The sun splashed down on the city of New York warming David Xanatos' face. Fox piloted the helicopter to the skyscraper Goliath had told him about as he sat gazing over the city.

         The gargoyles had been brooding and more reserved than usual the past few nights. The industrialist had expected something to be wrong. Rather than push the subject, he decided to wait it out.

         At last it was Lexington who broke the silence. He told Fox, while he was looking after Alex, that the clones had approached the clan the other night to ask -no- beg for their help. The clones were succumbing to some break down in their genetic code. The result of this breakdown was not only the green blotches of skin Lexington described, but also their inevitable demise.

         Sevarius always did rush things, Xanatos thought harshly.

         Upon learning this, Xanatos demanded from Goliath to know exactly where the clones were. Having been given the location, Xanatos ran towards the helicopter. He called to Fox and gave her five minutes to meet him there.

         As his wife lifted-off from the landing pad, the orange orb of the sun peeked over the horizon. Xanatos looked down at the castle beneath him. There he saw Goliath, in the Wyvern courtyard, frozen in his stone sleep. His face was raised to the sky. He had obviously been watching the helicopter in it's ascent. The gargoyle's face was a pensive mix of despair and hope. Xanatos looked away from the pitiful sight, as Fox flew away from the castle.

         "We'll be there in five minutes, David." Fox said. She had been quiet the whole flight, sensing that he did not wish to talk. And so, only the hum of the propellers filled the pensive silence.

         Xanatos caught sight of the skyscraper and leaned forward in his seat. Fox eyed him, but said nothing.

         "What the--!!" Xanatos said. His eyes caught movement upon the skyscraper. He saw several cloaked figures prowling around the stone clones. To his horror, Xanatos recognized them as the Quarrymen.

         "Move in quickly, my dear." He instructed his wife. Fox flew in along-side the building while Xanatos reached behind his seat and opened a laser-rifle case that had been lying there. "I'm glad I always come prepared." He said.

         On the skyscraper one quarryman stalked towards the sleeping Thailog. His hammer glowed a fierce purple against the soft blue sky as he raised it high above his head.

         "Go back to Hell, damn you!" Castaway hissed at Thailog.

         The Quarryman received a laser blast in the chest that sent him reeling backward, falling hard on his back. Only his armor had saved him. The sound of a helicopter's propellers deafened him as he staggered to his feet. He saw a black and red helicopter of Xanicorp before him. The founder of the financial giant was standing in the frame of the open door -his hands clutching a very large laser-rifle.

         "That's far enough." Xanatos said calmly.

         "Indeed it is, gargoyle-lover!" a strange, shrill voice screeched at Xanatos. He looked up to see a small, one-man hovercraft diving down at him and Fox. A suicide run!

         "Hold on, David!" Fox yelled as she jerked the helicopter away from the building, sending her husband rolling inside the vehicle.

         At the last possible moment, the Quarryman jumped off of the hovercraft, letting her vehicle dive like a missile at the helicopter. Suddenly two laser blasts from above split the rouge craft in two, and it exploded in a hail of fire and machinery parts.

         Castaway looked up to see a swarm of gargoyle Steel Clan robots plummeting out of the sky. Laser blasts rained down upon his men from the talons of the steel gargoyles. The armor he had given his men had saved their lives, but the shower of laser-fire caused many of his men to flee.

         "Come back you cowards!!!" Castaway shrieked at the retreating figures dashing for their hovercrafts. By God, those bastards would pay for their desertion! They would--

         He heard the rush of air behind him. He looked up to see a Steel Clan robot dive-bombing him. He leapt quickly to the side and brought his hammer down upon the machine's head. Its body danced in the sizzling fire of electricity, as its hard alloy body began twitching as if having a seizure. It tumbled out of its dive, like an injured bird or gargoyle. Down, down, down to the asphalt below. Castaway heard a satisfying explosion as he turned his attention to the stone Thailog again.

         "Now monster--humanity will at last be free of you!" Castaway growled, lifting his hammer high above his head. He may be killed by Xanatos' blasted machines but at least he'd take one of those abominations with him.

         Two gunshots rang out and Castaway felt his wrist shatter. He screamed in pain as his hammer tumbled to the streets below. He seized his bloody wrist, doubling over in agony. He glared up to see his attacker. It was Elisa, still aiming her smoking gun at him, her hair billowing in the strong wind currents around the building.

         "You! Damn you!" Castaway spat. The Xanacorp helicopter suddenly rose to parallel the skyscraper’s edge. The door was open, and Xanatos stood in the frame--aiming his laser-rifle directly at Castaway.

         The quarryman looked up to see a horde of steel clan robots, hovering above him, waiting for the signal to strike.

         There was no way he could defeat them all. Perhaps with his men, but they had fled. Castaway glared fiercely at them all, and beat a hasty retreat to his own hovercraft.

         "Curse you, gargoyle-lovers!" the Quarryman cursed at them as his one good hand took hold of the controls and he flew off into the night.

         "Good shot, detective." Xanatos said as he stepped onto the skyscraper.

         Elisa shrugged. "Well, good I was just leaving the castle when I saw you leaving in a big hurry. Good Goliath told me where the clones were. Once I got it out of Owen just exactly what he had overheard Lex tell Fox, it was just a matter of coming here to find out what you were up to."

         Xanatos frowned at Elisa's obvious lack of trust. Still, he decided, it was fortunate that she had come.

         "Though I'm sure I could have handled any difficulty that arose, I appreciate your assistance." Xanatos smiled smugly.

         At that, as if by Xanatos’ unspoken command, the steel clan robots broke their hovering cluster, and descended to the clones. The robots chests popped open and numerous, steel, snake-like, tentacles shot out coiling themselves around the stone statues. Their jet packs flashed with a surge of power as they slowly lifted the stone gargoyles from their roost.

         Xanatos began walking back to his helicopter. He turned to Elisa, "Care for a lift?"

         "No." Elisa said flatly. "I'd rather drive."

         Xantos watched as each gargoyle clone statue was lowered gently by the Steel Clan robots onto the Wyvern courtyard. He had Thailog placed before Goliath. The millionaire smiled to think how much they looked like giant bookends.

         He looked at the other clones, and remembered Goliath’s talk about them- the gargoyle had told him of those copies Thailog had created not long after the clan had been reinstated into their home. Xanatos remembered hearing Goliath’s voice fill with horror and shame as he told his story. But Xanatos couldn't help but feel a flash of pride when he learned of what Thailog had done. How clever he was, creating his own clan and a mate. It pleased Xanatos in some way and reminded him, a bit, of himself.

         The fact that Delilah looked so much like Elisa Maza, but more well-endowed, amused the billionaire to no end. And that name, that was the icing on the cake. It made Xanatos snicker a little to himself.

         Still, according to Lexington, Thailog had tried to destroy this perfect companion of his, along with the other clones. Xanatos wondered why. What changed Thailog's feelings so. If Thailog was anything like either "sire," his feelings towards a mate would be strong and deep. After all, he wouldn't just cast Fox aside for some floozy. And how long had Goliath tried to get Demona back to this side before finally admitting he loved Elisa. And though the lavender gargoyle was not much on showing his affection, Xanatos knew that Goliath was devoted to Elisa.

         So why had Thailog cast Delilah aside so abruptly, leaving her to die like the rest of his clan. A clan he himself created for himself. That didn't strike Xanatos as being like Thailog. Well, I'll solve that riddle later.

         There was the genetic riddle to take care of first…

        That day, Goliath had a terrible nightmare…

        In his dream he found himself standing on the tallest tower of Castle Wyvern. He was alone and the sun had just set. Storm clouds loomed overhead, and the howling wind carried more of them to the castle.

        Suddenly, he heard the sound of laughter. . .children's laughter. He turned and looked down to the open courtyard to see several hatchlings playing. He smiled in contentment at the sight. But then--what was this? His eyes widened in pleasant surprise when he saw the hatchlings were Brooklyn, Broadway, and Lexington. They looked just as they had years before the massacre. Warm feelings of nostalgia welled up in the gargoyle leader.

        And to Goliath’s surprise, a distinctly familiar and feminine laugh danced on his ear. He turned in the direction of the sound and saw Angela, his beloved daughter, running towards the trio. To Goliath’s surprise he saw her as he had never seen before, as a hatchling. She was so full of life and laughter. So much...like her mother had been when she was so young.

        Goliath’s heart, so full of joy at seeing this sight, felt like it had been stabbed as he remembered Demona. It was too much to remember what had been; what could never be again. He shook off the memory and decided to enjoy the delights of the present. He watched the hatchlings as they played.

        Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw movement in the farthest reaches of the courtyard. He looked into the shadows that lay there to see another hatchling. Perhaps it is one of the trio's rookery siblings or perhaps one of the gargoyles from Avalon. Gabriel, perhaps.

        But no, this hatchling was uncommonly dark. And as Goliath looked closer, he was surprised to find how much this youngster looked like him from a distance.

        Goliath gasped in surprise and shock.

        He saw him--as Thaliog had never been--a hatchling!

        Goliath, seized by the anxious desire to see his son, Goliath glided off the tower. Thailog did not even look up when Goliath landed beside him. There was a long, uncomfortable silence.

        "Thailog--" Goliath said quietly.

        The clone glared up at his 'sire'. His eyes were full of blatant hostility. Goliath felt wounded by the look and took a step back.

        "Thailog--I"

        "I know, I know," the clone spoke bitterly. "So much to say, so little time---But I wonder what would you have said, Goliath?"

        Goliath did not reply. He did not really know were to begin. How he regretted casting his son aside. How could things have been, had he not done so? Certainly things would not have been as they were now. Regret filled Goliath.

        "I am sorry." Goliath said quietly.

        "For what? My existence?!" Thailog snapped back. "I do apologize if my existence offends you, Goliath."

        Goliath turned away, not knowing what to say. His mind was a whirl with thoughts, And then, because this was a dream, and all dreams run on a logic of their own, a different thought all together found Goliath. And he gave it voice.

        "Why are you not over there?" He asked the hatchling clone.

        "Over where?" Thailog asked darkly.

        "Over there." Goliath said pointing to the playing hatchlings of the trio and Angela.

        "I don't belong there." Thailog said quietly, turning away from the sight.

        "But they are of your clan."

        "No. I don't belong there. They don't want me. . .just as you didn't want me."

        "Thailog, " Goliath said, feelings of guilt threatening to tear his soul apart. "We can still wipe the slate clean."

        "I remember what you called me!!!" The hatchling Thailog growled. He showed his fangs as his eyes glowed blood-red.

        Goliath felt a knife of guilt pierced his heart. He had to make it up to this son of his somehow. Granted, he was not what he would have wanted in an offspring, but he did come from Goliath’s blood nonetheless. He found, he could not help but feel pity for this dark son of his. Goliath moved to lay a hand on Thailog, wanting to give him some sort of comfort.

        Thailog roared at him, pulling away. The clone turned to glide or run away-- to be alone again. But Goliath would not allow himself to fail a second time. He caught hold of Thailog's small shoulder.

        "Son--" At last he said the word, he knew part of Thailog always wanted to hear. "Wait!"

        Thailog stopped trying to pull away, and turned towards Goliath. At last, Goliath thought. At last things can be right between us.

        Thailog smiled a little, and Goliath smiled gently back. Then, with a savage growl, Thailog bit deep into Goliath’s restraining hand. The leader groaned with surprise and pain, pulling it away. Seizing his opportunity, Thailog bolted and ran into the castle.

        Goliath held his bleeding hand. "Thailog!! Thailog!!" he cried out. But the gargoyle's cries were lost to the sound of the thunder over head. Goliath suddenly noticed that the sound of the hatchlings' laughter was gone. He looked to where they had been playing and saw that they had vanished.

        Goliath ran into the castle after Thailog. None of the halls he had known since his own hatchlinghood looked or smelled familiar. This was unnerving. The halls twisted and turned in unnatural ways, and Goliath soon found he was lost.

        Suddenly he heard a deep, familiar growl. Goliath turned to see Thailog running at him on all fours. The clone was somehow now an adult. He tackled his sire with all his force, and Goliath groaned as he felt some of his ribs crack. Thailog bit and scratched like a rabid animal. Goliath looked up at his attacker.

        "Thailog--listen to me. It doesn't have to be this way...."

        " Damn you, Goliath!!!" Thailog growled. "I am your son--your misbegotten son!!!" And with those words, his eyes insane with rage and self-hatred, Thailog bent down and tore Goliath’s throat open in one savage jerk.

        The clone leapt off his dying father and ran off into the bowels of castle. "How I enjoyed giving you grief, Goliath." He laughed.

        Goliath lay there and saw his own blood spilling out around him. So this is how my life ends. Death at the hands of my own offspring. Goliath mourned inwardly.

        "Goliath", a familiar husky voice called. " Do not be afraid, gargoyle. These are but shadows."

        There was a strange chime in the air and before him appeared Lady Titania. Goliath looked at her feet, and to his surprise he saw his blood--which was washing over her, vanish from the floor. All pain was now gone, and now knowing he was not harmed- he rose to his feet.

        "Gentle Lady," Goliath said, slightly bowing. "Are these shadows of things that will pass?"

        "They are shadows of what will be- unless Thailog can be made to regret." Titania answered. This filled Goliath with horror.

        "How can I-" he began to ask desperately.

        "You can do nothing yet, Goliath. But do not despair.

you will lose this child, only to regain him."

        "What do you mean?"

        "In time, you will know."

        With that she vanished.

         Goliath was never more grateful to wake after sunset. He roared to life, flexing his muscles and shedding off his stone shell. He was startled by another statue standing near him. Upon looking again, Goliath was amazed to see that it was Thailog, still petrified after his stone death. The others of Goliath’s clan also awoke, and glided down from their various perches to join their leader.

         "Xanatos must have found them," Angela suggested.

         "Hmmm" Goliath mumbled. His eyes fell upon Thailog, and his browhorns seemed to furry in concern.

         "But now what?" Brooklyn said. "I don’t think Sevarius is actually going to help us."

         "Not to worry." Xanatos’ voice spoke. The clan turned from their circle to see the industrialist strolling up to them.

         "Owen, as per my instructions, has spent the day getting in contact with some of the top minds in genetics. Despite what he would like to think, Sevarius was not the only capable mind in his field. They should be arriving upon the hour."

         "Great." Brooklyn grumbled. "I can hardly wait to be a guinea pig again."

         "No need for that." Xanatos explained, knowing that the rest of the clan probably had the same concerns as the young red gargoyle did. "Sevarius’ notes when he was with Gen-U-Tech should provide all the data they’ll need."

         At Xanatos’ reassurance the clan would have unanimously sighed in relief but Goliath’s fears were not so easily subdued.

         "These scientists, can they be trusted not to take advantage of the knowledge they’ll have?" the gargoyle leader asked.

         "Owen has given me his assurance that all the scientists coming may possess talents similar to that of Sevarius, but have nothing but honorable intentions. I think that’s as good a guarantee as any."

         "Ah d’na know if ah trust the words of a trickster." Hudson stated. "Besides, even if they are as ye claim, I doubt that either magic or science will break this spell."

         "Why, Hudson." Xanatos teased. "Surely I thought you would have known by now that nothing is beyond my ability to change!"

         "Why have you done all this?" Goliath asked. He may be sharing his ancestral home with Xanatos, but Goliath was still uncomfortable allowing the human in on the clan’s private affairs. He did not trust him yet, and Xanatos’ intentions were something that one could only guess at.

         "You may find this hard to believe, Goliath" Xanatos said, his voice softening a bit. " But I do feel a certain...responsibility for Thailog."

         "Mmmmm" Goliath grunted, still suspicious.

         "Now if you’ll excuse me, I have other matters to attend to." And with that Xanatos left with the same suavity that he had entered.

         Xanatos walked into the main hall and boarded the elevator there. The remainder of Gen-U-Tech was now housed in the Eerie building below. It was here that the newly hired geneticists would be working, under very close scrutiny. Xanatos would be damned if he would allow them the same kind of Library he had given to Sevarius. He pressed the button to the appropriate floor, and listened to the hum to the elevator.

         "Hello, David." A noble female voice said next to him. Xantos, who had been alone in the elevator before now, turned to see he was now in the presence of Titania.

         "What do you want?" Xanatos demanded, not even bothering to disguise his hostility.

         "Really, David. Is that any way to greet you mother-in-law?" she scolded him.

         "What do you want?" Xanatos insisted.

         Titania sighed. "Only to tell you this: you will lose your child very soon."

         "We’ll see about that."

         "But do not be afraid. In time, he will come back to you."

         "That’s not going to happen." Xanatos snapped. "I won’t let it happen."

         "David," Titania said gently. "When it comes to matters of fate, we all have very little choice." and she vanished before his eyes.

         Titania’s words bothered him for the remainder of the night. When Xanatos finally went to bed it was 3:45am. The words of the fae queen were to become nightmare he’d rather forget.

         Xanatos found himself standing in a brightly-lit hall. The air smelled of medicines and the light was cold and clinical.

         A hospital, Xanatos thought.

         Xanatos saw a great deal of commotion down the hall. He began to walk towards the commotion. As he came closer to the disruption, he felt a sickening fear grow in his stomach.

         "David." A feminine voice called his name.

         It was Fox. Xanatos was surprised to see his wife next to him. Her hair was frazzled and her face was tear-stained.

         "Fox, what is it?" he asked, almost afraid to know the answer.

         She did not speak, and so Xanatos followed her gaze to discover the source of her distress. His gaze landed on a group of doctors behind a large glass window. They were huddled around a small, fragile form--working frantically amongst the valley of life support equipment surrounding the child.

         The child--His Child.

         "My God, Alex!" Xanatos cried.

         Suddenly he heard that dreaded familiar voice.

         "But is this not your son as well?" the voice said. Xanatos turned to see that Fox had become Lady Titania. He followed the queen’s gaze and looked back into the crisis center. Suddenly Xanatos saw that Alex’s form too had changed. He was now heavier and his skin was the color of black. And his wings...

         His wings?

         Xanatos looked again to see it was not Alex, but a gargoyle. ‘A hatchling,’ he supposed was the right word. His hair was white like ice, and...

         My God! It’s Thailog! Xanatos thought.

         Suddenly there was a piercing hum as the heart monitor went flat-line. Xanatos looked at the doctors who, to his shock, had stopped working on the gargoyle. They began leaving the crisis center. Xanatos’ heart sank. There was Thailog, dying on the table, and the doctors were abandoning him.

         "Help him!" Xanatos yelled at the doctors but to no avail.

         He pounded on the glass with his fists. Seized by anger, anger at his own helplessness. It was a feeling David Xanatos abhorred.

         "He is my son!" Xanatos yelled at the doctors. This last statement surprised him as it came from his own lips. But there was no time to think, no time to reason. He could only cry out, "Help him!!"

         "As you wish." Titania said calmly, and she vanished from his side.

         Xanatos woke up with a start. He sat up in bed, feeling his heart racing. He gasped for air.

         "Honey, are you alright?" asked Fox. She was just as startled as her husband was.

         Xanatos put a hand to his sweating brow, and tried to gather his wits about him. He wasn’t in the hospital. He was home, in his bed, next to Fox. That meant Alex was safe, and so was...

         "David?" Fox asked gently, touching his shoulder. Her words brought Xanatos back to reality.

         "I’m alright." He said, trying to sound as collected as possible. He shook his head and climbed out of bed.

         "Where are you going?" Fox asked, for she saw him putting on his robe.

         "Out. I certainly won’t be getting anymore sleep tonight. Don’t wait up for me, my dear." And with that he left the bedroom.

         Xanatos walked out into the hall. The first place he went was Alex’s nursery. He found Owen there, standing over the child’s crib.

         "Mr. Xanatos?" Owen said. His usually calm voice sounded almost surprised, almost.

         "Yes, Owen?" Xanatos asked flatly as he scooped up his sleeping child.

         "Nothing, sir." Owen said-recovering. The industrialist nodded to his majordomo, and left the room without saying anything further.

         Xanatos carried Alex. He felt like taking a walk alone right now. David could feel the child’s gentle breathing and the warmth of his body. As he walked on, lost in his own thoughts--a rarity for him, Xanatos found his feet taking him to the courtyard outside. Before he knew it, he was standing before the stone statue of Thailog.

         Xanatos paused. Here was someone else he had created, someone else who’s he had put the breath of life into.

         His face softened slightly.

         "Sleep well, son." He whispered.

         Far away from castle Wyvern, the isle of Kala-Neimi rose above an unknown ocean. It’s dense tropical jungle reached the ocean in many places, except one where a thin strip of white beach existed. On this beach two gargoyles strolled in the moonlight. They were mated, these two, and had seen many years together.

         The female was Kali. She was beautiful though long past maidenhood. Her skin was a lovely ash gray, and her hair ebony. Her brow was crowned by two ram-like horns, and behind them two lines of white hair descended. Her hair was the object of much envy in her youth, and still inspired it now. This gown of black dragged upon the ground-but it did not hinder her in battle. For she had sharpened her warrior skills over the years.

         The jewel of her brow was a third eye that hung perpendicular to her other two. All of her clan had had this trait, along with the set of four arms instead of just the normal two, and a forked tail. Long ago, her clan had come from India and settled here. It was after the gods of India that she and her mate had been named.

         Kali wore orange silks, embroidered in gold. Her arms were decorated with armbands and bracelets of exquisite craftsmanship. Two scimitars were her chosen weapons and they hung in their scabbards at her sides now. For now battle was far from her mind, and matters of love were nearer.

         Her mate was called Shiva. He was a bright blue, with the exception of his wings. They were gold in color. He too bore the third eye, and four arms -his mother had been from Kali’s clan. He wore an embroidered lion cloth of dusty brown and no jewelry of any kind. Shiva’s hair was matted, for many were the nights he spent out hunting or fishing for his clan. He brought home many a deer or fish upon his trident. But the matters of the hunt were far from his mind now, and matters of love were nearer.

         "Hmm," Kali smiled as she breathed in the salty air. "What a lovely night."

         "Not as lovely as you," Shiva said, embracing his mate from behind. With one hand he smoothed her hair. "And no night sky seems to be as flawless as you."

         Kali turned her head towards him. With her scarlet lips she kissed her mate passionately. She could smell the sea upon him, as well as the earthy musk of the hunt. This perfume always excited Kali to no end.

         "How you still entice me, you old sea dragon." Kali teased. She kissed his face, lower and lower until she reached his neck. There she started to bite. Shiva started to groan with pleasure.

         "Mmmmm. Kali, I---!"

         Suddenly Kali felt her mate’s body tense up in surprise, and all lovemaking stopped. Shiva’s mouth hung open slightly, and his eyes were staring out at the calm ocean. Kali followed his gaze.

         Floating above the ocean’s waters was Lady Titania. The waves beneath her feet glowed in that magical light that surrounded the queen’s entire person.

         "Titania!" Kali said in surprise. The queen was known to her. "What brings you to Kala-Neimi?"

         "The time has come for the prophesy to be fulfilled."

         Kali and Shiva looked at each other in wonder.

         "At last, Shiva. At last…" Kali said to her mate.

         "The promised one will be from your house." Titania said plainly.

         "From my house?!" Kali demanded. "How can that be! All of those under my care were hatched, and I myself have been sterile for many years. How can the promised one be from my house?"

         "Go to Avalon." Titania commanded. "Tell my Lord you wish to adopt an heir. You have not chosen an heir from you charges yet, have you?"

         "No, my lady." Shiva answered.

         "Once you see my lord, tell him you need his assistance to bring forth the chosen one and your new heir from his stone sleep."

         The queen of the fae waved her hand and the image of a gargoyle, frozen in stone appeared. As Kali and Shiva looked upon the statue’s features, their eyes grew wide with awe and recognition.

         "He is exactly as he appears in the carvings!" Shiva said, amazed.

         "Exactly." Kali said. "Now I have no doubt. It must be the chosen one- "

         Shiva was not so sure. "My lady, was this gargoyle born unhatched as the prophesy states?"

         "The magic of men breathed life into this creature." Titania explained. "No, no mother bore him."

         "No mother....." Kali said to herself, her voice trailing off sadly.

         "That is for you to be, Kali." Titania said. The gargoyle looked at her in surprise.

         "Me?"

         "Yes, I can think of no other. You and your mate have gathered the lost and unwanted and joined them to you own clan. I think you will find Thailog here to be a welcome addition."

         "Thailog--so that’s his name." Shiva said.

         "He has no clan of his own?" Kali asked.

         "That he does." Titania corrected.

         "How are we to adopt him then?" Shiva asked, confused and suspicious of the queen’s intentions.

         "Persuade Oberon to help you in taking him." Titania said.

         "Take him--!!" Shiva said in disgust." My love, we cannot do this- we cannot kidnap one that belongs to another."

         "In time, your two clans will be as one." Titania said, trying to ease Shiva’s conscience.

         "What does that matter?" Shiva scolded. "I will not go along with this."

         Kali was silent in thought for a moment. "Surely he will reject us and try to find his clan."

         "Not necessarily." Titania responded.

         Kali was silent again. Shiva could guess her thoughts.

         "My love, surely you are not-"

         "How are we to know that this is not the way the prophesy is to come about? "

         "Wrong should not be done in the name of righteousness." Shiva said.

         "What will it matter, if the cause is right? Other matters will see to themselves."

         Shiva sighed. He knew there was no arguing with Kali on this now. Her faith in the prophesy was unwavering. She would not be satisfied with nothing less than having Thailog as heir to her clan. Such was her stubbornness.

         And Shiva sighed. And such is my love for her.

         "Very well." Shiva sighed heavily. " I could never deny you anything."

         Kali embraced Shiva. "Thank you." She whispered. "You’ll see- things will work out."

         Shiva was unsure. Another question came to his mind.

         "My lady," the gargoyle addressed Titania. "What will happen if Oberon refuses to help us?"

         "Let him know that this is the one who will protect his child from Titian. That should be persuasion enough."

         "That it will." Shiva said.

         "At last, we can free her as well." Kali said, her eyes swelling with tears. "How long I have waited for this day."

         "Go now." Titania commanded. "I shall see you soon upon Avalon."

         "Yes, my lady." The two gargoyles said as they bowed their heads in respect. But when they looked up, only the empty ocean was before them where Lady Titania had been.

         "Time to call Charon." Kali stated to Shiva. He nodded. He unfastened his small pouch. From it he drew one silver coin. He squinted out at the ocean, and walked slowly to the water’s edge. He began to chant:

         "Charon,

         Child of the races three

         Ferry us across the water

         To where we wish to be!"

         With the final words of the rhyme, Shiva hurled the silver coin over the waves. It fell against the black sky like a falling star. But just as it was about to strike the salty waters of the sea, a talon broke through the surface and caught the coin.

         Slowly the clutched hand rose higher, and higher- revealing a forearm, and it’s bearer.

         Kali had seen this once before. But the sight still amazed her. From the ocean rose a hooded figure, on an old black skiff. She could see his gargoyle wings, ratted and torn, poking through his cloak. They were held high, commanding respect. No other part of his person could be seen, as all else was hidden within the confines of his cloak.

         The skiff made it’s way to the shore. And the ferryman spoke.

         "Who pays the ferryman." He demanded. Charon’s voice sounded like it resonated from the bottom of a well.

         "I do." Shiva said. "Take us to Avalon."

         Above Avalon, Gabriel glided. He was just about to go back to the castle when he saw something in the waters off of the coast. He swooped down to the beach and saw a strange skiff coming to the shore.

         Kali and Shiva climbed out of the skiff. Gabriel landed in front of them on the beach’s white sands.

         "Welcome to Avalon. I am Gabriel." The young gargoyle said.

         "I am Kali. We are here to see Lord Oberon."

         Gabriel was surprised by this, but recovered quickly. "Allow me to show you the way."

         As Gabriel led the two strangers through Avalon’s forest, he felt his mind fill with questions. Who were these strangers and what did they want to see Oberon for? Still, he decided to pry, but be polite, and led them to the castle.

         Inside Oberon’s main hall there was the sound of fighting. Two of his daughters were in an argument yet again: Scylla and Undine. The source of the argument was unknown to almost everyone. And though both maids had power over the element of water, they fought bitterly at every turn. Oberon watched with barely hidden amusement. Scylla changed herself into a great sea serpent with six heads and her roar shook the hall of the fae court. The fair Undine summoned a wall of water from the ground and it loomed behind her as she readied herself to launch a full attack upon her sister.

         Into this chaos, Gabriel led the strangers. The olive gargoyle’s cheeks blushed a darker green. He was embarrassed by the scene before him. These children of Oberon fought worse than any human or gargoyle he had known. Gabriel motioned for Kali and Shiva to stand behind him until the quarrel was at an end. As they waited, Gabriel saw that Oberon had caught sight of him and the guests behind the battle in the hall.

         Oberon’s face suddenly changed. The mild amusement was washed away, and he rose slowly from his throne. The fae lord’s face was filled with surprise and recognition at the two strangers. He descended down to the hall’s main floor, right in-between the quarreling Scylla and Undine.

         "BE STILL!" he snapped. Oberon’s hands glowed white, and shot at the two offending children. Instantly they were both imprisoned in ice. Without the slightest flinch of concern, he walked between the frozen statues and went to meet Avalon’s guests.

         "You came." Oberon whispered to Kali. Gabriel was taken aback by how the terrible lord of the fae was full of concern and anticipation.

         Kali lifted her head and met the fae lord’s eyes directly. She nodded. "May we speak to you in private, my Lord?"

         Some of the elfin courtiers gasped in shock at the audacity to ask for a private audience. No one save Lady Titania had that privilege.

         "Granted!" Oberon said forcefully. In a ball of fire and light, the strange gargoyles and fae lord disappeared.

         The great hall was enveloped with the sounds of shocked gasps and gossiping. Poor Gabriel, who was always dismissed as being beneath the children of Oberon’s concern, found himself besieged on all sides.

         In Oberon’s private chambers, the Lord of the fae appeared along with Shiva and Kali. He wasted no time.

         "Tell me gargoyles," Oberon said, assuming his arrogant air again. "Has the prophesied time come?"

         "Yes, my lord and husband. It has." Lady Titania said as she appeared.

         "My lady, what do you know of this?"

         "The arrival of our foe’s minions is immanent. With the stars and fates as they are- it could be no other time." Titania said.

         The queen went to her husband’s mirror and raised one hand to its glassy surface. There within, appeared Thailog, frozen in stone.

         "My lord," Titania spoke. "You know I have attended this matter over many years. I have found the one the prophesy concerning this matter speaks of."

         "Goliath?!" Oberon asked, genuinely surprised. "I made him and his clan the honorary guard of Avalon, yes. So that if an attack on our shores is made we would have our defenses. But even I was not aware of him being the one who was prophesied."

         At this Kali scowled to herself. Her and the other gargoyle clans of the Isara islands had been called hundreds of years ago to guard for Oberon. Who was this Goliath upstart who bore the same title as she and those noble clans? Thus Kali’s heart began to harden against Goliath, before ever having laid eyes upon him.

         "No my lord." Titania gently corrected. "This is his son, Thailog. He is the first gargoyle born unhatched, as the prophesy states."

         "The resemblance is remarkable!" Oberon said to himself.

         "As you see him now my lord, he can do nothing. For he is stone both day and night."

         Oberon was silent for a time. The gargoyles felt the air get heavier with the Lord’s thoughts. At last he spoke.

         "Is he fit for such a task?"

         "As he is now, no my lord." Titania answered. "But allow these two to adopt him and allow there to be no memory of his life before; until the moment is right. Then, dear husband, I will see to the rest."

         Oberon turned from all of them to mull in his own thoughts. As his back was turned, Titania looked at Kali and nodded slightly. The female gargoyle knew this was her cue.

         "My Lord," Kali beseeched. "Let it be as your lady asks. We will prepare him for what is to come. Teach him what a clan is and make him our heir."

         "I have foreseen my lord- that he is the one who will help your child in bondage." Titania said.

         Oberon flinched at being reminded of that secret shame. "Would I, by my own words, not have damned her......"

         Titania laid a comforting hand on her spouse’s shoulder. "How" the lord of the fae demanded suddenly.

         "Thailog is clever, husband. He will find a way."

         "What of her sister?"

         "She is well, my Lord." Shiva said.

         "Hmmm......"

         "My Lord," insisted Kali. "As things stand now- your child has been promised to another when she comes of breeding age."

         "WHAT?! WHO?!" Oberon demanded.

         "Titan of the Sheol Clan." Was the reply.

         Oberon’s features wrinkled with disgust. " I will not allow my bloodline to be tainted by the seed of that demon!! I failed my child once, I will not do so again."

         "Forgive, my lord." Shiva interrupted. "But how can we know that this Thailog will be any better a master than Titian?"

         "Leave that to me." Oberon said.

         "Then we are agreed?" Titania asked.

         "We are." Oberon said firmly.

         Titania smiled to herself.

         Oberon, Titania, Kali and Shiva suddenly appeared in a ball of fire in the center of Castle Wyvern’s courtyard. Immediately the shrill perimeter alarm blared it’s warning. Kali and Shiva put their talons over their ears, while the fae looked on aloofly.

         In his office Xanatos had been working late. Owen was just about to comment upon their latest project when the alarm began screaming. Xanatos looked sharply to the large monitor. The exterior cameras captured the image of the intruders and projected it before Xanatos’ eyes.

         "Son of a bitch!" Xanatos yelled when he saw Oberon. His heart was full of dread as he jumped to his feet. But his eyes burned with clear focus.

         "Owen, see to Alex." The millionaire directed.

         The majordomo nodded without a word, and left to attend to the child. Xanatos was glad to know that Fox and Alex were both in the nursery. There they would be safe with Owen guarding them. It would be up to him and the gargoyles to deal with Oberon.

         Xanatos walked quickly to a small storage closet in his vast office. There he pressed the appropriate number combination and it hissed open. The light fell onto his iron gargoyle armor. Titania’s last words echoed in his mind.

         "You will see, Titania-that there is no fate I cannot change." He stated defiantly as he began to put on his armor.

         Back in the Wyvern courtyard Oberon frowned. "Annoying screech owls." He said as he stretched out one hand. It glowed with white fire. This flame shot out of his hand and at the speakers located on the far eastern wall. The speakers exploded, ending the sound of the alarm, to the relief of all the party there.

         "Almost as annoying as Banshee." Oberon grumbled.

         "Oberon!" Goliath’s voice rang out. The gargoyle leader and his clan had been enjoying themselves prior to the lord’s arrival. But upon hearing the alarm sound, they had dropped whatever they were doing. Now Goliath and his clan stood outside the main courtyard entrance, facing the fae lord and his company.

         This angered Oberon.

         "Such impudence!!!" he scowled. Oberon raised his hands and the defending gargoyles suddenly found themselves frozen where they stood. Xanatos, who came rushing out behind the front line of gargoyles found himself also immobile and helpless. Exactly as he had been when those cursed fae too had tried to abduct Alex.

         Damn!! Xanatos thought. And he began to fear for his son.

         Upon seeing that Oberon had secured the situation, Kali looked about her. She saw a group of stone gargoyles and was surprised to see more than just one of her kind had fallen under this curse. She walked among them, and felt full of irrational dread. This is unnatural. She thought. Stone at night. Such pain and fear in their faces.

         At last Kali came across the stone frozen form of Thailog. Her face lit up at the discovery. At last the one she was looking for, the one that was promised to her and her clan. Upon closer examination she saw his face was full of fear and anger-and this troubled Kali. She found herself drawn to him, to soothe him as only a mother can. She touched his stone cheek gently.

         Goliath saw the strange female gargoyle touching Thailog in a way that was too familiar for his tastes. Anger began to well up inside of the gargoyle leader. "Thailog!!!" Goliath demanded. "What do you want with Thailog?!"

         "He is the reason we have come." Titania said matter-of-factly. "We have come for him, to take him with us." Her fae husband nodded in silent agreement.

         "WHAT!!!??" Goliath and Xanatos exclaimed in unison. The two fathers then glared at each other in mutual annoyance.

         "Although I would prefer to take him-of-my-blood, and my servant-Puck," Oberon explained. "I am afraid I will have to settle for your offspring, Goliath."

         "No!" Goliath protested.

         "Ach," Hudson said, thinking of all the misery this clone had caused. "Let him go lad. He’s been nothin’ but grief to us."

         "What?" Goliath asked, angry and surprised to hear such words from his mentor.

         "Yeah." Brooklyn agreed dryly. "If Oberon wants him- the fae are welcome to him."

         Goliath could not believe this! First, his mentor; now, his second! How could he ever make his clan understand? Thailog was his son regardless of everything he had done. He could not allow him to be kidnapped-even by the lord of the fae! And those two gargoyles that were actually aiding him!

         Goliath saw one of these strange gargoyles-the female- approach Lady Titania.

         "My lady," Kali said. "I wish to know what you know of this Thailog."

         "As you wish." Titania nodded. The fae queen approached Thailog’s frozen form and touched his forehead. Her hands glowed with a soft light. Then the queen passed to Kali and the fire jumped from the fae’s hands into the gargoyle’s eyes. Kali suddenly felt like she had been hit with a lightening bolt. She grabbed her head and groaned in agony. The gargoyle fell to her knees as memories that were not her own flooded her brain. She suddenly saw in her mind’s eye, the world through Thailog’s eyes. She knew all of his thoughts and actions of the past. She saw the clone, new and young to the world, reach out for his own kind--only to be called an "abomination." All of this stormed through Kali’s mind like a hurricane, and she was totally unaware of her mate holding her.

         At last the storm passed. And Kali’s mind was her own again.

         "Kali?" Shiva asked, very concerned about his mate.

         Kali shook her head, as if to clear her head of the fuzziness. "Yes, my love." Kali whispered.

         Shiva was relieved at her response. But anger filled his thoughts. Those fae cause nothing but misery. He scowled to himself.

         "Now that you know what I know," Titania asked Kali. "Will you still accept this lost one as one of your own?"

         Kali did not hesitate. "Yes, My lady. I will."

         "Remember, child. He is dangerous."

         "Forgive me," Kali said turning again to Thailog and caressing his stone cheek. "But....he is beautiful."

         "Would someone please tell me what is going on?!" Goliath demanded, exasperated.

         Kali turned and scowled at Goliath. Thailog’s memories swam in her mind, as well as her own jealousy. She could all but feel Thailog’s agony and fury at being treated as an unnatural creature by this "sire" of his. Kail strolled up to Goliath is a fashion that reminded him of a panther.

         "I will let you know what is going on." The strange female hissed at Goliath. "And I’ll make sure to use small words to make sure you understand. My clan of the Kala-Neimi isle has been waiting, waiting hundreds of years for this offspring of yours. If you only knew, what I know -fool! Of who he is, of what he is destined to be -then perhaps you would not have been so quick to cast him aside as some ‘abomination’ ."

         Goliath was shocked. By her harshness and by her knowledge of what had passed between Thailog and himself. This had only been witnessed by Elisa, and she had told no one. How did this stranger know so much?? Xanatos, too, was puzzled.

         "How-how do you know?" Goliath stammered.

         "I have Thailog’s memories now." Kali said triumphantly, taping the side of her forehead. "All he has ever done, known, or felt is now known to me."

         Titania nodded." Yes, Goliath. It is true. I thought a more intimate knowledge of the child would aid Kali in raising him."

         "WHAT?!" Goliath yelled, furious.

         "I will give him what you denied him-" Kali hissed at the gargoyle leader. "A clan he can call his own--"

         "But he is of my blood!!! Of MY clan!!" Goliath growled, his eyes white with anger. He remembered in the back of his mind how he had invited his son to join his clan, and how Thailog rejected him--as he had been rejected. Goliath found himself overwhelmed with guilt and helplessness.

         "Your own clan speaks against him!!" Kali spat. She was now nose-to-nose with Goliath.

         "No." She growled. She could not resist twisting the knife. "You don’t deserve him." Her three eyes flashed red.

         Goliath felt his own eyes burning in a rage. "HE IS MY SON!!!"

         This statement sent gasps throughout Goliath’s clan. Angela looked away as she felt her eyes watering. How long had she tried to have Goliath acknowledge that he was her father? And yet, he acknowledged it so easily with Thailog. Thailog, the monster who had tried to kill her. She began to cry softly.

         Only Broadway noticed. "Angela," he whispered. Her eyes glanced over to him, and then turned away. She wished she could move, so she could fly off into the night and be alone.

         Goliath roared out his anger and frustration. Kali’s eyes only narrowed and she turned her back on him, walking away.

         "Oh, It’s not going to be that easy." Xanatos said under his breath. At that moment the air shook with that familiar sound of steelclan robot engines. Kali looked up to see an iron gargoyle dive bombing at her. Her eyes flashed red and she leapt out of harm’s way. Just in time, as the robot crashed where she had been standing, and it burst into flames.

         Kali looked up, growling at the sky to see several of these iron monsters closing in on her and her party!!! She counted their number quickly -ten, fifteen- no, more! They began to shower her with laser-fire, and she dodged them, springing like a rabbit from one side to the other.

         "I was preparing for Oberon’s inevitable return." Xanatos explained over his shoulder to Goliath. The human smiled smugly to himself as he saw the female gargoyle, whoever she was, dodge the hailstorm of lasers that rained down about her.

         "How can those two be helping Oberon?" Lexington asked. "They’re gargoyles, like us!"

         "No matter what their reasons, let us hope that they do not succeed." Goliath responded.

         "My Lady!!!!" Shiva yelled at the Lady Titania as the gargoyle saw two iron clan warriors begin to dive-bomb her from both sides. True to his gargoyle nature, he grabbed hold of the queen’s arm and pulled her to safety. Then with his trident he smashed one robot’s head as it approached, then the other. The mindless machines flailed about, then collapsed in a heap of metal and sparks.

         Oberon saw how the robots would have harmed his queen, were it not for Shiva--and he was enraged.

         "Enough!!!!" Oberon commanded. Lightening flashed in the heavens above and thunder rumbled. Storm clouds suddenly appeared, and blanketed the moon and stars. For, in ancient times, he had been called Zeus, god of the skyfire. And he wielded this ancient weapon down upon the mindless robots. The lightning fell like rain and as it struck the steelclan--they exploded in Oberon’s rage.

         "Oh boy!" Brooklyn gasped. He saw the robots burst like firecrackers, and the pieces that remained of them clattered down upon the courtyard’s stones.

         "How dare you attack us, Human?!" Oberon yelled at Xanatos. "Your weapons are nothing but toys to me!!" The fae lord raised his right hand and a blast of white light flashed from his fingers and knocked Xanatos against the wall. The blast point on the billionaire’s armor was smoking. Xanatos was thankful for his armor. Had he not been wearing it…

         "My lord," Shiva said. "If it pleases you, do not bother with them. Let us end this fruitless strife."

         "Son of Grendel," Oberon said to Shiva. "Wise you are, indeed. For you know Oberon does only as he pleases. Because you know this, and because you have aided my lady--I will grant your request."

         The lord of the fae scowled at Xanatos and the gargoyles of Goliath’s clan. "Your defiance has put me in a foul humor, Goliath. But for your son’s sake, and because the son of Grendel has beseeched on your behalf--I spare your lives."

         In a ball of yellow fire, Oberon and his accomplices disappeared, with the statue of Thailog. Goliath and his clan felt the force that had imprisoned them lift, and they could move again. Brooklyn and Lexington went to help Xanatos to his feet. Goliath ran to where the statue of his "son" had been. He could feel the stones beneath him were still warm with the fae lord’s magic. The lavender gargoyle looked about frantically, not believing what he had seen. Anger and frustration swelled in Goliath’s heart, until he at last gave it full voice in a long anguished cry.

         Xanatos, once on his feet, walked over to where the mighty Goliath had collapsed to his knees.

         "Goliath." Xanatos said quietly. "Perhaps Owen can shed some light on what has happened."

         Goliath arose, his eyes blazing and the hair on his head almost seemed to bristle in rage. "Let us hope so." He growled. The leader turned to walk inside the castle. As he passed his clan, they could sense his rage-like the thunderstorm in the air. No one spoke and they all looked at their feet, to avoid his infuriated gaze. Xanatos followed Goliath, but made sure to give him plenty of space.

         For a few moments the air was filled with a pensive silence after Goliath and Xantos’ departure. It was finally broken by a heartbreaking sob from Angela.

         "Angela..."Broadway said, trying to comfort her. He reached for his beloved but she pulled away from his outstretched talons, and flew off into the night.

         "Angela!!!" Broadway cried after her. But the female gargoyle did not listen. Soon, she was gone from sight.

         "Well, go after her, you big lug!" Brooklyn growled jokingly. No way was he going to let Angela be out there alone, with all the recent Quarryman activity.

         "But." Broadway hesitated, not wanting Goliath to be angry with him later.

         "I’m the second, and I say ‘Go after her.’ Let me deal with Goliath!" Brooklyn ordered, not believing he was actually saying this!! From the surprise on Lexington’s and Broadway’s faces- they didn’t either. But Hudson, through his worry for Goliath and Angela, seemed to approve somehow of Brooklyn’s actions.

         Broadway’s surprise subsided, and he nodded. Without a word, he glided off into the night after the young female. Brooklyn watched him for a moment, wishing his friend the best. He hoped Broadway would find Angela. He could not bear the idea of harm coming to her, even if she would see him only as a friend.

         Brooklyn shook off this feeling and focused on the matter at hand.

         "Come on, Let’s see if Puck knows anything about this." Brooklyn said. He went into the castle, following the trail of Goliath and Xanatos. He motioned for Hudson and Lexington to follow. The gargoyles looked at each other in concern, then hastily followed.

         On the shores of Avalon, Oberon appeared with his raiding party. Kali was always nervous whenever it came to journeying anywhere by magic, be it a teleportation spell or by magic skiff. But she shook this nervousness off and turned her thoughts to the stone statue beside her.

         "Can you free him, my Lord?" Kali asked in her most innocent voice, knowing that this would insult the fae lord’s pride, and thus move him to action. Kali was through with being patient. Now that she had this new son, and heir of hers, she was eager to get back to Kala-Nemi Island.

         "Of course I can." Oberon scoffed. Kali’s jab had produced the desired effect and she smiled. Oberon walked over to the stone-imprisoned Thailog and raised one hand. As he spoke, the fae lord’s hand radiated with power.

         "Child born unhatched

         Awake from your stone prison

         With no memory

         Of your nights before.

         I give you to these two,

         And to another-

         To love and protect her."

         The stone skin on Thailog cracked as he roared to life. As Kali watched his awakening, she was filled with pride at his robustness. How wild and beautiful he was. What a blessing he would be to her house! What a son!!

         Thailog once free of his stone prison, began to sway and collapsed to the ground. Kali sprang to his side.

         "Easy, easy!!" she coaxed the exhausted gargoyle. Thailog looked at her, his eyes filled with confusion.

         "You are alright." Kali said. "You are safe now."

         "Who are you?" Thailog demanded. He found himself weak, in a sea of strange faces and in a place he did not know. He would have sprung to attack or flee, but his body could barely move. His red eyes darted nervously from face to face, trying to anticipate what they would do next.

         Shiva watched all this in awestruck wonderment. He was transfixed, staring at the young male gargoyle.

         "What troubles you, son of Grendel?" Lady Titania asked him.

         "My lady," Shiva whispered. "His coloring......his eyes.....just as it was prophesied. Just as the carved image of him, in the halls of the Baal clan. Made so many hundreds of years ago."

         "Now the prophesy has come to pass." Titania said. "The dark one has come to you. Now, Shiva, what will you do?"

         "Who are you?" the dark gargoyle demanded again.

         "I am Kali." Kali said gently, unaffected by his coarseness. "But you may call me Kali-Ma. This is my mate, Shiva. And those two are Lord Oberon and Lady Titania."

         Thailog’s eyes moved from face to face.

         "Do not fear us." Shiva said firmly. " We will do you no harm."

         At this the bewildered Thailog seemed to relax a little. Then he scowled to himself and it was obvious to Shiva that he was searching his mind for memories. And found nothing. Shiva felt a little bit of pity for Thailog, but took care to hide it well.

         "Your name is Thailog." Shiva told him.

         "Thailog? ...Thailog." The clone repeated to himself. "I...I can’t remember anything."

         "Do not worry about that, now." Kali comforted him. She reached out to touch his brow horns, but Thailog pulled away--startled by her touch. She slowly reached out to him again, and Thailog’s throat rumbled in a deep growl.

         "Don’t be afraid." Kali said gently. But Thailog continued to growl at her.

         Then Kali looked deep into his eyes. It was the beginning of the oldest of battles-without words. Thailog’s eyes glowed hot-red in confusion and anger. But Kali could smell his fear. Her eyes were gentle, but unrelenting, and they invaded Thailog’s soul. He found he could not look into them for much longer. Shiva hardly dared to breathe as the war went on between mother and her new son. Until, at last, Thailog--exhausted, submitted and turned his gaze away.

         Kali reached out to him one more time. Shiva felt himself tense, wondering if Kali might lose one of her hands to the jaws of this wild gargoyle. But to his surprise and relief, Thailog surrendered himself to trust, and allowed Kali to touch him. Kali was overjoyed, but took care to keep it to herself. She did not want to frighten the confused Thailog off.

         "My son." Kali whispered. "My sweet son." She smoothed Thailog’s brow horns and held his head in her hands. "How strong are her hands?" Thailog thought to himself. Strong enough to crush stone, yet how gently they touched him. Her many hands, smoothing his face and shoulders, touched a part of his soul that was starved for love and acceptance. He fed on her love hungrily, relishing it. He sighed deeply and began to relax, as feelings of contentment washed over him.

         Shiva smiled, seeing his mate cradling her new son. Now he knew it was time to go. He threw a coin out over the water and repeated the ancient rhyme- and Charon once more emerged from the sea.

         "Who pays the ferryman?" Charon demanded.

         "I do." Shiva stated. "Take my mate, myself...and our new heir, back home. Back to Kala-Neimi Isle."

         Charon bowed, and gave a gesture for the three travelers to come aboard. Thailog was too weak from his stone-coma, so Shiva picked up the young gargoyle and placed him in the skiff. Kali sat down, cradling the large gargoyle in her four arms.

         "I...I saw the sun...but I could not reach it..." Thailog whispered.

         "Shhh. Don’t think of that now." Kali said. "You are safe now. Relax and sleep, my son."

         Charon pushed off from the Avalon shore.

         "Safe journey." Oberon said to the gargoyles as they departed.

         Thailog was full of questions but he was too exhausted to find any of the answers right now. The rock of the skiff on the waves, Kali-Ma’s motherly caress, and the sound to the gentle waves of the sea--made Thailog relax. Deeper, and deeper, until at last, he fell asleep.

         "How can he do this to me?" Angela thought as tears rolled down her cheeks. "How can he do this to me?"

         Angela, once bolting from castle Wyvern, had glided blindly, her heart full of pain and anger. She found herself now among the many crevices in an abandoned office building. As she sat there on the ledge, she began to grow afraid. She knew she shouldn’t be out here alone. The presence of the Quarrymen had become more and more pronounced, and they could find her alone. She was afraid that she would hear the whirling of the Quarryman’s helicopter, so she kept her weeping quiet.

         But her mind was not quiet. She remembered how Thailog had tried to kill her, not so long ago. How he had stolen the serum from the clones, condemning them to an agonizing death. Angela also remembered, angrily, how Thailog had set-up MacBeth and Demona to kill each other. "What a fool he made of mother!! He used her, then cast her aside--like she was nothing!!"

         Angela’s thoughts now went to her travels with Goliath, Bronx, and Elisa. How many times Goliath had pushed her away, refusing to acknowledge that he was her father. Finally, he had done so, but Angela recalled it was after constant badgering.

         But Thailog!!! This monster who did nothing but bring misery to others--Goliath actually called him his son!! And so easily he called him that!! It stabbed Angela in the heart. She shuddered to think: "If Thailog is Goliath’s son, then that would make him my bro-"

         "oh no!" Angela grimaced, shuddering at the thought.

         "Angela!!" a voice rang out through the air. She looked up and saw Broadway gliding in the distance. She knew she should reveal herself, so Broadway would not endanger himself while looking for her. For who knew where the Quarrymen were? But she stayed silent.

         When Broadway was gone from view, Angela bounced out of her hiding place. She glided in the opposite direction from which the turquoise gargoyle had come. It did not take her long to realize where she was, and she started for Elisa’s.

         Elisa was just getting home when she heard something tapping at her window. Perhaps it was Goliath? She looked up hopefully, and felt a little disappointed when she saw Angela there. Still, it was good to see her friend.

         Elisa came to the window and opened it for the young gargoyle.

         "Angela! What are you doing here?" Elisa smiled.

         Angela was quiet. She looked away from Elisa for a second. When she turned back to the detective, Angela’s eyes were full of tears. Her lips began to quiver.

         "Angela?"

         "Oh, Elisa!!" the gargoyle began to cry. She hugged the detective.

         "Come on. Tell me what’s wrong." Elisa coaxed.

         Angela wiped her eyes.

         "Well," she sniffed. "It’s about Thailog...."

         "Now come on, Master Alex. It’s time to put our lessons away and get some shut eye!" Puck said in that merry voice of his. He shot about the room, picking up his levitating student in mid air. Puck placed him in the crib.

         "Now get some sleep! Or there’ll be no bedtime story tomorrow night!" the trickster gently scolded.

         The door to the nursery clicked open. Puck turned to see Goliath and Xantos standing in the doorway. The gargoyle was visibly upset -almost beside himself. Xanatos looked a little nervous. Puck guessed what was wrong, but gave no indication of such.

         "Oh no! What has big Daddy Oberon done now?" Puck asked, floating and putting his hands on his hips.

         "He has taken Thailog." The distraught Goliath said.

         "Oh dear." Puck said, more to himself than to anyone else. "The prophesy."

         "You know of this??!!" the gargoyle leader snapped. He leapt into the room and grabbed the fae by the shirt. "Tell me what you know!!"

         "Temper, temper, Goliath!" the fae scowled. He disappeared from Goliath’s clutches and reappeared next to Xanatos.

         "Now I see where little Thai got the temper from!" Puck asided to Xanatos.

         Xanatos could not help but smile. "Perhaps you can shed some light on this situation."

         "Yeah. Maybe you can." Brooklyn said to the trickster as he entered the nursery.

         "All right, all right." Puck sighed, rolling his eyes. "I’ll tell you what is going on -but not here. After all this is a nursery, not grand central station."

         Suddenly the fae spun in the air. Yellow lightning flew from the top and absorbed Xanatos and the gargoyles. They vanished from the nursery and reappeared in the great hall of Castle Wyvern.

         "Now." Said puck, rising high above the heads of his audience." What is that phrase those Grimm brother use? Ah yes. Once upon a time...."

         "Once upon a time there were two brothers, Oberon and Madoc. They battled and bickered constantly. Now after one such argument, Madoc lost control of Avalon to his brother. Madoc then wandered the earth -feeling dejected and sorry for himself. Then, one night, he sat under an apple tree and fell asleep. A little bit later, when Madoc woke up he found he was not alone.

         " ‘I am Aseroth.’ The stranger said. Aseroth was known to Madoc. He and Oberon fought him together many times when Avalon was still young. The ousted fae prince was a little worried when he woke up to find himself next to this powerful enemy of his, and alone at that. But Aseroth gave no sign that he wished his adversary any ill, and he could have killed him easily in his sleep."

         " ‘Let’s travel together, for a while.’ Aseroth suggested. ‘For I am a stranger in the world, as are you. Let us at least give each other company, and forget those days of being enemies.’ "

         " ‘Very well.’ Madoc said."

         "Aseroth and Madoc traveled together for some time. They caused all sorts of misery and evil upon the earth. During their journeys, Asleroth learned many things from his companion. He would often entice the fae price to drink, and get him drunk. Then he would learn from Madoc all sorts of secrets of the fae. Secrets that he was not supposed to know. Aseroth was pleased.

         "News of this partnership spread over the earth, and eventually reached Oberon’s ears as well. Oberon decided, rightly, that the two together were a threat to Avalon. I don’t know exactly how, but Oberon managed to get the two travelers to distrust each other. Soon they went their separate ways. Once separated, they were not so invincible. Madoc was imprisoned in the Nether realm, while Aseroth was banished back to his own realm. I don’t know how Oberon did this, but I do think he had help." Puck concluded.

         "Wait." Lexington interrupted. "Where was Aseroth from anyway?"

         "Hell." Said Puck, matter-of-factly.

         All those who listened to the tale gasped in shock and horror.

         "Well I thought you knew that at least." Puck teased his horrified audience. "Yes, yes. That would make Aseroth a demon."

         "Well Oberon went home, quite pleased with himself." Puck continued. "Then one night he had a terrible vision. He saw Aseroth leading his minions and Madoc free of the Nether realm. They consumed the earth. He saw these armies of darkness stretch forth their hands and crush all those under their power. They stormed Avalon and left it in ashes.

         "In an effort to avoid this catastrophe, Oberon left Avalon and flew out over some unknown ocean. From the waters he called forth seven islands, and had them form a ring with one island in the center. Then from the many corners of the earth, he called six gargoyle clans. To each he gave one island. The center island he left for the Council of the Clans. This gargoyle council would rule in his name and under his authority.

         "Oberon told them of his vision and made them the honorary guards of Avalon. Sorry Goliath, you and your clan are going to have to share that title with six other clans. Anyway, the gargoyle clans were to wait for the prophesied time, when they would be needed. And their isolation would insure the species’ survival. Of course, I think Oberon did this more for his own purposes, than anything else."

         "Hmmmm…" Goliath nodded in agreement.

         "The gargoyle clans agreed. For gargoyles protect, as is their nature. They would wait for the appropriate time."

         "In the time that followed, Oberon came to visit these clans many times. One day, he came, and gave to one clan a sacred sword. He said that this sword was forged in the heavens -I don’t know if that’s true. Oberon is known to exaggerate. It is said that the sword would be wielded in defense of Avalon, against both Aseroth and Madoc.

         "On one visit, to the Baal clan, Oberon gave them powers similar to that of his own children."

         "But as time passed, the gargoyles of these islands became more like his children in other ways. They became proud and corrupt. Only those of the Baal clan remained untouched, pure. Poor daddy Oberon!! Fated I guess to be constantly plagued by ungrateful subjects and children--I should know."

         "The gargoyles of the Baal clan were know to have great gifts of healing and prophesy. One day one of them had a vision, and he carved this:"

         Puck waved his hands in the air and there appeared the carved image of a gargoyle on stone wall. And it was not just any gargoyle it was--

         "THAILOG!!!" Goliath said.

         "Yep, yep." Puck sighed. "That was the image carved by the seer. It was said that he would be the first gargoyle unhatched. The one who would lead the clans into battle against Aseroth."

         "That sounds like a fair description of Thailog." Xanatos remarked. "Which explains why you pushed the Thailog project."

         "Well how was I to know that was how the prophesy was to be fulfilled?" Puck smiled. "Prophesies are funny that way. When I got a look at that pigment defect Dr. Sevarius had been whining about for days, I remembered this carving. I knew he was the one. The first one born unhatched, and with eyes of fire, skin of ebony and hair of ice. Right on the mark if you ask me."

         "But what of those we saw tonight?" Goliath demanded. "Who are they? How do they fit into this?"

         "Please, Goliath. Curb your paternal instinct and give me a moment." Puck sighed. "She is called Kali. Her mate is Shiva, I believe. Anyway, she is a bit of a fanatic. Apparently, somehow, she found out about Thailog’s existence and she took him, to her home most likely."

         "How can I get there?" Goliath asked.

         "Goliath, wait!" Brooklyn said. "You’re just going to rush off after him?"

         "Thailog is my son."

         "Lad." Hudson said gently." He may be of your flesh, but he chose not t’ be of this clan. Why not let ‘im go?"

         "I cannot." Goliath answered. "Perhaps there is no way to explain but he is of my blood. Perhaps there is a part of him I can reach."

         Hudson and Brooklyn were quiet, regretting the words that they had spoken earlier. But Goliath had already forgiven them.

         "Where’s Angela?" Goliath asked.

         "She flew off after the fight." Brooklyn explained. "But don’t worry. I sent Broadway after her."

         "What?!" were Goliath’s last words before he turned to stone.

         A few minutes earlier, in Elisa’s apartment, Angela at last finished her tale of Thailog’s abduction.

         "It doesn’t make sense- what would Oberon want with Thailog?" Elisa asked.

         Angela shrugged.

         " I don’t know." She said quietly." I just can’t believe how Goliath-"

         "Angela," Elisa interrupted gently. "Goliath is your father. He loves you. Nothing will ever change that. But ever since we first met Thailog, I know Goliath has regretted that things did not go...as they should’ve."

         "But how can Goliath accept him after he’s done such terrible things?" Angela persisted.

         Elisa paused. She wanted to tell Angela that it was because he was his son. Of his clan. Of his blood. Besides, was it not similar to how Angela could accept Demona after her atrocities?

         But Elisa knew now was not the time to bring up Demona.

         "There you are!!" Broadway’s happy voice sounded. He was relieved to have found Angela there.

         "I was so worried." He exclaimed as he came into the apartment. "The sun’s about to come up."

         "Oh Broadway!" Angela cried as she rushed into his arms. Fresh tears fell from her eyes onto Broadway’s strong shoulder.

         "There, there. It’ll be all right." He said as he held her.

         Elisa turned to see the sun just begin to peek over the horizon. And she heard the familiar sound of the gargoyles turning to stone.

         Broadway held Angela in his embrace for the day.

         Far away, on some unknown ocean, Charon’s boat neared the enchanted isle of Kala-Nemi. Thailog stirred. His eyes flickered open and he sighed deeply. His limbs were still heavy, and he felt he could not move. Kali smiled gently down at him, for his head was in her lap. Shiva beheld the scene between Thailog and Kali, with wonderment and curiosity.

         Thailog’s mind was blank of all memory. But somehow he sensed that he had never felt this calm, this at ease before. In Kali’s eyes there was no judgment and he relaxed at this. To feel so accepted felt...alien to him somehow. He could not remember why -he was not sure he wanted to.

         Peeking over the skiff’s edge Thailog saw the island. It was covered with a thick jungle. In the distance he saw a palace of white stone. If he had remembered pictures of the Taj Ma Hal, he would have found the construction very similar.

         "Where am I?" Thailog asked.

         "This is Kala-Neimi Island. Our home." Kali answered. "It can be your home as well, should you wish it."

         Charon took the travelers to the shore. Shiva carried Thailog to the shore, as he had done before on Avalon. Once they were upon the shore, with Kali by their side, the sun rose. Thailog, Shiva, and Kali turned to stone. Charon, immune to the sun’s effect on his gargoyle brethren, steered his skiff out into the ocean once more. Mists arose from the waters and engulfed the skiff. Then it was gone.

         Xanatos spent the following day in one of three places. He was either talking with Owen, with his wife, or in his office working. When the sun was about to set he left a disk on his desk for Owen to retrieve the next morning. The majordomo would follow his instructions to the letter--and Xanatos Enterprises would run without it’s creator for three weeks.

         In the main hall, the last rays of sun became slowly dimmer and dimmer. When they were gone at last, the skin on the gargoyles began to crackle. They roared to life.

         "Come." Goliath said to his clan. "We must find Angela." The gargoyles raced to the courtyard and scaled the wall of the tower that served as their usual perch. Goliath was full of fear and worry for his daughter. He could not climb fast enough. When at last he reached the top of the tower, the leader opened his wings and was about to take flight---when he heard that oh, so irritating voice of Puck.

         "And where do you think you are going?" Puck laughed. The trickster appeared in front of Goliath, hanging in mid air.

         "Good Alex has just finished his lesson, otherwise I might not have caught you."

         "Out of the way." Growled Goliath. " I have to find Angela."

         "Oh is that what you want?" the fae laughed, scolding the mighty Goliath like a child. The gargoyle obviously didn’t like it. That made the game all the more fun.

         The trickster’s eyes suddenly glowed with white fire, as his hands became engulfed with yellow light. He held his hands together, palms facing each other. Between his palms a ball of light appeared and grew. He threw the ball onto the tower where it grew steadily, flashing many colors. In the globe, three forms began to appear. To Goliath’s joy, it was Broadway, his beloved Elisa, and...

         "Angela!!" Goliath smiled.

         The female gargoyle looked about in surprised confusion. Then she saw her clan-mates and her father, and knew where she was.

         "Goliath!" Elisa smiled as she embraced the lavender gargoyle. The policewoman felt his warm, gentle embrace. It filled her heart. But she knew Goliath’s heart must be troubled.

         "Angela came to my apartment." Elisa explained. "She told me what happened."

         Goliath nodded. His eyes looked to his daughter. "Angela."

         As Angela looked at her father, she could see that she had worried him. Part of her wanted to snap "When did you notice, father? When did you notice I was gone?" but that angry part of her melted when she saw the concern in her father’s eyes.

         "I’m sorry, father." She said. "I should not have run off."

         Goliath sighed with relief.

         The leader began to tell Elisa and Broadway what Puck had told them. The fae during this narration, which he found rather boring to hear Goliath’s dry version of it, was approached by Lexington.

         "But I thought you couldn’t use your powers." The olive gargoyle said.

         "When it comes to the prophesy, or anything to do with Aseroth, Alex’s safety is an issue." Puck said. The matter-of-factness of his voice was more reminiscent of the fae’s human guise, Owen, rather than his normal jovial self.

         Lexington was alarmed by what the fae had said. "If anyone wants to get to Alex, there gonna have to get through me first."

         Puck smiled approvingly. "You and me both."

         "Puck." Goliath addressed the trickster. "Can you guide me to where Thailog is?"

         Angela gasped when she heard that. He was really going after him? He was going to abandon her to seek this prodigal son of his. Resentment grew in Angela’s heart.

         "I cannot guide you there." Puck said. "But I do know of someone who can take you where you desire to be."

         With his typical impish smirk, Puck began to work magic once more. Like a top, he spun around madly, sending beams of enchanted light to all those gathered on the tower. The next thing Goliath’s clan saw was the beautiful garden of the Eerie building. They were standing next to the artificial lake.

         "Goliath." Xanatos’ voice rung out. The gargoyle turned to see Xanatos behind him.......as if he had been waiting for him to appear there. Xanatos was wearing his gargoyle armor and Goliath wondered why. Obviously Owen told his master a great deal as the gargoyles slept.

         "Goliath, I’m going with you." Xanatos stated.

         The entire clan stood agape at this. Goliath blinked in surprise.

         "Owen has told me he knows of a way to follow our kidnappers. I mean to go after them. I’m assuming of course, that you’ll do so as well."

         "Yes." Goliath growled.

         "Father, don’t go." Angela pleaded, running to her father’s side. Tears shone in her eyes. "Father, don’t go! What if something should happen to you! Please, Father. Don’t go!"

         The female gargoyle paused for a second, then her eyes flashed red. "Thailog doesn’t deserve it!"

         "Angela, my daughter." Goliath said as he gently took hold of her hand. "Please understand, I must do this. He is my son, as much as you are my daughter. I cannot abandon him, any more than I could abandon you."

         Tears fell from Angela’s eyes. She hugged Goliath tightly. "Father..." she murmured. Goliath’s eyes began to swell with tears. He held his child for a long time, treasuring her embrace and her love.

         "Brooklyn." Goliath called to his second.

         "I know." The beaked gargoyle said. "I’ll take care of things here. You do what you need to do."

         Goliath smiled at his second’s blessing.

         "Spoken like a leader." Hudson said to Brooklyn, patting him on the shoulder. Brooklyn swelled with pride.

         "Broadway," Angela whispered to her beloved. "Go with Goliath."

         "What?" Broadway asked, surprised.

         "Please. Go with him and make sure he comes back."

         Broadway nodded in agreement and held Angela once more. "Of course. Of course I will."

         As Broadway went to persuade Goliath to take him on the trip, Xantos looked at Lexington.

         "Take good care of Alex." Xanatos said, half-joking, half-serious. "I want to bring him a new big brother."

         Lexington laughed uncomfortably at the thought of Thailog being a big brother to Alexander. "Uhm...sure, no sweat."

         "All right," Goliath sighed. "You may join us, Broadway." Whatever argument the aqua gargoyle had used to plead his case to his leader, had worked. Angela was relieved.

         "Elisa…" Goliath called to his beloved. His throat suddenly felt tight. Elisa embraced the lavender gargoyle. Only at her sweet touch did tears fall from Goliath’s eyes.

         "Beloved...."he whispered.

         "Hush." Elisa said, fighting back her own tears. "Don’t say anymore. Or I won’t be able to let go.."

         "I promise-I’ll return."

         "I know,"

         "Forgive me, Elisa. But I must do this."

         "I know, Goliath. I know." At last, Elisa let Goliath out of her embrace.

         "Two weeks." The policewoman said." Don’t be gone longer than two weeks. Or I’ll have to come after you."

         "I promise." Goliath said.

         Puck suddenly changed to the stoic Owen. Xanatos was pleased to see his majordomo again.

         "On my desk, you’ll find all you should need in my absence." Xanatos instructed.

         "Of course, sir." Owen nodded. He pulled a quarter from his pocket and handed it to Xanatos.

         "Thank you, Owen." The millionaire said. He walked to edge of the artificial lake and began to chant.

         "Charon,

         Child of the races Three,

         Ferry us across the water

         To where we wish to be!"

         With the final word, Xanatos threw the quarter far out over the lake. Just as it was about to his the water, a hand burst forth from the depths and caught the coin. All the gargoyles gasped as Charon and his skiff began to arise from the waters.

         "Creepy." Brooklyn exclaimed.

         The ferryman guided his skiff to the millionaire.

         "Who pays the ferryman?" Charon hissed.

         "I do. David Xanatos. Take us to the Isara Islands." He commanded.

         Charon, upon hearing his words, motioned for the travelers to board his skiff. Xanatos, Goliath and Broadway climbed on board. Bronx immediately began to whine insistently. Hudson looked at his beast-companion, not wanting him to leave. But Bronx’s whines touched the old soldier’s heart.

         "Ach...go ye great beastie." Hudson said at last. "And bring us back our own in one piece."

         The gargoyle beast barked happily and bounded onto the magic skiff. His sudden landing made it bob like a cork. Charon, unmoved, pushed the skiff away from the concrete shore. Angela began to cry once more at the sight of her father, and her love, leaving. Elisa fought to keep her own tears back.

         A strange mist rose from the lake and surrounded the skiff. Deeper and deeper Charon ferried the boat into the mist. Goliath could suddenly see his clan less and less clearly. The last thing he saw before the mist blinded him completely was his beloved Elisa.

         Elisa saw the skiff less and less clearly until the magical mist engulfed it. The last she saw of the travelers was her beloved Goliath, looking back at her.

         "Come back to us, Goliath. Come back to me," Elisa whispered.

         Suddenly the mist began to clear as quickly as it had come. It revealed only the empty waters of the lake.

         The skiff was gone..

         As the mist cleared, Goliath, Xanatos, Broadway, and Bronx saw that they were now upon the ocean. Which ocean it was, they did not know. But Charon began to ferry them to an island which lay ahead of them.

         "Where are we?" Xanatos asked the ferryman as he might to an employee of his.

         "Baal island." Was the reply.

                 Xanatos, satisfied, put on his helmet. Who knows what they would find on the shore. Next to him, Bronx panted happily. Then the beast seemed to see something in the water, for he began to growl.

         "What is it, boy? " Broadway asked Bronx. "Did you see something?"

         Suddenly the skiff was heaved violently upward. It was flipped over, and sent all those on board into the cold ocean. Goliath looked quickly around to assess the situation. He saw the cloaked figure of Charon in the water, along with Xantos, Broadway, and Bronx. The strange ferryman’s eyes glowed white, illuminating, for a moment, his face. But before Goliath could see his face the mysterious ferryman and his skiff vanished.

         "So hard to find good help these days." Xanatos said sarcastically. He was grateful that he had fastened his helmet on moments before. Once the suit "sensed" it was in the water, it activated its air tanks to provide its owner with oxygen.

         Goliath saw quick movement in the water. Too quick to be a gargoyle fighting to get to the surface, or for a human in an iron suit. To his horror, Goliath saw a giant sea serpent. It’s scales were golden and a white mane framed it’s eel-like head. It reminded Goliath, in the recesses of his mind, of a rabid lion.

         The sea monster’s eyes glowed white as it recognized it’s foundering prey in the water. It charged! Bearing it’s many rows of jagged teeth, it charged straight for Goliath!