By Anthony "Archangel" Zucconi

AZUCCONI@HOTMAIL.COM

Disclaimer: All Gargoyles characters property of Disney and Buena Vista Television.

Author's Note: This story is a sequel to A Long Story.

Previously on Gargoyles:

"Is there a way to meet these other gargoyles," Brooklyn asked excitedly.

"By all means. In fact, most have already expressed an interest in meeting your clan. If you like, I can take all of you to a gathering of my clan in New Orleans."

"I'll have a plane sent to fly us down."

"Goliath, I don't know if I could go with you. I used most of my vacation time on our little journey around the world," Elisa said.

Michael spoke before Goliath could answer. "Detective, Captain Chavez will tell you she needs you to go to New Orleans for some reason, maybe to transport an extradited prisoner, I'll come up with something. You won't have a thing to worry about. You can travel on company time."

"Can you do that?"

"No problem. She'll have your ticket in your hand by Friday. Just get the clan to the airport when the ticket says and I'll take care of the rest.

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THE HOME OF DOMINIQUE DESTINE

FRIDAY 6:00 AM

Dominique awoke to a smell that was becoming all too familiar. She knew that Michael would have her breakfast ready soon. She rose from her bed, her body pleasantly aching from the night before, and made her way into the bathroom. Her morning routine had become more enjoyable each day since Michael came into her life. As she showered she thought about everything she had to do today before she began her vacation or honeymoon as she had come to consider it. She thought about her meeting with universal technology at nine. She decided to where her red suit with the high cut skirt and low cut blouse to give her an added advantage over the human males. As she got out of the shower and toweled off, she considered if there was anything else that had to be done before she left New York. Luckily she couldn't come up with anything. Michael had done well with arranging her schedule and delegating everything among her company vice presidents over the next month if she wished to stay gone that long. Plus, he prepared a video conference system that linked up to a laptop he would have with him in case of emergencies. As she walked out of the bathroom she found her red suit hanging on the hook on her closet door. As she dressed she wondered how she made it through the day before he came into her life. When she entered the breakfast room downstairs she found a meal fit for a royal banquet which was a standard for Michael's skill as a chef. The thought that Michael considered her to be to skinny briefly crossed her mind.

Michael came up behind her and startle her with a kiss on the cheek. "Breakfast is served, my lady," he said as he escorted her to the head of the table and seated her." and, no I don't."

"Don't what?" he asked, caught off guard.

"Think you're to skinny, this meal is low fat."

"How do you know what I think all of the time? Can you read my mind?"

"Yes I can, but the look on your face usually gives it away before I have to."

"I should have known by the way you're always one step ahead of me."

"It makes me a better assistant, but don't worry, I never dig deep into your personal thoughts. I just hear the thoughts you want me to."

Dominique thinks to him. "I enjoyed last night to."

CASTLE WYVERN

JUST BEFORE SUNSET

Elisa stood atop the highest tower watching the sun sink behind the horizon. In a moment her gargoyle love would be flesh and they could prepare for tonight. As the sun vanished from sight, the night was filled with the familiar sound of gargoyles waking. Elisa greeted Goliath with a "Good Evening" kiss that has become their standard greeting. When they parted Goliath spoke.

"Did you receive the information we were waiting for Elisa?"

"Yes, get this, Captain Chavez told me I'm to meet with and NOPD officer do return some retrieved stolen property that was reported stolen by none other than Nightstone Unlimited. She handed me one ticket with no return and told me that it would be arranged later when everything in New Orleans was completed.

When I got back to my desk I got a call from Michael. He told me to have you guys follow me to the airport. He said he and Demona would meet us at the plane, which would be parked away from the main terminal. Normally I would have a bad feeling about this but for some reason I don't. The flight is for eleven so we have time to grab a bite to eat before we leave."

Goliath took her hand in his and they join the clan.

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AIRPORT

Elisa radioed to Goliath. "Goliath, I'm finished checking my bags and I'm headed for the plane. Where are you guys located at?"

Goliath radioed back, "we're on the roof near gave five."

"Okay, they told me that I head to meet the plane in the hanger and they are going to bring one of those golf cart's to run me out there. Here it comes. I'll see you out there."

After a few minutes past the clan spotted Elisa being shuttle to the far side of the airport and took wing to follow. When she was led off at the hanger and the driver left, Goliath and the rest of the clan landed and joined her. Just inside the hanger set a large Lear jet waiting for them. As they approached Michael stepped out to greet them.

"Good evening, my friends. I hope there was no problems with the arrangements."

Elisa spoke, "None with the flight, but what is this item I'm supposed to be escorted back."

"It's just an equipment storage case. Something I could use to make this look like a legitimate assignment. The head though the NOPD is one of my clan. It was a simple task to arrange. If you'll follow me we can be off."

As they approached the aircraft Lexington spoke. "So, who is going to fly us, and do we have to hide so they don't see us?"

"That won't be necessary, our pilot and co-pilot are gargoyles and they're rather anxious to me to," Michael answered. Then he asked, "You're a pilot aren't you, Lexington?"

"We have a helicopter we use sometimes, but I crashed at once."

"I'll bet that you'll have quite a lot to talk to our pilots about. Ah, here they come now."

Lex's mouth hit the floor as he noticed the two gargoyles approaching them. A male and female, Lex's height, wearing airline uniformed tailored for gargoyles, came into sight. The male, although small, looked like the good beat Goliath in any test of strength. The female, however, kept Lexington's attention. Sized perfectly for Lex, but built as perfect of Angela. Their eyes met and she blushed and coyly looked down. Finally Lex realized Brooklyn was passing a hand before his eyes and he came around. He wondered how long he was staring at her.

Michael introduced them." Allow me to introduce our pilot and co-pilot Jason and Kristine Angel, or as we lovingly referred to them as' Crash and Burn'.

They both gave him an indignant look then smiled as if they accepted the nicknames that had plagued them since they received their pilots' licenses.

They shook hands with each member of the Manhattan clan. Kristine held Lex's and a little longer than necessary, and the smile she gave him, although shy, said volumes. Michael, catching her reaction said," you know Burn; Lex here is a pilot to. He has his own helicopter."

"Really," she said to Lex. Then her smile seemed almost vicious. "How would you like to try your hands on a real aircraft."

"You don't think a helicopter is a real aircraft," Lex shot back trying to save face.

"Helo pilots make movies, jet pilots make history. So if you're not up to it I'll understand."

Well Lex couldn't stand for that, so he had to one-up her. "There's no sense in showing off if there's nothing to gain. What's in it for me?"

Michael interrupts, "Maybe it we should continue this on the plane." Then he whispered to Goliath, "Your friend is about to bite off more than he can chew."

As they settled on the plane, Burn continued with Lex. "Okay, here's the deal. I set the challenge. Winner names the prize. No limit on what the winner names. Deal."

"Deal," Lex agreed taking her hand.

She pulled him close and whispered in his ear, "When this flight is over your ass will belong to me." Then looking over his shoulder for a better view said, "Not bad."

Lex wasn't thrown. He came back, "You're over confidence will cost you. Will see whose ass is lost."

With that Burn went to the cockpit to prepare for takeoff. The clan took their seats and found Demona seated in the rear of the plane. As they got settled, they realized that the seats were made to fit gargoyles.

Michael approached Lex. "You do realized that she will take full advantage of this little wager, don't you."

"How bad could it be?"

"Tell me this, if you win what will you demand?"

"Well, I was thinking of asking her to take me out and show me around New

Orleans."

"A date. That's all? How about asking her to be your mate? Think big."

"I don't see her going for that."

"She'd have no choice. She said no limitations on what the winner names. If she wins, she will hesitate to name anything, and she did say you're ass would belong to her. I hope you're a good pilot."

Brooklyn said to Lex, "Well she is cute. Looks like you win either way."

Burn came back in and addressed the clan. "We will be taking off momentarily if y'all will buckle up will be on our way. Lexington, if you'll come with me, a show you the cockpit and give you a run down on the controls. I would what you to say it was unfair."

"If we survive takeoff. I noticed how quick you were to insist on seat belts."

Burn looked at Michael, he nodded, and then she led Lex into the cockpit.

Michael addressed the clan." Make sure you're strapped in good, Burn's going to show off. She's going to use a high throttle, high angle takeoff which is guaranteed to send you back into your seat.

Up in the cockpit Crash and Burn prepare for takeoff. They taxied to the runway while Lex got a crash course on the controls and indicators. They received permission for takeoff, so Burn told Lex to strap in.

"Again with the seat belts, is your confidence slipping."

Burn turned to Lex. Her playful smile was gone and she was scarily serious. "Our game hasn't started yet, and I don't take foolish chances. Slap your butt and that seat, put on the seat belt, and I don't want a here anymore about it."

Lex looked like a hatchling facing an angry elder. If the plane had a rookery he would expect to be sent there.

Burns takeoff would have made Tom Cruse's mouth water and Lex knew why she insisted on seat belts. After they reached cruising speed, Burn's smile returned. She turned to Lex and said, "Now it's time for our game. You can take the seat belt off now." Then turned to Crash. "I got her."

"She's all yours," Crash said. He turned on the cabin speakers for all to hear, and went over to Lex. "Take the chair and get a feel for her."

Lex sat in the pilot seat and made himself comfortable. The reality of this little bet was just setting in. What could she have him do? This wasn't a fighter, so there wasn't much she can make him do.

"So, Burn, name the game," Crash said.

"Fifteen minutes, steady flight. Plus or minus one foot of altitude, one degree of course, and one-tenth of a knot in speed."

"Lex, she must like you, that's child's play. I'll let everyone else in on the game." Crash went out and joined the clan.

Brooklyn asked Crash, "So just how hard is this little game?"

"I know some navy Blue Angels who would have a hard time doing it." As he said that, the "fasten seat belt" sign came on.

They heard Burn's voice on the speaker. "You ready?"

"Willing and able," Lex shot back.

"Time to earn your wings, helo boy. You got her, and the clock starts now."

Everyone set in silence trying to feel any change in the aircraft. Nothing came from the speakers. As soon as the fifteen minutes were up Burn's voice was heard. The disappointment was obvious. "Time. I've got the aircraft. Crash, come held Lex pry his hands off the stick, and bring a towel to mop up the sweat. When he rejoins the living, tell him he won."

Crash led Lex back to his seat. When he got him there, he removed the wings pinned on his shirt and handed them to Lex saying, "You earned them."

Lex looked at it. A gold shield with gargoyle wings reaching from it. As he examined it, Crash handed him some brandy from the bar in the corner, which Lex drank way to fast.

"That was to calm your nerves, not stop your heart," Crash joked. Then he addressed the clan. "Help yourself to the bar. We'll be landing in about two hours."

Crash heard burn sobbing in the cockpit and excused himself. Over the speakers the clan heard Crash say, "Speaker's still on." Then it went dead.

Brooklyn went and sat by Lex. "So fly boy, what are you going to name as your prize?"

"I don't know. Do you think she's mad me?"

Michael interrupted, "She's not mad at you, she's mad at herself. She thinks she missed her big chance. Right now she's thinking the worst possible thing you can come up with. The things like not allowing her to fly ever again."

"You mean she would do anything I told her no matter what. Why?"

"A gargoyle's word is his or her bond. She set the terms. She'll live by it or die trying."

"She would really go that far?"

"Yes."

Brooklyn jump in, "Have you come up with any ideas yet?"

"I don't know what to do."

Michael put his hand Lex's shoulder. "Don't sweat it, my friend. Just a little advice, get her alone and ask her what she would have done had she won. Then work from there." Michael excused himself and joined Elisa, Goliath, and Demona talking in the rear of the plane.

"Is Lexington all right," Goliath asked.

"He'll be fine. His life just sped up to mach one and he's trying to keep up that's all. He hasn't had much experience with females has he?"

"No. Angela is the only female he's known since we awoke in New York and she has chosen Broadway."

"Well, Burn hasn't had much luck with males. She was always more interested in doing new things. She separated herself from the rest of her rookery.

Crash was the same way. It was always them against the world. Crash made up for it with his impressive strength. Burn didn't have that, so she went for speed. Constantly trying to fly faster. First gliding then in jets. For ten years she designed and built a jet capable of mach five flight. She's planning to test it this weekend."

Elisa asked him, "Is that safe? That's quite a speed."

"Well, I've been there every step of the way, and I think the jet will be fine. Whether she can survive is my concern."

"I couldn't help noticing how much their coloring is the same, are they twins," Elisa asked.

"Yes. Twins may be rare for gargoyles but it's not unheard of. When they were just hatchlings they would fly in tight formation. That, added to their blue and gold coloring, earned them the nickname "The Blue Angels". "Crash and Burn" came after they started flying planes."

Demona took Michael's hand. "They seem to be held special to you."

"Yes they are. Before we had our own airline, gargoyles traveled on cargo planes, usually as museum pieces. When they were still in the shell, their parents were destroyed in a crash. When they died I raised the twins. I guess that's where their last name came from. That's why they became pilot. So no more gargoyles would die as their parents did. They build Gargoyle Air up from nothing. They trained over twenty other gargoyles to fly. Bought fifteen jets of various types and had the seats modified to fit gargoyles. Ever since then, no gargoyle has flown as cargo. They ensure that their clan of pilots is as well trained as possible. In my opinion there better than any human pilot."

"You said that their pilots are their clan, but I thought you guys were one large clan," Elisa asked.

"We're one large clan made of many small clans. Each small clan serves a purpose for the whole clan. The pilots are just one. There's a clan of sailors making up our merchant fleet. Some clans are as small six, others like the political clan number in the hundreds."

Angela approached and interrupted them excitedly. "This is the most amazing thing I have ever done. To be so high and to move so fast, I can even see the cars on the ground. I never dreamed of being above the clouds."

"You seem to be enjoying yourself Angela, a what's wrong with Broadway," Goliath asked.

"He says he's fine, but he's digging into the arm rest. I think he's a little nervous. I'm not sure if it's the plane ride or the fact that we're meeting a new clan of gargoyles."

"Maybe he should join Lexington and Brooklyn in a drink. It might call him down, but at least it will save Lexington from drowning in that bottle." Demona added referring to the fact that Lex had almost finished the bottle of brandy and wasn't feeling and bad anymore.

Back in the cockpit the plane was on autopilot and Crash was listening to Burn pour out her soul. "How could I have been so stupid? He'll probably never talk to me again. How can I face him? I'll have to hide in here for the rest of my life."

"You're babbling sis. Calm down. He's not mad at you. I saw the way he looked at you. If you would calm down and be yourself he'd be yours."

"Don't tease me. Why would he want someone who put him through that? I tricked him into that God-awful challenge. Even I would have had a hard time doing it. He never even flew a jet before."

"That just shows how good an instructor you can be. Besides, Archangel said he is a big tech-buff, you show him the X-71, he'll be putty in your hands."

"The X-71, I didn't think about it, he could take it as is prize."

"He's not going to take your jet. Besides, I heard him say he wanted to have you take him out this weekend as his prize."

"Don't tease me, Bro. Why would he want that."

"Look in the mirror girl. There's just one female in their clan and she's taking with the big, blue male. Besides, like I said, I saw the way he looked at you, and I know you did to."

"He is cute, and the perfect size to. I bet he gets some speed out on those wings."

"Well, it's time to start our descent. Get them buckled in while I get ground clearance."

"Roger that," Burn responded as she switched on the cabin speaker and rattled off the line she used so often. "Ladies and gentlemen, please return your seats and trade tables to their upright and locked position. We are about to start our descent into New Orleans this evening. We should be on the ground in approximately twenty minutes. Please observe that the fastened seat belt sign has been illuminated. We hope you enjoyed your flight."

Back in the cabin everyone prepared for landing. The sound of Burn's voice telling him to buckle up sobered Lex up fast and he strapped in a little tighter then he really needed to.

"I hope her landings are not as extreme as her takeoff," Broadway said.

"Her takeoff was great," Lex shot him.

"Getting defensive over your woman," Brooklyn teased. Then tried to regain his breath when Lex elbowed him.

"No, she goes to the other extreme on landing," Michael said. "If you close your eyes, you'll never know when we are on the ground."

"Let's try," Broadway said, then shut his eyes as tight as he could.

Angela tried not to laugh at her mate's fear, but for someone with wings to be afraid of flying was too much for her. A little chuckle escaped. The landing was just like Michael said. Not so much as a bump as the plane touched the ground. Angela gave Broadway a gentle kiss on his cheek and found him stiff as stone at night. "You can open your eyes now. We're on the ground."

Broadway slowly opened his eyes, not sure if he was alive or not. When he was sure he was safely on the ground he released his grip on the armrest. When he saw the marks he left the wondered if he would be in trouble.

"Are you ok," Angela asked.

"I'm fine, why wouldn't I be," Broadway asked playing in off.

"Oh, no reason," Angela said tapping the gouge marks in the armrest.

As the plane came to a stop, Crash came out and addressed the clan. "Welcome to Naw'leans. We hope y'all enjoyed the flight this evening. The cars standing by will take y'all out to the estate." Then he turned to Lex. "Hey Lex, how'd you like to give Burn a hand with the shutdown while I handle the paperwork in the hanger. You can ride in with us afterwards."

"The thing she'd want me around her. I thought she was mad at me."

"Actually, she's thinking you be the one mad at her. You don't have nothing to worry 'bout, I garentee."

Lex turned to Goliath and asked, "Would it be okay, Goliath."

Goliath asked Michael, "Will he be taken care of?"

"He'll be fine."

"Then, yes Lex you may stay, but be careful."

"Great."

Michael stood up. "Well, my friends, we still have a long drive to the estate, so if y'all are ready, we'll get going."

As they step off the plane they saw two stretched limos waiting for them. Two large gargoyles were already loading the suitcases in the cars. When they finished, they open the doors and stood by to greet the new arrivals. Angela, Broadway, Hudson, and Brooklyn took the first car with Bronx. Goliath, Elisa, Demona, and Michael took the last. As they approached the car, their driver who seemed a little nervous greeted Goliath. He appeared to be younger than Goliath but was almost as large. He was a light brown in color with dark brown hair.

"It's an honor to meet you, Goliath is it?"

"Yes, I am Goliath, and your name."

"Not all of us have taken names. Just call me driver, or friend if you wish."

"Well, friend, the honor is mine."

"If y'all hop in, we'll get going. We'll arrive about an hour before sun up."

Demona offered Elisa to enter before her, which brought a suspicious look from Elisa. At that Demona dropped her head ashamed and entered the car. Goliath places to hand on Elisa shoulder. "We agreed to give her chance to prove herself."

"I know, but it's not easy."

Michael interrupted, "She didn't think it would be," then got into the car.

Goliath and Elisa followed. With everyone inside the driver shut the doors and took his place in front. The two cars pulled away and head off into the night.

Back in the plane Lex stood outside the cockpit door trying to build up the courage to go in. He knocked on the door and went in to see the back of Burn's head sitting in the co-pilots seat. Before he could say anything she spoke. "Bout time you got your ass in here Bro. Shut the outer door so we can put her in the hanger."

Lex didn't say anything he just went out and shut the door. As he walked back in the cockpit she said, "So, did you find out if Lex was mad at me or not."

"He's not," Lex said looking over her shoulder.

She let out a cute little shriek then stumbled over her words. "Lex, um hi, I thought you were Crash. Um, he is supposed to be here. I thought you whet with the others."

"Crash asked me to give you are hand with shutting down. He said I could get to ride with you guys."

"Yeah, sure, great. Just give me a minute to get my foot out of my mouth. Hop in the pilot seat. I promise it will be a lot easier than the last time."

"It would have to be."

"That was some impressive flying."

"I'm just glad you only said fifteen minutes."

"Too bad I didn't say thirty."

"If I had lost, what would you have done?"

She blushed a little and looked down at the panel. "I didn't have any definite plans. I just thought, I don't know what I thought, but you being a pilot, and I heard you're a big tech buff, then when I saw how cute you were I kind of lost my head."

"Yeah we do have a lot in common don't we," Lex said as their eyes met.

"Yeah we do," Burn repeated moving closer to him never breaking eye contact.

Their lips met and there eye closed. When the separated, both blushing shyly, Burn spoke. "We have to hurry if we want to beat the sun."

"Oh, yeah, what do you need me to do."

"That binder on your left. There's a checklist with a red tab on it. Just do what it says."

"Okay. I'm on it." He worked through the checklist and then told her, "okay, it says clear to taxi."

"Good, standby. Turn to the checklist with the blue tab and wait until I tell you to start. Taxiing now." She added a little throttle and the aircraft moved into the hanger. When they were inside she throttled down and said to Lex,

"Okay start the checklist."

Lex worked through the checklist then said, "okay I'm up to where it says complete hanger log."

"That's what Crash is working on. Okay that's everything lets get out of here."

As they got up Burn continued, "So have you decided on your prize?"

"Well, I was thinking, how about tomorrow night you take me out for dinner and a night on the town."

"Is that all, just a date?"

"Well, after that we can just play it by ear."

Burn got that wickedly cute grin again as she put her arms around Lex's neck. She kissed him on his ear. "That could be fun."

Lex's arm wrapped around her waste. "Yes it could," Lex said. Then their lips met again.

As Lex began to get more passionate in his embrace, Burn forced herself to break off. "If we keep this up we'll be sleeping here come morning."

Lex, trying to calm his emotions and hide his obvious arousal said, "Yeah, you're right. But spending the day with you doesn't sound like a bad idea."

"Well you can still roost with me at the estate if you'd like."

"I'd like that a lot."

"So, just how long has it been since you've seen a female."

"Well, other than Angela, it's been over one thousand years."

"One thousand years," she practically yelled. "Now I feel bad for stopping you." She gave him a wink. "Come on, Crash is waiting for us."

They exited the plane and Burn locked it up. "Which way," Lex asked.

Burn took his hand, "Don't worry, I won't leave you." She led him out of the hanger to a large green Chevy truck. Crash was waiting in the back seat. "Hop in," Burn said.

"You can drive too. That's one you've got on me. Why don't we just glide?" Lex asked.

"The estate is down in New Iberia. It's ninety minutes by car. Do you want to glide that far?"

"Good point."

As they got in, Crash asked Burn, "You want to do the honors."

"I'll take care of it." She said then turned to Lex. "Lex, do you trust me?"

"I don't have any reason not to."

"The close your eyes."

Lex did as she asked, then opened his eyes when there was a bright flash. What he saw shocked him. Instead of being there with Crash and Burn, he was there with two humans. As he reached out in a daze, he almost went into a panic. Instead of his four fingers before him he saw five human fingers.

Burn put her hand on Lex's shoulder, "It's just an illusion Lex. Be calm. The windows aren't dark enough to drive without using it. Close your eyes and feel your tail. It's still you, okay."

"Yeah, I'm okay, just next time tell me first."

"I'm sorry. I'll tell you before I do any magic in the future."

"This is cool. You do this a lot? Work magic I mean."

"All the time. This is just a child's trick. I'll show you some magic tomorrow."

Crash interrupted, "As much as I hate to disturb the two of you. We best be going unless we want to sleep in the truck."

"Okay, we're out of here." Burn said. She turned the key, shifted into drive, and took off out of the parking lot in such a fluid motion Mario Andretti would have been proud and they were on their way.

After they got down the road a ways Lex began to speak. "Do you always drive like this?"

"Why, do you think I'm going to slow?"

"Slow, are you kidding? How fast are we going?"

"Just sixty-five."

Crash laughed from the back seat. "You mean you under the speed limit. That's rare thing, I guaranteed."

"Okay fine," Burn shot back as her foot hit the floor. As she did Lex hit the back of his seat and the speedometer hit ninety. Then Burn reached up and turns on the radar detector and something else.

"Why do you have to radar detectors?" Lex asked.

"This one isn't a detector it's a jammer." Burn answered. "At this rate we might catch up with the rest of them." Burn reached down and took Lex his hand.

He locked his fingers in hers. She gave him a slight smile then shifted her attention back to the road. The rest of the way they listened to the radio and silently enjoyed each other's company.

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THE LIMOS

In car one, Hudson was wishing he'd gone in the second car. Between Angela and Broadway cuddling on the side seat and Brooklyn playing with everything in the car, he was ready to jump out of the door. Bronx was sleeping on the floor, so he was no help. Brooklyn, not completely blind to his pain, offered him a drink from the small bar, which he gladly excepted.

Their driver was a jade green gargoyle. He had a beak like Brooklyn, but was built like Goliath. He had one horn sprouting from the center of his forehead curving back until it disappeared into his dark black hair, which grew back to about his waste. He turned back to them and said, "We're about twenty minutes out from the estate. We'll turn off the highway up ahead and it gets a bit rough from here."

"We've left the city. Where exactly is this estate?" Angela asked.

"The estate itself is in New Iberia. It's a small town out by the Bayou."

"Buy what?" Brooklyn asked.

"Bayou, it's what we call the wetlands out here."

Back in the second car there was an eerie silence. Michael and Goliath had tried to keep a conversation going but there was still too much tension between Elisa and Demona. They were both obviously trying to find something in common, but for now, they haven't found it. Finally Goliath asked Michael, "we've been driving for quite a distance, and the sun will rise in an hour, how is Lexington going to get here?"

"Not to worry Goliath, Burn has my truck. She'll drive him here. They would have only been about fifteen minutes behind us."

"She drives as well as pilots a jet," Elisa asked.

"Yes, and about as fast to. She'll probably pass us. In fact, there's a CB radio in the truck, let's see if we can find them." Michael picked up the mic of the limo's CB radio and spoke.

Back in the truck that was quickly approaching the limousine convoy Burn heard Michael's voice. "Break for the Burn, break for the Burn. Burn, you got your ears on? Come back, over."

"Archangel's checking on us," Crash said from the back seat.

Burn reluctantly released Lex's hand, shut off the radio, and picked up the mic.

"You're feeling the burn. Come back, over."

"Burn, this is Archangel, what's your twenty? Over."

We've just turned off the main road. ETA to destination ten minutes."

"Now we just turned off the main road five minutes ago, and we're still fifteen minutes out. What speed you moving at?"

"Not quite sure, the needle stops at eighty-five."

"Girl, one of these days Smokey'll be knocking on your back door and that'll get some of that lead out of your foot."

"He'd have to catch me first. I got a visual on you. Car one, car one, how's the traffic situation. Over."

The jade gargoyle driving the first car picked up the mic and answered, "Same is always this time of night. Dead, dead, dead. You're clear as far as the eye can see."

"Tower this is Ghost Rider requesting fly by."

Michael laughingly said to himself, "Show off." Then radioed to her, "Negative

Ghost Rider the pattern is full."

Back in car one Brooklyn asked jade, "Hey, what's with the 'Top Gun' reference?"

"You'll see," was all he said.

All of the sudden there was a green blur rocketing by shaking both limos.

"By the dragon," Hudson cried in car one.

Back in car two Michael picked up the mic he had dropped an addressed Burn. "Okay Burn, that's enough showing off. Back off the hammer and take the lead."

"Roger that. Burns got point."

"Put Lex on so Goliath knows you haven't kill him."

Burn passed Lex the mic and Lex spoke. "Goliath, this is Lex. Everything fine. There's nothing to worry about."

In car one Brooklyn asked jade, "Is there anyway I can talk to him?"

"Sure, the mic's behind you. Have a ball."

Brooklyn took the mic and keyed it. "So, Lex, your new friend likes to move fast."

Back in the truck Lex looked seductively at Burn. She gave him a wink. He answered, "not so fast I can't keep up."

"We're here," Burn interrupted. "Welcome to the estate."

They drove up to stone wall with a large iron gate. The gate had some wing figures finely crafted on it. As they drove up to the gate a stone column rose up on the side of the driveway. On it Lex recognized the Palm print identification pad. Burn placed her hand on the pad and a computer voice spoke. "Identified: Kristen Angel. Access approved. Detecting two additional vehicles. Do you wish to grant access?"

"Yes, approve two additional vehicles," Burn answered.

At that the gate began to slide opened. When it was clear they started in. Once inside the gate Lex was impressed to see an archway of oak trees covered the road. Their branches intertwined above. As they exited the oak tree tunnel, Lex's mouth dropped. Before him he saw a castle larger than Wyvern. In fact, he thought, larger than any castle in all of Scotland. Overhead the sky was filled with gargoyles flying around excited by the new arrivals. The driveway circled around a large fountain with large vases flowing water. It appeared that gargoyles could perch there during the day and appear to be holding the vases.

"Hey Lex," Burn said bringing Lex back into reality. "You ready for me to drop to discuss spell?"

"Oh, yeah, okay."

"Close you're eyes."

Lex closed his eyes and was startled again by a bright light. When he opened his eyes he was sitting there with two gargoyles. He examined his hands to find they looked familiar to him.

"Come on, I'll show you around." Burn told him.

"Sure, that would be great. This place is amazing."

"This is just the outer battlements. Wait till you see the main structure inside."

Crash jumped in, "First you got to get out of the truck. I've been here so long my tail is numb."

"Okay, okay, where moving." Burn said and jumped out. Lex got out his side, and Crash followed. They joined the rest of the clan.

When they all gathered together, Michael addressed them. "If y'all just follow me, we have something that must be taken care of before y'all can have free run of the estate."

"What needs to be done that so important?" Brooklyn asked.

"Our security is extremely tight around here. If we don't scan your identity into the main computer, you will activate the security system if you walk passed the driveway or glide higher than ten feet."

"What would happen then?" Brooklyn continued questioning.

"You would trigger and ultrasonic blast that would stun you until someone on guard duty got to you. If that didn't stop you, a particle beam cannon would commence firing on you. At that point you would not survive."

"What do we have to do to prevent this?" Goliath asked.

"Simple, if y'all will just follow me. Just inside the main entrance is what we call the recognition room. It is equipped with a 3-D laser scanner and a Palm print identification pad. This will allow the security scanners to recognize you."

The clan followed Michael through a large set of double doors and up to a small room. When they got to around Michael instructed them on its use. "If I can have each one of you stepped inside and placed her hands on the left and right pads, I'll activate the scanner."

"I'll go first." Lex said and went inside.

"You can watch him through the window here," Michael said that addressed Lex with an intercom. "Now, Lex, I just need you to close your eyes and hold real still."

Lex did as Michael said, and the clan watched a red line moved down his body. "Okay, Lex, all done," Michael said as he typed Lex's name on the control computer. Everyone to there turn than gathered outside the room.

Michael spoke, "Now if y'all step this way, will head for the battlements for the day."

They followed Michael through another large door and found themselves in a large garden.

"This is the most beautiful place I've ever seen," Elisa announced. "And far larger then the garden in the Aerie Building."

In the center of the garden was a large glass elevator with beautiful brass trim. "This will take us to the roof," Michael said. "From there we can glide over to the high tower where we have the best roost saved for you. After sunrise, I'll take Elisa and Demona to their rooms. Your bags will be they're waiting."

They arrived on the roof where they found hundreds of gargoyles taking the places. As soon as they were all out a group of young females rushed to greet them. Brooklyn got the most attention. Michael shooed them off informing them they'd have time to socialize tomorrow night. Goliath hoisted Elisa up, and the clan glided to the high tower. On the way Michael teased Brooklyn. "I told you to bring a stick, but did you believe me? No."

When they landed on the tower, Michael addressed them all. "Make yourselves at home. Any spot you wish is yours." Then he addressed Burn. "Burn, would you mind staying here tonight? I know you like the east tower, but I'd like to keep at least one familiar face with them while they're surrounded by strangers."

Burn, who had her arm entangled with Lex broke away quickly and tried to look innocent. "Um, yeah, sure. I'd be happy to. No problem." Then thought to him, "Thanks."

He gave her a wink.

Angela, Broadway, and Brooklyn all noticed just how familiar they were getting and focused a look on him.

"What?" Lex said when he saw their looks.

"Oh, nothing," They all chorused.

Goliath interrupted, "Find your places, the sun is about to rise." Then, to Lex's Surprise, Goliath gave him a little, almost fatherly grin.

They all took their places. Lex and Burn were hand in hand. "Until tonight, Elisa," Goliath said. That took their threatening poses as the sun broke the horizon and they were locked in stone. The two human females looked over them.

"It looks like young love blossoming," Demona said as she noticed Lex and Burn Locked Hand in Hand for the day.

"I'll give her until Sunday," Michael said.

"Until what?" Elisa asked.

"Until she asks to make it official," Michael answered.

"You mean married?"

"Well, the mating ceremony is similar to a human marriage."

"Don't you think that's a little fast?"

"Everything that girl does is fast. Besides, she's thirty-nine years old."

"What does that have to do with it?"

Demona interrupted, "She's about to come into season. Unlike humans who can reproduce on a monthly cycle, gargoyles can only produce eggs every twenty years."

Michael jumped back in, "Very few females are mated by their first season, but it's extremely rare to miss their second. Besides, she'll never find such a perfect match again. I'm sure you'd like to get some rest, so if you'll follow me."

As Elisa and Demona followed, Elisa continued questioning. "So, how does this mating ceremony work?"

"Well, it starts with the young couple. First they decide they wish to become lifelong mates. This is usually after they found there, should we say physical compatibility. Catch my meaning. Then Burn will ask Goliath to consent and Lex will ask me. Once we consent, the entire clan will gather together. We usually gather around the gazebo in the main yard. Then basically they announce their intentions, we announce our consent, it becomes official, and the happy couple fly off to enjoy the rest of the night."

"You're right, it's a lot like a human wedding."

They arrived at an oak door. "Dominique, if you'll make yourself at home I'll rejoin you soon." They exchanged a brief kiss and Dominique slipped inside. Michael lead Elisa down the hall to the next door, which was a considerable distance down the hall. When she walked inside the room, Elisa's mouth hit the floor. The room was larger than her whole apartment and was furnished finer then Castle Wyvern. The Furniture was styled to fit a tenth century castle, but appeared to be relatively new. This room appeared to be a sitting room with sofa and chairs. There was a large fireplace in the far wall, which made this room the most romantic place Elisa had ever seen.

Michael started the grand tour. "This is your living room. Anything you need should be here." He walked over to the nightstand by the sofa. On it was what looked like a large control panel. Michael toughed a button causing a large bookshelf to slide away. Behind it was the largest entertainment center Elisa had ever seen. "The controls are pretty simple," Michael continued. "The CD player is stocked with five thousand CD's so you should find anything you want to hear. The TV has any station you could want plus access to our electronic video library. Anything you could want to watch we have it. This box here controls it all. Right through that door is a small Kitchen. The fridge is fully stocked so help yourself."

Elisa looked in to find that Michael's idea of a small kitchen made her apartment's kitchen look like a lunchbox. "This is what you call a small kitchen?"

"If you saw the main kitchen you'd think this was small. I'm sure that you're ready to see the bedroom now, right."

"I can't wait."

Michael led her into the bedroom. Elisa was expecting something grand, but nothing could have prepared her for what she saw. The room was finer than any fairytale could discribe. The bed could only be described as giant sized. King sized just didn't cut it. It was made of solid oak and could obviously support the weight of two large gargoyles no matter what they were doing.

"And through here is the bathroom." Michael continued.

"Is that a tub or a pool," Elisa asked?

Michael showed her an old fashion pull rope hanging from the ceiling. "There's one of these in every room. If you need anything just give it a pull. I'll let you get some rest now. I'm just down the hall if you need me."

"Tell me something, is this really just a guest room?"

"Well, it's more like a honeymoon suite. We give them to newly mated couples for a couple of weeks. We don't actually get to many guests here, I figured that you and Goliath deserved this room. It seemed fitting. Sleep well." With that he left her.

Elisa went back into the bedroom. Her bags were sitting on a bench at the foot of the bed. Elisa didn't feel like unpacking. She stripped out of her clothes and jumped in bed. The last thought she had before she fell asleep was that this was the most comfortable she had ever been.

***************************************************************************************

SUNSET

Michael stood atop the high tower with Elisa and Dominique. The sun was just passing the horizon. The familiar cracks formed and were followed by the roar of waking Gargoyles. This time it was intensified by the hundreds of Gargoyles all around. They gathered around the three waiting.

"Good evening, Elisa. Did you sleep well." Goliath said.

"Oh yes. I have to show you this room."

"I hope ya'll woke up hungry, because we prepared a feast in your honor," Michael told them.

"That sounds great," Broadway said, and the rumble in his stomach confirmed it.

"Everyone is gathered in the main yard, if ya'll follow me," Michael said, then leapt from the high tower followed by the Manhattan Clan - Burn and Lex still hand in hand and lost in their own conversation.

As they reached the main yard they were greeted by an incredible sight. Three large tables set in a "V" pattern topped with enough food to feed an army. But the most amazing sight was the hundreds of Gargoyles gathered for the feast. Michael lead the Manhattan Clan to the head of the table. As they approached the table they found little place cards with their names on them. Brooklyn was on the end. Next sat Goliath and Elisa, Lex and Burn, Michael and Demona, Angela and Broadway, and finally Hudson. Next to Hudson was a spot for Bronx. They all took their seats and Michael addressed everyone gathered there. "Brothers and sisters, I'd like to introduce a new addition to our clan. Join me in welcoming the Manhattan Clan."

He went on to introduce each one of them by name. The crowd cheered each one of them and even more so for Demona when she was introduced as Michael's intended mate. Then he addressed the Manhattan Clan.

"Before each of you is a small gift to welcome you to our clan. Open them."

Before each of them was a small box wrapped with ribbon. They opened them to find a Rolex watch inside. The male had a simple silver watch. The females, however, had solid gold and diamond encrusted ones.

"This is so beautiful," Angela exclaimed.

"These are the real thing too," Elisa stated. "I've seen some of the best forgeries on the streets and they don't even come close. They must be worth a fortune."

"You could pawn it for ten grand and still get ripped off," Michael added, "But these watches can do quite a lot. Burn, help me out here."

Burn stood a revealed that she too wore one of these fancy watches.

"The entire clan wears them. It's how we identify each other. It also helps us to blend in with the humans. Lex you remember the spell I cast yesterday, the illusion of being human. Well this watch can do it too. I'll show you. Just think about being human and touch it's face and..."

Before their eyes Burn turned from a Gargoyle into a human. Her tail which now couldn't be seen curled around Lex's.

"As you can feel, it's still me just covered by an image of a human. Try it."

Lex did as she said and soon he too appeared human.

Michael interrupted, "It also works as a communicator. Just think about who you wish to talk to, touch the watch face, and bingo they're there."

He demonstrated by calling Burn.

Goliath spoke up. "We thank you for this fine gift. To have a way to communicate with each other could be quite useful. But I'm not sure about this illusion spell. We've never needed to appear human before."

"Just think of it as an emergency resource then. Use it as you see fit. Now that the formalities are done let's eat."

They dug into the feast. As they did Brooklyn spoke to Michael.

"Michael, I don't mean to be rude. But what's with the pile of bugs on the table."

"That there be boiled crawfish. Just suck the head, pinch the tail and eat the inside. If you have any trouble I'm sure someone'll show you how it's done." As if on command five females, obviously the fastest to see the opportunity, jumped up to assist Brooklyn in his effort to enjoy this new deliciousy.

The feast continued in grand fashion. Some of the Gargoyles had taken up musical instruments and began to play. Some of the mated pairs began to dance. Angela dragged Broadway out to join them.

Burn caught Michael before he could take Demona to dance.

"Archangel, Lex and I have to get going for the X-71 test flight tonight."

"What have you got planned for afterward?"

"Well if all goes well, I was thinking of takin' Lex to the House O'Blues to celebrate. Then hit Café DuMont and roost at the house in the Garden District."

"If you plan on keeping Lex out all day clear it with Goliath."

Burn turned to Goliath. "Is it ok with you?"

"This place you intend to roost, is it safe?"

"It's just as safe as the estate, just not as crowded."

"I'll be fine, Goliath," Lex added.

"Very well then, but be careful."

Michael interrupted, "Burn, take your car. I'm going to need my truck tomorrow."

"Thought you were mad about that speeding ticket."

"I am but what good does it do if you drive my truck as fast as your car. Just don't get caught. Got it."

"Got it. You'll be standing by on the radio for the flight, right."

"You can count on it."

"See ya later." And with that Lex and Burn took off.

Goliath sat back and took in his surroundings.

"Penny for your thoughts," Elisa said to bring Goliath back to earth.

"It is nice not to feel alone anymore. The clan seems so happy to make new friends, even find love. I had feared for the survival of our clan, but now I can put those fears to rest. Our kind have a very promising future ahead of them. I see my daughter with her intended mate, Lexington with his new love, and Brooklyn who will soon be won by some young female."

"Aye lad," Hudson interrupted, It does the heart good to know that soon we will have a full rookery again."

"Yes it does. But what of you old friend. Are you enjoying your vacation?"

"Aye lad. Some of the elders here have asked me to join them fishing, so I thought I'd take my leave of you."

"Well good luck to you then."

"It's the fish that will be needing the luck. I'll bring back enough to feed everyone here."

"That'll be a first," Michael laughingly interrupted.

"What'a ya mean, lad?"

"It's just that the elders have been fishing every saturday night for generations and have never caught a single fish. Quite a lot of strikes though. Even from a spot that I think has no fish. It's just old warriors getting together drinking and telling of battles long past."

"Then it should be a grand time indeed."

"I'm sure it will, good night my friend." Michael said, then turned to Goliath. "Somehow I think he'll be the first to catch something."

"I wouldn't be surprised."

Michael took Demona's hand and escorted her to the dance floor. Goliath began to lead Elisa to do the same when Brooklyn interrupted.

"Hey Goliath, some of the girls asked me to join them on a little tour of the grounds. If that's ok."

"Yes, have a good time."

"In that case, don't wait up." With that Brooklyn was off.

"I didn't intend to," Goliath said then turned to Elisa. "May I have the honor of this dance."

With a bow she answered, "It would be a pleasure."

Goliath and Elisa lost themselves in the dance, enjoying each other's company for the first time without a single thing to complicate things.