Weeks passed, and despite everyone's efforts, Ebony was not warming up to Hemera. Although she felt an odd amount of respect for Juno and got along well enough with Pan (who seemed to share her delight for teasing and practical jokes), when it came to Hemera she just felt burning rage and distain. "Why are you being so difficult?!" Egor once cried out, tired of the constant fighting, the two of them seated on the sofa, alone in the TV room.
Ebony forced herself not to yell back, and thought for a moment, finally sighing. "I guess because she had what I never had, a mother. Every time I look at her I see my mother… and myself… and it just drives me crazy! Her eyes are just like mine!"
Egor nodded, his face grim. Although it was aggravating to hear everyone arguing in the clan, he could not ignore the fact that Ebony was hurting. He shook his head and sighed, putting a comforting arm around Ebony, who had her arms crossed and looked like she was about to start crying, her face clouded with pain. "I know… but yours are prettier…" he said smiling, seeing Ebony return that smile, her eyes watery.
Ebony breathed in and laid her head onto Egor's enormous shoulder. "I guess I will someday stop feeling this way… but until then I'm just going to try avoiding her. I know its pissing Goliath off, but I don't really care. Let the others worry if I'm hurting her feelings." she said grumpily.
Egor chuckled. "Broadway is helping with that. He always is fallowing her around. He reminds me of a puppy dog who wants a bone!" he said, laughing to himself.
Ebony's face clouded. "I noticed." she muttered.
"Hey come on," Egor chided gently. "You know how badly he was hurt when he saw that Angela was falling for Brooklyn and not him. The fact that Hemera likes him is making him the happiest gargoyle in the world. And I think they look good together."
Ebony shrugged, still grumpy but said nothing. Moments passed, Egor holding her, the two of them buried in their own thoughts, Egor eyes closed, a smile still on his face while he thought about Broadway and his infatuation, when a joyous cackle interrupted them. "Well, well, well! Aren't you looking cozy!"
Ebony jumped and the two turned to glare at Pan, who had somehow sneaked up on them despite their sensitive ears, Egor taking his arm away from Ebony. Ebony bit down on a hot retort and instead smiled teasingly. "Careful there Pan, you're a mortal now. I could skin you alive and eat your bones if I wanted."
Pan grinned. "Yes I know, but you won't because I'm sooo cute!" he said, modeling. "I just love this mortal body! Look at me! Aren't I adorable? Just look at this red hair! And these freckles. Can you honestly say you would want to hurt me? Come on!"
Egor smiled. "Your right, your just the spitting image of a Cabbage Patch kid."
Pan glared while Ebony cracked up, enjoying the repartee between the three of them. Pan always was like this, teasing and making people smile. Although he was no longer a god of mirth and laughter he obviously still enjoyed making people smile. "So what's up Pany?" she asked using the new nickname she made up for him.
Pan sighed and sat next to her. "Well I just wanted to ask you if you would ask the Xanatos guy if he would hire someone to teach me how to play guitar."
Egor frowned, confused. "Guitar? Why?"
Pan smiled. "Well I have been watching that MTV thing on the TE thingi and I think I want to do what those young humans do. Sing, jump, and break things."
Ebony giggled. "It's TV, not TE, and you want to join a rock band?! You, a former god?"
Pan nodded eagerly. "Brooklyn says I have a good voice. And I already know how to play the lire and the pipes. So it should come naturally enough… although the guitar looks a tad bit harder to master then the lire."
Egor grinned. "Well I say go for it. We'll ask Xanatos once he gets back from his business trip in Santa Fe."
"Great! That's all I wanted to ask, I leave you two alone, but use a condom, okay kiddies?" Pan said as he grinned, dodging a playful swat Egor aimed at him, leaving them alone once again.
Ebony grinned, giggling. "Now that's something you don't hear everyday! A former Fay wants to become a rock star! What's next? Juno wanting to become a stripper?"
TWO DAYS LATER…
Hemera sighed to herself, feeling strangely content. Mortal life was not that bad, as long as there was someone there to help you and be your friend. It has been nearly a month since she first arrived here with Pan and Juno, and Hemera had to admit she was starting to miss Avalon less and less. Mortals had a definite edge over Fays, and that was that they actually lived! Unlike Fays, who are born immortal, who never change and never grow, Humans and gargoyles changed constantly, driven by their keen minds and their explosive emotions. Hemera was feeling more alive ever since she came here.
Hemera was in the atrium, seated under a beautiful apple tree that was planted next to an indoor pool, taking a break from her lessons with Goliath, who was now teaching her some basic history that applied to gargoyles. Although gargoyles are not as studious as humans, they still enjoyed learning and had a small amount of pride when concerning their personal history. She remembered Goliath's words with a meek smile. "If you truly want to be a gargoyle, you must first understand not just what we are, but who we are. You must learn what is in a gargoyle's soul." And Hemera was beginning to understand. Unlike Fays and Humans, Gargoyle had a code of honor that they must adhere to, as well as a strong feeling of protectiveness towards hearth and home. Elisa smiled when Hemera asked about this, describing one event after another where Goliath risked all for the protection of his clan.
Hemera was unsure if she shared this instinct, although she had to admit she was taking the self-defense classes Hudson and Brooklyn were giving her a lot more seriously then she expected. Every time she visualized an attacker attacking Broadway or Angela, Hemera felt a huge rise of protectiveness come from her heart and she was beginning to suspect that was what Goliath was talking about. Gargoyles protect. It's just that simple. And they don't just protect their clan, but everything around it. New York City was their castle; it was their duty to protect its inhabitants. Although Hudson still believed she was not ready to go on patrol, Hemera had to believe that she was actually looking forward to it.
Another aspect of Gargoyle life she was still adjusting too was the Stone Sleep and flight. Before she had used magic to heal herself and to fly. Something hat had been controlled mentally now had to be done physically… although she had no control over the Stone Sleep! It still amazed her, how it felt. When the sun's first rays touch you, you go stiff and a tingling sensation fills your body and you actually feel the flesh turn to stone, starting from the feet to the abdomen, to the chest and finally the head. And all of this happening in mere seconds! Hemera shook her head, still feeling a bit amazed over the whole process. She had to admit that every morning she felt quite revived. She was even roaring every morning now, although she had the feeling she must sound like a small kitten meowing next to a pack of lions, compared to Angela and Ebony.
The thought of Ebony brought a sour frown to her face, remembering their situation. No matter what everyone said, Ebony still treated her like an enemy, something to be feared and hated. Hemera understood why she was being treated this way but it still hurt. When she had been on Avalon, Hemera never knew that she had a half-sister. She didn't even know that her mother had disguised herself as a gargoyle during the Black Age of Avalon, as most Fays called it. But at the moment Hemera discovered her mother had born her a half-sister, Hemera wanted nothing more then to meet her, to have a sister whom she would love. Now Hemera realized that was going to take some time to accomplish.
Hemera sighed to herself, leaning back so she could stare up at the leaves, remembering Avalon but for once not missing it at all. Hemera closed her eyes and felt herself purr, another thing she was getting used to. She did not know how long she sat there, but Hemera must have been quite sleepy for she never heard the footsteps the where coming toward her.
"What do you think you are doing?" snapped a voice next to her.
Hemera jumped, her heart pounding and turned to find none other then Ebony standing over her, her eyes hard as diamonds, her arm crossed, and her chin thrust upwards, defiant. Hemera breathed in, still feeling jittery. "Nothing, just enjoying the feel of the tree, the breeze." Hemera stuttered, thrown of guard. Ebony still scared her, looking so menacing standing there, Hemera sensing the power and the awesome potential. This young gargess probably had powers that could someday rival Oberon's. No wonder he wanted her destroyed all those years ago.
Ebony sniffed, still looking annoyed. "Yea, well, why here? This is MY spot!"
Hemera stared up at her half sister, stunned and insulted, loosing her patience at last. She took this abuse for nearly a month, but no more! "Your spot? Since when do you own everything in this castle Ebony? Everywhere I go you act like a tigress whose territory is being assailed!"
Ebony glared. "Well you did come here uninvited. Or maybe you haven't noticed since you Fays are so used to using others. That's all you people are ever good at; free-loading!"
Hemera leaped to her feet, glaring back, no longer afraid of this hell-child. "Maybe you have not noticed, but Goliath did accept me into the clan ebony, so you might as well accept it! I'm a part of this clan, whether you like it o not, and I will longer tolerate this abuse!"
Ebony snarled and stepped forward, meeting the challenge in Hemera's eyes. "They may have accepted you, but I have not!" Then Ebony straitened and gave Hemera a malicious smile. "Besides, Goliath just wants you here so you can someday reproduce, that's all. To him your nothing but a potential breeding cow!"
Hemera gasped, those words stinging. Before she could stop herself Hemera felt tears well up and start to trickle down her cheeks. "That's not true…" she whimpered. "He wants me here, they all do! You just say that because you hate me so much!" Then Hemera fell to the floor weeping softly, all the pain and tension pouring out in small sobs.
Ebony stood there, watching Hemera as she cried, her face slack, her tail quivering. Then Hemera heard something she never expected. "I don't hate you Hemera."
Hemera gasped and stared up at Ebony, her mind racing. "You don't?" she breathed.
Ebony shook her head slowly, tears now in her eyes as well, giving Hemera a small, watery smile. "No, I don't. In fact, I don't hate anyone, not even our mother." Ebony's lip trembled as she tried to force the tears to go away, to wash away the hurt, the sadness, but could not, feeling the tears start to flood, and sobs began to shake her body. At last, all the hurt that she had suffered all those long years alone in the wilderness began to surface. She could no longer hide it with angry words, now all she could do was sob. "I just… I just…" Ebony stuttered in between sobs, trembling. "I just want to know… one thing. WHY DID SHE LEAVE ME?" Ebony cried then she too fell to the floor sobbing horribly.
Hemera was stunned but before she knew it she was at Ebony's side, holding her, cooing, wanting nothing but to ease her hurt, her own forgotten. "Why?" Ebony screamed painfully, the tears now a nonstop flood. "Why did she leave me there?! Does she love me at all?"
Hemera hugged Ebony warmly, her wings wrapping themselves around her, a warm, protective blanket of flesh, cradling Ebony as she let it all out, panting and sobbing. "Mother has always been like that, I guess." Hemera said softly. "She did not want you to die, but she did not want you to be taken to Avalon either. I guess she believed that you would be better off to survive alone, then to be either killed by Oberon or to be taken to Avalon and be treated like a freak, to be ridiculed."
Ebony panted and turned to Hemera, staring into those eyes that mirrored her own. "So she was protecting me as much as she was herself? If so, then why didn't she ever tell me?
Hemera shook her head. "You must remember, she had been ordered to have you destroyed! But she defied Oberon's wishes and lied to Oberon, telling him you died when in reality you lived. But she had to keep up the charade and never go to Ireland, which is why she never came to you until that day you were put under that spell of everlasting sleep."
Ebony gasped. "That was her?! The sorceress woman with the blond hair and blue eyes? That was her?!"
Hemera nodded. "Yes, it was. When Oberon finally discovered that you lived, he was livid! He threatened to kill you himself, but instead ordered Mother to do it. But she put you and Egor under that spell instead, hoping to maybe be able to free you someday."
Ebony bowed her head, trembling still. "And you, what did she tell you?"
Hemera shook her head, pain easily expressed in those brilliant eyes. "What she told everyone. That you were dead. It was just recently that I learned of your existence, when you returned the Stones of Avalon to Oberon. By doing so you earned Oberon's gratefulness and he spared your life. But to punish Mother he banished me along with Pan and Juno, and forbade her from ever seeing either of us ever again."
Ebony breathed in. "So both of us are alone now, both of us abandoned." she breathed, closing her eyes against the hurt.
Hemera smiled and embraced Ebony tenderly, feeling her tense up but then heard her sigh of gratification. Hemera breathed in, knowing at that moment Ebony at last had acepted her for what she was; family. "No my sister, we are not alone, for we now have each other."
THE END!
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
It took me a long time to finish this story. It was hard for me to write, because I wanted to get one message across. Love your family, for you may never know when times get rough and all you may ever have for support is your family. So let me take this moment to say thank you, to Ariane, my sister. Please leave reviews and tell me what you think. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at NickyDee2001@yahoo.com.
Ebony forced herself not to yell back, and thought for a moment, finally sighing. "I guess because she had what I never had, a mother. Every time I look at her I see my mother… and myself… and it just drives me crazy! Her eyes are just like mine!"
Egor nodded, his face grim. Although it was aggravating to hear everyone arguing in the clan, he could not ignore the fact that Ebony was hurting. He shook his head and sighed, putting a comforting arm around Ebony, who had her arms crossed and looked like she was about to start crying, her face clouded with pain. "I know… but yours are prettier…" he said smiling, seeing Ebony return that smile, her eyes watery.
Ebony breathed in and laid her head onto Egor's enormous shoulder. "I guess I will someday stop feeling this way… but until then I'm just going to try avoiding her. I know its pissing Goliath off, but I don't really care. Let the others worry if I'm hurting her feelings." she said grumpily.
Egor chuckled. "Broadway is helping with that. He always is fallowing her around. He reminds me of a puppy dog who wants a bone!" he said, laughing to himself.
Ebony's face clouded. "I noticed." she muttered.
"Hey come on," Egor chided gently. "You know how badly he was hurt when he saw that Angela was falling for Brooklyn and not him. The fact that Hemera likes him is making him the happiest gargoyle in the world. And I think they look good together."
Ebony shrugged, still grumpy but said nothing. Moments passed, Egor holding her, the two of them buried in their own thoughts, Egor eyes closed, a smile still on his face while he thought about Broadway and his infatuation, when a joyous cackle interrupted them. "Well, well, well! Aren't you looking cozy!"
Ebony jumped and the two turned to glare at Pan, who had somehow sneaked up on them despite their sensitive ears, Egor taking his arm away from Ebony. Ebony bit down on a hot retort and instead smiled teasingly. "Careful there Pan, you're a mortal now. I could skin you alive and eat your bones if I wanted."
Pan grinned. "Yes I know, but you won't because I'm sooo cute!" he said, modeling. "I just love this mortal body! Look at me! Aren't I adorable? Just look at this red hair! And these freckles. Can you honestly say you would want to hurt me? Come on!"
Egor smiled. "Your right, your just the spitting image of a Cabbage Patch kid."
Pan glared while Ebony cracked up, enjoying the repartee between the three of them. Pan always was like this, teasing and making people smile. Although he was no longer a god of mirth and laughter he obviously still enjoyed making people smile. "So what's up Pany?" she asked using the new nickname she made up for him.
Pan sighed and sat next to her. "Well I just wanted to ask you if you would ask the Xanatos guy if he would hire someone to teach me how to play guitar."
Egor frowned, confused. "Guitar? Why?"
Pan smiled. "Well I have been watching that MTV thing on the TE thingi and I think I want to do what those young humans do. Sing, jump, and break things."
Ebony giggled. "It's TV, not TE, and you want to join a rock band?! You, a former god?"
Pan nodded eagerly. "Brooklyn says I have a good voice. And I already know how to play the lire and the pipes. So it should come naturally enough… although the guitar looks a tad bit harder to master then the lire."
Egor grinned. "Well I say go for it. We'll ask Xanatos once he gets back from his business trip in Santa Fe."
"Great! That's all I wanted to ask, I leave you two alone, but use a condom, okay kiddies?" Pan said as he grinned, dodging a playful swat Egor aimed at him, leaving them alone once again.
Ebony grinned, giggling. "Now that's something you don't hear everyday! A former Fay wants to become a rock star! What's next? Juno wanting to become a stripper?"
TWO DAYS LATER…
Hemera sighed to herself, feeling strangely content. Mortal life was not that bad, as long as there was someone there to help you and be your friend. It has been nearly a month since she first arrived here with Pan and Juno, and Hemera had to admit she was starting to miss Avalon less and less. Mortals had a definite edge over Fays, and that was that they actually lived! Unlike Fays, who are born immortal, who never change and never grow, Humans and gargoyles changed constantly, driven by their keen minds and their explosive emotions. Hemera was feeling more alive ever since she came here.
Hemera was in the atrium, seated under a beautiful apple tree that was planted next to an indoor pool, taking a break from her lessons with Goliath, who was now teaching her some basic history that applied to gargoyles. Although gargoyles are not as studious as humans, they still enjoyed learning and had a small amount of pride when concerning their personal history. She remembered Goliath's words with a meek smile. "If you truly want to be a gargoyle, you must first understand not just what we are, but who we are. You must learn what is in a gargoyle's soul." And Hemera was beginning to understand. Unlike Fays and Humans, Gargoyle had a code of honor that they must adhere to, as well as a strong feeling of protectiveness towards hearth and home. Elisa smiled when Hemera asked about this, describing one event after another where Goliath risked all for the protection of his clan.
Hemera was unsure if she shared this instinct, although she had to admit she was taking the self-defense classes Hudson and Brooklyn were giving her a lot more seriously then she expected. Every time she visualized an attacker attacking Broadway or Angela, Hemera felt a huge rise of protectiveness come from her heart and she was beginning to suspect that was what Goliath was talking about. Gargoyles protect. It's just that simple. And they don't just protect their clan, but everything around it. New York City was their castle; it was their duty to protect its inhabitants. Although Hudson still believed she was not ready to go on patrol, Hemera had to believe that she was actually looking forward to it.
Another aspect of Gargoyle life she was still adjusting too was the Stone Sleep and flight. Before she had used magic to heal herself and to fly. Something hat had been controlled mentally now had to be done physically… although she had no control over the Stone Sleep! It still amazed her, how it felt. When the sun's first rays touch you, you go stiff and a tingling sensation fills your body and you actually feel the flesh turn to stone, starting from the feet to the abdomen, to the chest and finally the head. And all of this happening in mere seconds! Hemera shook her head, still feeling a bit amazed over the whole process. She had to admit that every morning she felt quite revived. She was even roaring every morning now, although she had the feeling she must sound like a small kitten meowing next to a pack of lions, compared to Angela and Ebony.
The thought of Ebony brought a sour frown to her face, remembering their situation. No matter what everyone said, Ebony still treated her like an enemy, something to be feared and hated. Hemera understood why she was being treated this way but it still hurt. When she had been on Avalon, Hemera never knew that she had a half-sister. She didn't even know that her mother had disguised herself as a gargoyle during the Black Age of Avalon, as most Fays called it. But at the moment Hemera discovered her mother had born her a half-sister, Hemera wanted nothing more then to meet her, to have a sister whom she would love. Now Hemera realized that was going to take some time to accomplish.
Hemera sighed to herself, leaning back so she could stare up at the leaves, remembering Avalon but for once not missing it at all. Hemera closed her eyes and felt herself purr, another thing she was getting used to. She did not know how long she sat there, but Hemera must have been quite sleepy for she never heard the footsteps the where coming toward her.
"What do you think you are doing?" snapped a voice next to her.
Hemera jumped, her heart pounding and turned to find none other then Ebony standing over her, her eyes hard as diamonds, her arm crossed, and her chin thrust upwards, defiant. Hemera breathed in, still feeling jittery. "Nothing, just enjoying the feel of the tree, the breeze." Hemera stuttered, thrown of guard. Ebony still scared her, looking so menacing standing there, Hemera sensing the power and the awesome potential. This young gargess probably had powers that could someday rival Oberon's. No wonder he wanted her destroyed all those years ago.
Ebony sniffed, still looking annoyed. "Yea, well, why here? This is MY spot!"
Hemera stared up at her half sister, stunned and insulted, loosing her patience at last. She took this abuse for nearly a month, but no more! "Your spot? Since when do you own everything in this castle Ebony? Everywhere I go you act like a tigress whose territory is being assailed!"
Ebony glared. "Well you did come here uninvited. Or maybe you haven't noticed since you Fays are so used to using others. That's all you people are ever good at; free-loading!"
Hemera leaped to her feet, glaring back, no longer afraid of this hell-child. "Maybe you have not noticed, but Goliath did accept me into the clan ebony, so you might as well accept it! I'm a part of this clan, whether you like it o not, and I will longer tolerate this abuse!"
Ebony snarled and stepped forward, meeting the challenge in Hemera's eyes. "They may have accepted you, but I have not!" Then Ebony straitened and gave Hemera a malicious smile. "Besides, Goliath just wants you here so you can someday reproduce, that's all. To him your nothing but a potential breeding cow!"
Hemera gasped, those words stinging. Before she could stop herself Hemera felt tears well up and start to trickle down her cheeks. "That's not true…" she whimpered. "He wants me here, they all do! You just say that because you hate me so much!" Then Hemera fell to the floor weeping softly, all the pain and tension pouring out in small sobs.
Ebony stood there, watching Hemera as she cried, her face slack, her tail quivering. Then Hemera heard something she never expected. "I don't hate you Hemera."
Hemera gasped and stared up at Ebony, her mind racing. "You don't?" she breathed.
Ebony shook her head slowly, tears now in her eyes as well, giving Hemera a small, watery smile. "No, I don't. In fact, I don't hate anyone, not even our mother." Ebony's lip trembled as she tried to force the tears to go away, to wash away the hurt, the sadness, but could not, feeling the tears start to flood, and sobs began to shake her body. At last, all the hurt that she had suffered all those long years alone in the wilderness began to surface. She could no longer hide it with angry words, now all she could do was sob. "I just… I just…" Ebony stuttered in between sobs, trembling. "I just want to know… one thing. WHY DID SHE LEAVE ME?" Ebony cried then she too fell to the floor sobbing horribly.
Hemera was stunned but before she knew it she was at Ebony's side, holding her, cooing, wanting nothing but to ease her hurt, her own forgotten. "Why?" Ebony screamed painfully, the tears now a nonstop flood. "Why did she leave me there?! Does she love me at all?"
Hemera hugged Ebony warmly, her wings wrapping themselves around her, a warm, protective blanket of flesh, cradling Ebony as she let it all out, panting and sobbing. "Mother has always been like that, I guess." Hemera said softly. "She did not want you to die, but she did not want you to be taken to Avalon either. I guess she believed that you would be better off to survive alone, then to be either killed by Oberon or to be taken to Avalon and be treated like a freak, to be ridiculed."
Ebony panted and turned to Hemera, staring into those eyes that mirrored her own. "So she was protecting me as much as she was herself? If so, then why didn't she ever tell me?
Hemera shook her head. "You must remember, she had been ordered to have you destroyed! But she defied Oberon's wishes and lied to Oberon, telling him you died when in reality you lived. But she had to keep up the charade and never go to Ireland, which is why she never came to you until that day you were put under that spell of everlasting sleep."
Ebony gasped. "That was her?! The sorceress woman with the blond hair and blue eyes? That was her?!"
Hemera nodded. "Yes, it was. When Oberon finally discovered that you lived, he was livid! He threatened to kill you himself, but instead ordered Mother to do it. But she put you and Egor under that spell instead, hoping to maybe be able to free you someday."
Ebony bowed her head, trembling still. "And you, what did she tell you?"
Hemera shook her head, pain easily expressed in those brilliant eyes. "What she told everyone. That you were dead. It was just recently that I learned of your existence, when you returned the Stones of Avalon to Oberon. By doing so you earned Oberon's gratefulness and he spared your life. But to punish Mother he banished me along with Pan and Juno, and forbade her from ever seeing either of us ever again."
Ebony breathed in. "So both of us are alone now, both of us abandoned." she breathed, closing her eyes against the hurt.
Hemera smiled and embraced Ebony tenderly, feeling her tense up but then heard her sigh of gratification. Hemera breathed in, knowing at that moment Ebony at last had acepted her for what she was; family. "No my sister, we are not alone, for we now have each other."
THE END!
AUTHOR'S NOTE:
It took me a long time to finish this story. It was hard for me to write, because I wanted to get one message across. Love your family, for you may never know when times get rough and all you may ever have for support is your family. So let me take this moment to say thank you, to Ariane, my sister. Please leave reviews and tell me what you think. If you have any questions please feel free to email me at NickyDee2001@yahoo.com.