"Titanic: Gargoyles Style"
by Lisette: Lisette_1@lycos.com

Legalese: Nothing here is of my own creation. The characters from Gargoyles belong to Buena Vista and Disney. The characters from Titanic, the script of the movie, including a lot of the lines and descriptions, belong to James Cameron. In no way will a profit be made from this.

Rating: PG-13 due to language and content

First Class Entrance

Sighing, Elisa slowly took a deep breath before proceeding forward to the beautifully crafted glass door that would take her inside -- to Goliath. Just as she was about to reach forward and open the door, a man quickly did so for her, flashing her a brilliant smile in the meantime. Smiling in return, Elisa read his nametag: Jason Canmore.

"Good evening, miss," he said quickly, his voice rich with approval and respect.

Smiling slightly, Elisa nodded her head at him, with just the right degree of disdain that she saw too often with the first class. Lifting up the hem of her dress, she quickly entered the room and stopped dead in her tracks, completely breathless by the sight before her. The room wasn't really a room at all but instead a doorway to a whole new world.

Above her was an enormous glass dome with a large crystal chandelier at its center. Below it was a grand staircase that swept down six stories. And the people.. everywhere was the first class at its finest. The women were decked out in expensive floor length dresses, elaborate hairstyles, and ungodly amounts of glittering jewelry. And the men seemed to have a certain dress code as well, decked out in their evening dress, standing with one hand at the small of their companion's back, their voices low.

Shaking her head, Elisa smiled at the people as she slowly descended down the staircase, all eyeing her with wonder and nods of approval. Hiding a small smile, she saw more than one look of jealousy from some of the ladies.

When she finally reached the A deck, she slowly drifted away from the edge of the stairs. Now what? Turning, her breath caught in her throat as she caught a familiar pair slowly drift down the winding staircase. It was Hudson, Goliath's mentor, dressed perfectly in a black suit, his sword still at his side, with his arm held ram-rod straight at his side. And grasping onto that arm was Goliath's fiancée, Demona.

The gargess looked stunning in a dark blue floor length gown that showed off her every curve to each of the gentlemen's satisfaction. As the couple rounded by her, Elisa stepped forward to say hello and to find out what was next. Shocked, she watched as Hudson and Demona took no notice of her aside from the polite nod she received before continuing on. Shaking her head, she quickly realized that they had not recognized her in the fine clothes that she wore. Turning her head, Elisa felt her breath catch once more as she saw yet another familiar face.

Sighing, Goliath slowly walked down the long, winding staircase of the large room. Looking down, he watched as Demona and Hudson disappeared around the corner, pausing to nod briefly at a young woman. Staring hard, Goliath realized that he didn't recognize the young woman.. until she turned her dark eyes on him. Stopping in his descent, Goliath stared in shock at Elisa Maza. The scruffy third class passenger that he was with earlier was no more. Instead, Elisa's true beauty was enhanced by shining jewelry and a dress that showed off her figure to the best degree. Gulping, Goliath quickly continued down the stairs, his eyes never leaving Elisa's. He was truly hypnotized by her beauty.

When Goliath finally reached the bottom step, he slowly advanced on Elisa's location. Smiling politely, he reached down and gently took Elisa's gloved hand in his. With the grace of the elite, he then lifted her hand up and kissed the back of her fingers.

Blushing at Goliath's actions, Elisa shook her head slowly. "I saw that done in the movies before," she whispered with a soft laugh, showing that she was still the same person underneath the layers of cloth and jewels.

Smiling, Goliath quickly reached over and placed Elisa's hand on his crooked arm and led her over to Demona and Hudson. Clearing his throat to catch Demona's attention, Goliath smiled pointedly. "My love, surely you remember Miss Maza?" he asked quietly, enjoying the look of shock that flashed across Demona's face as she finally recognized the human.

"Maza!" she cried out, her voice sharp with false charm. "I didn't recognize you... amazing, you could almost pass for a lady," she said, the remark biting deep. But, to Elisa's credit, she made no recognition of the pointed jab.

Smiling politely, Goliath sent a sharp glare at his fiancée before nodding for them to continue their parade down to dinner. Suddenly, Diane Maza appeared at Goliath's side and quickly took the arm that he offered. Grinning, she leaned over and whispered quickly to Elisa. "There isn't anything to it, is there Elisa?" she asked, her voice showing the smile on her face. "Remember, the only thing they respect is money. If you act like you've got a lot of it, then you're automatically in the club."

Laughing, Elisa shook her head at the woman's words. Even though Diane Maza was a part of the little club, it was obvious that she remembered her days as being a member of third class all too well. Suddenly, Elisa felt Goliath's arm tense slightly beneath her. Turning her head, she gazed up into his dark eyes.

Keeping his face serious as always, Goliath nodded in the direction of a couple across the room. Turning, Elisa looked over at the indicated people. The woman was older, with dark brown hair that was beginning to show its gray, her stomach protruding and showing an obvious pregnancy. Standing beside her was a man who looked a good 15-20 years her junior, standing tall and straight with a sword sheathed at his side.

"That is Princess Katherine," he whispered quietly, so as not to be overheard by the other passengers. "She is the richest woman on the ship. Her husband there, Guardian Tom, is my age and he has her in a delicate condition," Goliath said quietly, he and Elisa staring at the laughing and happy couple. "See how she is trying to hide it. Quite the scandal," he said quietly, his voice betraying a small hint of.. disdain perhaps?

Shaking her head, Elisa nodded as would be expected and continued walking with her escort, her eyes never leaving the couple. In her honest opinion, she found nothing wrong with the scene that she beheld. It was obvious by the way that the two looked at each other that they were in love, and in her book, that was the only thing that counted. If anything, she admired the woman for following her heart even though she knew it would bring gossip from others of her class.

"And over there is Robyn Canmore.. do you remember her?" Goliath asked quickly as he nodded over at the blond woman.

Recognizing the woman that was with Hudson earlier, Elisa quickly nodded her head, always maintaining the polite smile that she saw evident everywhere.

"She designs naughty lingerie, among her many talents," Goliath whispered quietly, amusement coloring his voice. "Very popular with the royals."

Unable to keep her amusement to herself, Elisa felt her laugh tinkle out around her. To hear Goliath, such a proper and well-brought up gargoyle, comment about lingerie was something that couldn't help but bring a smile to anyone's face. Shaking her head, Elisa saw that they were finally nearing the glass doors to the dining saloon. Suddenly, another couple entered their path.

"Ah, Katherine, Tom," Goliath said quickly as he reached out and shook the Guardian's hand. "I would like you to meet Elisa Maza," he said as Elisa reached forward and shook with the couple, barely noticing as Diane Maza politely excused herself and continued ahead.

"Good t' meet ye Elisa," Princess Katherine said quickly, the same polite smile on her face as she scrutinized the younger woman before her in curiosity. "Are ye of th' Boston Mazas?"

Shaking her head, Elisa returned the polite smile. "No, the Manhattan Mazas, actually," she replied evenly.

Nodding her head, Katherine turned to smile up at Goliath. Shaking his head, Tom watched this and knew what it meant. His wife had never heard of them, but then again, she knew better than to admit that to the other couple. Suddenly, he looked, really looked at the person that was accompanying Goliath. In that moment, he truly saw her beauty. Shaking his head again, Tom leaned in towards Goliath and whispered conspiratorially, "Tis a pity we're both spoken fer, isn't it?"

Biting back his retort, Goliath quickly led Elisa further into the room, heading back towards their reserved table. Really, her whole behavior tonight astounded him. He knew that she must be nervous, but Elisa never faltered. They all assumed that she was one of them; new money, obviously, but still a member of the club. Then again, he wasn't holding his breath that her luck would continue.

As soon as everyone was settled, Hudson turned his good eye on the woman sitting down the table from him. "Tell us, lass, of the accommodations in steerage," he said, his voice just loud enough so that it caught the attention of everyone at the table. "I 'ave heard that they be quite good on this 'ere ship."

Maintaining the polite smile, Elisa met the eyes of the wizened old gargoyle. "The best that I've seen yet, Hudson," she replied, her tone even. "Hardly any rats," she added quickly, a smirk appearing on her face.

Taking that as her cue, Demona quickly leaned across the table and looked at each of the people that were dining with them. To her right sat Goliath, followed by the Magus, Robyn Canmore, David Xanatos, Diane Maza, Elisa Maza, Guardian Tom, Princess Katherine, and Jon Canmore, with her beloved sitting across from their guest. "Miss Maza is joining us from the third class," she spoke up, indicating Elisa. "She was of some assistance to my fiancé last night."

Nodding their heads, the passengers at the table shared discrete looks of contempt as a waiter stepped up behind Elisa. "How do you take your caviar, miss?" he asked, his voice even as he looked down at the beautiful woman before him.

Smiling up at the man, Elisa shook her head quickly. "No caviar for me, thank you," she replied. Taking in the disapproving and shocked glances of her companions, she quickly looked the man in the eye and shared a small smile. "I never did like it much." Turning, she then looked across the table at Goliath, her face holding the same poker face from her earlier game. Shaking his head, Goliath saw the twinkle of laughter in her eyes.

Not to be out done at making the woman look bad, Hudson once more looked at Elisa. "And where exactly do ye live, lass?" he asked, his voice polite and hiding all of the malice he was holding towards her.

"Well, right now my address is the RMS Titanic," Elisa replied, once again maintaining her calm veneer, her voice never wavering. "After that, only time will tell."

Shaking his head, Hudson quickly leaned to the side to allow his waiter to put the dinner salad before him on the table. "Ye find that sort of rootless state appealing, do ye?" Hudson asked, his voice showing the slightest trace of disdain.

Sighing, Elisa slowly reached down and picked up one of the many forks that lined her plate as she contemplated how to best answer his question. Suddenly, she saw Goliath pick up a different fork than she was holding and nod at her. Catching on, she quickly set down the fork she was holding and grabbed the salad fork firmly in her hand. "Well," she finally said as she looked up at met Hudson's eyes, "as I figure it, you never know what hand you're going to be dealt next." Pausing, she quickly stabbed a green piece of lettuce and munched on the greenery slowly. Looking up, she saw Hudson open his mouth to reply. Smiling to herself, she quickly beat him to it as she glanced around at her dining companions at the table. "You see, I won my ticket for the Titanic here in a lucky hand at poker!" Elisa proclaimed, instantly catching the attention at all those who dined with her. Smiling, she glanced up and met Goliath's dark eyes. "A very lucky hand."

"See, there you have it!" Xanatos broke in quickly, his cultured voice breaking over the din of the noisy room. "All life is a game of luck."

Grinning, Elisa quickly nodded over at the strange man. "Exactly. It teaches you to take life as it comes at you... to make each day count."

Smiling, Diane nodded at the young woman who sat beside her. Quickly, she raised her wine glass into the air, indicating for everyone else to follow suit. "Well said, Elisa," she said, her voice full of support.

"Here, here," Xanatos quickly cried out, a bright smile on his face as he, too, lifted his champagne glass.

Smiling, Goliath looked across the large table and met Elisa's shining eyes. "To making it count," he said loudly, his tone clear and cool, as he made the toast.

Taking their cue, the rest of the table quickly chorused along with Goliath, repeating his toast among the tinkling of glasses.

Annoyed, Hudson took a large gulp of his drink instead of joining in the toast. That was not the way he had planned it. Instead of humiliating the filth in front of their companions, he had instead helped her to score points with them! Shaking his head, the old gargoyle quickly buried himself in his meal.

A good while later, Goliath found himself occupying Guardian Tom's chair beside Elisa. The dessert cart was just coming around and Goliath knew too well what would come next. Leaning over slightly, he whispered beneath his breath to the woman sitting beside him. "Now it will be brandies in the Smoking Room."

Startled at his low voice, Elisa turned quickly and looked into Goliath's amused stare. Suddenly, a voice broke out over the loud din of the table. "Will you be joining me for a brandy, ladies and gentlemen?" Xanatos asked as he turned to look at the dominant people at the table -- mainly Demona, Princess Katherine, and Jon Canmore. Snickering, Elisa turned and returned Goliath's smile.

"Now they retreat into a cloud of smoke and congratulate each other on being masters of the universe," Goliath continued, a small chuckle escaping from his lips.

"And what will you be doing now, Detective?" Xanatos asked suddenly. "Surely you won't be staying out here with our companions, will you?" he asked, a large smile lighting up his handsome face.

Returning the smile, Elisa shook her head as she scooted back her chair and slowly climbed to her feet. "No, thank you. I think that I'll be heading back now."

Suddenly, Demona was at Elisa's side and she gently touched the other woman's shoulder. "Probably for the best anyway," she said, her voice barely hiding the contempt that was evident beneath. "It will be all business.. wouldn't interest you. Although, it was good of you to come," she continued, her voice that same sickeningly sweet of the night before.

Without another word, the CEOs and world leaders slowly left the room, their conversation slowly drifting out of earshot. Turning, Goliath stood as well and looked down at Elisa, his eyes slightly veiled with sadness. "Elisa, must you go?" he asked, his voice soft and meant only for her.

"Yes.. it's time for me to get back to rowing with the rest of the steerage class," Elisa said, a large smile on her face.

Shaking his head, Goliath quickly brought up his hand and gently took Elisa's. Smiling, he brought the hand to his lips and kissed her gloved hand softly... and felt a small slip of paper being slipped into that same hand, a small smirk on Elisa's face.

Confused, Goliath quickly sheltered the note by his side and watched as Elisa weaved a path through the crowded tables and left the saloon. Shaking his head, he quickly shielded his hand from the sight of others as he opened up the folded paper.

'Make it count. Meet me at the clock' were the only words to be seen, scrawled in a beautiful script.

A-Deck Foyer

Slightly nervous and wary about his own actions, Goliath left the crowded and loud dining room behind as he entered into the foyer. Rising up above him was the towering staircase, topped with the large chandelier and glass dome above. Looking up, he saw that half way up the stairs stood Elisa, her back turned towards him as she inspected the ornate clock with its carved figures of Honor and Glory before her. Stopping, Goliath stood and admired what he saw. Even when just faced with her back, her beauty was more than apparent.. the long sweep of her neck, her arched back... she was a beautiful one.

Suddenly, his inspection of Elisa was cut short as she turned and regarded him with a small smile. Blushing slightly at being caught, Goliath quickly hurried forward and stepped up to her side.

"Do you want to go to a real party?" Elisa asked slowly, her voice low and breathless as her eyes twinkled mischievously.

Swallowing, Goliath could only nod his head as he wondered briefly just what he was getting into. Strangely enough, he didn't even care as long as it involved the newest object that had so caught his attention.