Athena was tending to the nocturnal plants in her garden on the roof of her home when someone landed behind her. Athena turned around and saw Goliath.
"Father? What are you doing here?" Athena asked, putting down her watering can on the table, "The sun will be up soon."
"I know," Goliath responded, "I came here after I just finished a talk with Xanatos. He has invited you, me, and Demona to his wedding. He wishes for me to be the best man, Demona to be the maid of honor, and for you to be a witness of the wedding."
"Will you be going? With our history with Xanatos, I can not help but think there's some ulterior motive behind all this," She said.
"I am," Goliath answered, "There is something I need to speak with Demona about. And Xanatos said that she promised to be on her best behavior"
"Very well, then I will come with you," Athena told her father.
Goliath responded with a nod before walking up on the ledge of the roof and jumping off to fly back toward the Clock Tower. Jason had walked onto the roof just as his father-in-law flew away.
"What was Goliath doing here?" Jason inquired.
"It would seem that my father and I have been invited to Xanatos and Fox's wedding tomorrow night," She replied, "As well as Demona."
"Do you wish for me to attend as well?" Jason's eyes glow red with anger toward Demona, Xanatos, and Fox.
"My father did not mention a plus one," Athena placed a hand on the side of his face, calming him down, and his eyes returned to normal, "Besides my father and I can handle them. And if we need some help, I can invoke the incantation and you can bring the others."
Jason smiled at his wife before the two of them went back inside their home.
The next night, the night of the wedding, Athena wore a light blue vintage queen Anne neckline ankle-length dress with appliques and buttons accented. Her shoes are navy blue pumps from the 1940s she kept. Her hair was styled in waves like Lauren Bacall and her makeup was simple yet elegant.
Athena waited on the roof of her home for her father to arrive and soon enough he did. Goliath picked Athena up and flew off to the Eyrie Building. When they arrived, Goliath landed in the castle courtyard in front of Xanatos and Owen, both dressed in suits, before placing Athena down.
"Thank you, Goliath. You don't know how much this means to me," Xanatos said, taking out a ring from his jacket pocket and handing it to Goliath, "As best man, it's your job to hold on to this for me until the exchange of vows. That's when…"
"I understand," Goliath interrupted and walked into the castle.
"Thank you for coming, Athena. I appreciate you being here to witness the wedding," He told her.
"Your welcome, but if you try anything I will not hesitate to hurt you," Athena warned.
They walked into the large throne room, where the wedding will be held. The throne room was beautifully decorated with flowers. The eyes of the Judge and Xanatos' father, Petros, widen when they saw Goliath. Fox and Xanatos stood at the altar in front of the Judge, Goliath stood at Xanatos' side, while Athena, Owen, and Petros stood off to the side. They were now waiting for the maid of honor, Demona. Athena began to wonder if Demona would even show up to the wedding, but almost if on cue, the Judge and Petros' eyes grew wide once again, and Petros gasped. Everyone turned and saw Demona entering the throne room.
"Demona," Goltiah spoke as his former mate stood beside him.
"I'm only attending this farce because Xanatos insisted and I need to keep him as an ally," Demona told him, justifying her reason for being in the room, "I neither know nor care why you're here."
"This is not the first wedding ritual we've attended together. Don't you remember?" He asked.
"I'm not interested in reminiscing," Demona responded.
"We are here today to join David Xanatos and…" The Judge began the ceremony before asking Fox in a hushed tone, "Uh... What is your real name, my dear?"
"Fox is my real name. Legally," Fox replied.
"Uh... join David Xanatos and Fox in matrimony. The rings?" The Judge requested. Goliath and Demona give the rings to Fox and Xanatos before they each place a ring on their finger, "I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may…"
The Judge stopped as he and everyone watched Demona leave the room in the middle of the ceremony and Goliath follows after her.
"Now the fun begins," Xanatos commented while smiling at Fox as they turned toward the doors and joined arms.
Petros walked over, grabbing Xanatos' shoulder with an angry expression on his face.
"This is your wedding!" He exclaimed. "Have you no respect for anything?!"
"I'm sorry Pop," Xanatos said, pulling his arm free. "But we're in a bit of a hurry. Oh, and Athena, I do suggest that you join us. You'll regret it if you don't."
He and Fox then left, Athena and Petros following behind.
Petros muttered under his breath, "Unacceptable."
Out on the balcony, Demona stood leaning against the stone railing, staring out at the night sky, brooding. Goliath and he approached Demona cautiously, pulling his half of the Phoenix Gate out of his belt.
"Long ago, you and I also exchanged vows," He told her. "I know you remember them."
Demona looked over Goliath, an almost wistful expression on her face. Her gaze fell on the Phoenix Gate half in his claws.
"I promised to treasure this for all time," He said, lifting his half, "And I have."
Demona straightened up as she reached into her belt and pulled out her half. She held it next to Goliath's piece, the two of them slowly pushing the two halves together.
"So have I," Demona replied.
The halves touched, and the Phoenix Gate began to glow, coming together as a single talisman once again. For a moment, Goliath smiled, but his smile faded when Demona began to laugh cruelly. Xanatos, Fox, and Athena arrived in time for Demona to give Goliath a little speech.
"You sentimental fool!" Demona chuckled, "You fell right into our trap. Now I have the Phoenix Gate in one piece, and I intend to use it!"
Demona clutched the Phoenix gate tightly as golden flames began to swirl around them. Xanatos, Fox, Athena, and also Petros, who did not know what was going on, but knew something was amiss rushed toward Demoen as she spoke an incantation.
"Deflagrate muros temporis et intervalia!"
With the final word, the flames engulfed them all and they disappeared from the castle. Owen and the Judge stood in the doorway of the balcony, the latter blinking in surprise.
"It seems the honeymoon has begun earlier than expected," Owen replied.
In a darkened woods, a small candle-sized flame appeared in the middle of a small clearing. The small flame quickly grew into a large blaze before abruptly vanishing, leaving the two gargoyles and four humans in its place. Everyone looked around at their surroundings in utter shock, except for Demona, who smiled triumphantly.
"Where are we?" Petros asked.
"The question isn't 'where'... but 'when?'" Xanatos told his father. Xanatos pointed to the silhouette of a castle in the distance that was familiar to all of them, Castle Wyvern. The castle sits at the edge of a cliff as it did a thousand years ago.
Demona shoved her way past Goliath and attempted to flee.
"Go after her, Father," Athena said, "I'll stay here with the Xanatoses."
Goliath nodded in reply and went after his former mate. Demona took off into the sky and Goliath followed after her.
While in the air, Demona began speaking the incantation from before, "Deslegrate muri tempi et intervalia!"
She disappeared into the mystic flames, mere moments before Goliath could catch her. Goliath roared in frustration before he made his way to the castle in anger, convinced that was where Demona would strike.
Back on the ground, the group heard what sounded like fighting off in the distance. The four followed the noise and saw a few masked swordsmen on horseback surrounding and attacking two other riders. One, a woman with a shield but no sword, was shoved from her saddle to the ground. She landed at the feet of one of the attackers, the assailant lifting his sword to strike.
"Contigo!" Athena spoke the spell. A blue translucent square appeared between the woman and the assailant, blocking his sword from hitting her, "Didn't your mother ever tell you to never hit a woman."
Xanatos then knocks the assailant back with a flying kick before offering a hand to the woman, "If I might be of service."
Another attacker attempted to bring Xanatos down, only to be knocked off his horse and tackled by Fox. She then palm-punched him in the face. Another rider was unhorsed by Petros, who used his jacket as a makeshift weapon, and he fell to the ground. Xanatos puts a foot on the rider's chest to pin him down.
The remaining assailant on a horse was fighting the man, who was traveling with the woman. The two clashed swords before the man kicked the assailant off his horse. The assailant got up and fled the scene. An assailant got up from the ground with a sword in his hand.
"Go on. Do your best," Athena told the assailant, narrowing her eyes.
The assailant charged Athena. With a tactical sidestep and a whirling kick, he was sent flying, disarmed. The masked men picked themselves up and ran off. Xanatos and Fox quickly gathered up the abandoned horses, climbing onto them. Petros and Athena each took one.
"Having fun?" Xanatos asked his wife.
"A marvelous time," Fox replied happily.
The male companion went over to the group, a relieved smile on his face.
"We are most grateful for your aid, strangers. But we cannot... " He began before noticing the Illuminati pin on Xanatos' lapel. He throws back the hood of his cloak to reveal a standard Norman haircut and pulled off his glove, revealing a signet ring with the Illuminati symbol, "Oh. Good friend, I am the Norman ambassador," The ambassador and Xanatos do a wrist handshake, "My companion and I bear precious gifts for Prince Malcolm of Wyvern. Though I will admit, I was surprised to see you had a witch among you. A most helpful ally. Especially to people like us. You wear strange garbs, but you are also an excellent fighter, and," He leans in before saying to Xanatos in a whisper, "A fellow Illuminatus," He straightened back up and continued, "I would be honored if you and your party would accompany us to Castle Wyvern. I warrant Prince Malcolm will be very generous in his appreciation."
With that, the six of them turned their horses and made their way toward the castle. As they approached the castle, Athena realized that she would see a family that to her had been dead for a thousand years. She knew that a great pain would come with seeing them, but it was a pain that she had to bear. Athena hoped that her father was well and not in any trouble.
After passing through the main gate of the castle, they were greeted by several pages who took their horses just as Prince Malcolm came to greet them. Followed close behind was the Archmage, who eyed the travelers carefully. Athena knew she would have to keep her guard up at all times with the Archmage around. When the Prince saw the travelers, along with the Norman Ambassador and his companion, he let out an obvious sigh of relief.
"We are much pleased by your safe arrival, Ambassador." He said as he shook the Ambassador's hand. "But where, prithee tell, is my bride?"
The companion stepped forward, pulling down her hood to reveal red hair and a royal circlet around her brow. Athena immediately recognized her because she was Princess Elena, wife of Prince Malcolm, and mother of Princess Katherine. Athena was able to know Princess Elena for the first few years of her life.
"It was hoped that by traveling in secret that we could avoid the attentions of rogues and thieves." The ambassador explained.
"We were wrong," Elena added before gesturing toward the Xanatoses and Athena, "But, these kind travelers aided us most valiantly."
The Archmage's eyes widened in shock, then he turned on his heels and walked away, a scowl on his withered face. The ambassador then leaned in and whispered in Prince Malcolm's ear.
"The female with the black hair and scared cheek is a powerful witch. She prevented one of the attackers from killing the Princess," He explained.
Malcolm looked over at Athena, then at the rest of the travelers. Athen gave a curtsy as Xanatos took a low bow. Malcolm approached, reaching into a small bag on his belt with a grateful smile on his face.
"This is but a small token of your reward," He said as he pulled out a handful of gold coins. "You'll get fine food, fine lodging, and fine clothes."
Prince Malcolm handed the coins to Xanatos, causing Petros' eyes to widen. The Prince then turned to Athena with a knowing smile.
"And fear not, young maiden," He assured her, "I can assure you that none will think ill of you for your gift. My castle is a haven for many beings, including gargoyles. You will be treated fairly and welcomed with open arms."
"Thank you, your highness," Athena said in her Scottish accent and curtsied.
Malcolm then turned his attention to Elena, stroking her face tenderly.
"We were to be wed tomorrow, but this attack has me anxious." He told her. "We shall be wed tonight!"
The Prince walked off to prepare for the ceremony while some pages led the time travelers off to get them cleaned up. Elena also went to follow but was stopped by the Norman ambassador.
"Milady, is your father's gift safe?" He asked.
Elena pulled off her riding glove, slipping the Phoenix gate out of her sleeve and into her hand.
"Aye," She replied. "And I will present it to my husband after the ceremony."
In the courtyard, Athena and the Xanatoses received some new outfits as a token of gratitude from Prince Malcolm. Xanatos was wearing a purple robe with a red sash across his waist. Petros wore a similar robe, but his was dark green with a lighter green sash. Fox was wearing a light blue dress, a golden crown with a white veil resting on her braided hair. Athena's dress was a lavender color and her hair was left down, a silver circlet perched on her head.
They all stood watching as the Norman ambassador bid the castle farewell. Before he left, Xanatos handed him a sealed envelope. The ambassador gave a nod to Xanatos before riding off into the distance. Both Athena and Petros watched him leave, both curious as to what happened.
"What are you hatching now?" Petros demanded.
"What was in that envelope, Xanatos?" Athena questioned.
Xanatos chuckled with an arrogant smirk dominating his face.
"That envelope contains my personal instructions for the Illuminati Society," He explained, "Plus two smaller sealed envelopes. The society is to wait one thousand years and then deliver the first envelope to a young David Xanatos of Bar Harbor, Maine. That envelope contains one of the coins Prince Malcolm gave me earlier. It's practically worthless now in 975 A.D., but by 1975, it will be worth about 20 grand."
"And the second envelope?" Athena inquired.
"The second envelope will be delivered 20 years after the first," Xanatos continued, "It contains a detailed account of how the coin was obtained. That's how I knew how to set this all up. I received instructions from myself last week. So you see, Pop, I am indeed a self-made man."
"I'm so proud of you," Fox praised as she cupped her husband's cheek.
"Alright, Mister Big-Shot Time Traveler, you sent off your little letter before answering one important question- How do we get home?" Petros questioned.
Before Xanatos could respond the shouting voice of one of the castle guards was heard by them and the entire caste, no doubt.
"Runaway wagon! Runaway wagon!" The guard posted at the castle's battlement cried out. When the wagon was closer, an unmistakable sound was heard and the guard's eyes grew wide in fear and shock, "There's a baby in the wagon! A baby! The Wagon is heading for the cliff!"
The Xanatoses gasped in horror for the innocent child, while Athena remained calm because she knew that the baby would live. Thinking quickly, Petros rushed over to a nearby horse and rode out of the castle on its back. The newlyweds and Athena rushed up to the battlement and watched with the other guards as Petros was closing in on the wagon.
Reaching over, Petros grabbed ahold of the runaway horse's reins before leading it away from the cliff. Petros slowed his horse down and the other horse slowed down as well. When Petros returned to the castle, he hopped off the horse and got the crying baby out of the straw-filled wagon before he rocked her to sleep in his arms.
"It's alright, little one. Your safe now," Petros said to the baby in a soothing voice.
The guards, gargoyles, Xanatos, Fox, and the people of Wyvern including Prince Malcolm and Princess Elena, applauded him for his bravery. Athena, on the other hand, stood in shock and surprise for she never knew that he was the man who saved her as a baby. Everyone joined Petros in the courtyard and gathered around him.
"You are most brave, kind sir," Prince Malcolm commented to Petros, "You have saved two lives in one night."
"Any father would have done the same," He told the Prince, "She does not appear to be hurt, but I would suggest someone should check to be sure."
"It is a shame we do not know where this little one came from," Elena said, "We do not know who or what happened to her family."
Goliath and a few gargoyles walked over to the humans. The baby girl in Petros' arms looks over at the creatures and lets out a cheerful squeal as she reaches toward Goliath. The prince, princess, the Xanatos family, and Gargoyles smiled at the baby.
"The child can live with my clan," Goliath spoke, "We shall raise her as one of our own."
"She will need a name," Petros gave Goliath the baby.
"Names are not a custom for my kind, but since the child is human it seems only fair. What should she be called?" Goliath wondered.
"Perhaps, Athena," He suggested, "After the Greek Goddess of Wisdom."
"Hmm, 'Athena'," Goliath hummed before giving a small smile, "Yes, 'Athena' is a perfect name for you, my child."
The baby looked up at her new father and smiled as she stretched her arms out to him.
"Here, a gift for the baby," Petros pulled out a silver coin from his pocket. The coin had the bust of the Greek Goddess Athena on it, "A good luck charm for her."
"We will have a room prepared for young Athena for her life here at Wyvern, Goliath," Prince Malcolm informed the Gargoyle.
"Thank you, your highness," Goliath bowed his head.
Goliath, baby Athena in his claws, walked away with Prince Malcolm and Princess Elena leading the way. The guards and gargoyles returned to their posts, and the people of Wyvern went back to what they were doing before the commotion. Athena was still in shock from the events that had transpired. Goliath and Demona had never told her much about the man who saved her life as a baby, other than he was a traveler. Athena had always wondered about the man who was the reason she was still alive. She never even knew that he was the one who named her.
Athena glanced over at Petros and thought that she owed so much to him. She then wondered what the lives of her husband, family, and friends would be if she was not there. Athena asked herself if Xanatos knew this was going to happen and that is why he invited his father to the wedding. So many questions, so little time to answer them.
The Xanatoses and Athena ventured up one of the castle towers. They stood at the top of the tower, looking at the land around them and waiting for something. A few moments later, a familiar candle-sized flame appeared before them. Athena, Petros, Xanatos, and Fox took a step back from the flames.
"I think we've found our ticket home," Xanatos said.
Goliath emerged from the flames, holding the unconscious Demona in his arms and followed by the younger version of Demona.
"Are you alright?" Athena asked as she approached her father, "What did she do?
"Nothing," Goliath replied, "And what of Xanatos?"
"Nothing," She answered, "Other than what was meant to happen to ensure the future."
The young Demona took stepped away from the travelers, leaning against the edge of the tower and looking at her Phoenix Gate. Goliath gave her one last glance, then turned to Xanatos.
"If I didn't fear the damage you would do to the time stream, I'd gladly leave you here," Goliath growled.
"But you won't," Xanatos retorted with a smug smile, "Because you didn't. Time travel's funny that way."
Goliath turned and walked toward the younger Demona, "Goodbye, young Angel. Remember your promise."
The young Demona gave a nod and stepped back as everyone gathered around Goliath. Looking down at the Phoenix Gate, he closed his eyes and spoke the incantation.
"Deflagrate muros temporis et intervalia!"
The flames swirled around them until they all disappeared in the blinding light. Having seen the light from a distance, The Archmage came running up the stone steps. In a panic, the young Demona hid the gate behind her back, tucking it into her belt.
"I saw the Phoenix flame. You lost the Gate! Admit it, you stupid beast!" The Archmage exclaimed.
"But I-" She tried to speak.
"Fulmenos Venite!" The Archmage interrupted.
Green lightning shot from the Archmage's hand, striking the young Demona in the shoulder. She screamed and fell as the Archmage menacingly stood over her.
"I will tell Prince Malcolm that you stole the Gate!" He threatened.
Before he could cast another spell, the Elder gargoyle landed between them.
"And why would you suspect this child of stealing anything from the Prince?" The Elder Gargoyle questioned, "And if she had, precisely who would she have been stealing it for?"
The Archmage turned and stalked away, frustrated by the Elder Gargoyle. The Archmage stopped and turned back.
"I will not forget this," The Archmage swore before walking down the steps of the tower.
A young Goliath flew down and landed in front of his leader and his mate. The young Demona's face lit up at the sight of her mate. She ran to him, embracing him warmly.
"My love!" She cried. "You are here!"
He hugged her in return, still slightly thrown by the sheer force of it. Still, he was not complaining.
"Come," He told her. "Or we will be late for Prince Malcolm's wedding. And Afterward, there is someone I wish for you to meet."
"It appears the honeymoon has begun earlier than expected."
Only a few seconds after Owen had uttered these words, a small, candle-sized flame appeared before both him and Judge Reuben. It quickly grew to immense size before disappearing, leaving Goliath, Demona, Athena, and the Xanatoses in its place. Seconds later, Demona began to stir. Goliath leaned forward, hopeful that his words had gotten through to the younger version of her.
"Get away from me, you sentimental fool!" Demona snapped.
Goliath slowly released her as she backed away from him in disgust. The hopes he had were now gone.
"You may have prevented me from altering the past, but you failed too," She informed him coldly in a mocking tone, "I remember your little inspirational about keeping her vows of love. I never forgot it, but it changed nothing. Obviously, history is immutable."
"More's the pity," Goliath replied.
Demona took off into the air. Goliath and Athena watched as she disappeared into the night sky.
"Come Daugther," Goliath said, "It's time to go home."
"Wait, father. There is something a need to do first," Athena told him, placing a hand on her father's shoulder.
Athena looked over at Petros and walked toward him. Petros was at first confused at why Athena was approaching him, but when a familiar coin attached to a chain appeared in her hand, it all became clear.
"I know this is long overdue, but thank you for saving my life and giving me my name," Athena said, "I always wondered what happened to the man who saved my life. I kept this coin with me all these years, and I have cherished it with all my heart. I had hoped I would meet him one day, and I guess I have."
"Your welcome, my dear. As a father, I could not stand by and watch a child, whose life has barely begun, end," Petros told her.
"I owe you everything. I owe you my life. And I hope one day to return the favor."
Athena returned to her father's side. Goliath picked up his daughter before taking off into the sky, gliding toward home.
Goliath landed on the rooftop of Athena's home and set his daughter down. Athena looked up at her father and saw sadness in his eyes. She knew it was from failing to change his former love's mind and not changing the past.
"Father, I know that you are upset you could not save Demona," Athena spoke, "But perhaps, she has always been like that. And there was nothing no one could do to change that. Not even the human she raised."
Athena looked down at her feet, trying to hide the tears starting to form. Goliath lifted his daughter's face to look at him and noticed the tear. He wiped it away from his daughter's eyes and kissed her forehead.
"Do not cry," Goliath said softly, "You are not at fault. Perhaps you showed her there are good humans, but they are not easy to find. I suggest you get some rest, daughter. Especially after tonight's festivities."
"I will," Athena smiled, "Good night, father."
"Good night."
Goliath walked toward the ledge and jumped off, flying back to the Clock Tower. Athena watched her father until he disappeared from her sight in the night sky. Athena approached the door on the rooftop and walked down the stairs to the third floor. After the night she had, Athena was looking forward to a long nap.
When she reached the second floor of her home, Athena was surprised by a hug from her husband. Jason lifted Athena slightly off the ground and twirled around with her in his arms. Athena wrapped her arms around Jason's neck and buried her face in his neck.
Jason set Athena back on the ground, but the couple kept hold of each other. Eventually, the two looked into each other's eyes but did not say any words. One could tell what the other was saying just by looking into their eyes.
"I was worried about you," Jason spoke, "During the night, I felt you being pulled away. I do not how to explain it other than that."
"It's alright. I'm fine now," Athena said before yawning, "And very tired. Let's go to bed and I'll explain everything to you later."
"Sleep is what would be best. I hope you can explain why you are dressed like that?"
"I can," Athena chuckled.
Jason and Athena shared a light kiss before walking to their bedroom arm in arm.