Disclaimer: Gargoyles belong to Disney!

Summary: Goliath takes some time for himself and meets someone unexpected.

Shalamanesar


Crystal Moon

Goliath sighed as he soared the sky. He'd been airborne for over an hour now and was rather content. The majesty of Guardian's Mountain passed below and beside him. Its peaks pierced the air like might javelins, challenging his aerial mastery. He felt safe among these jagged peaks and gently rising slopes, but the feeling of impending doom still hung in the air. Very soon now Constantine would realize he'd been plaid and strike out with all his rage. He still wondered if they'd be ready.

He had to be. They'd been given a small miracle already that he'd been able to learn as much as he had. There was still more to learn he was sure but for now it was enough. Stuff like this took a lifetime to learn and he'd mastered more than half of it in a few months.

Still, facing Constantine was going to be the easy part. Trying to get the clans to work together and then somehow someway get them to work with humans was going to be another ordeal entirely. The clan of Crystal Moon and Ishimura were already a step ahead, but for the others . . .

With a sigh, Goliath descended in a steep dive to the clearing his father had shown him the day he'd started his training. There was a pond nearby and he wanted a chance to meditate. Trees grew all around. Grasses swayed in a gentle breeze. Bushes blossomed with a variety of flowers and fruits. Ferns thickened the foliage and tiny insects and arachnids scurried through it searching for meals, their mates and dens. Larger animals like lizards, salamanders and snakes in turn hunted them or the rodents and small birds that lived upon the island. Always there was the circle of life.

He thought of his clan and Elisa. He wondered how much time had passed in Manhattan. He wondered if it had only been a few days for them or if a week or longer had passed. Yet, even in this lapse of time, he felt Elisa's fear and impatience. Hers was the most potent of all and it plagued him every day and night. He missed her more deeply than he had ever imagined he could miss anyone. He didn't even think he had shared this sharp, or this close a bond with Demona, and it saddened him.

He spied a dead tree which had fallen across the pond. New growth all ready sprouted where it once stood and further pushed out its lingering roots so a growing sapling would have room to spread its own roots. It was struggling. He could sense it. He lifted an arm to direct his power toward the dead tree and felt it lift completely off the ground. He moved it to a clear spot some feet away where it would provide further shade and nutrients for other forest creatures. He then turned to the sapling and directed more nutrients to its roots. He gently pushed a larger nearby tree out of the way so sunlight bathed the saplings tender leaves. Water from the pond arched over land to gently dampen the soil and sooth the thirst that burned in the saplings green skin. Strength immediately filled the tiny sapling as did a gratitude so bright it made him smile. Like a child excited for a new adventure or a new toy, it wallowed in his touch and stretched towards the sky with all its might.

Goliath sighed and relaxed further into the cool grass. New flowers were budding a short distance away filling the air with their sweet scents. New plants stretched towards the sun just like the little sapling. But in the blink of an eye, something new caught his attention. A mind was reaching out, searching for something or someone. There was magic in the approaching stranger and it was already playing with the waters of the pond.

He jumped to his feet to watch as the water swirled into an image several feet in the air, glowing with reflected light from the sun. The newcomer was still hidden by foliage on the opposite side of the pond but he was carefree, filled with confidence and nobility. He seemed familiar somehow.

The pillar of water fell back into the pond and Goliath saw the newcomer clearly. "It's you!"

His grandfather looked at him and smiled. His ancient eyes sparkled with boyish delight as he regarded his grandson. He wore brightly colored robes that sparkled in the sunlight. He carried the appearance of one who knew the wisdom of the ages – and the pains and joys that accompanied them.

Goliath walked the length of the pond to stand beside him. He felt awkward but glad. It was a new sensation coming face to face with your grandsire but he growing accustomed to it.

"Grandfather," he greeted, bowing.

The old gargoyle bowed back. "We meet again. It is our third time now I think."

Goliath started. "Third time?" he asked in confusion.

His grandfather nodded and gazed at the pond. "I have been watching you, Goliath," he said at last. "You have done well and I am proud of you. I know all too well how difficult it is to sacrifice time spent with loved ones to face destiny." He looked at Goliath. "I am called Shalamanesar."

There was a few moments of silence.

"Can you tell me something?" Goliath asked at length. "Why did you not come to meet me before that day in the woods? Why did you wait until now?"

Shalameneser sighed and looked into the ponds clear, cool waters. "I did not wish to overburden you. What I had to say about our blood relation may not have been something you were ready to accept, or hear. The revelation that Lady Dragon and Odomus were your parents and that you were the last of the Guardians seemed thick enough. Although I desperately wanted you to know, I decided to wait and asked that your parents and sister say nothing of me until I felt you were ready." He looked at Goliath apologetically. "I may have been unwise in that decision, but I had only met you one other time before you had come to this island. I wanted . . . I wanted it to be a welcome meeting."

Goliath put a hand on his shoulder. "It is a welcome meeting, Grandfather," he told the old gargoyle warmly. "And I appreciate your tactfulness. This has not been easy, and I realize that the road ahead may yet grow even more difficult. But I will not fail in my destiny. I will do my part. I only hope I can do it well."

Shalameneser smiled. "You will."

"When was the first time we met? I do not recall having seen you before coming to this island."

Shalameneser smiled again. "You were just a babe. I had come to bid my farewells before my daughter and Odomus journeyed to Scotland where you would begin your life. I knew you would not know me after that, but I had always hoped that some part of you would have recognized my presence in one way or another." He looked at Goliath hopefully. "Did you?"

Goliath studied his grandfather for a long moment and recalled the emotions and sensations he'd felt the first time he'd seen the old warrior. There had been familiarity, laughter, joy and curiosity. Everything a child might feel when he or she met their elder for the first time.

"Yes," said Goliath at length. "Yes, some part of me did recognize you. I just did not understand how."

Shalameneser sighed with relief. "I am glad," he said and stared across the pond. Goliath followed his gaze. He was a little surprised to see Titania approaching them.

"Your grandmother approaches."

Goliath stared at his grandfather. "What?"

Shalameneser nodded. "She and I parted ways many centuries ago. It was difficult for your mother, you know. They had always been close. But she had asked to be left out of the story."

"Who had?"

Shalameneser sighed. "Your grandmother has always had a kind heart," he said slowly. "But the ways of her race are, well . . . they keep to themselves and see themselves as superior to other races. Yet when I knew her she was new, young and innocent. She didn't know who she was. She was found unconscious near the shore of a river bank. I had never intended to fall in love with her, but there has always been something . . . well, magical about her."

Goliath regarded his grandfather for a long moment. As Titania's presence drew nearer, he felt a heavy suspicion creep into his heart.

Shalameneser continued. "She had long, dark brown hair, green eyes, and a beautiful smile. Her memory loss always made her mysterious and she had this strange way of getting people to do what she wanted." He chuckled. "I was not immune to that art unfortunately." He looked at his grandson. "There was an accident, grandson, in later years when your mother was still very young. Your grandmother was taken for dead, but we discovered she was immortal. To save her from superstition, we helped her flee. And since then . . . well, I will say that she has fallen back into her true self. Her ways have become somewhat less than commendable."

Goliath felt uneasy. "Less than commendable? What are you talking about?"

Shalamaneser sighed. "Titania is fey," he said slowly. "And sometimes this hurts people, and their anger in turn hurts her. But, she does learn lad. She does learn. And she does care for you."

Goliath's heart stopped. Titania!? Titania is my . . .

Goliath released a breath he hadn't realized he had been holding. How could this be? "Why wasn't I told?" He heard himself ask, but already knew the answers.

"Because you wouldn't have been able to handle it," Shalamanesar replied gently. "And even now it'll take you time to get used to the idea." He grasped Goliath's shoulder. "Goliath, you must remember that the Guardian's way is compassion. Even if she is less than perfect, even if she does commit sin, she is still a living being, and she is still family." He sighed. "Though most of the love between her and myself has dwindled, we still remain friends. And that is what is important." He lifted Goliath's face so that the young gargoyle would look into his eyes. "Lad, do not make yourself feel something that you can't. If you can't love her the way you love your parents, then don't. But I must ask you to respect her and treat her kindly. Accept her as a friend at least, and I promise you, you will not regret it."

Goliath released a deep sigh, and then nodded. "I will do as you ask," he said grasping his grandfather's hand.

Shalamaneser smiled, and the two of them turned as Titania reached them. "Good afternoon, Shalamanesar," she said warmly. "I trust you are well?"

"I am, thank you, milady," Shalamanesar replied with a smile.

Titania smiled and turned to Goliath. "Guardian, we would have you in the palace."

Goliath frowned. "Is something wrong?"

Titania chuckled. "Not at all. Please come with me."

She turned away and Goliath started to follow her. "Please join us," he said as he turned to Shalamanesar.

Shalamenesar smiled. "I think I will, thank you."

Goliath smiled and the three of them returned to the palace together.

The End.