up to what he had coming for her next, he slowly stalked out of their home, going through the patio. Brooklyn would sense his smell, the one of rotting flesh and decay, the moment they returned home; and it was everything he wished for. Kevin wanted Brooklyn to worry himself senseless for his mate, Rose to faint with fear, working herself up to be weak and helpless against him and Hela's influences. He wanted them to know that he was back and was coming back for her and to take up revenge against Brooklyn, all when her precious mate was asleep and unable to fight back

And this time, Kevin didn't plan to lose, as he had nothing left to lose except the vengeance that burned within his empty and blackened soul.