Revelations, Part Two

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Castle Wyvern

Brooklyn roared as he woke and snapped his tail. He stared at the horizon where a sliver of light still touched the earth. Goliath had returned earlier that day, but he'd been a stone figure then and was carried ashore like any other piece of treasure. He was sure, however, that Xanatos would've instructed the workers to treat his stone form with more care and gentleness than even the Golden Case or the Heart Stone.

He turned to regard his clan. Each was as anxious as he to meet up with Goliath. They were excited to hear what they'd found, but more than that, they were worried. If what Goliath said was true, if Constantine was awake again, the world and the gargoyle race was in great peril.

"How long before Elisa gets here?" Graeme wondered from his perch.

"I'm here now," Elisa called with a laugh as she emerged from the tower, and the clan immediately surrounded her.

"Hey Elisa!" Broadway greeted. "Ready to go?"

"Hang on, big guy!" Elisa laughed, raising her arms. "It's not like he's gonna disappear or anything. But, yes, I'm ready to go."

"I hope father is alright," Angela said softly. "He sounded so upset when he called last night."

Elisa put a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "I'm sure he's fine, Angela," she said.

"Either way," Brooklyn said as Katana joined him, "now that everyone's here it's time to leave. Goliath is waiting for us."

The others didn't need to be told twice. It only took a moment to get airborne, then they were flying towards the warehouse.

******

Goliath sighed heavily while pacing on the roof. His thoughts consumed him, prompting anxiety and rage. He had failed to prevent Constantine's return. All the dreams and signs he had been given were offered in vain and now the rest of the world was in danger. He looked at the sky and was immediately envious of how brightly the stars twinkled. It was like they didn't have a care in the world and were foolishly trying to convince him that all was well. He scowled and looked away, snapping his tail and ruffling his wings as he watched the humans work below him. There were so many of them and none of them, save a few, knew just what had happened. They'd never heard the old stories; they'd never seen what he'd seen and most never would. Some might eventually learn about it in years to come, but they'd never feel the repercussions.

He turned when the sound of wings reached his ears and as expected spied the clan gliding in for a landing among the bright lights and shadows of the city. His impatience mounted as they soared in for in a landing, but his heart swelled with relief to know they were well.

Elisa jumped from Broadway's arms before he had even touched ground. She was running for him before Angela caped her wings and placed Nudnik on the ground. He enfolded both in his arms and held on tight.

"Beloved! Angela! I am so glad to see you safe!"

"Father!" Angela cried. "I am so relieved to see you are alright."

"What happened?" Elisa demanded.

"And where's Hudson?" Broadway wondered. "Wasn't he with you?"

"He is inside guarding the case," Goliath replied. "As for what happened, it is best you come inside where I can safely explain."

Without argument, the clan followed him inside.

After descending a flight of stairs and passing two rows of crates filled with goods, they turned a corner and came to a small office somewhere near the back of the building. To their amazement the golden case sat in plain sight atop a desk. A young human stood before it, cleaning it and securing, while Hudson looked on. A little farther off was another human, Italian looking, and he seemed very pale. All three glanced up as Goliath and the clan approached, but the second human looked close to fainting.

"Good evenin' lads and lassies," Hudson greeted as they filed into the small room.

"Hey Hudson!" Graeme chimed.

"Who's that?" asked Ariana as she glanced up at the startled human.

"This is Darien," Goliath explained. "He is the one I told you about. And his friend is Carlos. Hudson and I did not meet him until tonight."

Darien stood very still as the clan moved in to inspect him. He had only just gotten used to Hudson and Goliath but now he had a dozen other beasts to deal with. For a moment, he was almost as pale and woozy as Carlos.

"Uh, h-hello," he greeted awkwardly, trying very hard not to sound rude. "It's nice to meet you."

"You too," said Arianna.

"You're not used to seeing so many gargoyles, are you?" Graeme asked, earning him a sharp 'thwak!' over the head. "Ow! Hey!"

Arianna scowled at him and Brooklyn stepped between them to stop a fight before it could start. "Kids!" he laughed, but threw them a warning grin. "They say what they think, don't they? Anyway, don't worry about it. It's nice to meet you too."

"Uh, thanks," Darien stammered and looked over at Carlos who was shaking his head.

"Is that it, dad?" Arianna asked, pointing at the case.

"That's it alright," he growled in reply, frowning at the two figures which stood on either side. "But I'm not sure what those are."

"They look like clay statues," Graeme muttered thoughtfully.

"They are lad," Hudson sighed. "They are representations of Odomus and Lady Dragon."

"The heroes of legend?" Lexington asked.

"Didn't the Eldest used to tell stories about them?" Broadway wondered.

"Where did you find them?" Katana wondered and gently picked one up to carefully study it.

"They were in the crate when we opened it up," Darien explained uneasily. "I can't explain how they got there. I don't even remember seeing them before now."

Goliath frowned. "Very curious."

"They look freshly sculpted," Sata observed.

"Who are Lady Dragon and Odomus?" Elisa asked Goliath. "I think you've mentioned them before, but . . . Goliath, are you okay?"

He glanced at her. "I do not know," he replied.

"Father, what happened over there?" Angela asked, and he looked at her.

"A great evil was returned to this world, Angela," he told her angrily. "And your mother is responsible for that."

Angela stared at him in shock. "My mother?"

"What happened, Goliath?" asked Brooklyn in concern.

Goliath looked at them and took a moment to explain in detail the events on the night of Constantine's release. Everyone listened in shock and grew still with fear. "And so, the legends are true; Constantine is alive again," he finished with a growl and Angela looked away. It was really true. Her mother had helped free Constantine.

Arianna tugged on Katana's sleeve. "Okaa-san, who is Constantine?"

"Yeah, I don't remember anything about him," muttered Graeme as he looked at the figurines.

Goliath regarded his clan for a long moment. He had forgotten that his clan had not heard the old tales in years and poor Angela had never heard them at all. For her, clan lore was completely alien, and yet, with the present danger closing in on them, all needed to be reminded of the danger lest they should fall and Constantine scorch the world with darkness.

"All of you sit down," he rumbled. "It will take some time to explain, but there is something that you must here."

"You mean you're going to tell us a story!?" Ariana cried happily as she looked up at her large leader, and he nodded. "Yes!! I love stories!"

"Yeah, and Goliath never tells stories!" Graeme added as he plopped into a love seat next to his sister. "This is gonna be good."

Darien shivered. He wasn't certain if he wanted to learn Constantine's history or not.

Goliath waited for his clan to situate themselves and studied their faces, but did not smile. Their situation did not warrant the typical joy one felt in reliving stories of the past. Tonight their task was much more serious. For Angela it was filled with disappointment and heart ache. Learning that her mother had once again acted against the gargoyle way was discouraging for her. He wished there was some way to ease her pain.

I'm sorry, Angela. For your sake, I wish it had not turned out this way. But I will not turn back time, and I could not turn back time even if I wanted to. Just be strong for me. You are not alone. I am here. I will always be here, my daughter.

Without a word he rested a hand on her shoulder but did not look at her as he gathered his thoughts. Then, the story began.

"The legend of our ancestors begins in the fourth century AD. It has been passed down from generation to generation. The massacre at Castle Wyvern nearly took it from us. I feel lucky that I remember it so well without any children to tell it too, until now, at least."

Graeme and Arianna giggled.

"Even so, it begins with a young woman named Cassandra. She lived in a castle as the daughter of a high priest. She was beautiful to look upon, kind and wise, but very quiet. She was not content with her life. She longed for more, something unobtainable for any human; flight. She'd witnessed our race in flight many times before and desired their grace for herself.

"As the years passed, Cassandra found favor with a young nobleman and soon they were wed. They raised a good, strong family and her heart was full."

Goliath paused and closed his eyes, remembering a rookery mother who had been most kind to him as a child. Her voice had been soothing and angelic as she sang him to sleep. Her touch had been feather-light, but warm and gentle. Her smile and the twinkle in her eyes had always been filled with love and a powerful need to protect him, nurture him and teach him. She had always been there, whether to wipe away his tears, or comfort his fears or entertain his delight. He realized now that he was seeing her as more than just a rookery mother; he was seeing HER as his biological mother.

"The happiness was not to last," he continued. "It dwindled with the appearance of a dragon in her homeland. He was large and intimidating and the people were frightened. Warriors were sent to destroy the beast but when they returned, they brought back stories of granted wishes and boundless wisdom rather than a scaly, tooth-infested head. The idea of a wish-granting dragon was intriguing to the people of her homeland, but none other than herself or the warriors that had gone before dared to approach the dragon. He had taken residence in a cave in the hills and was very easy to find. Even so, Cassandra was anxious. The dragon was asleep and she feared his rage if she woke him. Yet he did wake and much to her surprise he greeted her with kindness. Soon they were acquainted and eventually they came to her reasons for visiting the cave. The dragon was not surprised by the disbelief of her people, but he was uneasy about granting a wish. Fierce consequences always followed, and yet, for reasons unknown he granted her wish. Perhaps he could see her destiny and who she was? I wonder if we will ever know.

Despite this, Cassandra's wish began to come true. Wings began to grow on her back, but her joy in them did not last. The dragon warned her not to share her visit to the cave with anyone but her family. Few would understand and most would become frightened with the changes wrought upon her. To help protect her, he provided her with a magical shawl that hid her wings from wary strangers and well meaning fools.

"Days later, a stranger entered the castle. He made her uneasy and she did her best to shelter her family from his penetrating gaze. Yet, within weeks the people were swayed to his favor and a childhood friend was lost forever to evil and witchcraft. A strange darkness fell over her home. The stranger laid blame on Cassandra and her family, claiming he had seen her soaring the night skies like a demon. She was taken to the village square for judgment and her wings were revealed for all to see. Horror and rage seized the people and to add insult to injury, the stranger cursed her to forever resemble a gargoyle, but her family, her little children . . . were put to death."

Everyone stared at Goliath in horror.

"How could they do such a thing?" Angela cried, very near tears.

"The world is not always as kind as we would wish, child," Hudson muttered quietly.

"Didn't anyone stop it?" Graeme wondered.

"Cassandra was saved, yes," Goliath replied.

"Who rescued her?" Arianna asked.

"The dragon," Goliath told her. "He soared over the village with her father astride his back and took her from a land that had become dark and evil. They fled towards the west, stopping on a bit of land that does not exist in Scotland today. There were great mountains and cliffs and caves. A clan of gargoyles welcomed them and aided Cassandra in her grief. Though astonished, she was grateful and learned why she'd seen gargoyles gliding the night sky near her home for so many years; her father was gargoyle, and thus, she was, as well."

"Really?" Graeme gasped, and Goliath nodded.

"Cassandra's father had made himself human in order to learn more about the human race. The tendencies he feared and remembered still existed, and he shared his disappointment with her as well as his grief that he had failed to protect her. But Cassandra laid no blame on him.

"Time passed. Cassandra's grief healed and she made a new friend out of the Clan Leader. His gentility and concern made adjusting to a new life easier. She learned more about her new form and what made gargoyles so unique. Through it all, her bond with the Leader grew stronger and after two years of life on the coast, she was mated to the Leader."

"Goliath, I have a question?" Fox politely interrupted, and Goliath looked at her. "It's more of a wild guess, but is Cassandra Lady Dragon?"

Goliath stared at her in surprise.

Xanatos nodded his agreement. "And if she is, how did she get that name?"

Goliath sighed at that and folded his arms over his chest. "Ever the observers, aren't you? But, yes, Cassandra is Lady Dragon. She was given the name out of respect for her bravery in the face of great tragedy and despair, but most importantly they honored her for her compassion towards the dragon. He had blamed himself for the misfortunes which befell her family, but she did not find fault with him."

"And I would assume as well, then, that the 'clan leader' she fell in love with is Odomus?" Fox asked, and Goliath nodded.

From his seat, Hudson watched Goliath carefully. He couldn't help but feel surprised and perhaps a little enlightened as he listened to the retelling of an old legend. Only this time it seemed more in-depth, more detailed than usual. The emotion behind it was also different, it was stronger. Somehow Goliath understood the legend better than any of them, past or present, and Hudson couldn't help but wonder if somehow the journal was responsible for that.

"Goliath?" Darien asked timidly. "Did Cassandra, err, excuse me, Lady Dragon end up staying with the gargoyles, err, the clan, indefinitely?"

Goliath nodded. "She even gave birth to a daughter."

Lexington and the others started. "What? Wait a minute!"

"Gave birth to a daughter?" Broadway cried. "I don't remember that!"

"Yeah, gargoyles give birth to eggs," Graeme said as he scratched his head and looked up at his parents. "My sister and I both hatched from eggs. What's up with that?"

Goliath frowned. "To be honest, I am not sure. It seems much has changed since the days of Lady Dragon and Odomus."

"How?" Angela wondered.

Brooklyn frowned thoughtfully. "Well, there have been a lot of curses and spells placed on gargoyles over the centuries. But, I remember hearing this story in my younger days, and remember thinking it odd they didn't turn to stone. I wonder if there was a stronger breed of magic protecting Lady Dragon and her clan and prevented them from turning to stone? It might have even kept them from birthing eggs. But, I am not sure."

Goliath rumbled thoughtfully. "That is something I have often wondered, but unfortunately, there is no elaboration on the matter. Nevertheless, it is irrelevant. All were in danger. A strange darkness had fallen over Scotland. The evil one's influence had spread and now he was intent on capturing ALL of Scotland, and not a simple castle.

"Soon, refugees without number began filling the land. Pursuing them were all manner of wicked beings; corrupted gargoyles from neighboring clans, demons, trolls and strange creatures strongly resembling dragons with hints of gargoyle ancestry. Their invasion of the hills Lady Dragon's clan had called home for generations was foretold by Unicorns of the Night."

"You mean black unicorns?" Angela breathed, and clutched a hand to her chest in fear. "Princess Katharine once told us they were evil!"

Goliath shook his head. "No, Angela. Color does not necessarily stipulate whether a unicorn is good or evil, but true Unicorns of the Night are the warriors of the unicorn race and will also appear to warn against plagues and disease. But unfortunately fear is powerful and people often misinterpret their intention.

"Still . . . Odomus recognized the warnings the Black unicorns were giving him. Hiding was becoming impossible and the refugees were prey to the creatures of darkness. Eventually a battle broke out and the clan and the refugees bound themselves together as one force and drove the creatures away. It was, for our ancestors, the first encounter with the human race in centuries."

"Say what?" said Lexington.

"That means our clan has encountered other humans before," Broadway noted thoughtfully. "The meeting with Prince Malcolm's people in 928 AD wasn't the first encounter after all."

Goliath nodded. "Indeed, but as allegiances grew so did the dangers. The allies knew they needed to find a weakness they could use against Constantine to stop him. They sent out fifteen warriors to find that weakness, but only one returned. He had with him this golden case, which lies before you."

Goliath turned to gesture towards the case. "He told his comrades that this and the heart stone were Constantine's weakness."

"What's the heart stone?" asked Angela.

"It is a large heart shaped ruby that provides Constantine massive amounts of power, and it is what resides within the golden case at this very moment," Goliath explained. "However, the golden case could prove Constantine's demise if someone else were to steal it from him and use it along with the heart stone. Then, instead of feeding him power, his weapon drains his power. Thus, he would become trapped inside the heart stone and the golden case alike, as he has been for the past seventeen hundred years." He glowered darkly. "At least until now."

The clan shifted uneasily. Angela lowered her eyes.

"What did Odomus and his clan do?" Graeme asked.

"The clan stormed Constantine's domain and laid siege to his palace. He cast a spell that turned many of the warriors to stone, which depleted their numbers and nearly sapped their courage. Yet they fought harder and drove their enemies away. In the meantime, Lady Dragon and Odomus confronted Constantine, and by using the golden case as a vacuum they were able to sap Constantine's power and trap him inside the heart stone. With this they sealed him inside, and in his defeat the land touched by his power began to crumble. Many of his minions and allies were destroyed or trapped in a parallel dimension. The battle was won."

"Not that easily though," Brooklyn growled.

"Weren't the humans and the clan separated?" Lexington asked.

Goliath nodded. "It was Constantine's last effort. The humans were driven from the land, never to return until Prince Malcolm's appearance years later. Lady Dragon's clan remained in their homeland, but it had also been affected by Constantine's curse. It was now an island of its own, one which would become legendary for any fortunate enough to fall upon it. It is richer than Avalon, larger, far more beautiful and peaceful beyond imagination."

"The Island of Crystal Moon," Broadway sighed. "Yeah, I've dreamed of going there someday. Always curious about what it might look like."

"The cliffs where Castle Wyvern used to stand are what's left of what is now Crystal Moon, right?" Lexington wondered and Goliath nodded.

"Were there no humans at all accompanying the clan?" Fox asked.

"Very few," Goliath replied.

"Is that it, then?" Darien asked. "Is that the story?"

Goliath nodded.

"Fascinating," Xanatos muttered. "Unfortunately, we're no closer to finding this Constantine let alone learning how to deal with him. We might have the case and the heart stone but none of us have the ability to use them."

Goliath nodded. "I am afraid we will need help for that," he said with a sigh, and glanced at the sculptures of Lady Dragon and Odomus.

"Ye're thinkin' the same thing I am, lad," Hudson rumbled as he stood. "They know the man better than any o' us. I think that's why the journal appeared and the Seal o' the Guardians with it. It always meant somethin' tae that rookery father o' yuirs."

"It obviously means something to you as well, old friend," Goliath noted. "What is on your mind?"

The clan turned to the oldest warrior among them as he sighed and stroked his beard. "A short while before we left fer Scotland lad I had a dream. Do ye recall the battle with the sorcerer hunting for dragon's stones?"

A soft growl escaped Goliath's lips. "How could I forget?" he replied. "He believed I was the Son of Odomus."

Elisa and the clan looked at Goliath.

"Aye," Hudson growled. "Ye're rookery father carried the Seal o' the Guardians when he came tae our aid. Perhaps there is a way tae use it tae call for help? Perhaps he left it tae us for that reason?"

"Which would mean he expected something like this to happen," Brooklyn said.

"But how could he?" Lexington wondered. "I mean, he was just a silly old teacher. It's not like he really was Odomus. Is he?"

The clan looked at each other and then at the statues.

K-BLAM!!!!!!

Everyone in the room was thrown to the ground a few feet away from the table where the case sat. The desk was turned over and the statues were thrown to the floor where they shattered on impact. The case clattered to the ground, the lid breaking off and the sides cracking as the heart stone tumbled across the floor. It glowed brilliantly as the lights went out, throwing bizarre shadows across the room.

Elisa coughed and sat up. "Goliath!" she called, trying to see through the dust and gloom. She found him lying a few feet away, stunned and angry. "Goliath! Are you okay?" She rushed to his side as he sat up, shook his head and looked at her. All around them the clan was getting to their feet. They could hear Katana speaking frantically to her children with Brooklyn's voiced mixed in. All of the clan was frantic and trying to track everyone down, but Goliath was staring directly behind them, his eyes wide with horror and strangely red in the glow of the heart stone.

Almost directly above him and slightly behind and floating in the air was a figure. Thick black smoke boiled at the hem of his robes, all of which were blacker than the blackest night and frayed at the edges. Nothing about this stranger was familiar except that there seemed to be some echo Constantine in face; the same golden eyes, the odd scaly, green colored skin and the demonic smile of one who'd found his prize.

The newcomer gazed evenly at Goliath, a look of curiosity shining in his eyes. His sharp white teeth glistened in the light of the heart stone. He purred with wretched satisfaction as he glanced from the heart stone to Goliath, but something about him seemed off.

"Greetings, Goliath," hissed an almost inhuman sounding voice. "We meet at last."

"Who the blazes are you?" Goliath snarled.

The stranger chuckled at him and floated backwards until he was directly over the heart stone. "I do not expect you to know me," he breathed. "Your legends claim I am dead, and perhaps I should be." He performed a stiff bow, hissing with pain as he did. "I am An-Dominion, the Tyrant; eldest son of Constantine and heir to his throne."

Goliath gasped. "Impossible!"

An-Dominion laughed at him and then settled his feet unsteadily on the floor. "I assure you, warrior, it is very possible."

From a few feet away, Brooklyn snarled and took a step forward. "Goliath, he's wounded! Don't let him get the heart stone!"

Goliath roared and leaped at An-Dominio. An-Dominion lifted his hand and the heart stone soared straight into and a second later he was floating backwards at impossible speeds. Goliath landed on all fours, snarling madly, and stared at his foe in surprise.

"Too slow!" An-Dominion hissed. He suddenly began to glow an intense red. As the clan watched, his robes billowed with perverse joy, occasionally blowing far enough off his body to reveal the bandages that covered much of his torso. Those bandages slowly peeled away from his flesh, revealing ugly stars and wounds that healed within seconds as the heart stone's power coursed through him. He laughed maniacally and lifted the huge ruby over his head. He could feel his body mending, feel his strength returning.

"The power! It is incredible! At last I am whole! I live again!"

Goliath and the clan charged him as one, but one by one they bounced off of a strange force field surrounding An-Dominion before they were even within a foot of reach.

"A futile effort Son of Odomus!" An-Dominion bellowed, his voice stronger and his posture relaxing as he floated to the ground. A wave of his hand revealed the mark on Goliath's brow. Not many of the clan remembered seeing it before and gasped in amazement. It was a prophetic mark.

Goliath stumbled backward and snarled. "My name is Goliath!"

An-Dominion laughed. "Such individuality," he mocked. "Must be your human blood."

The shield around him vanished, and then . . .

"Goliath-sama!!"

Everyone stared as a familiar figure leaped through the air and came straight at An-Dominion with eyes blazing a deep gold. The Tyrant, as he was so often called, didn't have time to react as a blazing fast battojutsu caught him in the middle of the back. He cried out as he flew through the air and crashed to the ground a few feet away, dropping the heart stone. The new comer came down hard on the ground and slid to a stop before the clan, his back to them and his eyes facing their foe.

"You!" Goliath snarled.

"You came!" Arianna cried, strangely happy to see him while pressing a cloth to a cut on the side of her head.

"This is crazy!" Lexington growled. "How'd you know we'd be here?"

"Later!" the stranger in question snapped, standing ready as An-Dominion casually got back to his feet and surveyed the new hero-to-be.

"Fascinating. A new face in the game. I don't recall seeing anyone quite like you before."

"Nor are you likely to again!" he snapped, his voice remarkably strong as he stared An-Dominion in the eyes.

Without warning, An-Dominion shot into the air screaming wildly. "No! Get the heart stone!" Brooklyn cried. He and Lexington darted forward simultaneously, but Goliath reached it first. His talons scrapped against its surface, causing sparks to fly, as it soared through the air and straight into their enemy's hands. At the same time, a shock wave extended outwards knocking the clan to the ground.

Another strange cry and a wave of the hand sent red lightning into the clan. They writhed and roared in agony for several seconds before the newcomer managed enough strength to thrust the sheath of his sword into the air. The electric energy was sucked into its core and completely absorbed. An-Dominion ceased the attack, gasping in amazement.

"You carry magical weapons, stranger. Interesting." He pointed a finger at Goliath. "How quick are you?"

The newcomer yelled in horror as Goliath was struck with paralyzing energy. He cried out in pain before he was lifted off the floor.

"Goliath!" Elisa cried and pulled out her gun as she and everyone else followed after him.

"Father, no!" Angela cried, chasing the stranger into the storage area of the warehouse. He simply floated through the wall, but Goliath was yanked through it, obliterating it. The clan followed after him, but the stranger hesitated a moment, his eyes on the twins and Katana.

"Daijobu," she assured him, a little confused by his concern for her children, but thankful none the less as he raced after the others.

An-Dominion looked back at them, a strange look on his face. "Father, is it?" he questioned and glanced between Angela and Goliath as he came to a stop in the center of the warehouse and in a relatively clear spot. "Well, well, well. You've been a busy boy." He studied Angela closer and grinned. "She has the face of our family's descendant; the witch of Wyvern, Demona!"

Goliath roared in agony and rage.

"Don't you talk about Angela like that!" Broadway snarled and threw himself at An-Dominion with Angela at his side, but his mate was distracted.

An-Dominion cackled and swatted them both aside. They crashed into a collection of heavy crates and didn't get up again.

"Angela!" Goliath screamed, and despite the pain, flicked An-Dominion in the face with his tail. The sorcerer retaliated by sending tendrils of solid black smoke to his throat.

"My father would prefer to kill you himself," he hissed. "But I think I shall enjoy this. To see the look on Odomus's face when he sees you dead will be priceless!"

Goliath snarled at him as the pressure around his neck increased. It was getting hard to breath.

"Still," An-Dominion hissed thoughtfully, glancing thoughtfully at Angel. "Perhaps killing you may not be enough. If you die, your ancestors may simply choose another warrior to attempt thwarting us, and they may choose her!" An evil, cruel grin crossed his face as he turned back to Goliath. "Mayhaps the best way for you to die in pain is to show you the pain of losing a loved one!"

He lifted a hand and pointed a finger at Angela's limp form as the newcomer leaped through the whole in the wall. A ball of red, crackling energy formed at his talon-tipped finger.

"Noo!" Goliath snarled, watching helplessly as Angela was struck by the blast. The first strike sent her flying through the air. The second simply seized her and held her in a bubble of agonizing energy.

"Angela!!" Goliath snarled, and with a suddenness and intensity no one expected, released a blast of white hot energy that nearly sent An-Dominion through the two foot thick warehouse wall.

Goliath collapsed to the ground coughing and gasping as Sata hurried to Angela's side.

"How'd you do that?" Lexington cried as he and Elisa helped him sit up.

"Goliath-sama! Behind you!" the newcomer shouted. Everyone looked up as An-Dominion soared over their heads roaring in rage. Elisa reacted first and opened fire. Two bullets hit home and An-Dominion dropped to the ground. The heart stone rolled from his hand and the intense glow subsided.

"You . . . WENCH!!" he screamed and staggered towards Elisa.

"Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu: Ryu Tsui Sen!!"

An-Dominion looked up with a gasp as the newcomer came down from an impossible leap, his sword swinging in a powerful, controlled arch that shattered his shoulder bone and slammed him into the ground with a cry. His attacker flipped over his head and landed an arm's length away and whirled back around to face him.

An-Dominion stood slowly, grasping his shoulder. He looked at each of the clan as they formed a circle around him. His eyes now glowed a deadly red. His fists shook with uncontrolled rage. "Die . . . all of you!!!" he screamed and released a barrage of energy that seized them all. They were blasted against crates and walls, whatever was nearest, and held there with painful sorcery.

Angela, who had begun to regain consciousness, was suddenly struggling to hold on to what awareness she had left. She could hardly hear anything beyond her own cries of agony, but faintly, distantly, she heard her father's voice.

"Hit him!" she heard him cry, his voice hoarse with pain. "Angela, use your magic! Quickly child!"

She'd never really remember what it was exactly that she did, only that she'd done something that left the sorcerer dangerously crippled. She distantly recalled a bright bolt of white hot energy leaving her hands before she slumped to the ground. Comforting hands surrounded her as the painful attack subsided, but all recollection failed soon after.

An-Dominion lay quivering where he had fallen. He never could have expected the girl to have such strength, but she did. Her power far surpassed that of her mother's. He gingerly rose his head and glanced around at the clan. Each was gasping for breath and trying to shake off the dizziness and pain associated with his favorite attack. The newcomer, the swordsman, stood to his right balanced by his sword. He leaned against it and glared at him with the sort of determined defiance found in any hero figure.

Shakily, he began to push himself up. The battle was not going well. Even with the heart stone's extra strength he was still weak from near fatal injuries received in battle centuries ago. The heart stone lay an arm's reach away from him. Its glow was still strong but a new glow was overpowering it. He knew that glow.

"No! Not here! It can't be!"

A sphere of light appeared directly in front of him and as everyone watched a figure materialized in its center. An-Dominion's eyes widened. He trembled with rage. "You!!" he roared and stood with his hands balled into fists. Weak energy crackled around them, but he doubted he had the strength left to use it.

The figure approached, causing the sphere of light to distort with his movement. It was as though the light was actually trying to hold him back.

"Leave this place, Tyrant!" a voice boomed within the light. "Leave and do not return!"

The light intensified and suddenly the sphere burst like an exploding window. The shards of light floated in the air and disappeared once they touched the concrete floor. When the light faded, a tall gargoyle bearing a strong resemblance to Goliath stood before them dressed in armor and exquisite robes. His stance was sure and proud and just by looking at him one could see he had far more power than An-Dominion could ever dream.

"Stay away from my son, Black Heart!" the warrior boomed in a soul-shaking voice. He roared and flexed for battle, an impressive display of magical energy dancing around his frame.

An-Dominion hissed and fell back, calling the heart stone to his hands as he went. Both Goliath and the red haired new comer leaped to catch it as it sailed through the air, but with their reflexes so slowed from the painful onslaught, they missed it entirely. They slumped to the ground beside each other and watched helplessly as a strange green and red light encompassed the sorcerer's body.

"This is not over!" he snarled. "You will die yet, Son of Odomus, and your beastly clan with you!"

He vanished in a flash and a strange quiet fell over them. The new gargoyle relaxed his stance and sighed.

Everyone sat up slowly and regarded him as he approached. Angela began to come too. Broadway stumbled over to her and relieved Sata. He sat with her as Katana emerged from the ruined office carrying the fractured remains of the golden case. She frowned at it, her brow creased with worry, and then spied the new face among the clan and gasped.

Elisa crawled over to Goliath as the new warrior stopped before them. They embraced and turned to him expectantly. Goliath's eyes widened when he finally recognized the one who had helped save them.

"Elder! You – You're alive!"

The tall warrior knelt and received a warm embrace from his leader. The clan drew nearer. Angela and Broadway moved slower than the rest.

"I am here, my son. At last, the barrier is broken."

The warrior's voice trembled with emotion and Elisa realized he was fighting off tears. She also saw something she'd seen in Angela the first time she'd seen her; a very powerful resemblance.

"Are you . . ." she began, but didn't finish as Lexington approached.

"We thought you were dead like the rest of the clan," he said, a mixture of relief, disbelief and confusion in his voice.

The warrior shook his head. "Nay. Old enemies sent us back tae Crystal Moon the morning before the massacre. We never saw them, but we felt the lingering echo of their magic when we woke on the westward cliffs. They were servants of Constantine."

"Why did they do that?" Broadway wondered as he knelt with Angela. "Why not just shatter you like the Vikings did to the rest of the clan?"

The warrior shook his head. He regarded Goliath for a long moment, blinking several times before he reached out to gently touch his face.

"Probably didn't want to be seen," Brooklyn muttered.

Everyone jumped when the red head leaped to his feet, his gaze on the large front door. The warrior turned his head to listen, his ears twitching just slightly while his face scrunched up to listen.

"What is it?" Brooklyn asked, his muscles tensing with fear of another attack.

"The police," the red head said. "An alarm must have been activated during the struggle." He turned to the clan. "You must go. Now!"

"Wait! What about the heart stone? What about that warrior?" Lexington cried, hopping from foot to foot. "We've gotta go after him! Oh! The golden case! We need it! It can suck the power of the heart stone, right?"

"The golden case is useless, Lexington-san," said Katana from the whole in the wall, and everyone turned to her. "It is cracked. The magic is gone."

"No! What're we gonna do?" Lexington cried, turning back to the warrior.

"We canna worry 'bout that now, lads," Hudson grunted as he limped through the door. "Not with the police so close. We need tae go."

"What about Fox and Xanatos, and those other two?" Broadway asked.

"Still out cold," Brooklyn said. "I think they were knocked out in the initial attack."

"They will awaken soon," the warrior soothed, turning to the red head. "You will be here tae help? And you know what tae say?"

The man in question nodded.

"Who are you?" Sata asked suspiciously as she stepped a little closer, her hand on the katana at her side. "Both of you."

"I've seen you before," Angela muttered softly to the red head. "You are Himura Kenshin. You were there to help us when the Pack attacked."

He smiled. "Indeed, yes."

"And you?" said Sata, looking hard at the new warrior, although in her heart she felt certain she knew.

"You're Odomus, aren't you?" Elisa asked, her voice steady. "Your face matches the one carved on the little statue."

Odomus smiled. "Truly a brilliant woman," he said with some reluctance. "I am Odomus." He turned to Goliath who stared at him in shock. "Return home, all of ye and rest. Explanations can wait. They will not attack again. Not so soon."

He stood to leave and Goliath reached out to grab the fabric of his robes. "Wait!"

Odomus smiled sadly. "Later, my son. I promise ye."

He disappeared in a soft glow. Goliath's hand still hung in the air as though grasping fabric. He let it drop slowly.

"He is right, Goliath-sama. You must not be seen here."

Goliath looked up at Kenshin, torn.

"Come on," said Elisa as she stood. "I'll help you."

Kenshin maneuvered and helped Goliath stand with Elisa at his right side. "Go swiftly," he said urgently. "And be careful."

He stepped away, sheathing his sword as he went, and went into the office to check on the others. Graeme and Ariana watched him as they stumbled out and joined their mother. Slowly, the clan made their way towards the stairs as the Xanatoses, Darien and Carlos came too. Katana left the golden case where she had found it and after nodding a quick good-bye to Kenshin disappeared into the shadows.

Crystal Moon. . . .

Lady Dragon sighed as she listened to Titania, the Queen of Avalon. Her words were grim indeed; now that the barrier over the Dark Realm was broken, creatures and warriors of all sorts were beginning to flood the earth. Fear for her son clenched in her heart. He and the clan had already narrowly escaped certain doom, but what about the next time?

"'Tis not good," she muttered in concern. "'Tis not good at all."

"Aye," growled Odomus in agreement as he held her. "That devil of a man still had an advocate." He shook his head. "It begins again. But at least for now our son is safe."

Titania nodded. "Protecting Goliath must become a priority. He is the subject of a vendetta against the both of you, but also . . . also, he has a great destiny to face and he is not even aware. The Mark of the Guardian does not reside at his brow for nothing. He is the future lord of all gargoyles, the one who will unite the races in peace. If Constantine blindly manages to destroy him, all is lost."

"Then we must bring him here!" Lady Dragon cried eagerly. "Begin his training!"

"In due time," said Titania taking her hand. "But it must be done carefully." She sighed and looked out the throne room window, which allowed for a spectacular view of their lands from east to west. "However," she said, turning back to her daughter and son-in-law, "Goliath still questions his heritage and identity. It might not hurt for you to speak with him, and then bring him here."

Lady Dragon nodded, but seemed confused and worried. She looked at her mate in desperation. "What should I say to him?" she asked and sighed sadly as she looked at her hand. "I have so much that I want to say. He is my son."

"Tell Goliath the truth," Odomus told his mate. "He must come to this isle. There is much he will need to learn. We can use the mirror as the doorway, or simply guide him through by the magic of the island."

Titania rose an eyebrow. "Is it agreed, then?"

Lady Dragon and Odomus nodded.

"Good," said Titania with a smile. "Now I must take my leave of you. The gathering is still in session and even I cannot leave the isle for too long. But I will come to give aid whenever I am needed. Cassandra, go to Goliath tomorrow night. I will see you again in time.""

Lady Dragon nodded and with that, the fairy queen disappeared. "She remembered faster than I expected," she muttered. "Still, what more shall we do? Sunset there is still so many hours away. What if he doesn't last until then?"

"Constantine won't waste the resources for an assault just yet," Odomus assured his mate. "He needs to gain more strength himself. Goliath and the clan can manage until tomorrow night."

Lady Dragon sighed again and nodded, but still worried. She loved her son dearly and had missed him these past centuries. "I suppose we can make other preparations until then," she conceded. "It will be better than sitting idly and blindly hoping for time to pass."

"Indeed, yes," Odomus said, and they turned to leave the throne room together.

The End.

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A/N; Goliath seemed a little out of character in this, didn't he? I was trying to put a weight on his shoulders, but . . . . ah well.

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