The Worse of News

All the characters appearing in Gargoyles and Gargoyles: The Goliath Chronicles are copyright Buena Vista Television/The Walt Disney Company.
No infringement of these copyrights is intended, and is not authorized by the copyright holder.
All original characters are the property of Bonnie_S. (a.k.a. Shona of Wyvern).

June 12th had rolled its way around again, and past. Damn, Elisa always hated this time of the year. Excluding a couple of really bad flu's a few years back, it was the only time that she ever saw the inside of a doctor's office.

She didn't have any problems with the force physician, Dr. Lauryn Edler – heck she was one of the few doctors Elisa had ever genuinely liked. It was the waiting. In the time she wastes be checked and scheduling the following year's appointment, Elisa listed a ton of other things she could have done.

But, in the years that she had been on the force, Elisa had never been asked to see the doctor a second time in a year – especially only a couple of weeks after her usual exam. That along with the fact that she had been waiting on Edler to show up for their appointment for just over twenty-five minutes was driving the second-class detective nuts.

What was the hold up? So what if she was a little under the weather – everyone is entitled to get sick once in awhile, it wasn't a crime to her knowledge.

After an hour had passed, Dr. Edler finally appeared in the office. Elisa noted that the woman didn't look very pleased. "So, what's going on doc?"

"Sorry to take so long, Detective Maza. I had to check with a colleague of mine. I'll get straight to the point. The reason I asked you to come back is that something has come up in your blood work. I think that you should go visit the colleague I mentioned, she's a friend from my college days and has the latest in modern medicine at her fingertips."

"What do you mean that something has come up in my blood work? What came up? And why did you specify for me to not eat after lunch yesterday?" Elisa didn't like the look on Edler's face; something had to be really wrong. But she felt fine; she only had a little cold.

"During your physical, I found swelling in your underarms, under your neck, as well as in your liver and spleen. I was suspicious so I ordered additional tests on top of your usual check-up. There were unusual cells found. All signs seem to point to cancer."

Elisa fell back into her chair as if she had been slammed in the chest by an active Quarrymen hammer at full charge! That was one word the young detective had never expected to hear. "Cancer?"

Edler gave her condolences, but there was nothing that could be said to take away the sting that word gave Elisa. Edler's colleague was an oncologist who had a practice in the Aerie building. When Lauryn tried to give directions to it, Elisa mumbled that she knew the way there all too well. So, Elisa barely noticed being handed a card with a name, floor, and office number on it.

Melody Hindmin

Aerie Building

Floor 114

Suite 28

Any other time Elisa drove to the Aerie building she was filled with anger because she knew that Xanatos was pulling some scheme or another, or the excitement of being with her friends the gargoyles – especially Goliath. This time however she felt numb.

It wasn't until she leaned back against the wall of the elevator that Elisa really knew where she was. She wasn't even sure how she had gotten there. Fox's voice pulled the shocked detective back into reality. "Elisa, are you okay?"

"Sorry Fox, I didn't hear you before. What were you saying?" Elisa's eyes settled on the baby Fox held tight in her arms.

Alexander smiled and reached for Elisa until he won out, snuggling comfortably against the detective's chest with a happy gurgling sound. A sad smile grace Elisa's lips as she thought of how she had one day wanted to have kids of her own – with Goliath, if they were that lucky.

"Elisa, I know that we are not close friends, but please tell me what's wrong." Again Fox's voice snapped the shocked detective back into the real world.

The look on the face of the former leader of The Pack was real worry. Besides, Elisa knew that she would find out soon enough (since her husband owned the building). "I got told today that I have cancer."

"And you're on your way to see Hindmin? I'll give her a call as soon as I leave Alex with David and Owen. Or better yet, I'll pay her a visit myself." Fox stuttered in disbelief. She couldn't see Elisa as a cancer patient – the detective was too strong and vivacious for that to happen.

Elisa couldn't shake off that feeling of being numb. It was as if she was only dreaming this and just couldn't wake up. "You don't have too. Most of this goes under my insurance at work, and I can take care of the rest of it … somehow."

"Elisa, you helped to protect my son and have even protected me. Please let me start repaying all that I owe you and the Clan." Fox wrapped an arm around Elisa's shoulder.

"I did my job. I protect…" Elisa began to mumble until Fox's fingers covered her lips.

Fox smiled with a tear in her eyes. "You have been hanging around the Clan a little too long, Maza. I know because you're starting to talk like one of them. Listen, you are one of a very few people I consider to be a part of my family – and I always take care of my family, sis. I'll be there in fifteen minutes at the most."

Just then the elevator pinged as the doors opened to the 114th floor – the floor Elisa had an appointment on. Fox took charge of Alex with a definitive look on her face. Elisa knew that there was no arguing about it – Fox was going to be there with the rest of Elisa's extended family as well, knowing Owen and Xanatos as well as she did.

~ ******* ~

A few minutes later, she was given a basic physical and shown to an examination room. Sitting there waiting for the doctor to go over the tests and her basic file, Elisa went over the previous years in her head. Of all that she had lived through since meeting the remains of the Wyvern Clan, her mind seemed to go back and focus on her times with it's leader the most.

Once upon a time, the very thought of that lavender giant brightened her lousiest mood. But now it was tearing her apart inside. How could she explain this to them – to him? How could she tell them that she was going to die and leave them on their own?

She focused for a long time on that one night in the skiff. They realized that something was pulling them along at that point in their travels, and Goliath was becoming tired. So, he decided to rest for a time. He sat back in one end of the boat.

Elisa had gotten tired too, so it felt right to lean back against him for some warmth in the cool mists. He wrapped his wings around her to give her more of his body heat. That was the single best memory she carried from their World Tour.

Once again she came out of her thoughts to see Fox standing in the doorway. Elisa caught a glimpse of Xanatos as he rushed back towards the staff area. That irritated the detective. But when she stood up to argue, Fox grabbed a hold of Elisa's arm. "Like it or not, he considers you to be a part of our family as well. David is only telling the doctor to not bill the department. You are our family and the force can put that money to better use – like keeping crooks like he once was off of the street. Owen said that he and Alexander are going to send you a support system down in a few minutes."

"What do the two of them have up their combined sleeves? No, a better question would be 'do I really want to know'. Xanatos does realize that it will be a long time before things seriously change between he and I, right?"

Fox nodded as Elisa settled back on the examination table. Both women felt that it was nice how they'd become this odd family, though it would be a long time before they would admit this to any outside of the other.

The Xanatoses went back outside to sit in the waiting room. Elisa on the other hand went back to her memories.

~ ******* ~

On the highest tower of Castle Wyvern was the stone statue of Goliath in his thinker pose. It was a bright and sunny day, though it didn't feel that way to some in the Aerie.

Behind the gargoyle, a well known fey levitated in the air with Alexander Xanatos securely in his arms. Puck grinned down on his student, who was cooing and giggling. "You're right about that Alex! Elisa will never see this twist coming. So which spell shall we practice first?"

Alex cooed and nodded, which brought out a grin on the face of the sneaky fey. "Alright. Wake up call it is then! Follow along, Alex."

Warrior who is stone by day, thy lady now needs thy aid.

Goliath, I call thee out of stone sleep, to help a friend I'd like to keep.

The fair Elisa hath need of thy company we see.

Therefore as I command, so mote it be!

Just as if it was sunset, hundreds of fine cracks began to spread across the stone surface that held Goliath in place by day. Seconds later, stone shattered and flew to the ground. Goliath was awake and roaring. But as soon as he was awake he had his eyes covered because of the bright sunlight.

"What sorcery has woke me from my stone sleep in the middle of the day? Puck, I know that you are behind this!" The angry gargoyle growled. He had never thought that the sun's light would be as painful as this.

"Jeesh, Goliath you are obviously not a morning person. Well, we can take care of that right quick, can't we Alex?" Puck chuckled as the child clapped happily.

Creature who livith in dark of night, cannot stand the day's fair light.

And yet thy lady doth have need of you, thou art her dearest of friends so few.

To freely give both my aide, Puck and Alex's spell doth transform.

Change the gargoyle Goliath into his human form,

Now in the light of day thou be free of your binding stone.

To guard and protect the human on who thy love's light doth shone

At that Goliath was surrounded by a bright green light that lifted him off of his parapet. Soon his wings, spurs, and tail had all melded into his body. His skin color changed from lavender to a handsome bronze. His arches shortened and quickly came down to a normal human position. His three toes now were five on each foot. Fangs became normal canines, and each hand had five fingers instead of four talons. Then he landed back on his perch.

What really stunned Goliath over all was the sun. It's light no longer bothered him. To be honest, it felt wonderful on his skin. But he didn't care about that. What had Puck meant by Elisa needing him now?

Turning around, Goliath saw Owen holding a happy Alexander Xanatos instead of Puck. When the boy reached strenuously for the one time gargoyle, Owen had no problem handing his pupil over to the now human Clan leader.

"What is wrong with Elisa? Where is she?"

Owen gestured for the now human man to follow him. They walked into the Castle to one of the bedrooms as he talked. "Detective Maza is visiting with Dr. Hindmin a few floors below us. There was something found during her yearly check-up, and she has been diagnosed with a disease called cancer.

"The tests that the doctor is going to have to perform can be painful, and I thought that she would prefer to have you with her rather than either of the Xanatoses. But, first I think that we should get you a change of clothes. Walking into the doctor's office in a loincloth would bring more attention than I think you or Elisa would want. There is a set of clothes on the bed. Alexander and I will wait for you in the library."

Goliath knew all of the different layers that humans wore, though he couldn't pretend to understand it. Yet, he would do anything to be with his Elisa. Quickly he was fully clothed and evaluating himself in a mirror. Since this was only the second time Elisa would see him as a human he wanted to make certain that she would approve of what she would soon see.

Dark blue slacks with a matching jacket. The off white shirt definitely made him look distinguished, but Goliath worried what Elisa would think about it. Once he approved of his new look, he rushed out of the bedroom and down the hall.

The moment he entered the library, Goliath was literally besieged by a floating Alexander. Owen simply raised an eyebrow at the scene. "Young Alexander seems to have taken a strong liking to you, Goliath. We shall escort you to the doctor's offices."

Without talking the trio rode down the elevator, went to the right, and then entered the fifth door that came up on their left. Xanatos and Fox were seated in the reception area waiting. Xanatos nodded his approval while Fox smiled as they both stood.

"Looks like your measurements were correct, Owen. David can you watch Alex while I take Goliath back to Elisa?"

Xanatos smiled as he took his son from Goliath's arms, much to the boy's displeasure. "As if that has ever been a problem love. It's a good look for you Goliath."

"Thank you." Was all that Goliath mumbled – right then all of his thoughts were on Elisa. He wondered what this cancer could be and why Elisa would need further tests.

They went though a door and down a hall a little ways before Fox stopped. She looked up at the man beside her with a worried look on her face. She kept her voice low as she spoke, "Look, Elisa hasn't admitted this, but I know that she is scared – more scared than I'll bet than she has ever been before. When I told David that she was here and why, he asked Owen to teach Alex how to wake you from stone sleep and how to change you into a human. Elisa needs you now more than she ever has."

"Fox please tell me what this cancer is, and why it frightens my Elisa so?" Goliath asked softly.

Fox took a deep breath before she answered. This had her shaken. "It is a disease that can be deadly and can come in different forms. I lost a cousin to a form of it when I was young. But, medicine has changed a lot since then, and Elisa is much stronger than Terri was. Right now all we can do is be here for Elisa. Goliath, she has to want to live, so we have to make sure that she doesn't give up. Let me see if she's ready."

Fox went into the room, leaving Goliath alone to digest what he had just been told. Elisa seemed so healthy the night before – just a cold, and he had seen her get over several of those in the time he had known her. That couldn't really cost his love her life, could it? He decided right then to not let her give up, because he just couldn't imagine his life without her in it.

Inside the room, Fox could see that Elisa wasn't taking the situation well. The normally calm detective was rubbing one finger with such force and intent that was a wonder it wasn't raw yet, though it was red. "How are you doing, Elisa?"

"Well as can be expected I suppose. I just hate sitting here by myself. I'm a little nervous." Elisa's voice gave away the fear in her heart.

"Well, I have a surprise. Owen called in some special support for you." Fox turned around and called out into the hall, "it's okay, she's dressed."

However, what Fox called a surprise Elisa called a shock! A human who looked just like Goliath did when Puck had turned the Clan into humans walked through the door. But it couldn't really be her Big Guy; he was at the top of the Castle locked in stone sleep and wouldn't wake until sunset! Still, those eyes couldn't be faked – and Elisa could never forget her love's dark onyx eyes.

"Goliath? But how?"

"Owen felt that you would need me. So, he and Alexander woke me, and then changed me into my human form. If you do not wish me to stay …" Goliath turned to leave. Even though he wanted to be there for Elisa in the good and the bad times, he would not force his presence on her.

But before he could take a step towards the door, Elisa walked over to him in her bare feet and wrapped her arms around his waist. She couldn't hide the tears of happiness that fell from her eyes – the first joy she had that day since she got the awful news. "Of course I want you here! I am going to owe those two a long time for this one. Please stay with me. I need your strength today."

Fox sneaked out of the room as the lovers held one another tight. Yes, the Clan would be able to keep Elisa's spirit going. This time would not go as it had for Terri. Fox was determined to keep from losing any more people she loved to the disease.

Goliath stayed at Elisa's side as the doctor explained what cancer was and what the testing was going to tell them.

"The cancer cells were found in your blood, so it's a good bet that what you have is leukemia – though we'll need the tests to be certain." Hindmin sat at the built in desk.

Goliath sat on the high stool the doctor provided so that he could support Elisa. "What is this leukemia, doctor?"

"It is cancer of the blood. Let me show you. This is a drawing of a bone cut in half. Inside is the dark area known as the marrow, this is where much of the blood is created. Now when there is a build up of abnormal immature cells that are called blasts in the marrow and blood, it makes it hard for the body to create healthy blood cells. Anemia and the inability to fight off infection and illness are found in nearly all leukemia patients because of the lack of red and white blood cells. Eventually you will also experience bruising and bleeding due to the disease."

"What are the tests that Dr. Edler said I would need done today?" Elisa tried to be brave, but Goliath heard in her voice that it was only a show. His love was indeed frightened, quite possibly as much as he was at that moment.

"Well we are going to work on the assumption that it is cancer that we are dealing with. First we will be doing a lumbar puncture or spinal tap. We'll take out some of the fluid that surrounds your spine and brain. After that we are going to do what is called a bone marrow biopsy. I'm going to insert a needle into your hip and take out a small amount of your liquid bone marrow. And then we'll run a couple of chest x-rays to see if it has gotten into your lungs."

Goliath worried about the idea of anything being taken out of his Elisa. He knew that the tests were needed, but how bad were they going to be on her was heavy on his mind. "Doctor, how much pain will Elisa be in?"

"Well, with the spinal tap the pain should be minimal. You'll be receiving a local anesthesia for that procedure, Ms. Maza. The same is true with the bone marrow biopsy, due to the spinal anesthetic we will be injecting into your back just after the first procedure is finished. I suggest that the next twenty-four hours you stay with someone who can take care of you, Ms. Maza."

"Looks like you're stuck with me for awhile Big Guy. If that's alright."

Goliath brushed his fingers tenderly down Elisa's cheek. "You know you are always welcome in our home, Elisa. I want you to stay with us."

Elisa signed the consent forms, and got the chest x-ray out of the way first. Goliath followed his love and the doctor, standing out of the doctor's way (though he kept Elisa in his sights). The easier of the tests out of the way, the three of them were met by one of Hindmin's associates, Dr. Paul Jameson, and one of their anesthesiologist.

The anesthesiologist hooked Elisa to various monitors. The doctor explained that it was necessary to make sure Elisa didn't have any complications. Then he gave Elisa the local around her back.

Doctor Jameson asked Elisa to draw her knees up as tight to her chest as she could. Instinctively, she grabbed Goliath's hand. He softly whispered that he would be there, and asked if he had ever dropped her. The question made Elisa chuckled a moment before she said no.

Elisa winced and squeezed Goliath's hand as Jameson began the procedure. Her love noticed a hard squeeze just before the doctor removed the small metal wire out of the needle. The fluid was clear, which seemed to be acceptable, as the doctor continued with the procedure.

After a few minutes, the anesthesiologist was back at Elisa's back while the two doctors wrote on papers and looked at the fluid they had drained from Elisa. The anesthesiologist began his work. Elisa only felt a pressure when the needle was inserted.

Goliath whispered how well she was doing, and how proud he was of her. She was just happy that he was there to be with her.

"Okay Elisa. It is going to take a few minutes for the drugs to take effect. For now I want you to stay in the position you are in. I should be back in about ten minutes. Jameson is going to be across the hall listening for the monitors, so the two of you can have some privacy." Hindmin checked the monitors again, and then the three of them left.

"Goliath, I'm sorry to have woke you up." Elisa whispered in a sob.

All the Big Guy could do was chuckle at it. She was more worried for him than herself. That was just so like his love, putting other's welfare above her own. He laid his head next to hers. "I am glad that I was awoken. I want to be here for you, my Elisa – even in the bad times. I'll rest later."

Elisa rested her forehead against his and smiled, before giving him a peck on the lips. "I love you Big Guy. I was thinking of staying at my place until I can't take care of myself, but now I know I'll break down the first hour I'm alone."

"Then say that you will stay here at the castle. I need to know that you are well, my Elisa."

"Alright. After all we don't need you to have anything else to worry about, do we?" For a moment Elisa forgot her problems. She was with Goliath for the first time during the day.

Puck and Alex appeared in a flash of light. "Very good Alexander. You've really come along on transportation spells. Now, as to what you asked me, what is the one binding rule for the magic you want to do?"

Alex cooed and clapped his little hands. Puck nodded with a smile and a twinkle in his eyes. "That's right. The person you cast a spell on must agree to it. Elisa, Alexander doesn't want you in a lot of pain after the doctors are done. And that way you can have some fun with the Big Guy there. So, he wants to cast a spell that will heal you as the medication wears off."

"But, won't the doctors notice it?"

Puck shook his head. "The only doctors that will see you are Hindmin and Jameson, and they know about me and Alex. So how about it?"

Elisa looked up at Goliath, obviously unsure how to answer. "It is your choice Elisa."

"Then, I'd rather be able to enjoy this day with you rather than spend it sick in bed. Especially since I don't know how many more days I have until I stuck in bed because of this disease. Go ahead you two."

Puck and Alexander floated above Elisa. The bond of energy that was connecting teacher and student becoming evident in a green light that surrounded the pair as they concentrated their combined powers.

Elisa to give you and Goliath the freedom our spell does provide,

Giving you swift healing be fair little Alexander doth decide.

As the medicine that makes your lower body numb fades away,

Your body will heal and in bed you will not have to stay.

The green energy dropped from the pair onto Elisa and disappeared. Without waiting for her thanks the teacher and student left.

"We have some nice friends, don't we Goliath?"

Goliath turned all of his focus on his love. "Yes. I hope you know that I love you without question, my Elisa. I don't want to imagine what my life would be like without you in it."

"Then don't. Let's think about good things. Umm … I know – what are we going to do after you get some sleep?" Elisa's smile beamed with joy.

"I am fine Elisa. Who knows if we will ever have this gift again? Let us celebrate it. We have walked in Central park many a night; I'd like to see it during the day. Would that be acceptable?"

With a chuckle Elisa nodded. "And maybe we can take a carriage ride, then go to a restaurant for some lunch. I know this great one where we can eat outside."

"And then I'd like to take you shopping for a special surprise." Goliath could feel his heart racing as Elisa gave him her look of suspicion. What would her answer be?

"What kind of a surprise? Goliath, what are you up to?" Elisa giggled as her love went down on one knee beside her.

This was it; he couldn't back down now. Goliath was going to find out just how deeply this love had grown. "Elisa, I love you. I have since the first night I saw you. You have proven yourself a true friend, love, and a true gargoyle in heart. Will you be my mate, Elisa?"

For a few moments Elisa just stared in shock. She just couldn't believe what he had asked! Did he have any idea how badly she had wanted him to ask her that? Finally she found her voice again. "Yes."

After suffering through the slightly more painful bone marrow aspiration, Elisa and Goliath were left alone to wait for the drugs to wear off. Two hours later Goliath carried Elisa out of the offices to the elevator, but let her down once the doors closed.

The day was theirs, Xanatos had given Elisa a credit card to see if she could break him, and neither wanted to waste a moment of the sunlight they had ahead of them. The very first thing they did was drive over to Central Park where they spent most of their morning. Taking pictures for the others, riding in a carriage ride, and spoiling their appetites with ice cream.

After the lunch she had promised, which was better than he imagined it, they went to Ellis Island. It was amazing how long Elisa had lived in New York City, but this was her first time going to this place. She began to respect her mom's and Goliath's enduring commitment to keep their ancestries alive.

They went to the Empire State building. Picked up stuffed animals for their family at FAO Schwarz. Went to Grand Central Station, and had a time.

Then they whisked to a jewelry store to search seemingly endlessly for the perfect engagement ring. After an hour of talking about it, Elisa walked out of the store on her fiancé's arm with the perfect ring on her hand. A yellow gold band, an oval cut diamond in the center, with pear cut diamond side stones.

When they visited the National Holocaust Museum, Goliath was visibly upset at the start of the tour. That changed when Elisa whispered into his ear, "it didn't have to happen, just like with the Clan. But, this memorial and all who fight to keep these peoples memories alive proves that not all humans are the same. Maybe we should bring Demona by sometime."

After visiting the city's botanical garden, Elisa drove them to her station. "I have decided that giving Chavez the bad news now would be better than to wait until I'm in pain. You want to come in?"

"I've never seen your office from the inside. Yes, do you want me with you as you explain it to her?"

"No, I'll be alright. I can't wait to see Matt's face, he took a day shift today so Morgan could have the day off to go his daughter's school."

Goliath grinned, "what do you think his reaction will be love?"

"What the *bleep*." At that the couple both broke down into laughter.

Walking in they saw that poor Matt was struggling to stay awake till the end of his shift. "Rude awakening time," Elisa winked as she whispered to Goliath.

The pair slipped behind Matt, who was just dozing off. Elisa nodded to Goliath who winked. "Aren't you on the clock, Matt?"

"Goliath! What the hell!" Matt screeched as he jumped to his feet. This sent rolls of laughter through the couple beside him.

"We should've made a bet on it. Damn it, and I would've won. Oh well."

Matt was still staring in shock. Elisa chuckled, "One word … Puck. So you can breath now partner."

Goliath grinned as he tried to hold his laughter back. "Well, it looks like Matt is more like us than he suspected Elisa. He is more awake at night."

"You two talk while I go have my discussion with Chavez. Oh and Goliath, do keep Matt out of trouble." Elisa winked as she strutted away. She paused as she went into the Captain's office one last time.

Chavez was behind her desk, "come in Maza. So, what did the doctor have to say?"

"The doctor sent me to a specialist … an oncologist." Elisa hesitantly said as she shut the door and took a seat in front of her boss' desk – for the last time.

"Then it's cancer. Damn Maza, I always thought you were immune to about everything. How long until I lose my best detective?" Chavez sat back in her chair in shock.

Elisa hated to do it, but leaving now would be better for them all in the long run. "I'm leaving effective immediately. I can't risk something happening on the job, and we both know that it is more than possible."

"So what are you going to do now?" Chavez asked as she got up and looked out the window. She was trying hard not to cry. She had been in Elisa's life almost from its start, and the woman couldn't help but think of how unfair this was, that she would out live her goddaughter.

"I have friends that live in the Aerie building. Since my new doctor's practice is there, we agreed that it would be for the best for me to stay with them. I'm moving in tonight."

Finally in charge of her tears, Chavez sat on her desk in front of Elisa. "Have you told your folks yet?"

"No, we're going over there after I'm done here." Only after she was done did Elisa realize her mistake.

Chavez didn't let the ill chosen word slide either. "You and who else?"

"Umm … my fiancé?"  Elisa immediately regretted her admission.

"Get him in here, and I mean now." Chavez's voice told Elisa that there was no arguing about it.

Elisa opened the door. "Big Guy? I think that you'd better get in here."

"I thought that he was a gargoyle." When Elisa stared wide-eyed at her, Maria Chavez had to laugh. "I was a detective once upon a time too, Maza. And you work with cops. Did you really think that you pulled the wool over all of our eyes? Shame on you girl."

Goliath and Matt both went into the room. Matt had to smile, since Goliath had told him as well. "Congrats partner! Just wish y'all had took the plunge sooner. I lost in the betting pool!"

"Who all was betting on us?" Elisa growled at her former partner.

Chavez was the one who answered, "everyone in the station. And I won. Have a problem with it Elisa?"

"No. Well, I guess introductions are in order since everyone knows more than any of us thought. Captain Maria Chavez this is Goliath of Wyvern, the leader of the Manhattan Clan. Goliath, this is my Captain and slightly peeved godmother, Maria Chavez."

Goliath bowed to the older woman slightly with a confused look on his face. Matt was just as shocked. "I thought we had kept the secret hidden!"

"Not that well, Bluestone. So, are the two of you going to explain how it is that my goddaughter's future husband is human and not gargoyle?"

For the next hour they covered every adventure the engaged couple had gone through – including the answer to the mystery of who shot Elisa years before. Chavez chastised Elisa for being so careless. Though they saw that much of the tale they were telling was hard for the police Captain to swallow, she let them finish with only the one outburst.

"That is one heck of a story, Maza. But, I'm glad that you trust me with it. Now, the Clan is welcome in this station. In fact, I know that we'd like to meet all of you. That is if you feel comfortable with that."

Goliath thought about it for a moment. "I suppose since all of the station believes and accepts us it will be alright. The rest of the Clan is in stone sleep right now. We can come only at night for now."

"That's fine. I can have the day shift come in for it. So all we need now is the when."

Goliath simply nodded to Elisa, he knew full well the when that she had in mind. "I guess tomorrow night then. That way it gives day shift notice, and we can tell the Clan. We'd better go; I still have to figure out a way to tell mom and dad. Oh are they going to have a fit and a half."

After saying their goodbyes, Elisa and Goliath got into her Fairlane. The drive to her parent's house was silent. Elisa was busy think how she was going to tell her parents the good and bad news. Goliath was taking in the world around him.

Once Elisa explained how Goliath had turned human, both of her parents were at better ease. Her dad and mom agreed that it was better to get the bad news out of the way first.

"I have cancer. The doctor is running tests now to figure out what kind of leukemia I have and how extensive it is."

Diane broke down into sobs, while Peter started pacing the floor in his frustration. "What are you going to do now, baby?"

"I'm going to move into the Castle, since the doctor's offices are in the Aerie. Fox and Xanatos have been better than I would have ever dreamed. Goliath and I have been having fun all day on Xanatos' credit card. He even told the doctor not to charge the department. His words were that the force could put that money to better use – like keeping crooks like he once was off of the street." Elisa barely kept a straight face as she repeated it.

Peter and Diane chuckled. Things were slowly changing. Diane finally calmed herself enough to ask, "so what is your good news?"

"I hope that you'll call it good news. Goliath asked me to become his mate, and I said yes." Elisa clenched her teeth for the shouting match she was expecting.

Instead of yelling Elisa's father walked over to Goliath, who had stood by now (as he had been expecting a fight as well). "You realize that there is a chance that my baby is going to die."

"Yes sir, I know that." Goliath looked Peter straight in the eyes.

"And you still want her to become your mate – why?"

Goliath smiled as he thought of all he felt for his Elisa. "Because she is the best part of my life. She has changed my Clan and myself for the better since we met her. Both of you have seen how tenacious and stubborn she can be, but she only acts that way for what she feels is right. She has become a surrogate mother for my daughter. And she is the only female to fill my heart and my soul so completely. Not even my former mate did so."

"And what if Demona doesn't like this. Suppose she shows up one night wanting you back."

"Elisa has my heart. The night that Demona tried to kill me before our Clan broke our bonds forever. I chose Elisa over her that night, and have not regretted that decision since."

Peter swallowed to keep his tears back. "Things are going to get rough for Elisa soon, and that means you are going to have to take complete care of her. Are you ready to do that?"

Goliath firmed his stance, "Elisa is my love, and I would care for her even if she had not accepted me as her future mate. Clan takes care of Clan, and Elisa has been a member of my Clan for years now. All of us will care for her when she cannot do it for herself."

"You had just better son. I will be checking in on her everyday, and she had better not regret her choice. I would be a hypocrite to say that her mother and I can be together, but the two of you can't. I'll warn you now Goliath, it won't always be easy. People have a way of being bigots – thinking that they have the right to force their views on others. Diane and I know that from experience. But, I know that you will take good care of my baby girl." Peter extended his hand to Goliath, who shook it firmly.

Elisa got up and hugged her father. She was happier than she had been most of the day. And then it happened. Elisa Maza passed out in her father's arms.

Peter had Diane call the Aerie while he grabbed Elisa's keys. Then they were all off; Goliath holding Elisa in the back seat, Diane and Peter in the front. An hour after she blacked out, Elisa woke up in the doctor's office with a still human Goliath and her mother on either side of her.

"Hey, what happened?"

Diane took her daughter's hand in relief. "Shhhh, rest for now Elisa. You fainted, so we brought you to the doctor."

"I'm fine. I just got excited."

"Actually Ms. Maza, it's not just that. Your cancer is further along than we first suspected. We are going to have to keep an eye on you and start discussing treatments." Hindmin solemnly answered.

Just then Owen and Alexander came in. "The Clan is awake, but they need to be told about the situation."

"Thanks Owen. Goliath can you explain it to them for me?"

Goliath nodded, but Peter answered instead. "No, I warned the two of you that things were going to be hard sometimes. With you is where he needs to be. Your mom and I will explain all of it to the Clan."

And with that the two Mazas left.

The doctor explained that Elisa was diagnosed with a strange and as of yet undiscovered version of Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Elisa and Goliath agreed to try the bone marrow transplant trials. Luckily there were no signs of cancer cells in her spinal fluid, but that was considered to be only a matter of time. And then the really bad news came in.

Elisa is dying. I can be sooo mean! Besides, did you guys really think that she'd have your everyday normal cancer? Just wait until you hear the truth!