~Chapter Twelve~

Ishimura

An hour later, Goliath and Elisa returned, hand in hand to the temple of Ishimura where the rest of the Gargoyles lived; still slightly breathless from their vigorous love-making. When they walked through the doorway, Hudson looked up from his lounging chair in one of the living rooms.

"Ah… there ya two are, I never know where ya go when I wake up from my naps."

"Elisa and I took a walk and enjoyed the moonlight together." Goliath answered with a dark humor, and Hudson raised an eyebrow at them, not fooled for one moment.

"Huh, well you two have certainly been enjoying the moonlight for quite a few nights now."

Goliath grinned cheekily at his elderly mentor while clutching Elisa's soft hand, whose tan cheeks blushed with a soft pink color. Hudson huffed out a laugh, reached for the remote with one claw and instinctively reached for Bronx's head with the other, but froze when he found that space empty. The spot where his furry companion usually sat. Goliath's smile fell upon seeing this, and though Hudson appeared unbothered by it by a rough clear of his throat, it was a hard reminder of why they were truly here in Ishimura. Of the empty hole in their Clan.

Goliath set his jaw firmly and clutched Elisa's hand tighter in his. It was time to get down to business.

"Where is Lexington and Akira?"

"Last I heard from them, they were in the library or kitchen. Akira and a few of her rookery siblings have been cooking up a fine meal for tonight. Seeing that our week is almost up, the Clan thought we should have one last, 'family dinner' or so to speak. Lexington and Akira were helping make some miso soup and rice when I last checked up on them."

"I heard from Brooklyn." Goliath said, wrapping his large wings around his shoulders. At this, Hudson's eyes went wide, he kicked down his leg rest and was instantly on his feet.

"What? You've heard from him? How?"

"The mobile phone that Xanatos gave me. It was a little bit hard to hear him, but the phone call worked. He called me earlier this evening."

"How is he?" Hudson asked quickly. "How are the others?"

"Fine." Goliath said, holding a claw up to calm him down. "He and the others are doing just fine. They are safe… but there is still much to discuss with not just Lexington and Akira, but with the other Clan members. Brooklyn will need us in Avalon with the other warriors soon, no doubt."

"No time to waste then. Let's go and find Kai." Hudson said, clasping a claw on his shoulder. "Dinner'll be ready soon anyway and we'll be all together to discuss our next plan."

Goliath nodded once. "I anticipate leaving for the London Clan tomorrow night and finishing our recruitment in less than a week. That way we can join Brooklyn in Avalon and help him."

"Any word on Rose?"

Goliath hung his head down. "No good news yet. I'm afraid she's still in Hel."

"And… Brooklyn? How is the lad holding up?" Hudson asked slowly; both of them knowing what he was asking.

"He's doing as well as he can. But… it's best if we go to Avalon as quickly as we can, he'll soon need us. Being together as a Clan and support will be vital over these next few weeks for him, whether the news be good or bad."

"Aye, that's what I thought." At this, Hudson sighed heavily and looked around the walls of the temple longingly. "Still… it's been a treat to visit this place and get a taste of what peace looks like in the modern world between Gargoyles and Humans."

Elisa stepped forward and placed her hand upon his bicep lovingly, as Goliath nodded solemnly. "We'll get there, my friend. One day. We'll get there."

"Ugh, I'll be dead and gone by then, methinks." Hudson gruffed.

"No you won't." Elisa said kindly. "You guys do have this peace within your Clan. You have a large clan that's growing and thriving now, human friends… even if it's just me, Matt, my family, and possibly Xanatos on a good day- but- our little family is doing well overall. Once we get past this hump in getting Rose home, and all of the evil world behind us, the future will be bright for us all…"

Hudson smiled kindly at her, as Goliath placed a claw on the small of her back. "Your optimism never ceases to astonish me, lass. You're right. Thank you for the reminder."

At this, she shrugged, but smiled kindly at him.

"You're welcome. I try to choose to be the good in the world, it makes life a lot easier to endure and enjoy."

"As do we." Goliath whispered, smiling at her and loving every part of her.

"Well said, lass." Hudson said softly, then gestured his arm out. "Well, come along, it's best if we be going now to tell Akira, Lexington and the others the plan. As much as I've enjoyed being here, our time here is close to over. No use in hiding from this fight any longer."

"Aye." Goliath replied, nodding and following after his mentor. "There's a great amount of work that needs to be done. And I for one, wish to be reunited with the rest of the Clan and end this battle that we are about to enter sooner than later. I speculate that this battle will be our most trying and challenging one yet."

Hudson sighed heavily, as he, Goliath and Elisa walked through the quiet temple together.

"Now there's something to look forward to."

A short walk later, Goliath, Elisa, and Hudson entered the large kitchens of the sanctuary. Here, most of the Ishimura Gargoyle Clan was gathered. Some were playing games, others were reading, others playing with younger hatchlings, who were hatched earlier this spring, while a few others were cooking a fine Japanese meal; Akira and Lexington being in the mix of them.

Akira was dressed in a bright orange kimono outfit, matching her light tan skin, and her long black hair was tied up in a bun with chopsticks through it. Her bangs hung down over her eyes slightly and Goliath noticed that she had to keep blowing it out of her eyes as she tended to the hot, boiling soup.

Taking a spoon full of the hot liquid, she blew on it, then turned to her mate, Lexington, with a happy smile.

"Open up ai, Lexington. Tell me what you think of it so far." She told him sweetly in her strong Japanese accent.

Lexington took the spoonful of the seafood miso soup and melted before her. "Ohh that is so good, Akira. Wow, everything is so fresh here. That is very good!"

"Thank you, my love. I'm glad you like it, it's a family recipe handed down." She said softly, smiling brightly and turned to a black haired, tan skinned Gargoyle- who looked identical to her. Her mother, Sakura, who was smiling back at her.

"Yes, this Miso has been handed down from my mother's mother, to me, and now to our sweet hana."

Akira smiled, and then her brown eyes looked up suddenly and saw Goliath, Elisa and Hudson standing. "Ah, yōkoso, my family! Dinner is almost served. Come! Come and please sit." She then gestured towards empty chairs near them. "I cannot wait to have you taste this dish we've prepared for you!"

Goliath smiled gently. "Thank you, Akira." He then turned to the leader, Kai. "And we thank you Kai and Sakura. For taking my Clan in so warmly and with great welcome."

Kai, the leader of the Ishimura Clan, stepped away from his interaction with various other Gargoyles in his Clan, and walked over to them. He was light seafoam green in color, had long black hair, long, twisty horns up top his head and was the same build and height as Goliath. He wore various yuka styled robes, like the kimonos worn by the females, and was smiling warmly at them before bowing slightly before him.

"Our thanks are to you, Goliath. I cannot ever repay how you helped us a year ago when Toro tried to sell our identities and freedoms by making an amusement park, all centered around Gargoyles. But I shall always try to repay you, and if letting you peacefully stay with us for a week is what is needed, then that shall be done."

Goliath bowed back. "There is no need for repayment, but thank you, my friend. We are honored by your friendship and hospitality."

Kai gestured to them to sit, in which they did, and Sakura ventured over with some hot tea for them all to drink.

"Thank you." Goliath murmured, sitting down across from Kai.

"So… Goliath… any news from Avalon?"

"Yes, actually. That's why we've come… my Second-in-Command has contacted me."

At this, a cluttering of porcelain was heard as Akira dropped a teacup. It didn't break, so she quickly righted it, and both she and Lexington quickly joined the conversation.

"You've heard from Brooklyn?" Lexington asked frantically. "How is he? How are the others?"

"Yes, I heard from him." Goliath answered. "They are safe, and doing as well as they can. I didn't get to talk with him long, but he mentioned quickly to me that they have found a way into Hel. Queen Titania is going to help them. He then said that Lord Oberon is having a war meeting, tomorrow night. I think we, and all of our recruited help, should be attendance to that meeting."

Kai was listening with great interest and nodded his head.

"Hmm, yes. I agree to that as well. Since myself, Yama his mate and my Second, Sora, as well as a hand full of our strongest warriors will join you in Avalon, I feel it is best if we get on the same page as the Lord of the Third Race."

"Yes, but are you sure that this is a problem that will affect us all?" Yama suddenly asked, coming out from a corner. He was a stern-faced Gargoyle, with dark blue skin, black hair, long horns coming out from his head, and half-avian style in his leather-like wings. He too was dressed in a yuka robe, and stood behind Kai. His mate, Sora, coming up next to him. She was a beautiful Gargoyle, with long black hair, bright pink kimono robes, and wore katana swords on her back.

"Yama?" Kai asked, turning to face him. Goliath narrowed his eyes slightly at him, not knowing if he could easily trust Yama again. The last time they visited Ishimura, he and a Human named Taro, tried to betray the Clan. It would have succeeded, had Yama not found a conscious and fought Taro on the amusement park idea.

"Are we sure that this war, Goliath has told us about, is really ours to get involved in?" Yama asked seriously. "We'll be leaving our homes, our village, and the Humans we protect. Surely this isn't a fool's errand in going to Avalon? What has the Lord of the Third Race ever done for us? Or any of the Children for that matter, except cause trouble for our kind? The ancient texts from our ancestors tell of how the Third Race would use Gargoyles for their warrior skills, only to betray them for their own selfish purposes. Why will this be any different?"

"Yama, heiwa ni nari nasai, kyōdai. (Be at peace, brother)" Kai said softly. "We have never met any Third Race before… nor should we judge them. We should learn from yesterday, live for today and hope for those that are in need of protecting, regardless of who or what they are. That is the Gargoyle way."

"But they are shape-shifters, Kai." Yama argued. "How can we trust them, especially when they are beings of pure magic?"

"Hasn't Bushido taught you anything, my brother?" Kai reprimanded softly. "We are protectors, and do not judge others on differences in which they have. So what if these creatures are made from magic? We know magic exists in our world-"

"Not if they are creating curses to destroy us all!" Kai said a bit louder, getting the attention of some of the elders from across the room.

"Yama…"

"We should not be aiding them." Yama continued. "We should stop them all instead; destroy them if need be before any curses get released."

"My brother… not all Third Race are evil." Akira suddenly said. "Queen Titania is good, as is my sister, Rose. She's a shape-shifted Human, but fully born Fae. She is trapped in Hel with her parents… but she's good, though her biological parents are evil."

"And that's another thing-" Yama suddenly said, as if she hadn't spoken. "Have we truly thought it wise to go against the Gods of Death. Shi, brother! Why should we risk all of our lives to save merely one spawn from the devils with whom we have never met…?"

"Rose may have been conceived by evil, but she is not a spawn of their evil." Goliath growled, and though Yama was correct in a way, he disagreed with the way he said it in a negative context. "Akira is right. Despite her parentage, Rose is good, and she's used her magic for good. She's a fellow warrior, just like us, and one of the best humans we've ever met. Whether that form is shape-shifted or not, we don't judge her for it. Not only that, but she is my Second's mate and soul-mate. Their soul-bond was gifted from the All-Father, Aesir, whose magic is made from purity and true love-"

"I do not care about-"

"But it's not just about her or the magic, Yama." Goliath interrupted, his dark eyes boring into his. "This is about the safety of this entire world. If we do not collect warriors to help fight against the Gods from Hel, including the Lord of the Underworld, and go to Avalon's aid; there will be a curse of Death that'll be distributed out to every realm on this earth, both mortal and magical. All of us will not only die anyway, but every being on this Earth. Humans included. Our communities, our Clans, our livelihoods, our protectorates… all whom we ever have loved or cared for… will be gone." He paused, and by now, the entire room of Gargoyles had stopped what they were doing and were listening intently to his words.

"That is why we are fighting, Yama. I'm not the greatest of fans of magic or sorcery, either, but there are fair and good beings who wield such powers, and they deserve our help during this trying time. It is the nature of a Gargoyle, nay, our purpose… to protect all those who are good and innocent and to stop those who threaten us or those with whom we love and protect. That is the Gargoyle way. We do not turn away from a fight because of the species… nor their capabilities. If they are good and peaceful… then we are to fight. No matter what."

Yama stayed silent, as the other Gargoyles murmured what sounded like agreement with his words, and Elisa glanced over at him with loving eyes.

"Well said, lad." Hudson said quietly, just as Goliath stood and faced the entire room now that he had everyone's attention. "I am not asking you to join us in Avalon as repayment for my service to you all, one year ago, but because it's the right and honorable thing to do. We owe it to our Clans, our communities, the Humans we swore an oath to, and to every living creature upon this Earth to try." He paused, then said, "my daughter, her mate, our guard dog, and my Second-in-Command are in Avalon trying to rescue his mate, Rose, from Hel's grasp. From the Gods of Death… and they have a way into Hel with the help from the Queen of the Third Race. But war is coming… for them and for us all. We must all be there to protect and fight for our lives."

Kai suddenly stood up and joined his speech. "And that is what we shall do." He then turned to his Clan. "Myself, Goliath's Clan, my second- Sora, Akira and Lexington, Takeo and all of his trained twenty warriors shall join us in Avalon." Then turned to Yama. "And you, my brother. I would have you by mine and your mate's side, if you'll join us. If not, that is your decision. But I fear you'll be left with shame and regret if you do choose to stay."

Yama stayed silent and was brooding deeply.

Sora, his mate, suddenly walked up to him and placed her claw upon his shoulder. "Watashi no ai, yūkiwodashite. Tatakai. (My love, take courage. Fight.)

At her words, Yama's face suddenly softened and he gripped his claw over hers; sighing deeply.

"Hai (okay)." He then stroked his other claw over her face. "I shall fight."

Sora smiled at him, while Kai nodded his head.

"Good. We'll need every one that we can get." He then turned to face Goliath. "When do you anticipate to leave for the other Clans?"

"I am going to call Xanatos, our Human ally who brought us here, right after we finish discussing the plan. But I plan to leave for London, as soon as possible. Tonight, even, if we can. We have one week to get to London and the Mayan Clan. I hope to return to Avalon sooner than a week, since time moves differently there than it does here."

Kai nodded again, but out of the corner of his eyes, Goliath noticed Akira's head hanging low, her shoulders drooped slightly. His heart gave another painful pang, but he forced himself to continue to talk to Kai.

"We have loved visiting Ishimura, and we will greatly miss this place… but we are needed in Avalon."

"We understand." Kai said softly, knowing what this meant. "Well, how do you propose my Clan to reach America to get to Titania's mirror in your castle? We cannot glide over the Pacific with our wings. Or to Avalon for that matter..."

"There is an incantation to get to Avalon." Goliath replied. "You simply need a body of water to get there…I'm sure I can find it for you, or we can ask Xanatos if he can send another plane to retrieve you all. I doubt all of us can fit in the one he brought us in. Your call."

"Speak with your human ally first." Kai said. "The plane might be more ideal since we all do not wish to be near magic if we can help it."

Goliath nodded in understanding, grabbed the cell phone from his belt, and began to walk away. "I will contact him now. Then we shall eat… He's in Tokyo."

"Which is only a half-hour flight to where we are." Kai answered. "But regardless, go, dinner will be ready to eat when you return."

Goliath nodded again and left the room. He made it to the cool outdoor landing of the temple, when he suddenly heard his name being called out.

"Goliath!"

He turned and saw Akira following after him. "Yes, Akira. What is it?"

"Is that all Brooklyn said about conditions in Avalon?" She asked quietly. "They have a way into Hel, but we still don't know if Rose is alright?"

Goliath's eyes softened with sadness. Akira's were full of concern and worry. He gently reached down and placed both claws upon her shoulders.

"Brooklyn… did mention something about her. Though I know of no details…"

"What did he say?" She asked quietly.

"She's suffering… a great deal, apparently. I do not know how he knows that… but… that's what he said."

Akira stayed silent for a few seconds, and moisture filled her eyes. Knowing what this was all about, he suddenly raised her face up with a talon.

"Akira… I can see how much you love being here, and I also know that you love my Clan… but if you and Lexington would rather stay here and-"

"No." She suddenly said, stepping away from him. "Goliath, you are my leader now. I can always come back to visit Ishimura whenever I wish, but I came to Manhattan to live and be with Lexington, to love and cherish him. To find new adventures." She glanced up at him with teary eyes. "No… I may love coming home, but I belong with your Clan, so it is with your Clan, and with my sweet Lexington that I choose to stay with." She then paused, watched him smile warmly at her, then continued shakily, "w-with that being said, w-we must leave Ishimura… tonight, Goliath. Lexington and I will go to Avalon to join Brooklyn and the others in Rose's rescue. If she is suffering, then we cannot leave her to the Death Gods a moment more."

"I agree."

Akira then slowly reached out and touched his claw, holding the cell phone.

"Call Xanatos, but Lexington and I will go by magic."

At this, Goliath raised an eye bone at her. "You know magic?"

She shrugged. "I've studied it, but have never yielded it. I'm sensitive to it though. If it can be said through an incantation, then I can try." She paused, sighed and then looked out at the horizon. "Rose needs us… so I shall try."

"The spell was in the Grimorum Arcanorum." Goliath said. "But we do not have it here."

"Um… well that's not entirely true." Akira answered softly, reached behind her and pulled out the large spell book from her backpack. "I hope that you'll not be too angry with me, but I brought it with me. Knowing we might need it eventually."

Goliath's eyes widened, his tone shocked.

"Akira…!"

"I know what you're thinking, my leader, and I'm sorry for taking it without asking, but I promise that I will keep it safe. I won't use it improperly, nor let anyone get a hold of it. It'll be safe with me, please Goliath. I heard it's pages calling to me when Rose was taken. I know we need it, so I took it with us on this journey."

He studied her for a long moment, relaxed and then sighed.

"Alright. I do trust you with it…but… please take care. Sorcery is not to be tampered lightly with."

"I know. Thank you, Goliath, I will be careful." She said softly. "I'll go and study the spell to the gate of Avalon right now. I can also bring my Clan through with me. I didn't want to say anything to the others about having it, since they are superstitious of magic, but it'll be the quickest way to Avalon. Then, since I cannot bring it with me, I shall leave it with you and Elisa. That way you all can join us when you're ready with the others…"

Goliath studied this option for a moment, then knew it was the wisest course. They didn't have much time, and the quicker they did get warriors recruited together then the better off they would be. Figuring this out, he smiled warmly at her.

"Good work, Akira. You are wise and brave, even beyond your years."

"Thank you, Goliath." She then paused, sighed, and shook her head softly. "I just pray that we reach Rose in time. Something bad is in the wind, Goliath. I can just feel it deep inside of me. I cannot imagine how much Brooklyn is suffering as well."

At this, Goliath's face fell, and he too faced the horizon with heavy eyes and a heavy heart.

"Me as well, Akira. Me as well."

Goliath and Akira explained their plan with the Clan, and it went as well as they both thought it would. With great unrest, arguments from Yama again, but then eventually Kai and the rest of the warriors agreed. It was the quickest and far-less complicated way to Avalon. He then called Xanatos and within one short hour he was landing his private jet in a field just outside of the village. At this point in time, all of the Gargoyles, including Elisa, were quietly enjoying the wonderfully delicious seafood Miso soup and rice, Akira, Lexington and Sakura made, when the doors to the temple opened and Xanatos walked through quickly.

"Has Brooklyn spoken with Fox? How are they? How is my son?"

Goliath placed his spoon down, looking up at him. He didn't get the chance to fully explain his and Brooklyn's phone call, before Xanatos said, 'I'm on my way' and hung up on him.

"I'm afraid I do not know anything about their well-being." He said calmly. "But Brooklyn mentioned no danger in Avalon, so I would assume that they are safe."

Sighing out heavily, Xanatos sank into a chair at the table and looked exhausted. He had spent the last week figuring out weapons to fight against Avalon, but his mind was clearly on his wife and child. However, when he saw Goliath staring at him, he quickly blinked away any worries and put on his usual cool and collected suave.

"No worries. I suppose no news is good news then. When would you like me to take you to London, Goliath?"

"As soon as possible." He answered. "I don't want to spend too much time there. I want to speak with Griff, Leo, and Una and their Clan, then move onto the Mayan clan and speak with Zafiro. With the speed of your plane, I'm hoping to return to Avalon in three nights."

"And… how do you propose to get everyone to Avalon?" Xanatos asked, placing a hand on his beard.

Goliath glanced over at Akira for a moment, then turned back to him.

"Magic."

At this, Xanatos looked intrigued. "Oh?"

"Akira brought the Grimorum Arcanorum with her from Manhattan. She's going to study the spell and bring herself, Lexington and this clan into Avalon tonight, then will leave the book with me. I have been able to use the Phoenix Gate before, by incantation, so if I read the spell that'll open up to Avalon, we should be able to bring all Gargoyles into Avalon."

"And what about Coldstone and the Labyrinth Clan?"

"After you take us to the Mayans… perhaps you should fly home, finish your weapons preparations, and then bring them all through Titania's mirror. In one week, our time, Lord Oberon will be having a war meeting before declaring war on Hel. I plan to make our presence known by then, whether he wants our help or not."

Still thinking deeply, Xanatos studied Goliath and his words, carefully.

"Yes… that… could work." He then paused, "However, I'm afraid that I do not know the spell to use Titania's mirror."

"The spell is in the Grimorum," Akira said. "If you study the incantation then you should be able to make it work. You do not have to know magic to make those types of spells work, all you need is to say the spell right and be by any body of water. That is where Avalon can be accessed the best by."

"And you'll trust me, just like that, to have the Grimorum again?"

Goliath narrowed his eyes at him, thinking deeply as well.

"Xanatos you have proven yourself with better intentions this past year… and I would say that this problem we are being faced with is much bigger than any scheme you would dare to come up with." Xanatos raised an eyebrow at him, as he continued, "However, I have chosen to trust you again, but trust goes both ways. You are a good man… and are better at helping the world than tearing it down." He paused, looked down, then said, "I will give you the Grimorum after myself and the Mayans are in Avalon. I would not dream of tearing you away from Fox or your son. Besides, I know our home will be protected by your shields during this time. If there are Gargoyles that wish to stay and protect our homes, then so be it, but I am trusting that if we work together in fighting this fight, and saving our world, then we will have a home to come home to. If we do not, then it does not matter anyway."

Xanatos slowly nodded, and then smiled at him.

"Thank you, Goliath. That means a lot coming from you… alright, then that settles it. I'll take you to London tonight, where you can speak to that Clan and transport them to Avalon. Then possibly tomorrow night, we'll head to the Mayans down in South America. I will use the Grimorum to bring the others by Titania's mirror. My new exo-weapons suit should be ready by then."

Goliath nodded, but it was Sakura that stood up and offered him a Miso soup with rice.

"The plan has been placed into order… would you care to dine with us, kind Human?"

Xanatos grinned at her, and nodded.

"My thanks, Sakura. Yes, I would be honored to try what I've heard is the best Miso Soup in all of Japan."

At this, Sakura grinned brightly, and warmth spread into everyone's hearts. This place seemed to bring out the very best in everyone, and Goliath wished it would last forever, especially for Xanatos. He trusted the man, after years of him being an enemy, and hoped this war would not turn him back into his old, scheming habits.

However, only time would tell.

After dinner, Goliath, Hudson, Elisa and Xanatos watched with fifteen other Clan members, consisting of elders and the hatchlings, with a few mothers, who were staying behind. As many younger males and female warriors were lined up, all dressed in karuta armor with various swords and katanas on their backs. With the fierce helmets on, they all looked like Gargoyle samurai soldiers, and that is exactly what they were going to fight as.

Lexington placed on karuta armor as well, to be joined with the Ishimura Clan, but was also wearing his own Scottish Clan emblems on his chest with various laser guns from Xanatos on his belt. Akira was wearing armor over her kimono, with katanas on her back, and clutched the Grimorum against her chest.

She had been studying the contents within the pages for the past two hours, during dinner, and then during her half-hour of meditation. This was it. The moment they've all waited for.

Kai stepped forward, and placed a claw upon her shoulder. "We are ready whenever you are, musume."

Akira closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

"You've got this babe." Lexington whispered, taking her claw in his. "I believe in, and love you."

She smiled kindly at him. "I love you too." She then turned away from the large Ishimura river and took one last look at her hometown village, then looked at the thirty warriors standing by her side, and the twenty more staying behind.

"Meiyo, kazoku, soshite yūki no tame ni. Kore ga hōhōdesu."(For honor, family and bravery. This is the way.) She said softly, bowing at them all, and in return, they bowed back.

"Kore ga hōhōdesu." The Clan repeated in unison.

She then came back up and waved at Goliath, Elisa, Hudson and Xanatos. "Good-bye my friends, my family. Good luck. We shall see you in Avalon."

"Be safe." Goliath called back, then looked at Lexington, nodding at him. "Keep them and the others safe."

"I will." Lexington replied.

Akira then took another breath, turned towards the river and the river boat they had acquired for this journey. "Let us begin then. Everyone, come inside the boat and sit. Goliath, we are ready for you."

One by one, the warriors entered the boat, making room for each one to sit and placing their katanas and tachis down in the middle to make room. Lexington stepped in, then offered his claw out to her, in which she took and stepped onto the boat. Goliath squeezed Elisa's hand, then walked down to the boat and guided it into the middle of the river. The cold water came up to his waist, but he held the boat steady.

"Ready?" He asked, and Akira nodded.

"Ready." She stood up with the Grimorum in hand and the spell in front of her. Holding her arm up, she swirled her claw around and then began to speak the incantation, with Goliath and the others watching with great anxiety.

Please let this work… he thought to himself.

"Vocate venti fortunate ex rege Oberonis et hic navis flugem regate ad orae Avalonis." Akira spoke, swirling her hand around in the air. Suddenly, the wind picked up, and the water rippled all around the boat and Goliath. Akira's voice echoed through the night air, and then a rolling fog, heavy with magic, suddenly was rolling along the river towards them.

"It worked." Goliath said quickly. "Hand me the book and I'll push you off."

Akira shut the book and gave it to him. When it was in his arms, he then quickly grasped her claw. "Keep each other safe, Akira, and good luck."

"On my honor and with my life, my leader." She whispered.

Nodding, Goliath clutched the book to his chest, then gave a strong push of the boat into the fog.

"See you all soon, then."

Akira sat down in Lexington's arms, waving good-bye to Goliath and the others. The boat entered the dense fog; disappearing completely. After a few seconds, the fog cleared and there was no sign of the boat on the river.

It had worked.

Relief flooded through him, knowing that Avalon's magic would hopefully bring them the rest of the way. He closed his eyes, breathing deeply and clutched the book to his chest. Like every good-bye, he felt more torn up- with worry and the burden of responsibility.

"Good-bye and good-luck… my friends; my family." He whispered to himself as a single tear ran down his face.