Etrigan and Athena searched the city from the sky for any sign of Demona, but they found nothing.
"Let's try getting a closer look and search from the ground," Athena suggested to her demon husband.
"As you wish, my love," Etrigan complied. He flew toward the ground and landed before freeing Athena from his arms.
The two walked past various statues. Athena was relieved to find them unharmed and not rubble. It was a clue that Demona had not been here.
"I hope the guys are having better luck than we are finding Demona," Athena said, "The city's a perfect hiding ground for anyone wanting to disappear. Almost fifteen miles of hiding spots."
Athena stopped walking as she felt immense pain and clutched her head, knowing it was a vision. The silver mist clouded Athena's vision before it faded away.
At Castle Moray, Findlaech, the Lord of Castle Moray, and Gruoch, a young noblewoman, are playing a game of chess. The young woman had just succeeded in beating the Lord in the game.
"Checkmake, Milord," Grouch announced.
What?" Findlaech questioned before laughing good-naturedly, "Ah, Gruoch, you're a clever lass. And quite a beauty."
"You are too kind, Lord Findlaech," Gruoch replied, bowing her head.
"Hey, Bodhe, you should be proud of your daughter," Findlaech told Gruoch's father.
Bodhe, Gruoch's father, stood up from where he sat at the dining table. He walked over to where a young Macbeth sat and noticed the young lad had a smile. Bodhe decided to take action.
"But what about young Macbeth here? Is he a match for the lass?" Bodhe wondered.
The young Macbeth blinked, looking up at Bodhe before turning to his father.
"Come here, son," Finlaech said, agreeing with Bodhe's idea, "Show our guests how well you play. Aha! And see to it you do better than your father just did."
"Yes, Sir," Young Macbeth nervously replied before standing up and approaching the chessboard. He bowed at Gruoch, "Milady."
When Macbeth sits at the chessboard, the two begin to replace the chess pieces, their fathers sit at the table.
"Aye, Macbeth is a good boy," Bodhe commented, smiling, "A sight more sturdy than his cousin, Prince Duncan."
"Aye," Findlaech said at the mention of the heir to the Scottish throne, "It is a fact that Duncan will one day rule the realm. But a question as to how well."
"He is young yet. The weight of the crown will settle him a bit," Bodhe spoke with optimism.
"Aye, one would hope," Findlaech nodded, "But he will be our King, for well or ill. And by the Sigil of Moray, Findlaech pledges his loyalty. "
As Macbeth and Gruoch set the chess pieces on the board, their hands touched by accident, causing Macbeth to blush furiously. Gruoch was also blushing, but she was more discreet about it. Exchanging smiles with Findlaech, Bodhe rose from his seat.
"Enough talk for one night," Bodhe decided, "It's time I see Gruoch to bed."
"Of course," Findlaech agreed, "Macbeth, see our guests to their chambers and return straight away."
Macbeth led Gruoch and her father out of the dining hall. As they left, Findlaech went to pour himself a glass of wine, only to find the decanter empty. Setting it down, Findlaech clapped twice to summon the kitchen boy to refill it. But the lad didn't appear.
"Wretched kitchen boy," Findlaech grumbled, "Probably napping by the stove again."
Suddenly, Athena had a feeling something terrible was about to happen. The door opened, and Findlaech turned towards the sound, ready to give the boy a stern lecture.
"There you are. Get to work, laddie, or I'll-" Findlaech was speechless when he saw it was not the kitchen boy. Instead, it was a man cloaked in black. He wore a thick black cloak over a strange hood with three red claw marks across the face. The figure had his sword drawn, ready to do battle.
"Guards! Guards!" Findlaech exclaimed.
Nobody came running to aid the nobleman, forcing Findlaech to defend himself. Thinking quickly, Findlaech grabbed a silver platter off the table, discarding the food on top of it to use it as a shield. The nobleman barely brought it up to block the incoming strikes from his attacker's sword. Despite the first failed attempt, the man kept attacking, while the Findlaech continued to block.
"You are the Hunter. I know that. But who sent you to hunt me?" Findlaech questioned, but the Hunter did not respond, "Speak, curse you!"
The Hunter continued his strikes, forcing the Lord out of the dining hall and onto the battlements outside. Athena followed them out and felt helpless as the only thing she could do was watch.
Meanwhile, Macbeth returned to the dining hall, still smiling from his encounter with Gruoch. However, when he saw his father facing off against the Hunter with naught but a dinner plate, his eyes flew open.
"Father!" Macbeth cried out before quickly grabbing a pair of swords off the mantle and running towards the battlements.
As Macbeth approached, the tray his father was using was knocked out of his hands by the Hunter's constant attacks. Fortunately, Macbeth tosses one of the swords at his father.
"Here, Father !" Macbeth called.
Unfortunately, the Hunter knocked the sword away sending it over the battlements. Without hesitation, Macbeth ran between his father and the Hunter. The two exchanged blow after blow. It would seem young Macbeth was evenly matched for the Hunter. Above the battle, after hearing the sounds of the fight, Gruoch and Bodhe peered out the windows before looking below.
"Macbeth!" Gruoch cried after seeing Macbeth fighting the Hunter.
When Macbeth looked up, the Hunter took advantage of the opportunity and disarmed the young boy. Macbeth backs away, Gruoch running out of her room to try and help him. Fortunately for Macbeth, his father was not done fighting. Findlaech grabbed the Hunter from behind, attempting to pull him away from his son. Macbeth ran forward, trying to pry the sword from the Hunter's grip. A sudden kick sent young Macbeth, and the Hunter's sword, flying across the battlements and crashing into the just-arriving Gruoch.
With the Hunter now weaponless, Findlaech tossed him aside, diving for the sword. The nobleman reached it, then jumped to his feet, intent on killing the Hunter. However, the Hunter easily dodged the blow, using Findlaech's forward momentum to throw him off the battlements. In the scuffle, the Hunter also took hold of the Sigil of Moray, a necklace that hung around Findlaech's neck.
"No!" Macbeth cried, running to the edge of the battlements. Tears ran down Macbeth's face as he looked down where his father plummeted, "Father!"
The Hunter took advantage of Macbeth, overwhelmed by grief, and came up behind him. The Hunter raised his sword, ready to kill.
"No! Please!" Gruoch screamed.
Suddenly, Demona came out of the sky, tackling the Hunter to the ground before a blow could be struck on Young Macbeth. The Hunter managed to kick her away, and both got to their feet. Athena looks at Demona and notices how the years are evident on her face.
"Now, I have you," Demona gleefully snarled.
"Now, I will finally have my revenge," The Hunter growled.
Macbeth and Gruoch were ignored as the Hunter and Demona clashed. The Hunter charged toward Demona but landed on his back when the female gargoyle's tail swiped his feet, knocking the sword from the Hunter's hands. It clattered before Macbeth, who picked it up in a furious motion.
"Murderer!" Macbeth screamed, charging toward the Hunter with blind rage.
The Hunter easily dodged the reckless blow, sending Macbeth flying at Demona, who knocked him away. Young Macbeth flew towards the battlements, barely avoiding falling to his death by grabbing the edge.
"No!" Gruoch cried.
"Know what it feels like to be hunted, human. And know that it is the last thing you will ever feel," Demona taunted as she closed in on the Hunter. Her eyes glowed red with anger.
The gargoyle raised her claws to attack, but Gruoch gained her attention as the human girl ran toward Macbeth. Gruoch was slipping over the edge, unable to pull Macbeth away from danger and to safety. Demona wanted to turn away, but when she looked at the two of them, that gargoyle couldn't help but be reminded of her love for Goliath and motherly instincts.
Demona reluctantly turned away from the Hunter, taking hold of the girl's waist before pulling her and Macbeth to safety. Once the two were safe, Demona turned away to complete her mission. Unfortunately, the Hunter used the opportunity and vanished. Demona clenched her fists in rage as her eyes glowed red because the Hunter had slipped her grasp. Both Gruoch and Macbeth fearfully and gratefully looked up at Demona.
"Thank you," Gruoch whispered.
Demona turned to them, partially angry at them for robbing her of her revenge, but also surprised that they so openly thanked her. Demona let out a dismissive scoff before she launched herself from the battlements, leaving the two young ones alone in grief and confusion.
The silver mist returns and covers Athena. When it disappeared, Athena saw she was in the dining hall of Edinburgh Castle. And noticed Prince Duncan, the future King of Scotland, pacing around the room. Athena could tell the young Prince was nervous. But about what she did not know. The two heard knocking at his chamber door, and Duncan stopped pacing. As Duncan turned to the door, the Hunter walked in.
"Prince Duncan," The Hunter greeted with a bow.
"At last. What news of Clan Moray, Gillecomgain?" Prince Duncan inquired.
Hearing the Hunter's name, Athena's eyes grew when she realized it was the now-grown boy from all those years ago.
"Findlaech, High Steward of Moray, is dead. As you commanded," The Hunter pulled Findlaech's Sigil of Moray from his pocket, showing it to the young Prince.
Prince Duncan took the sigil from the Hunter's hands and looked at it with gleaming eyes, "And Macbeth?"
"He lives," The Hunter informed the Prince. The Hunter removed his mask, showing his light brown, curly hair, and a set of three scars across his face. The scares matched the vibrant red ones on his mask.
"Oh, no matter," Duncan said with a shrug, "Findlaech was well loved. With his support, his son could have been King. But without his father, cousin Macbeth is just another poor relation," He pocketed the sigil before clapping, "Bring food and drink. This is cause for celebration."
Three women entered the room, one with black hair, another with blonde, and the last with white. Two women carried trays of bread and cups, while the third held a decanter before placing them on the table. Athena stared at the women, having felt she had seen them before but could not remember how.
"You have done well, my Hunter. Your reward is the stewardship of Moray," Duncan congratulated Gillecomgain.
Silver mist consumed Athena before she opened her eyes to see Etrigan staring at her with worry in his eyes. Athena took a few breaths to compose herself before speaking.
"The boy Demona clawed. She caused this boy to become the Hunter. I saw the Hunter fighting a nobleman whose son is Macbeth. The Hunter killed Macbeth's father and was about to kill Macbeth, but Demona appeared and fought the Hunter," Athena told Etrigan.
"The gargoyle who hates humans defended one?" Etrigan questioned, "Surely some form of trickery has been done."
"Demona wasn't exactly defending the Macbeth, but more likely wanted to end the Hunter," She explained before continuing to tell the demon what she saw, "The next thing I saw was Macbeth about to fall from the edge of the battlements before a young girl grabbed his arms. She tried to pull him up, but she didn't have enough strength. Demona saw them struggling and abandoned her fight with the Hunter to save them. The last image was the Hunter unmasked meeting with young Prince Duncan. I think the Prince had the Hunter kill Macbeth's father."
"No doubt to secure his place on the throne," Etrigan said, "Many Royals then would have done anything to prevent their chances from being blown."
"These visions are showing me things from the past that have a connection to the present time and the future. Whatever Demona is planning must be why I'm getting these visions," Athena surmised, "And perhaps Macbeth is planning something as well."
Etrigan and Athena continued searching for Demona and walked for several hours. But no sign of the female gargoyle was found. Athena and Etrigan noticed the sky was slowly becoming red with the rising sun. Athena looked at her watch and saw it was almost morning.
"Let's head back to the Clock Tower and regroup with the others," Athena said.
Etrigan did not speak as he picked Athena up and held her bridal style before flying toward the Clock Tower.
When the two arrived at the Clock Tower, it was dawn, and the sun was in the sky. As the two entered the Clock Tower, Etrigan and Athena heard Elisa.
"Turn on the TV. We got big problems. Demona's... Huh?" Elisa looked around the Clock Tower, confused.
"Elisa?" Athena gasped.
"Athena, what happened?" Elisa asked her friend, "Two seconds ago, it was sunset. And now, it's dawn."
"This may seem a little hard to believe, but you and the whole city were apparently turned to stone last night."
"Stone at night? How did that-?" Elisa began before she stopped and realized the answer, "Demona!"
"Yes," Athena confirmed, "Somehow, Demona hijacked every channel and was broadcasting a spell on a continuous loop. Based on what has happened to you and everyone else, I would say the spell has caused everyone who saw and heard the broadcast to turn to stone at night. And return to normal during the day."
"Is there a way to reverse it?" Elisa asked.
"Gone, gone, O' Etrigan! Rise again the form of man!" A fire consumed Etrigan, and when it faded, Jason stood in his place, "The only known way to counteract the spell is for the sky to burn."
"Well, how do we do that?"
"Neither Jason nor I know any spells powerful enough to set the sky ablaze," Athena told Elisa, "For now, let's focus on helping the city get through this chaos. Let's head down to the Captain's office."
The pains return, and Athena clutches her head. The mist returned again, clouding Athena's vision before disappearing. Athena saw she was outside Castle Moray in the courtyard with Bodhe and Macbeth. Athena could tell that some time had passed because Macbeth had grown into a young man.
"How can you do this to us, Bodhe?" Macbeth questioned the man.
"I'm sorry, Macbeth, but as her father, it is my right to marry Gruoch to who I choose. And I choose Gillecomgain,' Bodhe explained as he grabbed an arrow and pulled back the string on his bow before shooting the arrow. It missed the red center of the round target, hitting the black outer circle.
"I warn you, if you allow this travesty to happen, Gruoch and I will quit this castle and this land!" Macbeth threatened.
Macbeth shocked Bodhe with his words, causing the man to release the bowstring. And the arrow hits the stone walls.
"Be reasonable," Bodhe told him, "The truth is, Prince Duncan himself has ordered this marriage. It would be capital treason to defy him."
"Then Gruoch will be my country," Macbeth threw his bow to the ground in anger.
"There'll be no safe place to run. If you care not for yourself, then I pray you think of my daughter," Bodhe said.
Macbeth turned away from the man who had been like a father to him for so many years, thinking of Gruoch and what to do.
The silver mist reappears, and when it disappears, Athena finds herself on a hilltop near the castle. She heard someone humming a tune and looked behind her to see Gruoch, sitting on the green, grassy hill and picking flowers. Athena looked over and saw Macbeth approaching before stopping not far from Gruoch. Athena saw Macbeth had a miserable look and knew he had made his decision. The young woman looked up from the flower in her hand and saw Macbeth, causing her to smile.
"My love," Gruoch called, "At last."
The young woman stood up and rushed to the man she loved before hugging him. Gruoch looks up and sees the look of misery on Macbeth's face.
"What has happened?" She questioned.
"Only that I've had time to reflect," Macbeth responded.
"Reflect on what? We shall run away together."
"No," Macbeth insisted, "You must do as your father commands. Marry Gillecomgain."
Athena knew it must have broken Macbeth's heart to tell the woman he loves to marry another man.
"Say this is but a jest. We swore to face any future as long as it was together," Gruoch reminded her love.
"You're not worth the trouble," He said.
"As you wish it," Gruoch whispered as she lowered her head in sadness and walked down the hillside, away from Macbeth.
Macbeth watched her go before reaching out to her, wanting to stop Gruoch and be with her. But he stopped himself. Consumed with anger and heartbreak, Macbeth yells at the top of his lungs before walking away.
The mist covered Athena again before transporting her somewhere in the past. When it faded, Athena saw that she was at a wedding, but not any wedding. It was the wedding between Gillecomgain and Gruoch. And the priest just completed the ceremony. Gillecomgain and Gruoch stood up from kneeling and turned to face the wedding guests behind them.
"My bride, the Lady Gillecomgain," Gillecomgain presented his new wife with a smile.
"My Lord," Gruoch said, looking sad.
Prince Duncan began clapping in celebration of the wedding. Soon, the other wedding guests joined in and applauded the newlyweds. Athena looked over at Macbeth, sitting in a chair in the corner. She saw he was looking miserable because it was not he who did not marry Gruoch.
A maid entered the room and handed a sleeping baby to Prince Duncan. Athena quickly knew the baby was Prince Duncan's child.
"'Tis the young Prince Canmore, Prince Duncan's firstborn," A man spoke.
Some of the wedding guests approached Prince Duncan and his sleeping son. The guests looked at the baby, their future king, with adoration. Macbeth had enough of the wedding, stood up, and walked out of the room. Duncan watched his cousin leave and smiled because of his victory in causing misery for Macbeth.
The silver mist reappeared, covering Athena before transporting her. When it disappeared, Athena saw she was still at Moray, and it was night. Prince Duncan was stoking the fire while Gillecomgain sat at the dining hall table, sipping his wine.
"There is just one more bit of business that needs doing," Duncan said, putting the poker away and sitting at the table.
"And what would that be, my Prince?" Gillecomgain inquired.
"I want you to arrange an accident for my cousin Macbeth," He answered.
"Nay, Milord. Macbeth is an heir to the crown, and much beloved by the people. Besides, it might lead to some uncomfortable questions about his father's demise. And who demanded it," Gillecomgain told the Prince.
"Think well before you defy me," Duncan warned the Hunter.
"Think well before you risk my defiance, Prince Duncan," Gillecomgain responded.
"Something tells me this won't end well," Athena spoke.
Once again, the mist covered Athena. But when the silver mist had faded, she was in Edinburgh Caste, Prince Duncan's home. Ducan stood by the fireplace in the room, staring at the flames, while three maids watched and played with his infant son. The maids had blonde, black, and white hair.
There was knocking on the door before Macbeth entered, "You summoned me, My Lord?"
The maids left the room with baby Canmore as Macbeth approached his cousin.
"Please, cousin. Enter. I'm in need of your counsel. I've learned the true identity of the mysterious Hunter. It's terrible. Shocking," Duncan feigned.
Athena looked at Ducan with disgust. She hated when the ones closest to you, family, pretended they cared for you.
"You know who killed my father?" Macbeth asked, desperate to know the name of the man.
"It was... is... Gillecomgain," The Prince told his cousin.
"What?"
"Oh, he fooled me completely. The wrongs I've done you, cousin. Were it not for this blackguard, you'd be High Steward of Moray, and have Gruoch. I dare not attack him openly. It could start a war between Moray and the rest of Scotland. All would suffer," Duncan added, "What can be done?"
"Leave that to me," Macbeth responded as he pressed his grip firmly on the hilt of his sword.
When Macbeth left the room to complete a mission after years of waiting, Duncan dropped the act and smiled wickedly.
"It was almost too easy," Duncan said.
Athena glared and marched up to the Prince with fists clenched in rage.
"So this was your plan. Since you couldn't get the Hunter to rid of your cousin, you thought that perhaps Macbeth could get rid of the Hunter or the other way around, or maybe you'll get lucky, and they'll kill each other," She narrowed her eyes and was in the Prince's face before she whispered, "You make me sick."
The mist returned, and Athena was transported to the battlements of Castle Moray. Athena glanced to the right and saw Gruoch sitting on a bench on the battlement and holding a rose given to her by Macbeth. Watching from the doorway, Gillecomgain let out an annoyed sigh, knowing her heart still belonged to Macbeth. He approached her, and Gruoch looked away when she saw the man she did not love.
"The night is cold. Go inside and stir the fire," Gillecomgain told his wife.
Gruoch complied and got up, leaving the rose on the bench near the battlement. She curtsied to her husband before going inside. Once gone, Gillecomgain took the rose left by Gruoch, looking at it before sniffing and dropping it. He then smashed the rose beneath his boot.
Macbeth came out from his hiding spot, drew his sword, and spoke to the Gillecomgain, "Turn, murder! Your time has come. Draw your sword, sirrah! Or I will strike you down like the cowardly dog you are!"
Gillecomgain only laughs in response to Macbeth's words.
"Are you describing me or your mongrel father?" Gillecomgain asked, smirking before he drew his sword.
Macbeth roared as he charged toward the man who killed his father and tried to attack him. But Gillecomgain dodges the attack and hits Macbeth on the back of the neck with his sword's hilt, causing the younger to fall over the bench.
"You should have paid more attention to your lessons, boy," Gillecomgain smirked.
Macbeth flipped the bench toward the man, who dodged it and the swipe of Macbeth's sword. Gillecomgain punched Macbeth in the gut, causing him to fall to his knees.
With Macbeth down, Gillecomgain prepared to deliver the final blow, but Macbeth recovered and swept his legs away. Gillecomgain was sent on his back and knocked the sword from his hand. Macbeth tried to strike him, but Gillocomgain rolled out of the way.
Gillocomgain, now weaponless, stood up and backed away from Macbeth. Gillecomgain knocked over a torchlight on the battlement, causing it to fall off the castle, and he watched it disappear.
Macbeth moved his enemy's sword away with his foot and prepared to strike Gillcomgain down, but he gasped upon seeing Gruoch walking out on the battlement.
"My Lord, I heard voices," Gruoch spoke.
Macbeth reached for her, but Gillcomgain pulled Gruoch to him and used her as a shield.
"Come on, then, lad. All you need do to get me is go through her," Gillcomgain taunted Macbeth.
"Don't hurt her!" Macbeth pleaded before bowing and surrendering his sword to Gillcomgain. Macbeth hopes Gillcomgain shall let the woman he loves go.
"But what is the Hunter without his prey?" Gillcomgain retorted with a smirk as he took the sword before putting on his mask.
Gillcomgain tossed Gruoch aside and approached Macbeth before raising his sword to strike him down. But before he could deliver the strike, Demona pushed Macbeth aside and blocked it with her mace. Athena could tell there was shock and a bit of fear in the Hunter's eyes at the sight of the female gargoyle.
"Still laughing, Hunter? Come, meet your doom," Demoan urged, her eyes glowing red.
"At last! An adversary worthy of my skill. You want her? Take her!" Gillcomgain shouted before he grabbed Gruoch and pushed her toward Demona.
The female gargoyle quickly pushes Gruoch away in time to block the Hunter's attack. Unfortunately, Gruoch falls back over the battlements. But Macbeth grabbed her hand in time and pulled her to safety. The two held each other close as they hugged. Athena smiled at the touching moment between Macbeth and Gruoch.
Meanwhile, the fight between the Hunter and the female gargoyle continued. Demona tried to strike Gillcomgain, but he whacked the mace down with his sword and into the ground.
"This will be your last night, monster!" Gillecomgain shouted before punching Demona across the face, forcing her back several feet and causing her to drop the mace.
The Hunter used the mace to strike Demona, but she dodged it. He tried again with his sword, but she ducked his attack again. Thinking quickly, Demona grabbed a metal brazier, using it to knock the mace and swords from his hands. Tossing her makeshift weapon aside, Demona took hold of the Hunter, pressing him against the battlement, and ripping his mask away to reveal his scarred face.
"Look closely, creature. 'Tis your handiwork, done when I was but a boy... Remember?" Gillecomgain asked.
"No," Demona replied bluntly.
"You…" Gillecomgain began before he grabbed her in anger. He flipped them both over the edge, attempting to drag her down with him.
"Mother!" Athena cried before she and Macbeth rushed toward the edge.
When Athena and Macbeth looked down, the two saw Demona clinging to the stone wall by embedding her claws, and Glilecomgain was clinging to her leg. Athena gasped in horror when Demona lost her grip, but fortunately, Macbeth caught her arm in time.
However, Gillecomgain will not let Demona go. Not when he has her in his grasp and is so close to having his revenge. He planted his feet on the stone, pulling as hard as possible to get Macbeth to let them both fall. But Demona was not going to let the Hunter win. She whipped him with her tail, sending him falling to his demise as he had done to Macbeth's father.
Macbeth pulled Demona to safety, and the two leaned against the battlements. Athena was half tempted to hug Demona before realizing she could not and remembering her hatred toward the female gargoyle. A part of Athena was still shocked she had called Demona 'mother'. Something she had not called her in a long time. Gruoch rushed over and hugged Macbeth. The two were happy that the other was safe. Demona laid a hand on Macbeth's shoulder, causing him and his love to turn to the female gargoyle.
"Thank you," Demona said softly.
"I owed it to you," Macbeth told the female gargoyle.
"Then we are even. Good," Demona responded.
Macbeth, Gruoch, and Athena watched Demona as she gilded away from the castle. She was happy to finally be rid of the Hunter and any debt she may have held toward Macbeth. Athena remained outside on the battlement, while Macbeth and Gruoch stepped inside the castle.
The silver mist returned and covered Athena before transporting her again. When it faded, Athena noticed she was in a tower by a window. She looked out and saw a large crowd in the courtyard in the morning's golden hour. Five women held candles as they stepped down the stairs before Bodhe walked outside.
"May I present the High Steward of Moray and his new bride, Lord and Lady Macbeth!" Bodhe presented the newly wedded couple to the crowd as they stepped outside. Everyone cheered as they tossed flower petals at the newlyweds.
Duncan spooked Athena when he appeared beside her at the window, carrying his swaddled baby son. Athena could tell Duncan was displeased that his cousin had not perished as he had hoped.
"There will always be a Hunter, my son," Duncan told his newborn son, holding up the mask of the Hunter. The baby squealed before Duncan handed him to one of the three maids. Duncan puts the Hunter's mask on himself, "And there will always be the hunted."
The silver mist returned and covered Athena, blinding her. When Athena opened her eyes, she saw she was back in the Clock Tower. Athena felt Jason's arms wrapped around her, keeping her standing.
"Athena, are you ok?" Elisa asked.
"I-I'm fine," She replied, "Since the guys dealt with those terrorists, I've been getting visions. My head feels like it's been hit with a stampede means I'm getting a vision."
"What are these visions showing you?" Elisa inquired.
"So far, they've shown me that Demona betrayed the clan, allowing them to be slaughtered by the Vikings. She scared a little boy, Glilecomgain, turning him into a man who wanted revenge on her. Then I saw Macbeth's past. Macbeth as a young boy losing his father at the hands of the grown boy Demona scared. Macbeth's cousin, Duncan, had ordered Glilecomgain to get rid of Macbeth's father. Years later, Duncan gave the woman Macbeth loved to Glilecomgain. Duncan then revealed to Macbeth that Glilecomgain killed his father after Glilecomgain refused to kill Macbeth for Duncan. Macbeth and Glilecomgain fought before Demona intervened. She and Glilecomgain fought before they fell over the battlements. Macbeth saved Demona from her death, while Glilecomgain was not so fortunate."
"Before she received the first vision, three women told Athena there were things she needed to know about the past in preparation for what would happen in our time. And the visions would tell her," Jason explained to Elisa.
"And do we know what is going to happen?" Elisa asked.
"No, but whatever it is, it involves Demona and Macbeth. Their fates are intertwined," Athena responded, "Now, let's get going."
Jason, Athena, and Elisa left the Clock Tower and visited the precinct below. When they entered the bullpen, several officers were helping people, freaking out about the night they lost. When they arrived at the Captain's office, Matt was already there.
"Elisa? Athena? Boy, am I glad to see you two," Matt said, "The whole city is freaking out about last night. First, that weird broadcast, and then no one can remember anything from sundown to sun up."
"Something strange is going on here," Athena agreed, "Captain, has the origin of the broadcast been tracked?
"Yes, the FCC's tracked the broadcast to Pack Media Studios," Chavex informed the Detectives and Jason, "Officers on the scene reported signs of conflict but no hard leads."
Upon hearing the broadcast was from Pack Media Studios, Jason, Athena, and Elisa instantly knew that Xanatos had to be involved. Unfortunately, Athena and Elisa were stuck at the precinct for almost the entire day dealing with the aftermath of Demona's spell. It was almost sunset when Elisa, Athena, and Jason headed toward the Eyrie building.
The three stood in the elevator, heading straight to the castle at the top of the building. Soon the elevator dinged, signaling the trio had reached the top floor before the doors opened. Jason, Athena, and Elisa stepped out of the elevator.
"Ah, detecitves, Mr. Blood. We were wondering when you'd show up," Xanatos said, wearing his red Steel Clan armor.
"Demona's broadcast originated at Pack Media Studios," Elisa angrily stated, "You own it, so, as usual, this is your fault."
"Mr. Xanatos is trying to fix things," Owen explained, standing before Elisa, "What are you doing to help?"
Elisa snapped, grabbing Owen and attempting to throw him aside to get to Xanatos. However, before the scuffle could escalate, the sun disappeared as the moon rose, turning Owen and Elisa into statues.
"That's one way to settle an argument," Xanatos said before asking Athena and Jason, "I don't suppose either of you could lend a hand?"
Jason and Athena look at the Steel Clan robots and notice they have packs on their chests. A similar one was on Xanatos' chest as well.
"What do you want us to do?" Jason asked.
"Weld the packs to the Steel Clan. We're going to use them to set the sky ablaze and break the spell," Xanatos replied.
Athena felt the pain return and clutched her head before falling to her knees. The pain was getting worse. Jason quickly caught Athena, preventing her from hitting the ground.
When Athena opened her eyes, she looked at her surroundings and saw she was on a misty hillside. She investigated further before finding two young lads running ahead of Macbeth and Duncan, who have aged some years, behind them. The boys appeared around the same age. Athena assumed the boy with the same dark hair as Duncan's son, Canmore. But she recognized the other young lad as Luach, Macbeth's son and future King of Scotland.
Athena's curiosity grew as she wondered why Duncan allowed Macbeth to be alive and so close to him. The King saw his cousin as a threat, but she quickly surmised that Duncan wanted to keep Macbeth where he could see him.
"Mind you don't fall, Canmore," Duncan advised his son.
"Have no fear. The prince will be safe. My boy Luach knows these hills as well as he knows Castle Moray," Macbeth told his cousin. "They'll take care of each other."
"They do seem to..." Duncan paused, "get along."
"They're cousins. They should be friends."
"Yes, well... Some cousins are not that close," Duncan told Macbeth before walking ahead.
Suddenly, a piece of the cliff crumbled under Duncan's weight. The King quickly held onto the edge because his life depended on it. Macbeth, without hesitation, quickly dove for his cousin, grabbing his arm before Duncan fell to his death.
"Hold on," Macbeth told his cousin. "I've got you."
With a mighty pull, Macbeth dragged Duncan safely away from the ledge. The cousins lay on the ground away from the edge, panting from the shock, adrenaline, and near death.
"Macbeth…" Duncan whispered in utter surprise. "You saved my life…"
Macbeth shrugged it off, getting to his feet and offering his hand to his cousin and King.
"I'm sure you would have done the same for me, Milord," Macbeth simply replied.
"This dispels any doubts I ever held of your loyalty to me, and to the crown!" Duncan delightfully cried.
Any fears Duncan had about his cousin taking the throne away from him were gone because Macbeth had saved his life, but Athena felt that gratefulness would not last long.
Athena noticed Macbeth's gaze seemed to have fallen on a nearby cave. And it surprised Athena. Duncan soon took notice and followed his cousin's gaze.
"What is it?" Duncan asked his cousin. The King saw it was full of gargoyles frozen in stone in the daylight hours. "Gargoyles!?"
The two men entered the cave with Athena following behind them. Athena recognized the stone gargoyles from her previous visions and knew this was Demona's new clan. The young woman spotted the female gargoyle and stood before her stone form.
Macbeth looked among the hibernating gargoyles, then laid eyes on a specific statue. The same stone gargoyle Athena was looking at. Macbeth remembered Demona from when she saved his life as a young lad and when he saved her life years later.
Macbeth and Athena were pulled away when they heard Duncan grabbing a large stone off the ground and preparing to smash Demona's statue. Athena's mind quickly flashes back to the massacre of her clan. She was in the same situation now as she was then. Helpless and unable to do anything. Panicking, Macbeth quickly put himself between his cousin and the female gargoyle.
"My Lord!" Macbeth exclaimed. "I beg of you, spare them." Duncan raised an eyebrow in surprise but allowed Macbeth to explain. "There was a time when humans and gargoyles fought side by side," He tried to tell his cousin, gesturing to Demona's statue. "This one and I have a similar history."
"As you wish." Duncan agreed as he dropped the rock. "We owe you our life. We will grant them theirs, for your sake. We only hope that we do not come to regret your counsel. I tire of this outing."
The two men and Athena leave the cave before Duncan soon spots his son and Luach nearby.
"Canmore, we're leaving," Duncan told his son.
"Must we go back so soon?" The boy questioned his father but got no reply.
The two men gathered their sons and began their journey home. However, when they left the hill, a strange, thick fog began to pour into the area, badly obscuring the landscape.
"Curse this fog. We'll lose our way if it doesn't lift," Duncan said before gasping when something in the fog caught his sight.
A strange silhouette became visible through the fog. Three haggard old women were hunched over a bubbling cauldron. They each stirred the green stew inside with long sticks, muttering between themselves.
"Double, double toil and trouble, Fire burn, and cauldron bubble."
The old women soon notice their guests, gesturing to the father and son with their long-nailed talon-like fingers.
"All hail Duncan! King of Scotland and father of the King hereafter!" Seline called out.
Duncan smiles, placing a proud hand on his son's shoulders. Macbeth walked forward, drawing an almost identical cry from the old hags.
"All hail Macbeth! King of Scotland and father of the King hereafter!" Phoebe called.
Macbeth's eyes flew open at the witch's words, and Duncan's face grew angry.
"You speak treason, you old crones!" Duncan exclaimed.
"You are but half-right, good mothers." Macbeth clarified, trying to calm his irritated cousin and save the women's lives. "Duncan is the right and proper King."
"King now, he is," Luna agreed, "But each of you, in turn, shall be King."
"I say nay to thee, weird sisters," Macbeth insisted, waving his hands and dismissing the claims. "Prince Canmore is destined to be King after Duncan."
"You would lecture us on fate?" She questioned, appearing to be angered by Macbeth's words.
The mist grew thicker and thicker until the three old hags and their cooking pot disappeared from the fathers and sons' sight.
"My king, we must not take seriously the ravings of three old bedlams," Mcabeth begged Duncan.
"You speak wisely, Macbeth," Duncan agreed, turning away. "Utter nonsense. Of no consequence."
Athena saw a renewal of distrust toward Macbeth appear on Duncan's face before she watched the two men continue their journey home with their sons. She had a feeling something terrible would happen. Athena was sure Duncan was determined to get rid of Macbeth now more than ever.
The silver mist returned and covered Athena before transporting her again. When it cleared, Athena was on the hill near the cave with the statues of Demona and her new clan. It was nearing dusk, meaning the gargoyles would awake soon.
Athena looked around and saw Duncan approaching the cave with a few soldiers.
"If Macbeth counts on the gargoyles' aid in the coming battle, he'll find it a futile hope," Duncan declared.
"Perhaps this is business better conducted at dawn, my liege," One of the soldiers advised the King.
"I found them here this morning. Tomorrow, we might not be so lucky," Duncan takes out the Hunter's mask before putting it on and taking a mace in one hand.
Athena rushed toward the cave with Duncan and his small army not far behind. The woman had no idea as to what she could do. Athena was an observer, seeing things that had already happened. Once again, she felt helpless in preventing a massacre.
Soon, Duncan and his men entered the cave and began doing what they came to do. Athena turned her back to them since she couldn't bear to watch. She heard the men smashing every gargoyle they found. In the corner of her eye, Athena saw the sun sinking deeper and deeper. When the sun finally vanished, Duncan was prepared to destroy the statue of Demona. The female gargoyle's stone skin shattered just in time for her to grab the mace and toss her attacker aside. The king hits the cave's wall and is knocked unconscious. Athena saw that the time passed had caused Demona to have white hair and wrinkles. The three remaining gargoyles Duncan's men had failed to smash also shed their stone skin as they awoke, immediately turning on their would-be destroyers.
One of Duncan's men rushed over to aid his injured King.
"This cave will be your tomb!" Demona threatened, stalking toward Duncan.
Unfortunately, one of Duncan's soldiers tackled her, allowing another to get Duncan to safety as he dragged the King out of the cave. Athena watched Demona as she fought back, but old age had caused the female gargoyle's strength to diminish. Eventually, a soldier pinned Demona underneath him before taking out a dagger to end her. The female gargoyle flinches, awaiting the blow that would end her life, but one of her remaining clan members stops it. The male gargoyle tossed the soldier aside before helping Demona to her feet.
"Take to the air! Quickly!" Demona told the surviving members of her new clan.
Athena followed behind the four gargoyles as they ran out of the caves. Demona and what remained of her clan took to the skies while Athena watched them disappear into the night sky as she stood at the edge. Athena felt her heart swell with sadness that Demona had once again experienced the loss of her clan. Expect she was not responsible for their demise.
The silver mist returns and transports Athena. When it fades, Athena notices she is in Castle Moray. She saw Macbeth tending to the fire in the fireplace with Bodhe approaching him.
Macbeth turns to see his father-in-law and inquires, "You have news for me, Bodhe?"
"King Duncan's army moves against ye," Bodhe informed.
"But why?" Macbeth questioned in surprise. "I saved his life."
"He must have some reason to fear you," Macbeth's father-in-law said.
"Well... If it's a fight he wants..." Macbeth began before Bodhe stopped him.
"Be reasonable. Your retainers are loyal but no match for Duncan's forces. The clan will be at his mercy. But if you surrender now, Duncan might agree to spare my daughter and grandson."
As if on cue, Grouch and Luach enter the dining room with bowls of fruit before placing them on the table.
"Perhaps you're right," Macbeth sighed as he looked at his family. Athena could tell that Macbeth listened to Bodhe's words.
"We thought to lighten your stern discourse with this sweet fare," Grouch said as she and her husband approached each other.
Macbeth embraced his wife tightly as if it would be the last time and told her, "Always remember, I love you."
"Husband? What is wrong?" Grouch asked, concerned there was something wrong.
Macbeth then picked up his son, holding him close as he whispered in Luach's ear, "Mind your mother always."
Macbeth lets go of his son before standing up. But before Macbeth could walk away, Gruoch grabbed his arm, preventing him from leaving.
"Macbeth, tell me what is going on," Gruoch demanded, concerned.
"Oh, it's nothing. I go to see my cousin, the King. Gruoch, be of good cheer, hm? The journey will be brief," Macbeth told his wife before kissing her on the lips goodbye.
The silver mist returned again to transport Athena. When it cleared, Athena could not tell where she was due to the thick fog. But the fog cleared a little, allowing Athena to see Macbeth and his horse near a cave. She assumed it was the one that Demona and what remained of her new clan were chased out of earlier in the night. Athena and Macbeth were both unaware that the female gargoyle was watching.
Macbeth and Athena then saw the old Demona hiding behind a tree in the corner of their eyes.
"You!" Macbeth gasped. "You are the answer."
"I am uninterested in the question," Demona spoke, walking away.
"Wait!" He called to the female gargoyle. "Don't you remember me? Together, we defeated the Hunter."
Demona rushed toward him before stopping before Macbeth and growled, "That is the only reason I do not crush you where you stand."
"I need your help again," Macbeth informed the gargoyle.
"I have my own problems," Demona told him before turning her back to the human. "The Hunter still seeks my death."
"There is great evil abroad. I beg you, help me defend my clan," Macbeth pleaded with the female gargoyle as he reaches out to her.
"And what about my clan?" The female gargoyle demanded.
"Help me now, and I swear to keep them forever safe," He promised her.
Demona eyes Macbeth skeptically. Athena could tell Demona was unsure if she could ever trust another human again. The Captain had promised to keep the clan safe, but then almost her entire clan was massacred while they slept. Her mate and what remained of the clan were turned to stone. Trusting a human had cost her everything.
"You sing an old song. How do I know you'll keep your word?" Demona questioned the human man.
Suddenly, the wind began to pick up, swirling around before the three as the Weird Sisters appeared. To Macbeth, they looked like the three old hags he had met earlier that day. But to Demona, they were the old gargoyles she had met years before. Athena was beginning to get a headache from the shifting forms of the Weird Sisters. One moment they appeared as the hags, then the gargoyles, and then young women.
"This is more than chance," Macbeth muttered.
"This bargain calls for an act of good faith," Phoebe declared.
"Bargain? We have no bargain," Demona angrily told the Weird Sisters.
The sisters ignored the female's outburst, just looking at her curiously.
"What do you desire?" Seline asked the female gargoyle.
"My youth restored, so that I may continue to lead my clan," The female gargoyle responded.
"And what would you be willing to trade, Macbeth of Moray?" Luna asked the human man.
"Anything to save my family," He replied with no hesitation.
"Then the bones are cast," Luna declared. "Let us begin."
The sisters joined hands, circling Macbeth and Demona until they were back to back. Then, the sisters began to speak in unison.
"Across the mists of space and time, we pose this covenant sublime," Phoebe spoke before a column of light appeared around Macbeth and Demona. The wind became stronger, and lightning appeared from the powerful magic.
"Macbeth his youth doth offer here, to make this one a force to fear," Seline said.
"While she, with fang and claw and wing, doth swear sweet death his foes to bring," Luna added.
Suddenly, the human man and female gargoyle levitated off the ground in their column of light. Then Macbeth and Demona's appearances begin to change. Macbeth's youthful brown hair turned white as snow, though he kept his youthful physic. Demona, however, underwent a massive change. Her wrinkled, bony frame became fuller and younger, her white hair returning to its original shade of fiery red.
"By their acceptance are they consigned, unto each other's fate resigned, forever and eternal bound, and each the other's pain resound," The Weird Sisters declared.
Suddenly, the wind died, leaving the human and gargoyle sprawled on the ground, recovering from the spell. When Demona opened her eyes, she marveled at her restored youth. The two stood up and turned to the Weird Sisters.
"The pact is made," Luna declared. "Our work is done. Make haste! The storm is coming."
Two of the Weird Sister walked into the thick fog before disappearing, but Seline stayed behind. The black-haired sister summoned a crystal ball in her hands.
"And know this..." Seline spoke as the crystal ball flew to Macbeth. "When Duncan spoke Gillecomgain was quick to do his bidding. Duncan ordered your father's murder."
"What?!" Macbeth gasped in shock at the news.
Macbeth's eyes grew wide at the information. Seline then disappeared into the thick fog, like her sisters. Leaving Macbeth and Demona by themselves. Macbeth had nothing but hatred toward his cousin and wanted revenge for his father. Once again, the silver mist returned before taking Athena to her next destination in the story.
When the mist disappeared, Athena was in a tent with Macbeth and Bodhe. The two men are discussing battle plans, and Athena knows that Macbeth is preparing to fight Duncan. Athena briefly looked outside the tent and saw hundreds of soldiers sharpening their weapons or talking amongst themselves near the fire.
"Our forces are in place," Bodhe informed Macbeth, pointing to the positions of the men on the map.
"It will begin soon," Macbeth said.
Gruoch approached her husband and placed a loving hand on his shoulder, "I hope you have not made a bad bargain, husband."
Macbeth looked at his wife and held her hand, but suddenly, a frightening howl of a gargoyle was heard. Gruoch rushed toward her son to protect him. And a moment later, Demona enters the tent.
"It's time, Macbeth," Demona told her new human ally.
"Take Gruoch and Luach behind the lines to safety," Macbeth instructed his father-in-law before placing a helmet on his head.
Bodhe approaches his grandson and ushers him out of the tent, "Come along, laddie."
Gruoch stays behind and moves toward her husband. She takes his hand and kisses it, "Fight bravely, my love."
"It's the only way I know how," Macbeth said before he and his wife held each other close.
Demona looked away from the happy husband and wife. Athena knew it must have reminded Demona of herself and Goliath before the massacre. The young woman could tell that the female gargoyle she had known as mother hoped to be reunited with her mate one day, unaware they would be enemies.
The silver mist returned and covered Athena. But when Athena opened her eyes, she was not somewhere in the past. She was in the present. Jason had caught his wife before she hit the ground and sat on the floor, waiting for Athena to return. Once Jason noticed Athena was back, he helped her stand.
"Well, that was certainly interesting," Xanatos commented before asking, "Care to explain what just happened?"
"Since this whole nightmare began, I've been getting visions about the past. For some reason, they're supposed to help me with New York's little statue problem," Athena informed Xanatos.
"Fascinating," Xanatos commented before saying, "Now, grab a blow torch. Your father and clan will be here soon."
Jason and Athena quickly grabbed a blowtorch and began welding the packs onto the Steel Clan robots. Minutes later, the packs were welded onto the Steel Clan robots. When the three finished, the gargoyles walked into the room.
"Perfect timing," Xanatos said.
"What is Elisa doing here?" Goliath asked, noticing Elisa and Owen's statues.
"She doesn't look happy," Brooklyn remarked.
"Owen can have that effect on people," Xanatos said.
"Why have you brought out your robots?" Goliath asked Xanatos.
"They're an integral part of the plan," He replied, "The spell is designed to end when the sky burns."
"And you can make that happen?"
"We can. We'll fly over the city carrying these packs. They've been rigged to dispense a hypergolic gas. At a preset time, the packs will detonate, and the gas will ignite," Xanatos explained, "I'll lose all my robots, but I can afford it. For ten seconds, the sky will appear to be on fire. Hopefully, that will break the spell."
Xanatos, Jason, and Athena handed each of the gargoyles a harnessed pack for them. Everyone's attention was soon diverted toward Bronx, growling at a tapestry hanging from the wall before clawing it.
"That tapestry's from the 12th century. Quite rare and valuable," Xanatos told the gargoyle-like dog.
"Come here, Bronx," Athena called, and the gargoyle-like dog complied. Athena kneels to Bronx, "Don't worry, boy. They'll be back soon, I hope."
"And are we to be sacrificed with the robots?" Goliath inquired.
"Of course not. You'll have twenty-five minutes," Xanatos informed him, "Just make sure you're out of the upper atmosphere before the time runs out."
"Very well," Goliath looks over his shoulder at the statue of Elisa, "This has to work."
"Gone, gone, the form of man. Arise the demon Etrigan!" Jason spoke before flames erupted and consumed him. And when the fire ceased, Etrigan stood in Jason's place.
"Let us go and set the night sky ablaze," Etrigan said, "And end the curse and humans' craze."
Etrigan quickly puts on a pack before he, Xanatos, Athena, and the gargoyles with the Steel Clan behind them leave the room and walk toward the battlements. The Steel Clan were the first to take off into the night sky, Xanatos, and, finally, the gargoyles and Etrigan. Bronx and Athena watched them fly through the sky, dispensing the gas over the city.