Chapter 10
Eye of the Beholder
A beastial roar echoed through the hall. Clawed feet ran at full speed. Roxanne ran as fast as she could, her surroundings becoming thin lines as she hurriedly searched for a hiding place.
"Run! Hide! Survive!" her Beast would constantly repeat in her mind. Eventually, she hid in the castle's dungeon, in an old closet, blood tears running down her cheeks and eyes open wide with terror. "She will find me! She will kill me!"
One month earlier
Xanatos was grinning from ear to ear at breakfast that morning. He even hummed a few times while having his coffee and toast.
"Sir, the Eye is ready for tonight." Owen told him.
"I cannot wait to give it to Fox. She will love it...and I'll finally be able to see what it does. It is said that the Eye will give power and insight to whoever wears it." Xanatos told him excitedly.
"Yes, you will." He said.
"How is Talia doing? She didn't came back to dinner, was she feeling sick?" He asked.
"There was a miscommunication. Talia thought you wanted her to go bed after dinner and then Puck wanted to spend some time with her." Owen explained.
"Mmh...I see. Talia seems to...not like Fox very much. I wonder how she will react when I tell her that I want to marry Fox, and that she'll come to live here..." Xanatos thought.
"I don't know, sir. This is a big step for all of us." He drank some tea.
"Oh come now, Owen: there is nothing awful about that...Talia will gain a beautiful adoptive mother." He said dismissively.
"It's not Fox I'm talking about." Owen said cryptically.
"Then what are you talking about?" His eyebrows creased together.
"Your relationship." He sighed.
"My relationship? What about it?" He puzzled.
"With Talia. Tread lightly." Owen said no more on the subject.
"She spends most of her time away from me, in her room. I try to involve her in a social event, and she gets spiteful and annoyed...I'm trying Owen, but apparently, that is not enough. It's never enough, is it?" He said quietly, standing up and storming out of the kitchen, not giving any chance for Owen to reply.
Owen sighed. Clearly, he was seeing this from an adult's point of view. Marriage was a big deal to children. It changed up the whole dynamic. Suddenly, Owen's phone started beeping.
He answered it. "Hello?"
"It's Dr. Alice, is Mister Xanatos there?" Dr. Alice said.
"No, but I'm allowed to take calls regarding Talia." She paused, looking something up.
"We got Talia's test back. No drugs, but her hormones levels are very high. I would like to put her on something for that. Have you noticed any mood swings?" She asked him.
"You want to give her something for that too?" Owen asked aggressively.
"Only if it's necessary." She back pedaled.
"I will tell Mister Xanatos and get back to you." He hung up.
David was making a business call with one of his partners in his private office. Owen looked Xanatos' office and saw he was on the phone. Owen scribbled a quick note and gave it to him. Xanatos read the note and nodded.
He ended the phone call quickly. "Hormones?"
"Yes, her doctor said they were very high. She wants to put Talia on some medicine." He confirmed. "She also wanted to ask you if Talia had mood swings as well, but I came here to see what you wanted to do."
"You're her father and you know her much better than me: what do you think?" Xanatos watched him.
"I'm conflicted about the mood stabilizers. I don't think she needs them, but you legally have final say." He hesitated.
"But maybe they would help her. With her magic, her mood switch can get dangerous." He reasoned.
"Her magic is different part of her body. It's connected, but not the same. It needs different medicine... I need to make a call." Owen rushed out.
"Owen-" Xanatos sighed and rubbed his neck; he sat behind his desk and pondered.
At dinner, Fox had been invited again. She was wearing the same thing as last time. Talia was given a reddish pink dress with sleeves. Talia was confused. Why was she here again? They had dinner normally, just like the night before; later, Owen served Xanatos and Fox coffee. David was looking at the redhead, smiling.
"Marry me." He said, suddenly.
"Are you serious?" Fox asked.
"We're genetically compatible, highly intelligent, and have the same goals. It makes perfect sense to get married." He said standing up and taking her hands.
"True, but what about... love?" She smiled as she asked.
"I think we love each other. As much as two people such as ourselves are capable of that emotion." He made sign at Owen to come forward; the blond had an elegant blue case in his hands. He opened it, revealing a beautiful necklace, with a big, blue gem embedded in it.
Fox gasped, eyes widening. "For me?"
"To seal the bargain." Xanatos handed her the necklace.
"It's beautiful. Proposal accepted." Fox told him as he embraced her.
David smiled, kissing Fox's hair, before turning towards Owen and Talia. "A wedding will be celebrated. We'll get married in November."
Talia wasn't there.
Xanatos frowned and sighed. "My dear, please stay here a moment. I'll be right back." He left the dining room and went to search for Talia.
Talia had run back to her room. She tore the dress off, tears welling in her eyes. Was it real? Or was his kindness all for Fox? She didn't know. She sank to floor and sobbed, hugging herself. After a few minutes, she hiccupped, trying to wipe the snot off her face. But her hands were sticky. She looked at them. Her fingers were claws, covered in blood. Her upper arms stung now. It broke her out of her stupor. This was familiar. She got out the first aid kit she squirreled away and cleaned her arms with a rag. Then she wiped it with an alcohol wipe. It hurt. She bandaged them up and put on her long sleeved, black shirt.
"Talia?" Xanatos knocked on her room's door a few times. "Talia, are you in there?"
"I don't want to talk right now." She said thickly.
"Talia..." David sighed. "Please open up the door."
She sniffed. "Fine." She got up slowly and opened the door.
Xanatos looked at her, worried and confused. "Why did you run away?...why are you crying?"
"Why do you think?" She turned away, walking toward her bed. She moved the first aid kit under it. "If you wanted me to be good for Fox, you could have just said so."
"What are you talking about?" David entered the bedroom. "I thought you would've been happy that me and Fox are getting married...don't you like her?"
"All that stuff you did a couple days ago. Was it for her?" Tears started to form again.
"What?! Why would I do it for her? It was clearly for you, we spent time together, didn't we?" He frowned, confusion on his face.
"I don't know what you think!" She shouted.
"Talia, enough. Don't raise your voice at me, and explain calmly what you mean. Why on earth would I want to be good for Fox?" He said sternly.
"Y-you always said I was a brat and then you change your mind all the sudden." Talia said weakly, curling up on herself. "It's stupid. Nevermind."
"Talia..." David shook his head and lowered his gaze. "I just wanted you to be part of a very special moment for me. But you reacted like I betrayed you, instead of being glad for me."
"I'm glad for you." She told him, smiling wobbly. "Fox is great."
"It just means that our family will have a new member. It doesn't mean less space for you." He said softly.
"Uh huh, right." She nodded absently. "Can you leave now? I want to be alone."
Xanatos remained for a moment longer, before turning away and getting out of the room. Talia didn't cry this time, but she felt her breath get heavy again. She hated feeling like this. Sad and overwhelmed. But what was she supposed to do? Minutes passed. A figure entered the bedroom without knocking or asking for permission.
It was Roxanne. "Get up."
"Wha?" She looked up.
"Get up and follow me. Now." Roxanne looked more serious than Talia had ever seen her.
"Where are we going?" Talia stood cautiously.
"To the dojo. Come." The woman waited by the door.
"Ok..." She followed her.
They both took the elevator and went down to the private dojo. Roxanne took a punching bag and dragged it to the center.
"Start punching it or kicking it. If you have to be all angry and upset, at least try to use this negative energy in a more useful way." Roxanne gestured.
"I dunno..." Talia frowned, lightly punching it.
"Do it like you mean it." Roxanne said severely.
Talia looked at her before trying again. Her fist made a heavy smack.
"Harder!"
Talia used her other fist this time. Roxanne encouraged her to continue. She got into a rhythm. Left, right, left, right. Sweat beaded down her cheek. She panted. Her knuckles became raw.
Roxanne waited until she was sure that Talia was tired. "So: Owen told me that you got upset at Xanatos for proposing to Fox. Tell me why."
Talia quieted down. "... I'll get over it. It's fine."
"You know, I'd believe you if you hadn't make a whole scene for that. Running out of the room, going to your bedroom, crying, yelling to Xanatos...I could hear you from my room, you know? So I went to Owen for explanations, and he told me what happened exactly." Roxanne crossed her arms. "So, no: you won't get over it, if you keep holding things inside of you."
"I thought we were getting along and then he just drops that. Was- was I not..." Talia clamed up, shaking her head. "Apparently, it's all in my head."
"What does the fact that he's getting married have to do with your relationship? Has he treated you badly? No, he came after you. Did he kick you out? No, you still have your place here. The truth, Talia, is that every time someone tries (and tries hard) to get close to you, you run away. The problem with this, is that you will never be able to move on...because for every step forward, you take one step back."
"Ok, I get it. It's all me. Calling me a brat never hurt. The disdain never hurt. It's me. I'm bad." Talia steeled herself, turning away. She started for the door.
Roxanne used her supernatural speed to block Talia's way. "I never said that he's a saint, but he's trying, Talia! You're the one being unfair now. You can't always have it your way, that isn't how real life works. And besides, we're talking about what just happened, and yet you keep picking things that happened in the past: it means that you don't really have any valid arguments, do you?"
"I'm scared." Talia admitted softly. "What if things get bad again?"
"If things have to happen, they will happen whether you want it or not. What's important is how you approach at things." She placed her hands on the girl's shoulders. "And remember that you're not alone anymore. Xanatos is finally opening his heart: he needs you now more than ever to keep it open. And he's doing his best to take care of you and stay at your side."
Talia tried not to wince as Roxanne placed her hand on her shoulder. "Ok."
"I brought you here to help you get out all of your bad thoughts, so don't keep things inside. You're scared that Fox and Xanatos will fight like your parents. Seeing how Xanatos usually deals with people, I highly doubt it will happen."
"It's hard." Talia said, settling down now that the pain had subsided.
"Yes. It is. But you're not abandoned to your own."
Talia pursed her lips. "Can I go to bed now?"
"Of course." Roxanne walked out of Talia's way so she could pass. "Remember that we care about you, kiddo."
"Good night." Talia left.
Owen walked in soon after. "Roxanne, did it go well?"
"I'm not sure." She said.
"What do you mean?" He asked, slightly concerned.
"I'm not sure if she understood. I think that she's convinced that the same thing that happened between her parents, will happen between Fox and Xanatos." Roxanne turned to face him.
"Talia... was mentioned in their arguments. How will we pay for Talia's school supplies, we don't have enough money to feed Talia. I couldn't do anything about it. I was already toeing the line." Owen sighed.
"I understand that her experience with family has been awful, and I also understand that it's not easy for her to trust others. But at this point, Owen...I'm out of ideas. I don't know how to make her feel more comfortable." She looked exasperated.
"She needs some time away from the castle. It was a symbol of punishment for most of her time here. I'll take her out tomorrow." He said.
"Alright." Roxanne sighed and went back to her room.
Present day
Owen walked briskly through the cell block. He checked to see if Roxanne had hidden in any of them.
"Roxanne, the danger has passed." He called out.
The vampire felt relieved to hear her loved one's voice and slowly got out from the closet, suddenly ashamed of her own cowardice.
"...I'm sorry. I couldn't help it. Werewolves are our natural enemies, and..." She trailed off.
"I understand." He nodded.
Roxanne frowned, to then become suddenly concerned. "Oh God, Talia! Is she alright?! Why was a fucking werewolf in here?!"
"Talia was nowhere near it. As for the werebeast, it's Fox. The jewel Xanatos gave her is a powerful magic artifact. It changed her." Owen said as they walked out.
Roxanne stopped dead in her tracks. "You mean to tell me that our boss gave his future wife a magical and/or cursed jewel as an engagement gift?"
"Yes, he wanted to see if the rumors were true about being shown insight." He explained.
"And he just had to do that on his OWN fiancée?" She asked.
"He didn't think it would be this profound." Owen said.
"He didn't think this through at all, Owen." Roxanne grumbled as they both walked up the stairs and towards the elevators.
"Would you like to check on Talia?" He asked.
"Yes." She said curtly.
They went to Talia's room. Owen opened the door. Talia was laying on her bed. She looked at them.
"Why're you here?" She asked, tiredly.
"We came to see if you were alive and well. Didn't you hear anything?"
"I guess. I'm just tired." Talia laid down again.
"Talia, are you sure you're ok?" Owen frowned.
"I'm fine. Just was restless last night." She insisted.
"Okay, well...not to alarm you or anything, but Fox just transformed into some kind of werewolf, and then ran God knows where. So, you know..." Roxanne tried to put it nicely.
"Ok, cool. Tell Goliath or something." Talia rolled over.
Roxanne huffed and sat on the bed. "Can you tell us what's wrong? Because if after someone tells you that a werewolf is running around New York, your only reaction is 'meh', then something is clearly wrong."
"Just my medicine, I guess. Dr. Alice said it would go away after awhile." Talia shrugged. Roxanne felt Talia shake. She was having muscle tremors.
"Owen, is this normal?" She asked.
"Is what normal?" He stepped closer.
"She's shaking." Roxanne told him.
"What?" Owen asked, alarmed.
Roxanne scooted over and let him look at Talia. Owen checked her forehead and eyes. He seemed to be upset with himself.
"What other side effects are you having, Talia?" He asked her.
"I dunno if it's from not sleeping, but I have a headache. My vision is a bit blurry. I... I've been feeling nauseous for a while." She hesitated.
"Side effects? Side effects from what?" The woman asked worried.
"The medicine. Talia, you ate a full dinner last night." He said then paused. "How long have you not been able to sleep?"
"When did we have spaghetti?" She asked.
"That was three nights ago. Oh, Talia, why didn't you tell us?" He brushed her hair back.
"You already switched my medicine before. When it made me barf. I... I was going to tell Dr. Alice next time we went to check my blood." She shrank away from them.
"Can someone please explain me?" Roxanne asked, the corners of lips turning downward.
"Mood stabilizers have to be tailored to the individual. The doctor checks Talia's blood to see if they have the range right. It's too high for her." He explained automatically. "Will you watch over Talia while I go tell Mister Xanatos?"
"Of course." She nodded.
Owen left and it was just Talia and Roxanne in the room.
"I'm sorry." Talia whispered.
"Mh? For what?" She asked.
"I made things all about me again." She said. "I know everyone is tired of it so I didn't say anything."
"Of course everything is about you, silly: you're very important to us." Roxanne laid next to Talia, kissing her forehead. "All of us."
"Will you hold me?" Talia asked.
"Come here, sweetie." The woman smiled and hugged her, cradling her slightly. "I was so scared that you were hurt...that I wasn't here to protect you...I felt guilty."
"It's ok. Fox wasn't even here." She told her.
"No, but she could've. And I ran away to hide..." Roxanne snorted. "What a great bodyguard I am."
"Fox is a werewolf. She's not in control." Talia pointed out.
"I know. I hope she's fine, since it's not her fault she became that...thing." Roxanne sympathized.
"How did she turn into a werewolf?" Talia cuddled closer to her.
"Remember that fancy jewel Xanatos gave her a month ago as a proposal gift?" She asked.
"Kinda." She hummed.
"Turns out, it's cursed. Or something like that, I know nothing about magic. Xanatos thought that it would give great insight to whoever wore it. I hope he's regretting it hard right now." She scoffed.
"Yeah, that sounds like him." Talia nodded.
"Well, I ain't going around to chase a giant werewolf all over New York. I'd rather stay here with you. I mean, it's not my business, right? He did all of this by himself. Yeah. His fault." She decided.
"Uh huh." She agreed. "Roxanne, can we go to the arcade again? When all the crazy stuff is over."
"We can go wherever you want, honey." Roxanne grinned. "Are you feeling a little bit hungry?"
"Maybe something light." Talia looked at her.
"Chicken soup?" She suggested.
"Ok." Talia nodded.
"Alright, then. You stay here all warm, I'll go prepare it. Owen is probably very busy right now." She tucked Talia in bed before going to the kitchen.
Talia yawned, finally relaxed. "Luv you, mommy."
Roxanne almost tripped when she heard that: she blinked and felt a smile slowly forming on her lips. "Heh. Love you too, kiddo."
Meanwhile in the office, Xanatos was checking on the computer with Owen. "Where could she be?"
"Sir, Talia-" Owen started to say.
"Not now, Owen, I almost-got her! Look on the monitor, she's not too far." David finished putting on his armor suit.
Owen looked at the screen. Fox was at the meat factory. She appeared to be staying put for the moment.
"Sir, we need to talk about Talia soon." Owen stressed.
"Owen, Fox will be dead by morning. I promise that we will talk about Talia once...if..." Xanatos couldn't say anything else, as he observed his helmet, clenching his jaw. "I need to go."
"Very well." He let him leave.
Roxanne walked by, watching Xanatos going upstairs in his armor. She narrowed her eyes and shook her head. "Hey Owen, I'm going to prepare some chicken soup for Talia. I'll be in the kitchen if you need me."
"How was she?" He asked. "I didn't get the chance to Mister Xanatos about Talia's condition."
"She's a bit better. What about Fox?" She questioned.
"She's burning too many calories, if we don't get the Eye soon, she'll be dead by morning." Owen's lips twisted up.
Then Puck spoke. "I never meant for this to happen. I like Fox..."
"Come on, let's try to think positive: I'm sure that Xanatos will be able to help her in time."
"Positive, right. Xanatos sent a tip to Miss Maza. They'll undoubtedly help. I need to stay here to monitor David. You said you were making soup for Talia?" He shifted gears.
"And a cup of coffee for you." Roxanne smiled and kissed Owen on the cheek. "...She called me mommy."
Owen stared at her in surprise. "How did it happen?"
"I don't know, I just finished cuddling her and then asked her if she was hungry. She said yes and I told her that I would've prepared a bowl of chicken soup for her. Then she said 'I luv you mommy'." She explained.
"I think it reminded her of our cuddle time. She felt loved and safe." He told her.
"I feel...strange. In a good way. All warm and fuzzy inside." She grinned.
"You're her mother." Owen smiled softly.
"It seems so. And since you're her daddy..." Roxanne smirked and wiggled her eyebrows, before taking a hold of Owen and giving him a little dip. "One more good excuse to kiss you."
Owen's eyes lit up passionately. "Don't keep me waiting, Roxanne."
"I'd never." She chuckled before kissing him.
They kissed for a few minutes. Owen held onto her and opened his mouth to deepen the kiss. He felt his heartbeat thunder.
Roxanne begrudgingly interrupted the kiss. "As much as I love doing this kind of activities with you, I better go prepare the soup for Talia. I'll bring you coffee right after."
"Right." Owen said breathlessly. He straightened and fixed his suit. "Tell Tai daddy wishes he could stay with her."
"I will, but I'm sure she understands." The woman let go of Owen's hand and went to the kitchen.
She prepared all the ingredients, put them into a pot and let it cook. Once it was ready, she brought a bowl to Talia, along with a bottle of fresh water. Talia was half awake when she heard someone open the door. She tried to sit up, but Peaches fell off the bed. Talia tried to reach for him. Roxanne picked up the stuffed fox and gave it to Talia, turning on the small lamp on her bedside table.
"Here we go, soup is served." Roxanne smiled.
"Thanks." Talia said as she was handed the soup. She blew on a spoonful and ate it.
"Your dad said that he's sorry he cannot stay here with you."
Talia frowned before remembering that he had come to check on her. "Oh, ok. I think I'm gonna go sleep after my soup."
"Good idea, you need your rest. After all, it's night." Roxanne sat on the bed's edge. "It's been a while since you've seen the gargoyles. Maybe, if tomorrow night you'll feel better, I could accompany you to the clock tower. The ball will be in a few days, we have time."
"That sounds nice. I haven't seen them since David put me on my medicine." Talia said.
"I still don't understand why you would need medicine. Anyway, we'll go see them tomorrow night." She added.
"I don't know either. Mommy?" Talia tested out the word.
Roxanne smiled. "Yes, honey?"
"I want some water." She pointed.
"Here you go." She handed her the small plastic bottle of mineral water. "I'll stay here with you until dawn."
"That's a long time." She drank a few gulps of water.
"Sometimes it's not long enough." She sighed. "In fact, I don't know much about you: what music genre do you like?"
"Music? I'm partial to rock and stuff. The current stuff on the radio is good too." She shrugged. "Not really into techno."
"I love 80's music, some disco and rock as well." Roxanne listed.
"Cool." Talia nodded. Talia's room had a bookshelf and a few things filling out the available space. Sparkly animal statues and some cool rocks. Her toy dragon sat on the dresser.
"You like fantasy. Cute animal statues...and this toy?" She pointed to the dragon.
"I got that when my fangs came in. David took me to the bookstore after my doctor's appointment. I forgot to name it though." She frowned.
"Mmh...What name could be good for a dragon?" Roxanne hummed.
"Fang is a bit on the nose... He's too fluffy for a tough name." Talia thought.
"How about a flower name?" She looked at it.
"Like what?" She asked as she ate another bite of soup.
"Tulip. It's cute and short." She said.
"Tulip, meet Peaches. Peaches, this is Tulip." Talia used her magic to make the toys hug. "They're friends now."
Roxanne chuckled. "That's nice." She glanced at her watch. "It's almost midnight. I think it's better if you go back to sleep. Tomorrow you can call Elisa and tell her that we're going to visit the clan."
"Ok. Will you tuck me in?" Talia asked.
"Sure thing." The woman stood up, took the bowl, napkin and spoon out of the way and carefully tucked Talia in again. "I'll go see how daddy is doing. Goodnight, Tai." She kissed her forehead and turned off the light.
"Good night, mommy." Talia closed her eyes and felt asleep quickly.
Roxanne went back to the kitchen, made a cup of coffee and walked back to the turned as he heard the door open. He smiled when he saw it was Roxanne.
"I hope you made it strong. I have a feeling this will be a long night." He kissed her on the lips.
"Don't worry, it's strong enough." She handed him the mug, and looked at the screen. "Still nothing?"
"Mister Xanatos is coming back now. He lost Fox. She damaged his suit." Owen explained.
"Things aren't going so well, uh?" She said plainly.
"No, they are not." Owen sipped his coffee.
Roxanne rubbed her chin in thought. "Fox is too strong for David alone, even in his armor."
"Perhaps Talia was right." He thought.
"About what?" She asked.
"Needing Goliath." He answered. "You make good coffee, by the way."
"Thanks." She smiled. "I'm not sure Goliath will want to help Xanatos...in fact, it seems highly-"
"Owen I'm about to land in the gardens." David's voice could be heard from the computer.
"-improbable." Roxanne concluded. "You better go."
"I'll see you soon." Owen set the cup down and walked out.
The vampire nodded and paced towards the window, looking at the city from above. She sighed: she felt guilty for not helping with Fox. But her Beast reminded her that werewolves were lethal to vampires, and it would've been suicide to even try and fight one. Besides, she needed to stay and protect Talia.
Talia whined in her sleep. Her body had started shaking again. She tossed and turned.
"Rest, my child. All will be well soon." A feminine voice cooed. Talia thought she felt a slender hand pet her hair. She settled down, feeling better. Her dreams were pleasant.
A few minutes later, Roxanne saw Owen coming back. "Well? What happened?"
"Mister Xanatos told Goliath and Detective Maza the truth about situation. He put a tracker on him. Now, we wait." Owen came in.
"Mh. How's the boss?" Roxanne asked casually.
"He feels guilty." Owen told her.
"Really? I would've never guessed." She said.
"He doesn't like to show it in front of others." He walked to the computer and picked up his coffee.
Roxanne hugged Owen from behind. "Maybe I should go and help. Xanatos seems to really love Fox: if he just wanted the jewel back, he could've waited for her to die and then take it... Instead he's risking his own life to save her."
"Are you sure?" He looked at her. "You hid from Fox before."
"That was my Beast, doing what she does best: surviving. For once that Xanatos actually shows some emotion and actual affection...I can't just stay back and watch. That would be a Ventrue thing. I'm a Brujah."
"... Be careful. We can't lose both of her mothers tonight." Owen kissed her on the mouth.
Roxanne held him tight. "Your love will give me strength. Tell me where to go."
His gaze lingered on her for a moment. He brushed a strand of hair aside.
"Goliath is downtown, at a block party. Fox couldn't have gone too far." Owen let his hands drop to his side.
Roxanne nodded and in a moment, she was gone. Her super speed helped her to get to the block party much faster than any car or motorcycle ever could. She hid in an alley, peeking from behind a corner and immediately noticed Goliath, Maza and the other three gargoyles. The woman walked towards the trio, since the detective and Goliath were dancing. Still no sign of Xanatos or Fox.
"Enjoying Halloween?" Roxanne asked them. They roared in surprise, eyes glowing white.
"Oh, it's you." Brooklyn said. "Where's Talia?"
"Sorry, we were watching Goliath and Elisa." Lexington added.
"Don't roar too loud, guys, we're still in public. Talia is at the castle, sleeping. Owen is with her, don't worry." Roxanne reassured.
"Oh, that's too bad. She would have liked this." Broadway frowned.
"Why're you here then?" Lex asked.
"Goliath didn't tell you?" She raised an eyebrow.
"About Fox? Yeah. I thought you would stay with Talia." Lex said.
"Me too." Broadway nodded.
"Me three, but..." Roxanne saw Xanatos walking towards Elisa and Goliath, talking with them. "...Look at him. He's desperate. That's true love, right there. I can't just ignore that. And besides...a Brujah never backs away from a fight. My clan represents passion in its purest form...fighting for love is the peak of passion and righteousness."
"Huh." Brooklyn looked at Xanatos with regarded interest.
"You have a clan?" Lexington's eyes widened.
"So, you're going to help Fox?" Broadway ate a pretzel.
"There are many vampire clans, each one unique and with different abilities. My clan is called Brujah." She turned towards Broadway and nodded. "I'll do my best. It isn't easy for a vampire to fight a werewolf, but...I'll try."
"We will to, but no one knows where the final confrontation will be. Best to wait for Fox to show her face." Brooklyn relaxed his wings.
"How is Talia? We haven't seen her in weeks." Lexington asked.
"She would like to come visit you tomorrow night, at the clock tower, I'll accompany her." Roxanne said.
"Alright, we'll tell Goliath later." Brooklyn nodded.
"I don't know why she hasn't called sooner. She usually tries." Broadway looked at his rookery brothers.
"A lot of things have happened in such a short time...it's a lot to explain, we'll talk tomorrow." Suddenly they heard people screaming and running away. "That must be Fox." Roxanne reached Xanatos, Goliath and Elisa.
They ran toward the building. Fox was climbing up. Goliath stopped the trio before following held onto Xanatos as he activated his rockets to fly on the building's roof. Roxanne climbed the building from behind hoping to block Fox; her Beast was hissing, crying and screaming at her to run, but this time Roxanne's resolution was stronger.
Goliath made it to roof and began searching for Fox. Unbeknownst to him, Fox was hiding above him. She panted heavily. Xanatos and Elisa landed on the roof. She jumped down.
"LOOK OUT!" The vampire roared and with all her strength, pushed Goliath out of the way.
Goliath was thrown off balance and flared his wings to steady himself. He knew he would have a bruise where Roxanne pushed him. He didn't know why she was here, but it didn't matter. Fox growled, watching Xanatos.
The vampire gathered all her courage and jumped on the werewolf's back, her arms around Fox's neck. "I can't hold her for long! "
Goliath and Xanatos rushed in. Goliath held Fox as Xanatos reached for the Eye.
"Roxanne, move!" Goliath told her as electricity radiated off the gem.
"Fuck!" Roxanne hissed as she jumped out of the way, rolling over the ground.
They groaned in pain. Fox flung Xanatos and Goliath off of her. The Eye was in Xanatos' hand. Everyone watched as Fox fell to the ground. She gave one last roar and transformed back into herself. Elisa undid her dress skirt and covered Fox. The whirl of a helicopter and a spotlight shone on them.
Roxanne groaned and rubbed her neck, sitting up slowly. "Oww...I'm getting too old for this shit..."
The helicopter landed on the roof and Owen walked out. Xanatos was running to Fox, but stopped next to Goliath.
"She's alive. The Eye, give to me." Goliath held out his hand.
Xanatos paused, looking at Fox. Elisa was holding her. She moaned.
"A trade?" He asked.
"Let's just say I don't trust you with it." Goliath squared his shoulders.
"So, now you know my weakness." Xanatos smiled as he dropped the Eye in the gargoyle's hand.
"Only you would regard love as a weakness." Goliath told him.
Xanatos' face hardened and he turned away, picking up Fox. Roxanne walked towards the helicopter and Owen.
"See? Alive and well." She grinned.
"I'm glad you're fine." He said so that she could hear.
"It's all over now, let's go home." Goliath and the rest of the Manhattan clan left. Xanatos approached the helicopter. Owen stepped toward him.
"Actually, Mister Xanatos, I believe he's right. You've never looked more heroic." Owen said.
He paused. "A momentary lapse, I assure you."
Fox started to wake up. "What happened...?"
"A bad dream and it's all over now. Goliath had the right idea, let's go home." Xanatos smiled as they boarded the helicopter. Owen watched them with a light smile on his face.
Roxanne sat next to him on their way home. But then blinked and turned towards Owen. "Wait a minute...if I'm here...and you're here...who's watching Talia?!"
"Talia's alone?" Fox furrowed her brow.
"I activated the security system. She is safe. Someone had to come pick all of you up." Owen explained, going faster.
Roxanne sighed. "What a night..."
The flight took less than ten minutes. They all went to their rooms, deciding to deal with everything later. Owen went to Talia's room. She was still asleep. Owen knelt by her bed.
"I'm here, Sweetheart." He kissed her forehead.
The vampire leaned against the door, watching. "Tomorrow evening we're going to visit the clan. Talia misses them."
"She'll like that. Hopefully, they won't assume the worst of Mister Xanatos and try to keep her from us." He stood.
"They won't. I'll make sure of that." She walked up to him, wrapping an arm around his waist. "She called me mommy again. I still can't believe it."
"She loves you." Owen kissed her cheek.
"I love her too...I love both of you. It's been a long time since I loved someone so much..."
"We don't have to be alone anymore." Owen said softly.
"No..." Roxanne held his face in her hands, smiling. "We don't."
