Hi...I've updated, yay? So sorry it's taken so long but this story just isn't very easy for me to write and I have to rewrite scenes several times before I'm happy with it and its been a different story that's really helped me out of my writing funk. Hope you enjoy!

Shout Outs!:

Guest

I Hop You'll Continue With You're Second Gargoyles Story Soon . I Haven't Seen That Tv Show Since I Was A Kid .

Updates will be infrequent but I'm glad you enjoy the story :)

LivininCorsets

Good ideas, we'll have to wait and see

1226

Thanks! Enjoy the new chapter :)

MegK1978

Will do!

KillerBee

I'm sorry, i understand your frustration but-for me personally-I like to know that an author hasn't just dropped off the face of the world. Especially in today's crisis. I don't know what stories you've read but I've read several that have continued on after a note like that-doesn't mean all of them do though. But I have updated so no need to worry about this story being thrown in the dumpster.


Hailey snuggled into Brooklyn, both watching Lexington with amusement. Brooklyn sighed and leaned forward a bit. "Come'on Lex, what's taking so long?!"

Lexington frowned but didn't look up from the VCR. "Relax, it just needs to be cleaned—I'll have it fixed in a minute."

Hailey laughed quietly but Brooklyn felt her shoulders shake. He glared at her but there was no heat in it. She sat up and patted his hand. "What's the rush? It's not like we're missing the program—it's already recorded."

Brooklyn sighed. "Yeah, I know, but you said there's Gargoyles in this Humpback of Navidad."

Hailey laughed outright. "Hunchback of Notre Dame. And yeah, but they're nothing like you guys and nowhere near as cool."

Heavy thumps on the stairs and a whine grabbed their attention and temporarily derailing the conversation. Bronx plopped his head onto Hailey's lap, looking pleadingly at her and Brooklyn.

Brooklyn frowned, putting up his claws. "Oh no, I'm not getting another bath from you."

Hailey frowned and scratched behind his ears. "What's wrong Red? He was just showing you affection."

Brooklyn glared at Bronx. "Find other ways."

The recliner creaked as Hudson sat down with a sigh. "There's Gargoyles in this you say? It will be interesting to see what humans think we're like now. Are we still savage beasts to them?"

Hailey scoffed. "I think I'll let the movie speak for itself. Just take everything with a grain of salt."

"Got it!" Cried Lexington.

"Finally. Put it on already!" Brooklyn urged.

Lexington shoved the VHS in and the snow on screen turned blue with a white castle.

Hailey leaned forward and grabbed a bowl on the table.

Brooklyn reached over and grabbed a handful.

Almost two hours later the movie ended, having taken more time due to the fact that they had to keep pausing it for the Gargoyles to add their comments—mainly about the Gargoyles.

Brooklyn stood and lazily flapped his wings. "Well that was, interesting."

Lexington shook his head and rewound the tape. "Yeah, we weren't the monsters."

Brooklyn smirked. "It was kind of refreshing actually."

Hudson nodded with a noise of affirmation. "Now, if only they would actually think like that."

A heavy thump from outside the clock tower caught their attention. Goliath entered, holding a book—no doubt from the library. He looked around and took in their faces then frowned, feeling he'd missed out on something. "Is everything alright?"

Hudson stood with a smile. "Aye, old friend. We were just watching a movie Hailey suggested, it has Gargoyles in it…though, they're not entirely accurate."

Goliath arched a ridge and Lexington added, though not really clarifying. "They're not monsters at least."

Hailey snickered. "Nah, that's saved for a human. I think he might be one of their most terrifying villains." She shivered.

Brooklyn draped a wing around her.

Goliath looked around. "Where is Broadway?"

Lex pulled out the tape. "He wanted to watch some western so headed to Elisa's."

Goliath glanced outside, the sky no longer pitch black but a deep indigo. "Hm, at least he has safe rousting."

Hailey took the now empty bowl to the kitchen. "He's still got a few hours anyway, he'll be fine."

The next night Broadway still had not returned.

Goliath frowned. "Hmh, Brooklyn, Hailey, would you check Elisa's apartment to see if Broadway is there?"

Hailey nodded with a smile while Brooklyn rolled his eyes. "Big guy probably just found a channel running a western marathon and forgot to check in."

Hailey frowned at him. "Oh come on, it's a great night for a flight anyway."

Brooklyn nodded and picked her up. "Eh, true."

They glided through the air for several minutes, Hailey relishing the wind in her hair. They arrived at the complex half hour later—having taken a scenic route.

The lights inside where off and there appeared to be no life.

Brooklyn frowned then opened the window. "Eh, Broadway, you here?"

Hailey climbed in and walked over to the wall, flipping the light switch.

The apartment was empty and the TV off.

Hailey said, not looking at Brooklyn, "something tells me that they're not here."

Brooklyn looked at her flatly. "What was your first clue?"

She swatted his wing and rolled her eyes.

He climbed back out the window, helping Hailey out as well. "Wonder what happened."

She shrugged, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Don't know. Maybe Elisa got called in or something—you know Broadway's always trying to go with her on those."

He snorted. "Yeah. Maybe he could more often too, if she didn't have that partner."

"He's not that bad."

Brooklyn made a noise of confirmation before he answered. "But he's still annoying—especially when anything with us comes up."

Hailey nodded. "Can't dispute that. Took Elisa and I twenty minutes one time to ditch him…he's good at his job though."

They landed back at the clock tower, Goliath looking at them expectantly.

They both shrugged, Brooklyn saying, "the apartment was empty with no indication of where either of them might have went."

Goliath sighed but nodded, looking out through the glass of the clock.

Hudson placed a hand on Goliath's shoulder. "I'm sure the lad's fine—he's old enough to look after himself."

Brooklyn turned away from them to Hailey. "Hey, uh, I need some help."

She looked at him, eye brows raised. "With what?"

He smiled and rubbed the back of his head. "My Halloween costume, I need some help making some of it."

Hailey laughed. "Alright. Whatcha need?"

He looked up and away. "Well, all of it? I don't even know where to begin."

Lexington heard him and jumped over. "Yeah! Can you help me too?!"

She shook her head and chuckled. "Sure, what are you guys wanting to be?"

"I wanna be a pirate." Brooklyn grinned.

"An aviator, like one from the 1910s." Lexington said with glee.

Hailey tilted her head in thought but asked, "why don't you guys just go as yourselves? Perfect time of year for it."

Brooklyn's beak twitched. "Nah, if we did that we wouldn't get to have the fun of dressing up."

Hailey nodded. "Fair enough."

Brooklyn fixed Hailey with a curious look. "So what are you going as?"

She smiled sweetly. "I'm not gonna say. You'll have to wait and see."

Both Gargoyles pouted, Brooklyn saying, "now that's not fair, you know ours-"

She shrugged and walked back up to the lounge. "Yeah, because you need my help."

Brooklyn 'hmphed' then looked at her curiously. "Are you a pirate?"

Hailey smiled but shook her head.

He thought for a minute. "An astronaut."

She laughed and he frowned.

"Hmm…one of those, Dis-knee princess characters, like Eliza?"

She turned and started washing out the bowl and other dishes from the night.

Brooklyn glared in defeat, crossing his arms. "Well, whatever. So long as it isn't a Viking."

Goliath's wings twitched and Hailey snorted. "I can grantee you that that is the last thing I'd ever be."

Goliath nodded and the others voiced their agreement.

Hailey laid on the couch, only half asleep.

A muffled door closed below and she cracked an eye open. A minute later the trap door creaked open.

Hailey lifted her head up to see Elisa, somewhat tired herself but smiling. "Hey."

"Hi, are you still wanting to go shopping today?"

Hailey smiled. "Definitely." She stood and stretched before asking, "was Broadway with you the last two nights?"

Elisa chuckled. "Yeah, he was. Everything alright?"

Hailey nodded. "Oh yeah, we were just starting to get a bit worried—couldn't find him anywhere."

Elisa smiled. "It's a long story. How about I tell it over breakfast?"

Hailey grinned and grabbed her jacket. "Sounds good."

They walked out through the back of the station and wandered the streets for a bit before they found a mom-and-pop breakfast nook.

Hailey shook her head at Elisa's eventful last two nights.

They wandered around Manhattan for a time, going through various shops before both Eliza and Hailey were happy with what they needed for Halloween.

Elisa smiled as they discussed modifications for the Gargoyles. "People are going to think that they're two characters in one."

Hailey nodded. "Yeah, but oh well. They're excited for it."

"I guess that is what matters." She looked at her watch before continuing. "Well, I need to finish up my report for the chief. After that we can hang out in the clock tower for a bit until sunset."

Hailey nodded. "Sounds good to me…I could go for a few more hours of sleep before tonight."

Elisa chuckled and shook her head. "How did you ever manage both lives? I get exhausted from mine."

Hailey smiled. "Truthfully, I didn't. Back in Scotland I mostly slept during the day—except when I had lessons with Princess Katheryn. Didn't make me the most popular person in the castle but I didn't care."

Elisa took on a wistful look. "If only I could do that…but unfortunately duty calls."

Hailey looked down, smiling softly—thinking just how lucky in life she was. She glanced at Elisa who was smiling tiredly but happy. She wasn't bad, for a human. In fact, she might go so far as to say that Elisa was almost like a sister—like how the others in the clan were to her. Yeah, her life was good.

Two weeks later, Elisa and Hailey walked out of the costume store, Elisa carrying her dress and Hailey holding a few small items for the Gargoyle's costumes. They left the small costume store for Elisa's car, laughing about some of the masks in the store.

"Those were pretty funny." Hailey snickered. "Can you imagine Goliath going as a goblin?"

Elisa laughed hard and opened the back door, laying down the dress.

Both their heads shot up as a loud and shrill shriek pierced the night air. And it was close by.

They looked across the street to the general store were a petrified man ran out, stumbling over his feet as his nerves made his legs jelly like. He ran away with a short cry of fear as a rack of post cards was thrown through one of the front windows.

Elisa momentarily grabbed Hailey's shoulder before running towards the store, shouting over her shoulder. "Stay there!"

Hailey stepped closer to the car, wanting to help but remained put. She watched as Elisa pulled out her gun and paused by the now dark door to the store—multiple crashes and bangs echoed from inside and Hailey cringed. It reminded her of Broadway's first time in a modern kitchen.

Elisa disappeared inside.

Hailey bit her lip, not hearing anything—which she supposed was a good thing. She frowned as time dragged on, minutes and seconds becoming undiscernible. She hated not being able to help.

Her gaze drifted down to the car and her eyes widened. She ripped the door opened and grabbed the radio attached to Elisa's stereo. "Uh, hello?" She asked, not sure what protocol was for the police radios…or any radio for that matter.

A few moments later a static-y, female voice responded, sounding a bit perturbed. *This is a police radio channel, you are to get off this wavelength immediately.*

"No, wait! Im with Detective Elisa Maza! There's been a break in or something at the general store on Colden Avenue. Elisa went in to check it out but she's not back yet…there's been a lot of shrieking and stuff being thrown around."

The woman cursed. "Colden Ave you said?"

Hailey nodded even though they couldn't see her. "Yes."

*Alright, back-up's on the way.*

Hailey dropped the radio as more crashing came from the store and leaned over the car hood.

Sirens filled the air but they were still a little ways off.

A bark of pain, most certainly not human, echoed from the store along with a loud grunt, this time more human.

Hailey ran to the other side of the car but didn't cross the street, yet.

The sirens grew louder and several cars with flashing, di-colored lights flooded the street, blocking it on both ends.

Elisa walked out of the store, not looking worse for the wear but covered in a dusting of white. She caught Hailey's eye and frowned in worry and glanced back at the store.

A shadow on the roof of the store caught Hailey's attention and her eyes widened. It was unclear and cloaked in light shadows, only being a darker shadow itself, but all her years with the Gargoyles had made her night vision clear and fine-tuned.

It crouched for a moment then turned and she could clearly see two, yellow, glowing eyes. They locked on to hers and for a long moment they only stared at each other. A second later it stood on its haunches and shrieked into the night before darting away.

Elisa ran over to her, the white powder flaking off in like a mist, following her gaze to the now empty roof. "That thing was not natural."

Hailey nearly snorted but nodded. "Goliath's gonna want to hear about this."

An officer walked over to them, glancing between them before focusing on Elisa. "Officer Bryant. Did you get a good look at the perpetrator?"

Elisa frowned and glanced at Hailey. "Well I thought so, but I think I might have been seeing things."

"Oh?" The officer had a little notebook open.

Elisa laughed dryly. "Yeah. Big creature, about seven feet, with a maw full of teeth—oh, and forget the sharp claws."

The officer groaned, rubbing his eye brows. "I'm gonna call in Officer Clint. He's been the one assigned to this, case."

Elisa looked him in the eye, shocked. "There's been other cases like this?"

He nodded and pocketed the notebook. "For about a month now."

The usual din of city noise rose as people started gathering to see what had caused the disturbance, and with them, the news vans arrived.

The officer sighed. "I better go deal with them."

Elisa looked at Hailey. "You wouldn't happen to know what that was, would you?"

Hailey shook her head. "I didn't get a good look at it."

Elisa nodded then looked over as another officer approached them, a towel in his dark skinned hand. "Detective Maza?"

Elisa took the towel with a smile. "That's me. What gave it away?"

He chuckled. "The flower coating making you look like a premature Halloween ghost might have been a help."

Both girls laughed and Elisa sighed scrubbed of the flour to the best of her abilities while the Officer left to check out the crime scene.

He returned, looking almost dejected. "Happy Halloween. I can't get through a shift this month without mopping up after that thing."

Elisa looked mildly annoyed and tossed him back the towel. "Yeah, every night's a treat in the Big Apple."

Hailey frowned. "Do you know what it was after?"

Officer Clint looked at her for a moment then shook his head. "Not, a, clue. Every time it's the same. Ransacks some store or warehouse and cleans out anything edible."

Hailey's frown deepened in thought. "So it's, hungry?"

He shrugged. "Maybe? I don't know. As far as I'm concerned it's just a monster that's attacking and terrorizing the people of Manhattan."

Hailey sat in Elisa's office as she talked to the chief, seeing if she had any more information on this…creature.

Matt walked to her spinning around, absent mindedly, on the chair as she thought. "So, heard you two had a run-in with New York's current monster."

Hailey frowned at him, though it was lost under her hair that she brushed out of her face. "Seems so."

He sat down across from her, looking a bit miffed but smiled. "Wish I'd been there, I wouldn't have let it get away."

She actively glared at him now and he held up his hands. "Not that Elisa didn't try I'm sure…I've just been following this case is all."

She rolled her eyes and couldn't help the remark that came out, peeved about his 'monster' comment—easily annoyed at anyone who used 'monster' for any creature they just didn't understand. "Why? You bored trying to track down Spring-Heeled Jack?"

He frowned and looked away. "Alright, I get it. You think I'm obsessed with monsters and strange creatures. But there is a reason~"

Hailey stopped listening as she thought. The creature has glowing eyes. She'd only known one other creature to have glowing eyes and somewhat resemble its shape. But there was no possible way it was a Gargoyle. Something wasn't right and she didn't like the feeling that was sinking into her stomach.

Elisa walked in tiredly, not having gotten much out of the chief—who also didn't know much. Her gaze landed on Matt, who smiled at her. She couldn't help the tired sigh that escaped her. "Hello Matt, what do you need?"

Hailey stood. "Have fun. I'm gonna put the finishing touched on the costumes."

Elisa nodded. "See you tomorrow."

Hailey climbed up the ladder to the clock tower, bag in hand. As she opened trapdoor, smells from the dinner Broadway cooked made her stomach rumble.

The trio turned to her with a smile, Brooklyn hopping over to take the bag and help her out.

"Is there any left? It smells delicious." Hailey asked, eying the pot.

Broadway grinned. "Yup! Left you some in case you and Elisa didn't get dinner before coming back."

Lexington huffed with a grin. "It's miraculous he managed to restrain himself."

"Hey!"

Hailey grinned and ladled herself some pasta, Alfredo it looked like.

Brooklyn dug into the bag and pulled out an eye patch. "This is great!" He put it on and turned to Hailey. "How do I look?"

She looked up, a noodle hanging out of her mouth. She ate it quickly and said, "I think it would look on Hudson."

Hudson cried out indignantly from by the TV. "I heard that lass!"

She and the other three laughed.

Goliath walked up to them, smiling softly at Brooklyn. "I take it the, shopping trip went well. Where is Elisa? I thought she would be returning with you."

Hailey's smile dropped in.

Goliath's face became serious and placed a gentle claw on her shoulder. "What happened? Was it Xanatos?"

She shook her head. "No, no he's been quiet. We had just finished up our shopping when something broke into the store across the way. I think Elisa got a better look at it—I, saw it on the roof after the police arrived. It was really big but not gargoyle like…"

Goliath frowned. "What is it, Hailey?"

She looked at him, confused and worried. "Its eyes, they glowed like a Gargoyle's. But it definitely wasn't a Gargoyle, or even a Gargoyle Beast. And I don't know of any other creatures who have glowing eyes."

Hudson had joined them, looking troubled. "That is quite the conundrum lass. And I can say that I don't think any of rightly know either."

She sighed and nodded. "I didn't know if you would or not. Elisa's downstairs trying to get more info on it…not that she had any luck."

Goliath nodded and walked away, claw brought to his chin in thought.

She turned to the trio and smiled lightly. "Well, there's nothing we can do about it right now. Did you want to finish up your costumes real quick?"

"Can I get a peek at yours?" Brooklyn asked.

Hailey looked at him flatly and he sighed.

"Fine, fine."

Hailey was awake before the Gargoyles, as per usual, and started supper. While it was cooking, she opened a trunk and pulled out her costume for tonight, smiling fondly. She quickly checked the meal before running to the corner that was claimed as 'her room'. She changed, wanting to surprise Brooklyn when he woke up.

She read as she waited, checking the time. Any minute now.

Not thirty seconds later, six roars of awakening Gargoyles penetrated the night air.

She grinned and set down the book, walking to the glass door. She could hear Lexington nearly jumping up and down in excitement. "Oh, Halloween! Tonight is the night!"

Brooklyn spoke next and she paused, holding the handle. "I can hardly wait! We can walk around on the streets and nobody will know who we are."

She laughed and opened the door. "More like they won't judge you negatively. More likely, you guys are going to win best costume."

Brooklyn frowned, turning to argue but paused—jaw open. "You're…beautiful."

Goliath turned to see what Hailey was dressed as.

She was wearing black combat boots with a white dress and a short sleeved, red leather jacket while her hair was partially pulled back with a pink ribbon. She twirled once in it, grinning. "So, worth the wait?"

Brooklyn was still flabbergasted. "You look, kinda like a princess out on a quest."

She lightly flicked his beak to snap him out of his stupor. "That's the point, Red."

Goliath smiled. "You look perfect Hailey."

"Hi guys." Elisa joined them of the terrace.

Goliath smiled at her.

Elisa continued towards them, looking a bit down. "Got a minute?"

Goliath nodded. "This wouldn't happen to be about the creature that attacked you last night, would it?"

Elisa smiled Hailey. "Now how'd you guess?"

The rest of Clan left them alone and wandered inside the clock tower.

Broadway jumped over to the stove, eager to eat, while Lexington whined in annoyance. "Come on you big galute! Let's get changed so we can head down to the streets and party!"

"But I'm hungry! And Hailey made food! You wouldn't want to insult her by letting it get cold, would you?" Broadway countered, glaring at Lexington, as he fixed himself a large plate.

Brooklyn laughed, draping a wing over Hailey—still a bit flabbergasted by the sight of her. "Pretty sure it doesn't start for another hour or more, Lex."

Lexington's shoulders fell as he disapproving looked at nothing. "Well fine, you wanna put it that way—can't help it if I'm excited."

Hailey patted him on the back. "I don't blame you in the slightest, Lex."

After dinner, Hailey was helping them all into their costumes—Brooklyn and Lexington the most.

Brooklyn readjusted his eyepatch as Hailey fitted the aviator jacket over Lexington's wings. Brooklyn laughed. "Haha. Look, a princes and a pirate—doesn't exactly go together."

Broadway laughed. "Yeah, maybe she should go with Lexington instead—since he can sweep her off her feet, being a pilot and all."

Brooklyn glared at him while Lexington and Hudson laughed.

Hailey grinned. "Hm, maybe I should've made your costume black."

Brooklyn frowned. "What, why? What pirate wears black?"

She laughed. "Wesley." There was a confused pause so she elaborated. "There's a movie, a princess falls in love with a pirate who wears black."

Brooklyn's lip upturned before he laughed. "Maybe, but I like colors more."

Hailey shook her head with a smile. "Alright, I think you guys are good. Ready to head out?"

"Yes!" Lexington shouted, hopping over to the clock tower's glass door.

Broadway and Brooklyn followed at a slightly slower speed, annoying their Rookery brother to no end.

Brooklyn grabbed Hailey and spread his wings to glide down. Hailey laughed. "Attempting to steal a princess now?"

Brooklyn grinned. "If it's you, always."

Hailey shook her head and held tight as they became weightless, gliding down until they landed in an alley a little ways from the street party.

Brooklyn gently grabbed Hailey's hand as they stood near the shadowy edge of the alleyway.

Hailey squeezed his hand reassuringly, stepping out and gently pulling on his hand.

Brooklyn followed her out, Broadway and Lexington walking out behind him.

The street was ablaze with strung up lights and people walked everywhere in hundreds of costumes but no one saw them and screamed and ran or even looked twice at them.

Hailey grinned. "See? Fun for all!"

Brooklyn laughed nervously and looked around in wonder, Lexington hopping out and gazing at several stores that lined the streets while Broadway eyed the food stalls. They remained a foursome as they moved deeper into the mild chaos.

"Cool, look!" Someone shouted then ran over to them.

Brooklyn pressed against Hailey in discomfort, unused to positive random-human interaction.

The man grinned. "A costume over a costume."

"Far out." Another praised.

"Eh, nice hat." A masked lady with a pillar like hat complimented Broadway.

A witch paused by them and said with a deceptively low voice, "that's a great, great costume."

Hailey beamed and pulled Brooklyn along. "See? Nothing to worry about. I'd bet you'd win a costume contest or two with your get-ups."

Lexington frowned. "But our bottom one's real."

Hailey shook her head with a laugh. "All the better. The more realistic your costumes the cooler they are…though something can be said for typical cheesy costumes as well. Come on, I want to enjoy this night with you guys as much as possible!"

"Yeah!" Brooklyn agreed.

Strolled past a few stalls and Broadway stopped at a food vender, no surprise.

Brooklyn perked up when he heard music and pulled Hailey along until they came to a blocked off section with multiple dancing couples. Even Goliath and Elisa were there dancing happily.

Brooklyn smiled and held out a hand. "May I have the honor of having this dance?"

Hailey took it with a matching grin. "The honor would be all mine, scoundrel."

Brooklyn grabbed her hand then around her waist before swinging her onto the dance floor.

Hailey sighed softly, resting her head against his chest and closed her eyes

*O*

Music drifted up from the hall, it was Prince Malcom's birthday and the people of the castle were celebrating.

Hailey had attended the feast for a time but soon began to feel awkward, none of the Gargoyles were present though Goliath and Demona had dropped by to wish him well—a human custom they had picked up on when the humans moved into their land.

Hailey watched several dignitaries dance and others cheer them on while they sipped on whine, many of the dogs seemingly joining in as well. Even Prince Malcom was dancing with his daughter Kathleen.

Hailey sat self-consciously as she watched. She felt like she was back home—watching as others lived happy lives while she was stuck in a nightmare.

She got and silently slipped from the noisy and lively Hall and up the much quieter staircase that led up to the ramparts. It had been about six months since—since the happy accident but she was still uncomfortable around her own people. She'd only attended the party in respects to Malcom for giving her sanctuary.

She leaned on the battlements and sighed heavily, staring at the brightly shining stars. They never shone this brightly in New York.

A soft thump made her turn and smile softly as Red folding his wings close behind him.

"What'cha doing out here? Thought everyone was going to be at the party."

She shrugged and glanced back at the stars. "I—I just don't feel like I belong there. I wasn't doing much anyway, just sitting and watching them."

Red frowned. "I thought you were supposed to dance at those things? Did no one ask you?"

She smiled sadly and shrugged nonchalantly. "No. But why would they? I'm the weird girl that would rather be in the company of Gargoyles than humans."

Red glared at the Hall before he smirked. "Well, if they won't dance with you, will you dance with me?"

Hailey blinked and looked at his offering, outstretched claw. After a hesitant second she took it and he gently grabbed her and they started swaying with the faint music drifting up from the Hall.

After a moment Red laughed. "Sorry, I'm not a very good dancer…dancing's not really in a Gargoyle's nature."

Hailey let out a short, airy laugh. "I've never danced before either—so I think we can mess up together."

Red grinned and spun her gently. She kept a lose hold on his claw but let her feet move of their own accord, watching them closely to make sure she didn't trip over them. Red brought her in close again and they sashayed around the starlit ramparts.

*O*

Hailey glanced up, only a few, very bright stars were visible but the moon glowed bright and full.

Brooklyn twisted her around before drawing her in and turning both of them in time to the music.

He's gotten better at dancing. She mused lightly.

Elisa noticed Brooklyn out of the corner of her eye and Goliath swung them so they both could see Hailey and Brooklyn dancing happily. Elisa smiled and rested her head against Goliath's chest.

For the moment, one happy moment, the world was perfect.

The music ended, far too soon for either couple but they both left the dance floor to continue exploring the block while they had full and free access. They wandered past a few stalls until Hailey stopped them. "Funnel Cakes! You guys have to try them."

A few minutes later the three Gargoyles were munching on the fair food, Lexington's eyes wide. "Mm-hmm. This is great!"

Broadway burped, looking at the cake with satisfaction. "It just doesn't get any better than this."

Hailey laughed and took a bite out of Brooklyn's. He glared and pulled it away. "Hey, you got your own!"

Screams erupted from the nearby building, the doors thrown open just about every soul inside running out in terror.

Brooklyn watched in shock. "Trick or treat."

Hailey cocked her head in confusion. "Either that's one scary haunted house or there's somethi-"

A loud and guttural roar cut her off and she paled. "It-it's that thing, er, Fox!" She said quickly, remembering what Goliath had told them.

They ran towards the building when Goliath landed in front of them, Elisa and Xanatos running up behind his. "We'll handle this."

They ran in but not before Hailey scowled at Xanatos with as much hate as she could muster when their eyes locked. He looked away quickly, as if ashamed. She shook her head of the thought. That's impossible for him.

Xanatos closed the door behind them and foursome waited impatiently. Hailey leaned into Brooklyn as the silence from inside grew thicker and longer.

Several people had now gathered around the building, strange stories of the thing inside attracting attention as a possible Halloween prank.

Another roar disrupted the silence from inside and a moment later Goliath was thrown through the doors and into a passing car.

Hailey winced, both for Goliath and the car that was shoved into a lamp pole, the pole fell forward, over the car and Goliath cringed—covering his head—as it crashed to the ground.

"Goliath." Hailey cried, running over to him with the trio on her heels. "Are you okay?"

Lexington reached up, inspecting a minor cut on his arm.

A low growl from the doors snapped their attention back to the present. Fox walked out, sniffed a few in the gathered growled then roared at them.

Some shrieked in fear while others shouted, scattering in all directions but the forward one.

"Run!"

"Look out!"

"Real monsters!"

Goliath shoved Hailey and Lexington away, crouching to either lunge at the werewolf or brace for its attack.

To his surprise it jumped over him and landed on the hood of the crashed car.

The man inside looked disgusted. "Who paid for this show?"

Goliath growled and turned around, swiping at the werewolf.

Fox leapt up and sunk her claws into the nearby building, Goliath hot on her tail. She glanced down and growled at him before quickly sweeping her gaze over the gathered crowed, looking eyes with Hailey.

Elisa and Xanatos ran out of the building just in time to see Fox launch off the building and tackle Brooklyn and Lexington, both too shocked from the sudden attack to respond in time.

She turned and grabbed Hailey before darting up the side of another building.

Xanatos looked horrified, yelling at Fox, hand outstretch like he'd be able to catch her. "Fox, no—don't!"

Brooklyn picked himself up and scowled at the building Fox disappeared over before snarling at Xanatos.

Both he and Goliath started scaling the building and he hissed, not even looking at Goliath. "Don't tell to stay behind. That thing just grabbed Hailey!"

Goliath hoisted, threw, himself over the edge and ran along the rooftops after Fox—Brooklyn keeping pace and nearly running/flapping ahead.

*O*

Hailey grunted as she was thrown over Fox's shoulder then carried off. She thrashed in the werewolf's grip until they were vertical along the building and her breath caught, grasping Fox's fur tightly. She saw Brooklyn flap his wings and leap to the building but at point Fox jumped over the edge and her view was cut off.

"Put me down! What do you want? If this is Xanatos' idea I have a few choice words for him!"

Fox growled and Hailey wheezed as she jumped to another building, Hailey's stomach driving into Fox's shoulder.

They came to a stop on a rooftop with a large, neon-lit sign—jumping up the little storeroom add-on in the center of the roof. Fox finally set her down then proceeded to pace circles around her.

Hailey brow pinched, raising her hands in submission as she tried to slowly step away.

Fox snapped and growled at her and she stopped, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves,

"Okay, I'll stay…for whatever demented reason you have."

Large purple wings flicked into her view before disappearing again.

Her heart fluttered and she opened her mouth to shout when Fox silently snapped at her again. She took a surprised and scared step back, snapping her mouth shut.

A small and quiet jet engine from the same direction as Goliath's wing snagged her attention again—Xanatos with Elisa landed on the lower roof.

Fox growled lowly at her before vaulting over the edge.

Hailey ran to the edge and watched, heart hammering.

Fox slowly stalked forward towards Xanatos, drool dripping from her maw.

Xanatos' face pinched, like he was truly in pain. "Fox, I know you're in there somewhere. It's David."

A soft thump behind Hailey had her whirling around before running and grabbing Brooklyn tightly.

He held her close, brushing a claw through her hair. "Hey, I gotcha. Are you okay?"

She nodded before another loud, growling roar brought them over to the edge to watch as Fox leapt to Elisa—claws bared with the intent to maul.

Hailey forgot to breathe and Brooklyn's grip tightened painfully but protectively welcome, his wings hitching to glide them both away.

Goliath tackled Fox from the side as Elisa ducked, throwing her into the large sign.

Fox stood and growled, shaking her head.

Goliath didn't give her the chance to recover and attacked, shoving her into the sign and pressing so hard metal snapped and electrical conduits became exposed.

Fox shrieked in agony as Goliath yelled. "Now Xanatos!"

Xanatos grabbed the medallion around Fox's neck and clenched his teeth as both he and Goliath were washed in magical pain as the jewel fought against its of its bearer. Xanatos pulled and a wave of energy pulsed out, throwing him and away from Fox.

Hailey leaned further over the ledge, eyeing the jewel Xanatos now held. It pulsed pink a few times before it died.

Elisa run up to Goliath and watched as Fox howled before falling on all fours.

Hailey nearly jumped over the edge, watching to check on Goliath even though she knew he was alright.

Fox continued to howl until it began morphing into a human scream before tapering off into heavy breaths and she collapsed—unconscious.

Elisa ran forward, dethatching her costume's skirt and draping it over Fox's bare form.

A chopper with a light whirled closely overhead, shining down on Fox.

Brooklyn scooped Hailey up and they hopped down near the others as the helicopter landed—being one of Xanatos'.

Owned stepped out and turned to Xanatos who was running towards them. He paused by Hailey, starting to reach out before stopping—eyes concerned. "Are you alright, Fox didn't hurt you."

Hailey and Brooklyn glared at him—Brooklyn draping a wing around her as she answered. "I'm fine. Better go check on the woman you nearly killed."

Xanatos pulled back like he'd been slapped but said nothing more, running over to Fox and stopping by Goliath as he watched Elisa check her over.

"She's alive." Goliath said tiredly then held out his hand. "The Eye, give it to me."

"A trade?" Xanatos asked, sounding tired himself.

Goliath looked at him hard and unforgivingly. "Let's just say, I don't trust you with it."

Xanatos nodded and handed over the Eye of Odin. "So now you know my weakness."

Goliath nearly snarled at him, holding the Eye tightly. "Only you would consider love as a weakness."

Xanatos glanced back at Hailey before hurrying to pick up Fox.

Hailey pressed closer to Brooklyn and glared at Xanatos' retreating form.

Broadway and Lexington landed, looking to them for an explanation. "Goliath?" Broadway asked.

Elisa stepped closer to Goliath, holding her arms close to fight off the chill now that she no longer had a long skirt covering her legs.

He held her close, shielding her from the wind and turned to Lexington. "It's all over now. Let's go home."

Brooklyn picked Hailey up to follow Goliath and the others when Hailey stopped him. "The night's still young you know, and we go to another part of the city…I know it's the one time of the year you can be seen normally."

Brooklyn smiled at her and jumped off the building, arcing away from the group of Gargoyles. "Sounds like a plan to me."


Have a great weakened and HUGE thank you to everyone who pushed me to keep writing this.