Gargoyles: Strange New World

Chapter 2

Author's Note: All characters are owned by Walt Disney and I in no way, shape or form own, created or lay claim to these characters.

Goliath looked over the rampart as his clan gathered around him. His clan, all eighty-eight of them, looked up at him as they congregated, eager to hear his plan. He could see the excitement in their eyes, the thrill of the hunt and battle pumping in their veins. He shared in it as well, though he had trained himself not to get lost in the warrior's fury. Well, as much as he could. He could see his mate in front of them, smiling up at him as if to say she was proud of his decision.

"My clan, tonight, we go and turn the invaders away from our lands. We will show them what happens when you attempt to destroy what Gargoyles protect. They will, in turn, tell those who will listen of what we have done, and that way, any who would think of coming here to plunder and pillage will know what they face."

He turned to his mate and second in command. "You will stay here with nineteen of the clan to protect the castle and the inhabitants."

Her eyes widen in shock, "What! I thought we were all going to go!"

He shook his head. "No, that would leave the castle too unprotected. While I agreed with you only the Mentor and I was not enough, we have more than enough warriors to accomplish our goal. Those that stay behind will protect the humans, and our rookery."

She looked like she wanted to continue the argument, but he stared her down. His mate she may be, but he was the leader of the clan. She finally reluctantly nodded.

"Those that stay shall be the ten elders, and ten of our best warriors. While I do not believe you cannot fight, I'd rather have your experience here just in case. Should we fall in battle, which leaves two generation of warriors to raise and train the future members of our clan." Goliath then started pointing at those who would remain.

"Mentor, while you deserve to stay, may I count at you being by my side during this battle?" Goliath asked.

"Aye, lad, I'll fight with ye, and show those Viking dogs and you younglings how to give battle!"

The whole clan laughed and agreed with him.

"Very well then, to the skies, my warriors! Let us rid our lands of these barbarians!"

As the clan started to take flight, he looked over to his mate. She looked at him with a strange look, like she was scared. He had not seen that look on her face before, his angel of the night feared no battle, nor worried for his safety before. He gave her a reassure nod, then took to the air himself.

It took about an hour to find the Viking's tracks. Once found, it was unmistakable. The path of their army left was wide, heading towards the coast where their ships would be berthed. As the clan landed behind him, Goliath knelt to the ground, examining the tracks, the Mentor beside him.

"They were here, men with carts and horses, very recently. I'd say no more than a half hours flight from here." Goliath said.

"Aye, though these tracks are very light for horses and carts bearing armored men. This may be a trap…"

Standing up, Goliath shakes his head. "Nevertheless, we will press forward. To the skies!" Goliath commands and to the air the clan rose, and followed the trail, leading into the heavy forest.

Shortly, they were able to see their prey. Goliath sounded the battle cry and his warriors descended upon the army. Men leading the horses and carts quickly abandoned their posts and took off, not even drawing a sword in defense. As the clan circled above, tearing at the covered wagons, Goliath noticed something.

"Something is wrong! There is only a handful of men here, not the entire army!"

The Mentor drew up in alarm. "This was a distraction! To lure us away from the castle!"

"We must return! My warriors, to me!" Goliath bellowed, trying to have himself heard above the din. Soon he was able to get his clan to heed him and they turned to race back to the castle.

But as they approached the cliff to take flight, the sun's rays crept over the horizon.

"We are too late!" cried the Mentor, feeling the stone sleep start to take hold.

Goliath bellowed in rage as he started to shift, knowing that whatever was going to happen, it was going to be disastrous. As he felt sleep claim him, he only had one thought.

"My… Angel of the Night….."