Disclaimer; Gargoyles belong to Walt Disney. TGS and its characters are fan-based and all credit belongs to them.
Summary; Impending battle is near and destiny is making itself known. But with Goliath as reluctant as he is, can it be accomplished?
**************
Flight to Crystal Moon, Part #1
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The Black Realm -
Constantine sat at his throne, entranced. The heart stone's power was rejuvenating him again. During his imprisonment it had become more than just a simple conduit it had become a life source. His time in close proximity with its energy had created an unexpected bonding. Now he needed to be as close as possible to it as often as often as circumstances permitted. He could literally feel himself start to die now if he was away from his stone for more than an hour and it wasn't a feeling he enjoyed.
"Most unfortunate to be all-powerful and yet be so dependent on a talisman for life," Thailog noted sarcastically near the cauldron.
Constantine glared at the clone as he casually leaned against the cauldron's side. "You are lucky that you are capable of healing from your injuries with the sun, Thailog," he snapped. "This, unfortunately, is not so easy to heal from, nor is it something I can escape. The Heart Stone's magic is far too deep, and in some ways is more complicated than even I realize. It is not a tool to be misused or taken lightly."
"And yet somehow it was, wasn't it?" Thailog dared to ask. "You grew too confident."
Constantine sneered at Thailog again, but held his temper. As much as he hated to admit it the clone was right. He had indeed grown to overconfident and as a result had lost the battle and gained a dangerous dependence on sorcery.
"An unfortunate oversight I will be quick to remedy in the future, I assure you," Constantine told Thailog. "I have no desire to become trapped again." He looked down at the clone. "That is part of the reason I sought you out. You are, I must admit, better leader quality than myself and your insights and experience may literally become a matter of success – or death."
"Not very many options, are there?" Thailog asked in mild unconcern.
"No," Constantine snarled, and then jumped slightly as a new presence filled the room.
Thailog snarled and aimed his laser rifle at the force appearing in the room. He watched as a figure appeared in a flash of green light and released the trigger. He didn't want to be here, he reminded himself, but he might as well continue playing the part of willing associate.
"Who are you?!" he bellowed. "State your business!"
"Calm yourself, Thailog!" Constantine snapped, and Thailog shot him a glance. "That is my son. Tyrant."
Thailog stared at Constantine for several seconds, and then threw a suspicious glare at the newcomer. It was then that he noted with a shock just how well this newcomer favored Constantine in appearance.
"A pleasant hello to you, as well," the stranger mocked as he floated towards the throne. "I have returned and the news is good, father." He grinned. "Our forces stand ready. We can attack any time."
Constantine hissed through his teeth. "Good," he purred and glanced at Thailog. He'd given the clone a strange talisman forged with a piece of the heart stone in a ring of gold. It was designed to help him acclimate to his magic within a matter of days, which was what they needed. The lessons he'd provided the clone within the past few hours would have to be enough for a while. But perhaps a test run was in order.
"Yes, I think that will do nicely."
Tyrant, or An-Dominion as he was formerly known, followed his father's gaze and raised an eyebrow. "What will do nicely?"
"A test run," Constantine explained.
"For what purpose?" he asked again, clearly confused.
"To test the talisman he wears," Constantine replied thoughtfully. "I've given him a few lessons, but because I do not wish to waist precious time training him to hone his magical abilities I provided him with a talisman that will almost literally do it for him while simultaneously teaching him control and fines. It will be a little risky at times, but it will be most beneficial in the end. He'll not require it if all goes well."
"And just when did you want me to begin?" Thailog wondered.
Constantine smiled deviously. "Now."
Thailog stared at Constantine a moment, then nodded, bowed and raced towards the balcony to take off towards the training grounds below the castle and its many towers. Constantine and Tyrant watched him leave.
"Is it wise to use him as our ally?" Tyrant inquired.
Constantine chuckled coldly. "He will not betray us," he said coldly. "I embedded a small sliver of the heart stone in his heart. Its power will slowly and surely bend his will to my own, and it will be subtle enough that it will sway all suspicion. Before Thailog even realizes it he will be mine completely."
"What about the talisman?" Tyrant pressed.
"It is just as I said it was," Constantine told him. "It is nothing but a conduit for his powers and works with the sliver in his heart to keep him under my control. If he does break free of my will . . ."
"He will die quickly," Tyrant cackled and looked into the cauldron. "So, while he gathers his strike force, what was it you wanted him to do?"
Constantine glared into the cauldron. He had just the plan in mind.
*******
Castle Wyvern/ Manhattan. . . .
Elisa sighed as she glanced out the library window. He stood at his daytime perch stiff with thought. The silver moon highlighted features and created something other-worldly with his handsome frame. It wasn't hard for her to tell something bothered him, and she knew what it was too.
Several nights ago, a new enemy, an ally to Constantine, had attacked the clan and stolen the heart stone. The office and some parts of the warehouse had been left in ruin and the golden case destroyed. They wondered now if they could face Constantine without it. Its power had aided the clan's ancient heroes in capturing him. What could defeat him now that it was gone? And what about Lady Dragon and Odomus? Could they be called on for help and how?
Goliath and the clan had made several futile attempts to locate Constantine and the heart stone, but with no success. Not even Angela's magic had been enough. It had left Goliath more disturbed and anxious than usual, but more than that, it had left him questions he couldn't answer; was he the son of Odomus and Lady Dragon?
"Is my father still out there?"
Elisa looked up from her thoughts surprised to find herself in the clan's recreation room. Angela sat in the chair nearest the door and regarded her with worry.
Elisa sighed. "Yes. He's still brooding. I wish I knew what to say to him, but I get the feeling he's just not ready to talk."
"Mmm," Angela muttered and sat down the book she had been reading. "Perhaps he is afraid."
Elisa looked at Angela. "Goliath, afraid?" she snorted. "I doubt it. For as long as I've known your father he's never been afraid of anything. In fact he's one of the bravest people I know," She smirked a little, and added; "However he can be very stubborn at times. . . "
Angela smiled and then she frowned. "Hudson told me once that the role of parenting was shared by the whole clan. I wonder if father is having trouble accepting that he has parents and not just clan elders. Perhaps he is even disturbed by the possibility that he has magic."
Elisa's eyes widened. "Goliath? That's impossible. He hates magic."
Angela sighed. "I know. But it's there and it's getting stronger. I've been able to sense it in him for some time now but . . . I wasn't sure and . . . I was afraid to ask him about it." She fiddled with her hair. "Father can be rather intimidating when he is confronted with something he doesn't like."
Elisa frowned. "Boy you're not kidding."
There was silence a moment. "I heard Hudson talking about something called the Guardian a while ago. I think he was referring to the Seal father found in the library. Something about the Guardian is very important. I wanted to ask him more about it, but . . ."
"Well, I think the Guardian needs to wait. Finding this Constantine fellow and preparing the world for another grand scale invasion is just a little more important," Elisa growled and walked over to a window a few paces from the television. She couldn't see Goliath's perch from this angle but she could still imagine him pacing back and forth, as anxious as ever and still finding no answers to their immediate dilemma.
Angela watched her a moment and then picked up her book again. As the silence resumed the door creaked open and Xanatos cautiously stepped into the room. Both women turned to him in surprise and noted young Alexander who lay nestled in his father's arms, peacefully drifting off to sleep.
"I thought I heard voices in here," he muttered. "I hope I wasn't disturbing anything."
"We're fine, Xanatos," Elisa said a little more curtly than she intended. "It's Goliath we're worried about, and this Constantine fellow too."
"I see," he said, looking out the window. "He has been brooding more than usual hasn't he?" He squinted and strained his ears when he caught the tell-tale sound of rain against the glass. "I hope he's not still outside. It's just started to rain."
Elisa sighed. "Perfect. Looks like I'll be getting a little shower before I shower."
Xanatos quirked an eyebrow.
"I think father is upset by what was said at the warehouse," Angela spoke up and sat her book down again as she stood.
Xanatos nodded thoughtfully. "That would make sense," he said and rubbed Alexander's tummy when squirmed fitfully.
"Hey guys. Everyone alright?"
Everyone jumped as Broadway entered the room. Alexander began to fuss and Xanatos turned away speaking soothingly into the toddlers ear. Broadway winced and the chef's hat he wore on his spiked head wobbled dangerously.
"Oh, sorry," he said. "I didn't know you had Alex. I didn't wake him up did I?"
Xanatos shook his head. "No, he wasn't quite asleep yet. He's had a little bit of an upset stomach."
"Oh, well . . ." the big bellied gargoyle trailed off a moment, noticing the solemn mood that hung over the group. "Uh, well, I've gotten dinner ready if you guys are hungry. I can get it set up in the dining room if you want."
Elisa exchanged glances with Angela and Xanatos and shrugged. "Might as well. But we might want to leave Goliath alone for a while."
"Is he brooding again?" Broadway moaned and exited the entertainment room with a sigh.
*********
The rain was coming down hard now but Goliath would not leave his perch. He sighed heavily and stared at the blinking lights across the street. He felt overwhelmed and somehow doubted what he'd heard. The Son of Odomus. It just wasn't possible.
Goliath found himself thinking of Angela and what her perspective on this matter might be. Truly it had been easier for her to accept something that went against lsighed as he stood at his perch. He was overwhelmed with a flood of emotions and visions. He simply couldn't believe that he was the one. He had done as the prophecy had said he would. He had named himself the chosen one. But he couldn't be the chosen one!! Could he?
Goliath found himself thinking of his daughter Angela, and wondered if perhaps she must have felt this way at one time as well. To suddenly realize that you were the son, or daughter, of a hero, to be greeted by something that went against clan tradition . . .
But Angela had not been taught the gargoyle way, at least not completely. She had been taught a very human slant on slings. It made him wonder how he might have handled things if he had been in her shoes. Perhaps he wouldn't have been so quick to take offense or hurt someone he loved . . .
He closed his eyes. He still regretted that. He wished he could go back and change it, but he couldn't. All he could do now was offer his daughter all the love and support he had and that was exactly what he did. So what about the possibility that he had parents of his own? And clan heroes no less.
How very ironic . . . he thought to himself. The children once idolized me as their own ancestral leader, a hero of sorts. Now I . . . but still . . . can it be possible? I feel like there is more to what is coming than a simple battle.
"There is Goliath, and you will preserver," a female voice announced. "And you will do because you have allies at your side who love you, who bless you with courage, strength, wisdom and love. And more over, you have power."
Goliath snarled and spun around, squinting against the rain.
"You are the chosen of Reul."
Goliath glared at the empty space of the tower. No one was there. The voice was familiar . . .
"Who are you? Show yourself!"
From behind him there came a soft glow which illuminated the tower. He whirled around to watch as the light slowly drifted towards him. He felt a presence there burning with warmth and love. It wrapped around him like a blanket and almost succeeded in soothing his pains and frustrations, but he stepped out of it, raising an instinctive defensive wall as he opened his wings and dropped into a crouch.
Slowly the light faded and a familiar face stared back at him. She was beautiful but slightly different than he remembered. Like Yama from clan Ishimura in Japan, she had no wing fingers and the top of the wings were not a darker shade of his natural color. They were in fact the same hue. The inner wing was a lighter hue, something of an oddity. Her face was almost horse-like in appearance but the snout was a little shorter than Una, the unicorn-faced warrior of the London clan. Her eyes were blue and they glowed constantly with subtle power, hiding her pupils. She wore a long flowing gown with strong Egyptian references with a head peace and jewelry to match.
It was different from what he remembered but she was still the same. Time and circumstance could not take that away. He would have known her even if he were blind.
He dropped to one knee, bowing in deep respect. He had hoped but never really dreamed of meeting her face to face like this. But then he realized that he had seen her many times before. She'd always been a part of the clan. She'd always been there teaching him and nurturing him. She'd even tried teaching him how to paint but he'd never picked up on it. The time spent together had been what mattered most to him.
Even so, his heart soared with elation and disbelief. He could barely bring himself to look at her.
"You. . . ." he stammered. "You're. . . "
She smiled and nodded. Even when standing still she had pure grace and a demeanor of absolute calm. Yet a tear rolled down her cheek as she looked on him. The joy that flowed from her was so powerful he felt a lump grow in his throat.
It really was her!
"Yes," she said softly.
"My lady," Goliath said softly. "You . . . why . . . What is happening? Why is it happening?"
The female, Lady Dragon, sighed. "Your old mentor, Hudson, never told you. Did he?" she asked.
Goliath regarded her. "Told me what?"
"About you, Goliath," Lady Dragon replied. "About your destiny."
Goliath stood and swallowed. "What exactly was there to know?"
"Your lineage," Lady Dragon told him. "Oh, my son . . . you are exactly as the legends say you are, but . . . you are not just my descendant, Goliath . . ." She placed shaking hands on his face and Goliath felt a shock of realization surge through him. He knew exactly what she was going to say. Somehow he had always known.
Her eyes bored into his. Tears unexpectedly blurred his vision while his mind and heart raced.
"Goliath," she said, her voice shaking with joy and fear, "you are my son."
Goliath held his breath for a long moment. "What?" he gasped when he again found his voice.
Lady Dragon nodded.
"You - Your son!!" Goliath stammered, sinking to his knees while his heart felt as though it would burst. "I am your son!?"
*********
"Where is Goliath anyway?"
The question echoed through the hall as they exited the castle and stepped outside. The courtyard was empty of life but sparkled with the wet of rain. The coolness it brought was heavenly but Elisa wasn't sure she was up to getting wet just now.
"Is he still at his perch? He missed dinner."
Broadway's complaint was light but his concern was not.
"He's still upset over the incident in the warehouse," Elisa told him as she lifted the collar of her jacket.
"Yeah, I guess you can't blame him," Broadway conceded. "Still, I wish he'd stop going off by himself like this."
"You and me both," Elisa muttered and looked up at the tower. Something about it looked off to her. There shouldn't be so much light up there.
Maybe it's just a trick of the rain, she thought and after crossing the courtyard at a jog wound her way up the tower stairs with the clan behind her.
As they neared the top of the stair well Elisa frowned. The light she'd seen from below was still there only it was far brighter. Alarm immediately swelled through the clan.
"What the . . .!" Brooklyn growled and drew his pistol. The sound of hissing metal echoed against cold stone as double blades were drawn and Katana and Sata took defensive positions behind Elisa.
"What's causing that light?" Lexington wondered, a soft hiss escaping his lips.
Elisa and Brooklyn glanced at each other and then poked their heads over the rim. Both feared another attack but what they sucked their breath away.
"Oh my . . .!" Elisa gasped.
*******
Goliath was dumbfounded. His heart both ached and rejoiced. Somehow he'd always known. Somehow he'd always hoped that it was true. And yet, he also found that he was angry; angry with himself, angry with the traditions of his kind, and angry with his parents for not telling him . . . and for disappearing.
"All this time . . ." he mumbled softly. "All this time and I never knew."
Lady Dragon knelt before him and held his face in her hands as tears fell from her eyes. "We wanted to tell you," she told him softly. "We wanted you to know who you were so badly! But we were afraid . . . so afraid . . ."
Goliath looked at her. "Of what?" he asked her.
"We feared you would – reject us," she said, looking away. "And also . . . to hide you from enemies, to let you grow as you needed too . . . we felt it best you grow in obscurity. The truth would find itself in its own time." She shook her head. "At least that was what we kept telling ourselves."
Goliath stared at her for a long moment and his thoughts returned to his daughter. Their roles were switched. Angela received rejection while his parents only feared it. He was determined not to make that same mistake again.
"Where have you been?"
Lady Dragon sighed. "On Crystal Moon – New Atlantis," she replied and Goliath's eyes widened in startled amazement. "After the massacre we fled there, not knowing where else to go. With you frozen in stone we were forced to simply wait, and the waiting was the hardest part of all. But our enemies expected this. They sealed us on the island as we once sealed Constantine's allies to the Black Realm. Now the seal is broken and the battle begins anew."
Goliath frowned and she reached up to place her hands on his shoulders.
"The mantle you must take upon yourself is a heavy one," she told him. "But you are of a proud lineage and possessed of great strength and courage. You have endured trials and persevered where others have faltered. You have been guided throughout your life for this purpose and you must follow through. Humans and gargoyles must learn to live together again. It is the only way for our kind to be whole."
"What about Constantine?" he wondered.
"We will face him," Lady Dragon assured him. "But there is much that you must learn before it can be done."
Goliath frowned, and then released a long, deep sigh.
Lady Dragon glanced at the sky. "We must go soon. Your training will take time we do not have and Constantine is sure to have begun his own degree of invasions. If we hurry we can delay him and take the battle into his land before he knows what hit him." She sighed. "But I fear even that may be impossible. He is far too clever and will wish to avoid any past mistakes. If we do not defeat him all are doomed and your destiny may never be fulfilled."
Goliath regarded her. "What exactly is my destiny? And what of my clan?"
"I think you know," she told him. "As for your clan, they will be alright. They are strong and can hold their own."
He nodded. "Indeed they can."
"My son, we need you," she continued in a somber tone. "All gargoyles need their Guardian to return whether or not they remember him. Those of us who wish to be whole again know we cannot be so unless the Guardian fulfills his task. And the time for that to begin is now."
Goliath stared at her in bewilderment. "The Guardian! Is Reul to return?"
She stared at him and then at her hands. "Not exactly," she said and looked back at him. "Learn the Guardian's ways, my son, and all answers will come with time. But for now we must stand and fight."
Goliath's hands tightened into fists.
"Um . . . Goliath?"
Goliath turned in surprise to see his clan standing a few feet away gazing at him and his mother in awe. In front of them was Elisa, her eyes wide and questioning.
"Goliath, what's going on?" Elisa asked cautiously, dropping her hand and pointing the gun at the ground. She didn't need it here.
At Elisa's right, Hudson sighed and bowed deeply, his eyes shining with unshed tears. "My lady!" he cried softly.
The clan also bowed, but Elisa and Angela did not.
"Who are you?" asked Angela softly, and Lady Dragon sighed.
"I am Cassandra, young one," she replied. "I am the one many of our kind call Lady Dragon . . . your grandmother."
Angela put a hand to her lips. "My – grandmother?"
Lady Dragon nodded and turned as Elisa stepped forward, smiling. She'd watched this woman from afar for a long time and she was most pleased to call her clan.
"You're Lady Dragon?" Elisa asked, awed. "Are you really Goliath's mother?"
Lady Dragon nodded. "And you are Elisa Maza, the woman to whom my son's heart now belongs."
Elisa blushed and nodded. "Yeah, I guess you could say that" she said.
"I wish to thank you, Mss. Maza. If it hadn't been for your guidance and care I doubt my son or our clan would have survived this world."
Elisa shuffled her feet. "I doubt that," she said. "He's one of the strongest people I've ever known. He would have pulled through somehow."
Lady Dragon smiled. "Perhaps," she conceded, and Elisa smiled back.
"So," Lexington muttered as he approached Goliath, "does this mean you'll have to leave?"
"Yes," he replied with a sigh. "It does."
"Hey, you'll do fine," Brooklyn reassured him, understanding what his leader must be feeling inside. "You've never lead us astray and I doubt you'll start now." He clapped a hand on his leader's shoulder, smirking. "Just promise us you'll come back in one piece, okay?"
Goliath nodded firmly and grasped Brooklyn's hand in a warrior's handshake. "I will. But you must keep the same bargain."
Brooklyn grinned with his own firm nod. "You got it," he said. "Guardian."
Goliath frowned at the term. Guardian?
Lady Dragon sighed and touched his arm. "Come, Goliath. We must go now."
She turned and hopped onto his perch, but he hesitated. Elisa took his hand and gave it a reassuring squeeze. "Go on," she said. "Go learn whatever you need to learn. We'll be here holding back the fort until you get back."
"And we will send reinforcements to help you," Lady Dragon added. "Constantine is sure to send his armies to this island when the battle begins. Your clan will be needed here to protect this island and I dare say that there are others besides your hosts who will be willing to fight beside you."
She turned to look at another building in the distance and the clan followed her gaze. Whether by some magical enhancement or some other trick, everyone could see the stranger, Himura Kenshin, standing on the balcony of his benefactor's impressive penthouse atop the Wyvern Industries building several blocks away. Several other figures stood with him; a woman whom they could only assume was his wife, a second younger woman they thought was his daughter and several others who were further back and in deeper shadows. Yet all bowed when they realized they had been spotted and their valiant spirits glowed in the gloom of the storm.
"It's the swordsman!" Arianna cried as she hopped onto the parapet beside Lady Dragon.
"That Kenshin guy?" Graeme asked as he joined her. "Wow! This is cool! He's looking right at us!"
Goliath caught the swordsman's eye and nodded. He was gratified that there would be able bodied warriors here to defend the city in light of an attack, but still he worried. This was his family and he had to leave them in the midst of a terrible crisis.
"Goliath, we'll be fine," Brooklyn assured him. "You just do your part and keep that monster from doing any more damage. And just believe, okay? Just believe."
Believe in what? Goliath thought to himself, but nodded appreciatively before he turned and embraced Elisa.
"I love you," Elisa whispered and felt tears well up.
"I love you too," he rumbled softly, stepping away. "Please take care of yourself."
He joined Lady Dragon near his perch and turned behind him when Hudson stepped forward. "Lady," the old warrior said. "Forgive the impertinence of an old fool, but I feel I must come along. I cannot yet say why."
Lady Dragon smiled. "Who am I to say no to an old friend?" she said. "Everyone has a part to play. You will find yours as you take your own journey on the island."
Hudson nodded and turned to Goliath who nodded with relief.
"You are certain the rest of you will be alright?" Lady Dragon asked the clan as she turned to them again.
Elisa snickered. "Hey, don't worry about them," she said patting the Trio on the backs. "I'll drop in on them from time to time. And besides, Angela's more than capable of handling herself. She can keep 'em under control." She paused a moment, glancing at Brooklyn. "Except I guess Brooklyn doesn't need to be looked over now, huh?"
The brick red gargoyle shrugged while the others chuckled.
"Be careful all of you," Goliath pleaded. "And do get along lest Constantine's forces use our contention against us. I await the day we are reunited."
"It won't be that far into the future," Brooklyn said. "But, ditto on that."
"Take care Hudson," Lexington said.
"You do the same, lad," said Hudson graciously.
"Come, we must go," said Lady Dragon.
Hudson hopped up on the parapet to her right and watched as Lady Dragon drew in a breath, raised her arms and clapped her hands together with a soft "HUP!" and then paused there as if in prayer. Seconds later a portal opened intensifying the light that surrounded the tower. A resounding hum filled their ears and a fierce wind blew. Everyone gasped when a beautiful island was revealed through the portal.
"Wow!" Elisa gasped.
"It's awesome!" Lexington breathlessly agreed.
"Farewell, dear ones," Lady Dragon called over her shoulder before she leaped off the parapets. "May we meet again!"
Hudson followed immediately after her, but Goliath hesitated, glancing at Elisa and Angela before he too leaped off the tower and soared through the portal. It flashed brilliantly, and then collapsed. The rain started falling again immediately after.
The light around the tower faded, leaving them in deep darkness. Yet in their hearts there was light and hope.
"Whoa," gasped Broadway.
"It's beginning," Brooklyn muttered darkly.
"But my father will win," Angela said airily. "And so will we."
"After Constantine gets a taste of us, he'll never come back!" Lexington cried. The twins broke out in cheers that echoed his enthusiasm. The older warriors remained subdued.
"Good luck, Goliath," Elisa muttered softly. "Come back safely."
* * * * *
The Black Realm. . . . . . .
Constantine chuckled in spite of himself. He'd found the perfect target for Thailog's test. He didn't think Goliath or the others would be totally defeated but they'd taste his strength. They'd learn very quickly that their efforts were futile. He preferred to destroy them outright now but they needed to test Thailog's abilities with the talisman he'd been supplied with. If all went well, he might turn out to be the most loyal warrior among his army, other than Tyrant, Poachay and the harlot, Aiden.
Beside him, Thailog purred as he watched Goliath, Lady Dragon and Hudson leave Castle Wyvern and fly through a portal to the island of Crystal Moon. He couldn't deny that the island was impressive, even beautiful. He felt compelled to preserve.
"So that is Lady Dragon," he purred thoughtfully. "A most elegant woman. A pity she must be destroyed."
"Do not expect it to be soon," Constantine warned him. "She is formidable. I ignored her several centuries ago and I paid a heavy price for it. Do not do the same. Mother's are very dangerous when defending their children."
Thailog laughed at the comment.
"Does your strike force stand ready?" Tyrant asked.
Thailog nodded.
"Good," the other muttered. "Remember, be cautious. Portals are unstable phenomenon in the space time continuum. Lady Dragon may control this one but it will be easy for Constantine to change its course."
"So instead of arriving in the city . . ." Thailog began.
"They will appear a few miles outside of its perimeter, and right into our hands!" Tyrant cackled.
Constantine glanced at him. "Go," he croaked. "Go and play, but remember that even with his magic Goliath is a formidable opponent. Magic unharnessed is in its most lethal form. Antagonize him too much and he will erupt, possibly destroying you in the process."
"And not himself I take it?" Thailog asked contemptuously.
Constantine's cheek twitched. "He could, but I wouldn't count on that. He's more likely to temporarily cripple himself."
"Isn't that what we want?" Thailog demanded.
Tyrant hissed, sounding suspiciously like a giant python. "That would be the ideal outcome but . . . I do not foresee it happening. Not at this time."
Thailog growled.
"Go, Shadow Warrior!" Constantine shouted, pushing Thailog towards the balcony. "Give them the message that we are more than ready to wage battle. And do have fun."
I seriously doubt that, Thailog thought but flew over the balcony with a wicked grin regardless.
*********
Crystal Moon. . . .
Mystical energy surrounded them as they soared on. Anticipation swelled in their hearts. Goliath and Hudson had both dreamed of visiting the magical island, just not in this way.
"It is like traveling through the Phoenix Gate," Goliath noted.
Lady Dragon glanced back at him. "Is it?"
Goliath frowned thoughtfully. "Yes but this is more . . . how do you say, gentle?"
"I wouldn't know," Lady Dragon conceded. "I've never used the Phoenix Gate myself. But I have sensed its power. It could be a terrible weapon in the wrong hands."
"Except that it is dust now," Hudson glowered. "Brooklyn suffered an unexpected journey at its expense."
"Brooklyn?" Lady Dragon's brow crinkled in thought. "Ah yes. Your Second." She looked ahead of them. "We are almost there."
The words were no sooner out of her mouth when the portal walls began wobbling and distorting. A strange wind sucked them towards an unknown exit and they found themselves tumbling head over heels uncontrollably.
"What's happening!?" Goliath roared.
Lady Dragon snarled furiously as a light broke up ahead. "Someone is tampering with the portal!" she called to them.
They broke through the portal and fell through a black, stormy sky. They struggled to right themselves in the air but were marginally successful. They crashed into cool earth and Goliath tasted the bitterness of cool grass in his mouth.
He groaned as he sat up and looked up. Hudson and Lady Dragon had fallen to the earth a few paces away from him but they appeared intact.
"Ugh-" Hudson groaned as he sat up and rubbed his head. "What was that?"
Goliath looked around. "Where are we?" he wondered aloud and stood. All around them were green trees and hills. Meadows of tall grass and beautiful arrays of flowers. There were mountains and small villages and homes. There were farms spread across the island, and even near the mountain just a short distance away. He gazed at it in amazement.
"Milady, is this . . . ?"
Lady Dragon nodded as she was helped to stand by Hudson. "Yes, this is Crystal Moon," she said with concern. "But we are not where we are supposed to be!"
A brilliant flash lit the sky, lighting the trees and forests beyond them. They studied the dark clouds that loomed above them as the wind increased in intensity. A particularly strong gust shoved the gargoyles back into the grass and nearly carried them three meters before dropping them to the ground again. Trees and bushes thrashed about wildly as hurricane-force winds lashed at their branches.
Goliath dug his talons into the ground in hopes of grounding himself against the deluge but his wings kept capturing the wind and ripping him away from the earth. His mother and mentor were faring no better.
"What's causing this?" Hudson roared and dug his talons even deeper into the earth in a third attempt to keep from being blown away.
Lady Dragon looked at the sky and gasped. "It's Constantine!" She steadied herself against the wind, carefully pulled her wings into her body and ran towards the trees on all fours. "Come with me! Quickly!"
The wind died down a little as they dashed through the forest but the lightning and thunder sparked to life with a rage that filled Goliath with dread. Was Constantine truly this powerful? Did he truly have this much control over the elements? Even over Crystal Moon?
They came to a clearing and after a quick glance around took to the air, following Lady Dragon. The winds picked up again soon after and the journey became treacherous. The winds tossed them about so furiously that they nearly collided with trees and rocks. They had to beat their wings to stay steady. But keeping a steady path was not any easier. Wind and rain, flying leaves, grass and twigs blinded them.
"Flight is too dangerous!" Goliath called to his companions. "We must seek shelter!"
"There is no shelter against this storm, my son!" Lady Dragon snarled, but was looking for a vantage point they could use in the inevitable attack. "This is Constantine's work."
A strange creature bolted out of the looming clouds, heading straight for Goliath. It rammed into him, pushing him into some rocks, then zipped away as he struggled to regain his balance in mid-air.
"Goliath! Are ye alright lad?" Hudson yelled.
"Look to the clouds!" Goliath roared, pointing.
They followed his finger and through the glare of lightning and the sheet of rain noticed a small strike force of beings Goliath and Hudson had never seen but heard of. They swarmed through the maelstrom with ease despite white-hot lightning that scorched whatever it touched, thunder that left craters in the ground from its blast alone and wind that ripped trees out of the soil.
"Dragon Men!" Lady Dragon gasped. "Quickly, this way. And don't let them touch you!"
Goliath and Hudson followed her. He struggled to stay airborne. He had the distinct feeling that Constantine was trying to push straight into the attacking force's hands.
He was right. They overwhelmed him with a suddenness that alarmed him. They hadn't been that close a moment ago. It was like battling an enraged flock of birds; they scratched at his flesh, pecked at his eyes with sharp beaks at the tip of their snouts, clubbed him with spears and fists and did everything they could to force him to the ground. With a roar he managed to grab on to two of them with his hands and feet and spun crazily in the air until he heard their necks snap. Finding an opening, he dove towards the ground. He'd rather land on his own terms than be crushed against it.
To his port side one attacked his mother and to his starboard another was attacking Hudson. More joined the fray as if trying to keep the gargoyles separated. In the end, everyone found themselves slamming into the rocky earth. The dragon men were right behind them, screaming an odd war cry and brandishing spears and swords they barely managed to deflect before using their talons to blind or slay their attackers.
One dragon man tackled Lady Dragon to the earth, nearly breaking her arm in the process. Goliath was at her side in an instant. He grabbed the strange warrior in a strangle hold and twisted its head just so . . .
It fell limply to the ground and his mother was free.
"Come! We must seek a vantage point we can use against them."
He and Lady Dragon rushed deeper into the woods and helped Hudson fend off a few determined dragon men. A few lightning strikes followed their escape, tearing up the forest floor and igniting small fires that didn't last long in the pouring rain. Several dragon men followed after them, their bizarre screeches and spiny wings stinging their skin and filling their ears. A bolt of lightning struck Goliath with explosive force, knocking him several feet away from the group with an agonized howl.
"My son!!" cried Lady Dragon. She tried to reach him as a few dragon men pulled him away but there were too many blocking her path.
* * * * *
Goliath groaned and slowly pushed himself on the damp rock he'd fallen onto. He couldn't remember a time he'd felt such a deep ache. He felt warm blood oozing from a wound on his shoulder before the chilling rain washed it away. He felt the skin of his back burn and throb and twist uncomfortably as he moved. The smell of burnt flesh filled his nostrils. He winced and slowly stood as his vision cleared and studied his surroundings. It was very quiet.
Far in the distance he heard someone call his name and heard the angry screeches and roars of the dragon men. He started to run in that direction but blue white bolts of lightning slammed into the ground ahead of him forming an impenetrable barrier. He felt the energy in it from where he stood and stumbled backwards, holding an arm in front of his face to protect his eyes against the glare.
He heard a screeching snarl above him and looked up to see several dragon men circling the skies above him. The wind and rain had died down here but it was still too strong for flight. So what kept these creatures airborne?
He considered attacking them but they attacked first driving him farther back into woods that seemed eerily dark. He struck out at as many as he could and managed to knock two of the six out of the sky when they came within reach. When he had been pushed far enough into shadow they abruptly pulled off and sailed for the tumultuous clouds above.
He snarled and looked around. He knew a trap when he saw one.
A twig snapped somewhere behind him. He spun around and glared into the gloom but even his superior night vision could discern nothing threatening. He could barely see the shapes of the trees and bushes as he took a step into the darkness. He growled anxiously. This place had his skin tingling. His mind was buzzing uncomfortably. There was magic at work in this place.
There was a brush of movement somewhere to his right and then to his left. He heard the soft hiss of an angry snake and saw the glow of red eyes.
"Who are you!?" he roared, his wings flaring in a show intimidation. "Show yourself!"
His stalker chuckled. It sounded eerie in this haunted wood but it was also shockingly familiar. He watched as a figure stepped out of the deep gloom and came into the distant glare of the lightning-barrier. Slowly, stark white hair, red eyes, dark skin and thick metallic armor came into view and Goliath gasped.
"Why, is that any way to treat old friends?" his double chided coolly. "Obviously, that is all that is to be expected of you, isn't it?"
Goliath's mind raced. An alarm began ringing in the back of his mind.
"Thailog!"
Thailog laughed and aimed his laser rifle at his predecessor. "Surprise, surprise!" he bellowed and fired.
To be continued. . .
