~Chapter Thirty-Two~

Answering the Call

Rose wasn't sure what time it was when she woke up, but was cursing the sunlight that was beating down upon her bed. When she came to, she turned onto her back, looked over at her bedside clock and saw that it was close to nine in the morning, and groaned. Reaching a hand out to the now empty and cold space of bed, where Brooklyn usually slept, she instantly hated the void that came with sunrise. When she moved her eyes up further, Brooklyn wasn't perched in his normal corner of the bedroom in stone form, and most likely decided to sleep out on the Castle platform with the others.

Her heart fell, as did the facade that she had been holding up like her own invisible shield.

Tears welled up in her eyes and she didn't bother stopping them from falling down her face. Last night's steamy and romantic bath with him, as did him sleeping with her all night long, covered over the horrors she endured earlier that night like a band-aid- but those images and memories quickly crept back up into her mind, reminding her what she had endured, what she had lost, and what was back again.

She had tried to remain strong through it all, and Brooklyn certainly distracted her, but now that she was all alone- everything from last night all came crashing back down onto her. Emily and her family were leaving for Oregon today; and even though they claimed that they would always be friends, their hurtful words were scarred into her heart and mind. It felt like they were no longer friends; best friends… and that she no longer had the last remaining human family from when she lost her Nana and Pop.

All of them were now gone, and the grief she had been holding within her for years, the intense loneliness, came back with full force.

She continued to cry silently to herself, weakly lying on her pillow and grieving, when it dawned upon her that she was due at work today- but was now late- two hours late. Whipping herself over onto her back, she slapped a palm down upon her face; punishing herself for forgetting to be responsible, and that she still had a job to go to.

Two jobs, both of which she had failed to uphold.

"Shit." She whispered to herself, but couldn't find the will to get herself out of bed and endure a yelling from her head nurse, Kim. To her, it was just a job at the end of the day; one she hadn't thought of for days or even weeks. As hard as this was, she had to come to terms that a job wasn't something she could uphold right now. Not until everything with Kevin and Hela stopped.

So she did what she had to do.

Turning on her side, she reached for the phone, picked it up and dialed her head nurse's number. When Kim picked up, it was a grueling conversation. Back and forth, she begged her to stay, but Rose wouldn't budge.

"I… I'm really sorry to do this to you, Kim, but… I have to quit. There really isn't anything that can be done, and I'm afraid I can't give you two weeks notice. Truly, I'm so sorry."

"Please, Rose!" Kim was begging her for the tenth time now. "I've just barely lost Emily and Samuel from the team! We've withered down to nothing! We need you."

"I'm sorry, but I can't stay." Rose said, collapsing down on her pillow, hating that her life had come to this.

"What can I give you?" Kim asked her in a desperate tone. "More pay? I- I'll pay you more…"

"No, Kim. I'm sorry. Nothing you say to me will change my mind, I physically can't be there anymore. Too much is going on in my life right now."

There was silence on the other line for a few seconds, and either she heard Rose's tone of true depression, or finally realized that this wasn't anything personal and was purely business. Kim finally sighed heavily and gave in.

"Alright, Rose… I… I'm sorry to see you go. You were one of the best medics on the team… return your hospital badge and pager whenever you can, and good luck with your future endeavors."

"Thanks, you too. Bye."

"Bye."

Rose clicked the phone off, placed it on her chest, and couldn't stop the tears now. She still had her online, full-time job to deal with- but with another phone call to them… she quit there too. The conversation was a lot easier with her boss Jay, with whom she rarely talked to, and he was a lot easier to tell. Plus, she was sure that he had already replaced her since she hadn't done her job recently.

But she didn't care, and had too much on her mind as of late.

She and Brooklyn had enough money to float for another year, even with her giving ten-thousand dollars away to Emily. That was the last of the money from her adoptive parents' accounts; money that she held onto as if it were the last reminder that they existed, but now it was Emily's. It felt like the right thing to do, and she's sure that it's what her Pop would've done for her.

Thoroughly exhausted, she placed the phone back down on the receiver, and fell back against her pillow. Sometime soon, she would need to relieve herself, eat food and water, all thanks to her new pesky pregnancy hormones. But right now, she couldn't move.

Normally she didn't let the lingering depression that she sometimes had, affect her, but today she didn't want to fight it. Today was a day of mourning, and was a day she needed to take- needed to have. Part of her wanted to pick up the phone and call Emily to talk. However, just like she quickly realized with her Nana and Pop, Emily was now another person who wouldn't pick up her phone call. She wasn't dead, thank goodness, but the distance made it feel like she was and the hole in her heart felt the same.

The grief… just as dark and numbing.

Hours passed, and the only time she left bed was to give into her pregnancy needs to relieve herself on the toilet, eat some food and drink water- just to take her anti-nausea pill- but the rest of the time she laid in bed, crying. It felt good releasing all that she had bottled up over time, all that she had hidden from Brooklyn but was sure he could sense in her, and let herself grieve. The rest of the time, when she wasn't crying, she spent sleeping; only to wake up, eat, drink and relieve herself- cry more- and doze off again.

This continued all day long and she had zero will to get up and do anything else. When she was sure she couldn't cry anymore, sleep overtook her, and more than anything- it felt like this was a pregnancy symptom of overly emotional and sleeping like crazy; but was being aggravated by all that had happened to her recently.

Once or twice, she heard a gentle knock on her door as Xanatos, Owen or Fox checked up on her- but she would either ignore them, or was asleep, but still felt their presence with her magic which had become her alert if they walked in her room. A few times, she woke up to find that they brought her actual food for lunch, and that act of kindness made her heart burst with gratitude towards them. She ate the chicken salad, with bread and fruit that Owen brought in silently and then went back to lying down, this time, staring at the corner Brooklyn usually sat if he stayed with her during the day.

She placed her hand on his empty side of their bed and wished he was here with her. By now, or even before now, he would have dragged her butt out of bed and found some way to make her feel better. He wouldn't be okay with her wallowing in her own self-pity, and it honestly wasn't anything she enjoyed either, but the energy to get up and move or do anything productive just wasn't there.

She didn't know how long she stayed there facing the wall, staring into nothing, when another knock came upon her door. When she didn't say anything, the door opened anyway and the sound of boots walked across her floor. She knew exactly who it was before seeing her.

"Rose?" Elisa asked gently. "Honey… are you awake?"

She stayed silent for a moment and continued to face away from her, debating to stay silent and hope she went away… but something inside of her fought against it.

"Yes." She finally said in a muffled voice. "I'm awake."

More footsteps, coming closer this time.

"Xanatos called me and said that you haven't left your bed all day long, so I thought that I would come and check up on you before I go to work. Are you doing okay?"

It was now past four in the afternoon, and Rose still hadn't left the room, more out of how tired she truly felt, but even more because sleeping was easier than facing anything more in her life. She was happy when she was with Brooklyn, but now that she had time to truly process things, she was depressed and wasn't okay.

When she didn't say anything again, Elisa walked further into her room and took a seat on the bed next to her while placing a hand upon her back.

"Rose?"

"I'm fine." She answered quietly, snuggling deeper into her pillow and blanket- her eyes heavy from all of her crying she had done throughout the day. "Just tired."

Elisa nodded. "I bet. You've been through a lot in the last little bit. When I saw you return with Brooklyn from the hospital… I honestly thought Katie died or something. You looked so… broken and upset. I meant to come talk to you and make sure you were okay, but after your magic exploded out of you and Brooklyn whisked you away, we didn't see you guys after that. But I was hoping and praying that you would be okay." She paused, and more tears filled Rose's eyes. "Goliath then told me what happened with Emily and Chris… and how they have essentially cut you off… and moved away." She then reached out and grabbed Rose's hand gently. "I'm so sorry, honey. You've lost so much… I can't imagine how it felt to lose even more."

Her words hit Rose harder, but she squeezed Elisa's hand back as she silently cried, the hot tears soaking her pillow.

"Thank you." She whispered gruffly.

"Can I keep you company for a little bit?"

Rose mulled it over for a few seconds, before nodding, and was expecting Elisa to merely sit next to her. But to her surprise, she kicked off her boots, shed off her red jacket and cuddled close to her, lying down and wrapping an arm around her- offering physical touch she didn't realize she was needing.

Elisa rested her head right above hers and she found herself crying again. Silence passed between them for a few minutes, until Rose whispered, "I know that this is ridiculous of me… but… I feel like Emily was the last remaining tie to my old human life, and now that I've lost her, it's like I've lost my innocence, my childhood, and my adoptive parents all over again. Don't get me wrong, I am so happy with my life with Brooklyn and the Clan- but there's just too much right now. Too much bearing down upon my soul… the grief… it's pulling me down."

"I know." Elisa whispered. "I'm sorry Rose. You've been so strong through all of this, but believe it or not, I know how you feel." Rose continued to cry, as Elisa held her close. And she spoke thoughtfully. "My brother Derek and I were always so close growing up, but we also butted heads constantly… and still do. So when he chose to work for Xanatos, back in his scheming days against my warnings and ended up turning into the Mutate he is now, I felt like I lost him. Watching his life get destroyed, all of his hopes and dreams vanish from thin air; it was heartbreaking. I felt like I lost my brother and it was all my fault."

She stopped and suddenly her voice became thick with emotion.

"Yes, he is in the Labyrinth and has his Clan- but it truly feels like that is his new family because they know what each other have been through. And he has no need for us anymore. No need for me." Elisa paused again and Rose slowly turned on her back to face her for the first time. "The grief lessens over time, Rose, and eventually does go away; but that scar will always remain there. Your life will never be the same again, but it's something we can live with and grow from. You'll make it through this, Rose. I know you will."

"I'm not so sure right now." Rose whispered, closing her eyes. "But thank you anyway."

"Give yourself time to heal." Elisa said gently, leaned over and kissed the top of her head. "I promise it will." Rose didn't say anything to her for the next few minutes, but Elisa continued to stay there, lying next to her and holding her tightly. But after a while, she sat up sighing and leaned back against the bed frame.

"Are you happy Rose?" She asked quietly. "Like… really, really happy with Brooklyn? Or is this too much for you? Be honest- this'll stay between us."

Blinking in shock, Rose glanced up at her in surprise.

"Of course I'm happy." She whispered in a gutted voice. "He's my soulmate, Elisa. I'm just struggling with other things right now. If he were here… I know he would be helping to make me feel better like you are, and honestly wouldn't let me wallow anymore in my self-pity."

Elisa laughed at this and nodded.

"No he would not."

"I just… I have some trouble when I'm alone." Rose explained. "My past catches up to me and now that Kevin's officially back it's that much more of a trigger; and then with what happened with Emily…" She stopped and couldn't go on, but Elisa got the gist of what she was saying and meant.

"Alright. I just had to be sure." She said softly. "I knew deep down that it was probably a stupid thing to ask."

"No, I'm glad you did." Rose said, offering Elisa a smile and sniffed her tears away. "But you don't have to worry about Brook and I. We're stronger than ever."

"Good." Elisa said in great relief. "Foolish of me to think that anything could come between you two, even Hel. Not with how much you two love each other." She then paused, stayed quiet for a moment and chuckled to herself. "Do you remember the first time I took you out for Coffee to get to know you better back in October? Right after Brooklyn brought you to the Castle?"

"How could I forget?"

"It's incredible to look back and think of all that's happened in nine months." Elisa mused. "You two were just barely still getting to know each other and were already choosing to be in a relationship. And because of how strongly you two were connected we all were so amazed… and now… you guys are mates and you both continue to amaze us. You're so compatible, strong, supportive of each other and so incredibly in love. It's so damn adorable, and real relationship goals."

At this, Rose finally cracked a small smile at her and laughed slightly.

"Thank you. And yeah, I do remember that… you were making sure that I knew exactly what I was getting myself into… and are asking me that again…" she laughed again, and Elisa looked down at her, but chuckled as well.

"Maybe I was, but now it feels like a dumb thing to ask."

"It's not dumb. Nobody's perfect, so I appreciate you checking up on me. On us."

"You're welcome." Elisa said with a smile. "But seriously, if anyone can take on Hel itself… it's you and Brooklyn. You two have been prepared for this… it's now just trying to get through the thickest and darkest parts of all of these troubles. But you will, and myself and the Clan are behind you two, fighting alongside you."

"Thanks Elisa." Rose said sincerely, starting to feel better.

Elisa nodded, glanced around her room a bit, and then looked at her bedside table and all the scraps of food that was brought into her.

"Did Owen bring you the food?"

Rose nodded. "Yeah, I think I was asleep when he did, but I woke up to find it there and was so thankful for it. I was starved."

Elisa smiled and moved her eyes over all that was there. The scraps and crumbs, her water, a prescription bottle, and then next to that… a prenatal bottle. She froze, narrowed her eyes, then grabbed both bottles of medication. Being a cop, she knew most medications due to druggies, and immediately knew that the Zofran was an anti-nausea and vomiting prescription that was used for various reasons- but her detective brain put the two and two together.

"Rose?" She asked quietly, then quickly turned around and faced her with wide eyes.

Rose's eyes narrowed at the shock on her face, but then her eyes slowly went down to the two bottles that she held in her hands, and froze as well. This was the last conversation she wanted to have with her, especially with how many failed pregnancies she had with Goliath.

"Why do you have these?" Elisa asked her.

"Um… the Zofran is to help my nausea that I've been having for a few weeks now." Rose explained simply, sitting up and taking the bottles from her, refusing to look at her.

"And the prenatals?"

"Daily vitamin." Rose shrugged casually, still not looking at her.

"So why not use a daily multivitamin?" Elisa asked her. "Why a prenatal?"

Rose still didn't answer but slid out of the bed on Brooklyn's side and chose to get dressed for the day. Anything to avoid this conversation with Elisa. Anything to get away from hurting anyone else.

When she passed her, Elisa jumped off the bed and grabbed her hand. Rose turned to face her, and Elisa's eyes went down to her abdomen in her tight tank- top night dress- which to even Rose's shock- was protruding a little bit more than it was just yesterday. And if someone was looking close enough, especially to the side, they would see the slight growth.

And Elisa did.

Her jaw dropped, eyes went huge and she started stammering for words. "Are… are you? Rose, are you…?"

"Yes." She finally decided to answer her and be honest. "I… I am."

Silence. Then… "You're pregnant!?"

Rose jumped at Elisa's loud voice and shushed her- though all who would be awake already knew. Rose set the bottles down on the table and then quickly sat down next to her.

"Yes." She said quietly. "I… yes. I am pregnant."

Elisa stared at her for a few minutes in utter shock, and a plethora of emotions shot across her face as she processed this news. Rose thought she was going to burst into tears, getting lost in her own grief of losing pregnancies, but she screamed out in happiness instead.

"Oh my gosh, Rose!" She held a hand up to her mouth and started laughing. "Are you serious? You really are expecting a child with Brooklyn?"

"Yes, really." Rose said, a smile forming on her face. "I know it seems impossible, but it happened. And it's probably playing into my moping today, but I feel like a tired, emotional disaster, and my hormones are making things ten-times worse than they would be."

Elisa cupped her face, grinning brightly, and then asked, "May I?" Gesturing to touch her stomach; and with a smile, Rose nodded. Elisa excitedly placed her hands down on her stomach and touched the very slight bump- one that was bigger than before, but still not quite noticeable.

"I can't believe this…" she gasped out, still staring at her with wide-eyes and a gaped open mouth as she touched around her stomach. After a few seconds, she pulled away and clasped her hand over her mouth. "I thought it was impossible! But… I mean… really- I should have known that this is you and Brooklyn we're talking about. You two have never been normal, and have proven against the rule. Plus, unlike me, you have Third Race magical blood inside of you, which probably helped things. That's probably how it's happened…" Elisa paused, and then looked up at her. "Oh honey, I'm so excited for you both!"

"Thank you." Rose said, beaming.

"Does Brooklyn know?"

"He does. I told him just last night before the fire…"

Elisa froze, and then shook her head, moaning. "You poor things… to have that happen after such happy news. I bet he was even more terrified of losing you… and probably still is, even more now, with all that's going on with Kevin, the Draugr and Hel. Because now there's your guys' baby involved and is in danger..."

"Yeah." Rose whispered, sighing and sitting down. "He was terrified- more terrified than I believe he leads on, and I feel terrible for it. I'm also scared out of my mind… for myself, but mostly for our baby."

"I bet." Elisa whispered in a worried tone.

"Him and I are thrilled to be having a child together… but it's the worst timing, Elisa. I swear we weren't actively trying either. It was all my fault. I forgot to take my birth control with all that was going on, and I think that played into the odds being in our favor."

"How far along are you?" Elisa asked, sitting down next to her. "Do you know?"

"I saw Dr. Sato yesterday and he doesn't know until we do an ultrasound to see if we can even see what it'll be. But I'm guessing I'm about nine-ish weeks along, give or take. My nausea started three weeks ago, well… four weeks ago now, at the last Draugr attack. And if I follow the human gestation timeline, symptoms show up around five weeks pregnant… so I'm guessing I'm close to ten weeks along now. But that's just a guess. We'll see if Dr. Sato can see anything during the ultrasound on Thursday and measure me, but even then, we don't know if it's going to be an egg that I'm going to somehow deliver…" She shuddered at the thought. "Or if the fetus will develop more… human-like. This pregnancy is literally the first of its kind, and it'll all be truly experimental. But so far from all my readings, all of my symptoms are just like what a human woman has during pregnancy."

"Who else knows?"

"Well because Dr. Sato was here, Xanatos, Fox and Owen all found out at the same time, then I told Brooklyn before the attack last night, and now you. We were planning on telling the Clan after I came home from babysitting but… you know…"

Elisa nodded in understanding. "Things changed and got in the way."

"Yeah." Rose sighed. "Everything is changing… and it's all happening so quickly. I haven't even really had a chance to let this news sink in yet."

"I bet." Elisa said. "Well… maybe when you start showing more, then it will."

"Maybe."

"Well… gosh honey, I'm so happy for you both!" Elisa exclaimed again. "Honestly… I've been wondering if something like this was going on between you two."

"Why… 'cause I've been a little on edge as of late?" Rose teased.

"Let's just go with 'woman instinct.'" Elisa laughed. "I guarantee that Angela and Akira have picked something up as well, or even Bronx. But regardless, you two deserve this and we'll get through this next chapter together. I promise you that."

"Thank you…" Rose said, then her smile slowly faded. "I… I gotta be honest with you though. I wasn't planning on this at all, and was so worried to tell you about it."

"Why?"

"Because of what you confided in me." She said softly, straightening her night dress. "I didn't want to show off, or rub this in your face, or… do anything like that. I know how much you and Goliath were wanting this…"

Elisa's face softened and she gently ran a hand over Rose's hair, tucking a strand behind her ear. "Oh Rose… that's very thoughtful of you, but you don't have to worry about me. Goliath and I have come to terms with it… but I uh… actually have news of my own in that regard."

"What news?" Rose asked, blinking in surprise.

"I placed an application into the state to adopt a child… and the application was accepted just earlier this week."

"What!" Rose squealed, turning to her more and taking her hands tightly in her own. "Elisa! That's wonderful news!"

"There isn't a baby available yet, that'll take some time; but to have the application accepted, being a quote 'single-mother' in their system, is nothing short of a miracle and a huge accomplishment. So… we'll see if I get my hands on a child that other married couples won't get first, but I'm hopeful that Goliath and I will have a baby through adoption."

"What does he think of this?" Rose asked.

"He's excited." Elisa answered with a smile. "We both are… and whatever comes our way, we'll take it when it comes."

Rose closed her eyes, grinning and tightened her hand on Elisa's.

"Oh… Elisa, I'm so happy for you! That really is a huge deal to have your application accepted. That's the hardest hurdle to overcome!"

"It really is." Elisa said, with a laugh. "It'll be active in the system for five years, and if I don't get a child before then, then I'll have to reapply and pay all the fees again, and all that garbage, but we'll take whatever."

"Well, congratulations. I'm very happy for you!" Rose said kindly, and Elisa nodded.

"Thank you. Same to you guys as well… our Clan is growing despite all this hardship."

Rose rubbed her stomach gently and smiled, nodding. "It is. I'm excited… and to give Brooklyn a child- even if it's just one- is everything to us. He's always wanted to be a father."

"And he'll make a great one." Elisa complimented warmly. "Just like you'll make a wonderful mother… oh sweetheart, I'm just so thrilled for you two." She then paused and said, "I wonder if your baby will somehow turn out like my brother's daughter, Amelia. Maggie had her naturally, and though she's a Mutate, there is still quite a bit of Human aspects to them all." She shrugged. "You never know, but I'm excited to find out."

"Me too." Rose said with a smile. "And wow… I haven't seen Amelia since she was first born, nor have I seen them since… gosh… probably shortly after my mating ceremony to Brooklyn. Maggie was about to pop then."

"Yeah, I think she had Amelia two days after your mating ceremony and you guys were still on your Honeymoon." Elisa laughed, then paused. "You know… I was actually thinking about heading down to the Labyrinth to ask Derek if he and the others would be willing to join our fight against all that's going on with Hel… creating our own army or so we're calling it." She then paused again and looked at her. "I know that you're upset and I totally get it if you just need time to be alone, but if you're interested, do you maybe want to come with me? You can talk to Maggie, see Amelia, and just… get out of the Castle for a little bit. It's still daylight, and I'll be with you the whole time, so I am quite positive that you'll be safe."

Rose snorted. "Oh, I'm not afraid of not being safe anymore… but…" She paused, took a deep breath and looked back at her. "That actually does sound nice."

Elisa smiled. "Good, get dressed then and meet me out in the living room in ten minutes. Let's get you out of this place." She then went to turn away and then said, "Oh… actually… don't you have work? It's Monday…"

"Um… no, I don't." Rose said sheepishly. "I uh… forgot about it- and then decided to quit. I can't handle working right now. Not with all that's going on."

Elisa blinked in surprise and then chuckled.

"Well alright then. That's good to know."

"I know… it's pathetic."

"No it's not." Elisa said with a smile. "I wouldn't be working if I were you either. That's too much stress… as long as finances are good, then I say don't work until things settle down."

"I knew you'd understand." She said kindly. Elisa winked at her and then turned away to give her privacy to change, but at the door, Rose called her back.

"Elisa?"

She stopped with a hand on the door and looked over her shoulder at Rose. "Yeah?"

"Thank you for talking with me and offering me comfort and a new purpose to keep my mind off of… things." She said with a smile. "I needed this."

"You're very welcome, honey. Anytime, you know I'm here for you always." Elisa said. Then with a wink, she then shut the door behind her, leaving Rose to quickly get dressed.

They arrived at the Labyrinth a short while later, walked up to the front door and surprised Claw- the mute Tiger-looking male Mutate who was standing guard at the front door. Rose and him had gotten really close over the few weeks that she lived in the Labyrinth. Upon seeing them arrive, his eyes widened, he jumped up and down silently, and then ran for Rose with open arms. She couldn't help but laugh hysterically as he scooped her up in his arms and spun her around in the air. Elisa stepped to the side and watched, laughing as well, as he nearly suffocated Rose in his thick furry chest.

After a few seconds of tightly hugging her, he set her down on the ground and she held her chest, laughing but gasping for air.

"Oh my goodness, Claw!" Rose laughed. "Hi! Yes, it's so good to see you too!" Claw was signing like mad to her, and because she spent so much time with him- and researched sign language a little bit for the deaf, she knew what he was saying.

"I know it's been a long time. I'm sorry, but I'm here to see you now. How are you?"

He was grinning from ear to ear, then gave her a thumbs up.

"Good." She replied. "We're here to talk to you all and Talon. Is he around?"

Claw nodded and gestured for them to follow him, in which Elisa and her did. It was strange for Rose to be back in the Labyrinth, after six-months of not being there, her entire life had changed- but much here had not. Xanatos had helped rebuild it to its normal structure and like last time, there were many homeless who lived and were protected by the Mutates and the Clones. Claw led them through the main doors and through the main living floor towards the hallway where Talon and Maggie stayed; where Rose had once been forced to sneak out of through the duct systems, to escape Kevin and the Quarrymen's attacks.

It felt like a completely different life. At the time, she had very little experience with her magic and relied on herself fully to survive. But she was still herself, Rose Connelly. Now… she was an apparent spawn of Avalon's devil's... and a completely different person. Stronger. But almost more deadly.

"It must be weird for you to be back here, huh?" Elisa asked, guessing her silence and glances all around the place she once called home for a short time.

"Yeah." Rose huffed out quietly. "It's bizarre, for sure. It's amazing what six-months of constant change can bring."

Elisa nodded, and stayed silent as the two of them followed Claw into Talon and Maggie's room- where they were both sitting on their bedroom floor, playing with a very small, but adorable version of them. The little female had wings like them both, long black hair, dark skin like Talons, but a lion's face like Maggie's- but still looked- human. The child was truly adorable and was giggling like crazy when they entered the room.

Claw knocked once, then opened the door more for them to step through as Talon and Maggie looked up. When they saw both Elisa and Rose there, smiles lit up on both of their faces.

"Elisa! Rose!" Talon greeted happily, jumping up to hug them both. "What a wonderful surprise!"

"Hey Derek." Elisa said, coming over and giving him a hug back and then over to Maggie. "How are you guys?"

"We are well, thank you!" Maggie exclaimed, giving her and Rose a hug. "How are you all doing? What's new from the real world?"

At this, Elisa and Rose glanced over at each other and chuckled.

"Uhhh… well where to start?" Rose said. "I'm kind of in a bind- and it's becoming a bigger issue, that even our Clan is struggling to handle. We are all really struggling and are needing more help. Starting with our closest friends and allies; with you guys."

At this, Talon looked over at Maggie and then Claw; his face turning serious.

"Of course." He said. "We will help with anything you need. What's the problem?"

Rose glanced over at Elisa for a moment and she gently nodded her head. This was her problem and her place to ask…

"It's a long story… one I'm still not clear on, but you all know that I have magic. And for some time now we've been wondering where I'm from since I am… human and humans can't have powers."

Talon nodded, following along.

"Well, we've recently found out that my parents are members of the Third Race… which… um- I don't know if you've heard about…"

"We've heard about the Third Race." Talon said, nodding. "Elisa and Goliath have told us all about them."

"Oh good. Well… I found out that my parents are actually the Death Gods from Hel… which is Avalon's underworld and my mother is the Goddess of Death here in our mortal world."

Claw shuffled on his feet uncomfortably behind her, as Talon and Maggie exchanged looks of horror.

"Her name is Hela… and she has been sending flying- soul sucking and flesh eating demons to try to bring me to her in Hel… but none have succeeded yet. I've killed them all. But she, with the help of Demona and her magic, have brought… my ex… Kevin back to life and he's her servant." Rose paused, took a deep breath and played with her fingers, and Elisa picked it up since she couldn't continue.

"We need help, Derek. More allies and protectors to help protect Rose and the Clan. Including myself. These demons, called Draugr, can be killed by fire or decapitation and we've done all that… but they just keep coming- and now… so has Kevin. He nearly killed Rose last night. And we fear that there is a war heading our way that'll affect all of us."

"A war?" Talon repeated, looking at them both as if they were sprouting three-heads.

"Yes." Rose picked back up. "Puck has foreseen a vision of all of this world being destroyed… and he believes that I'm the weapon that'll make that happen. Something about me and my lineage is why Hela and my father, Demetrius, want me back so badly. We don't know anything for sure, but we believe the Death Gods have taken over Avalon, or are at least close to doing so- but Angela is verifying by reaching out to her rookery brother and his Clan."

"So, let me get this straight." Talon said. "You two believe that a hypothetical war is coming to us… here in the mortal world, led by the Death Gods, who'll wipe this planet clean of slate… and Rose is the reason they are coming? Because you are the key to make or break this plan?"

Silence filled the entire room and no one said anything for a few seconds, until Rose took a deep breath and slowly nodded.

"Yes. I believe that's what's going on, in a nutshell. We won't know more, however, until we get more answers or until I actually meet Hela or get attacked again… but that is what makes the most sense." She then paused, then said, "Kevin told me that my parents were needing me to activate a curse… one that would destroy all life... or at least the ones that won't follow after their insane views, is my guess."

"And you know all of this to be happening? Or you're guessing?"

"Both." Rose sighed. "Everything is pointing to it all… and with the curse that Kevin told me about, I have a deep feeling that Puck's visions were correct as well and interlinked to this."

"And you believe them, especially Kevin?" Talon asked with narrowed eyes, in a slight growl. "After all he did to us… you just believe him to be telling you the truth? What if he's trapping you?"

"It's a trap either way, but I do believe him." Rose said firmly. "Kevin was always a bastard, a cunning mastermind, yes… but I don't think he would lie about this. He has nothing to gain from it, only more to lose."

When he still looked unconvinced, she sighed and said, "Look, I know this all sounds insane, but I'm asking you to trust me on this. A rising curse from my parents would make sense as to why my magic has been growing exponentially in the last few months. I believe it's been rising in training to face my parents and beat them."

"And… what happens if they get a hold of you and you aren't strong enough to beat them?" Talon asked suspiciously.

"Then they win." Rose whispered, not bothering to sugar coat anything. "And we'll all die."

Talon's eyes went wide, Maggie looked utterly terrified and held onto Amelia tighter, and Claw had stopped pacing nervously, but met Talon's gaze with silent contemplation. Elisa then stepped up, and placed her hand on her brother's arm.

"That's why we are reaching out to all of the Gargoyles we know, Derek, even going all around the entire World to achieve this. We thought we could all handle this by ourselves but there are too many Draugr that keep coming back to attack and weaken Rose and weaken us. And now with Kevin back, I feel like we have to stand together… he was hard enough to beat the first time around, and it took all of us fighting him to do so." She paused and then said, "Derek, this affects us all if they do get a hold of Rose. If they somehow use her to activate a curse that'll destroy life, then isn't it worth it to have an advantage and fight before they arrive with their armies? Then, once we stop them for good, it'll give Lord Oberon in Avalon a chance to set things right again and bring balance to Avalon, Hel and the mortal world. It's the only way."

Talon glanced over at Claw once more, then settled on Maggie and their cooing child, and it didn't take him long to make his decision after that.

"Alright. We will step up and help your Clan, as they've helped us on numerous occasions." Talon said seriously. "Do we know a timeline of when to expect another attack?"

"No idea." Rose sighed. "They come randomly… but we will keep you guys in the loop by communicators."

At this, Elisa dug one from her pocket and gave it to him; in which he took and carefully looked at it.

"And what can we do in the meantime?" Maggie suddenly asked quietly.

"Pray, think good and positive thoughts to the Gods or God, or the Universe… whatever being you want to, that we aren't right and that you guys aren't needed." Rose said quietly. "Pray… that this isn't really a war that's heading our way."

"And if it is?" Maggie asked. "Are we really enough to stop Gods of Death? Even with all of our Clans fighting together against them?"

Rose faced her with an inscrutable expression on her face, and wished she could tell her that it wasn't as bad as it sounded or that this was purely strung from her anxieties. She watched her hold her sweet winged-baby, and thought of her own unborn child. It did feel like she was delivering a death wish to them all. To more of her family… but she would do what was necessary to keep them all alive.

Tears stung her eyes, but she swallowed them down and kept her voice calm and strong. What she was about to utter was something she couldn't say to Brooklyn or the others without getting scolded, but to the Labyrinth Clan… she would tell them nothing, but the truth.

"I certainly hope so," She whispered, holding their gazes with a resolve of her own. "But if not, and death is truly in my future… then I'll make sure that I go down burning... and take all of the Draugr and Gods of Death down with me."

And that was a sincere promise.

The sun was beginning to set as Rose and Elisa drove back quietly in her red classic undercover Police unit; both in complete silence. She looked over a few times at Elisa, wondering what was bothering her, but didn't push. But with her sharper driving and more irritation at the traffic, Rose knew something was wrong. She was about to ask her what was on her mind, when Elisa suddenly beat her to it.

"Would you really sacrifice yourself to beat Kevin and Hela?" She asked her quietly, carefully.

Rose glanced over at her, noticed her knuckles were white against her steering wheel, and sighed. "If it came down to destroying them, then yes." She then paused, reached over and touched Elisa gently. "But I know it won't. I just needed to convince the Mutates that this situation was really serious and we needed their help."

"I know… but let's just say that things do go south during these attacks. What'll you do? Honestly?"

Rose blinked a few times and didn't know how to answer that. "I don't know. It's hard to say…"

"Would you really sacrifice yourself and your unborn child… to bring down Kevin?"

"He's my problem to deal with, and so if it came down to it and it was my only choice to save all of your lives... then yes… I would."

Elisa then glanced over at her while driving, briefly and looked distraught. "What about Brooklyn? Me? The Clan…? What'll we do without you, Rose? What'll Brooklyn do if he loses you and his child? I… I can't fathom the devastation he would feel…"

"So don't think about it." Rose suddenly said quietly. "Brooklyn speaks about sacrificing himself all of the time for me, and I have no doubt that he would die for myself and our child in a heartbeat… but I refuse to let it come to that. Brooklyn and I have both decided that we won't let each other go that way." She paused and glanced over at Elisa. "I don't want to die, Elisa. I want to live, I want to continue to have my happily ever after with Brooklyn and with you guys. But… I have to also think about all the options and ways this could go once Kevin comes for me again. But this is why I've been training so hard to learn how to control my magic and fight, because I want to win. I am fighting to live my life in peace and happiness with Brooklyn, and with you guys. Nothing matters more to me."

Elisa stayed quiet for a few minutes, still driving them towards the Castle, but then slowly smiled at her.

"Okay… I believe you, I'm sorry for getting after you. I'm just worried and want to be sure that you're in a good place. We love you and want you to stick around for a very, very long time."

"Me too." Rose said, smiling back. "That's why we are going to fight them all together, find allies who'll help us grow in numbers, and give them all a piece of our minds."

Elisa chuckled at her, and then shook her head.

"You know… you've always been so strong willed and minded. Very graceful about handling your hardships, even though you stumble… as we all do. But seeing you right now… gosh, I don't know… you remind me of a…" She then paused and stopped talking.

"I remind you of what?" Rose asked with a slight laugh. "An insane person? A bitch? What?"

Elisa burst out laughing at her cuss word and then shook her head.

"Heaven's no." She stopped and briefly glanced at her. "You remind me of a true warrior, Rose. Inside and out and because of your beautifully kind, selfless, and pure heart… I know you'll shake the very foundations of Hel down to it's core. Just... don't let that focused resolve to kill them, kill you in the process, okay?"

At this, Rose smiled brightly at her and slowly nodded- an inner strength coming to light inside of her. The inner strength that she found inside herself during one of Puck's training a few nights ago. Elisa was right, she was strong and was made for this trial, as hard as it was to deal with sometimes. She wasn't going to let Hela or Kevin hurt her… or anyone else.

"Thanks Elisa." She whispered in a small smile. "Don't worry. I won't let them take everything I've fought so desperately for… I promise."

Elisa grinned brightly at her, took her hand tightly in hers and squeezed it.

"Atta girl."

"You look like you could use a drink." Xanatos said to Owen, thrusting a large brandy in his hand, holding another one in his own. "Here… drink up."

Owen, exhausted from standing in front of Titania's silent mirror, gratefully took the drink that his boss was offering him. He had helped him with all of his affairs throughout the day, helped train Alexander for a short bit before he became distracted with his toys, cooked and served their dinner, and had exiled himself back into the dark and still artifact room, a few floors beneath the Castle. The room was full of Xanatos' personal collection of precious jewels, historical memorabilia, and even precious items full of precious and powerfully ancient magic; the most powerful being Titania's mirror- a true door into Avalon.

A portal to a world he would never again be able to return to.

A home with no one home.

A door which would never again open for him.

He tried not to let his banishment affect him as he tried, yet again, to contact his Fairy Queen or any other member of his Avalonian family to see what was happening on the other side.

Normally, Titania answered- or the three stooges that kissed Oberon's feet and brown nosed him to not get on his bad side- but so far, for three weeks straight, he hadn't heard from her or anyone. And the silence was alarming him greatly. Ever since his vision of Earth's destruction, he could feel a great evil rising within his magical being, and they were running out of time. He was running out of time to obtain Avalon as their ally. Without them, if Hela came, then she would crush them with a thought… and all he held dear would be destroyed.

All he gave his magic up for would be gone… wasted.

He had tried to train Rose, with whom had grown a great deal in her fighting and magic skills- and even proved herself in more deadly situations, but facing the Draugr or even Kevin was one thing… but to face Hela was another. And he truly did not see Rose, or any of the Gargoyles, living after that dreaded encounter. They needed more help.

With his magic bound to protecting and training Alexander and the Xanatos family- he could only do that- as well as train Rose… but when it came down to helping her fight against Hela... he wouldn't be able to produce enough to even touch the Goddess of Death's powers. Oberon took it all from him for choosing Xanatos' friendship over his powers. He expected to be at peace over his choice, and he was, until Rose joined their lives… and now everything was being destroyed. Rose, being Hela's daughter, was the key to Hela's ultimate plan to world-wide death, making protecting her a greater thing in his mind… and he was willing to protect her, but couldn't, not with his powers drained and restrained.

Where was Titania in all this? Or even his Lord Oberon? Surely they knew how important protecting Rose was from Hela… didn't they? How much danger the entire world was in…?

"Owen?"

He blinked and was taken out of his thoughts, back to the dark artifacts room, his reflection staring back at him through the black stillness of the mirror.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Xanatos." He said in his monotone voice, blinking out of his daze. "I've been so preoccupied as of late… thank you for this drink."

"I figured you would want the company… or a strong drink. Either way, you're welcome."

Owen swirled the drink around in his cup for a moment, then drank it down halfway, enjoying the burning sensation of the alcoholic drink in his stomach.

"Whoa." Xanatos said with a laugh. "Careful there, Owen. This is strong stuff… some of my oldest and most expensive bottles."

"All the more reason to appreciate it." Owen said, throwing out a funny face as the Brandy burned his esophagus, and Xanatos smiled at him. They clinked their drinks together and he said, "Touche."

They drank a few more sips in silence and both stared at the darkened mirror.

"I take it still no luck with this thing?" He asked, and Owen nodded, giving out a huge sigh.

"Still nothing sir. I…" He then paused. "I don't understand what's happening. My magic has sensed Hela's dark and evil magic growing for some time, but now it's surrounding us. I often find myself feeling like I'm lost in a dark room, or am trying to piece together a puzzle blind folded. Nothing is adding up, and no one in Avalon is answering my call. Something terrible has happened… and if Hela comes here to retrieve her daughter… which she will… I do not have the means to protect her. Only you, Fox and your son."

"Which you will do for them." Xanatos said seriously. "However, it is an order that you leave me behind so I can help the Clan…"

"If you do… you shall die, sir." Owen suddenly explained very darkly. "When Hela comes, it will be a bloodbath of death and destruction. A fate… I'm afraid I cannot nor will not let you pay or fall into."

"My fate has always been my own to decide, Owen."

"True… but what about Fox? Your son?" He asked. "Can you really leave them behind to protect the daughter of death? After all you've done in your life, the greatness you've accomplished…dying for Rose's sake seems like such a foolish way to go."

"Are you saying you don't want me to help protect Rose like I've promised to do?" Xanatos asked him, with an eyebrow raised. "To protect Goliath's Clan… after all I've put them through, and for all the kindness they've still extended towards me and my family? Shouldn't I extend the same courtesy for a loved and cherished member of their own Clan and help them? Help protect a very powerful young woman who is carrying a hybrid Gargoyle-Human child? Which is the first of its kind…?" Xanatos stopped, drank a few sips and then shrugged. "That potential of seeing what could be and just letting it die, seems like the bigger waste to me. I feel like it's worth the risk." He drank some more, then continued thoughtfully. "Besides…I have enough weapons and new security technology that has withstood Oberon himself. If he defeated Hela… then how bad could it really be facing her?"

Owen slowly glanced over him with a dead-cold eye.

"Bad." He answered him in a dark voice. "Very, very bad sir."

Xanatos stayed quiet, looked down into his brandy, trying to look cool and unconcerned, but Owen's tone sent shivers down his spine; and for once, he didn't dare try to contradict him.

They continued to sit together for a few hours, drinking brandy. Shortly after midnight, Xanatos left to say good-night to the Clan, before heading to bed with Fox. Owen, however, desired to stay a bit longer- staring hopelessly into the blackened placid mirror that belonged to his Queen- trying anything to get a hold of her or anyone from Avalon.

A hole was inside of his heart, and now in his stomach- thanks to the strong alcoholic drink- but he didn't let it phase him. He didn't know what else to try to summon his Queen, didn't know what else to do to find out what was happening in his homeland.

He ached for some answers, for some sliver of clarity, but his magic wasn't strong enough to fully glimpse into the future all the time like he used to be able to. The last vision he had knocked him down for many hours; he still trained with Rose, trying to get her caught up in magical abilities, but the whole night turned into a flop. She hadn't learned how to portal properly yet, didn't have the energy to strengthen her shielding abilities, or even properly learn how to shape-shift… which was something their younglings knew how to do. It was second nature for a Third Race member to change forms- a skill she did not seem to have. However, she did have some skills worth noting, skills and strengths that even he didn't have and was in awe of her over.

Rose had learned to fight hand-to-hand with himself and Hudson, learned to fly (short distances), summon her shields in great capabilities, and could even enter and manipulate minds in a short amount of time. All incredibly powerful things that she had taught herself, and he was incredibly proud of her. But at the same time, he was still so incredibly afraid of what was coming and needed Rose to be as strong as possible to withstand Hela's magic. Not only that, he also needed Avalon's strength if they were going to stand a chance.

Owen stood up from his seat, closed his eyes and placed his hands upon Titania's mirror, willing the remaining magic that was embedded inside it, to fill him with energy- enough to phone home for a short call. Focusing all his strength and mind upon it, he begged silently for her to appear… for anyone to answer him. Just like every night, the mirror would slightly buzz, light up and awaken- the portal activated- but nothing would answer him.

So again he tried, and every night he would continue to do so until someone came.

His magic felt forced and drained him faster than anything, like a dead battery, but still he pressed harder- trying to go further towards Avalon. Sweat beaded upon his brow and he clenched his teeth together, willing everything he was to this attempt. The mirror suddenly sparked a bit more, lit up brightly, and to his amazement- something different was working. Instantly using this moment to utter her summoning spell, he was barely able to breathe through the energy being used, but he wouldn't give up… he couldn't.

Mirror of placid glass and frame of white brass

I call upon thee with a humble plea…

More sweat trickled down his face as he truly pleaded her and placed all of his soul into this spell; willing it to work.

Titania, Queen of the Fairies and of all Avalon- I ask thee to come to me

To the Mortal World, whose servant has been banished upon.

His heart was pounding ferociously, his mind swimming dizzily.

Curse this Human body… He thought to himself, but then focused on the last line.

Come, Titania… speak to me. I, Puck, your servant… do call out… to thee…

The mirror sputtered and exploded out in a bright light of white and green, and he fell face-first onto the cobblestone floor, too weak to lift his body off the ground. Shaking, and gasping in fresh air, summoning her had taken everything out of him, and he had the thought that he should have held Alex and showed him how to do this- then his magic would be completely back in most of his strength.

Owen closed his eyes and tried to stay conscious, but the mirror was still activated… still glowing and bursting with magic and light. Blinking and gasping in air, he forced himself to lift his face up from the ground and watched, with amazement and true, emotional relief, as a strong, slender and incredibly beautiful female figure walked through the glass- which had waved and turned into a liquid.

He raised himself up on his forearms now and watched this figure step through and stop right in front of him. When the light behind the mirror faded, leaving them in darkness, tears swam in Owen's eyes- and with a close of his eyes- he let his human form fade into his Elven form.

Puck then looked up, with eyes still filled with tears and choked out.

"Finally! Milady!…Oh my Queen!" Crawling forward and kissing her feet, standing in front of Puck was the Queen of the Fairies, and of all Avalon.

Queen Titania had finally answered his call.