~Chapter Thirty- Four~
The Prophecy- Part 2
Minutes later, Rose and Brooklyn were dressed and quickly made their way out of their bedroom towards the living room. There was a murmur of voices echoing from the hallway. They both had no idea what to expect with this conversation with the Queen of Avalon, and sister to Hela… It was all still surreal and a bit scary. As they got closer to the living room, Rose instantly reached over and took Brooklyn's claw for comfort. He squeezed her hand back, looked at her and nodded seriously while his voice entered her mind.
Easy babe… it'll be okay.
Rose smiled gently at him, took a deep breath and nodded. I sure hope so…
Brooklyn squeezed her hand again, while she kept her chin up and held herself high. This was the moment they all had been looking forward to for so long- finally someone from Avalon was here to speak to them, and hopefully this entire mess could be figured out, if not stopped completely. But she didn't know Titania, like the Gargoyles did, and she was Hela's younger sister and hopefully was nothing like her.
Together, they walked into the living room where everyone was sitting down on chairs, the floors, and the couches. Titania was sitting in the chair that Rose usually occupied near the fireplace, while the entire Clan was standing around; including Coldfire and Coldstone, Fox, Puck, and Elisa. Everyone was speaking in whispers amongst themselves. Titania had her eyes closed, and looked to be meditating, but the moment they all sensed her and Brooklyn entered- all the talking stopped, and instantly Titania's eyes flashed open, staring at them.
Rose froze, stopping Brooklyn as well. Everyone stayed silent for a few seconds until Titania broke the silence.
"Rose, Brooklyn… welcome. Please come and sit down, we have much to discuss."
Brooklyn went to obey and pull them to a couch, but Rose stood her ground and stayed where she was. He glanced over at her, about to ask why she wasn't wanting to move closer, but didn't, when she suddenly spoke up.
"Yes we do." She said quietly. "But first things first, you are truly the Queen of Avalon?"
Titania stared at her for a few seconds, uncrossed her legs and stood up. Her elegant outfit should have given that away, or the crown on her head, or her elven ears, or the very fact she said so back in her bedroom, but she had to be sure-
"I am." Titania answered her softly.
"Then that makes you Hela's younger sister." Rose said quietly. "My mother's sister."
Silence.
And everyone seemed to freeze, but Rose didn't care. Titania stared at her, not blinking, and took her time answering. Finally, after a few seconds, she walked closer to them- bringing the powerful magical aura with her that Rose could feel deeply within her soul.
"Yes." Titania finally answered. "Hela is my older sister… and you are her daughter. Which makes us…" she paused, glanced over at her daughter, Fox, and said with a smile, "family."
Fox and Rose had once talked about them being related being a possibility after Puck showed them all his earliest memories about Hela, Titania, Oberon and the huge fall-out between them all. But now it was official, but it didn't feel different or special. After living under one roof for some time, they already felt like family. Rose continued to stare hard at Titania and was surprised by herself. She was sure that when she met Titania that she would be elated, relieved… happy even… but now that Titania was here, she was… angry.
She and her Clan had endured so much suffering, and now Titania was just barely showing her face; Rose hoped there was a good reason for her absence. Everyone else must have known that she was upset, because all eyes were on her.
Brooklyn squeezed her hand in warning and said in her head, 'careful… don't fly off the handle. Stay calm.'
But deep down, she could feel his own anger inside of him as well, and they were in silent agreement over one thing. Titania and Oberon were the cause of all of this drama with the Death Gods and Hela in the first place, or at least that's what they gathered from Puck's memories a month back. She didn't know quite what to say or where to begin, but Titania was remaining silent- as if allowing her to gather her thoughts, and Rose thought that she was going to remain calm, but then...
"Where have you been?" She finally asked quietly, her voice a mixture of deadly calm. "It has been… months that myself and my Clan have been dealing with Hela's influences… months of us fighting off Draugr without any help from any Third Race members, except for Puck…who you've damned from progressing in his powers!" Rose didn't take a breath and she finished her thoughts, but let go of Brooklyn's hand and stepped closer to Titania; her voice dripping with malice now.
"Months of dark forces taking over me and my magic… months of my mind being tortured with pure darkness and evil!" She stared Titania down; her hazel eyes bearing into Titania's bright green ones. "I've heard enough about you and Oberon through Puck and know that your magic is good, so tell me this Titania… why haven't you been involved in helping us until now?! Isn't Hel and all of its creatures under yours and Oberon's rule?! Isn't Hela and all of her evil powers yours to command still? If so… why has all of this been happening? Forgive my anger… but where in the hell have you all been all of this time when we have needed you?"
Nobody moved except for Puck, who stood behind Titania staring at her with wide eyes. His mouth was open in disbelief that she was speaking to her so bluntly; to a Queen. But Queen or not, Rose didn't care. She kept her chin high and didn't back down, but also didn't miss the action of Puck cutting a finger across his neck while shaking his head at her.
A small growl formed in Brooklyn's chest as he also saw that action, but when Titania suddenly spoke up her voice remained calm and kind towards her still.
"Believe me, child. I would have been here as soon as I realized that my sister and Oberon's younger brother, who is your father and Hela's husband, Lord Demetrius; were planning such evil for us all. But the reason why I wasn't was because… I was in Hel, and was held prisoner for many weeks."
Rose blinked in shock at her.
"Back in December, your mortal time, Puck reached out to me when your magic first awakened and inquired about you. He told me that you were a human with the magic that resembled my sisters… and that instantly worried, but also, intrigued us all. There has been… bad blood between Hela, myself, and Oberon for too long and it is all of my fault." Titania paused and then continued in a louder voice. "I've made a great deal of mistakes, Rose. A great deal of transgressions in the past with my sister… and because of those mistakes… she has grown cold and unforgiving. So when I realized that you, an innocent girl, were somehow involved in Hela's evil; I instantly went to seek out the future regarding my sister… and why you, a girl who was born and raised human, would have her powers.
So, I sought out the three Fates from the Underworld in Hel, where Demetrius rules. I was attacked by the Draugr, which I noticed were far too great in numbers than was allowed. Your father, Lord Demetrius saved my life from them… called them off… and led me to the Three Fates who are able to see the future from the Forbidden Dark Arts. A future which my normal seers, The Weird Sisters, cannot. None of my children can see into any dark future, since our magic is from the Allfather Aesir and is full of light magic. Hel is its own dark magic, it's own entity; and is one that Lord Demetrius has grown a great deal since his banishment from Avalon, when my husband took the throne. I went to the Forbidden Three Fates to see what my sister was up to, and how you had her powers… and it was there that they told me of a prophecy."
Rose's mind was reeling, processing all that Titania was saying, but Brooklyn was the one to speak next.
"Prophecy?"
"Yes." Titania said, turning to face him. "There is a prophecy that was foreseen eons ago… their origins unknown… but speaks about all that is happening right now, and it's about… myself, Oberon, Hela and Demetrius- Hel, Avalon, and… Rose."
Everyone's eyes were on her again, and when Brooklyn again spoke up his tone was worried.
"What does it say about her?"
"I shall speak about it in a moment." Titania said, waving his question down. "First, I wish to finish answering your… mate's… questions first.
There was a slight edge to her voice, but when she turned back to Rose, her face was still calm and apparently unconcerned over their pairing.
"When I went to Hel and listened to the prophecy, it's not just about you Rose, but it is about the future of our world as we know it. The future of Hel and Avalon. Upon listening to it, I was able to obtain the answers I had about you, and saw for myself, what part of the story that you played. I went to leave Hel, to tell my Lord Oberon what I had found out, what the Prophecy had said about us all, and what I found out about Hela and Demetrius' plans for dominion; but then was imprisoned by your father and his evil intentions were made known to me. You'll be surprised, I think, to know that the Draugr attacks… your dark magic arising… it is all of his doing."
"Wait… what?" Rose asked quietly. "I… I thought Hela was behind this all…"
"No, not exactly." Titania said, shaking her head. "Your mother is acting as a liaison to your father, as are the Draugr, but she is doing as he commands. They are his servants and follow his law. He has allowed the Draugr to be used for Hela's uses in bringing you back into their grasps. It has grown clear to me that your father and mother are truly ruling Hel together, and all the forces within it, but your father has the final say. I doubt even my sister could disobey him without coming under some form of consequence…"
Rose thought this over and never once thought about her father, with whom she hadn't heard from or even seen before. She's seen evidence of both of them in Puck's memories, but the whole time she was fixated upon Hela and her evil. But if she was the front line of everything and it was her father behind it, then she had deeper problems to worry about. She glanced over at Brooklyn and their connection and minds were going crazy with questions.
"So… my father, Lord Demetrius, is the Lord of the Underworld in Hel? And he is the mastermind to this all?" Rose asked her. "Hela is just a… a… pawn?"
"A willing pawn." Titania said quietly. "But yes, Hela is doing what your father is commanding. But because they are married and are your parents, he's allowing her to pretty much run the show. She's sent the Draugr to you under his command."
"And what of my ex-husband… Kevin Morrison?" Rose suddenly asked her. "He was taken from his grave by Demona the Gargoyle months ago, and brought back to life with the resurrection spell from the Grimorum Arcanorum. He has been serving under Hela and the Draugr and recently tried to bring me to Hel…"
Titania glanced over at her with wide eyes, and studied her for a few seconds.
"Kevin is your ex-husband?"
Rose blinked in surprise. "You know him?"
"Yes…I saw him training with Hela a few times while I was imprisoned in their dungeons. He's a nasty piece of work. But then he came to Avalon through a portal yesterday, Avalon time, one week ago- your time here- and slaughtered hundreds of our prime Asgardian soldiers… I didn't recognize him. He had gotten stronger… less corpse like… and more like a true monster. Him and three Draugr made the green lands in front of our Castle look like a battlefield of slain soldiers. Their blood soaked the grass like a sea of red."
Rose's blood went cold and Brooklyn was suddenly standing behind her and placed his claws upon her shoulders, keeping her steady.
"Kevin was in Avalon?" She whispered, and Titania nodded.
"Yes. He was wearing all black armor, had a black respirator mask over his face and eyes… black as coal. We've never seen a Human enter our realm by portal before… but he too has powers given to him that resemble yours. Powers from Hela. None of us know who he was or what part he was playing. But myself and Oberon fear that Demetrius and Hela are plucking Human corpses from their graves to create an army so large that they would overrun us." She paused, then looked at everyone. "We are gathering Odin's armies, which consist of more than five hundred thousand Asgardian soldiers, and plan to strike back at Hel when they make their move again. War… is surely upon us, but we'll be ready for them."
"What of my brother… Gabriel?" Angela suddenly asked, stepping forward. "My rookery Clan? Are they all still there?"
"Yes, my child." Titania said. "Gabriel is the leader of the Clan, and all are planning to join us in protecting Avalon from this great threat. They are working with my Lord, as we speak, going over battle plans."
Angela's face looked torn, as if thinking about her brother and the Clan she grew up with on Avalon, and Rose forgot that most of her life was spent in Avalon. It was her home just as much as here was…
Just as it was Puck's. Both looked sick by the thought of war coming upon it.
"So, if you were imprisoned in Hel, how are you here now? How did you escape?" Rose asked, wanting to get back to the story, before they dove back into other things.
"I was under day and night supervision from the Draugr." Titania explained. " Locked up in iron shackles which drained all of my powers… and nearly all of my hope." She paused, swallowed and then continued, "My husband searched for me for many weeks, Avalon time, months… in this mortal realm's time. Hence why Hela was able to unleash her powers against you for months. The mortal world is her realm, and the Draugr were able to cross realms without raising any alarms. This happened because Avalon was under attack, and still is. Oberon wasn't made aware of any attacks in the mortal world and was distracted while looking for me.
My Lord got word from the Weird Sisters that I was in Hel… but Raven; a fellow mischief God like Puck here… has betrayed us. Played spy to keep my Lord from finding me, and to keep him distracted from paying attention to what was happening in the mortal world."
Puck made a gagging noise upon hearing that his fellow brother betrayed them all, but Rose blinked and stepped forward again.
"But isn't it Oberon's law that the Third Race can't interfere with Humans? Puck told us that… so wouldn't he have felt magic being used here?"
"What do you mean?" Titania asked.
"Hela and the Draugr were coming after me!" Rose exclaimed. "Using magic and evil against me almost constantly! Wouldn't he have known or felt that unnatural use of magic, distracted or not?"
"It's possible."
"So he just… didn't care that more was going on?" Rose asked with raised eyebrows.
"No…" Titania said softly. "I think it's more complicated than that. When I look upon you, I see a Human woman, but can feel a strong magic within you. But there's something else, something I didn't realize until now."
"What?" Rose asked.
"My sister has placed a temporary shape-shifting hold over your body, to shield your Third Race Fae body presence with a mask. Most likely to ensure that none of us in Avalon would suspect anything out of the ordinary with you."
Now it was Rose's turn to be confused. "What?"
"You are not a human, Rose." Titania said quietly. "This form that is standing before us all… is merely a shape-shifted form that Hela has made sure you kept until her magic undoes it. To keep you hidden from myself and Oberon's sights. Blending you into this world… like camouflage."
At this, Puck gasped in a breath and then stepped forward.
"Of course! That is why I was unable to train her to learn how to shape shift. I couldn't do it because she is already in a shape shifted form! I sensed something was awry, but I didn't know what to make of it."
"That's because you don't know much about the complexity of dark magic, Puck." Titania said softly. "But yes, if you were trying to teach Rose how to shape-shift, and she couldn't, that is why. A spell of sorts has been placed over her, shielding her Fae form from our views."
"So… what does that mean exactly?" Rose whispered, thinking about how she looked in the nightmares and tried not to get sick.
"It means that you are a full-blooded Third Race member, hidden by a human body." Titania said softly, then with a bright white light, she transformed into a human female, with bright green eyes, white skin, and long, deep red hair- just like Rose's. Titania was now Anastasia, the woman and mother Fox knew all her life.
"I can transform into a Human… but it is not my true form." Titania as Anastasia explained. "So you see…. You were born from Demetrius and Hela- two powerful Death Gods and Fae. But when you were an infant, Hela most likely forced you to temporarily stay and grow as a Human until she undid the spell. Until she let your true self come out."
Rose stayed still and stared at her, and she couldn't help but think of the beautifully, terrifying Fae of herself from the nightmare earlier in her mind. Her deep red hair pulled into a side loose braid, her skin more cream and porcelain-like, her eyes no longer hazel, but glowing yellow, like burning embers. Her bright white fanged teeth. Her giant, black avian wings… Brooklyn's claws tightened on her shoulders, as he too saw the image cross over in his mind; and true shock shot through his system. She had told him about the dream and what she was like… but for him to actually see the images…
She didn't dare look at him to see his reaction.
"So… that's why Oberon hasn't suspected anything?" Rose finally asked her quietly. "Because I'm truly a Third Race member, hidden by a Human's presence…"
"Yes." Titania said, turning back into her Elven self. "And not only that, but Hela has placed a powerful shield over the mortal world- blinding us now from what has been going on here. I have known about you ever since I ventured into Hel, but once I was imprisoned, I could never tell Oberon what was happening, and he was blinded to what was going on here. So, my Lord came after me after the Weird Sisters were found and told him that I last was seen with his brother in Hel. So, he went to Hel to find me, and then went to the Underworld in this world, where Hela's residence lies. He felt the shield, and knew something was wrong, but then Hela captured him and brought him back to Hel. Where he was then imprisoned with me. We did not know that Hela and Demetrius had gotten married, created a child, nor planned to take over Avalon and all the world… until they told us. Their plans caught us all off guard… and we were truly blindsided. For a few weeks more, Oberon and I were imprisoned together in the same cell of their dungeon. Bound by iron- which kept us weak.
During this time, Odin… the Asgardian Lord of War… and Oberon's closest ally, kept Avalon and the rest of our Gathered children calm during our absence and was leader for a short time. But we were unable to do anything… unable to fight, unable to communicate with anyone. And I was dying, I refused to eat, drink or keep my strength up. So, Demetrius released Oberon from his iron to help keep me alive, because I apparently am needed to stay alive for a curse they plan to evoke on the world… but Oberon was able to regain his strength, used the power from Hel and broke us out. We've only been back in Avalon for a few days, our time, and I've been forbidden to come here- since Hela could be here at any moment to try to kill me. To kill us all. But I had to come… to warn all of you of what is coming."
Everyone was silent and watched Titania with wide eyes, including Puck now. It was obvious that he hadn't known any of that, and looked sick to his stomach.
"We've been told that Hela is planning on evoking a curse on us all. Puck has even seen a vision of all death on Earth." Goliath asked, stepping forward. "Is that true then? Is that what all of this is about?"
"Yes…" Titania whispered, nodding. "It is true. They are planning a curse… powerful enough to wipe all of life off the Earth. I know the spell from the Grimorum they are using, but how they plan to evoke it… I don't know yet because it's never been done before to this great extent. It includes all of us, Third Race members, and Rose." She then turned to face her. "That's why I believe they are wanting you so badly and didn't destroy myself and Oberon while they had us in their grasp."
Rose and everyone stayed silent for a few seconds, and then Brooklyn spoke up.
"What can we do about that then? What can we do to fight them and stop this curse?"
"Avalon is protected from the forces of Hel for the time being." Titania said softly. "We shall wage war against soon, but both Demetrius and Hela are bound by their banishment and cannot enter. Now that Oberon has been released from prison, and we are back home in Avalon, his powers are stronger than ever. As is his wrath against his brother and Hela. With all of our soldiers and powers with all the children, it is the safest place to be…"
She then paused and turned to face everyone.
"That is why I have come. To explain why none of us have been around to help… and to offer you all a safe haven from this mortal realm, where Hela will mostly likely come and attack. This is the one and only time I fear I can come, because even now, my time here in the mortal realm is putting you all at great risk. War is coming for all of us, including the mortal world and all humans within it. So I have come to offer Avalon's protection to all of you."
She then turned to Fox and Xanatos. "Fox, my darling daughter, I urge you, your husband and Alex to come with me to Avalon. There… you shall be protected from all of the evil that will be unleashed here. It shall be temporary, of course, and you shall return back here to your home when all of this is over, but until then, I implore you to seek asylum in Avalon's protection."
Fox glanced over at Xanatos with wide eyes, as Titania moved on.
"Goliath… you and your Clan are welcome to come as well. And Rose…" She turned to her. "I especially insist you come as well. With you protected in Avalon's walls, Hela and Demetrius won't be able to step forth and place a hand upon you and use you for their evil bidding."
There was more silence, but then Goliath stepped forward, bowed before her and said, "Thank you kindly for your offer of protection for myself and my Clan, Lady Titania." He then stood up and faced her solemnly.
"However, it is not the nature of a Gargoyle to run away from a battle nor abandon our protectorate. I will let my Clan decide for themselves what they wish to do," he turned to face them all, "as it is their right to choose for themselves. But I will not abandon my human mate or any of the innocent humans that live here to be slaughtered. If it is death and war that is coming, I plan to seek out the rest of the remaining Gargoyle Clans that I came across when Avalon took us to where we needed to be, and we shall build up an army here. We will also work with you in fighting this great evil." He stepped back and then took Elisa in his arms. "But I am staying and will not leave the ones I love, nor the people that are good and true, to that dark fate. I shall fight for them."
"Aye." Hudson said, stepping forward and standing behind Goliath.. "I too shall stay with my Clan, and have no desire to leave the humans to die. I am staying as well."
"Same with us." Coldstone said, as Coldfire added, "We shall always be here to help our Clan." Goliath nodded with a smile at them both.
"Same with Kira and myself, we aren't going anywhere." Lexington said. Akira nodded, stepped forward, and said, "Lexington and I wish to travel to Japan to recruit my Clan in Ishurma, but we have to stay to do that… but, if we are needed to fight, we shall come to Avalon's aid."
Rose watched each of her Clan courageously stepping forward to stay, but as she glanced over at Angela- she looked sad and torn. And Goliath seemed to read his daughter's mind. "Angela… if you, Broadway and your egg wish to seek asylum in Avalon, then you have my blessing."
"No, Goliath." Angela whispered. "Broadway and I will not leave this Clan… but… I wonder if… Titania would be so gracious to take our egg to Avalon and place it in the protection of Gabriel, in their own rookery, and have my rookery Clan look after it."
Rose gasped, "Angela…"
"It's for the best." She whispered back. "The egg won't hatch until April, so we have time…"
"But time passes differently on Avalon." Akira whispered, stepping forward and placing a small claw upon her shoulder. "You might miss its hatching."
"Doesn't matter, I know my rookery Clan will care for it as their own until Broadway and I are able to come. When it is safe again."
Titania nodded and smiled sadly at Angela, knowing the great sacrifice she was making for her unborn child. "Yes, I would be happy to bring your egg back with me."
"Fox and Alex will be coming with you." Xanatos suddenly said, and Fox whipped around to face him.
"David!"
"Darling… your mother is right. It's the safest place until all of this blows over. Hela coming to attack is not a matter of 'if,' but of 'when'. I don't want you and Alex here to suffer under her hand." He held Fox close to him and cupped her face delicately. "Besides, it's only temporary."
"And what of you?" She whispered tearfully.
"I will provide armies of my own to fight for this world." He said. "I'm the most powerful, successful and richest man in the weaponry and technological field. Militaries are buying my weapons, right and left. It only seems fit that I help Goliath in protecting the rest of this world with their armies. I shall stay here… and control my robots and the weapons." He looked deeply into her eyes and then whispered, "We shall only be a part for a short time, my love."
"David…I… I can't...leave you here." Fox argued, but he placed a finger over her lips.
"Yes you can love, and you will. Take Alex and go, Fox. You all will be safer there for the time being."
Tears fell down her face as she stared at her husband, but she didn't argue. The logic was there and too sound to argue against it.
Rose placed her hand upon her stomach naturally, where her own child was, and thought about what her decision would be. What Brooklyn thought. She turned to face him, and his face was stuck in a place of indecision and uncertainty.
"What of Puck?" Xanatos suddenly asked Titania. "Is he not allowed to stay and further protect Alex and Fox, or will he remain here with me?"
Titania thought deeply for a moment then said, "Puck has grown and done many tremendous things since his banishment from Avalon. But when my Lord banished him, he specifically told him to use his powers to train and protect the boy; and that is exactly what I think he still should do." Titania turned to face Puck, whose face was frozen in shock. "If that is your wish… I believe I can persuade Oberon to allow you home again… temporarily. That way we know that Alex will have that much more protection from these outside influences."
"Really?" He gasped in amazement. "You'll allow me to come back home?"
"Temporarily, but yes." Titania said seriously. "For now, I see no reason why you can't still protect the boy, if that's what you wish. Do a good enough job and perhaps you'll win over your Lord's favor again, but we shall see. Only time will tell."
Puck didn't spend much time debating it, before he glanced at Xanatos- who nodded- and exclaimed, "Yes, milady! I shall return home and continue to protect Fox and Alex. Thank you!"
Titania nodded at him, then turned to Rose and Brooklyn, who had remained silent.
"So now it's down to you two. I shall take my daughter, grandson, Puck, and the hatchling with me to Avalon… what say you, Rose? You should come to Avalon and flee from this world. Hela will attack and bring you into Hel, and for what reason, I still don't know-but I have a feeling it's to do with the curse. And for that reason, you aren't safe here."
Rose's eyes widened in shock and she didn't know what to think, so she turned to face Brooklyn; who still looked torn, but her decision was made. Shaking her head, she backed up to him and stood next to him.
"No, thank you. Take the others, but I… I'm not going."
"Rose…" Brooklyn started to say; but she looked at him, and said, "No."
"What Titania is saying makes sense," He argued gently with her, and took her in his arms. "I don't like it either, but…"
"What's your decision?" She asked. "Are you going to stay?"
"As Goliath's Second-in-Command, yes. Yes, I am." He answered. "That was never a question… but…"
"But what?"
"My duty is to you as well." He whispered, took a deep breath and sighed, "To your safety and well-being. So… I think you should go, Rose. You'll be safe on Avalon... away from Hela's grasp."
"And away from you." Rose whispered back tearfully, her heart breaking again. This felt just like leaving for the Labyrinth.
"We'll stay here and collect the other Clans, and I'm sure we'll meet up in Avalon to fight… but we must stay here to help protect the Humans."
"If I go then we'll be apart." She argued. "And you remember how well that went when I went to the Labyrinth."
"That was different…"
"How?" She asked, taking his claws in her hands, staring deeply into his worried eyes. "How will this be any different than that?! We'll be apart from each other and our soul-bond's powers will be wasted. We are stronger together."
"Right… but…"
"And you're also forgetting about one important factor." She said, and when he stayed silent, she whispered, "Kevin. Brooklyn, we saw him just last night and he was able to open a portal. If he was able to portal into Avalon with Draugr and slaughter hundreds of soldiers by himself, who's to say that he won't be sent to collect me?" She paused, let her eyes sink and spoke out loud to everyone now. "This whole situation doesn't allow me to win. I'm damned if I go, but damned if I stay… and I'll be damning everyone with me…"
She closed her eyes and shook her head. "If I go to Avalon, Hela will come after me and take Avalon with her. Alex will still be in danger, as will Fox, and all of this protection will be wasted." She took a deep breath, then looked at Brooklyn. "But if I stay… then…"
She thought about her Clan being in that same danger. Thought of Brooklyn… Elisa… Emily…
There was no winning with her involved.
Sighing, she shook her head and turned to Brooklyn, who heard her thoughts. "What do you think? If you really want me to go, then... I will… but Hela, Kevin and the Draugr will only follow me there, and when they do, death will separate us for much longer and far more grievous, than distance will."
"Then stay." Goliath suddenly said. "We will protect you Rose, and perhaps your magic can protect us and give us more time as we gather allies."
"It's a double edged sword though." Rose whispered, lowering her head down, and Brooklyn's claws rested upon her shoulders again. "Either way, I'm still a heavy target, and you all will be at risk! Are you sure you are okay with me staying?"
"We are a Clan aren't we?" Hudson suddenly asked. "And a Clan stays together, or falls together."
"I suppose…" but she turned to Brooklyn and took his claws. "What do you think of all this, my love, honestly?"
Brooklyn stared down at her with worried eyes, lifted a claw up and caressed her face and sighed heavily.
"I don't know. I just want you safe. But I think… I think you're right, my love, it's all bad no matter which way we look at it. If Kevin wasn't involved, then I would feel more inclined to send you away for your safety so Hela can't get to you, but he is involved and already was able to breach Avalon's borders. With Hela holding his leash, he's too dangerous to mess around with. Besides, our soul-bond with each other makes us stronger together. So, yes. I agree cautiously. I want you and think you should stay, but ultimately, it's your decision."
Rose smiled at him in relief and he pulled her into his arms; holding onto her tightly. She hugged him back, still mulling over her decision, but then thought of something. They still didn't know what the prophecy said, and one other thing...
She pulled away from Brooklyn's hold, turned around, and looked over at Titania. "I'll stay then… but… what about the Humans here in this realm, Titania?"
Titania blinked. "What about them?"
"If my Clan is staying to protect the Humans, will you and Oberon help us protect them when Hela does decide to attack-?"
"No."
At her sudden answer, Rose's heart sunk, and the Clan shuffled uncomfortably; Lexington, Akira, Angela and Broadway all stared at her with open mouths, then at each other in disgusted shock.
"No?" Rose asked in disbelief. "What do you mean no!?"
"My Lord has a strict rule, one that none of us can break except the Death Gods. No mortal or Human is to be interfered with by our magic."
"So what about Hela?" Rose demanded.
"She is the Goddess of Death over the Human world." Titania whispered. "She has rule and dominion over this realm. What she chooses to do is her affair. She has rules she has to follow, but I'm afraid none of us will be in a position to control her for a while. We must place all of our efforts into throwing Demetrius down, only then, can we control Hela and destroy her, once and for all."
"I don't understand…" Elisa suddenly said slowly, stepping forward. "You and all of the Children lived among us for thousands of years… and yet… with us also in danger… you're not doing anything to aid us?"
"No, I'm afraid we cannot. I'm sorry." Titania said without emotion. "We must channel all of our powers on Avalon and protect it from falling into Demetrius' hands…"
"But Hela is coming here to seek war on this realm, on the Humans!" Rose suddenly argued. "Who's going to protect the Humans from her? It'll just be my Clan and the other Gargoyles who truly choose to join us. Is that really what I'm hearing? You're abandoning the Human world to death, just to save Avalon?"
"Yes." Titania said softly. "That is what I am saying. You humans are good, but we must do what is necessary. Demetrius is the bigger threat currently, and if he gets his hands around Oberons' crown… then the entire world and all of the realms will crumble, not just the Human world. He and Hela will rule over a dead world as myself and Puck have seen, and it'll truly be the end of the world as we know it."
"So you're letting the Humans die first!" Rose snarled, tears filling her eyes and rage tugging at her heart. This conversation took a huge turn over their intentions. "We're the sacrificial lambs, while you protect your precious Avalon?!"
When Titania didn't say anything to contradict her, Rose gasped out and whispered, "That's why you're taking your daughter and grandson away from here… that's why you aren't sending more troops here to help my Clan protect the Humans! You… you're going to let Hela slaughter our realm!"
At this, everyone gasped, and Titania looked around nervously- and even Fox looked like she was going to pass out. She looked over at her husband, and at this, Xanatos looked to be re-evaluating his decision to stay. Not if it was a sure death wish, but if he didn't stay and at least try to fight…
They wouldn't have his weapons, which would give them at least a chance. Slim as it may be.
"Child, you have to understand…" Titania began, but Rose cut her off, broke out of Brooklyn's arms and pointed a finger menacingly at her. The truth was right there in front of her, and it enraged her to no end
"No, I understand perfectly!" She yelled. "Humans are expendable and weak in your eyes because they don't have magic! We are flawed and looked down upon with no worth by you, Oberon and the Third Race. You believe that we are the lesser race of beings compared to you all."
Puck looked ready to pounce in front of her and protect his queen, but Titania looked offended and angry, finally showing some of her emotions. "Is that what you think about me? For someone who knows so little about magic and about the Third Race and where she's truly from… you seem to think that I am the monster here, and that we don't care."
"Do you though?" Rose came back at her, and then shrugged. "Seems to me that you seem pretty damn okay and casual with letting all who remain in the mortal world to die under Hela's hand, as long as Avalon survives. Or… the fact that you've let your sister, my mother, and Oberon's brother, run an entire slaughter show under your 'supposed' care and watchful eye…" She paused, scoffed and sneered, "Yeah, I'm starting to see things a lot clearer now."
"Hold your tongue! I am your Queen and will not be spoken to in that manner." Titania whispered in a deadly tone, her power surging through her now. "Do not speak so freely on something you know nothing about!"
" I don't take orders from anyone." Rose snarled back. "And I seem to know a hell of a lot more than you do about all of this!"
"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Hold it! Time out and everyone freeze!" Puck suddenly yelled while jumping in between Rose and Titania, who were both glaring each other down. He placed a hand upon Rose's shoulders and pushed her away. "You'll have to forgive her, my Queen, because she truly doesn't know," he then turned to Rose and spat a warning through gritted teeth, "with whom she's speaking to!"
"I don't care who I'm talking to!" Rose seethed, ripping out of his hold. "She is talking about leaving the Human world to burn and be slaughtered, while they stay hidden in their own protected realm, as if we don't exist or matter! And most likely all of the Gargoyle Clans with them! I don't care who you are, but that is wrong! The Gargoyles will fight tooth and nail to protect them, but there are millions of Humans on this Earth and only a few hundred or thousand of them spread out! We need your help! Screw Oberon's rule…" she then stepped past Puck and begged in a whisper, "Help us beat Hela!"
"I'm trying to, Rose." Titania said firmly, her tone still angry. "I can bring you to Avalon for safety, but nothing more can be done. We will do all we can to stop Hela and this curse, but that means that she cannot get a hold on you."
"But-"
"I do care about human lives." Titania said, her tone growing emotional. "I have lived for one thousand years among them as a Human. I have known all the goodness and caring nature of them, I even fell in love with one and had a child." She paused and continued to stare Rose down. "But this is a war. I don't like it anymore than you do, but I must face the facts that you all refuse to acknowledge. There are millions of people alive on this Earth. Only a few hundred thousand Fae, Third Race, and mystical creatures, and a few thousand or so Gargoyles upon this Earth. There will be casualties, and most of them will be Human. But there's nothing I can actually do more than what we are doing now. I'm sorry you feel that way about me or our kind, but that's the truth. You are a Third Race Fae, and aren't even a Human. And since you've seen nothing but the cruel side of Humanity, know that these deaths just might be-"
"Don't you dare say they are justifiable or worth the sacrifice!" Rose whispered with tears in her eyes. "You forget that I was born and raised by Humans, there are good people out there in this world, my best friend-"
"Has abandoned you because your magic was too much for her to handle." Titania hissed and shut her up instantly. Rose didn't know how she knew, but she stopped seeing and stopped hearing.
Magic raged through her-
Enough, Rose. It'll be okay. If they don't want to help, then we'll do this all on our own. We will all do our part to protect each other and as many Humans as we can. I promise you that. Brooklyn's calm and deep voice flowed deeply inside of her mind, and instantly their soul-bond flowed through her, forcing her to be calm.
Tears fell down her face involuntarily, and suddenly Elisa stepped up to her, and pulled her back.
"Rose, enough. Come on… "
Rose could only nod and tried to swallow the huge lump in her throat but couldn't. Elisa guided her back to Goliath and Brooklyn, who instantly took her in his arms and she started to silently cry.
"Shh, it's okay. We will figure something out." He whispered in her ears, cupping the back of her head, glaring up at Titania.
"So… no one from your Clan is going to take me up on my protection then?" Titania asked Goliath a bit impatiently, who was also staring at her with narrowed, angry eyes.
"That's right. Gargoyles protect… and we do not abandon our home or those we have a duty to. But thank you for the offer. We shall keep in touch with you, and ask you to do the same. If Hel attacks Avalon first, then we shall be the first to come to your aid. But… it is… a bit disappointing to hear that you shall not give us the same kindness or aid if we are attacked first."
"It's not my kindness to give, but my Lord's. All the same, good luck to you all." Titania said dismissively. "I've been here for far too long. Hela probably can sense and knows that I'm here. So all those who are coming with me, we need to leave now."
With one glance at their husbands, Fox instantly went to go get Alex, while Angela grabbed hers and Broadway's egg. And all sat in uncomfortable silence as the seconds passed by. Rose wanted to say more, but didn't as she stayed clung to Brooklyn in a hopeless state.
It didn't matter what she said.
Titania said they would receive no help, thus giving them all a very real death sentence. And now… it was truly up to her to find a way to save everyone from Hela and this dark fate.
But she didn't know how.
After a few minutes of tense silence, Fox and Angela returned back with their children. Xanatos and Fox had a very passionate good-bye as their son slept deeply in her arms, in his baby blanket, and for the first time since knowing them, both of them were crying.
Xanatos was murmuring how much he loved her and Alex and that he would join them soon, depending on what Hela does. After a few more hugs and kisses, Xanatos walked forward, grasped Puck's hand and held it sternly, "Protect them. I'm counting on you Puck."
Puck bowed. "You have my vow and promise, Xanatos."
Xanatos nodded, walked back and wrapped Fox up in a hug once again, as Angela and Broadway handed Titania their egg. The heartbreak on Angela's face was enough to make Rose want to stop this… all of this… but still she didn't know how, or what else to say. Rage was pulsing through her, as well as Brooklyn through their soul connection, and was grateful that he felt the same way she did. They expected more from Titania, and not a chance to stick their heads in the sand and pretend that this wasn't all happening around them. That no other life mattered.
With the egg in Titania's arms, she gave it to Puck to hold, and then turned back to face them all. Her green eyes lingered on Rose's for a few seconds, before she held her arms up and said, "Till we meet again, good luck to you, and may Allfather Aesir bless you all."
"Wait!" Akira suddenly said, stepping forward. "You mentioned that there was a prophecy that you found out about all of this… about Rose. Will you tell us so that we too may know."
Rose's stomach lurched, and she forgot that Titania did hear a prophecy mentioned about her from Demetrius' Three Fates.
At this, Titania nodded.
"Ah, yes. I nearly forgot." She then walked into the middle of the room. "I don't have much time to sit here and explain it, but I'll do my best if you have questions."
"Can't we reach out to you with your mirror?" Rose asked darkly. "Or will you leave us helpless even more?"
Titania gave her a deep glare, but continued to speak, as if she didn't hear her.
"Yes, you can. Say my name into it while placing your hand upon it, and I shall try to answer your call." Titania said. "For now… let me tell you the prophecy shown to me by the Forbidden Three Fates…"
She held her hands out and green, wispy magic, that looked like Rose's, flowed out from her hands and encompassed the entire room. And then suddenly all manner of voices spoke out in echoes as Titania opened her mouth and said-
In many millennia, in the Land of the Fair, a great betrayal shall take place.
Treasured family relationships will disappear without a trace.
They shall be torn apart by greed, power, pride and hate;
Thus, creating this dark fate.
Darkness shall descend slowly upon the Great Avalon, and all will seem to be at peace
but that peace will quickly cease.
Deep below where Avalon's lava rivers do flow, in the land of the dead,
Death awaits His chance to rise from His chained bed.
In the Meridian of Time, Death will create life with a Powerful Fae, and that child shall grow up alone.
The child of Deaths shall hide behind the Mountain's Stone, growing in powers known and unknown.
This child shall appear to be of no concern,
but awaits for her destiny to let all of Avalon burn.
After a score and three years, a great battle shall occur.
The Goddess of Death shall triumph, and all of life will be in a stir.
Avalon will fall,
But one being shall sacrifice their love and life for the good of all-
Sealing this prophecy with the most powerful force on Earth
The New Avalon shall rise from the Ashes, a new world and new birth.
Balance shall finally be obtained.
And there shall be a Bond in unity of all things, achieved unfeigned."
Rose listened with great intent to the words as Titania's magic faded; and the words left her mind reeling. She kept mulling it over, line by line… and the first half was definitely talking about the great betrayal that made Hela… the Goddess of Death… but the rest of it seemed to give her heart palpitations. It was about her… she knew it. Deep down inside, from the last nightmare she had and seeing her as the next 'Goddess of Death,' she knew what it all meant, and it terrified her.
But then Death from below Avalon shall rise
A child born of two Deaths
Hidden behind Mountain Stone…
Her destiny to let Avalon burn
Then someone will give their all…
She didn't know what to think, and when she glanced up into Brooklyn's, he too, was mulling each verse over and over in his head- and was thinking about her- and if the nightmare she had that he told her not to worry about, was in fact- the true future.
His heart sank, and Rose had to hold tightly onto him to steady them both.
Titania suddenly glanced over at Rose with worried eyes, stepped closer to her and said, "I know you're angry with me, Rose. But listen to my words and heed them, please. I have made a terrible mistake in how I treated my sister. That is the betrayal that was foreseen in this prophecy. I wish it wasn't, but what's done is done. Your mother had every chance to choose peace, but she refused to be held down or respect Oberon's law… just as you were refusing to respect me… out of anger. The same thing happened to her." Titania then paused, reached a hand out and caressed her face.
"You remind me so much of my sister… you are so strong-willed, and protective of those you love. That's exactly how she was before she chose evil, Rose. Don't forget that. Demetrius, your father has always been evil. Not one ounce of him is good, but my sister… Helena, used to be good." Tears filled her eyes. "I believe she isn't all lost, that's why I haven't given up hope. But myself and Oberon hurt her, and it was too much to forgive for her. She let darkness and rage tear down her heart, which ended up being her fall. She waged wars against us, made so many years unbearable… all while Demetrius stayed quietly in the corner, planning for his rise to power, and this is his plan all along. Hela is merely a pawn. So, please don't follow after that path, Rose. Choose good."
"I am." She whispered with tears streaming down her face. "I'm going to protect my world from a problem you refuse to help us with."
"Death is unavoidable during a war. I'm sorry." She whispered fiercely. "But I still think… no… I implore you… one last time Rose. Come to Avalon. Hela cannot get a hold of you, if they do, their curse will succeed."
"No." Rose whispered back. "I'm not going."
"Then, I must warn you. If you choose to truly stay here… I sense a great disturbance in your future. It's cold, dark, miserable and full of suffering. If Hela and Kevin are going to try to take you back to Hel to unleash a curse, I have no doubt that this prophecy is referring to you… and the destiny of being the reason Avalon burns." Titania stepped back, threw her arms out and opened a portal with her vibrant green magic. "So please… use that strong-will and your rebellious spirit to continue to prove me wrong, Rose. Don't let Hela get you…" She then glanced up at Goliath. "Good luck to you all, I hope to see you all soon when this war is over."
Then, with a sweeping motion, herself, the egg, Fox, Alex and Puck disappeared- leaving everyone to stand still. Xanatos instantly raised his hand to his eyes and held his forehead, no doubt trying to keep himself from crying or was crying silently. Seconds turned into minutes, and nobody could say anything. From what Titania said about not giving them aid, to the prophecy… it was the truth staring them in the faces. Staring Rose in the face. All she had seen in nightmares, all the powers she felt deep within her.
The body that she saw in the mirror wasn't her, but was the demon Fae she saw in her nightmare- and her entire life had been a lie.
Just then, Goliath stepped forward and spoke to everyone.
"We've just been dealt a major blow, but our course of action is clear. We must continue to reach out to all of the Clans and try to protect our own communities. I do not know if we have enough time to physically bring us all together, but at least the Gargoyles will know about the imminent battle and prepare themselves and their Clans for war."
"There's gotta be more we can do, Goliath." Brooklyn said, holding Rose to his side. "Avalon has completely abandoned us! What can we do now?"
"Not give up hope." Elisa suddenly said. "We have each other, and all we can do is wait and see what comes next. We never know… help might very well come to our aid. But don't give up hope."
Goliath pulled her to him and held her hands in his claws, looking proud and more in love with her than ever before. Savoring every second with her, as it now felt like they needed to spend every moment, truly taking advantage of what they had.
"Aye." Goliath said tenderly. "We never know what tomorrow might bring, or even later on tonight, but we have each other. And that's all that matters."
Rose's eyes teared up at his words, and she thought of her own mate.
"What does everyone think of the prophecy?" Rose asked them, turning around.
"We've always known you were somehow different, Rose." Goliath said. "When you and Brooklyn first met, and we saw how connected you two were, it was a destiny in the works between you two. And then when your magic awoken… it makes sense that you are a Third Race member."
"But the prophecy said that the Goddess of Death will rise… and Avalon will fall." She paused. "Which means that Hela gets to me…"
"We don't know that for sure." Brooklyn said. "Besides, there was a lot more to it than that. It sounded like Avalon comes back strong, and doesn't mention anything about a curse. So perhaps, it doesn't work.
"Aye, but we'll never know." Coldstone said in his deep voice. "It's best not to let it go to chance. We must do everything we can to not let the curse happen."
The Clan and Rose nodded in agreement, and then she said, "I can't believe there's a prophecy about me. It said that I would grow up alone, and hide behind the mountain's stone… what does that refer to?"
"Gargoyles, of course." Hudson said with a smile. "Gargoyles were made out of a 'Mountain's Stone'. And if you recall Puck's memories, it mentioned that Hela is the one that made our race, and carved us out of a Mountain."
Remembrance dawned on her. "Oh right… I forgot that part."
"Aye, so it makes sense that you've hidden behind a Mountain's Stone, because ye are a part of our Clan, and in our protection."
Rose nodded with a smile, and then thought deeply some more. "What do you all think about hearing that my… father, Lord Demetrius of the Underworld of Hel is actually the one behind this all, instead of Hela."
"It sounds like we're truly knees deep in manure." Broadway suddenly said, making Rose crack a smile. "That's what that sounds like to me, at least. Troubles on all sides."
"Aye, but Demetrius sounds like Oberon's problem." Goliath said, also cracking a smile as he held Elisa to him. "Not ours. He is giving the orders to Hela- who's then ordering the Draugr and Kevin to attack us- but we've defeated the Draugr before, and we still don't know if Kevin survived the fire. So, we really don't know more until we are attacked again. But regardless, we shall be ready when they do." He looked at Rose and gave her a serious nod. "I promise."
"Me too." She whispered. "I'm sorry everyone. I know it's not my fault, but this is my issue still. I'm involved in the eye of this mess… and to hear you all want to stick around to help protect us Humans and our community…" She paused as tears filled her eyes and choked, "I'm very thankful and proud to call you all my true family. Thank you for supporting Brooklyn and myself, and for being the most wonderful beings. I love you all." She paused, turned to Angela and said, "I'm sorry that you had to give your egg away temporarily. I can't even imagine."
"It's okay." Angela said with a smile, even though she too, had been crying. "We'll return to it soon, and will raise it in a peaceful world."
Rose smiled at her, nodded, and then turned to Akira and Lexington. "And you two said you're going to travel to Japan? When are you going to go?"
"As soon as we can." Akira said softly. "We haven't figured out arrangements for travel yet, but once we are all done talking, we'll start figuring that out."
"Good."
She smiled at them, and then felt a tug on hers and Brooklyn's soul bond. At the same time, they turned and gazed into each other's eyes. Their minds and hearts, one.
I'm sorry.
What are you sorry for my love?
For this whole mess. For all that we're being put through and sacrificing. But, I'm even more sorry that you've married into a batshit crazy family.
At this, Brooklyn had to hold in a snort of laughter as he cupped the back of her head and hugged her tightly to him while kissing her hair.
"Hey, I didn't marry you for your family." He whispered in her ear, still keeping the conversation between them.
"Well you got evil, sadistic, psycho Death Gods on one side of my family, and conniving, self righteous and pompous bitches on the other. Man… I'm screwed. I don't have a prayer, do I? With that lineage… Titania is right, my future does look miserable."
Knowing she was teasing, Brooklyn squeezed her even tighter and chuckled lowly. "Good thing they aren't your true family." He leaned back and passionately gazed into her eyes. His claws trailed down her waist to barely touch her stomach. "Myself, our baby, and this Clan is our family."
"Yeah... I know." She smiled up at him, and instantly he leaned in and modestly kissed her lips.
So… wanna tell the clan our news?
Hmmm… after all the news we've had dumped on us? She thought, sarcastically, back. No, not yet. Let's make it to my ultrasound on Thursday before we say anything to anyone. I don't want to let everyone know just in case this baby doesn't stick and I miscarry; God forbid.
Silence rang through their mind bond and then his voice whispered, also dry and sarcastic. That's the spirit…
Rose smiled apologetically, kissed him again on the lips and then sank back into his arms, sighing out in his hair.
"So… what will ye do lass?" Hudson suddenly asked, and she pulled back from Brooklyn's hold to look at him. "With all of this goin' on, and Puck gone, how will ye keep trainin' yer magic? All of us can still help yeh with hand-to-hand combat, but Puck was trainin' yeh to do other things, right?" His question literally stumped her, and her stomach sank; not quite realizing that. He was right. Her only teacher was gone, went back to Avalon to protect Alex and Fox… and while that was his excuse, his leaving truly felt like an abandonment as asinine as Titania's lack of help.
"Um… well Puck did start to teach me how to portal to different places, and that was um… successful… kind of." She paused and thought about how she nearly drowned in the indoor pool, or nearly portaled out of the building, which was something Brooklyn didn't know. However, with a whip of his head in her direction, his eyes wide with shock- she realized he heard her thoughts, and now knew.
"WHA-?!"
"Anyway." She pushed over his outrage question loudly, then said in her mind to him, chill… it's not a big deal. I'll tell you about it later. His glare almost made her chuckle, but she continued to speak to the rest of the room, "Puck taught me the basics, but I still can't shape-shift, and I guess we now know why. But that's okay, because… I don't want to. I had another vision before Titania showed up, and I saw myself as the Goddess of Death, in full demonic Fae form… and I don't want to be that person."
"What?" Goliath asked in a gasp.
"You saw yourself as the Goddess of Death?" Akira asked quietly, almost fearfully. Rose looked over at them all, saw their fear, but she held her head up high and refused to let them be afraid. Or to let that fear creep back inside of her.
"Yes, I did… but I won't be." She said seriously. "No matter what, you guys, you don't have to worry about me. I'm not my mother or father and I refuse to become what they are." She didn't know if she sold them on that, but took a deep breath and continued, "I'll do the best I can to train and further my magic, alone. I won't let you all down."
"You won't be alone." Xanatos suddenly spoke up, and everyone glanced over at him. She forgot that he was there. He slowly walked over to her, his eyes were dry, but showed proof that he had been crying. Rose's heart sunk, but when he spoke, his voice was steady. "She's going to train with me."
"What?" Brooklyn asked, his eyes narrowing in slight distrust. "How?"
"I have robots, weapons, lasers, and all sorts of dangerous things that I'll need to have tested." He explained a bit dryly, his tone unconcerned. "What better way to test them than on a powerful, Human-born Fae?"
Brooklyn narrowed his eyes at his vague answer and didn't like it, as that's what he used to do to them when he was their enemy, but it didn't phase Rose. She was surprised by his new title for her, but it wasn't a lie. That's what she was and who she was.
And she would do what she needed to do.
"Okay." Rose whispered, and he nodded stiffly. She could feel that he was upset and had every reason to be. For all the time she's known him, yes, he was shady at times- but had been nothing but kind, supportive and selfless to her. Her giving her all to help protect her family, and give him kindness, was the least she could do. "I'm sorry about Fox and Alex. That couldn't have been easy on you."
"The hardest thing I ever will do." He answered her in a cool voice. "So, what are you willing to do Rose? Hm? You've chosen to stay and to help fight, which leaves you as our only member to have access to magic."
"It felt like the right thing to do… and I'll do all I can to make this worth while, I promise."
"Good." He answered with a dark smile. "That's just what I wanted to hear. I don't want all of this to go to waste either. I don't have magic, but I've been around Owen enough to know some pointers, but it'll all be up to you. At dawn, I'm taking over your training with your shielding. I know Owen wanted you to try to make them as big and as strong as possible, so we'll start there. You versus my robots. I need to make them as strong as possible if we all are going to be ready for what's coming, and I don't anticipate stopping until I have them perfect. I also ask the Clan to help out as well." He glanced over at Goliath, who slowly nodded, then turned back to Rose. "You in?"
Rose turned around, looked at each Clan member's face, and then finally rested hers upon Brooklyn's. He looked nervous, as always, but his smile of trust and confidence in her and her abilities told her everything she needed to know as she looked back at him.
"Yes, I'm in. I'll give it my all."
Xanatos grinned darkly, his game face on and ready to fight. And for a moment, she saw the shadow of the man that used to be the Gargoyle's greatest enemy.
"Excellent."
Hela had heard everything she needed.
When she arrived at the mortal world, she silently urged her magic to flow up to the Castle to listen to what her sister was saying to the Gargoyle Clan… to Rose. She was afraid that her daughter would be taken to Avalon, as that would have put a huge kink in their plans. And her sister tried, but failed. And to Hela's great delight, her daughter was still there, and refused to leave her great love. Titania had left back to Avalon, taking her daughter and grandson with her, as well as the asinine trickster, Puck.
Good, she thought to herself. One less player in the game to get in my way.
Upon listening more, her daughter also knew who she was and believed in the nightmare she sent her. She was a human-born Fae, and was starting to see the strong being underneath the weak Human body. Even though Rose stated that she refused to become that person… Hela smirked. Her daughter had an amusing idea that she wasn't going to be anything like her and her Lord, when in fact, she was. It was humorous to her, and couldn't wait to show her what she was missing out of. How whole she would feel and become, once the Human form was gone.
Hela waved her magic away, and was standing near the Eyrie Building in her Human form. She still had long, loosely curled black hair, but was wearing a black business suit, smokey black makeup with bright red lips, and her bright hazel eyes popped under the dark color. She wasn't often in her Human form, but since she needed to blend in, she decided to use the form now.
Suddenly, a tug of magic silently brought her attention from the building, and over towards Central Park. She walked gracefully and with ease towards the large green spaces within the beautiful park, and wandered for close to twenty minutes, until she came to a grove of thick trees and a dark black tunnel, and felt a familiar iciness in the hot and humid July air.
"Hello Kevin."
Kevin stepped out from his hiding place, was wearing his usual black armor and respirator mask, and stepped up to her.
"Milady." He greeted her in a bow. Behind him, hidden in the dark tunnel were the ten Draugr that were anxiously waiting for orders from either of them.
"I just stopped by the Eyrie Building." She said softly. "My sister came to town and didn't even say hello to me."
"Shame."
"She took her daughter and grandson to Avalon for protection…and was trying to convince Rose to leave with her." She continued as if he didn't speak, while picking at her long, black fingernails. "But she has chosen to stay with her Clan and her precious mate." She paused and then glanced over at him with a dark smile. "Shocker. So, that still leaves us at our original plan. Any chance you are ready to attack the Castle again, and to bring her to me?"
"We are almost ready." He whispered. "I'm making my plans as carefully strategic as possible so that we do not fail again."
"Well, you have three days to accomplish this. Take your time… and don't screw this up."
"Wouldn't dream of it."
"Good." She whispered, turned around and looked at the brightly lit Eyrie Building and Castle from the distance, and grinned. "I have a good feeling about this attempt. Our chance at success is finally here, and she'll finally be ours for the taking… I can just feel it."