Nighttime in the city of Paris was usually a peaceful affair, the city of love being one of the most romantic places to be. However, for several weeks now, the city had been plagued with sightings of a winged monster swirling around Notre Dame. Still, despite these monstrous apparitions, there were many that still enjoyed the city's romantic atmosphere during the day. Among these lovebirds was none other than Macbeth, who sat in a small cafe across from a beautiful red-haired woman.
"We've known each other for only a short while, but I feel as if we've already shared a lifetime together."
"Oh Lennox," the woman said in a french accent, "you are such a hopeless romantic."
"Perhaps," Macbeth allowed, placing a hand over hers. "Or perhaps, you feel as I do."
The woman smiled, lifting her head and revealing herself to be the human form of Demona.
…
Across the city and alone the Seine, Elisa steered their small boat as best they could while trying not to jostle the stone statues of her friends. Willow was shielding her eyes from the noonday sun, not used to being awake at this time.
"I'd almost forgotten how bright the sun could be," she remarked. "I can't even tell where we are right now."
"We're in Paris," Elisa remarked, letting out a sigh. "Of all the places for Avalon to send us, who would have thought Paris, the most romantic city in the world."
"And both of us are lacking the gargoyle we love. Mine's back in New York, and yours is asleep."
"Speaking of sleep, why aren't you passed out?"
"Jetlag I guess? I mean, my internal clock is beyond screwed up at this point, and hopping time-zones and international date lines isn't helping." Willow then let out a yawn. "Though it's definitely sunrise somewhere. I better find somewhere safe to sleep."
"Right. Sleeping in a boat on the Seine might raise a few eyebrows."
Elisa pulled the boat under the Pont Des Arts, mooring it and hopping off. Willow followed, looking around.
"Le Bristol isn't far from here. I'll rent a room and have someone deliver these three to the balcony."
"Meanwhile, I'm gonna go sight-seeing," Elisa declared.
The two women parted ways, heading for their separate destinations.
…
In New York, dawn was just approaching as Xanatos sat at his desk. He had various projects and plans scattered about his desk, ones that remained relatively untouched in the wake of Willow's disappearance. He glanced at a photo of her that sat on his desk, letting out a long sigh. It was around this time that he got a knock on the door, prompting him to look up.
"Come in."
Owen opened the door, a letter in his flesh hand.
"Mr. Xanatos, this was just delivered by Mr. Reynard. He says he ran into Miss Willow in Prague."
Xanatos sat up, looking shocked at this information. He practically snatched the letter out of Owen's hands, looking at it. It was a thick envelope, and had Xanatos written on the front. He tore it open and two letters came out, one addressed to Brooklyn, and the other to himself. He picked up his letter, unfolding it and opening it.
Hey Da Xanatos.
I figured by now, you're probably aware I'm not in New York anymore, probably because the others assumed you did something. Well, I can assure you I'm okay. I'm currently on a bit of a world tour with Goliath and Elisa, and so far, there's no real sign of us returning home anytime soon. Magic, am I right?
You're literally the only person I can think of for this and I seriously hope you do this for me, but could you find a way to get the other letter to Brooklyn? I'm sure the Clan's worried sick about us and I want them to know I'm okay.
Thanks in advance,
Willow.
He lowered the letter, letting out a breath as he shook off a weight that had been resting on his shoulders for the past few weeks. He then picked up the letter to Brooklyn, standing up.
"Tonight, see that the Steel Clan deliver this to Goliath's clan," he instructed. "Also, have all agents on the lookout for Willow. I want full reports of her appearances and whereabouts."
"Consider it done, sir," Owen nodded. "I would also like to report that someone using Miss Willow's credit card just rented a room at Le Bristol in Paris."
"At least her sense of taste hasn't diminished since joining Goliath's clan. Call the front office and find out which room she's staying in."
"Right away, sir."
…
Back in Paris, while Willow was overseeing the transport of the gargoyles to the hotel, Elisa was enjoying the sights of the city.
"Should be able to hit the Eiffel Tower before dark," She deduced, passing a payphone. "Oh, should check in with Mom and Dad."
She walked over to it, picking it up before realizing something.
"Wait… I have no french currency." She put the phone back, groaning in annoyance. "Next time I get dragged on a magical odyssey, I'm bringing my passport and-"
She suddenly went quiet when she saw two very familiar figures.
"Demona? And Macbeth? Strolling down the Champs-Elysees in broad daylight? Together?"
Curiosity and intrigue overwhelming her, Eliza decided to follow, watching as they entered a richer district full of large manors. There, the two parted ways with a kiss, making the situation even more bizarre for Elisa.
"Ok that's just wrong."
Demona then went her own way, Elisa continuing to tail her. She made her way to Notre Dame, where Demona started to disappear into the gathering crowd. Elisa tried to make her way through to keep up with Demona, but the sheer number of tourists overwhelmed her and she soon lost sight of the human gargoyle.
"Jalapeña..." she swore.
…
Willow was flopped face first onto the large bed of the suite she'd rented. Out on the balcony, all three of the gargoyle statues were resting comfortably in the evening sun. As she laid there, the ornate phone sitting on the bedside table began to ring. Fighting her way through the magically induced sleep, Willow fumbled for the phone, lifting it off the reciever and to her ear.
"I didn't order room service yet..." she muttered groggily.
"It's good to hear from you too," Xanatos' voice replied.
"Xanatos?" Willow muttered, actually forcing herself awake. "I… How did you…" she paused for a moment as logic finally passed through her sleep-muddled brain. "My credit card."
"Right. I can tell you're exhausted so I'll make this short. Reynard delivered your letter, and I will see to it that the one addressed to Brooklyn finds its way into his hands."
"Thanks... it's… good to hear a familiar voice, even if it's yours."
"Get some rest Willow. Something tells me you're gonna need it." He paused for a moment. "It was good to hear from you as well."
He then hung up and Willow replaced the phone, sleep overtaking her almost immediately. As she drifted off, she couldn't help but smile slightly.
…
A few hours later, the sun had set and the gargoyles were flesh once more. Willow was wide awake, and Elisa had been invited up into the room.
"I was wondering where you were, Elisa," Goliath spoke up. "Willow told us you were sightseeing and had not yet returned."
"You won't believe this," Elisa told them, "Macbeth and Demona are here in Paris. They've called a truce. I spent the day watching them make nice."
"What?!" Willow let out. "That's impossible. Demona and Macbeth have hated each other for 900 years! There's no way they'd ever make nice!"
"Demona is a gargoyle, a member of our old clan," Angela recalled. "How can she walk around in the daylight?"
"She is under a similar spell to Willow's," Goliath explained. "While Willow's enchantment allows her to change forms at will, Demona becomes human by day, and gargoyle by night."
"And it's not a pleasant experience from what I've seen," Elisa chimed in.
"Well, at least now we know why Avalon sent us to Paris," Willow remarked.
"But why did Avalon send them here?" Goliath questioned.
"No idea," Elisa admitted. "Macbeth went to a chateau on the Left Bank, and I lost Demona at Notre Dame. But, I know she's around there somewhere."
"And what makes you say that?" Goliath asked, a knowing smirk on his face as he waited for Elisa to impress him.
Elisa picked up a folded newspaper that was resting on the end table.
"See for yourself."
Goliath took the paper and saw an article on something called "Le monstre de Notre Dame". The picture on the article showed a large silhouette of a gargoyle against the moon, which could only be Demona.
…
The group returned to their boat, rowing towards Notre Dame. As they approached, Angela looked up at the cathedral in awe.
"Everything in this city is so beautiful," she remarked. "What do you think, Father?"
"Angela, I have told you before, you and your rookery brothers and sisters must look upon the whole clan as your parents. That is the gargoyle way."
"Goliath, cut her some slack," Elisa insisted. "Remember, she wasn't raised in a traditional Gargoyle clan."
Goliath paid this no mind as the boat came to a stop.
"Angela, stay in the boat and guard Elisa. Demona has particularly wrathful feelings towards her, so it would be best if she stay away."
"What about me?" Willow asked.
"You and I will face Demona."
Elisa crossed her arms, clearly annoyed at being made out as a damsel in distress, but said nothing. Willow shifted into her gargoyle form, then followed Goliath up into the sky. Once they were out of earshot, she spoke up.
"You know Elisa can defend herself against Demona. Why are you sidelining her? Or better yet, why are you using her to sideline Angela?"
"I would simply find it best if Angela and Demona didn't cross paths."
"Because Demona is her mother, right?"
"What?"
"I mean come on, it's pretty obvious. Her eyes glow red and aside from your coloring and hair color, she's the spitting image of Demona. Plus, you were mates before the Massacre. Doesn't take a genius to put two and two together."
Goliath chose to ignore her this time as he glided upwards, causing Willow to roll her eyes in response.
…
The two gargoyles scaled the walls of Notre Dame, eventually gaining enough altitude to start gliding. They circled the building a bit before Demona called out.
"In here, my love."
This set off more than a few alarm bells for the pair as Goliath landed inside, Willow right behind him. The two landed, seeing Demona leaning against the wall with a newspaper in her hand. She lowered it, giving the pair an almost sultry smile before it instantly vanished. She crumpled the paper in her hands, shock and rage boiling inside her.
"Goliath! New York is your protectorate, Paris is mine!"
"Whatever you and Macbeth are up to, we intend to stop it!" Goliath declared.
Demona's eyes fell on Willow.
"I don't know who your friend is, or how either of you came to be here, but I've come too far to let you spoil our plans now! Neither of you will leave here alive!"
Willow barely had time to register what had been said before she was shoved off the cathedral. She caught herself on the edge as Demona turned her fury on Goliath. She leapt at him and the two tumbled out of the cathedral, catching themselves midair so they could continue the fight. Willow recovered and charged in as well, howling in rage as she tried to get in a hit or two herself.
Down below, Angela and Elisa witnessed the fight. Upon seeing Demona handling the two gargoyles, Angela stood up.
"Stay in the shadows and you'll be safe," she instructed. "Goliath and Willow need me."
"Angela, wait!" Elisa called out in vain.
Up in the air, Goliath and Willow continued duking it out with Demona, trading blows across the skies as they circled Notre Dame. Demona managed to get a lucky shot on Willow, hooking her with her feet and throwing her back onto the roof. Before she could do anything else, Bronx appeared out of nowhere and rammed into her, knocking her to the ground.
"Good boy, Bronx!" Willow told the Gargoyle dog.
As Demona got back to her feet, Goliath landed a hard kick to her stomach. She went flying off the roof and onto a lower one, nearly sliding all the way down to the ground. However, a black-skinned gargoyle claw caught her by her wrist, keeping her from falling. She groaned as the figure carefully gathered her in one arm, pointing an accusatory finger at the attacking gargoyles with his free arm.
"That's no way to treat a lady," the figure admonished in Goliath's voice.
Just then, a laser blast shot out and hit Goliath in the chest, knocking him back.
"Especially the gargoyle I love."
"No way," Willow realized. "Thailog… He's the Notre Dame monster, not Demona."
Indeed, the figure was Thailog, who was now wearing what appeared to be some sort of hi-tech battle armor and wielding a laser gun. He was cradling Demona with surprising tenderness and care, helping her to her feet.
"You're always there when I need you, beloved," Demona gushed, gently caressing Thailog's cheek.
"Thailog," Goliath swore. "So this is where you ended up."
"Indeed," the clone replied. "Then, Demona arrived weeks ago, and it was love at first sight. Perhaps something I have you to thank for, Goliath."
"Wait, you mean you and…" Willow realized, turning a little green. "Ugh, I think I'm gonna be sick."
"I doubt either of you are even capable of true love," Goliath snarled. "Both of you know nothing but hatred and selfish desires." His eyes then fell on Thailog "I have no doubt Demona is trying to turn you against the human race, just as she tried to turn me."
"Not that it would be difficult," Willow pointed out. "Thailog's rotten to the core."
"How do you know anything, little brat?" Demona snapped, pressing herself against Thailog. "My beloved is twice the gargoyle Goliath ever was, and now my former mate is merely jealous."
"Thailog, despite the knowledge you were programmed with, you are still a clone, new to this world," Goliath reasoned. "Demona's taking advantage of that fact. She and Macbeth are plotting something behind your back!"
"My Angel of the Night keeps nothing from me," Thailog insisted, a smug smirk on his face. "We have no secrets from each other."
"Then you're beyond our help," Goliath lamented, taking Willow's arm. "Come. Sunrise approaches, and I will not have us remain here in the open."
"Don't have to tell me twice," Willow grumbled.
"No need to rush off, my friends," Thailog called out. "I'm more than willing to share my sanctuary!"
"And trust Demona not to destroy me while I sleep?"
"Jealous and paranoid," Demona jeered.
Thailog said nothing, merely mulling over Goliath's words. His eyes fell over Willow for a moment, as if contemplating something. Finally, the two world travelers began to depart, scooping up Bronx as they went. All parties involved were unaware of Angela doing the same from a perch below them, having overheard everything.
…
Angela managed to return to the boat first, curling her wings around herself and looking away. Elisa stood, cautiously approaching her.
"Angela? Are you okay?"
She said nothing as Willow and Goliath landed in the boat.
"Let us return to the hotel," Goliath insisted.
He took up the staff, rowing them down the Seine and away from Notre Dame.
…
Back at the cathedral, Thailog and Demona were sharing the events of Demona's day, and Thailog's night.
"Nightstone Unlimited," Thailog mused. "I like the sound of that."
"The millions you stole from Xanatos and the treasure I've hoarded over a millennium are now incorporated. The partners are Mademoiselle Dominique Destine, the mystery woman who is never seen out after dark, and Mr. Alexander Thailog, the reclusive financial wizard nobody has ever met in person."
"Won't Macbeth be expecting you soon?" Thailog asked as the two embraced.
"Not until 4:00. After that, he's dismissing the help early. The chateau will be completely empty, save for the two of us, a perfect setting for our big night."
"And what a glorious night it will be," Thailog declared as both he and Demona devolved into laughter.
…
Back at Le Bristol, Willow was back in her human form, flopping onto the bed once more. Elisa was on the second bed, pulling her shoes off as the entire group discussed what had happened.
"So, Demona's spending her nights with Thailog?" Elisa questioned. "Now her liaisons with Macbeth are making even less sense."
"What I don't get is why she didn't recognize me," Willow added. "I remember her being extremely pissed about my gift, and fighting her as a gargoyle back on Avalon, so how in the world does she not remember."
"Clearly something is amiss here," Goliath noted.
"Clearly," Angela agreed. "You never told me you and Demona were mates."
Goliath turned to his daughter in anger.
"You were eavesdropping?" He questioned. "I thought I told you to stay with Elisa on the boat."
"Is it true?" Angela pressed.
"It was a very long time ago," he snapped. "It doesn't matter anymore!"
"It matters to me, Father!"
At that moment, the sun rose, freezing the gargoyles into stone. Willow let out a long sigh, grabbing her covers and pulling them over herself.
"That's gonna be fun to wake up to," she muttered. "See you at sunset."
Elisa sighed, watching her companion roll over and go to sleep before lying down herself, hoping to get some sleep before evening came.
…
It was still night time in New York, the Manhattan clan going about their nightly patrols. The trio were stopping for a food break, paying off a pizza delivery boy with an envelope at a drop point. Once the food was delivered, they scooped up their dinner and chowed down.
"Man, getting take-out is so much harder without Willow as a middle man," Lex remarked.
"Yeah…" Brooklyn lamented. "Sure hope she's ok…"
"Hey, it's Willow we're talking about," Broadway pointed out. "She'll be alright. Besides, she'd got Goliath, Bronx, and Elisa with her. Nothing can stop them."
Brooklyn nodded in agreement, then the familiar sound of jet boots filled their ears. Everyone looked up to see Xanatos' red gargoyle exosuit flying towards them. Discarding their pizza, the three gargoyles faced the descending foe, their eyes glowing bright white.
"Really not in the mood for this!" Brooklyn let out.
"Then you should be happy to hear I didn't come to fight," Xanatos replied, landing on the ground and removing his helmet. "I did promise you that if I heard anything from Willow, I would inform you, and I am a man of my word."
That made all three gargoyles suddenly drop their defensive positions.
"You heard something?" Brooklyn perked up.
"Indeed," Xanatos replied, reaching into a compartment of his suit and pulling out the letter. "I was instructed to insure this ended up in your hands. She seemed quite eager to let you know she and the others were okay."
Brooklyn took the letter and tore open the envelope, grabbing the letter inside. He recognized Willow's handwriting anywhere, relief flooding him as he began reading.
Hi Brooklyn.
I am so sorry I wasn't there to meet you when you came home back in December. God, it's been weeks since that day, you must be worried sick. Let me start by saying that we're all okay. Me, Goliath, Elisa, and Bronx, we're all okay. We're also together, and we're gonna have one hell of a story to tell when we finally come home.
Unfortunately, I don't know when we'll be coming home. To make a long story short, magic is screwing with us majorly and we're going on a world tour, saving city after city from various threats. But, we are coming home, and we all miss you guys terribly. Not a night goes by that I don't think about seeing your and holding you again. God willing, that day will come soon. Until then, don't lose hope, and always remember: I love you more than anything.
Yours,
Willow.
Brooklyn wiped his eyes, tears of relief running down his face. Both Lex and Broadway were in similar states as Brooklyn folded the letter, sliding it onto his belt.
"Thank you, Xanatos."
"Of course. We may have our differences, but if there's one thing we share, it's our love for Willow. Now, I've done my part, and I've clearly interrupted your dinner, so I will leave you alone."
He slid his helmet back on, kicking his jets into gear.
"Oh, and one more thing. Willow was last seen in Paris. I'm not sure how she got here, nor do I expect to hear the full story, but that is all I know on the matter."
"Thanks," Brooklyn replied as Xanatos flew off into the night.
…
Back in Paris, Elisa was sitting on the bed across from Willow, comparing notes and talking to the still sleeping Willow, using her as a soundboard.
"Somethings missing here," she mused. "How can Demona plot with Macbeth in the daylight and share the moonlight with Thailog?"
"Two-timer..." Willow muttered sleepily.
"Maybe… unless Thailog isn't the one being played here. Macbeth and Demona don't remember being under the Weird Sisters spell, right?"
"Then… don't remember human Demona… or gargoyle me..."
The mystery solved, Elisa set down her notes, pulling a blanket over Willow.
"Get some rest, kid. Come sundown, you and the Gargoyles will have your work cut out for you."
…
Meanwhile, Macbeth and Dominique were in the midst of getting married in his Chateau. He was dressed in a pressed tux, a white rose tucked onto his lapel. She was dressed in a gorgeous wedding gown fit for a princess. They held each others' hand, standing before a priest.
"And do you, Dominique Destine, take Lennox Macbeth to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, till death do you part?" the priest asked.
"I do," Dominique replied.
"My children, love can be a fragile thing, but it can also be a sanctuary. A safe haven for two hearts to grow up and grow old together. Congratulations, you may kiss the bride."
Macbeth wasted no time doing just that.
…
As sunset drew ever closer, Macbeth and Dominique looked out at the dusk skyline, holding each other close.
"This is my favorite time of day," Macbeth commented.
"Mine too," Dominique replied. "Are the servants gone?"
"Yes, it's just the two of us now. And we must talk."
"Oh?" Dominique inquired as Macbeth led her away from the window.
"Dominique, there are things about me… that you do now know," Macbeth just sighed. "I don't even know where to begin."
"Well, if we're going to bare our souls… why don't I go first?"
Dominique then pulled away from Macbeth, just before she began crying out in pain. Suddenly, blue wings shot out from her back, causing Macbeth to kneel over in pain himself.
"What's… what's happening to you?" Macbeth questioned. "the pain…"
"When we're this close together, 'mon cherie', we feel each other's pain." She dropped her accent, taking on her voice's usual lilt. "It's part of a magical pact we vowed long ago!"
As Dominique continued to speak, her transformation into Demona continued, much to Macbeth's shock and disbelief.
…
Meanwhile at Notre Dame, Thailog finally awoke from his stone slumber, eager to rendezvous with Demona and complete their plan.
…
Back at the hotel room, Willow woke up with a yawn as Goliath, Angela, and Bronx all arose from stone sleep themselves.
"Morning you guys," Willow remarked.
"I trust you slept well," Goliath replied, turning away from Angela.
"Hope so," Elisa remarked, walking up to them. "Cause we've got work to do."
"Inform us on the way," Goliath requested as Willow transformed into a Gargoyle, grabbing Bronx and taking off with Angela.
Goliath picked up Elisa and flew off after them.
…
Back at the Chateau, Macbeth was still reeling from the revelation before him. Where his beloved Dominique once stood was Demona, his hated enemy. He stumbled back in shock, not believing his own eyes.
"Demona!" he let out.
Demona responded by simply turning around and kicking him into a wall, knocking him out.
"In the flesh, 'mon cherie'," she replied. "Did you really think I'd miss out on my own wedding night?"
…
Some time later, Thailog arrived at the Chateau, much to the delight of Demona.
"Right on time, my love," she greeted as he landed in front of her.
"Speaking of time, I see you didn't waste a moment," he remarked as she pulled out a remote.
She pressed a button on it, causing a weapons case to slide to the side, revealing a secret elevator.
"Yesterday, he gave 'Dominique' the full tour of his sanctuary," she explained as the two entered the elevator. "Including the dungeon."
"How accommodating of him."
The elevator took them down into the lowest floor, where several bottles of wine lined two of the three walls. The third was taken up by a single cell, where a slightly rumpled, but alive Macbeth was now imprisoned. Stepping out of the elevator, Thailog gave the scottish immortal a glance over.
"So, this is the famous Macbeth," he remarked.
"And who the blazes are you?!" Macbeth demanded.
"I am the monster of Notre Dame. Though I might be… relocating."
Unbeknownst to Demona, Thailog reached into his wing and pulled out a small blaster. He passed it onto Macbeth, who seemed confused, but took it regardless. While still hidden by Thailog's body, he slid the gun into his coat.
"Relocating?" he questioned. "Demona, what is this really about?! Why the charade? Why worm your way into my home and toss me in here?"
"Haven't you figured it out yet?" Demona asked. "Your new bride is about to report you missing. Eventually, she'll have you declared legally dead, so that everything you own becomes the property of your poor widow."
"The only way for me to die is for one of us to slay the other. In which case, we'd both perish."
"Sad, but true. I guess we'll just have to settle for leaving you down here, locked away until the end of time."
Unable to contain his rage any longer, Macbeth revealed the pistol, firing on the gargoyles.
"Look out!" Demona cried, tackling Thailog out of the way.
Macbeth continued firing at the two as he backed further into the cell. He then blasted the wall next to him, allowing him to escape.
"Didn't you search him?!" Thailog snapped.
"I have been at this game for a thousand years, of course I did!"
The two quickly retreated to the elevator, hoping to cut off Macbeth's escape.
"Not to worry though," Demona reassured. "Between the two of us, how far can he get."
…
Macbeth meanwhile, secluded himself in a secret room where his suit and weapons resided.
"It ends tonight, Demona," Macbeth declared. "Now, and forever."
…
As the elevator opened, Thailog and Demona quickly started to move out.
"You take the West Wing, I'll take the East!" Thailog instructed.
Demona nodded as she took off, leaving Thailog smirking maliciously.
"Have a blast, you two."
…
It didn't take long for Demona to find Macbeth, prompting him to open fire on her. She was quick to dodge the blasts, even leaping up to a nearby chandelier to gain some altitude. She severed it's chain, sending it hurtling towards Macbeth and prompting him to leap out of the way as it crashed down.
…
Meanwhile, Thailog made his timely escape through a skylight, climbing through with a laser rifle in hand. Before he could make his escape though, Goliath and the others arrived.
"I had no doubt we'd find you here," Goliath remarked, landing and putting Elisa on the ground.
"Hello Goliath," Thailog greeted as he turned to face him, eying Angela and Willow as they both landed. "Are those new gargoyle faces I see? And young ones at that."
"Never mind them," Goliath insisted, stepping in front of the pair. "Where is Demona?! Where's Macbeth?!"
"The newlyweds seem to be having a difference of opinion. I thought it best not to take sides."
"Except when their battle could end up destroying this part of Paris," Willow snarled.
"What's a few buildings as long as I get what I want."
"And what do you want?" Angela questioned.
"It's quite simple, really. If Macbeth should die, Demona inherits his estate. But if Demona should die as well, then everything reverts to her sole business partner, me."
Goliath growled in response, forcing Thailog to aim his laser rifle at them.
"By my estimates, my newfound wealth should put me on equal footing with Xanatos."
"All this… just to outshine Xanatos?" Willow scoffed. "And they say I have daddy issues."
"And just who is your father exactly?" Thailog remarked.
Willow smirked, spreading her wings as her eyes flashed.
"David Xanatos."
Thailog was taken aback by this, allowing Willow to leap forwards, tackling him to the ground. As the two tussled, Elisa quietly sneaked past them, entering the building through the skylight. Thailog then quickly kicked Willow off, aiming his gun at her.
"You have your father's spirit, but not his intellect."
"That's where you're wrong, because unlike you, I remember that you can't kill me. You can barely bring yourself to hurt me."
"A fair point. However, while I can't hurt you, I can hurt them."
He then started opening fire on the other gargoyles. They quickly dodged the oncoming blasts as Bronx charged at him. Bronx bit down on his gauntlet, but Thailog easily kicked him aside, causing him to collide with a nearby roof. Angela took her turn at Thailog, but he quickly dodged her strike and grabbed her by the back of the belt, shoving her into the skylight. He then picked her up and tossed her right into Willow, knocking them both near Bronx.
"While it is true I can't hurt you directly. Should you be in the way while I'm dispatching some unfortunate gargoyles… well, it's no skin off my nose."
He then blasted part of the roof above them, causing debris to rain down. It collapsed around the three, burying them.
"Teamwork is so overrated."
…
Back inside, Demona and Macbeth's battle carried over into the library, where Demona was flung into a bookshelf. She quickly moved out of the way as Macbeth fired again, grabbing a nearby globe and tossing it at him. It hit him, causing them both to fall to the ground as a result.
…
Back on the roof, Goliath continued duking it out with Thailog, their strength evenly matched as they grappled.
"Tell me, Goliath, how long has my dear sister been one of us?"
"That is none of your concern!"
"A while then," Thailog guessed. "And what of the other one. She looks like our shared beloved, but with your coloring. Your child, perhaps?"
Goliath just roared in response, shoving Thailog back with every ounce of strength. The clone shattered the building's chimney, landing with a grunt before standing up, smirking.
"Very interesting..."
…
Back in the house, Elisa finally managed to locate Demona and Macbeth, who were wrestling on the ground for Macbeth's gun.
"Stop it, both of you!" Elisa insisted. "Don't you see this is just what Thailog wants?!"
Demona took advantage of the momentary distraction to shove Macbeth off and aim the gun at him, only for Elisa to get between them.
"If you two destroy each other, you'll be playing right into his claws!"
Demona just growled as Machbeth grabbed a nearby lamp. He quickly swung it, knocking the gun out of her hands and causing both of them to wince in pain. Macbeth then swung the lamp at her again, only for her to leap out of the way. This continued until Demona was behind a weapons case, forced to leap over Macbeth as he jabbed the lamp forward. This broke the glass, much to Elisa's dismay as the two continued duking it out. Demona swung her tail at Macbeth, causing both of them to drop to the ground.
Picking herself up, Demona eyed the stray gun and made a break for it. Macbeth tried rushing for it as well, but as soon as Demona reached it first, she kicked him in the stomach. The impact caused her to keel over herself as Macbeth stumbled back. Getting back on her feet, Demona staggered over to Macbeth, aiming the weapon at him.
"What are ya waiting for, Demona?" Macbeth challenged. "Do it! Put us both out of our misery!"
Demona seemed ready to take aim, only for Elisa to move behind her with a gun taken from the weapons case.
"Drop it, Demona!" she ordered.
Demona turned towards her, prepared to open fire. Before she could get off a shot, Elisa fired an electrical blast from her weapon, stunning her. As she passed out on the floor, Macbeth quickly followed suit, much to Elisa's relief. She lowered the weapon, sinking to her knees.
"Man," she let out. "I hope this works."
…
Back on the roof, Willow finally managed to pull herself free of the debris, before getting to work digging up Angela and Bronx. Once they were all free, they turned to were Goliath and Thailog were still duking it out, their eyes glowing brilliantly white.
"What do you say we give Goliath a hand?" Willow suggested.
"Took the words right out of my mouth," Angela replied.
Bronx just barked and all three launched themselves at Thailog, their combined efforts plus Goliath's aid knocking the clone to the ground.
"You've lost this day," Goliath declared.
"On the contrary, I've already won," Thailog remarked. "Listen…"
They all paused to listen, Angela scowling.
"I hear nothing," she sneered.
Thailog grinned.
"Exactly. That means Demona and Macbeth's 1000 year battle has finally come to its inevitable conclusion."
He then rolled off the edge of the roof and glided off.
"Until next time!" Thailog called out as he disappeared into the night.
"I am really starting to hate that guy," Willow vented.
"Come," Goliath motioned. "Let us get inside. And hope that Thailog is wrong."
…
The group flew inside the building, seeing Elisa kneeling before the two prone figures.
"Elisa," Goliath let out. "Are they…"
"Just taking a power nap," Elisa reassured. "Figured since either one of these two doing each other in would finish them for good, I'd have to take one out to save the other.
"Very clever…" Macbeth commended, slowly waking up.
Willow and Angela were both instantly on the defensive, Bronx doing the same. However, Goliath just waved them down, seeing that Macbeth had no intention of continuing the fight. In fact, the ancient king just looked tired.
"Still, you should have let Demona finish me… now I am forced to continue this sad and lonely life… alone."
"You may have been a victim of Demona's treachery," Goliath told him, walking over to him. "But in a strange way, she's done you a favor."
"And what favor is that?"
"She's shown you that you are still capable of love. The kind of love that makes life, even an eternal one, worthwhile."
Macbeth let those words sink in, seeing the truth behind them.
"Perhaps… perhaps you are right."
"Search for that love Macbeth," Goliath coaxed, looking briefly at Elisa. "She's out there. Just make sure that next time, you get a good look at her at night."
That got a wry laugh out of the old king, and even out of the gargoyle girls. Just then, Demona started groaning, indicating she was waking up. As her eyes opened, she was greeted by the sight of Angela, much to her confusion.
"Who are you…?" she questioned.
"Forget them, night angel," Thailog insisted as he flew in through a window. "This night is lost to us, and I see no reason to prolong this battle. We shall return to our roost, before the sun rises."
Demona quickly ran past Angela and into Thailog's waiting arms, allowing him to glide off with her into the night as the others watched.
"If only she knew what he was really capable of," Goliath lamented.
"Personally, I just think it would drive them closer together," Willow remarked bitterly.
"Love can indeed be quite blind," Macbeth admitted.
"Yes…" Goliath agreed. "It can…"
…
Later, the group returned to the skiff, setting off for parts unknown. Willow and Elisa were asleep, curled up together and using Bronx as a pillow. Angela was not so relaxed, her mind a million miles away as Goliath steered them out into open water.
"It's true…" Angela finally spoke up. "Isn't it? Demona is my mother, isn't she?"
Goliath said nothing for a moment, but he knew the situation would not be put to rest until he answered. Thus, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes.
"Yes… she is."