By: Amanda A. Hilliard “Shadowstar”

Story #5 featuring Shadowstar

~Sometimes the imagination isn’t too far from the truth~

~for Jennie, Amy, Allison and Christine

This takes place after Hunter’s Moon and “To Lose Avalon”. Remember, this is an all together different reality from what most of you know.

CHAPTER 1: RESTLESS IN SEARCHING

The falling sunlight rippled down the walls of the Eyrie Tower. Moonlight was soon to follow. Elisa Maza stepped out of the Wyvern doors and onto the stone ground. Here’s she saw a sight not too unusual around these parts.

“No sleep, tonight, Shadowstar?” Elisa questioned.

Shadowstar shouldn’t have been startled, but her concentration was so deep that she lost focus of those around her. She held up her wrists to show the bracelets molded by sorcery.

“I guess I was lucky to be a Kindred,” Shadowstar replied.

“Lucky? I thought you were miserable in that realm?” Elisa questioned.

“I was, but I got free gifts in the process... a loss of memory... and a somewhat diminishing power supply...”

“Why don’t you sleep anymore?” Elisa questioned concerned.

“I don’t know. I don’t like the helplessness... the feeling of knowing I may not wake up again.”

“The Quarrymen have been arrested for their attacks on pro-gargoyle people.”

“There are others out there.”

“Yea, but you can’t dwell on it. Star, you have faced foes greater than this. I wouldn’t worry.”

“You’re right, Elisa.”

And then, the twilight emerged on schedule. Bits of stone skin shattered to the Earth as a roar broke through the cold night air. Shadowstar smiled as their leader glided to her location.

“You didn’t sleep again, my love, “ Goliath told her.

“I did. . . just not in stone,” Shadowstar answered.

She wouldn’t admit the real reason she was so cautious and worried. Brooklyn and Lexington looked at Shadowstar and knew what it was. They promised they would not tell Goliath their findings from their patrol two nights ago.

Goliath wrapped his massive wings around Shadowstar’s tall and slender gargoyle frame. Usually that would be a great comfort to her, but today, it wasn’t.

“Tell me, Elisa, how did we ‘win’ over the Quarrymen?” Goliath questioned.

“Well, Goliath, with the leads that you and the clan helped us find. We were able to link the bombings of the pro group buildings to the Quarrymen. Several people also came to step forward about the identity of the leaders. They got sloppy, Goliath. In the midst of their hate, they forgot how to cover up their tracks. Crime doesn’t pay nor does hate,” Elisa explained.

“Are we free of them for good?” Goliath questioned.

“For now. Hopefully the courts won’t go easy on them. It depends on who their jury is,” Elisa sighed.

“Human justice,” Hudson remarked.

“it is time for our patrol. Star, it’s your turn to stay behind. Hudson, Bronx, you’re with me. Lexington and Brooklyn. Angela and Broadway,” Goliath said stepping away from Shadowstar.

“G’bye, my love,” she replied.

“I will be back soon,” Goliath replied.

Shadowstar watched the clan glide out into the darkened sky. She was glad tonight wasn’t hers for patrol. She had work to do.

“Try to get some rest, Star,” Elisa told her.

“Thank you for your concern,” Star replied.

“The Quarrymen are disbanded and there is much support for the gargoyles.”

“Yet there is much hate.”

“After Xanatos went public about Goliath saving his son-”

“I know, Elisa, I know.”

Elisa looked at her watch and realized that Matt Bluestone would be waiting for her.

“I better go now. My job is awaiting,” Elisa replied.

“G’journey, Detective,” Shadowstar said.

“I’ll see you at dawn.”

Elisa exited as Shadowstar looked at the moonlight. She didn’t really know what she was thinking. She had a little fear inside her heart, and she hoped Goliath would be alright. Her suspicions only affirmed the death of the Olympians... something Goliath wasn’t quick in believing.

“I know you’re out there,” Shadowstar whispered turning her back to the moon.

Shadowstar then walked down a set of stairs and entered the interior of Wyvern.

“I might as well finish what I’ve started,” Shadowstar replied walking into one of the many rooms.

* * *

Shadowstar woke up to the poking of a familiar faery friend. Puck levitated next to her and picked up the books that she had previously been reading.

“Look at yourself, Snowy! You’re wearing yourself ragged with your obsession!” Puck scolded, “Not even all the coffee in Brazil is going to keep you up at this rate. You’re killing yourself!”

“Puck, I know what we saw, and you know what Athena said.”

“What you, Lex, and Brook saw was probably just a hoax, and I don't know what Athena was talking about.”

“No, Puck, those were real. I saw the prey... Now I must find the hunter.”

“Vampires do not exist... even if some form of immortals killed the Olympians, it was not vampires! I’m sorry, I haven’t seen any blood sucking bandits coming to my window lately.”

“On the contrary, Puck, they do. You just need to find them.”

“Why do you keep this so secretive? Goliath is so worried about you!”

“I’ll tell him after I prove myself correct.”

“I don’t know how you hold onto him with your stubborn ways.”

“Why do all of you have to say that about me?” Shadowstar questioned really hurt by her friend’s words.

“I’m sorry, Powder. It’s just that you always hide things until it gets to the point that it may hurt somebody else,” Puck sitting down next to Star.

“I will tell him, Puck. Just not tonight. I have to be sure of it before I say anything.”

Suddenly, Brooklyn and Lexington burst through the door. Shadowstar looked up abruptly. She almost knew what they were going to say.

“We found another one,” Brooklyn told her.

“Where is it?”

“The ambulance got there too quickly. We didn’t see the creature,” Lexington replied.

“I will find it... or it will find me,” Star replied.

“Star, how?” Lex questioned her.

“Creatures of the night are always attracted. And these vampires seem to fit that category very much so... Goliath is back,” Star commented sensing her love.

“Should we tell him?” Brooklyn questioned.

“It’s not right for me to hide anything form our leader much longer,” Star commented.

“And if he wasn’t the leader, would you tell him as your love?” Brooklyn asked her fully questioning her motives.

“I... don’t know,” Star admitted.

“At least you can admit it,” Lex told her looking up at Shadowstar’s normally glum face.

“Crewman Powder I order you to sleep!” Puck commanded her with his faery way.

“Aye, sir.”

They walked through the winding hallways following the scent of food. Oddly enough, they found the clan eating away in the kitchen. Usually Broadway is the mass consumer of the group. ‘Seems as though he’s rubbing off on them,’ Shadowstar thought as she looked around the kitchen.

“And what is this?” Star questioned.

“A craving,” Goliath replied tossing Star and apple. She took a bite out of it and shook her head smiling lightly. Shadowstar didn’t want to interrupt the light hearted mood of the bunch, but the eyes of Brooklyn persuader her otherwise. Shadowstar coyly walked over to Goliath and whispered into his ear.

“Goliath, we need to talk,” Star told him grabbing his arm.

“About what?” He questioned almost concerned.

“Something Brooklyn, Lex and I found patrolling the other night.”

“I see. Let us go elsewhere.”

Shadow took Goliath by the talon as they slipped out of the little gargoyle gathering. They made their way to the top of one of the towers where they knew they would be alone. Walking to the wall for the tower, Shadowstar watched the beauty of the city go by. How could so many hate them when they have proven themselves worthy? ‘Why is it that fear of the unknown always leads to have no matter the circumstances?’ Shadowstar questioned herself.

Goliath stood next to his angel and watched her beautiful hair rapture with the wind. He wondered how he became so lucky. With Shadowstar in his life, nothing else seemed to matter. Once, he thought he was in love with Demon, but Demona is nothing compared to Shadowstar. He loved this gargoyle with all his heart, but he did not know how to hold onto the independent and stubborn one.

“This isn’t about the Quarrymen,” Goliath questioned resting his talons on her shoulders.

“It never was. I just didn’t want you and Elisa to question my motives.”

“And they are?”

“... Let me start from the beginning...”

Shadowstar replayed the events in her mind like they happened a second ago.

Brooklyn, Lexington, and she were assigned to patrol the west side of New York. While flying low, Shadowstar sensed a small scuffle. Brooklyn and Lex went into the ally first. They quickly called Shadowstar to their aid.

“Star, look!” Lexington yelled.

Shadowstar quickly swooped down to the aid of her clan. She stopped dead in her tracks when the corpse came into focus. It stunned her for some strange reason when usually, things like this were almost ordinary after the life she has lead.

“Lexington, call the ambulance to this spot,” Brooklyn commanded as Lex scampered off.

“No use, she’s dead,” Star replied sensing no psyche at all.

There was an unusual presence around the body like an immortal was there. Immortals can sense others of their kind... faery, Kindred, vampire, Olympian. It’s all the same. They can feel each other.

“This was not ordinary,” Star said of the harlot’s death.

“How so?” Brooklyn questioned.

“Look for yourself.”

She moved the hair way from the neck of the victim to give Brooklyn a better look. Two small holes were punctured through the neck like something from a horror movie. Brooklyn gasped at the sight imagining a cruel death like that.

“What could have caused it?” Brooklyn questioned.

“Not what... who... a really gruesome psychopath or... a vampire.”

“A vampire? They’re only myths.”

“And some say that gargoyles and faeries are myths... Brooklyn, you fully know that of what Goliath and Puck spoke that Athena hinted at another kind of immortals,” Shadowstar remarked.

“We must tell Goliath.”

“No, not yet, Brooklyn. I don’t want to worry Goliath until I have proof.”

Brooklyn was reluctant to agree, but he did by Shadowstar’s subtle persuasion. Lexington returned and took the vow of silence with much less hassle. Even in other realities, he was always the first to trust Shadowstar... that was only two nights ago.

“So you had my clan lie to me?” Goliath said abruptly coldly taking his hands off of Shadowstar’s shoulders.

“They didn’t lie,” Shadowstar answered turning around to meet Goliath’s angry gaze.

“They just didn’t speak of what occurred, and to me, that is a lie... Do they exist, Star? Are we not alone in the night? Have you found what Athena referred to as true?”

“We never were alone in the night. As long as we have each other, we are not alone, but yes, Goliath, I do believe they exist. I can sense the immortal presence.”

“And they are killing,” Goliath said curling his hand into an angry fist.

“They are feeding,” Shadowstar said grabbing his arm hoping to sooth the anger.

“They are killing humans.”

“Yes, I know and so are other humans,” Shadowstar told him turning away.

“And you’ve spent all your time researching them?” He criticized Shadowstar who became more frustrated with Goliath’s stubbornness.

“Goliath, nothing but myths. I’m wasting precious time. I need to find something.”

“They’ll be there tomorrow, Shadowstar. Rest today,” Goliath requested resting his talons on her shoulders wanting to mend the slight rift between them.

Shadowstar looked up to his eyes to see that it was more of a command than a request. The strong independence of her will would have commanded her to do otherwise, but her heart knew Goliath was looking out for her health.

She needed not to answer Goliath. Her simple gesture of unclasping the silver and sapphire clad bracelets was all Goliath needed. If she was not wearing them on her wrists, the sorcery would not protect her. She handed Goliath the bracelets. He accepted them gratefully and clasped them to his belt.

Goliath smiled at the softening Shadowstar. He recalled the day when Star was nothing but a hard core warrior with no control over the power in which she possessed... and did she have a mouth... when Andrian showed up from the other reality, he thought there was going to be a war... And when she met Oberon... Avalon was going to hear that battle for days to come... But Shadowstar has changed her views... she has grown from her childish ways.

“It will be dawn soon,” Shadowstar stated.

“I know,” Goliath replied.

Elisa stepped out onto the Wyvern ground. Goliath was not with the other gargoyles like usual. As the rays of sunlight hit the gargoyles, her eyes glanced upward. She saw Goliath wrap his wings and arms around Shadowstar. She rested her head on his heart as they turned to stone in each others’ arms. Elisa smiled at their profound love and left to go home.

* * *

“Hudson, its your turn to stay home. Shadowstar, Bronx and myself are going east. Brooklyn and Angela, west. Broadway and Lexington take the sea front,” Goliath commanded.

Brooklyn walked up to Shadowstar with concern in his eyes.

“If you need help, you know how to contact me,” Brooklyn said referring to Star’s telepathy.

Shadowstar nodded in acknowledgment. She picked up Bronx with her telekinetic hands as she glided over the wind. Goliath followed her through the city buildings gaining much speed on her winding body. He surpassed her in almost sport. She looked above her and chuckled at the little game Goliath was starting to play. Her smile was stopped by Goliath’s quick senses.

“Over there,” Goliath pointed.

They rushed into the darkened ally. Shadowstar sighed when she realized that it was the same scene as last time. The dead body laid on the ground, bu this time, Shadowstar will find this person. Not another day would go by without the immortal being known.

“Why can’t I sense you? I can feel your immortal presence!” Shadowstar yelled.

Bronx sniffed the shadows behind them. Shadowstar and Goliath used their senses to search the darkness. Star found it odd that she couldn’t pick up any psychic reading, but she felt it nonetheless.

“Star, let’s leave,” Goliath said uneasy with the feelings the ally was giving him.

Suddenly, Bronx whimpered. Both gargoyles turned around. A bolt shocked their mind...

Darkness...

CHAPTER 2: IMMORTAL FOOTSTEPS

Brooklyn paced around Wyvern like a concerned father. Where were they? Goliath, Bronx and Shadowstar had not returned and cannot be found. What if something terrible had happened? He didn’t want to assume power once more. Brooklyn hoped that the same fate did not meet his friends that the people in the dark allies had met.

“Whatta ye propose we do, lad?” Hudson questioned walking up to the second in command.

“Where’s Puck? He has a psi link with Shadowstar,” Brooklyn replied wrapping his crimson wings around him body.

“I’ll get him,” Lexington said scampering off to find their faery friend.

The clan sat silently but were interrupted by Angela’s soft sobbing. She was so worried for those who she would call parents. Shadowstar had become so much of a mother and friend to her and Goliath, her father. She loves him with all her heart. This couldn’t be happening to her.

“It’ll be alright, Angela,” Broadway comforted.

“Ang, we’ll find them,” Brooklyn said looking into Angela’s eyes sorrowful eyes.

They all fought for her love and devotion and neither could bear the thought of losing her. Gargoyles were so rare these days except on Avalon... and they were not on Avalon.

Puck entered calmly. He didn’t have any words of wisdom. He only could say, “She’s not dead.”

“Well, you’re blunt,” Broadway remarked.

“Whattya want me to do? I’m not any savior or anything. The psi link is still here so she’s not dead,” Puck questioned.

Brooklyn arched his eyebrows in question. This was not usual for Puck to be acting this way. If only Star were there... but she’s not, and now, Brooklyn has to rely on his own senses this time. He always has had to before Shadowstar came. He just always took her powers for granted like many of them did... but as many have noticed, she isn’t capable of everything she used to.

“You’re not Puck,” Brooklyn growled staring at the imposter.

No sooner than that, Lexington and Puck entered the room. Puck looked at the false one. He was dumbfounded yet found much humor in the situation.

“Who are you?” Brooklyn growled.

“And once again, the truth of Apollo prevails,” the being said dropping the charade revealing her true Olympian form.

They beheld in front of them no mortal. Radiant beauty stood before their eyes. Puck’s jaw dropped envious with her entrance, and he bowed in reverence to the being. The gargoyles were awestruck and yet confused... but Angela smiled as a greeting.

“How come I can make an entrance like that?” Puck whined as his own little greeting.

The being was wrapped with golden light as her clothing transformed. She was a beautiful woman who was yet a warrior bearing a shield in one hand and a sword in the other. She looked like she just stepped out of the Trojan War with helmet and spear. If it weren’t for the head of Medusa on the breastplate of the armor, Lexington would not have recognized her. He had become well versed in mythology.

“I thought you were only of mythological tale,” Lexington said in awe.

“And many thought you were in Tartarus. To what do we own this pleasure-” Puck started being cut off from her splendor introduction.

“I am Athena, goddess of war and bound to wisdom. My kind were slain by vampires who met their own fates... Never drink the blood of the Olympians. Myself and my father were the only ones spared. Zeus met his death after betraying, trying to murder, and murdering Jeremy Nathaniel... the first vampire. He could have chosen to live as a vampire... He is now in Hades...” Athena explained in more detail than usual.

“Gee, I bet if you would have told Oberon that, too, you would have received your help. What do you ask of us?” Puck questioned with big gestures as always.

“My faery friend, the times of the gods have changed. My power is not what it once was. I am no more powerful than your lord Oberon as you have seen before. A goddess only in name, I must ask for the help I could never ask Oberon for again.”

“With what?” Hudson questioned stroking his white beard in question.

“The vampires are just one of the immortal races. Their’s is like no other. They are all bound together with their forbidden ways. Remy was their beginning and their end. The oracle at Delphi spoke it, and you all know what Apollo speaks it true. Zeus took Remy’s life too soon. The Fates had not willed it yet, but Zeus defied them despite all. When Jeremy died, things took an awful turn for all mysterious and magical life. The end had come much earlier than expected. You gargoyles have even felt the shock of hate that penetrated many men’s hearts. Jeremy has to be brought back to this world,” Athena told hoping they were much easier to convince than Oberon.

“Where do we go to find him?” Angela asked wanting to help an old friend.

“Where else? You must go where all immortals go when they die... Tartarus.”

“Hades? We need Shadowstar for that one. You all got along fine up against that goon of his, Hellfury. Going up against the mighty boss man of the Underworld is a job for her,” Puck replied speaking all of their minds.

“Always relying on the mighty one. I admire her... Heh, she’s with the greatest of all vampires... she’ll return. Jean-Marc and Laren were sent here to find help. Little did they know, time was running out. When she does return, I will be back. My castle is calling me,” Athena said and disappeared into a blinding light.

“She even gets a 10 on her exit,” Puck sighed.

“What do we do, Brooklyn?” Lexington asked.

“What can we do? We just have to wait,” Brooklyn replied, “Athena herself said that they were in good hands.”

“I’d like to help for now, but Owen is needed. Pucko will be back when it’s time to go into battle once more,” Puck said exiting in his own blinding flash of light.

“Heh, our lives have been too interesting since Shadowstar arrived,” Hudson replied.

“Yea, and this time, it’s not even her fault,” Broadway commented.

“It will be dawn soon,” Brooklyn said exiting Wyvern in his quiet mannerism.

Elisa was looking around outside when the gargoyles exited Wyvern’s doors.

“Hey guys, where Goliath?” Elisa questioned.

“With some... well... friends?” Angela replied unsure of what to say. “Elisa, do you believe in vampires?” Brooklyn questioned putting his had on her shoulder.

“No, why?”

“Well, as hard as it is to believe, we’ve just been visited by a Greek goddess... and start believing,” Brooklyn said turning into stone.

Elisa just looked confused.

“I hate when you do this to me guys,” Elisa said walking away ready to go to bed for the day.

* * *

“She’s awaking,” a man said with a French accent.

She knew that wasn’t Goliath’s voice. Where was she? The images around her were too blurry to make out. The immortal presence lingered all around her, but she could not pick up any mind patterns except for Goliath’s.

“They must have mental powers,” Shadowstar concluded mentally while grabbing her forehead trying to collect her thoughts.

Shadowstar tried to pull herself up. The muscles in her body stretched like they’ve been motionless for days. The presence of Goliath was near but her mind and body were so weak. Everything slowly came into focus for her.

“Take it slow, my love,” she heard Goliath say as he placed his arm around her for support.

“What happened?” Shadowstar questioned feeling her energy slowly returning.

A woman approached Shadowstar from the shadows. She seemed to mold herself into the darkness... truly a majestic sight. Her hair was long and black. The fierce blue eyes looked down at Shadowstar. Her skin was extremely pale and the veins were very prominent in her face. Her dress was very Gothic yet very classy. A black cloak flowed behind her in her every movement. Shadowstar looked closely at this woman, and she realized that she almost saw her own reflection. They could not have been counterparts for the great vortex would reappear... and Shadowstar has seen enough Opaque to last her a life time.

“I did not realize how much my telepathic shock would effect you. Your powers must have went through a massive burnout,” she replied in a very mysterious voice.

“But... you mind? How?” Shadowstar questioned very confused.

“You seem to have equal mental powers, chere,” the gentleman commented.

Shadowstar just looked around confused trying to understand what had happened to her. Who were these people?

“Who are you?” Shadowstar questioned.

“Je m’appelle Jean-Marc LeBeau, a vampire and telepath... hmmm..... flight and speed are also known to me,” Jean-Marc introduced wit his charismatic charm.

“I am Goliath of the Manhattan clan of gargoyles,” Goliath replied.

“I am Shadowstar of the Kindred, a people who exist outside this realm of existence. I was born in one of these realities, but during the process of becoming an immortal, I lost all memories of who I was before... a long story really.”

“You talk a lot,” Jean-Marc replied.

“She does, doesn’t she?” Goliath said in his playful nature.

Shadowstar actually found herself blushing. The woman moved from her location and sat in a brown arm chair. It looked much like a throne for her almost sinister mannerism. It well suited her personality.

“Et toi?” Shadowstar questioned picking up on their French very quickly.

“I am known by many names, Shadowstar. The most recent is Laren Kyra DeVanRoux... the name changes with the times. I am a cautious one. Other vampires call me the ‘goddess’ because of the mold I form,” Laren said in an eerie and yet regal tone.

“She is who all vampires aspire to be. She is considered a great... surpassing one of our founders, Jeremy Nathaniel,” Jean-Marc stated.

“Zeus killed Remy... a tragic loss for our kind,” Laren continued, “Here, this place, is one of the many vampire hideouts... like an underground railroad of sorts.”

“I knew you existed,” Shadowstar replied almost in awe, “Athena’s words were true when interpreted properly.”

“And I, you. Ever since I first saw you several nights ago, I wanted to know of you, and I knew that you would have the aid we are searching for... and sorry for the... rude... introduction, but nobody can know this location.”

“I understand,” Shadowstar replied completely regaining her strength.

“And those people, you killed them?” Goliath questioned regaining his slight anger towards the ways of the vampires.

“Mon ami, I expected that from you,” Jean-Marc replied.

“We do not kill, we survive. We take the filth of the mortal streets and use their life to sustain our own,” Laren replied.

“It’s murder,” Goliath said.

“No, it is survival. Humans condemn us for they cannot accept that there is a race higher than they are. Yes, Goliath, we are a race. A race, a species of immortals. Gargoyles, gods, vampires, faeries... all higher species. They would much rather hunt down those mutants with great power than try to better themselves. For too long, they knew nothing of higher existences. They fear us. What they fear, they hate. It has been that way since the dawning of time.”

“That’s no reason to kill.”

“And if we do not kill, we die. I could kill your precious kind with no remorse at all, but I will not because you are noble... and you, Star, are immortal.”

“And we will stop you,” Goliath growled jumping up with an enraged tone.

“Goliath, step down, my beloved. It is now time for you to listen and understand them,” Shadowstar told him looking up to the over muscular and handsome gargoyle.

And it seems that finally, their roles have reversed. Shadowstar is now the clam, listener, having to correct and calm down the other. Goliath is now playing Shadowstar’s role... the short tempered one. The one who jumps to all conclusions before looking at every amount of evidence.

Putting her gentle talon on his arm made Goliath lower his eyes to meet Shadowstar’s. He did not need her psi link to tell him what she was feeling. The powerful sapphire showed her deepest feelings when her grimace usually remained very cold and expressionless. Love once again seems to prevail... yet he wanted to listen to his own voice. He shrugged her off as Star expected him to. He was playing her role after all, and it seems that he has taken on her surge of independence. She’d let it play out fulling knowing that Goliath is going against his heart and is listening to his mind.

“What gives you the right to kill?” Goliath questioned.

“The same force that gave us our life. This way... nature. Do humans condemn the lion for killing the zebra? Do humans condemn the cat for killing its weakest kittens? No because it is the food chain, it is instinct. It is survival! It is the way things have always been. Humans are so used to being the top of the chain... having a choice. They can kill the cow or pig with no thought. And we are above them in the chain. Our sustenance is blood... and they condemn us and fear us like the zebra fears the lion,” Laren answered him.

“It’s not moral,” he replied.

“Do not give me morals, Goliath. Morals were set by people’s belief in God. I know nothing of God or an after life. I only know my own eternal struggle. I only know that when we are done completing our task, we can go somewhere better. I do not know God. I have seen Zeus and Athena. They are nothing. I have not seen a white light or a hand stretched out to me. I am who I am, and I believe what I believe. I accept who I am and my way of life. Nature has given it to me so do not talk to me about God, Goliath,” Laren replied.

“Your kind... is beautiful,” Shadowstar replied lightening the mood.

“As is yours,” Laren said looking at a similar reflection.

“Why do I feel as if I should know you? Why do you look so much like me?” Shadowstar questioned.

“I do not know. I wish I did... the first time I saw you, I saw myself in the form of a gargoyle.”

Goliath looked around. He knew it was time to step down for his clan would be worried.

“We must leave. My clan is waiting,” Goliath replied.

“Come with us,” Shadowstar offered.

“I would like to meet the rest if your clan,” Laren stated.

“Then come,” Goliath growled not liking Shadowstar’s way of thinking.

CHAPTER 3: GATHERING THE FORCES

Brooklyn sat a top the castle and watched the horizon closely. His face showed nothing but a great concern... concern for their leader. It had been a day since the clan heard from Goliath... Last time this happened, Goliath ended up on a trip half way around the world.

“You should really have more faith in what Athena says. She’s not one to lie,” Puck replied levitating up to the crimson one.

“I know...” Brooklyn sighed, “I just have to see them for myself.”

“Perk up, Brooko. They’ll return, you’ll see. Come on, if I know Shadowstar she would have slapped her captor around and then knocked him to the moon and back and then taken the entire building down if anything terrible was happening.”

“Yea, she would, wouldn’t she.”

“Geez, she almost knocked the big daddy senseless a couple of times without a thought. She has an upper cut that would make Tyson jealous... not saying that Tyson is good or anything.”

“She would do just about anything ensure herself a welcoming party here, now wouldn’t she,” Brooklyn snickered with an unusual sarcasm.

“She’s so happy here. I don’t think I’ve seen a gargoyles happier since Hudson found out they put Seinfeld on reruns... Man, he can watch those shows for hours...” Puck trailed of getting lost in his own thoughts.

“Imagine how miserable she was with the Kindred... ‘cept I don’t understand why she was always whining about having so much power.”

“It would get boring having so much power... Imagine if you were a writer and your character had no weaknesses. Wouldn’t it suck?”

“When you put it that way, yea, it would.”

“I personally think there was much more going on with those Kindred that they said. I think they’re the biggest bunch of liars next to the Pack and Sevarius.”

Puck then felt a little tug in his mind. He smiled that usual Puck smile and knew exactly what it was.

“EVERYBODY, GIVE A WARM WELCOME TO YOUR FAVORITE GARGOYLES AND MIND... SHADOWSTAR, GOLIATH, AND BRONX!” Puck announced as the three came into sight.

Brooklyn was overjoyed with this sight. Puck perked up immediately, and by a coincidence, the other four returned immediately to Wyvern.

Angela ran up to her father and hugged him. Puck wrapped himself around Shadowstar as Bronx enjoyed the attention he received from Broadway and Hudson.

Brooklyn stopped to look at their guests, “You’re the ones Athena spoke of.”

“Oui,” Jean-Marc answered with a smirk.

“I am Brooklyn. This is Lexington, Broadway, Hudson, and Puck,” he said introducing their clan.

“What the?” Shadowstar questioned as the blinding light returned once more.

They all sheltered their eyes as the figure appeared once more. Nobody seemed surprised this time unless the fact that Puck was still jealous of the entry level. Laren looked at Athena questioningly. Neither her or Jean-Marc expected to be tailed to the States.

“Athena, you’ve found something?” Laren questioned with much concern for her people.

“Yea, a brief consultation with Delphi pretty much summed it up. Remy is the beginning and the end, alpha and omega. Delphi predicted it, and now that’s he’s gone... The end is nearing too quickly. We must-”

“Go to Hades?” Laren questioned.

Athena nodded and looked towards the ground like a guilty child. She then proceeded to speak of her last encounter with Hades.

“I’m sorta forbidden to return there, so you'll have to go,” Athena replied.

“I’m not going. I know too many who are shadows of Hades now,” Jean-Marc told.

“Doesn’t matter, really. A group must protect Rosell from the humans. Roc can only man the troops for so long,” Athena told giving Jean-Marc the permission to stay on land.

“Well, then, it looks like we need a strategy,” Star replied.

“Yes,” Athena agreed looking at Shadow, “You’re as intelligent as I’ve expected, a shame you we’re around Avalon last time.”

“Had matters to attend to.”

“Do you have a plan?” Brooklyn questioned.

Puck conjured up a small replica of a castle and one of a boat. He then created little chess like pieces for each person. He levitated it and created a table underneath for support. Athena, Shadowstar, Goliath, and Laren each stood at the four sides of the table looking like war lords preparing their battle plans.

“I’m on land, of course,” Athena commented as Shadowstar placed Athena’s piece in the castle.

“Only under Jean-Marc’s lead,” Athena followed up placing Jean’s figure by her side in the castle.

“Who lead the Underworld Team?” Laren questioned.

“Goliath,” Athena answered placing Goliath’s figure in the boat as Shadowstar placed herself on this skiff.

“They’ll need my power... and somebody who will survive dawn,” she explained her motives.

“Yes, we are all night creatures,” Goliath agreed nodding his head.

“Beware your powers,” Puck whispered to Shadowstar through their psi link.”

“They are still strong.”

“But grown weaker. You should have been able to get Andrian here without my help, but that wasn’t the case.”

“Shhhh!” Shadowstar hissed not wanting to hear Puck’s truths.

Puck was placed in the castle. He nodded in understanding yet hoping there would not have to be blood shed.

“But, Puck and I,” Shadowstar started.

“Star, you cannot always rely on your psi link powers with Puck,” Goliath replied while Shadowstar remained silent.

She didn’t like that decision for selfish reasons... and the fact that she was growing dependent on the energy boost that Puck gave her.

“We need two to stay here in case something happens and Elisa needs us,” Goliath replied.

“I went to the other realm.. I will stay,” Lexington offered.

“I’ll stay, too,” Broadway volunteered.

“Thank you,” Goliath replied.

Their figures were placed out of the picture.

“Laren is going underground,” Athena commented.

“Shadowstar sighed with the time they were losing at this, “How about this?” She questioned rearranging all the figures.

All nodded in agreement. Hudson, Bronx, Angela, Jean-Marc, Athena and Puck were going to be at Rosell helping the other residents fight their haters.

“There will be others there to help us,” Athena commented, “Vampires from all over have come to help defend Rosell.”

Brooklyn, Goliath, Shadowstar, and Laren were traveling to the Underworld. They were a small group, but in their personality, there was power, guile, wisdom, craftiness, and slyness. They could be as devious as the gods when challenged. Athena had seen and heard of how this Shadowstar works. She finds her target, hits it hard, and never loses... much like Oberon. Even Hades himself would quake with both of the two ‘goddesses’ of the immortals in his presence. Neither of them ever fail for they would not allow it... and Goliath? He is a leader through and through. He is the control of Shadowstar’s life. He is her love and teacher. Her short temper puts her in terrible situations, and he shows her the right way. Laren? Laren isn't arrogant like Shadowstar. Laren knows who she is, an she isn’t afraid to use it. Brooklyn is a little fighter who refuses to take second best. They’ll be a good team for the job.

“Now, you’ll need directions to Hades,” Athena started, “I will teleport you to the Styx river, but I can go no further. Navigate your way down the Styx. Charon ferries the souls across the water to the further bank. Tell him Athena sent you. He will take you. Cerberus, the ugly mutt, permits you to enter but not exit. The three judges sit next. Rhadamanthus, Minos and Aeacus will now you are not dead. Tell them your mission... if they do not oblige... don't’ take their crap. Find Hades, explain why you’re there. Do whatever you must to get Remy back. Remy will know the way out if Hades is not kind... and please remember, Zeus and the others are not as powerful as they’d like you to think. But they hate Avalonians, vampires, and certainly gargoyles... Hades may have a few tricks up his sleeve.”

“Let us leave this place,” Goliath commanded.

Athena waved her hands quickly as the four ended up on a somewhat small ferry boat. Goliath through it much to be like the boat that he sailed from Avalon in. He looked at the sky and saw the lowering moon.

“Dawn is coming,” he replied wrapping his wings around himself.

“I suppose this is for me, then,” Laren replied lifting the lid to a coffin.

Laren closed the lid as dawn approached them. Shadowstar looked around and realized that she had forgotten her bracelets.

“You forgetting these?” Goliath questioned while handing her the bracelets to protect her from dawn.

“Thank you, my love.”

“It’s time,” Brooklyn mumbled.

“G’day,” Shadowstar replied.

The sunlight hit their skin as Shadowstar kissed Goliath. She stepped back to see the stone skinned gargoyle.

“Perfect timing?”

Shadowstar sat down and watched the currents of the river. She noticed how strong the boat was moving down the tides. This was definitely their direction.

“I just hope we get there after sunset,” she replied yawning.

She rested herself against Goliath and dozed off for the morning.

CHAPTER 4: INTO THE NIGHT OF SHADOWS

The change of the air was what had awaken Shadowstar. It was not the air of the living world... and she sighed when she quickly realized that it would be minutes before the gargoyles awoke. The sunlight was completely downed out by the eerie, foggy air. Calculating precisely, Shadowstar set up her own shield to protect herself from the soon flying gargoyles skin. Laren arose herself instinctively when the usual sun vanished in the horizon.

“This is definitely not Luxembourg,” she commented taking in the surroundings.

Goliath growled softly still not fully sure of their mission, “Now, we must find this Charon.”

* * *

They group found themselves instantly on one of the landing of the castle, Rosell. They all looked around in awe not stepping foot in a castle for ages.

“This, mon amis, is Rosell,” Jean-Marc said raising his arms in welcome to the walls.

“This place is beautiful,” Angela replied looking around at the high walls.

“Come, meet the others,” Athena said motioning for them to follow.

They walked into the castle where the vampires were awakening. The secret tunnels wrapped around them to assure the safety of the vampires.

“Arise, today. We have friends to help us,” Jean-Marc told as his second-in-command, Roc arose.

“It is kind of you to return so soon, mi amigo. We became worried,” Roc said with his Spanish accent.

“I had Laren with me... no need to worry,” Jean-Marc smiled.

There were over twenty vampires in the corridor they were standing. Angela assumed there to be more elsewhere. Jean-Marc apparently held rank over all of them. He was one of the founders of Rosell while also being one of the most important vampires.

Jean-Marc started pointing to the vampires in introduction, “That is Geneva and Jeanne from the Pittsburgh havens. Illyana Quinn and Xavier from Belleza-Obscura in the Pyrenees. All came to help Rosell in it’s time of need. Roc, here is my second-in-command... Athena is... well, an official, I suppose...” Jean-Marc tried to explain.

Illyana seemed extremely fascinated with the gargoyles. Hudson could quickly tell that there was much story behind this girl, one that he would be interested in hearing someday.

“We have four gargoyles at our castle... but they’re still in sleep due to-” Illyana started.

“My brother’s jealousy,” Xavier finished, “Come, Illyana, this is not the time for colorful stories. We have much to attend to this evening,” Xavier replied taking the girl by the arm.

Jean-Marc perched himself on top of one of the coffins to gain everybody’s eye. He then started to speak their night’s commands, “Okay, you all know the game plan. Jeanne, Thierry, you get our meal. Geneva, Roc, you’re on look out on the tower. Angela, go with them. Juan, Francois, and Bronx, watch the woods.”

Bronx practically tackled Francois in friendliness. Jean-Marc was surprised that the dogoyle would take kindly to strangers.

“Leave, now,” Jean-Marc replied in good spirits.

Theirry, Jeanne, Francois, Angela, Bronx, Roc, Juan, and Geneva left the tunnel leaving much more breathing space for the left overs.

“The rest of you do what you will, but don’t leave the premisses of Rosell... Remember what happened to Celeste,” Jean replied quickly taking sorrow into his voice.

All bowed their head in reverence to their lost and silently left into the hallways mourning their friend. Jean-Marc stared at the cold ground blaming himself for her death. His life has led him to feel it so harshly. The dirty blonde haired man was created around 1500 from a vampire of jealousy and hate. Rosaleigh took Jean-Marc from that man, and together, the two built the haven of Rosell. Jean-Marc quickly became a sinister and sardonic creature. He found life in the morbid and had no remorse for death of any kind. In Orleans, he created his companion Bishop. Bishop and he searched the lands for the soul of one woman, Genevieve Monet, Jean-Marc’s true love. They remained happy and in love for many years until a trip to Spain turned deadly. The Spanish went on a massive witch hunt where Rosaleigh and Genevieve were killed in the ‘Inferno.’ Jean-Marc’s soul remained in ruins, but Laren helped him in his grieving. Laren and Jean-Marc are much like Goliath and Shadowstar. They will follow each other to the ends of the earth, and they will give in from their very selfish, overpowering ways to the simple voice of their love.

Jean-Marc found in Laren a kind and loving individual. He had to push away all the harshness, the hiding, and the secrets. She learned how to feel in return.

“Jean, what happened to Celeste wasn’t your fault,” Illyana told him.

“I know, Illyana... Now, go, have fun in a vampire way,” Jean-Marc told her.

“Only the good die young.”

“Yea, and we all lost Remy.”

“I know,” Illyana sighed and left with Xavier by her side.

“What do we do first?” Puck questioned.

“We wait, and we hope that we’re all safe tonight,” Jean-Marc replied jumping off of the coffin.

“Well, I’m hungry and the gargoyles don’t drink blood. I’m going into town,” Puck replied.

“But you’re a faery-” Jean-Marc started to protest.

“Puck’s not just any faery... I come equip with an-” Puck said spinning quickly in place.

“Alter ego name Owen,” Owen said fixing the glasses on his face, “Which direction is town?”

“Let me come with you so Francois and Juan don't’ kill you,” Athena replied forming her villager guise.

“I wonder how Mr. Xanatos is taking the disappearance of his gargoyles and myself... it sort of slipped my mind to tell him of my departure,” Owen commented.

“He’ll get over it,” Athena said fixing her hair appropriately.

“Ever since Star came, our lives have not stopped being interesting... he should get used to the frequent disappearances.” “Tell me about it,” Athena remarked wrapping her arm around own,” Makes us look less suspicious to the town... they condemn the conversing of male and female unless in courter,” Athena explained as own gave her an odd look.

“Are you sure that’s all?” He questioned almost playfully.

“Don’t flatter yourself,” She smiled.

Athena and Owen exited the twisting tunnels as Jean-Marc looked at the remaining fleet of vampires and gargoyles. Jean-Marc sighed and walked away from them. He was so sick of the never ending hatred that the vampires constantly felt. They were always running for their lives, and now, Rosell will be their last stand. They either keep their defenders at hand or they will perish fighting for their kind.

He walked up the winding stairs and looked at all the closed doors. His heart softly mourned for the friends he had lost along the path. His throat produced a growl like a gargoyles during the night. The cool Luxembourg air hit him as the reached the towers. Angela stood next to the wall looking outward. He could sense that her only thoughts were with her father. He admired this gargoyle’s devotion... sometimes he wished his creator didn’t hate him so.

“They’re with Laren. They’re in good hands,” Jean-Marc said to Angela walking out onto the balcony.

“I’m just worried that Hades will be cruel and not allow them Remy,” Angela commented responding to Jean-Marc’s voice.

“I mourn for every immortal we lose. The hate is growing stronger... even your kind feels it,” Jean-Marc changed the subject not wanting to touch upon that subject.

“I am sick of the hate... When will it end?”

“When there can be tolerance and understanding... Except, I believe, they can never understand my kind... for we will steal from their own.”

“But you are higher on the food chain.”

“I know, mon amie, and they and their gods do not believe something of immortal being can be natural.”

“We live, breath, eat, reproduce! What more do they need to prove our naturalness?”

“They need us to fit their mold. When we look and act like them, that is when we will be accepted.”

“Gargoyles and humans can coexist.... vampires... could... maybe...”

“And we love like they do and feel like they do... don’t tell me this, Angela. They are the ones who need to hear it.” “Grrr.... I know.”

“Your thoughts are drifting away. What are you thinking about now?” Jean-Marc questioned looking out at the horizon like Angela.

“No, it’s stupid and pointless,” she replied softly.

“tell me, I bet I have questioned the same thing myself.”

“It’s just that Shadowstar and Laren... they are do identical... how can it be so?”

“Goliath explained to use the whole deal with the Kindred and the Watchers when Shadow was unconscious. It’s an interesting question... and no answer. My theory is that Shadowstar has been to this reality before. I don’t know how much memory she lost or even what the game of the Kindred was... but I think she is very much related to our dear Laren... just how is unknown, but I don’t think we will ever find an answer.”

“Well... does Star know any DeVanRoux’s?” Angela commented.

“Won’t work. Laren has had many names. She was born Minuette Yvette LeDonne...”

Angela looked out in the distance when she heard Bronx’s howl. Jean-Marc looked into the forest and felt the presence of an angry mob. It was time to take action for the night.

“Francois, Juan, out of the forest, now!” Jean-Marc communicated telepathically, “Athena, Owen, Jeanne, Theirry get back quickly. Owen and Athena, teleport! Roc, Geneva prepare for your battle a top tower one... where you should be already... but no! Hudson, tower one! Cristobol, Petr, tower two with Angela. Everybody else down inside.”

Vampires all over the castle heard Jean-Marc’s words. No longer would they be afraid of the humans or run at the sounds of shouts and screams. They have defended Rosell before. And they were not afraid to do it again.

“They must be gone by damn, “Jean-Marc said to Angela as he headed to the door.

“I have not had any experience for this kind of battle.”

“Be careful.”

“You, too, Jean.”

“I refuse to yield.”

“Let’s hope for the sake of all, it does not cost your life.”

“Not planning on it.”

Jean-Marc flew down the stairs with his royal cloak trailing behind him. Cristobol, Geneva, Roc and Petr ran past him to the towers.

“Use your vampires abilities to their fullest, Roc. Pyrokinetics scare them. Burn their ropes to hold them back. Just don’t burn the castle!” Jean-Marc told him.

“They will not get past the front gates. I’ll be damned if we die at Rosell,” Roc sneered creating fists of anger.

“Good. Geneva, you use the weapons well. Aim for those in the forest. Try not to kill them. Just injure them enough. Cristobol, the winds will hold them back. Petr, I don’t care how weak your sorcery is. Use it! Go!” Jean-Marc said continuing down the stairs, jumping over a railing.

In the hallway, Owen and Athena had teleported back with the others.

“Gates are locked. Team One from Bordeaux are in the forest waiting,” Francois reported out of breath.

“Good, Luc got the word.. Hopefully, they can stop part of the mortals,” Jean-Marc said, “We’re team two. Six on the towers. 25 on the ground. 1 fae, 1 god, 1 gargoyles and 22 vampires. Let the heavens spare us,” Jean-Marc replied.

“Illyana, Xavier, myself and Bronx are staking out the front. We will tell you when it’s time,” Jean-Marc commanded.

Puck and Athena rounded up their troops inside Rosell and did all they could do... wait.

Jean-Marc stood outside with Illyana at his right, and Xavier at his left. He stared out into the woods. He could feel the pursuing humans. The first wave of defense from Bordeaux would soon be hit. Jean-Marc raised his chin in his arrogant pride. He narrowed his eyes almost playfully.

“So, Hawke, it begins again.”

* * *

Laren looked about the caves of dreariness. The voices of millions echoed in her mind. Her skill allowed her to push back all their cries to listen to her own thoughts.

“You hear it, too,” Shadowstar replied.

“The price of such a great power,” Laren commented in her usually cold, tranquil voice.

“You are so regal with your ways,” Brooklyn told Laren.

“The end product of a rough life.”

Laren DeVanRoux was born Minuette LeDonne. Her parents died while she was fairly young. They dying with of her mother was for Musetta to marry. Marrying Victor could have possibly been her mistake. They had two children, Louis and Monique. Monique, her angel, let them tragically by scarlet fever. Louis, the demon child, took his father’s life as his father took Louis’. It sent Musetta over the edge and onto the streets. Robert created the vampire that stood ahead of the gargoyles, and he is what caused the noble, arrogance, coldness, and tranquility that is found in the personality of Laren... something she has clung to dearly. She has survived many ages being known as other names including Deanna, Nerine, Chandra, Aimee, and now, the queen of all vampiredom is forever Laren Kyra DeVanRoux. She was bound to the name from the blood that covers her hands and the love which binds her soul. Goliath noticed that she was Shadowstar in a different light. Shadowstar was such a child in view because of her Kindred sheltering. What this Laren a key to Shadowstar’s past? Everybody including Laren considered that possibility.

“Maybe this Charon will find us,” Brooklyn replied moving about in the fog.

“Highly unlikely. He wouldn't’ want to leave his ferrie,” Star replied.

“Let us find him then,” Goliath replied leading the group onward.

The four living creatures walked along the shores of the Styx traveling further into the Underworld. It was an eerie feeling all around them that made the hair on their necks shiver. Shadowstar knew that she and Laren could take on any foe, but nonetheless, Star clung to Goliath like a frightened child clinging to a parent. Even though he feared what would come his presence was a comfort to her.

They reached the top of a small hill, and at the bottom was a frail, boney man and his precious ferrie. He looked much like the Grimm Reaper himself.

“Don’t fear. The people of Hades can feel it, and they will use it,” Laren told as the clan walked down the hill.

As they reached Charon, he stretched out his grotesque little hand expecting the toll for the ride across the bank.

“I have no money,” Laren said looking into Charon’s dark, hidden eyes.

“You are not dead,” he said in his rough voice.

“Unless you include the immortal undead, as undead...” Laren remarked referring to the living zombies of the vampires.

“I cannot let you pass.”

“Can’t you?” Laren questioned almost taunting him.

“No, Hades would not allow it.”

“Hercules was not dead.”

“But-”

“I think Athena would not appreciate your stubbornness.”

“Athena,” he gasped.

“She sent us on a mission. We must retrieve Remy Nathanial at any cost.”

“Remy! Ah, he spoke of you, Laren DeVanRoux. I should have recognized your slyness.”

“Indeed.”

“And you want me to ferrie you. Hop in. Be my guest... for I fear if I do not comply, I may be ferrying myself.”

He allowed the four to enter the ferrie with no cost at all. They remained silent on the way over the Styx. There were no words to speak so their minds rested on the mission laying ahead of them. Pass the dog and get Remy. It seemed almost so simple, but their hearts rang out in the truth of it. Nothing would be simple in the hands of the gods.

Charon stopped the boat at the further bank. They could see the three headed and tailed dog, Cerberus. Charon seemed more concerned for the group than they were. After dealing with the danger they have, none were intimidated by the mutt.

“Do you need cake for him?” Charon offered as they stepped of the ferrie.

“No, I will make him let us in,” Laren replied.

The dog didn’t like the undead and that was clear. He snapped his three drooling snouts at the four and scratched the ground with his sharp paws. Shadowstar decided to use her own powers this time. Her shield in front of the dog instantly started to reflect off of the air and created an almost invisible blockade for the dumb one.

“Now, are you going to be nice?” Shadow questioned the sobbing mutt.

The dog whimpered for fear as Shadowstar took down the shield. The dog quickly laid down it’s defenses as it promised. He was not going to battle those who could kill him. Cerberus was cruel, but he could be trained easily with the proper persuasion.

The four passed through the gates unharmed.

“What’s next?” Goliath questioned looking around at the stone walls.

They walked a little further through the gates of Hades. The scene around them spun with a wild wind. When it settled, their eyes watched the claymation like walls as if everything they touched was an illusion created by Hades. Their eyes scanned upwards to see three angry looking gentlemen above them.

“You are not dead! What is your purpose here?” the first questioned.

“We must restore balance to our world!” Shadowstar yelled up to them.

“What caused it to be unbalanced?” The second questioned sinisterly.

“Zeus!” Laren snarled.

“We cannot control what he did. We cannot allow you to enter,” The third rejected.

“Oh, you will,” Laren said narrowing her eyes.

“Hardly,” the first snorted.

“We do not accept no as an answer,” Goliath growled clenching his hand in a fist.

“But we do!” The second retorted.

“And you will let us in,” Brooklyn sneered.

“Not as long as we sit on high,” The third answered.

“Then you will sit low,” Goliath said eyes glowing.

In a gargoyle rage, Goliath charged at the first judges’ bench. He tore a great piece of it from the foundation. Rhadamanthis came falling to the ground. Minos and Aeacus grew infuriated by Goliath’s actions. Rhadamnathis lay at Goliath’s feet not willing to yield. He motioned his hands as black vines sprung from the earth. THE vines wrapped around Goliath as he struggled to break free.

“You will pay,” Minos screamed down to them.

“You would like to think that,” Shadowstar answered.

Brooklyn and Laren fought the vines that bound Goliath. The vines then started gripping the two. Shadowstar closed her eyes and conjured up a small amount of her power. With a blinding light, she wrapped a shield around herself as she sent a small telekinetic layer around her three friends to protect them.

“Uh, oh,” Aeacus replied seeing what was to come.

a massive wave of telekinetic energy poured through the room as Shadowstar stretched out her arms. Her cobalt eyes glowed widely as she watched the vines and benches explode. Debris flew through every such corner, and Star became a goddess to them... the judges fell to the earth and feared Shadowstar. She hovered above them and lifted her friends from the ground.

“Enter, Tartarus... and may the Styx protect the gods,” The three said in fear.

Shadowstar took them through an opening gate. Shadowstar released the electrifying shield around herself as Goliath noted that she looked like goddess in her own form, he loved her for that. Somebody finally spoke after they regained composure.

“Well, Hades isn’t going to be too happy with us,” Brooklyn replied.

“He’ll deal with it,” Shadowstar commented not caring what Hades did.

Laren saw so much of Shadowstar in herself. She would have resorted to such means, but Laren only wields extremely powerful telepathy. That telepathy led her feel approaching shadows, also. She touched the cold wall that fell before their path.

“Where do we go now?” Goliath growled not amused at all.

“It’s false,” Laren said focusing her telepathy.

Laren focuses her mind skills at the wall looking for a weakness in its maker. She sensed somebody on the other side. Oddly enough, she recognized it... it wasn’t just a random shadow from the Underworld.

“Stand back,” Laren replied stretching her arms out in front of her companions.

All listened to Laren’ words. Even the non-telepaths received a sinister feeling from the presence as it reached out past the wall. The stone barrier started to disappear as a mirage. They watched half-anxiously to see who would appear, and Laren knew exactly who was going to come before their eyes.

“Star, put up a small telekinetic shield. We may need it,” Laren said telepathically as Shadowstar looking into her eyes.

The shield was thin and transparent. Nobody noticed its existence for it was thinner than most created. Yet, it seemed very effective for the event.

The figure appeared in front of their waiting eyes. They took it in and tried to connect it. He was of great stature. His armor and cloak even glistened in the dim, eerie light of Tartarus. He glared at them with brown eyes of hatred. His black hair was matted down as if he had been fighting before his mysterious arrival.

“Zeus...” Laren hissed narrowing her eyes and bearing her fangs of hateful venom.

CHAPTER 5: ONLY THE STRONG SURVIVE

He remained silent as the gargoyles registered who this actually was. Zeus just growled with his boiling anger and threw his sword angrily at the four. His judgement was clearly impaired by his hatred. Shadowstar’s instincts took charge immediatly. She jumped before them and stopped the shining silver in midair. The sword levitated slowly into Shadowstar’s talons as she smirked evilly at the king of the gods.

No words had to be spoken by Laren or Shadowstar. Zeus immediately knew the invaders.

“No! You! I hate you!” Zeus screamed charging at Laren.

Goliath turned to intervene.

“No, this is my fight,” Laren said halted him.

Zeus knocked Laren back as she sent him a telepathic bolt. Zeus stepped back releasing a thunderbolt at Laren that was easily evaded by its weakness. Shadowstar suspended both Laren and Zeus. She carried the sword with her, now. She carried the sword with her looking at the jeweled hilt of the sword. Goliath knew that the take charge warrior had emerge... and Zeus was not getting the sword back.

Shadowstar looked at the suspended individuals. Her eyes became dominating and powerful. She stared intently at the two, then spoke.

“You will not get into Hades,” Zeus snarled.

“Won’t we?” Star challenged.

She brought the sword to Zeus’ neck. The only thing separating it from the jugular was her powers. He gasped at the insolence of the girl before him.

“You challenge a god.”

“Last time I counted you were a dead vampire, hardly a god,” Shadowstar quipped.

“Because of you!” Zeus said enraged at Laren.

Star pressed the sword’s blade closer to Zeus' flesh. Now, he finally took concern.

“I have no quarrel with you, gargoyle.”

“And I have none with you. You know full well what unbalance you caused, and now, we’re going to fix it. Not even the almighty Zeus is going to stop me.”

“So bold for a mortal creature.”

“I’m immortal... and don’t you forget it... Now, do you want to see if there is life past the Underworld?” Shadowstar hissed.

Brooklyn stood next to Goliath. He almost snickered at the sight. Shadowstar was a bold one, but she knew how to get what she wanted.

“Aren’t you glad she’s on our side?” Brooklyn questioned in humor.

“Most definitely. I would have to be in love with the enemy.”

“Kinda like Demona.”

“That was a long time ago,” Goliath growled.

“Okay,” Brooklyn said backing off in his lifted spirits.

Laren was fighting Shadowstar’s hold even if they were on the same side. Nobody holds Laren back! She was the all powerful one. THE ‘goddess’ of the vampire world.

“You caused it Zeus! You killed Remy! I never forget when I have been wronged!” Laren screamed.

“And you killed my son! I don’t forget so easily!” Zeus yelled back.

Shadowstar withdrew her sword with that line. She didn’t know what the right thing to do was... she shook her head to regain her thoughts of winning. There was on key word in his mind: time. It was something they were running out of.

“We’ve no time for this!” Shadowstar yelled.

“ENOUGH!” a voice said echoing through the tunnels.

Zeus and Laren stopped arguing. Shadowstar cautiously released the two. Zeus ran away into the shadows. Star looked at the sword and shrugged.

“Mine now,” she stated.

Goliath glared at Laren. Laren was guilty for acting the way she did, but the other half of her didn’t want Goliath’s reprimanding. She met his eyes with almost a sardonic look.

“What?” She sneered.

“You two just waste our time with your fancy games.”

“And you’re wasting even more.”

“Oh shut up, and come on,” Shadowstar said annoyed.

Brooklyn walked by her side as they traveled out of the darkness. They were net by fire light and a more pleasant atmosphere. Laren and Goliath trailed behind the leaders of the clan. Shadowstar and Laren both sensed Hades was near. They walked past all the shadows of once immortal and mortals alike. Goliath sw his rookery brothers and sisters come and go in the background. Goliath’s heart wept for them. Star felt his pain. Brooklyn bowed his head in reverence for their lost. Star stepped back to comfort her love through this.

“Keep walking, Goliath. You are the strong one. I love you for that,” Star said telepathically.

Goliath looked into Shadowstar’s eyes and smiled. He kept walking with the group acknowledging Star’s words. She would never realize that he found his strength in her, and without her, would be losing his control.

Laren looked at the shadows. There were many she knew and many she didn’t. Her children were here as were her friends. She kept walking not wanting to face the emotions. Too long in her life has she hidden from these emotions. She didn’t want to face them again. Hades knew that weakness in Laren. He had hoped to find it in the gargoyles, but they were strong. They did not fear the past. They faced it. Hades found a weakness in one while finding a strength in the other three... and this was good, because they were all playing into his hands for the future.

Slowly Hades himself stepped into the light. He did not look like a demon or devil. Laren noticed that he was quite handsome actually. His light brown hair fell into his brilliant green eyes. He was over muscular and stood proud on the edge of darkness. He, like Athena, looked like he stepped out of war. He, on the other hand, did not wear a helmet, but he donned a cape and a warrior’s sword.

“You may want this,” Hades replied throwing a scabbard for her sword.

Shadowstar caught it and put her sword in it’s appropriate place.

“Thank you,” Shadowstar answered attacking it around her waist.

Hades did not look as cold as they assumed he would. Playful in nature, Hades wanted to help them with hidden agenda’s, of course.

“Hades, I presume,” Goliath said.

“You assume correct. And you, you are gargoyle... the one who was with Athena... and you, are DeVanRoux,” Hades almost accused her.

“Do you have a problem with it?” Laren sneered.

“You killed my brother... you conspire with my niece, and now, you come to me hoping to restore balance to your kind... a kind who killed my brethren... Challenge me, Laren. Why should I help you? And don’t bother using your telekinetics, Shadowstar. It won’t work with me. I do not fear even you,” Hades replied snidely.

“Zeus took Remy before the Fates willed it. My kind are even feeling the wave of hate-” Brooklyn started.

“And Remy’s companions killed the gods!” Hades retorted.

“And they met their fate! Why should we, the immortals pay for our ancestors? Zeus has killed! Your kind has killed! Don’t make the gargoyles pay!” Laren yelled back.

“It’s not my choice. If you get Remy and Remy only out of here, you may leave. Trust me, there are many who are going to try and stop you... even me... Remy knows the tunnels... He’ll get you out of here...” Hades said disappearing with his words echoing in their minds.

“I am sick of this game,” Goliath growled under his breath.

“Laren, let’s end this. Scan the minds and find Remy,” Shadowstar told.

They closed their eyes and filtered through the endless numbers of psychics. Shadowstar’s brow became rigid and wrinkled with concentration. They were trying their hardest to filter and locate but it was painstaking.

Shadowstar pointed to the right, and Brooklyn walked ahead to the tunnel. “Be warned of the imagery,” Laren replied as they stepped onto the foot of a hill.

Goliath narrowed his eyes and took in the sight before them, “Wyvern,” he whispered.

Shadowstar felt Goliath’s heart leap with the sight. Dozens of gargoyles flew about he walls and sky. Alarmed, Shadowstar looked at Laren. Laren read it loud and clear. They knew they had to get the gargoyles out of this place.

“Goliath, come on, it’s not real,” Star said softly.

“But, my Clan,” he said fixed to it.

Shadowstar could not sway him. Goliath reached to the Wyvern walls. He climbed them to be with his clan.

“Star, why didn’t you use your powers on him?” Brooklyn questioned.

“I can’t harm him like that. I will get Goliath. Laren and Brooklyn, find Remy. He is near... And Laren, don’t fall into any of these mind traps.”

“My mind is open.”

“I will not control you.”

“You will, if it’s needed.”

Laren and Brooklyn went off to the left of the hills. Star levitated across the grassy meadow. She felt herself losing a grasp of Goliath. Neither of them could bear losing their love, but Star had to make Goliath see it.

“No, what if he eats? He’ll be stuck here.”

With that thought, she reached the walls of Wyvern instantaneously. She dug her white talons into the wall and rose to the top quickly. She saw one handing Goliath an apple. Star grew wide eyed and swooped down to Goliath as he rose it to his lips.

“Goliath! No!” Star yelled throwing herself down to the ground.

CHAPTER 6: PLAYING WITH FIRE

Illyana watched Jean-Marc’s blank stare into the depths of the forest. His green eyes and psychic mind wove through the darkness and pine. He could feel the battle engaging. Mortals and immortals alike were falling to death before them. It took much to kill a vampire, and much, the mortals did. Jean-Marc came back to reality’s plane and turned to look at Illyana. Her empathic powers already told her what he felt. She closed her eyes and prayed to Hades himself that they would be helped in their hour of need... but she knew, her prayers would be denied.

“Don’t worry, Illyana. Bordeaux’s defenses are nothing compared to what we have. They are sturdy, but we are much more,” Xavier comforted.

Jean-Marc looked up to the tops of the towers. Hudson had himself perched on the turrets just waiting to strike. Roc’s hands started to glow with his fiery dark gift.

“Roc! Don’t burn the castle,” Jean-Marc said telepathically.

“Burn the castle!? Ha! These bastards are lucky I don’t take down the whole forest with them in it. Madre de Dios!” Roc sneered in his almost comical way.

Jean-Marc sensed it before Roc could see it. Bronx started growling at the approaching figure.

“And the fiesta begins! Muertan, Ustedes... and die quickly!” Roc shouted.

“Yeild!” an almost familiar voice yelled before she could be shot down.

Roc sent down a fiery bolt. It surprisingly missed her. Jean-Marc smiled knowing who was coming their way.

“Senorita! How did it miss you?? I am the King of Pyrokinetics. None, defy me. Die, bloody fool,” Roc rambled, “Stand down, Roc! Only one could have Lady Luck on their side,” Jean-Marc called.

A very daring woman stepped out to the shadows. She ran to the gate with bow and arrow in hand. Maid Marian she wasn’t. She was the female Robin Hood in every form, down to the dress. Her clear blue eyes stared at Jean-Marc through the gates. She shook the gate hoping Jean would open it. She may have been born with luck, but she could not escape a heard of angry hunters.

Jean-Marc unleashed the gate as the woman rushed in. Looking up at Roc, she strung a bow and fired it. It landed less than an inch away from him.

“Porque, Senorita?” He questioned.

“It’s a warning, Roc. I don’t miss either,” she sneered.

“You know I’d never intentionally hurt you, Jennie,” He shouted hoping for forgiveness.

“You just bide your time,” she replied.

“Jennie, how near?” Jean-Marc questioned her.

She straightened her tunic as a flaming torch stuck the gate. Instinctively, they looked at Roc.

“Don’t look at me, amigos. The fiesta has started,” Roc said hiding behind the walls of the tower.

“Ten seconds until they reach the forests edge,” Jennie replied.

“Prepare yourself,” Jean-Marc announced to all, “Xavier, stop the flame. Athena and Puck, prepare you first wave of defense if the towers do not keep them out.”

“Hey, Robin Hood, ayuda! Help us on the towers,” Roc shouted.

“I would almost like to see your hind burn.”

Jennie said and ran into the castle.

“They approach us,” Jean-Marc said unsheathing a sword, “We will not raise a gun for they could number harm us with one of theirs,” Jean-Marc replied.

“Their primitive, they would never raise a gun,” Illyana continued.

“They approach us, lads,” Hudson called.

Jean-Marc, Illyana, Xavier, and Bronx moved out of the cleaning. They saw a spray of arrows fly by them. Illyana closed her eyes and meditated in her own way.

“Come and get us you farmer rednecks. You think I haven’t seen any like you in Espana? I’m sick to death, Senors. Taste my wrath!” Roc screamed looking down at the approaching mortals.

“Lad, ye better calm down. Anger only hurts yuir mind,” Hudson told.

“Hudson’s right, Roc,” Geneva replied.

Roc pain no mind to their warnings. He sent a flame in the part of the hunters. A swarm of arrows flew past them. Jennie ran onto the tower and tumbled under the swarm of arrowheads.

“Left most, in the shoulder,” Jennie said stringing her bow.

She fired and hit her target directly. Angela looked down from the other tower and realized how much she hated war. Cristobol and Petr stood by her side.

“You hate it as much as we do,” Petr replied.

“Yes.”

“Then fight not to injure,” Petr told her.

“Angela can you glide me down for enough that I can keep a mighty gust of wind?” Cristobol questioned.

“Yes.”

Angela used her gargoyles strength to pick Cristobol up. They flew above the heads of the hunters. All of Cristobol's might could not stop their will. Hawke watched the two and knew what to do instantaneously. He unsheathed his sword and raised it in the air. Angela had not even seen it. It pierced her leg and left out a gargoyle cry of pain She and Cristobol tumbled to the ground. The hunters surrounded them, but the wind protected the two. Angela limped along side Cristobol through the swarms. Some were tossed by the wind and knocked out by the trees against their skulls.

“Idiots!” Jean-Marc yelled, “Ack! They’re spreading. That’s it! We battle side by side, at the face of our enemy. Athena! Divide your crowd. Half stay to protect the caste. Hudson, help Petr! Jennie, to the forest! Vampires, this is now the fight for our lives, and we will not die,” Jean-Marc screamed and charged to the gate.

“Xavier, rid them of their arrows!” Jean ordered leading Xavier to chant memorized words.

Xavier waved his magic hands and the arrows stopped coming through the barred fences. Xavier grinned knowing that nothing mortal could stop his sorcery.

“Jean-Marc! You and your sorcery will not defeat us,” Hawke said coming into sight.

“Do not doubt me,” Jean-Marc answered picking up a sword.

“Then let us fight to our deaths,” Hawke sneered.

“Are all of these men wiling to die by your side for your twisted dream?”

“Ah, Monsieur, you are the twisted one.”

“Well, then, I suppose we come to the cross roads. And now, we are willing to defend out kind to the end... so prepare to die for the immortals do not die as easily,” Jean-Marc said with sword in hand stepping through the gates of Rosell.

Hawke charge at Jean-Marc with his sword raised. Jean-Marc prepared his defense. The swords clashed together as the immortals and mortals combined in a battle for their lives. Raw power and clashing swords filtered through the forest as the vampires battle their opponents face to face... Illyana fled through the forest to quickly find Angela and Cristobol. Illyana knocked away the attacking mortals to help save her friends.

“I’m taking her back,” Illyana told Cristobol of Angela.

“You have no power to protect you,” Cristobol said in reply.

“I know,” she sneered taking the arm of the limping Angela.

They tried to maneuver their way around the warring individuals. Illyana could sense a mortal running behind her. She grabbed his arm and tossed him over her body. He sent out his foot tripping Illyana and causing her to stumble to the ground. He pinned her, but she kicked him off with her immortal strength. Suddenly, Bronx leaped through the trees almost giving Illyana a heart attack. Bronx tackled the pursuer to the ground and instilled much fear with his glowing eyes.

“Thanks, boy,” Illyana said taking Angela by the arm again.

Elsewhere, Athena used her warrior skill and hidden Olympian talents to knock around some people. She saw the vast number of humans succumb to the immortal strength. As she tossed one through the air, she squinted to read the stars above.

“Brother, Apollo, I wish you were still here to control it... Jean-Marc! Thirty minutes!” Athena yelled through the trees.

Jean-Marc relayed the message to all his people by his telepathy. Hawke sneered as Jean-Marc threw his opponent back.

“No time, demon,” Hawke replied knowing the time.

“Puck, we need your team!” Jean-Marc sent word.

Another wave of immortals flew out of the castle as some mortals hit the walls Roc tried desperately to burn all the ropes. He didn’t even see a dagger flying towards him. He took it right in the shoulder. Geneva grabbed Roc’s shoulders so he wouldn’t fall forward off the high tower. He grabbed his should in agony as Geneva pulled the dagger from his flesh.

“You meal will heal you,” Geneva told him knowing he’ll make it, “Oh, damn!”

Geneva heard heavy footsteps on the tower. She looked up to see a sinister fellow staring down at her. Several more were also climbing over the walls with blood on their hands.

“No!” Angela screamed climbing over the wall in pain jumping off the wall and knocking the foes over with all her might.

“Monster,” the human replied.

“Look at yourself,” Angela said fighting with him.

Jean-Marc wanted the battle to end once and for all. Many humans were retreating as they ran by the fallen immortals and mortals alike. Hawke kept pursuing Jean-Marc in battle despite the words of him companions.

“It ends, now, Hawke,” Jean-Marc told.

“Never.”

Jean-Marc finally battled with the intent to kill something he lost long before. He dodged Hawke’s every swing knowing Hawke’s thoughts. He never wanted to become who he once was, but now, the old Jean-Marc of no remorse has emerged into the darkness. He stared at Hawke coldly and quickly pulled a dagger from his belt. The steal blade found itself buried in Hawke’s cold heart. Jean-Marc watched Hawke fall backwards. Blood poured front he mouth of the slain. He grabbed his chest as Jean-Marc stared down the dead.

“It ends,” Jean-Marc said coldly turning his back on the fallen.

CHAPTER 7: ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR

Shadowstar dove and snatched the apple away from Goliath. He knocked her to the ground and fought for it back. She never felt so detached from Goliath.

“Goliath, what about us?” Shadowstar questioned softly, tears welling up in her eyes.

“I want to be with my kind.”

“We are your kind,” Shadowstar told him trembling.

Goliath’s eyes were only opened by the venerability Shadowstar finally showed him. A tear rolled down her powdery cheek as the false walls of Wyvern faded away with the shadows of the past going about their way.

“Goliath, it was good to see you again,” one replied then vanished.

“And I, you,” Goliath whispered.

He lowered his head and let a solitary tear fall from his eye. His heart felt so weak, and he only knew that now and forever, these two would need the completion of their soul to survive... something they only found in love.

“Shadowstar, I-” Goliath started.

“I know what was on your heart. You don’t have to explain.”

“No, I wanted to say...”Goliath trailed off.

“I shouldn’t have interrupted,” Shadowstar apologized as Goliath silenced her.

He placed his talon gently over her lips. She smiled and quieted herself. She placed her pale talon over his and clenched it to her heart.

“I see it in your eyes.. I feel it in my heart. Ever since you came into my life, Shadowstar, nothing has ever been the same-”

In the midst of Goliath’s words, Shadowstar was his by a psychic attack. She lurched forward as telepathic energy jetted through her eyes.

“Perfect timing, “Goliath said trying to help Shadowstar’s pain.

Shadowstar screamed in pain as it came closer and grew stronger.

“Fight it, Shadowstar... You can do it,” Goliath said questioning why she didn’t just blow away her attacker.

Shadowstar got up and walked towards the source. She stumbled to the ground and grabbed the dirt of the cavern between her claws. Her mind was burning, but nothing would stop her.

Goliath looked up to she a shadow coming closer. Suddenly, it was knocked into the light. Brooklyn glided above it and grasped it’s shoulders. The adversary was released to the ground as Shadowstar collapsed to the ground completely and gasped for air as the pain subsided. Laren ran through the tunnel and stood over the foe.

“This is no joke, Remy Nathanial! We are real! And we are in need of your help!” Laren scolded.

Remy pulled himself off the ground and dusted off his clothing. His light hair swept in front of his face as his immortal green eyes looked powerful and arrogant. He was the vampire they were looking for.

“What was the meaning of your attack on Shadowstar?” Goliath roared.

“What is the meaning of you trying to rip me from my rest? Shadowstar?” Remy then questioned as if he had recognized the name.

“You sound like you know her...” Brooklyn sneered.

“No, just an interesting name,” Remy commented clearly hiding something.

“We have no time for this. Remy, you know that you are the end, the omega. Your death is killing us all. Jean-Marc and Illyana-” Laren started explaining her case.

“Illyana? My vampire daughter?” He questioned suddenly.

“Yes, Illyana... they may be losing their lives due to this hate. Remy, fight us no longer, and fight for your people,” Laren pleaded.

“The Fates sent me here.”

“No! Zeus sent you here! The Fates were not ready,” Laren told him.

Remy looked down at the ground. He was sick of being ripped from place to place and having his life distorted. So much past was here in this room with these people, and they would never realize it. Laren meant the world to him when he lived... he couldn’t let his people be killed.

“Let this finally end, eternally,” Remy sneered.

“Thank you, Remy, “ Laren replied gratefully.

“We must take the tunnel to the surface. There is one near Rosell... what a coincidence. Dawn will be nearing soon so we must hurry,” Remy said leaving down the tunnel.

Goliath picked a recuperating Shadowstar up as they followed Remy. They all had a gut feeling that they were not going to get out so easily.

“Stop!” A woman’s voice echoed from the darkness.

She had hair that looked like grapes from a vine. Her dark robes danced with the wind. She was very attractive in the light that they did see... but to look at her was nothing but to receive a gradual fear.

“You will not leave this place!” She shouted placing her hands out in front of her.

“Step back, Hera,” Remy replied firmly.

“None of you shall leave,” Hera told them.

She struck at Brooklyn as the entire clan of Olympians appeared minus three. Brooklyn threw her back scratching the flesh on her arm. She did not bleed for the dead have no blood. Goliath shielded Shadowstar from attacks by Ares and Artemis. Shadowstar slowly pulled her mind together.

“We have no time for this, Hera,” Remy yelled staring intently at her.

“Then let’s do something about it. Shadowstar, we need you!” Laren called.

“She is too weak,” Goliath replied never having to say that about Shadowstar before.

Laren linked all their minds. Remy relayed their plan. ‘Knock them to the walls and run. They cannot pass to the surface. Hades has granted me new life, I will be fine. Hit them and run. Laren and I will try to send a shock to their minds. One... two... HIT!’ Remy sent out through their minds.

They pushed their foes to the walls. Goliath picked Shadowstar up as they ran to the surface. Hermes tried to stop them with his speed, but he was knocked back by Brooklyn. Laren was struck in the shoulder by Artemis’ arrow. She tumbled forward trying to catch herself.

“Stop, it hurts,” Laren cried.

“Keep going, blood will heal you,” Remy told her to keep Laren moving though the tunnel.

Brooklyn pulled the arrow from Laren as Ares threw a spear at them. Remy picked up the spear and threw it as a javelin. It struck Hermes as he started to sprint once more.

They passed through the endless tunnel of death and darkness that slowly raised them to the surface.

“Olympians! Enough,” Hades called, “Let them defend their own... we already have all we need for the time being...”

Hades stood before them. Remy bowed to Hades in appreciation.

“Go, save you kind. Have Athena travel to Delphi. Apollo does not walk with us... Apollo will know the truth...”

“What did you mean about having what you need?” Goliath growled.

“That is no of your concern. Depart, my Olympians,” Hades replied as they faded into the darkness.

“I do not trust him,” Goliath answered.

“No time,” Remy said as the five continued the trek through the tunnel.

The opening was clear ahead. Night was still shining through the end. The welcomed the fresh air greatly. Their lungs were no more heavy with death. They just escaped death only to walk into it. They stopped and watched the mortals retreating to the towns nearby. Laren tripped over lifeless beings. She recognized most of the immortals that lay at her feet.

“Jeanne, Christian... not you two,” Laren replied in disbelief.

“Look,” Goliath said pointing to the battle on tower one.

“Laren, Brooklyn, we must make sure everybody is inside. Shadow, can you fight?” Remy questioned as he led them through the dark trees.

Shadowstar was still being held by Goliath, but she felt a majority of her strength returning. She nodded as Goliath took off to the tower with Shadowstar in his arms. Laren let out a telepathic message to all the vampires.

“To the castle, now! Athena and Puck, take care of the rest!” She echoed.

Laren helped the injured with both or her arms. Remy and Brooklyn did the same. They fled faster than Hermes’ swift feet as a flood of vampires traveled through the gates. Many from Bordeaux survived the attack and had no time to retreat back to their home castle.

Goliath felt an up current heading towards the tower. He opened his massive wings and let the current take he and Shadowstar tot he base of the tower. Shadowstar felt the dawn nearing.

“Puck, get to Tower 1,” Shadowstar told him tugging in her psi link.

Goliath started digging his talons into the stone wall. With every crack and crunch of the wall, he moved further to their prey. Shadowstar wrapped herself in telekinetics and hurried herself to the top. She saw Roc being attacked by humans. His injuries were too much for him to even have a fair chance.

“Are you alone?” Star questioned the injured.

“I made Geneva leave,” he replied as Shadowstar telekinetically pulled the humans away from an injured Roc.

He limped and held his bloody arm as he dodged the villains.

“Your people are gone, retreat you cowards,” Shadowstar replied as she threw the man a punch.

“Never,” a hidden man said.

He had sheltered himself, and for some strange reason, Star missed him. He pulled out a dagger which Shadowstar could not miss. She felt the blade pierce through her wing then her shoulder. Goliath heard her pain as he pulled himself up onto the tower. She grabbed her shoulder trying not to collapse with the blood pouring from her wound. Roc came over to her and pulled out the bloody dagger with his own bloody hands. The telekinetically bound mortals fell to the ground and attacked once more. Goliath picked up the third man who injured Star. Out of a mad rage, he tossed the ‘brave’ mortal over the side. He dove and struck the last two. Puck appeared as the dawn approached.

“NO!” Roc screamed as he had no time to enter the castle into hiding.

Shadowstar acted in the only way she knew. She unclasped the silver bracelets and threw them to the ground. Roc desperately curled up on the ground. The mortals stood in front of the door victoriously.

“One down,” they sneered.

Shadowstar wrapped herself around Roc trapping the sunlight outside of her wings. Goliath quickly wrapped his wings around her back to stop the sun further. Goliath quickly turned to stone as did Shadowstar. The mortals raised their weapons ready to destroy the gargoyles.

“I don’t think so,” Puck replied scolding them.

Puck conjured up a pie in his normal good nature. He threw it at one of them.

“Now, I’m just going to have to teach you a lesson.”

Puck snapped his fingers and both men were transformed. They looked at each other and laughed. They looked at themselves and screamed.

“Now, didn’t your mother teach you anything about cross dressing? Now, how would you prefer to travel?” Puck questioned turning his back on them.

They charged at him as Puck smiled, “Fly?”

He motioned his arms and the two were lifted above his head in front of him. He stood above them as they got up still arrogant and angry.

“You don’t give up easily, do you? Oh well, I guess I just have to get rid of you myself,” he replied teleporting between the two and grabbing them by the ear.

“Ready to travel? No? Too bad!”

They teleported off the tower in a blinding light. The two fell into a snowpile with Puck sneering at them.

“Heh, you’ll like it here. Many vampires died here in Asgard. I hope you enjoy Norway,” Puck said angrily.

He teleported himself back to Rosell. Jean-Marc was pacing around the tunnels.

“Roc is unaccounted for,” Jean-Marc said worried that he’d lose his second in command.

“He’s in stone,” Puck replied.

Roc opened his eyes and realized he was not dead but in the dark. He moved his head suddenly and knocked it off hard stone. He saw a stiff Shadowstar desperately trying to save him.

“Senorita... you save me,” he said astonished.

Nobody in his entire life cared enough to extend themselves farther than necessary. He’s been alone for centuries although he’d prefer not to be. He had loved and been hurt by arrogance of the god’s. He never thought one of Oberon’s children could love him... She did, but her mysterious ways and power destroyed her and the life they could have had. The gods showed their wrath and his heart went with their punishment. Everything he’s been made Roc what he has become... mysterious and a secret... and he does not understand why this gargoyle would even care. The past blinded his vision, but his heart was strangely open. He closed his dark eyes and rested against her wings.

“Gracias, senorita... gracias,” he whispered finding himself going into a vampire sleep.

*crick* * *crack***Grrrrr....

That’s all Roc heard before he arose at twilight. He shielded his head as stone skin shattered around him. He looked up and saw the black and white gargoyles standing above him. She reached her hand out to him and helped him to his feet.

“Your injuries have not healed,” Star observed.

“I need blood to rejuvenate my wounds unlike you... Why did you save my life?” Roc questioned.

Shadowstar looked very closely at this vampire. She felt it and saw it within him that he had never been shown such a kindness. She felt the deep dark pain lingering in the pit of his soul... and hidden secrets that she couldn’t even touch. This formed him, consumed him, and circulated in him. Never would he show others this pain, but her mind felt it... and yet, there was something behind it all... something that Roc was hiding. And for some odd reason, he had the strength of the gods to hide it all.

“It’s the way I am. I would not have let you die,” Shadowstar told him.

“Nobody has ever done anything like that for me,” he replied as Shadowstar picked up her bracelets.

“I feel it withing you. Just remember that there are others who care. It’s in their heart. You just have to find it.”

“Thank you, gargoyle.”

“I am Shadowstar.”

“I am Roc... Did you find Remy?”

“Yes, we did... but what we are to do now, I don't’ know.”

Roc looked closely at his Savior of sorts. He snickered at the plainness, yet regalness, of the gargoyle. A thought typical of him came to mind.

“You know, if you would have a black spot right here,” Rock said poking her stomach “Heh, good abs... we could call you Panda.”

Shadowstar didn’t take offense to his words but sneered for sport. Goliath found himself laughing at the thought. She looked back into the merry brown eyes of the comical one.

“And you look like you could be sitting on the Great Wall with me, Senor.”

“But you are much older so you were there first.”

“How would you know of my age?”

“You hear interesting things when you listen.”

“Maybe you should take your won advice.”

“Come, let’s see the rest of our clan,” Goliath replied.

They walked inside the castle and looked at the vampires walking about. There seemed to be heavy losses as Roc looked almost sickened by the thought. Jean-Marc, Remy and Laren walked out of a hallway.

“Geneva, Petr, we need a meal to rejuvenate our wounds. Bronx, Hudson, search the woods for more survivors... ack, the sun would have taken them already...” Jean-Marc replied almost disheartened.

“How many, Jean?” Roc questioned while walking down the steps.

“Juan, Jeanne, Cristobol... I don’t know, Roc. Twenty maybe...”

“Ten from Rosell,” Roc replied quietly.

“You, myself, Petr, Geneva, Illyana, Xavier, Laren, Athena, Remy... I’ve stopped counting...”

“Your old tone has returned,” Laren remarked to Jean-Marc.

“Maybe so,” he replied softly.

Angela stepped out of a hallway and ran straight for her father. She ran into his arms joyously in a hug.

“You’re back!” Angela exclaimed.

“Yes, Angela... We have returned.”

“Can we go now?” Angela questioned desperately wanting to return home.

“No, there is a trip to Delphi left...” Goliath started.

Remy looked at Angela realizing that the girl wanted her home. He believed himself that the game has gone on too long for these friend.

“Goliath, take your clan home with Puck as your teleporter... We will need Shadowstar’s help further, however,” Remy told him.

“Thank you,” Goliath replied smiling in one of those rare moments.

Shadowstar looked up at Goliath, and he fully knew that she wouldn’t leave even if she was asked.

“I will be home soon,” Star replied.

“I know.”

Goliath walked away from the clan with Angela at his side. They walked out of sight as Shadowstar looked away. Remy looked closely into Shadowstar’s eyes and sent her a telepathic message.

“You do not love him as much as he love you. I can sense it,” Remy told.

“Stay out of my mind,” She shot back.

Athena teleported to the crowd out Laren, Jean-Marc, Remy, and Shadowstar. She looked at them and immediatly know who was going and who was staying.

“Shadowstar, Remy, you are coming with me,” Athena said quickly.

“But I-” Laren started to protested.

“Laren, you and Jean-Marc need to stay behind and protect Rosell further... this is the way it must be.”

Laren scowled in her usual fashion. Never has the goddess been denied anything...

“Let’s finish it,” Shadowstar commented.

“The end is near,” Athena told her, “Savor it.”

A blinding light strained the eyes of the two remaining. Their eyes closed in brief agony as they raised their arms to their faces.

“Damned teleporters,” Jean commented as his turned away with his black cape trailing his every step.

CHAPTER 8: CREATURES OF THE NIGHT

Instantaneously, the three found themselves no longer in the bitter Luxembourg wind. The Mediterranean weather wrapped its arms around the three visitors.

“Have you ever been to Greece, Shadowstar?” Remy questioned.

“No.”

“Welcome to the birthplace of gods and vampires,” Remy replied walking out of the temple doorways, “The beginning of the War of Olympian vs. Man, Man vs. Immortal, and Avalon vs Olympian... It all starts here.”

Shadowstar took in the rolling hills and bustling city. The gods once roamed here freely, and she wished she knew the days of old. The moonlight seemed to stand right in front of her and the stars could be reached while bound to the soil. Athens was a wondrous place rich with heritage, but it was not where they needed to be.

“Why are we not at Delphi?” Shadowstar questioned.

“Because Apollo would expect people to look for him there,” Athena replied turning her back onto the cit, “I know my brother’s game well... and I do not have to be his twin for that.”

Athena walked into her temple and recalled the time where she dwelled here. She as younger, more powerful, more naive. This place was almost like old except it became corrupted with age. The room seemed to light up with the face of Athena. She was the flashing eyed Pallus Athena... she missed the days of old dearly. The candlelight faded in and out. There were still people who cherished the old ways. She looked at her icon above the candles.

The flames shifted, and Athena quickly turned around. She could hear Shadowstar unsheathing Zeus’ sword. Star sensed it, too. Athena motioned for Shadow to stand down. Unwillingly, Shadow put the sword back. Athena watched the shadows and flickering light. Her warrior senses took her diving into the darkness. A body fell to the ground with Athena’s force. She recognized the suns rays molded into the battle armor that touched her fingers. Athena did not have to see him to know this was her brother. A grin stretched across her Grecian face. She latched onto his hands and helped him up.

“Phoebes Apollo!” Athena exclaimed.

“Athena, my sister! Pallus Athena!” Apollo exclaimed in almost disbelief.

They embraced each other in much joy for their unity. They were no longer alone in the world. Loneliness and suffering befell them for hundreds of years. Their heart were whole once more.

“This unity bit is all nice, but I want this to be over with,” Shadow replied stepping further into the temple.

“You’re right. This game has gone on long enough,” Athena said,” Apollo, your truth is needed. How do we now save the creatures of the night?”

Apollo looked at his sister and laughed at her naivety.

“And I thought you had much wisdom? Don’t tell me you didn’t see it?”

“Apollo, Delphi was the beginning of the game... and now your truth will end it.”

“You must touch the hearts of all the people in the world... it takes the power and will... Their minds must unite and sweep the world.

“That’s all we came for? This game is so stupid!” Shadowstar exclaimed.

“My dear, what did you want? It’s the end to an endless game. The truth was there to grasp, and you never grasped it,” Apollo told her.

“Come, Shadowstar, let’s do as the truth has spoken,” Remy said taking Shadowstar’s talon.

He led her to the center of the early temple. Shadowstar had never done a thing like this before. She didn’t know how to reach the minds of all. The minds always reached her.

“Just follow my lead,” Remy told her.

The pale moonlight reflected across the floor. From it, arose white energy arose. Shadow watched Remy close his eyes and start controlling the air and energy around him. Shadow was amazed at the skill Remy had. His power was below Shadowstar’s, but his mastery was superior.

“Relax your mind, and you will understand.”

Shadowstar closed her eyes and let the white energy surround her emerald psi powers. Remy’s eyes opened as Shadow’s started burning white. He stepped towards her and took her quartz orb from her, and they clasped it between both of their hands. The swarming energy focused itself into the glowing crystal. Shadowstar released all of her safeguards. Remy allowed his mind, his will, to become united with the age old psyche of Shadowstar. They could see each other’s memories and thoughts. The knew each other’s lives. Remy saw what secrets Shadowstar had eternally placed behind Kindred walls. Her thoughts poured from her mind and consumed her. Shadowstar briefly could grasp the beginning of her life, but it was gone as quickly as the channel to the world opened.

“You keep going no matter how much it hurts.”

She understood pain. It was opaque to many, to her, it was evil and pain incarnate. No more!

Every ounce of being within both immortals was sent through the channel. A wave of psychic energy passed through Athens. It spread through Greece, then Europe, then Asia and Africa. Shadowstar screamed as the pain grew greater. She was expending more energy than she could handle. She had to bring for the mystery and majesty of the immortals and bury it deep inside every being. Remy’s forehead beaded with sweat and his grip on the orb loosened and Shadow’s talon grew tighter as his energy became thinner. The white became over powered by Shadowstar’s psychic power. She, too, became weak from the size of the task but could not stop the erratic use of energy.

People all over the Earth were given a new light to look at. Many were turned to the good of the situation. Others were still contrived with a deep hate that could not be erased by the deepest psychic wash. The numbers were lessened and the hate grew thinner for the beings. Shadowstar found herself tampering farther by deleting memories of vampire havens and gargoyle hide outs. Goliath looked up and smiled sensing Shadowstar’s power go by. He stood at Wyvern and awaited her arrival knowing her task was almost complete. The vampires smiled because the felt the power of the night rolling in. Nobody remained untouched for the will is an unbreakable thing, an her will called for it.

And when Remy felt the weight of the entire world on his shoulders, he collapsed to the ground from the strain. He was skilled but weaker than Shadowstar in power. Athena rushed over to his aid and looked up at the fiery Shadowstar. She realized the danger in which Shadowstar was left in.

“Apollo, she’ll burn herself out,” Athena replied concerned.

Apollo tried to force his hand through the power she wielded. He screamed with the pain it produced. His pain was carried through her eyes and her vocals produced the agony to reflect. The glowing went away suddenly as her mind finally became hers. The orb dropped from her hands and landed on the ground. Apollo snatched it up before it became damaged with the force.

The psionic energy exited Shadowstar like a flame disappearing in the wind. She let out a roar as her heart and mind burned with pain. Her job was complete and now, she was burned out. Her knees succumbed to the strain, and Shadow hit the ground not even trying to stop herself. Her eyes rolled up in her head looking for eternal rest. Apollo put his and on the unconsciousness’ neck hoping there was a beat.

“There’s a pulse,” he replied.

“Come, let’s take these two home... it has been a long game for the two of them.”

Athena left the temple in a blinding light of teleportation carrying Remy home. Apollo placed the orb around the neck of Shadowstar. He smiled at her softly.

“You do not know the past that lays behind you... Someday you will learn,” he replied as his features transformed like clay to become the vampire Roc.

Something about the aura around her opened her eyes briefly. Words started to move across her lips.

“Your-” She started then drifted away once more.

“Yes, Shadowstar, I am... I will take you home to a place that is not truly yours... you will find your home.. just not today. Your mind must heal first,” Apollo whispered to her.

His guise melted off as he teleported to Wyvern carrying Shadowstar in his arms. Goliath opened his wings and rode the wind quickly from his tower. He took Shadowstar from the arms of the stranger.

“Apollo?” Goliath questioned.

“None other. Take care of her, Goliath, she is a hero today... and Hades may be out for something more...” Apollo said disappearing.

Goliath looked at Shadowstar’s closed eyes and wondered where her mind was... her life was drifting slowly by her... and she wasn’t happy... She may have saved the life of all the crawlers and creatures in the darkness, but she had unlocked the feelings and secrets that hid in her heart... and nothing they knew would remain the same.

~Finish~

The next adventure of Shadowstar, “The Agony of Memory,” finally will answer all the questions to the past of Shadowstar... and some others that remain hidden.