The Gift

"The Gift"
by Lisette: Lisette_1@lycos.com

Created on 9/25/97

Revised on 5/28/01

Legalese: Nothing here is of my own creation. Goliath and his crew belong to Buena Vista and Disney. In no way will a profit be made from this.

Author's Note: This story is set a week after A Simple Kiss.

Brief summary: Demona is at it again with revenge on the mind.

Rating: PG-13 due to language and content

The Gift

Nightstone Building - 1:00pm

As the sunlight twinkled through the clear glass windows, it cast shaded rainbows of color that splashed the luxurious office with warmth. The very thought of it sickened Dominique as she angrily reached forward and closed the massive blinds with a simple twist of her wrist, sending the large office into darkness. She was in no mood to be greeted by the beauty of the day as her heart continued to live with the night. And tonight would prove to be a very special night indeed.

She was a sworn enemy to her clan -- driven away from them by her need to cleanse the Earth of the betraying humans that adorned her shores. She knew that she was hated by them all -- even her own daughter, but was comforted by the fact that soon they all could be hers again. If only she could teach them, show them, the evil that resided in those that she trusted. Her main obstacle was the human known as Detective Elisa Maza.

The woman was beloved by Demona's clan -- adored, trusted, and almost worshipped by some. And after the conversation that she had overheard a few weeks back, she knew that her worst nightmare had been fulfilled as she learned that Goliath, her love, had finally given her the ultimate betrayal by loving one not of their own species. Even the thought of it now was enough to curdle her stomach and tighten her fists in anger. For that violation, the human had to die. And tonight it would happen.

Grinning, Dominique Destine slowly moved around her large, mahogany desk and settled into the plump, leather chair that sat behind him. Adjusting her trim business suit, Dominique carefully reviewed her notes, making sure that everything was in place. She had already called in her favor to the Police Commissioner, ensuring the Detective would have the night off. And according to those that she had hired to tail the woman, she knew by now that a night off would be spent patrolling with Goliath, always following the same route like clockwork. Smiling, Dominique leaned back in her chair and listened as her deep laughter filled its empty spaces. Everything was falling nicely in to place. And this time, the human would die. Then, she and her mate would be reunited, the clan would obediently follow their rule, and the humans would fall under their combined wrath.

Chuckling, Demona lovingly eyed the sharp dart that she held in her pale pink hands. She had many plans and schemes to ensure that everything would fall into place just as she had planned. Getting the Detective out of the picture was just the first of many.

Castle Wyvern - 8:45pm

Elisa sighed wearily as she climbed the final steps leading up to the highest tower of Castle Wyvern, noting that she had just made it in time. As she watched in anticipation, the sun slowly dipped down over the horizon, painting the sky in an assortment of beautiful hues. Yet, with the departure of the sun's rays, a faint cracking noise filled the night sky. Finally, as Elisa watched, a long awaited roar shook the castle to its very foundation. Almost in tandem, other roars joined in, making it a pure symphony of noise.

"Hey Big Guy!" Elisa called out softly as a great winged form turned to face her.

"Elisa!" Goliath called out, a smile lighting up his usual grim countenance. Jumping from his daily perch he walked toward his love and enveloped her in his warm embrace, wrapping his leathery wings around her slim form. Breathing in her familiar scent, Goliath slowly stepped back to inspect her closely, finding that once more, all looked the same as before their trip to Agrabah. She was still wearing her trademark jeans, tee-shirt, and red jacket and her grin was the same confident one that she flashed him every evening. Brushing her long raven locks away from her face he asked, "Are you alright, my love?"

At this, Elisa's good mood quickly vanished as her feelings of frustration finally boiled over as she felt her temper flare briefly. "I'm fine Goliath!" she cried, more than a little exasperated as she quickly pulled away. Sighing, she gently tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear as she fumed silently. "Ever since we returned from our little adventure last week you've been fawning over me like I'm a China doll!" Sighing once more, Elisa bit back her angry tirade. "It's getting old Goliath," she continued, shaking her head wearily, "you should know by now that I'm a big girl and can take care of myself."

Stepping back, Goliath's expression quickly turned to one of hurt. "I am sorry, I did not mean to upset you... I know that you are capable of taking care of yourself," he rumbled, "I was only referring to your newly discovered magical ability," he explained stiffly, his eyes turning away.

"Oh, sorry Goliath," Elisa replied, instantly feeling contrite as a guilty look crossed her features. "I guess that I'm just on the defensive," she admitted sheepishly as she gently placed an apologetic hand on his large lavender arm. "Matt's been driving me crazy!"

Smirking, Goliath nodded his acceptance of her apology before slowly turning her words over in his mind. "How do you mean?"

At this, Elisa blew a frustrated sigh before slowly turning away to pace the large tower, the cool wind tousling her long raven locks. "He's acting more like he's my protector then my partner," she began, a frown pulling at her lips. "Last night, for example, at the end of our shift we had a call about a convenience store robbery with hostages. When we got there, like usual Captain Chavez prepared me to go in," Elisa explained, turning back to Goliath, "but suddenly Matt stepped in and told the Captain that I wasn't fit to go in. Can you believe it? He actually told her that!" she cried, her eyes flaring in anger.

"I am sure he was just worried about your well being," Goliath put in gently, trying to soothe her frazzled nerves.

"I know, I know," Elisa sighed, shaking her head slowly, "but you guys have to realize that I can take care of myself," she finished firmly.

"Understood," Goliath said, a small smile lighting up his face. "Now, about your magic..." he trailed off.

"Still there," Elisa grinned, almost looking excited by the idea. "I practiced a little at my apartment earlier, and it's still all fresh in my mind."

"Like what?"

At this, Elisa grinned mischievously. "Watch," she commanded as she closed her eyes and began to chant quietly beneath her breath, so quiet that Goliath couldn't hear her muttered words. Then, her eyes shot open, glowing a bright green light as she levitated into the night sky. Then her words became audible as she said:

"Magics of Avalon, come to me
Grant my wish and let it be.
Change my form to the one I deem,
Change my form to the one I see."

As the green mist enveloped her once more, Goliath stepped back in surprise. The glow brightened till he had to shield his eyes, then disappeared. As his vision cleared he saw Elisa before him -- only an Elisa that he had only seen once before. "Elisa?" he asked, shocked to his very core at the sight before him. She looked the same as after the incident with Titania's mirror; the same face and hair, only with fangs, pointed ears, talons, and a lean and tan gargoyle body. She was the most beautiful gargoyle he had ever seen.

"Well," she finally began timidly, "what d'ya think?"

"You are beautiful," Goliath breathed, admiring the vision before him as he walked up to Elisa and gathered her into his arms. But their embrace was interrupted as the clan landed with a flurry of wings behind them.

"Goliath!" Hudson called out to his friend. "Are ye alright lad?"

"Yeah," Lexington chimed in, "we saw a flash of green up here -- like magic!"

Wincing, Goliath slowly unfurled his wings from Elisa's form and turned to face his clan. As to be expected, everyone gasped in amazement at the tan gargoyle at his side, previously hidden in his embrace. "Elisa?"

"What happened? Who did this to ye again, lass?" Hudson asked anxiously.

"Elisa?" Angela asked, slowly circling the female gargoyle before her. "Is it really you?"

"Yes, it's me Angela," Elisa answered wearily, sending Goliath an apologetic look over his daughter's shoulders.

"That's right, Angela hasn't heard about the first time Elisa was turned into a gargoyle yet," Broadway added as he stepped beside the astounded gargess.

"The first time?" Angela gasped, turning to look at the large, portly blue gargoyle. "You mean you were a gargoyle before?" she continued in amazement, turning back to Elisa with questioning eyes.

"A long story that'll have to wait for another time," Elisa sighed wearily -- something that she seemed to be doing a lot lately. Ever since they had returned from their unexpected trip to Agrabah a week ago, they had all been too busy to fully fill everyone in as to what happened. She had been too busy getting yelled at by Captain Chavez with Matt for disappearing in the middle of their shift.

I don't think she truly bought our story of unexpectedly going deep under cover, only to have our cover blown as the crooks all fled the country, resulting in no arrests and not being able to identify anyone. At least she's not pushing it and letting it drop, she thought wryly to herself. When she had told Goliath their excuse, he had burst out laughing. Hey, if anything, you can't say that Matt and I aren't creative... at least I shot down his idea about being abducted by aliens and having no other recollections about our whereabouts, she had quickly retorted, to Goliath's even great amusement. From there, as a sort of punishment, Captain Chavez had them working double shifts for the last week. Tonight was her first night off, with Matt still working. When she was told that she didn't need to come in tonight, Matt about died.

As for Goliath and Brooklyn, they'd been too busy patrolling and protecting the city to give much of an explanation. From what Goliath had told her the other night, they had told the clan and Xanatos that she had been kidnapped by a psycho named Mozenrath and that they were able to get away and come home in the end. They had decided to wait until Elisa was ready to tell them the rest. And, looking around at the expectant clan, Elisa realized that now was as good as a time as any. Looking around, she saw Goliath raise his eyebrows at her, as if saying "all yours" while Brooklyn nodded his head knowingly. Grimacing, she then noticed that besides the clan, Xanatos, Fox, and Owen had joined the group.

"Well, lass?" Hudson prodded gently.

"Detective Maza? Who did this to you?" Owen asked in his calm, almost robotic monotone.

"Well... I did," Elisa admitted slowly to several gasps from her friends.

"What do you mean?" Lexington asked in confusion, his little green brow scrunching up as he eyed his friend skeptically -- not that she could blame him.

"Well...." Elisa trailed off, thinking of how best to put this. "You know our trip last week?"

"Yes, Detective? Go on," Xanatos said impatiently.

"Well..." Elisa began again before realizing that there really was no easy way to go about this without sounding like a lunatic. "Well," she repeated, almost closing her eyes against her friends' puzzled glances, "we were in another dimension, in a city called Agrabah, where this guy Mozenrath, who is very evil, used his magic to take my soul to increase his power and had captured everyone and was about to kill Goliath when I discovered that I could fight back with magic and managed to stop him and free myself," she explained in one huge breath of air. "Then, before we left, Genie, who's a real genie out of a bottle, said that the magic was Avalon magic," Elisa finished in a huff.

After she finished, there was a stunned silence as the group tried to absorb the wild story they had just been told. Then, the quiet was broken as everyone seemed to ask their questions at once:

"Another dimension?" Lex asked.

"He took your soul?" Angela demanded, concern coloring her voice.

"A genie?" Fox asked skeptically.

"Avalon magic?" Owen/Puck asked in his calm voice, arching his eyebrow quizzically at her.

Then the question came that she had been waiting for, and by the person she knew would ask it. "So," Xanatos said, cutting in on the questions. Immediately, everyone stopped talking and listened closely to the billionaire. "You think you can perform magic?"

"Yes," Elisa said, biting back her sharp retort and hoping that his questions weren't leading in the direction she feared.

"And you changed yourself back into a gargoyle because..." Xanatos said, leaving the statement open ended, raising his eyebrow skeptically as he waited for a reply.

"To show Goliath what I had learned to do," Elisa explained slowly, almost uncomfortable under his piercing gaze. "You see, spells and incantations are coming to me slowly, and I remembered how to do this one earlier today."

"You remembered?" Owen broke in quickly, "as in you had learned all of this before?"

"That would be the definition of remembered, wouldn't it?" she bit back sarcastically before slowly flushing under Goliath's gaze. "I mean, yeah, it feels like the magic has always been a part of me, along with the knowledge, but that I'm only starting to rediscover it."

"Did ye learn it as a wee one, lass?" Hudson asked while rubbing his chin thoughtfully.

"No, and that's the strange part," Elisa broke in quickly, excitedly, "nothing like this has ever happened to me before."

"Then where did you learn it?" Broadway asked.

"Maybe we should ask Owen," Xanatos cut in before Elisa could answer, turning to his trusted aide.

"Me, sir?"

"Well, more specifically, I was thinking of Puck," Xanatos hedged as he thoughtfully stroked his goatee. "I mean, she was told the magic was Avalon in nature, and you are our resident expert when it comes to Avalon."

"I'm sorry to report, sir, that Puck cannot say," Owen replied stonily.

"Why not?" Elisa asked quickly.

"He has a few ideas why Detective Maza is in this predicament, but the issue is best brought before the King and Queen of Avalon," Owen continued slowly. "It is their place to tell, not mine. And unfortunately, I will be unable to summon the skiff for you as this obviously has nothing to do with the protection of Alexander -- and I believe," he continued, throwing a glance at his employers, "that Mr. and Mrs. Xanatos would not appreciate that skill taught to their son."

"Correct indeed, Owen," Fox put in quickly, absently rubbing her arm as though chilled by the very thought of her son being able to summon a skiff to the place where she almost lost him to -- to her own mother.

"That's okay," Elisa quickly cut in, waving away Fox's concern. "I can summon the skiff when I'm ready to go."

"You know how to summon the skiff?" Goliath asked just as quickly, surprise registering on his own craggy features.

Surprised herself, Elisa slowly nodded her head. "I guess so," she murmured, a puzzled look on her face. "I didn't even realize that I knew until the issue came up."

"Too bad you didn't know it when we were being sent all over the world by Avalon," Angela laughed quietly, breaking through the thick tension with a small, knowing smile.

Sending her friend a grateful smile, Elisa quickly agreed. "No kidding! That really would have come in handy," she laughed, only to be cut short by Brooklyn's quiet question.

"But you're not going to Avalon yet, are you?" he asked, the concern obvious in his voice.

"No," Elisa quickly stressed, shaking her head as a grimace bit at her features. "The Captain barely let me have tonight off -- I can't take the time off work yet. Knowing last time, I'm going to try and swing two weeks off when I'm ready to go just in case something comes up."

"Good thinking, Elisa," Goliath said, finally joining the conversation as he tried to save her from the prying questions. "And since it is your night off, would you like to go patrolling with me? It would give those wings of your a try," he said with a small smile as he playfully batted at her large appendages.

"I was starting to think that you'd never ask," Elisa quickly replied, a smile lighting up her face. Quickly, the two linked hands and were about to escape to the night sky when a voice stopped them.

"Detective!"

Turning around, Elisa groaned quietly to herself before plastering on a bright smile. "Yes Xanatos?"

"You can't leave without giving us a demonstration of your magic first," he stated in his charming baritone, gesturing to her curious audience. "After all, it is quite a story that you've fed us -- a little proof wouldn't be asking for too much."

Sighing, Elisa gave Goliath an apologetic look as she jumped down from the parapets, the crowd of friends backing up, giving her room to work. But being on the highest tower, that wasn't much. In eager anticipation, all eyes were turned to the figure before them. As the wind whipped around the tower, her long raven locks stood tall behind her head. Her jeans rustled slightly as her black midriff fluttered in the breeze. Closing her eyes, Elisa caped her wings over her shoulders and took a couple of deep breaths. Suddenly her eyes flew open, changed from her chocolate brown to a bright green as the green mist surrounded her body and she once more levitated above the ground:

A show the curious want to see,
and here they wait, eager to be
a part off this magic that surrounds me.
Come to me forces of Avalon
and change my form so I do belong
with my friends here to see
the real and true me..."

With the last word spoken, the mists cleared and Elisa Maza lowered to the ground in her original form to a stunned silence. Slightly unnerved, Elisa smiled slightly, nervously, before her full lips pulled down in a slight frown as she said, "What? No applause?" Then, before she could be recaptured in yet another round of questions, Elisa quickly shrugged her dainty shoulders as she pointed to herself quickly. Green mist appeared around her form, making her disappear and when she emerged from the mist not a second later, she was once more a gargoyle.

Jumping lightly to stand next to Goliath on the ledge, she grabbed his hand and jumped into the night sky, dragging the large gargoyle behind her. And then, soaring high above the twinkling lights of Manhattan, Elisa finally felt all of her tension drain from her body as she released her love's hand and laughed into the dark night sky. For the first time since before their trip to Agrabah, Elisa finally felt free. Free from responsibilities and questions about what had happened to her. Just free.

Soaring and tumbling in the sky, Elisa lost herself to the dark night as she did move after difficult move, laughing at the feeling of soaring high above her city. But then, when Goliath finally caught up, he had many questions for his love.

"Elisa?"

"Hmm," she said dreamily, reaching her hand out to him.

"Did you realize that back at the castle, all you did was point at yourself and change? You didn't even cast a spell or speak an incantation."

"I didn't?" Elisa asked, puzzled herself as she realized the truth to his words. "I guess that saying it aloud isn't needed anymore," she shrugged, pushing his concern aside as she smiled at his stiff frown.

"But not even Oberon's children can do magics that difficult without a spell or rhyme," Goliath frowned, his worry palpable.

"Owen doesn't have to say anything to change into Puck or vice versa," Elisa quickly pointed out, not worried in the slightest.

"True," Goliath conceded, "but what about you now?" he asked, waving his free arm at her bright smile and relaxed posture. "You could barely fly at all last time you were changed.. you got vertigo! But a couple of minutes ago you were flying as though you have had years of practice-"

"I don't know," Elisa cut in with a long sigh, her mind beginning to fill with her own questions. Why wasn't she seeing any of these things that seemed to worry Goliath so much? Probably, if she was really honest with herself, because she didn't want to. "I guess that when I changed my form, all of the flying skills went with it... but let's not worry about this anymore," she quickly stressed, her smile pleading with him as she squeezed his hand gently, reaching her free hand over to gently brush against his smooth cheek. "Let's just enjoy ourselves and finish the patrol."

Sighing, Goliath grudgingly nodded his agreement, putting all questions from his mind as he became determined to make the most of the night and patrol. For his Elisa, he would do anything.

City of Manhattan - 9:00pm

As night rolled around, after her transformation was complete, Demona strung the impressive looking gun over her blue shoulder. Smiling evilly, she made sure the poisoned dart was securely latched into place before jumping off the balcony that bordered her bedroom. Soaring into the dark night sky, it took only a matter of minutes before she reached her secluded position, confident in the fact that soon Goliath would come gliding past, the human cradled in his arms.

Luckily, she was right, for in a matter of minutes, she saw two winged forms flying in her direction. Two winged forms? she frowned thoughtfully, realizing that this could hamper her plans for the evening somewhat if another of the clan had decided to join Goliath for the night. Shifting forward as the drew closer, able to make out more details, Demona saw that Goliath's mighty form was unmistakable, but her frown deepened further when she noticed that the Detective was not being held in his arms. Also, the other gargoyle was obviously a female.

Angela? she thought, her frown deepening. Even if the human had been along this night the plan still wouldn't work as she couldn't do this before her daughter -- couldn't risk harming her. But that's not Angela! she realized quickly. The form was different: a little slimmer here, taller there, the hair the right color but not in the usual braid. Then as the gargoyles flew by, she noticed that the stranger was tan.

That cinches it... she thought, her eyes widening as her grip tightened on the gun, a new gargoyle here in Manhattan with the others. Curious, she quickly began to tail the pair, all the while wondering if the new gargoyle had joined Goliath's clan. Her love was most likely patrolling with her, to show her the city and to judge her abilities. Smiling, Demona felt new hope blossom within her as she realized that this opened up a whole new world of options for her. When her clan was finally together again, as a family, then maybe once again she could feel the joy of having a female companion. She hadn't felt that kinship since Wyvern fell to the human betrayers and maybe, once again she would have a loyal friend and confidante -- if she wasn't too late.

Sighing bitterly, Demona realized that it was entirely possible that the group had already poisoned her mind against her. But then again, perhaps she could reach this new gargess first and maybe even be able to have the gargoyle's help in restoring sense and order to the clan. Grinning broadly, Demona quickly nodded her head in affirmation to her thoughts. The gargess would help Demona win back her love and the clan's trust. Together they would destroy the human vermin so they could live in peace once more.

Then, waking from her day dreams, Demona realized that they were now gliding over Central Park. Puzzled, she then watched as Goliath and the new comer landed in a secluded area in the trees. Curious, she descended slowly and landed in a nearby tree, all but invisible to the gargoyles below.

As she watched, Goliath and the new gargess stepped towards each other and embraced, their wings wrapping around one another. Then, to her growing horror, they kissed passionately. Her eyes burning red, she watched all of her plans for friendship crumble.

That bitch was stealing Goliath from her -- she had even taken him from the human. Growling softly, Demona got her first real look at the gargess and felt her mood darken as she realized how beautiful the new gargess was. She had long, slanting chocolate brown eyes, full red lips, long black hair, and a slim gargoyle body. Yet, she looked familiar somehow. Her frown deepening, Demona realized that she had seen this gargoyle before, with the strange clothing. That same black midriff with short sleeves and the same shortened blue jeans. Then it clicked. "Elisa Maza!" she whispered fiercely, her eyes lighting up a bright red.

Smiling, Goliath and Elisa landed in the secluded clearing. "Goliath, this is beautiful! How did you find this place?" Elisa asked, staring at her surroundings in wonder. "In Central Park of all places!" she laughed as she took in the thick trees and brush that surrounded them from all sides. Because the clearing was relatively small, set in a circle, it had a quiet and secluded feeling. Here, the grass was a lush green that stopped at her ankles while above them, the bright moon shined down, making it almost as light as day while the stars twinkled in the dark sky.

"It's impossible to get to because of the thick trees and brush, but I found it easily one night while patrolling," Goliath explained, his voice a low rumble as he smiled at her expression of wonderment. "Do you like it?"

"Of course I love it!" Elisa quickly replied, wrapping Goliath in a gentle embrace.

Sighing, Goliath held his love close, taking in the scent of her long hair. No matter what shape she took, or whether she had magic or not, he would always love her. He loved gliding beside her, like he did with Demona, but carrying her in his arms was something he'd never tire of. Being able to hold her fragile body close to him, Elisa proving her complete trust in him by allowing herself to be carried at such immense heights, relying on nothing but Goliath himself to ensure her safety. He would always protect her. Reaching down, he slowly brought his lips to hers and kissed her deeply.

Sighing contentedly, Elisa finally ended the kiss by stepping away. "It's missing something."

"What?" Goliath asked quickly, afraid that she was talking about the kiss, or even worse, their relationship. But then, suddenly, a glorious sound filled his ears. Staring around in wonder, he realized that the soft string music was coming from all around him. As he turned to face Elisa, he noticed her eyes flare a brief green before she was once more surrounded by mist. "Elisa?" he asked hesitantly as the mists disappeared once more. Smiling, he saw that Elisa's gargoyle form was changed back to her human one with one difference: instead of the usual jeans attire, she was now wearing a long dress.

The dress itself was blue with midnight blue trimmings and had a tight, low bodice, with long sleeves, and material that widened out into a full skirt that divided into a kind of trail at the knees. The skirt underneath was a white that showed through the cut in an upside down 'v' from the ground to her knees. Over her shoulders and down her back hung a midnight blue cape that was secured around her neck with a pearl clasp. It was something out of Goliath's time, he noted, taking in the occasional ringlets that framed her beautiful face beneath her cascade of raven black hair. Taking all of this in, Goliath breathed "You're beautiful..."

"Thanks," Elisa said, taking the outfit in for the first time herself. She had pictured the gown in her head, but it was entirely different to see it on herself.

"So you did all of this?" Goliath rumbled, a twinkle in his eye as he indicated the music and her appearance with a sweep of his hand.

"Yes. It was romantic and beautiful as it was, I just needed to add the finishing touches."

"And that you did... may I have this dance milady?" Goliath asked, bowing and holding one arm out, like he had seen Prince Malcolm do all those years ago.

"I would be honored," Elisa replied, falling into the roll. With a nod, Goliath stepped forward, and holding her hand they proceeded to the middle of the clearing. As the music played on, they began their slow waltz, Elisa following Goliath's lead perfectly. We must look like that scene from "Beauty and the Beast" Elisa thought to herself, smiling at the irony. Except, Goliath was hardly a beast, she realized with a smile as the dance brought both of their minds back to last Halloween, and the first and last time they had danced like this.

A sudden thud in the far end of the clearing caused them both to quickly snap out of their reverie. Elisa was so startled that her concentration broke and the music stopped playing. Turning quickly, they were confronted with Demona, her eyes glowing a radiant red, a gun of some sort in her hands.

"How dare you!" Demona spat.

"Demona!" Goliath growled as he quickly pushed Elisa behind him. "What are you doing here?" he demanded in turn as Elisa slowly edged back out to Goliath's side, pushing aside his restraining arms.

Ignoring Goliath, Demona's hate filled eyes centered on Elisa. "You worthless human," she hissed, her eyes narrowing on the detective. "How dare you take gargoyle form! You're not worthy of being a gargoyle! Where is Puck hiding? I'll kill him for this!"

"Puck's not here, Demona!" Elisa quickly retorted hotly, feeling her wonderful and romantic evening slip away before her very eyes. "Besides," she snapped, "while I may not be worthy enough to be a gargoyle, I hardly think you have room to talk! At least I didn't betray my family and friends!"

Demona stepped back quickly as if she'd been slapped. "How dare you!" she screamed into the night. "It was the humans!"

Elisa, fearless now that she was prepared to set loose a volley of magic at anything shot their way, stepped fully away from behind Goliath. "You're such a fool Demona!" Elisa cried angrily, knowing full well that Demona would never hurt Goliath, for it was obvious that she still loved him. Meanwhile, Goliath himself was looking back and forth between herself and Demona, giving her a silent message to get behind him. Frowning, Elisa considered complying but decided in the end that Goliath would be less of a target the farther away from him she got. Besides, this was her chance to finally speak her mind to Demona. "You just can't admit that your betrayal killed the clan... you killed your clan!" Elisa accused, her eyes flashing.

Demona, her eyes glowing bright red, roared in anger and lifted her gun till it was settled on Elisa. As it went off, everything moved in slow motion. Elisa tensed up, focusing her magic on the projectile heading in her direction. Suddenly she was thrown to the side before she could release her magic and destroy whatever was heading her way, rolling to the hard ground in a heap of blue skirts. Groaning, she slowly lifted her head as she said, "Oh, did anyone catch the number of that bus?"

"Elisa, are you alright?" Goliath asked, helping her up from where he knocked her out of danger.

"What did you do that for?" Elisa asked grumpily, brushing herself off and giving Goliath an indignant glare.

"You were in danger-"

"I was getting ready to blow it out of the sky!" Elisa cut in angrily as Goliath's onyx eyes widened, obviously remembering their adversary.

"Demona!" he growled, turning back towards the gargess with expectations of finding nothing less than a shot gun pointed in their direction. Instead, he was mildly surprised to see the gun lying on the ground, like she had dropped it, her mouth hanging open and staring openly at him in what could only be described as horror.

"Goliath..." she stuttered, tears glinting in her eyes, "I'm sorry."

Instantly, panic seized Elisa and formed like a vise around her heart as Elisa turned her dark eyes to the massive gargoyle. "Goliath, turn around," she ordered quietly, not liking the slight tremor she heard.

Still not understanding, Goliath turned around, showing Elisa and Demona his back. And just as Elisa had feared, a lone silver dart was stuck in his thick skin. Grimacing slightly, she tugged the dart from his thick skin before facing Demona once more. "What is it Demona? What's in the dart?"

But before Demona could answer, a roar of pain erupted from Goliath. Startled, Elisa whipped around to watch as Goliath bent over at the waist, holding his stomach as his face contorted in pain. "Goliath?" Elisa asked quickly, at his side in an instant. As she gripped his shoulders in concern, he collapsed weakly to his knees, a soft moan escaping his tightly clenched lips. "Goliath?" she whispered again, looking into his face as she saw his mouth tighten in agony as his eyes squeezed shut.

"Elisa..." he gasped, his eyes focusing on her beautiful face before him. "I.. love you." he gasped before his his eyes rolled back in his head as he fell the rest of the way to the ground, unconscious before her.

"Goliath!" Elisa screamed desperately, falling to her knees beside her love, her large skirts flaring around her. In all her time that she'd known Goliath and the gargoyles, he had always been unstoppable in her mind. "No!" she screamed in anguish, laying her head upon his chest as hot tears burned her eyes. They had finally found love in one another, been through so much together from Dracon, Xanatos, Sevarious, Demona, to fae and even to the King and Queen of the third race. They couldn't possibly lose each other now! She didn't know if she could live without him. Pull yourself together Maza! she thought angrily to herself as she straightened her shoulders, slowly reaching out a shaking hand and pressing her fingers against his skin. Gasping, she was relieved to see that he was only unconscious and not dead as she had feared. Climbing to her feet, her heavy skirts rustling around her ankles, she faced Demona once more. "What have you done to Goliath?"

"No..." Demona breathed slowly, still in shock, her eyes remaining fixed on Goliath's unmoving form.

"Demona," Elisa yelled at the evil thing before her, "pull yourself together!" Instantly, the gargess's angry eyes focused on the detective. "Now, what was in the dart?" Elisa asked slowly, using the tone she usually reserved for victims in shock.

"It wasn't supposed to be him!" Demona whispered, tears burning at her eyes. "I made the dart from toxins and pure magic, it was meant for you! Within a couple of hours he'll slip into a coma and he'll be dead before the sun rises..."

At this statement, Elisa's hands clenched into fists as she quickly fought down her anger, knowing that it would only make matters worse. "The antidote, Demona," she whispered, her voice as cold as ice, "Where's the antidote to the virus?"

From across the open space, Demona's sneer was evident. "There is no antidote, human! Why would I create something to save your pitiful life? I wanted to kill you!"

"Because it's not my life that needs saving!" Elisa retorted angrily as Demona's words finally began to sink in. "No antidote?" she whispered, tears filling her eyes once more as she looked down at Goliath's body, watching his labored breathing.

"Yes," Demona whispered in return, her expression turning hollow as her eyes filled with guilt, "and it's all... your fault!" she hissed, a look of anger returning as her eyes glowed brightly.

"What?!" Elisa exclaimed, her eyes widening in shock as the gargess hissed at her. "After all this time you still insist on shifting the blame to others," she finally realized out loud, the closest thing to pity should could feel for her enemy causing her to shake her head in pity.

"I lost him because of humans a thousand years ago," Demona continued, as if Elisa hadn't spoken. "Now I must again, because of another human. Why must your race always tear my love from my hands?" Demona yelled before she screeched her war cry.

Wincing at the horrible noise, Elisa quickly shook her head. "I can't deal with this right now," she muttered, ignoring her enemy's charge as she closed her eyes and began to chant:

"Because of her my love will die,
And so to this I will not lie,
I want her dead and out of sight,
But knowing this is wrong I will not fight,
Instead I send her far away.
Send Demona to Norway."

With the final word of the spell spoken, Elisa opened her eyes and faced Demona, who had stopped her charge when Elisa had begun to glow a slight green. While Demona's eyes were glowing red, Elisa's eyes were glowing green. Without saying anything further, Elisa raised her hand and pointed at Demona. All of the green surrounding her began to gather in her finger before crossing the space between them and enveloping Demona. Then, as the light grew in intensity, Demona began to yell curses and promises of revenge before she disappeared in a green flash.

"Yeah, yeah, I know, you'll get your revenge..." Elisa muttered as she faced her love once more. One look at him caused a sigh to escape her lips. Quietly she knelt by his side and began to run her fingers through his rich black hair, pushing it back from his forehead. He looked so peaceful right then. All of the lines of worry and stress caused by being leader of his clan in this new time and place had smoothed out. Sighing, she looked around, the tears sliding down her face. The clearing was as quiet and peaceful as before, the moon shining down upon them. Reaching up, she wiped the tears from her eyes. She couldn't even remember the last time she had cried. Scooting closer, she lay her head upon his chest, the tears coming down harder than ever. For the first time in her life, Elisa had no idea what to do. She loved Goliath with all of her heart, more than life itself, and now he was leaving her.

Suddenly, Elisa felt him shift below her. Lifting her head, she saw his eyes open and focus on her, causing a weak smile to life her lips. "Hey Big Guy," she whispered softly, gently brushing the tears from her eyes. "How ya feelin'?"

"Like something is eating me up from the inside out," Goliath grimaced, his eyes slipping shut for the briefest of moments before focusing on the angel that graced his vision once more. "Where is Demona?"

"In Norway.... don't ask," she said at his confused expression.

Sighing, Goliath did as asked and allowed his question to flow away on the waves of pain that ripped through his mighty frame. In the frame of things, asking about Demona seemed so unimportant anyway -- at least in comparison to Elisa. "Why are you crying?" he asked, reaching up to brush a tear away.

"I... was just worried," Elisa said, trying to smile and failing miserably.

Instantly, Goliath understood without even having to listen. Elisa's eyes said it all. "What did Demona say about the contents of the dart?" he rumbled slowly, pushing his pain aside. At his question, he watched Elisa's eyes begin to water once more as her expression turned sour. As she paused, obviously searching for the words to say, Goliath sighed once more. "Elisa, we've been through too much together to begin lying now," he whispered, grimacing as another wave of pain rumbled through his body.

"It's a.. a mix between toxins and magic," Elisa said quietly, another tear escaping.

"No cure, huh?" Goliath asked quietly, summing of everything that he saw in her lost expression.

Biting her lip against the sob that was building within her chest, Elisa shook her head quickly.

"Ah..." Goliath sighed, his eyes slipping shut, and then grimaced as another wave of pain washed over him. "Then you.. you must tell the clan what happened..." Goliath whispered, giving in to destiny as his eyes focused once more on his love's stricken face. "Tell Brooklyn... tell him that he will lead them well..."

"No!" Elisa sobbed, shaking her head as her black hair whipped about in a frenzy of emotion. Nothing is ever fair, she thought to herself.

"Yes, Elisa... take care of them..."

"No, you're going to be just fine," Elisa promised, lying to them both.

"No I am not, Elisa..." Goliath countered, a small smile lifting his lips, "you and I both know that. Tell Angela that I am sorry... sorry that I will not be there for her, and that I love her..."

"You can tell her!" Elisa pleaded, her tears coming quicker.

Shaking his head sadly, Goliath's eyes flickered once more as he strained to memorize every feature of her beautiful face. "I can't... stay..." he gasped, knowing this his fight was useless as another wave of agony wracked his body. "Good-bye my love...."

"No, you can't leave me!" Elisa pleaded, "I need you... I love you!" she insisted, her voice breaking.

"I'm sorry.. I.. love you.. Elisa," Goliath said as his breathing slowed once more and he fell unconscious.

"No, no, no, NO!" Elisa sobbed, burying her head against his massive chest. "It can't end this way," she whispered to herself furiously, denying the very existence of the laws of Nature.

Then her magical insight came to the surface of her mind as she stopped her crying and merely blinked for a second, barely able to believe what her mind was telling her. "It won't end this way," she suddenly vowed as she leaned forward, gently brushing her lips against his for one final kiss. "I hope you can forgive me for this Big Guy," she whispered in his ear. Lying her small hands upon his chest, she prepared to cast the spell for her second, and probably her last time.

"Forces of magic that I call upon,
To undo this horrible and mighty wrong.
This person before me should not be in pain,
So now I take it and thus do contain."

As she finished saying the incantation, green light flowed once more from her hands until it surrounded every inch of Goliath's body. Then, a couple of seconds later, the green mist flowed back into Elisa's body. Gasping, she quickly withdrew her hands from his body as though burned. As Elisa slowly stumbled to her feet, Goliath's eyes began to flutter open. But before she could say anything, an overwhelming pain ripped through her stomach. Bending over, holding her stomach tightly, at first all she could do was gasp as the pain came in waves, intensifying with each wave. "I.. love you!" Elisa gasped to her love before the greatest pain she had ever felt in her life hit. As it tore at her tender belly, an agonized scream erupted from her mouth. Then the world went dark as she collapsed to the ground, her dark skirts billowing around her.

Goliath's slow awakening was rushed when he heard a heart-wrenching scream. Instantly, everything came rushing back to him as he quickly sat up, surprised to realize that he was no longer in pain -- exhausted, yes, but not hurt. Confused, Goliath's eyes wandered the clearing until they settled on a still form lying on the ground slightly behind him. Getting up quickly, he rushed over to find his worst fears confirmed: there, lying on the ground was Elisa, her long skirts spread out around her.

"Elisa?" he whispered, his voice a mixture of confusion and concern as he crouched beside her, shaking her gently. To his insistent prodding, Elisa stirred slightly, a grimace of pain lighting up her face before she lay still once more. Breathing a sigh of relief, Goliath puzzled out what the hell had happened. The last thing he remembered was being in the worst pain in his life, on death's bed with no hope for recovery with a perfectly healthy Elisa next to him. What the hell happened? Now Elisa was lying on the ground in pain while he was healthy. Then, he remembered what Elisa did for Aladdin.

"Oh no," Goliath whispered, his eyes falling once more to his love's face. "Oh no," Goliath half sobbed, half whispered as the tears dripped down his face unchecked, thinking of the life that now lay before him -- a life once more without love. Why did fate insist on ripping his love from him? As he wiped away his tears he began to speak softly to her, not knowing if she could hear him. "Thank you for your gift, Elisa. You gave me the gift of life... a gift that cost you too much, much more than I was willing to give, one that I do not want," Goliath said softly, a single tear escaping down his cheek.

What to do now? He could stay by Elisa's side here in the peaceful clearing. At least then she could die in peace, in the midst of beauty. Or, he could take her back to the castle. Demona had told Elisa that there was no cure, but there was always a chance that Xanatos had some sort of new medical treatment up his sleeve. But then again, his recovery had left him exhausted... could he even make it back to the castle? But at least the clan would get their goodbyes. Peace or the turmoil of the castle? Looking down into Elisa's face, he realized that there never was a choice between courses of action. Some chance was better than no chance at all.

Leaning forward, Goliath gently lifted Elisa into his arms. He was carrying her like he always did, but only now her arms were hanging limp at her sides. Closing his eyes to draw strength from within, Goliath held her firmly. Sighing, he ran quickly across the clearing and up a short hill, launching himself into the night sky. Luck was with him as he quickly caught a thermal updraft. Soaring higher and higher, Goliath turned towards the castle and began his long flight home.

Castle Wyvern - 11:30pm

Worried, Angela paced the parapets anxiously. Where is Father and Elisa? she thought angrily to herself. A sudden scrape from behind her caused her to turn quickly, her father's name on her lips and sliding out before she could stop her anxious questioning.

"No, Angela, it's just me," Brooklyn said, a little hurt at her fallen look of hope.

"Oh, Brooklyn. I'm sorry, I had hoped it was Father," Angela said sadly, turning back towards the night sky.

"So I noticed," Brooklyn added lightly, trying to brush away his bruised feelings.

But, like always, Angela noticed as she turned quickly to her friend and squeezed his shoulder reassuringly. "I'm sorry Brooklyn... I did not mean offense, but I'm worried about Father and Elisa."

"Why?" Brooklyn asked, a confused look on his face. "Goliath can take care of himself and Elisa's just fine."

"I know, but I have a feeling that something's very wrong."

"Oookayyy," Brooklyn said, drawing out the word as he absently tapped his beak. "Well, why don't we go wait for them inside? They may be awhile," he said, winking slyly at her as he thought once more of the dreamy look on Goliath's face when he saw Elisa as a gargoyle standing once more before him.

Completely missing the joke, Angela turned away and began scanning the sky once more, searching desperately for a sign of her father. "No thanks, I think I'll wait out here for them."

Shrugging, Brooklyn started to turn to leave when an idea occurred to him. "Hey Angela, I'll be right back!" he yelled as he dashed into the castle, Angela barely noticing his departure. A couple of minutes later he returned with two infrared binoculars in hand. Sliding up to her, he handed one over as Angela looked down at the offer in surprise.

"Now we can both watch for them... and actually be able to see them if they come," Brooklyn explained with a crooked grin.

Smiling her thanks, Angela began searching the sky once more, Brooklyn at her side. About ten minutes later Brooklyn interrupted the silence. "There they are," he said, pointing in the direction of Central Park. "See Angela, you were worrying for nothing."

Looking in the direction Brooklyn pointed, Angela focused in with her binoculars. They were still a long ways off, just a dot without the aid of the infrared binoculars. Still, she could barely make out Goliath, Elisa in his arms. "Something is wrong," Angela said firmly, shaking her head.

"What are you talking about?" Brooklyn asked quickly, refinding the couple in the dark night sky once more with his binoculars. "They're fine, see?" he said, pointing in Goliath's direction once more.

"But why isn't Elisa flying back?" Angela asked, trying to explain her feeling of dread to Brooklyn as well as herself.

Shrugging his shoulders, Brooklyn said, "She probably changed back into a human 'cause she got tired."

"No," Angela quickly denied, thoughtfully chewing her lip. Shaking her head, she turned back towards the direction of her father, bringing the binoculars to her eyes. She quickly noticed that she could make out the outlines more, but the details were still unclear. Still, what she saw was enough to make her stomach tighten involuntarily. "Now look... what do you see?"

Sighing, Brooklyn put the binoculars to his eyes once more, scanning the sky till he found the approaching figures. "I see Goliath carrying Elisa, she's human... but wearing a dress?" Brooklyn broke off, rubbing his eyes briefly as though he had seen wrong. "Now that is weird," he admitted with a slight grin, "but still, that's no reason-"

"That's not it," Angela interrupted impatiently, her eyes straining against the thin glass, her dread building. "Father's flying strangely and Elisa always hangs on around Father's neck," Angela pointed out. "Now her arms are hanging down by her side-"

"Maybe she got tired of holding on," Brooklyn reassured, but despite his words, Angela's concern was catching. Now he was getting slightly worried.

Sighing in frustration at not being able to convince Brooklyn, she put the binoculars to her eyes and looked once more. Now they were close enough to make out more details. "Brooklyn?" she quickly asked, tugging at the gargoyle beside her, "Elisa's eyes are closed and she's leaning against Father... she's not moving!"

"What?" Brooklyn asked, jerking around to look quickly.

"Something's wrong! Hurry, let's help Father!" she quickly cried, throwing the device aside. Not waiting for a response, Angela dove off the side of the building and soared towards her father, Brooklyn in hot pursuit. "Father!" Angela yelled as she drew near. Now the look of exhausted urgency was evident on his face, along with the stillness of Elisa.

"Goliath," Brooklyn said, pulling alongside, "what happened? What's wrong with Elisa?"

"Demona infected her with something.. some magical virus," Goliath panted, not bothering to explain right then that originally it was he that had been infected. There just wasn't any time. "Right now we have to get Elisa to the castle infirmary."

Without hesitation, Brooklyn quickly said, "Here, give Elisa to me!"

"Why?" Goliath asked, eyes blazing white as he tightened his hold around her thin form.

"Father! You're tired and Brooklyn will be able to get her there faster," Angela said in Brooklyn's defense.

Goliath hesitated a moment longer, looking down at his love. Sighing, he passed her carefully over to Brooklyn mid-flight, causing the young second-in-command to frown thoughtfully. He'd never carried anyone like this before, besides Lexington. He had expected Elisa to be a heavy burden, but to his astonishment, she was remarkably light. What worried him even more was that up close, he saw that she was pale and that her unmoving body felt lifeless. Swallowing silently, Brooklyn quickly shook his head. She had to be alive, otherwise Goliath wouldn't bother with the infirmary. Not wasting another second, Brooklyn soared quickly to the castle, flapping his wings here or there to gain speed. In no time, Goliath and Angela were left in his wake.

As he landed upon the courtyard of the castle, he ran towards the doors leading to the Great Hall. Before he could adjust his grip on Elisa to open the door, they were pushed open. Stepping back in surprise, avoiding the massive door in the process, Brooklyn looked up quickly. There standing before him was none other than the lord of the castle. "Xanatos?" Brooklyn asked in amazement.

"Is the detective in need of medical assistance?" the man asked quickly, cutting right to the chase as he eyed her still form, seeing no blood.

"Well... uh, yeah," Brooklyn stuttered.

"Then follow me. We'll take her to the infirmary at once," Xanatos said quickly as he turned on his heel and walked briskly towards the elevator set in the far wall.

Hurrying to catch up, Brooklyn muttered, "How did you know?"

"Security noticed the rush on their screens and notified me. I came just in time to notice the switch of passenger... you sound suspicious. You don't trust me yet?" he asked, cocking his eyebrow, not slowing his pace.

As the elevator doors closed behind them and they were whisked down, Brooklyn pondered the billionaire's words. "It takes time to win a gargoyle's trust back after you've lost it."

"Well, all I can do is keep trying to prove myself," Xanatos sighed as the elevators doors opened. Stepping quickly, he led Brooklyn into the infirmary. This was no normal infirmary though. Everywhere Brooklyn looked, he saw high tech machinery and strange looking gadgets. At Brooklyn's astonished stare, Xanatos smiled his cocky smile and said, "We have state of the art equipment here. It's even better than most public hospitals."

"What is the emergency?" Owen asked, stepping in behind them. As his eyes fell upon the still form of Elisa in Brooklyn's arms, he merely said, "I see, follow me."

Not knowing what was going on, Brooklyn dutifully followed Owen and lay Elisa down upon the indicated table.

"What is wrong with her?" Owen asked as he began to methodically check her stats.

"Goliath said something about a magical virus that Demona infected her with," Brooklyn explained quickly, his eyes flaring at the mention of the gargess.

"A magical virus?" Owen asked skeptically, arching one pencil-thin eyebrow. "Well, what kind?"

"I don't know, I was hoping you could tell me," Brooklyn said, watching everything Owen was doing to Elisa carefully.

"You don't know?" Owen asked, looking up in the middle of inserting an IV.

"No, I don't. Goliath flew her in and I rushed her down. He doesn't look too great either."

"I see," Owen quietly replied, getting back to work. Grabbing a needle, he found a vein and began withdrawing blood, much to Brooklyn's displeasure. Then, Owen turned and grabbed another needle, this one filled with a clear liquid. Squirting it into the air distractedly, he reached towards Elisa.

Growling, his eyes glowing bright, Brooklyn grabbed Owen's arm, preventing him from inserting the needle.

"I have to give her this to bring down her fever. She has a temperature of one hundred and five degrees," Owen explained calmly. At Brooklyn's blank stare, Owen hastily said, "Running a temperature means that her body is warming up and getting hotter every second. If her body gets too warm, she'll die. This will cool her down."

Still, Brooklyn wouldn't relent.

"Touch her face," Owen instructed.

Slowly Brooklyn placed his free hand against her face. "It's hot!" he exclaimed, obviously astonished by the observation.

"So allow me to cool her down."

Sighing, Brooklyn nodded his consent and withdrew his clawed hand from Owen's arm. As the shot was administered, Owen glanced at Xanatos and said, "Will you escort Brooklyn outside and ensure that the rest of the gargoyles wait in the waiting room outside?"

Nodding, Xanatos escorted Brooklyn from the room. "Don't worry, Owen will inform us as to his findings."

1:05am

About twenty minutes later, Owen emerged from the infirmary. He was mildly surprised at the sight that greeted him. The entire gargoyle clan in addition to Matt Bluestone were sitting on a group of chairs in the corner of the room to one side of the door. In the grouping of chairs directly in front of the door, by the hallway door sat Peter and Diane Maza and Talon and Maggie. Xanatos and Fox sat by themselves in the far corner of the room. All three groups were eyeing one another wearily. "Well, I see that family and friends have been notified," Owen said dryly.

At his voice, everyone scrambled to their feet and rushed him, the questions pouring forth. "Elisa, is she alright?... Is Elisa okay?... What's wrong with my daughter?... What'd you do to Elisa?... Is th' lass alright?... How's the Detective?" Instead of attempting to answer the barrage of questions, Owen merely stood in silence.

Finally Goliath caught on and yelled, "Be quiet and let him speak!" At his low, rumbling voice, questions immediately ceased.

"Thank you, Goliath," Owen said quietly, no emotion in his voice. Then, clearing his throat, he began. "As Brooklyn had indicated, Miss Maza has been infected by some sort of unknown virus. After intensive tests and lab work, I've found no possible treatments or cure. The virus that is plaguing her is new, leaving no known antidotes. All medication is proving useless in all attempts at slowing the disease."

At his unemotional statement, there were many gasps, sobs, and cries of outrage. "What is her current status?" Xanatos asked.

"Her condition is rapidly deteriorating. At the present rate, she will not last till morning."

"Oh my poor baby!" Diane Maza sobbed into her husband's chest.

Turning a steely glare to the assembled group, Peter Maza said, "Who did this to my daughter? What happened to her? Who was with her when it happened?" he demanded, his voice shaking in outrage.

"I was with her when it happened," Goliath said slowly, turning to face Elisa's father.

"You!" Peter roared. "I knew that you were trouble! Look what you did to my daughter!" he yelled, starting to charge the giant lavender gargoyle, only Talon restraining him.

"Dad, let him explain!" Talon said, trying to calm his father down. "Elisa cares about the gargoyles, and Goliath would never consciously hurt her!"

Sagging against his son, Peter nodded wearily. "You're right. I'm sorry Goliath, forgive me for my outburst. But what did happen tonight?"

Sighing, Goliath began his tale. "Elisa and I were attacked by Demona..."

"Mother did this?" Angela gasped in horror.

"Who's Demona?" Peter asked angrily, looking back and forth between Goliath and Angela.

"She's a rogue member of our clan and my former mate," Goliath explained bitterly, ignoring Angela's question for the moment. There would be plenty of time for that later. "She betrayed our clan, resulting in its destruction. She's been trying to kill us, Elisa, and the entire human population for the past two years."

"Why does she want to hurt my baby?" Diane asked, tears pooling in her eyes.

"Well..." Goliath drew out, trying to decide whether or not it was his place to tell Elisa's parents about their new relationship. But just one look at Peter's furious expression was all it took for Goliath to realize that it wasn't his place to tell, nor the time. "She hates humans and Elisa was our first human friend. In the end, we chose her over Demona."

At his explanation, he watched as Diane's dark hands slowly tightened on her husband's sleeve before nodding for him to continue.

"She surprised Elisa and I and shot a poisoned dart at Elisa, but I was able to get Elisa out of the way in time. I was hit in her place," Goliath explained slowly, grimacing at the memory of the pain.

"What?" Angela quickly asked in confusion. "But I don't-" she trailed off as Goliath held up his hand, staying her questions.

"Almost immediately," he continued, "the effects of the dart took effect and when I regained consciousness, Demona was gone and Elisa told me that the dart was a mix of toxins and magic. I wasn't going to live till morning. I blacked out again, but I awoke by Elisa's scream."

"What happened?" Talon asked slowly, his dark eyes probing Goliath's. It was no secret that the two had always held their differences, Elisa being the main reason why they tolerated each other.

"Elisa had used her magic to transfer the pain and the contents of the drug from my body to hers. So now I'm healed and she's dying," Goliath said, a singletear trickling down his cheek.

"Magic?" Diane, Peter, Talon, and Maggie asked in union, all wondering if Goliath had lost his mind.

"Well..." Goliath started.

"Goliath," Brooklyn quickly interrupted, tapping his chin thoughtfully, "was it the same thing she did with Aladdin?"

"I'd imagine," Goliath said.

Matt shared a knowing look with Brooklyn before nodding his head excitedly. "Then she can give away whatever she's containing to someone else, like she did with Mozenrath!"

"You're right!" Goliath exclaimed, hope lighting up his eyes as he simultaneously kicked himself for not realizing the simple solution sooner.

"Wait, wait!" Peter ordered. "Magic, Aladdin, Mozenrath... will someone explain to me what you people are talking about?"

"We'll explain later, right now we have to see Elisa!" Matt said, the group following his cue and moving as one towards the Infirmary door.

"Wait," Owen commanded, holding his hand up as he tried to maintain order. "I'll only allow four in at a time. "Goliath- you, Diane, Peter, and Talon may go first."

Nodding in agreement, the four quickly headed for the door. Stepping aside, Owen allowed admittance. Entering the four quietly moved to Elisa's bed side. Leaning over the bed, Diane kissed her daughter on the forehead. Straightening, she brushed the hair from Elisa's eyes. She took in the sight before her. Elisa was lying on the bed, her dark blue gown a stark comparison to the traditional white hospital sheets. Dark blue gown? Her normally dark face was an obvious shade or two lighter. What made her condition realistic was the I.V. hooked to her arm. Feeling her husband's arm around her, she turned and gave him a sad smile. On the other side of the bed was Talon and Goliath. She was surprised once more to see tears in the large gargoyle's eyes. Frowning slightly, she watched as he gently took Elisa's hand in his. What's going on between these two? she asked herself, not for the first time.

"Elisa," Goliath whispered quietly, his voice catching in his throat.

Stirring, Elisa's eyes slowly opened and focused on the surrounding faces. Smiling weakly, she said, "Hi guys."

"Hi honey, how are you feeling?" Diane asked gently.

"As good as can be expected, Mom," Elisa said, her voice catching in the middle of her sentence as a wave of pain made her face scrunch up.

"I'm sorry Elisa," Goliath said quietly, cutting in on Diane.

Turning, Elisa looked at her love and noticed the tears. "Hey, it's alright Goliath!" she said softly. "In no way is this your fault, and I want to make it clear right now to all of you," she said, turning to make everyone included. "This was my decision and my decision only. I don't regret my choice in the slightest."

"But Elisa," Goliath cut in, "can you give this to someone else like you did with Mozenrath?"

"No!" Elisa said vehemently, rising up to her elbows.

"You can not or you will not?" Goliath growled, straightening to his full height as he glared down at the stubborn woman who lay before him.

"I won't give this to anyone else!" Elisa said firmly, anger and resolve flashing in her eyes.

"But why Elisa?" her mother pleaded, tears streaming down her face as she forced her daughter to lay back down on the starch sheets. "Why won't you do it if it'll make you better?"

"Yeah, I'll get better, but whoever I give it to will die!" Elisa said angrily. "Would you have me live with that knowledge for the rest of my life?"

"Well, I am willing to do this!" Goliath said firmly. "Give it back to me!"

"No," Elisa said, shaking her head firmly. "I won't have you die on me Goliath, or anyone else. I wouldn't even give this to my worst enemy. Which means that you can tell Xanatos he's safe," she said with a small smile.

"There may be another way..." Owen interrupted.

"What?" Goliath asked quickly, hope edging his voice once more.

"Well, if the concoction is indeed magic, then with Puck's instructions, then Elisa may be able to reverse the magic."

"Are you sure Owen?" Elisa asked uncertainly.

"No, but it's your only chance."

"Well, then just tell me what to do."

"I'm afraid that it's not that easy. First you need to give it to someone else. You can not be a part of the magic to be rid of it. Also, I'll need you at your full power," Owen said.

"Uh uh, no way! I told you I'm not giving this to anyone else!"

"Elisa, it's a chance at survival! You must give it to me!" Goliath pleaded.

"But what good would that do? There will still be no cure for the toxins that are remaining!"

"Yes, but without the magic pushing it, the holder of the toxin will survive to sunrise..." Owen said.

"And if it's a gargoyle then its stone sleep will rejuvenate it and they'll be healed by nightfall," Talon finished, catching on to Owen's way of thinking.

"Precisely."

"I don't know about this, Goliath," Elisa said, turning to face her love.

"We must try!"

Sighing, Elisa closed her eyes briefly and fought back her wave of panic. She didn't want to die -- she never wanted to die, truth be told. The very thought of death scared her like no other and she had so much to live for. Then again, she could never live knowing that she was only doing so because someone else had died to give her that gift. It just wasn't in her.. especially if it was Goliath. But without trying, it meant death for sure. Sighing, she slowly opened her eyes and focused on her loved ones. "Fine," she relented slowly, "but only on one condition."

"Anything," Goliath breathed in relief.

"If it doesn't work, I'm taking it back."

"But-"

"No Goliath!" Elisa vehemently interrupted. "I won't have you dying on me... I don't know if I could live without you..." At this statement, many eyebrows were raised and looks were passed between her parents.

At this, Owen quickly raised his thin eyebrow once more before clearing his throat noisily. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but if we're going to do this, we should begin immediately."

"You're right," Elisa thankfully interrupted, catching the manservant's pointed nods at her parents' surprised expressions. "Goliath, you should lie down for this," Elisa added off-hand.

"Why?" Goliath quickly asked, puzzled by her comment.

"Because you won't be able to stand with what I'm giving to you," she explained with a pained grimace as Goliath followed her instructions and lay on a nearby bed. "Derrick, would you carry me over? It'll be easier if I'm touching him, and I can't get there on my own."

At her admission of helplessness, her family blinked back tears. Whatever pain she was feeling and the condition she was in must be horrible. Elisa never showed weakness. Leaning down, Talon gathered Elisa in his arms and carried her to Goliath's bedside. Elisa was having trouble holding her head up as she sagged against her brother's furry chest. "Goliath, are you sure you want to go through with this?"

"Of course," Goliath responded with no hesitation.

"It's going to hurt a lot..." Elisa warned.

"I know Elisa, but it is a chance I am willing to take," Goliath vowed, the love in his eyes evident to all gathered.

"Okay," Elisa sighed, lifting her hand with great effort and gently letting it settle on Goliath's chest.

"The pain and hurt I do contain,
I now pass on for another to maintain."

The spell was simple, but the result was devastating for Goliath. Elisa's parents and her brother stared in wide eyed wonder as Elisa's form began to glow a bright green. Then the green mist seeped from Elisa, through her hand to surround Goliath's form. As soon as the mist disappeared, Goliath's hold on the side of the bed tightened, and his face screwed up in agony. This lasted for a couple of seconds and then Goliath, mercifully, fell unconscious.

Elisa looked at the still form of her love, a tear trailing down her cheek. Sighing, she decided it was time to get to work. To her relief, she realized that she was at full power once more. "You can set me down, Derrick," Elisa said, her voice strong once more.

"What?" Derrick stuttered, looking at his sister as he held her in his strong arms.

"Derrick, I'm fine now. You can put me down."

Nodding dumbly, he slowly lowered her to her feet. He even went as far as to keep a firm grip on her arm until he was sure she'd be stable.

Standing firmly on her own two feet, Elisa turned to face her love once more, taking his hand in hers. "Don't worry Big Guy, we'll fix this bug, and in no time we'll be together again." Goliath didn't move at her soft words. His hand was limp in hers and his eyes closed. Sighing, she turned to face Owen. "Will you get Puck please? It's time for Alexander's lesson."

"Indeed," Owen said. Within a blink of an eye, Owen twirled about and was transformed into Puck. "Ta da!" he yelled with a flourish. He then did a comical bow at the three amazed humans, his little tunic and white hair flying at the commotion. "What? No applause?"

"Puck!" Elisa said, a little impatiently. "Go get Alex so we can be started."

"Gotcha! Be back in a flash!" he said, and a flash was what it took. The humans in the room covered their eyes quickly, shielding them from the glare.

As Elisa's vision began to clear, she saw Puck floating in the air in front of her sitting Indian style. Gurgling in his lap was a drooling infant. "Wow! You're quick!" Elisa muttered under her breath.

Hearing her mumbled words, Puck winked wolfishly and said, "Yeah, that's what all the girls say!"

Rolling her eyes, Elisa had to bite back an angry retort. He's helping this time, she had to remind herself as she focused on the infant that the trickster cradled. It was amazing to think so much power was contained in that small little body. "Why can't Alex cast the spell?" she asked vaguely before turning back to Goliath.

"Because this is way out of his league," Puck explained as he floated opposite of the detective. "Heck," he continued with an embarrassed smirk, "it's even out of my league. I know how to do it, but I don't have the power to back it up."

"And I do?" Elisa asked, her full attention finally captured by the small fae.

"Elisa, you have more power than any of Oberon's children combined!" Puck asked, as though surprised that she wasn't aware of this herself. "I mean, you have more magic in you than either King Oberon or Queen Titania because.. well, we'll leave it at that for now."

"Puck! You do know why I have my magic!" Elisa accused, her eyes widening in surprise at his words. For the moment, it was as though the rest of the world had disappeared as the mystery opened up before her, tantalizing her as never before.

"Yep, and boy is it juicy!" Puck laughed, his eyes twinkling. "I know something you don't know, I know something you don't know!" he taunted, an evil glint in his eye.

Angrily, Elisa began to make wild grabs at him as he soared around the room. Finally she gave up and pointed her hands at his soaring behind. Aiming carefully she muttered, "Fire be a favorite of thine, now strike that little imp in the behind!" At the end of the incantation, a sudden stream of flame shot out of her hands, her eyes glowing green. To her immense satisfaction, it connected squarely with Puck's butt.

"Ow!" he squealed. "Why'd you do that? I was just playing!"

Biting back her grin, Elisa forced herself to maintain her indignant scowl. "Tell me the origin of my magic!" she ground out, emphasizing each syllable.

"I told you already, the King and Queen of Avalon have to tell you!" Puck whined.

"Elisa?"

At her Mom's astonished voice, Elisa turned quickly. "Oh, Mom... I forgot you guys were here..." Elisa stuttered, looking at the ground, ashamed at her childish and very un-Elisa like behavior.

"You're... you're better!" her mom gasped in amazement, watching her daughter's every move.

"I know Mom, I'm fine."

"But Elisa, how did you do that?" Derrick asked in wonder.

"Long story," she sighed, wishing she could take back the last few minutes as though they had never happened. She hadn't yet had the courage to tell her family about what had happened those few short weeks ago during her disappearance to Agrabah -- they all just had too much on their plates to be worrying about something like this. Especially when she didn't have any answers to the questions that she knew they would be asking.

"Elisa," Puck cut in, interrupting her thoughts, "maybe the parentals and sibling should vacate the premises, eh?" he asked, wiggling his eyebrows as he indicated the door to the hallway.

"We're not leaving!" Peter Maza said firmly.

"Actually Dad," Elisa cut in slowly, wincing as her father turned his angry eyes her way, "maybe it would be best if you did wait outside."

"Elisa?" her mother asked, her tone shocked at her daughter's words.

"I need to be able to concentrate, which will be hard to do if you guys are in here," she explained slowly.

"But..." Peter broke in.

"Okay Elisa," Derrick spoke up as he began to drag his parents to the door. "We'll be outside if you need us."

Elisa smiled a thanks to her brother and then returned her gaze to Goliath. Walking to his side, she tenderly brushed some stray locks of hair from his face. "Let's begin Puck."

"Okey dokey!" Puck replied eagerly. Lowering his head, he spoke quietly to the gurgling baby in his arms. "Okay Alex, I want you to just listen this time around. Don't try to cast this spell!" Looking back at Elisa, he said, "Can you see the magic within him?"

"See it? No, what do you mean?"

"Hmm, first you have to see it. Start by..."

"The magic within him is but a lie, make it apparent to thine eye," Elisa broke in. As the spell was spoken, a green mist covered portions of Goliath's body. "Okay, now I see it," she said. Smiling, she turned to look at Puck... and was amazed to see a miffed look on his face. "What's wrong?"

"If you want my help, then the least you could do is wait for me to finish telling you how to do it."

"Sorry," Elisa said sheepishly. She needed the little trickster's help, even if she didn't like or trust him. "It just occurred to me after I asked."

"You're forgiven. Now, what we have to do is..."

An hour later -- 2:30am

Things were not going well, not at all. Sighing, Brooklyn looked quickly from where he was leaning against the closed infirmary door over to the far side of the waiting room. This was not the first time he had looked over there, yet the scene was unchanged.

Earlier Matt, Broadway, Angela, Lex, and himself had all gathered eagerly at the closed door after Goliath and the Mazas had gone in. They were excited about Matt's idea and wanted to know if it worked, but after twenty minutes without word, they followed Hudson and Maggie's example and took a seat in the empty chairs scattered about. Ten minutes later, the group jumped to their feet as the infirmary door opened. To their surprise, only the Mazas had left before closing the door behind them.

"Where's Owen?" David Xanatos had asked, arching his eyebrow at the three people, noting the bewildered look on their faces.

"Where's Father?" Angela had asked just as quickly.

"Elisa's better, she's healed," Diane Maza had breathed, not really looking at anyone.

"It worked!" Matt had yelled happily, high-fiving Brooklyn.

"Can we see th' lass?" Hudson had asked just as quickly, addressing the parents.

"WHERE'S FATHER?!?" Angela then yelled shrilly, instantly causing a still silence to fall over the room as all eyes had turned to the young gargess.

Sighing, Diane had slowly stepped away from her husband's side, realizing that her happiness was about to come at a severe price. Her agony at her daughter's pain was something that she wouldn't wish on anyone.. let alone this small child. And that's just what she was about to do. "He's... he's sick," Diane had quietly stuttered.

"What do you mean?" Angela had asked, her eyes glowing red like her mother's.

"Elisa," Talon began slowly, feeling his mother edge closer against his furry skin, "Elisa gave the sickness to Goliath."

"She what?" Brooklyn had asked incredulously.

"No, Elisa you didn't," Broadway moaned.

But at these words, Angela felt hot tears burn in her eyes. "No... Father," she had whispered, falling to her knees in grief as tears poured down. She loved Elisa like a sister -- she was her best friend. Angela would have mourned Elisa like the rest of the clan, but now her father would die in her place. She needed him! How could this happen? She had just found her father, and now he was being ripped away from her.

Broadway had quickly run to Angela's side and gathered her into his arms. Which led up to now. Brooklyn stole another quick look in their direction. Things were unchanged: Angela was still in Broadway's embrace, crying against his chest while he tenderly ran his talons through her hair. It's not fair! It should be me comforting Angela!

Shaking his head, he mentally slapped himself. This was stupid. Whenever someone chose another over himself, he sat there and felt sorry for himself. Well, no longer. First he turned and looked at Talon and Maggie, wrapped in a tender embrace. Then he looked at Broadway and Angela... and smiled. Someday he'd find the one for him, but right now Goliath was his main concern. Although he was second in command, he wasn't ready for the burdens of leadership yet. It was bad enough when Goliath was gone on the Avalon trip, he definitely didn't want it for keeps!

Suddenly the door opened behind him, sending him flying on his back. Opening his eyes he found himself lost in a sea of heavy blue material. Clawing his way out, he finally made it to the surface. Turning around he saw his captor: Elisa and her long medieval gown... a very pale and tired Elisa.

"Elisa!" everyone cried as they swarmed around her.

Smiling, she embraced each in turn, until she was faced with Angela.

"How could you Elisa?" the young gargess asked quietly, her face pale and drawn.

Wincing, Elisa pulled back as though slapped. "Angela, I..."

"Elisa, how could you be so selfish? How could you take my father away from me?" Angela asked, tears dripping down her face.

"I'm not!" Elisa quickly protested, gently squeezing the young gargess's shoulders. "Listen, with Puck's help I destroyed the magic that was quickening the toxin. He should survive till morning and then the stone sleep will heal him."

"But what if he doesn't make it till morning?" Angela pleaded, refusing to back down.

"Then I'll take it back!" Elisa countered firmly. "Angela, I won't let him die!" she assured, meeting the girl's large brown eyes and daring her to disbelieve her.

Sighing, Angela found that she couldn't. She knew how much Elisa loved her father.. how much she had always loved her father. "Okay Elisa," she sighed, "I trust you."

Nodding, Elisa turned to her family and said, "Mom, Dad, you guys might as well head home."

"Don't worry Mom, Maggie and I will stay behind," Talon said, placing a reassuring hand on her arm.

"They're right Diane. We're no longer needed here. Let's go home," Peter said, leading his wife to the elevator.

Watching her parents go, Elisa realized just how tired she really was. "Xanatos, do you have a room nearby that I can rest in for awhile? That last spell wore me out," Elisa said while rubbing her eyes.

"But aren't you going to..." Lexington began uncertainly.

"Don't worry Lex, I'll be back by sunrise. I just need some time to regain my energy," Elisa replied, squeezing his shoulder gently. Picking up her skirts, she walked to where Xanatos and Fox were standing. "About that room?"

"Of course, Detective," Xanatos quickly agreed before turning to his wife. "Fox, if you would show the Detective to a nearby chamber?"

"Of course, David," his wife quickly agreed before appraising her husband with knowing green eyes, "but what will you be doing?" she asked while unhooking her arm from his.

"I'm going to check on Puck, it's too quiet in there for my tastes."

Nodding in agreement, Fox sent the Infirmary door a worried look before starting down the hallway. "This way Elisa," she called over her shoulder. "Oh, and by the way... love the dress."

Private Chamber -- 6:10am

Elisa sat up suddenly in the bed she had been sleeping in. According to her internal alarm clock, she had about five minutes before sunrise. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes she swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up slowly. Looking down, she smiled slightly as she noticed her dress was still in perfect condition. Man, the Middle Ages had it right with this wrinkle-free material. I guess it's a necessity without having an iron or a drycleaners.

Heading towards the door, she began her short journey towards the infirmary. As she turned another corner, she entered the waiting room that the little hospital opened into. It was deserted. Surprised and slightly alarmed, Elisa quickened her pace. When she reached the door, she turned the knob and was greeted by hysterical voices and a loud beeping sound. Entering the room completely, Elisa quickly surveyed the scene before her. The clan of gargoyles, Matt, Talon, Owen, and the Xanatoses were gathered around Goliath's bed.

"He's not breathing!" Angela yelled shrilly, staring at her father's still form in disbelief.

Looking at the clock, Elisa saw that the sun would rise in two minutes... he wouldn't make it. Snapping her fingers, Elisa stepped quickly into the mist that appeared before her and emerged a gargoyle. In place of her dress and traditional jeans outfit, she was now wearing the usual gargoyle garb. In other words, a loin cloth and a halter top much like Demona's.

Walking quickly, she pushed her friends to the side till she was standing beside Goliath. Everyone gasped at her sudden arrival, and Talon and Maggie especially at her appearance. Goliath still wasn't breathing. Placing her hands on his chest she said, "Forces of magic that I call upon.."

"Elisa, no!" Talon yelled, knowing what she was about to do. Running forward, he made to push her away from the bedside. But as he tried to touch her, he only encountered a wall of air. Growling in frustration, he realized that it surrounded his sister.

"To undo this horrible and mighty wrong."

"Elisa, don't do it!" Matt yelled urgently.

"This person before me should not be in pain."

"I was wrong, Father wouldn't want this," Angela pleaded.

"So now I take it and thus do contain," Elisa finished. The whole exchange had taken place quickly, with Elisa not even pausing in her chant. As everyone watched, a green mist appeared over Goliath's body. Without warning it suddenly shifted till it covered Elisa's hands... and then entered her body. Stepping back, Elisa paled considerably before falling to the floor unconscious.

Dropping to his knees beside his sister, Talon quickly felt for a pulse. "Man, she's going fast!" he yelled.

Behind them, Goliath sat up, confused once again for the second time that night. Now what's going on? He knew that sunrise was almost there and that he felt healthy once more.

"She's stopped breathing!" Talon yelled.

Looking down quickly, Goliath saw everyone gathered in a circle on the floor. Lying in the middle was Elisa in her gargoyle form once more, this time wearing traditional gargoyle clothing. Bending over further, he saw that Talon was giving Elisa mouth to mouth. Sunrise was now only seconds away. Jumping lightly from the bed, Goliath walked to the edge of the circle and said, "Talon, give her to me!"

"Father!" Angela cried, torn between delight at seeing her father moving once more and despair at what was happening too quickly to follow.

When everyone continued to stare in astonishment Goliath grew impatient and pushed his way past his friends until he was by her side. Reaching down, he gathered Elisa in his arms and straightened. It was time. As he looked down at her beautiful face, memorizing every beautiful feature, the sun rose and they turned to stone.

Sighing, Talon stood up from his crouched position and stared at the stone form of Goliath, Elisa in his arms. "Did she make it?" he asked, not bothering to turn.

"Detective Maza is a strong woman and a fighter," David Xanatos said quietly as he stepped beside the furred mutant, "but I don't know. Only sunset will tell."

"What will you do with them?" Matt asked, gesturing to the circle of stone gargoyles that filled the small infirmary. "I think that they're going to cause quite a stir to your day workers," he pointed out.

"I'll have all of the gargoyles moved to the parapets atop the castle..."

"Then we'll be back at sunset," Talon said, finally facing Xanatos.

Castle Wyvern -- sunset

Everyone watched in anticipation as the seven stone statues before them cracked. All eyes were focused on the middle statue, which was in fact two. All statues cracked but one... the one being held by the middle statue. As the gargoyles stretched and roared their awakening, all eyes focused on the statue in the middle gargoyle's arms. It remained untouched.

Goliath broke out of his shell casing and looked expectantly down into his arms. Shocked, he could only gasp as he noticed that Elisa was still a statue.

"Elisa," Talon whispered from a few feet away, his fists clenching and crackling with electrical energy.

But Goliath could only gasp as he tried to gather a breath, watching her statue in his arms. Her unmoving stone statue.

"Partner..." Matt said, lowering his eyes to the ground, hiding his face as the tears started to burn in his eyes.

Goliath could only stare into the stone eyes of his love as the tears gathered in his eyes, blurring his vision. His love... his stone love.

"Elisa..." Angela sobbed, burying her face once more in Broadway's arms.

Goliath stared at his love and tried to breathe. She was gone.. his love was gone. Gone, she was gone, his love was GONE! "NOOOO!" Goliath roared into the night, his fury at fate making all else disappear.

But then, Goliath heard Angela's tears be replaced by a startled gasp. Hoping against all hope, he looked back into his arms. Very dimly, a neon green light started to appear, getting brighter and brighter in intensity. Suddenly, the stone that surrounded Elisa's body began to melt away into thin air, being replaced by her warm skin below. As the stone melted away, her form changed beneath. By the end of the transformation, Goliath held a woman he had never seen before.

She had the same body shape as Elisa in that she was tall and shapely. But her hair and skin, on the other hand, were completely different. Her skin was as white as ivory and her hair, while the same length and texture as Elisa's, was the fairest blond that Goliath had ever seen. The rest of the features remained pretty much the same. The woman had Elisa's large slanting eyes, small nose, and wide, red full lips. Then, the woman began to waken, her eyes fluttering. As her eyes opened, Goliath saw the brightest blue eyes he had ever seen. The clothing was different also. She was wearing a dress that was straight out of the 1800s. She was breathtaking, like a porcelain doll. Still, she was not Elisa, nor as beautiful as her. Then she spoke.

"Goliath?" she asked weakly.

It was the same voice... it was Elisa's voice!! And then, the look she gave him was enough to confirm it in his mind. "Elisa?"

"Oh Goliath, I thought I had lost you!" she exclaimed, wrapping her arms around his neck.

"Elisa, is it really you?" Goliath asked, staring at her in wonder.

"Of course it's me, what do you me-" she began to ask before noticing her hand. As Goliath put her on her feet, Elisa stared at her hand in wonder. It was her hand, but not her hand. Slowly she checked herself over in wonder. The hair, the coloring, her clothing... nothing was missed as she scrutinized herself. "Whoa!"

"Elisa?" Talon asked. Slowly he advanced on the woman before him.

"Um, could you guys hold on a sec?" Elisa asked nervously. Thinking quickly, Elisa made a decision. "The form I'm in is not me, why I'm in it really beats me, so change me now to the real me." In a blink of an eye, their Elisa stood before them.

"Uh Elisa? What just happened?" Matt asked, a confused expression on his face.

"Don't ask me, I just woke up!" Elisa quickly retorted, checking and rechecking herself to make sure that it was really her this time.

"And you're healed?" Goliath asked quickly, laying a hand on her shoulder.

At his soft touch, Elisa faced her love. "I'm perfect Goliath, I..."

"I know.. I love you Elisa."

"I love you Goliath," Elisa said. Coming together, they kissed softly, the cool wind whipping their hair about in a whirlwind, both completely heedless of the group watching happily. She didn't know what was going on, but deep down she knew that whatever it was, Goliath and her would face it together.. nothing would ever separate them.

THE END