4/18/01
Denigoddess2001@aol.com

INTERMISSION TIME! OKAY, THIS IS WHERE THE READER GETS UP, USES THE BATHROOM, AND GETS A SODA. READ THE INTERLUDE AND AND IT'LL CLUE YOU IN ON WHAT'S GOING ON NEXT!

David heard a slow, steady rap at his Study door. "Come in."

Goliath stepped in and stood before him. "This is a pleasant surprise. I didn't think that I would see you until we let."

"I need to speak with you if you have a moment." Goliath replied.

"Of course." David motioned for Goliath to have a seat. Goliath did so. "What can I do for you?"

"I am hoping that you will know of how I need to do something." Goliath leaned forward and saw that no one else was in the room. "I must ask you a personal question."

David was taken aback. Goliath and he had reconciled but they were hardly bosom buddies. More than once, Goliath had reluctantly sought his counsel on many things Human. "Feel free."

"Thank you." Goliath cleared his throat. "Xanatos, that is you.... surname?"

"Yes."

"How did you receive it?"

"My last name?" David asked and Goliath nodded. "It was put on my birth certificate when I was born."

"Was it not your' father's name as well?" Goliath asked.

"Yes, it was."

"Why not your mother's surname also Xanatos?"

"Yes, after she married my father. Originally, her name was Evangelidis."

"How did she receive the last name Xanatos? Through marriage?" Goliath inquired.

David didn't understand where Goliath was headed with this particular line of questioning but decided to indulge him. "Yes, she took my father's name when she married him. It's tradition that the wife takes her husband's name upon marriage. It's changing though. Many women keep their maidon names after marriage. Some hyphynate both names and sometimes hubands do the same. I know one man the took his wife's name because he liked it better than his."

"Arrgh! Humans and their blasted names." Goliath roared and slammed his fist down on the desk in pure frustration.

"Goliath, what is going on and why are you asking me about names?" David probed. "You need to put your pride aside and just ask me."

"I wish to marry Adrienne." Goliath simply stated.

"That's wonderful!" David's face brightened with pleasant surprise. "When is the day?"

"We are uncertain. However, she has made it known to me that she would like to take my ...surname. I do not have one. I have nothing to offer her."

David understood. Goliath the mightly clan leader felt inadequate because he thought he couldn't provide his mate with what she wanted. "You know, Goliath, it's not impossible to get you a last name. It can be arranged."

"Mustn't it come from one's Sire?"

"Not anymore." David rose from his desk. "I'll have my lawyer's work on it for you. Do you have a name in mind?"

"I can choose my own?" Goliath asked in amazement.

"I don't see why not." David laughed. "Everything you have is because of Human existance. I think this once you ought to give something to yourself."

"How do I know what name is right for me?"

"That I can't tell you." David replied. "Adrienne is a member of the X-Men isn't she?"

"Indeed. It is her passion." Goliath felt a twinge of jealousy.

"Doesn't she have something like an alias?"

"You mean a code name?" Goliath aked.

"Right...what is it?"

"Twilight." Goliath remembered that first night above the Aerie building when they first met.


...."Wait." He called as she left to return to her patrol. "What is your name?"

"You can call me Twilight." She saucily replied.

"Twilight." He savored the unique name on his tongue. "That is an unusual name."

"And yours?" She sent back the question.

"I am called Goliath." He humbly replied.

"Talk about unusual names." She quipped. "I think you have me beat...."

"Ah, yes! That precious moment between night and morning." David nodded with great satisfaction. "She chose well. YOu know, perhaps, if you spoke with her mentor, Charles Xavier, he might be of some help."

"I barely know the man." Goliath scoffed. "I prefer to keep this between us."

"Understandable." He didn't want to deal with Goliath and his Gargoylian bruised pride.

"How do I decide upon a name?" Goliath truly felt lost.

"A name is often flavored by nationality and place of origin." David replied. "You're from New York, you live in Manhattan. Your surname could reflect your life here."

"I was not hatched here. My nation was Scotland and I was hatched in the Wyvern rookery." Goliath mumbled. "Why must humans name everything?"

"So, it should be Scottish." David hated when he had a churlish Gargoyle on his hands.

" Aye. That it should." Goliath agreed. He rubbed his chin in contemplation. " A surname reflect nationality and place of origin."

"That's right."

"Then, my name shall be Wyvern." Goliath declared. "It is my home."

"Goliath Wyvern." David it tried it out for size. "It fits. It suits you. Want to try for a middle name?"

Goliath growled but his lips tugged into a smile. "Must it be so complicated?"

"Surprise Adrienne. She'd think it was a precious gift."

[Indeed, she would.] Goliath silently concurred. "Any suggestions?"

"As a matter of fact, I have a few..."


Moments later, Goliath left David's Study feeling much at ease. Xanatos promised Goliath that he would have a full and legal name within a short time. Goliath knew that this was a gift he wished to bestow upon his Beloved Adrienne. He almost burst with pride as he practiced his new line of introduction. "Hello, I am Goliath Wvyern."

David felt great gratification in helping the Gargoyle find his place in this world. He only had to make two phone calls. The first one he made to his lawyers to start on the project of establishing Goliath's legal identity. The second call he made was to the Xavier Institute.

"Hello, Xavier Institute For Higher Learning. This is Ororo. How may I direct your call?" Come the regal lilt of a young woman on the other side of the line. David noted her voice carried a distinct British flavor.

"Good evening, Ororo." He replied confidently. "This was David Xanatos, I was wondering if I might be able to speak with Charles Xavier?"

"Can you hold please?"

There was a brief click followed by Musak.

"Professor Xavier here...."




OKAY, YOU'VE USED THE BATHROOM, GRABBED YOUR SODA AND STARTED MUNCHING ON YOUR POPCORN. NOW WE'RE READY FOR CHAPTER FIVE. READ ON AND ENJOY!!!




X & The Single Gargoyle Part V
Chapter 5 : Confrontations & Inclinations

[Bracketed words indicate thoughts or telepathic transmission]

By midnight all was ready. Adrienne noticed that she and David Xanatos had the most luggage out of nine of them. She chuckled at the truth that Gargoyles traveled lightly and humans did not. The boarded the two helicopters that would take them to their privated charted jet. She snuggled contentedly into Goliath's waiting arms.

[I just wish you'd wipe that ludicrous grinn off your face.] She silently bid Goliath through their psionic rapport.

[My Raven, you have brough me much joy and happiness this night. ] He planted a protective kiss on her brow. His voice rumbled that low, resonating baritone that made her warm and womanly in his arms. "Allow me to enjoy this."

"Hey, Goliath! You're in a good mood! What's up?" Broadway asked him.

"It will be good to return to our homeland.' Goliath replied calmly.

"Aye, Lad." Hudson agreed. "I long to feel the mist from the Loch upon me. I cain't wait t' smell the mountain Heather and feel the crags beneath m' feet."

Hudson's Scottish burr seemed thicker, deeper, and more pronounced that usual.

Adrienne saw the peaceful serenity that settled upon her friend, Hudson. She knew at that moment that the pilgrimage to Scotland was what the clan needed. It was a homecoming for them. For her, it was an opportunity to see the Gargoyles them in their truest, best form.

[I know that you are fond of returning to Scotland, but, that isn't the only reason for your cheesy grin. You like like a Persian rug.] Adrienne gave him a knowing look.

[I didn't lie.} His mental response carried a hint of indignation. [I simply gave one of many reasons for my delight this night.]

[Goliath, you have no shame!] Her cynical reply caused his cheeks to blush a deep plum.

[Not with you, I don't.]

"I can't wait until we arrive." Broadway voiced the clan's thoughts aloud. "I can remember the smell of the sea, the beauty of the mountains, and the haggis!"

"I'll pass on the haggis." Lexington's face contorted into an expression of extreme distaste. "

Adrienne agreed. It didn't please her to think that one of Scotland's finer delicacies somehow finding it's way into her sensitive stomach. She decided that if it had a name she couldn't pronounce it, she wouldn't consume it.

"Lex, you don't know until you've tried it." broadway explained. "It's cool how they make it. First-"

"Please, Broadyway." Adrienne begged and held up one hand. "Spare me Broadway. I have a weak stomach."

"You don't know what you're missing."

"I'd like to keep it that way." She quipped.

"Suit yourself." He sadly shook his head.

After an hour's flight to the airfield they made it to Xanatos' private airfield. Luggage was transferred and all prepared to board the jet. Adrienne let out a squeal of sheer delight when she saw Professor Xavier and Jean there at the airfield.

She sprinted from goliath's side over to them. "What are you guys doing here? It's great to see you."

"Jean gave her a hug and smiled warmly. "I hear that congratulations are in order."

"How so?" Adrienne was at a loss.

"I hear that you and Goliath are dating." Jean handed her a small gift. "This is for both of you.

Goliath joined Adrienne at her side. "Ms. Grey, it is a priviledge to see you again."

"Pleasure's all mine." She handed them a white gift box adorned with blue ribbon. "Go ahead and open it, you two."

"Now?" Adrienne asked uncertainly?

"NOW!" Jean playfully demanded. "Go on."

"All right." Adrienne cast a look at Goliath. She carefully removed the sparkling metallic blue ribbon that surrounded the box.

"Save the ribbon." Jean told her. "You'll need it."

"Excuse me?"

"Trust me, Dree. You'll need the ribbon." Jean's warm and excitement were infectious.

Adrienne nodded and tucked the ribbon away in one of the compartments of her purse. She slowly opened the box and handed the lid to Goliath. She gasped at the wonderful gift.

Inside the box wrapped in sky blue tissue paper was a small white photo album. She handed the rest of the box to Goliath and slowly opened it. She realized that the photos were from the recent barbeque they had recently attended at the Xavier Institute. Jean and her 35 millimeter camera had been busy that evening. One photo was of Goliath with wings unfurled to their full expansese. His eyes were blazing and aglow . He was perfectly posed in a fierce protective stance. The second photo was of Goliath, in the flesh, in his classic "thinking" pose.

"Jean, how did you get him to pose for these?"

"I told him that these were for you because you had no photos of him in the flesh."

"Did you get any of him nude?" Adrienne winked at her teammate.

"I tried. Really, I did, but that loincloth had a mind of it's own." Jean laughed. "He couldn't get it off."

"Did you try and get it off for Jean?" She asked her betrothed with a raised brow.

"No!" He denied vehemently. "She never asked me to pose nude nor would I have-"

"Goliath, chill." Adrienne lovingly reassured him. "We were only teasing."

The third photograph brought tears to Adrienne's eyes AGAIN. (author's note: SHE'S PREGNANT! SHE CAN GET AS EMOTIONAL AS SHE WANTS) It was a photograph of her and Goliath. She stood in front of him and slightly turned to look into those dark, loving eyes. He returned her gaze and his wings were cloaked around him. Framing the photo was the trellis entwined with lavender and white roses.

Other photos included him in flight or playing football. There was a candid shot of when his talons accidentally punctured the imitation pigskin. Jean also had possessed camera in hand for that fateful moment that brought them together in the first place. Goliath lay sprawled atop Adrienne with her in the grass. His wings expanded. Then, when she flipped the page, Jean's camera had caught the look of mortification on both their faces. The final shot in the album had Goliath planting that first, chaste kiss somewhere between her brushed lips and blushing cheek.

"I didn't know that you caught that on film." Adrienne was truly stunned. "You caught a very special moment in time for us on film."

"I enjoy photography." Jean smiled. She remembered her precious times with Scott and empathized.

"We are deeply appreciative of your kindness, Ms. Grey." Goliath replied in that smoky baritone.

"I glad that I could do this for both of you." She replied in kind. "And please call me Jean."

"As you wish." He gave a slight bow as though she were a lady of nobilty.

"Look underneath the wrapping in the box." Jean eagerly entreated Adrienne.

"No problem." Adrienne looked again and found an 8'x 10" photo of her and Goliath standing next to each other. She remembered that perfect moment in time. "Nobody Wants To Be Lonely" by Ricky Martin had been playing on the stereo shortly before that destined football game. Jean caught them unawares and snapped the photo. In the photo, Goliath had held her hand to his chest and looked down at Adrienne. The trellis of roses surrounded them like a frame. It seemed almost staged because of it's perfection. What drew their eyes to the photo was also the frame. It was surrounded by an unusal mosaic of black and green stone and a lighter gray stone.

"You ought to recognize the black and green stone." Jean prompted Adrienne.

"Yeah, I do. It Kiariate."

"Hank had some additional samples in the lab just sitting there. I had recently talked with David Xanatos and we found out that both of you turn to stone. He was gracious enough to donate some extra shards from what he called Goliath's "stone skin.' with a little telekinetic assistance from Nathan, we made this small gift to take with you to Scotland."

"Truly, it is exsquisite." Goliath carefully ran his talons gently over the frame. "Thank you Jean."

"It's unlike anything I've ever seen." Adrienne whispered.

"Our love is stronger and more enduring than the mountain stone." He whispered as he pressed a gentle kiss into that halo of bouncy charcoal curls.

"You've made Adrienne very happy. It's the least we could do to say thank you for making our girl smile." Jean gave Goliath and a hug. He looked rather taken aback by the ravishing redhead's affectionate gesture. He awkwardly returned her friendly display. "We wish the best for you both."

"Adrienne," The Professor called to her from afew yards away. His hover chair silently moved him beside her. "I have a travel package for your friends."

"That's very nice of you." She looked quizzically at Goliath. [Why are we being showered with gifts?]

The Professor handed them another giftbox surrounded in the same metallic blue ribbon. "I think everything you may need and require is included. I hope that you'll be able to use it."

Now, it was Goliath's turn to look exceedingly confused. "Thank you, Sir."

Adrienne planted a quick peck on Charle's cheek.

"Open it now please." He quietly bid the couple.

All right." Adrienne removed the lid. Inside, she and Goliath found several gold bracelets. Each appeared as an I.D. bracelet in 14 karat gold and each engraved with a Gargoyle's name. She also noticed a folder bulging with paperwork.

"Sir these are lovely gift." [But why are you giving the Gargoyles jewelry?]

[That is for me to know, young lady, and you to find out.] quipped Charle's telepathic reply.

"Figures."

"Goliath, walk with me." The Professor demanded. "If you'll excuse us, Adrienne..."

"Sure." She didn't appreciate being summarily dismissed. Yet, she had an odd feeling that the Professor and Goliath were going to have a heart-to-heart Mutant-to-Gargoyle talk. Manly man stuff.

The Professor moved away from the others and Goliath followed. Adrienne went on to show the others the bracelets and distribute them accordingly.

"Goliath and Professor Xavier moved slowly into the darkness a few dozen yards away from the others. Professor X stopped and turned to face Goliath. "I know that you and Adriennehave been seeing one another for some time now. She's overjoyed to have you in her life.'

"As I am with her Sir." Came Goliath's honest reply. Why was he as nervous a a hatchling on readying for his first flight?

"She is an X-Man and we look after our own." The Professor said quietly. "She is like a daughter to me, as are all my students like my children."

Sir," Goliath was at a loss for words. "Adrienne and I are...mates. I wish to make it moreso than that. She is human and I wish to marry her so that she is also my wife, and I her husband."

"I see."

"I am...asking ....for your blessing of this union." Goliath stammered.

"I see." The Professor replied without expression.

"I love Adrienne with my entire being, Professor." Goliath earnestly continued. "I will love her always. I want to be with her as long as she will have me. I know that she secretly longs for a wedding and a husband. I long to give that to her."

"Those are your intentions regarding Adrienne?" The Professor asked.

"Yes, Sir." Goliath went on. "She is All to me. I shall protect with my life."

"You say you and she are mates?" Charles scrutinized the large lavender leviathan looming over him.

"She is my lifemate."

"Are you up to the task of providing for her?" The Professor asked pointedly. "Have you considered the gravity of involving yourself with a Mutant?"

"Yes, Sir. She and I are much the same." Goliath responded strongly. "We both believe in a better world for all the Dragon's creations to dwell in harmony. The castle is the home of my clan. Manhattan is my city. We are both hunted by those whose hearts are tainted with prejudice. We both suffer misfortune at the hands of those who seek our demise. She and I embrace the values of respect and tolerance. We both believe in the protection of our mutual clans or teams. I understand that we may never know peace."

"It's well you understand that, my good Gargoyle." Charles responded. "How will you provide her with the necessities of food, clothing and shelter for her?"

Goliath was speechless. Never before had his abilities to provide for his clan been brought into question. "Professor, I am clan leader and am responsible for the well-being of all my rookery brothers and sisters. My mate will never want for anything, I assure you. Xanatos has extended his hand to us in frienship. He knows that the Castle and the clan are forever connected. One can be without the other. It is our shelter and our home. Clothing and food are not of concern. Xanatos and I have recently made an arrangement. I am compensated with a sizable monthly stipend to cover any of our wants and needs."

"Can you handle money?"

"I have little use for it." Goliath replied. "It is a human creation, but, we live in a human world. Lexington undestands such things better than I. He has said to me that my money has been...how did he put it? 'Invested in extensive blue-chip stock portfolios' and various other accounts."

"Who is Lexington?" Professor X asked. "He sounds like a financial wizard."

"He is another gargoyle of my clan." Goliath looked at the Professor. "Has Adrienne told you anything about us?"

"Very little, especially since Logan's recent behavior." The Professor admitted. "I remember the name now. Logan attacked Lexington."

"Indeed. What will you do about the one called Wolverine?"

"We will talk of it another time." The professor replied. "Now, back to the matter at hand. Adrienne is human. She enjoys going out on the town, dancing, and being with her friends. As a Gargoyle, she can't share that with you."

The Professor made a very grave point that stabbed at Goliath's heart. "I will never preclude Adrienne from seeking the company of her friends and loved ones."

"I know. You are a Gargoyle of astounding character. You being a Gargoyle can also present a problem. David Xanatos and I have chosen to remedy that small obstacle." The Professor dropped the icy persona. "I have something for you and your clan. David Xanatos called me earlier this evening and we had a delightful conversation. Think of this as a joint venture for the betterment of Adrienne, you and your clan."

He motioned to the folder Goliath held in his hand. "Look inside."

Goliath opened the folder. He looked inside and found sever items he never expected to see.

"The human world requires a paper trail to prove everything." The Professor explained. "So, between David and myself, you now have one a mile long. Im there you will find one birth certificate for Goliath Maza Wvyern. Born November 1, 1971 in Edinborogh, Scotland. You're entire medical history has been forwarded to two trusted collegues of mine should you or your clan require medical attention. I believe you've already met Dr. Hank McCoy."

"I did under very unfortunate circumstances twice when I've nearly lost someone." Goliath growled.

"I didn't mean to bring back unpleasant memories." Charles sincerely wished he had worded it more carefully. "I mean no disrespect."

"None taken, Sir."

"Very good, then." The Professor never missed a beat. "Your other Doctor is Dr. Cecilia Reyez. She is also versed in Mutant phsyiology. She's familiar with Sevarius' work because we captured his research files from that night. She is also amply qualified to provide you and your clan with the best medical care."

"Thank you, I don't know what to say."

"I'm not done." The Professor chuckled. "An X-Men never does anything halfway. Included with that are education transcripts, a bachelor's degree in Philosophy, a Masters' Degree in Library Science, and a PHD in Medival English Literature. So, you are now Dr. Goliath Wvyern, currently employed as a Professor in the English Department at the Xavier Institute. You'll be teaching night classes twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays."

"I have a job?" Goliath's jaw dropped.

"Of course, young man!" The professor rebuked him. "I can't let Adrienne marry a laggard. You have to earn a paycheck. And Xanatos thinks you're quite the Medieval scholar. I need a Professor to teach some of my students at the secondary and graduate levels. It's yours for the taking if you want it."

"How will I arrive there?"

"That is the next thing on our list. Your patrols take approximately three hours after sundown. Classes will be scheduled from 8 until ll in the evening." Charles clasped his hands together. "David has assured me that there are others that can cover you while you drive there."

"Drive?" Goliath shook his head. "I can not drive."

"Then you need to learn and you'll need to buy a car." Charles replied. "Look underneath the degrees."

There was a driver's license with a picture of a handsome human staring back at me. The face seemed stranged to Goliath at first. Somehow, it seemed familiar.

"David told me you spent some time as a human, so, we managed to find an old photograph in his security archives. Good likeness don't you think?"

"I am not Human. I am a Gargoyle. It's impossible for me to be among humans without them running fright." Goliath shrugged in a helpless gesture. "It's impossible."

"Not anymore." The Professor explained. "Those bracelets that you saw earlier are image inducers. They have certain micro encryption chips within each of them. They allow each member of your clan to appear human to the naked eye and to all electronic devices."

"Cameras?"

"Yes."

"Video recorders."

"Yes."

"Magick?"

"That, I don't know. That's not my department." Charles chuckled. "You might ask my friend Armand when you meet him."

"This is all incredible." Goliath thumbed through the extensive paperwork.

"There is also proof of American citizenship, passport, social security card, credit cards, checkbook, an organized stock portfolio in your name. We can tailor it later to match the one done by your friend Lexington. There are various other documents. Look at the last one."

Goliath said nothing as he pulled out the last document. He studied it. "What is this, Professor Xavier?"

"That, my good Gargoyle, is a marriage license." The Professor nodded at him. "When you and Adrienne decide to marry, you don't have to apply for one. You need simply sign this one and it will be filed with the proper authorities. Not only will you be married in the eyes of God, you will be bound for the remainder of your lives in the eyes of New York State."

"This is wonderful." The Gargoyle felt as though he had found his private treasure trove. "There are no words to express my gratitude."

"Then do so in deed by taking care of Adrienne. Love and cherish her always as she does you."

"I promise that I will do so gladly."

"If I were her father, I'd give you my blessing." The Professor replied warmly. "But, you have no need of it from me."

"If you were her father, then I would assure you that I would do everything in my power to prove myself worthy of your daughter."

"You've done that when you saved her life twice. Once in Sevarius' lab and again when she almost died when you met her. I consider it a debt that can never be repaid. I can only give you a start in this life."

"Thank you."

"Let's return to the others. They'll be wanting to leave soon." The Professor maneuvered his hover chair towards the others. "Shall we?"