Thanks everyone for the wonderful reviews! FYI, I only like to answer reviews with questions because otherwise it would take too long and everyone just wants me to get on with the fic. Thanks!

Doppleganger33: Hudson mistook Lissa for Elisa because he didn't turn around when she opened the door. I mean, would you expect some random person to open the door to your room, or somebody you knew? As for the family issues, you're jumpin' ahead of me. That's in the chapters to come.

The Emerald Princess

Chapter Two

I still wasn't sure what to make of the strange creature before me. I mean, he had said he wouldn't hurt me, but his appearance would suggest otherwise.

Brooklyn rubbed his arm before he spoke. "I'm sorry we surprised you. You kinda gave us a scare too."

"Surprised would be an understatement," I muttered.

"What did you say?"

"Nothing," I quickly replied.

"Look, I really am sorry about all that. Why don't you come inside and I'll explain."

Brooklyn turned and began to head back towards the castle. However, he must have sensed I wasn't following, because he glanced back at me with a look of worry.

"What's wrong?" he asked

"I-I think I would rather stay out here. Away from your…friends," I said shakily.

Brooklyn's face softened. "They won't hurt you either. C'mon, it'll be okay," he coaxed.

I shook my head. "No way. If I get some answers, maybe, but until then I'm not going anywhere."

The brick-red creature smiled. "You're not very trusting, are you?"

I glared at him, but he merely shrugged and walked over to a stone bench. He sat and gestured to the empty spot next to him.

"Well, aren't you going to sit?"

I shook my head again, but forced myself to move in front of him.

"Suit yourself," he said.

I sighed, but decided to ask the question that had been on my mind since I first saw him.

"What are you?"

Brooklyn closed his eyes a moment before replying. "I am of a race of creatures called Gargoyles. We are stone during the day and flesh and blood at night. Once we lived in Scotland, protecting the humans at night, while they guarded us in the day. Now, we live here, and protect the humans of Manhattan."

I was a little overwhelmed and remained silent after Brooklyn had finished. "Right…so,..umm…who's Elisa?" I finally asked.

"She's one of the first people we encountered," explained the Gargoyle. "She's a detective on the police force."

"Oh."

Apparently realizing that I didn't have any more questions, Brooklyn got to his feet, and folded his wings about him like a cape.

"Alright, now you have to meet everyone else. It's been a while since we met another human besides Elisa."

Seeing the terror in my eyes, Brooklyn spoke reassuringly. "C'mon, it's not like they bite."

Despite the fact that I didn't really trust him that much, I stayed right beside Brooklyn as we returned the room. I shrank behind him when I saw the three other Gargoyles in the room.

"Hey everyone," Brooklyn announced. "I want to introduce our new friend, Lissa."

I gulped in fear, as the older brown Gargoyle stepped forward. Brooklyn moved to the side, and now I had no way to hide.

"We are very pleased to meet you, lass," the brown had a distinct accent. "My name is Hudson."

For some reason, I liked him immediately. Hudson seemed like the type that appeared tough, but was really a big softie. I turned and saw the green approaching.

"I'm Lexington," he smiled. I smiled back. He seemed really nice.

"And that's Bronx," said Brooklyn, pointing to the dog-like creature. Bronx came towards me and I reached out a hand to pet him. He sniffed it, and then allowed me to pat him on the head. Afterward, I turned back to Brooklyn.

"We have two other members of our clan," he stated. "Goliath and Broadway are on patrol tonight, but they'll be back soon. You and I will go to the tower and wait for them."

As I waved goodbye to the others, I had a sinking feeling of dread in the pit of my stomach. I ignored it as Brooklyn and I wound our way up several flights of stairs to the top of a tower. We finally reached an open circular rampant. I felt the chill night air against my body and shivered, but Brooklyn didn't seem to notice.

"Come look," he called. He leaned out over the wall. "The view from here is spectacular."

"I can't," I replied.

"Of course you can." He turned to face me. "Why not?"

"I just don't want to, okay?"

"Alright, alright." He came back to join me. Shortly, we saw to flying shapes on the horizon. Both were rather large, which served only to increase my tension.

Taking note of my discomfort, Brooklyn moved closer, as if to reassure me. Strangely, his presence was comforting.

"Don't worry," he said quietly. "They like you too."

"I hope so," I answered. "I hope so."