Cronus was at the door and in one of his hands was a dress. It was a deep emerald color in a traditional Grecian style of a one shoulder top and flowed about the feet. In the other was a pair of sandals and a box that I believed to hold jewelry.
"The Mistress wishes for you to dress accordingly. Once you are finished you will follow me to the gardens where the Mistress is expecting you for breakfast." He left briskly and I changed. The dress felt natural upon my skin like some of the summer dresses I would wear back home in Hawaii. It took some time to tie the sandals on, but eventually I got it. The jewelry consisted of earrings, to long bracelets to cover the forearm and an armlet in the form of a winding snake. How befitting that it's bejeweled eyes looked like it was thinking of when to strike.
After I am done dressing I am taken to the Gardens. It was beautiful. Clean cut topiaries, white pebbled fountains, and flora of all kinds and there were creatures about. Peacocks strutting about with the fan of colors it possesses. Deer nibble lightly upon the grass with rabbits hopping close by. Fish with golden scales swam in the fountains alongside graceful swans and sweet song birds flittered about. My recently found Aunt Morgana was tending to topiary in the shape of Pegasus.
"Such a beautiful animal, Pegasus was. He held more nobility and grace in the air and on the ground than any horse or bird could possibly have."
"I remember the myths about him and how he was born of our ancestor."
"It is a curious myth the story of our family's greatest legendary figure. But too few know the whole truth. I will tell you, but first breakfast you must be hungry." A tinkling bell sounds as Cronus appeared with breakfast and tea all set up. The Satyr certainly works quickly. We sit ourselves and eat a meal of grapes, raspberries and oatmeal.
"What do you think of my oasis?"
"Oasis?"
"That's what I call my gardens. For they are my paradise in the harsh deserts life throws at you."
"I think they are beautiful." A bird flew down and landed on Aunt Morgana's shoulder.
"How do you do that?"
"I take care of the creatures that share my garden. In turn they trust me and help to make the garden more beautiful." She said while feeding the bird the tiny grains of oatmeal that had not turned to gush.
"Do you have any word of what has happened to my friend Elisa?"
"You will not like what I have to tell you, but you will find out eventually. Your friend Elisa, for being human has been sentenced to live on this island for the rest of her life."
"But we have to leave with her!"
"There is nothing I can do Boreas has laid her punishment, but in time he may give leniency to her. When the night comes you and your gargoyle friends can visit for now you and I will get acquainted. Shall I begin the story of Medusa filling in the holes in the story?" I nod still miffed about Elisa having to be punished for being a human. But my curiosity was winning.
"Long ago in Greece a most beautiful woman was born into a well-established family and her name was Medusa. And unlike many at the time she chose a life of service to the virgin goddess Athena. She refused the men who came to ask for her hand and beg her to leave the temple. She was one of those smart women who knew marriage at that time was basically hell. But one suitor who cared only for what he desired came to the temple on a day that she was alone to worship the statue of Athena. He attacked her and raped her inside the temple. The man left with a cruel smile upon his lips and with Medusa feeling helpless, shamed, used and vengeful."
"Vengeful?"
"I suppose growing up you are told that Medusa was cursed by Athena, because she was seen as at fault."
"Yes."
"In truth it was Medusa who asked for the transformation. In her tearful pleas she asked not only Athena, but Hera, Artemis and Nemesis to aid her in revenge against the man and his whole family. The goddess answered her plea. Hera, the queen goddess who by Zeus had been scorned gave her the venomous bite to end her enemies with truly sharp words. Artemis, goddess of the hunt and wilds, who was truly angered by the actions of evil men, gave her the skin that could not be ended by just any blade. Nemesis, goddess of revenge, who needs on reason, gave her the gift of deceiving beauty. And finally the last part of the transformation Athena, whose temple and priestess were desecrated, gave her the features of the snakes. With her new form completed and graced by the gods she went on her campaign of justice."
"So Athena didn't transform her to punish here, but to help her?"
"Yes, Athena may have been a tomboy, but she was still a woman. May I continue?"
"Of course. Please go on."
"She did not attack the man first, she wanted him to suffer. She went after the brothers, the uncles, the aunts, cousins, sisters, father and mother. Using deception she would trick them into seeing her eyes thus turning them into stone. Only a few times did she kill them by shedding blood and those were the few that were the most vicious. But do not think our ancestor was so hard hearted. There were some that she could not bring herself to kill for they were the true innocents. She let them be. Till finally all that was left was the man who raped her. She cut his head off and then turned it to stone. The stone she placed inside the temple of Athena and renounced her priestess hood. What else could she do? She was impure and the priestesses of Athena must be pure. She thanked the goddesses for their gifts to aid in her revenge and she banished herself to an isolated island where she planned to live the rest of her days in punishment for after the deaths of so many who had nothing to do with the shameful act of their family member. She felt that dying alone on such a horrid place would allow her repentance for the deaths."
"But that didn't happen exactly."
"No, because a creature lived on that island, a winged horse."
"Pegasus."
"Correct. He and Medusa lived alone on that island alone for three years. Then one day a man washed upon the shore. He had survived a sinking ship only to lose his sight. Medusa seeing this as a task for her to lessen her guilt nurses the man back to health. In time they formed a bound that turned to love. Together they had four children. Three sons born with one feature of their mother's transformed state, but it was their daughter that had all of them."
"What about her sisters, Stheno and Euryale?"
"When they had found out what happened to their sister, they took the on the same form to help their sister in her quest. The only power they did not receive was the sight of stone. As there sister spent her life on the solitaire island. They spent theirs pursuing those who sought Medusa's death to other lands. But that did not last forever for a young man had come and he was determined to find and kill Medusa. Her sisters went to warn her, but she did not flee. Instead she had her sisters with the aid of Pegasus take her husband and children off the island. She was going to face this warrior alone. The warrior who we all know as Perseus arrived on the island to attack and kill her. He found not a fearsome creature of death, but instead a tired and remorseful woman." She stopped to take a breath and reflect.
"Lower your weapon warrior, I will not harm you. She said to him. He of course did not believe her for in shadows she stood. To earn his trust she entered the light with a blindfold across her eyes. He lowered his weapons but not his guard. She told him that she knew why he was there and that she would not stop him, but ask that he listen to her tale. He agreed and he did listen. When she had finished he felt mixed about killing her, but she insisted for she knew that if he did not kill her then others would come and would find her family and try to kill them. With reluctance he agreed and with one strike of his enchanted sword cut off her head. It was at that moment Pegasus returned to the island for his loyalty to Medusa was unquestioned. The horse called out to the heavens in sadness for the loss of his master and refused to leave her body as it lay on the ground bleeding."
"Is that what started the part where Pegasus was born from Medusa's blood?"
"It could be or it could have just been a creative gesture. The warrior Perseus in an act of honor properly buried Medusa's body for he needed the head as proof. He left the island and showed those who dared the head which turned his enemies the lecherous king who went after his mother and his grandfather who sought his death to stone. He then took Medusa's head to the temple of Athena where so long ago she had been a priestess. There the goddess allowed her to be buried so in death she could be at her goddess's side. She honored her by placing her face on her armor, not as something to be feared as much as to keep her memory alive. However time shifted and changed the story to what it is that we see nowadays."
"But what happened to her family? Her children?"
"The family hopped from place to place trying to find shelter from those who sought their death. During that time they found others like them and in time they came to this island and created New Olympus. Our ancestors were the ones who laid down the foundation for this metropolis. But one of the surviving brothers decided it was time to see the world again. He left with his family and they grew for some time out there till it became only a few. Them being you and I, we are the last of the gorgon Medusa's bloodline."
"Wow. Did Pegasus die?"
"He did much later in life. But he did return to Medusa's family. The horse and his kin stay loyal to us."
"His kin?"
"Yes, you are going to meet some of them today."
"So Pegasus had children?"
"Of course he did. A strong steady stock they are."
"Do they have wings?"
"Some of them do while others carry the gene. What do you do with all the horses if you can't sell them?"
"Ilaria, just because they remain loyal to us, does not mean that they can become loyal to others. But as a priority their first duty is to us." She rose and Cronus began to clean. She walked away and I followed in haste till we came upon stables filled with some of the most beautiful horses some with wings and others without. But all of them beautiful.
"Would you care to ride one?"
"I picked a bay without wings."
"What about Jason here?" She said motioning to a winged palomino.
"No thanks. I would rather stick closer to the ground."
"Alright then. I think I will ride Pandora since you have taken Zephyr. They have a more harmonious rhythm" She brought the two horses out and we took a nice walk around the shore. It was nearly dusk by the time we arrived back. I excused myself and went in search of my friends. I find them and they tell me to be ready to leave. The rest that happens was confusing since this time I was left mostly in the dark. Turns out during the night Goliath attempted to smuggle Elisa out of jail, but accidently released a shape shifting mental case that tried to destroy the island and would have if Elisa hadn't lured Taurus to where the guy was and ended the evil plan. So as a reward she was released and allowed to leave the island. Boy you spend one day and night learning about your family and you miss everything. Boreas, Taurus and Aunt Morgana were the ones to see us off this time and Aunt Morgana brought us supplies for our journey.
"Ilaria I have a one last gift for you."
"Aunt Morgana, you have already given us some supplies, a nice outfit with accessories and gave us a great family history lesson. I can't ask for anything else."
"You don't have too. But you will need this." She handed me a ring with the imprint of ancient coin.
"This is so you may find the island; in case you need guidance or would just like to visit. All you have to do is point it and the light will show you. But if the journey is too long for you twirl it twice around your finger and I will be there to talk with you through it."
"Thank you, but I hope one day you will come visit."
"I may, goodbye Ilaria and may you journey home swiftly." We hug good bye before my friends and I leave. Waving goodbye to the citizens of New Olympus.
Elisa POV
"It feels like a sauna." It was so hot that I had to take off my coat. It was another jungle landscape that Avalon had sent us to. But it just made us wish to be home all the more.
"As long as it is not freezing. I am not complaining." Ilaria said contently reading that spell book Una had given her till the sound of gunfire spooked her.
"What was that?!"
"It sounds like a war zone." Most people would run from gunfire, defiantly not a cop and defiantly not a gargoyle. We docked the boat and went looking for the source of the gunfire and found cars smoking and tipped over and people firing at gargoyles. It was definitely a war zone. Quickly we come to the aid of the gargoyles when we see that Jackal and Hyena are involved. Ilaria used her ability to move water by using the water in vines to lash them out at the ones with guns. Sending them scurrying. We managed to drive away the two viruses and help the two gargoyles out of the net. They thanked us and introduced themselves as Zafiro and Obsidiana. They healed Bronx's wound with medicinal plants from the forest, sadly Obsidiana mentioned that such medicinal wonders were disappearing from the chopping of the trees.
"I hear you. In Hawaii we sometimes run into this problem with how big businesses want to buy our forest lands for commercial purposes or just for the timber ruin our island's beauty. Of course many of the locals are extremely opposed to it, but some people have no sense when it comes to the importance of trees."
"You are a wise human, little one. What is your name?" Obsidiana asked Ilaria.
"Ilaria, Ilaria Floros." She said. We continued on till we came to a massive ancient Mayan pyramid that left us in awe. We learned that the four of this tribe would not turn to stone during the day as a magic sun amulet powered the stones in their necklaces.
Daylight came and Ilaria and I saw firsthand that it was true they did not turn to stone during the day and Ilaria and me went on patrol with Zafiro. Ilaria was happy about this location according to her she and her father had planned to come to Guatemala and trek through the rainforests. I tell ya this kid. I wouldn't be surprised if she would rather live outdoors than indoors.
Zafiro took to the trees as he had seen some people cutting at a tree. He came at them and scared them so well that it scared even me.
"For a minute there you had me scared."
"We make it a practice never to harm the locals. Only frighten them."
"Well by the looks of it practice is making perfect." Ilaria said looking pleased with Zafiro's work. I on the other hand have misgivings about who it was that he was scaring. They were just farmers, not greedy tycoons.
"They're farmers and if they don't cut down at least a few trees they can't grow enough food to feed their families."
"There is no such thing as a few trees."
"He's right Elisa, there is no such thing to cutting down a few trees for farmers. After the trees have been cleared the soil only remains good for a few years at best. Most of the nutrients get washed away because the roots where not there to hold the soil in place. Farmers would have to keep expanding eventually to the point that there isn't a forest anymore."
"So you think they should go hungry?"
"No, they need to find a way to farm without having to cut down trees."
"How can they do that?"
"I have an idea. I have been working on. It has helped a bit. It would keep the trees around and still have farming. I got inspired one day in class when we learned about Mexico City's floating gardens. I thought wow what a unique way to farm. So I started thinking of unique ways to farm. Then it hit me. We attach baskets to the trees and use some of the soil on the ground mixed with a more nutrient rich soil and grow crops or medicinal plants in them. The trees are large enough to support a good amount of weight and would be able to keep the trees around."
"That is a good plan. Something that does show promise." Zafiro's praise made Ilaria beam and blush and she stayed that way till we reached the pyramid. Goliath agreed to join their defense party.
"Can I join?"
"Of course Amiga Chica." Obsidiana said.
"Oh no Little miss Green Peace you are staying out of this. Goliath shouldn't we find out who legally owns the land?"
"The forest is not meant to be owned. It belongs to everyone. Your misguided laws threaten to steal it from future generations."
"Besides Elisa the land could have been obtained through shady methods anyway." Ilaria added to Turquesa's statement.
"Misguided or not. I am a police officer sworn to uphold the law. Don't go Goliath. There are other ways to protest an injustice."
"In your world Elisa not theirs and what is left of the world is rapidly dwindling."
"I'm sorry but I can't be a part of this." Out of the corner of my eye I see Ilaria inching towards the back. "And neither are you."
"What?"
"Ilaria you are not going." My hands placed themselves on my hips as I told her.
"Why are you acting like my mom?"
"I'm just trying to see that you don't get hurt or in trouble. Sorry if it makes you upset." She runs past me. "Where are you going?"
She stopped on the stairs and turned to me a glare set up for just me. "You're not my mom! So stop acting like it!" She ran faster up the steps. Turquesa and Jade stay with me so that we can guard the pyramid and for hours Ilaria stays inside the pyramid. I wonder if I should apologize to her or try to talk with her. However my mind gets pressed with more pressing matters like the fact that the forest is burning. All of us get wrapped into stopping the fire that no one noticed the time. It was now dawn and the gargoyles slept. What was shocking was that Obsidiana was stone as well.
"Oh yes, Detective." Jackal said before blasting me with lightning. The others were able to defeat Jackal and the pendant Bronx had borrowed from Obsidiana was returned to her.
In the end Jade and Turquesa gathered some of the green to transplant them to Avalon.
(I'm just going to skip the Easter Island one since it's not really one of my favorites.)
We arrive this time in Japan at least I think it is according to that building. Ilaria hasn't talked to me at least not directly since our trip to the rainforest. I want to talk to her, but things haven't been allowing me to be able to. Like Bronx running off and finding more gargoyles who lived in harmony with humans.
Ilaria and I were given Kimonos to wear as we learned about the history of the gargoyles in Ishimura and then they went to sleep. Taking this as a sign I try to talk to Ilaria.
"Ilaria I would like to…"
"I think I am going to go rest up." She left before I could protest.
"You and your daughter are having troubles?"
"Ilaria isn't my daughter. We just had a skirmish not too long ago and I think she is just being stubborn."
"Don't force her. Children are like songbirds. Them come to you when they want to, not when you force them to." The police chief here advised me.
"I'll keep that in mind." I tell him before we get attacked by can you believe this ninjas that were paid by Taro to kidnap the gargoyles while they slept.
Again we were attacked and had to foil a foe's plan for using gargoyles to his advantage. In this case it was Taro's get rich with a tacky theme park idea, honestly where do people get these ideas. The Ishimura Clan and their human neighbors are going to teach bushido to the world again and they look forward to the future while I look forward to a silent teenager. We came to Arizona where Zanatos was the culprit again. With some help from Coyote the spirit and my Dad we defeated him and brought to light some important value for the tribe with the saving of the Coyote sand carving. It's not till we arrive to Avalon again that I try again to get her to talk to me. I had been taking the advice of the Police chief and my Father and I don't think that it is working.
We were welcomed by Boudicca and Gabriel. We travel to the castle. And are met with a storm and two new beings along with three unwelcoming old faces.
"See my lord. We spoke the truth. Humans and gargoyles in your kingdom." The one in fancy garb who I guess is their lord.
"A minor nuisance but all the same they will have to go." He said pointing to us.
"If that pair is keeping company with those three screech owls I'm not about to trust them." Tom whispered to us as he donned his mask and approached the newcomers. "Your companions we know already to our sorrow. Sir and lady declare yourselves."
I'm not sure that it is a good idea to bait them with the drawing of a sword just yet. But with the past experiences as they are it may be a standard now.
"Are they not an insolent infestation my lord. Just as we warned you. And we warned them they should leave." The three said to Tom's outrage.
"Lies! You attacked us!"
"Silence." The lord said and put a stop to Tom's talking with some kind of gage.
"How dare you?! What means this outrage?!" Princess Katharine demanded as Bronx and Boudicca barked in reply and soon found chains attached to them.
"We are minded to be generous. You have an hour to remove yourselves from our domain. Otherwise…"
"This is our home. We have no place else to go."
"That is none of our concern." He said waving us off like we were flies.
"This land has been empty of others but us for a thousand years you are you to tell us to go!" Demanded Gabriel.
"Aye go yourself or be thrown out!" Ophelia said she was clearly ready for a rumble.
"You dare much to speak so to us." Gabriel tried to attack but was thrown into Goliath and they in turn were thrown clear across the way. Now is the time to act. I pull out my gun and aim it.
"Alright that's enough!" I said and he backed off. Goliath came and lowered my gun.
"Stop all of you. These strangers may fail in courtesy, but we need not." Goliath was right so I put the gun away.
"They started it." Gabriel said. Honestly he really said that. A little preschool don't you think? Goliath asks them for their names.
"We are Oberon!" Dramatic much? "Lord of the third race and ruler of Avalon. This lady is Titiana our once and future queen. We have returned to claim our home and if intruders do not leave our realm then…" Ilaria did not let him finish.
"For Pete's sake can't you guys just share the land? Compromise maybe?"
"A king does not need to compromise with intruders."
"Forceful ones with war in mind yes, but Gargoyles and humans who have lived and cared for this land? I would say compromising would be the best action for a king. I guess you are just a poor one."
"Then they shall stay as part of it!" He declared the ground began to wrap itself around us as we struggled to get out of this.
"My lord you once commanded that the children and I dwell amidst mortals that was a thousand years ago today." Titania
"A thousand and one." Oberon corrected.
"So very long. Time enough for even Puck to mend his manners. I have done as you bid my lord. I have walked among them and lived among them and I have come to know them well."
"Do you now profess concern for mortals now Titania? Was not your disdain for them the reason I divorced you and decreed that you and the children should live among them to learn humility?"
"True enough. But perhaps you have not learned your own message?" She moved his down and stopped the dirt burial we were all receiving from him. She managed to give us a fighting chance. We were released from the dirt and it was Gabriel, Goliath and Angela to face Oberon in some sort of hunt. Leaving the rest of to think of a backup plan or sit and wait. Together we figured out a loophole involving iron the vulnerability of Oberon's children and Oberon as well. Ilaria began to walk away.
"Where are you going?"
"Not that its anything large to deal with but I am going to see the Magus." She continued on. We meanwhile check the forgery to see if it was ready for what we were about to do.
"What has gotten her riled up? When we last saw her she was but a shy thing with a smile on her face. Now she is acting more like a posed snake." Princess Katherine asked me.
"I don't know she started acting like this since we left Guatemala. She won't talk to me and I have tried to talk to her and then wait for her to talk to me."
"Try again Lass. Keep trying till she talks, but wait till she gets back from the Magus. She probably went to see him for guidance."
"For what potion practice?"
"No, I asked him where the chains were hidden." She said coming in the iron chains around her arms and gave them to Tom who melted them down. He still insisted on the sword, but the idea we had was the one to go with since Titania herself gave us the clue. This was now or never to find out why she was acting like this so I took the plunge.
"Why are you acting like this towards me?" She stares at me through squinted eyes and soon morph into a look of question.
"You still haven't gotten it yet have you Elisa?"
"If this is about me restricting you on some of the things that have happened to us on this trip…"
"No this has nothing to do with that. Geez! I may have felt upset at the time, but not enough to hold it over. I'm mad at you for something else."
"What then?"
"For acting like my Mom."
"What trying to keep you out of danger or getting into trouble?"
"No, for hovering over me like you think I'm your kid!"
"I don't hover!"
"Yes. You. Do. You treat me like I'm two, blowing the steam off my food before I eat it, constantly try to scrub my face and so many other examples I could use but we don't have time for that right now. I don't need a mother. I had one and even though she passed away before I could really get to know her. I still consider her as someone who was there for me. I don't want people thinking that just because she's gone that someone needs to replace her to make up for something in my life. I don't need another Mom. Just like I don't need another father, I was raised well, with a loving Dad and the spirit of a loving mother. I could always use a friend, a sister, aunt, uncle, brother, cousin even! But I don't need a new Mom or Dad."
"I guess I didn't realize how much I was taking this looking after you stuff so far."
"I appreciate you helping me out, but you need to relax. I take good care of myself most of the time."
"Are we cool now?"
"Like the artic."
"Ladies it's time." Outside we see Oberon had returned with Goliath, Angela and Gabriel in defeat. He strutted about as a peacock in pride. Till Princess Katharine showed him the bell made of iron we had forged. Tom rung it and the sound caused him great pain. We ended it allowing him life. Oberon gave Goliath a title of honor god and allowed the humans and gargoyles to continue their lives in Avalon. The three screech owls weren't happy and Ilaria happily stuck her tongue out at them before they left. We followed suit. Maybe this time we would come home.
Time goes on and we travel again through the water into a fog that shows us nothing but what we have seen for what is starting to feel like years.
Ilaria POV
The world is dark. I know I am asleep because I see nothing but the dark. And yet I hear something. Seagulls not surprising since we are out at sea and they fly all around the sea. Then I smell something. It's flora. Sweet scented. Three distinct smells all familiar. All strong. All from…Could it be? I woke with a start surprising all on board the boat.
"Bad dream Ilaria?" Angela asked.
"No. Do you guys smell that?"
"Smell what?" Goliath asks.
"Wait. I do smell something. It's something floral. Kind of like a perfume my great aunt once wore." Elisa said.
"I think I know where we are heading."
"You do?" I shake my head rapidly and it gets sharper when the form of what I see is before us. I recognized it in a heartbeat. How couldn't I? It' home.
"Welcome to Honolulu." We dock at the beach that leads to the porch of my house. "I didn't think I'd see my home so soon. We can stay here."
"Wait don't you think the people who own it now will be upset to have someone barge in?"
"I wouldn't think so since I still own the house. We didn't sell it when we moved. Instead we decided to keep it as a second home that at times would rent out to vacationers."
"Then how do you know that it isn't rented out?"
"The lights are off, there is no car in the garage and it's not the tourist season quite yet." I go to the secret area where we keep the spare key and use it to open the door. Like I thought there was no one in the house but us now.
"Elisa outside the garage there is a generator can you go and start it so we have power?"
"Sure." Angela turns to me to ask me something.
"How did you know we were here?"
"It was the flowers. I recognized the smells of gardenia, pikake and plumeria. It has always been a bouquet that I remember as home." It was then that the lights came on. Guess Elisa didn't have trouble starting it. "You guys can pick a place to sleep. In the morning Elisa and I can go get some food and will call Juniper. Unless the neighbors do so. The Kealohas said they would keep a good eye on the place. It's not that late. I'm going to go over there."
"I'm coming with you." Elisa said catching up to me as we took the short walk there. I knock on the door and was greeted with back breaking hugs.
"Aloha Lilly!"
"Lilly?"
"Nick…name." I said gasping.
"John I think you are choking her." Nani said pushing her husband playfully before letting me go. "I see you have brought a friend, Lilly. Aloha to you and welcome to our home. I am Nani and this is my husband John."
"I am Elisa Maza. I hope that we aren't disturbing you but we need to use your phone."
"Of course. Come on in and make yourselves comfortable." We enter the room and I reach for the phone and dial the number. Juniper picks it up on the first ring.
"Nani?"
"Lilly."
"Ilaria, you're in Honolulu?"
"Yep, we arrived safely and are using the generator for the house and should be getting a connecting flight soon to take us home."
"Alright. But don't stay too long and be safe. Oh and there is a matter of some importance that..."
"I'll talk to you about it later when I'm back on the mainland. Bye Juniper." I hang up the phone as Nani comes back in with bowls of generous helpings of haupia. Oh sweet nectar of life!
"I knew there was a reason I felt the need to make so much haupia today. I must have sensed you were coming by Lilly."
"This looks good."
"It's coconut pudding made by the best. Dig in Elisa or it will be gone too soon." I dug right in and ate it vigorously.
"This is good. I'm not a big fan of coconut, but this may change that."
"Mahalo nui loa for your compliment. What brings you back home Ilaria?"
"We were on our way back home and had an unexpected detour so we will be staying here for a while and then head back."
"Oh that is too bad. I was hoping to get to know your friends. Why didn't you let the gargoyles come over?"
"What gargoyles?" Elisa said.
"Don't play the fool with me us. Juniper called and told us about your little expedition. Have them come over. A good meal is due for them too." Well I'll be. Note to self. Thank Juniper with a lovely fruit basket for her thinking ahead. Elisa and I went back to the house to bring them over. Nani and John already had the table set up and the food laid out.
"I hope that you like stir fry. I just had to try this new recipe I got from Mr. Toshi."
"Mr. Toshi, elder or son?"
"Elder Mr. Toshi."
"How is he?" I said sitting down. The others followed. It seemed a little awkward for Goliath. I don't think he has eaten at a table with humans like this before.
"Oh he is doing fine. He has been working part time at the farmer's market lifting heavy boxes."
"Gosh. He must be in at least his eighties and he still wants to work like that."
"There is no keeping that man from doing a job. If he could he would work even if he was dead." Nani said as she served Goliath and then Elisa.
"He embraces the hard working spirit of America."
"Since the day he emigrated here from Kyoto." John said passing the rice down to Angela. Nani had finished seeing that everyone else was served and finally served herself.
"This is delicious. What did you say this was called again?" Angela asked.
"Stir fry. Would you mind telling us your name?"
"I am Angela."
"That is a lovely name. It means Messenger of God, meaning angels."
"Yes, your name Nani does it mean something?"
"It means beauty and I was one when I was young."
"Don't say that. You are a rare woman one that has gotten more beautiful with the years."
"John, you flatter this old woman too much."
"What old woman?" She playfully taps his arm and they hold hands. Married for forty years and they still are in love with each other like teenagers. Awe!
We finish the meal and say our goodbyes. We promise to come for dinner with them before we leave whenever that may be. Elisa and I sleep for a couple hours and then rise to go and buy some food. When that was done I told Elisa to follow me. There was a reason for it. It wasn't to show her some amazing waterfall or pretty scenic place. It was something else. Actually someone. We walk till we come to a small building built into a side of rock that looked like it should be condemned on the spot. If you just looked at it. In truth it was a rather structurally sound building.
"Ilaria please tell me that you don't expect us to go in there?"
"Trust me Elisa this is not something to worry about. But when we go in don't make any sudden movements." We enter and walk slowly. Looking for the dweller of this real-estate. I look high and low to find her, but it could be possible that she wasn't home. I thought that and Elisa did too till a low growl came out of the air. In the corner stood a large panther with teeth exposed, claws digging into the ground and a menacing look in its eyes.
"Don't move Ilaria." Elisa warned. The panther stopped growling and stood up out of its crouched position. The head tilted to the side as if in recognition.
"Ilaria?"
"Hibby?"(Author Note: I is pronounced as an E.)
"It is you! You have come home!" Hibby said bouncing around in her panther form confusing the heck out of Elisa. Hibby got my eye cue and morphs back to her original form. A gray haired teen with large blue eyes. She runs over and hugs me.
"It is so good to see you. I am sorry about the almost panther attack. After you moved. I haven't had visitors. Just dumb kids who think this is a place they can smoke that awful stuff."
"You still frighten them away too don't you?"
"Of course I do. They entered my territory without permission. Something very offensive." The need to explain my friend is interesting. Years ago my father and I were driving home on a dark rainy day. Dad spotted her on the side of the road unconscious and bleeding. We took her home with us since the storm was far too bad to take her to the hospital. Luckily Juniper was visiting and had just become a registered nurse. She treated Hibby's wounds which weren't as bad as they seemed. Till she woke up and morphed into a lion in front of us. She growled and swiped and moved as if to attack. She kept up the hostile attitude till I managed to calm her down with a kind gesture. She took time getting use to Juniper, but came around. She calmed enough to morph back as a human again and we found out three things. One she could change into any animal she wanted. Two she didn't trust doctors or those like them. Two she knew nothing else about herself. Not even her name. We named her Hibiscus, Hibby for short.
Hibby didn't live with us. She stayed close by of course. She was able to afford found through street performance. She would change into a cat, dog or her favorite form of all a snow white ferret hidden from view and then dance around. She was very good. On her best day she could make at least eighty dollars. Whatever she didn't use on one day she would store away for the not so good 'days.
"Hibby would you like to meet a gargoyle?" She looked at me funny but followed us to the house and by that time it was sundown and she was amazed. She transformed in front of them without a second thought and crawled up and down their shoulders and across Bronx's back.
"I wonder if I can transform into a gargoyle?" Hibby asked through her little ferret mouth.
"I don't know. You have only transformed into animals. When you are human you can only change your hair color."
"True. But I never tried to change into a gargoyle before."
"We can try that later. Hibby, have you noticed anything strange over the past couple days?" Elisa asked. Hibby hopped off of Bronx's head and walked along the back of the couch.
"Except for the unusual amount of bad vibes that sends the animal version of me wanting to run and the volcanic activity that has been coming from the Volcanoes National Park and the strange vibe I have been getting. Nothing really has been going on."
"How unusual?"
"Thick clouds. I think Pele has been insulted."
"Pele?" Goliath asked.
"The goddess of the volcanoes and fire, known as She-who-shapes-the-sacred-land."
"I see. We should examine this Volcano park see if anything foul is afoot." Goliath said. And he was beyond right when we dock shore. We ran into an old friend or should I say enemy. Robot Coyote was back he looked more human shaped than his last design. We didn't know why he was there, but if he was there then it couldn't have been a good sign.
"Shall we investigate or attack first?"