The castle was empty. The clan had left in search of their leader a good hour or so ago, leaving Elisa alone, with the castle, to think. A cold breeze moved in and out of the castle, heightening the dread Elisa felt as she traversed through the compound, trying to think of why Goliath would not be here.

Her thoughts kept traveling back to a few nights ago, when she saw, or thought she saw, a blindingly white light, followed by a very familiar roar. No doubt this event and Goliath’s disappearance went hand-in-hand.

All right, so suppose they did go hand-in-hand. What then? How could she use this information to find him? He was still missing, though it would be quite easy to spot a seven foot tall, lavender gargoyle.

A thought suddenly struck Elisa. Perhaps the Quarrymen had taken him and . . . No, she would not think of that. Goliath was too strong to have that happen to him. But . . . he would have returned by now, wouldn’t he?

It was no use. Try as she might, Elisa could not empty her mind of the evil thought. Becoming weak, she slumped onto a nearby parapet and wept.

***

Titania watched Elisa through her looking glass, sympathizing. Elisa had a good heart, and no one deserved to have their beloved taken away from them, unnatural it may be. If only she could tell Elisa what had really happened . . .

But, no, she could not; not unless she risk the wrath of her husband, Oberon. If she interfered with this punishment her arrogant husband was inflicting onto the gargoyle, there would be no end to her misery.

Perhaps there was another way? There always was another way. She breathed a thought, the glass dimmed, and then lit up again to reveal a small, wooden tavern, located deep within Central Park. Inside a device called out to her, one that enabled a mortal to travel through time. But this was man made, an unnatural mixture of magic and technology. She could not use it, but perhaps someone else could. This device, perhaps because of its unnatural conglomeration of technology and magic, had a sense of being. Somehow it could communicate with her; Titania intended to put this advantage to work.

She ‘thought-spoke’ her plea to the device, trying to convince it to help her help another in need. The device agreed, but it would happen in its own time. Interesting for the device to keep the stubbornness of man, yet the patience of nature. Titania allowed the time needed for the device to work itself.

With the arrangement made, now all she needed to do was relay this information to poor Elisa. She closed her eyes and opened them again, the glass showing Elisa a second time. The mortal had not changed in her emotions. Titania sighed in sympathy for the human, waved a hand across the glass, and stepped through.

***

Elisa felt a rush of wind behind her. She stood and turned, filled with emotion. Could it be? Had he returned?

Alas, no, it was not her gargoyle love. On the contrary, it was someone quite unexpected. Titania, someone she had learned to be wary of, stood before her, radiating in her natural beauty, a warm smile across her face.

Elisa narrowed her still stinging eyes. “What are you doing here?” Tried as she might to stifle it, a sad sniff escaped her.

“Dear child, I come here to bring you news. News of your friend.”

Elisa’s eyes immediately widened, her previous bias against the Avalon queen gone for the moment. “Goliath? You mean Goliath? Is he all right? Where is he?”

The green-toned humanoid held up a hand. “Please, hold, Elisa. I shall tell.

“Unfortunately I cannot tell you where Goliath is exactly, and I cannot directly help you in finding him, but I can tell you where you can find people that will help you.

“There is a place deep within Central Park, a small tavern, where members of all races abide. Here you will find the people you seek, as well as the technology to find him. Go as soon as you can; the sooner the better.”

“How can I be sure you’re telling me the truth?” Elisa’s bias returned.

Titania shook her head. “I suppose you cannot be entirely sure. But I know you will trust your instincts, and I know you will believe me.” The queen took Elisa’s right hand in both of hers. “Find him, child, before he is lost forever.”

Elisa watched as Titania stepped back and disappeared. The human stood there for a minute, the queen’s message sinking in. Goliath was still alive, somewhere, and the people that could help her were congregated somewhere in Central Park.

Her mind made, Elisa rushed into the Great Hall of the castle, scribbled a note, placed it haphazardly on the long table, and rushed down back into the city streets to her Fairlane. She ignored the bat-like shapes in the sky as she sped towards her destination.

***

A red Fairlane parked near one of the gates into Central Park. Elisa stepped out of her car, unsure as to whether she should be here or not now. It was dark, and muggers were notoriously abundant at night, especially in the park.

A quick look at the sky reassured her that what she was doing was right. She had to find Goliath, and if what Titania said was true, this was the only way. Elisa walked into the park, allowing her mind to wander and let her feet do the thinking, as she had no idea where she was supposed to go.

As she walked aimlessly, she barely noticed the rustle of another’s feet following her. She didn’t stop, however, her mind racing as it juggled instinct and love, both craving for singular attention. All was brought to a halt when a tall, dark man stepped in front of her, gun in his hand, a horrid smirk on his face. Elisa reached for her own gun, but it was not there. Stupid, stupid, stupid. No doubt she left it during her sudden leave of Wyvern. Her heart raced as she looked for options.

The man, knowing quite well that she was his, stepped forward slowly, savoring the moment. Suddenly, pain found itself embedded deep into his back, and he stumbled forward. He turned to see his attacker, and laughed to find a middle-aged man, unarmed, standing before him, his hands sparking unnaturally.

“Stay away from my customer, you ugly asshole!” The man thrust his hands forward, beams of electricity flowing form his fingertips. Elisa’s pursuer shrieked in pain and surprise as the electricity found his body and jumped in and out of it. He fell to the ground, racked with pain, barely conscious. Elisa stood dumbfounded, unable to do anything.

The second man walked towards the first, sneering. “Now how am I going to get my rent paid with people like you trying to steal my customers, eh? You know, people like you should be in jail. You know what? I think I’ll put you there.” He raised his hands high above him, and Elisa’s attacker went with them. The second man then thrust his arms in a westerly direction, and so flew the attacker, until he was out of sight.

Elisa’s rescuer lowered his hands, their spark fading. He breathed deeply, as if the light show used much of his energy. Elisa used this silence to gather the courage to speak. “Wh --- where did he go?”

“Who, that asshole that tried to hurt you?” The man gave a warm chuckle. “Alcatraz, most likely.” He paused to cough. “Are you all right? He didn’t really hurt you, did he? ’Cause if he did I’ve got some stuff at the tavern that could fix that . . .”

“No, it’s all right. He didn’t hurt . . . tavern? You’re the bartender? . . . Wait, how would you . . .?”

“Good. Yes, I am the bartender of that tavern Titania spoke to you of. I own it, but not the land under it. I would know all that because I’m slightly telepathic. Isn’t that cool?” The man let that sink in, and then he spoke again. “You look like you could really use a drink. Here, come back to the tavern with me. I’ll fix you up with something.”

Elisa did not budge. She was still recuperating from the rescue.

The bartender cocked his head and smiled. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure nothing happens to you. Besides, I could use a drink myself.” He walked forward and offered his arm to Elisa, who still was silent. He laughed again. “Look, this is what you do. You link your arm around mine, like so, and then we walk to my tavern, like so.”

There were many questions Elisa wanted to ask, but she put them aside as the man led her to his establishment in the park.

***

The duo soon found themselves in a small clearing, a wooden, two-story tavern beckoning for their habitation. Lights and sounds filtered to the two’s ears as they walked towards the building.

“Not much, but it’ll have something to knock the sense into you again. Then we can sit, we can talk, and find out just why your friend sent you here.” The bartender guided Elisa through overgrown weeds and around various trees as they walked over closer to the tiny building.

Upon opening the door Elisa was greeted with an even bigger shock. Numerous faces looked up from the bar and other tables to see whom it was that entered. Faces, Elisa realized, that were far from human; Fae, mutates similar to her brother, even some gargoyles were among the visitors. For the moment, only the bartender and she were the only humans in the tavern. Unnerved by the sudden decrease in human population, she gripped the arm of her rescuer and gasped; whether or not in awe or alarm, she was unsure.

“Oh, gee, you hang out with your gargoyle friends all the time. What’s wrong with this crowd?” the bartender asked jovially.

Elisa did not bother to choose her words carefully. “Well, gee, it’s not every day you walk into a local Starbucks and see the King of Avalon ordering a Grand Mocha Latte, or whatever he’d want. And if you’re getting that information from my head, I’d appreciate it if you’d cease and desist.” Elisa returned sarcastically, mimicking his unperturbed tone.

By now the bartender had let go of Elisa’s arm, and now took a position of surrender. “Sorry about that. I thought it might make things somewhat easier. It’s not common that I get customers this late. Here, you sit at the bar; I’ll make something up. Any preferences?” The man began to take his place behind the counter.

“Surprise me; not too much, though.”

The bartender nodded, and began to fix up a drink for his sole human customer. Elisa kept her gaze fixed in front of her, studying the mirror and shelves of exquisite beers, wines, and other less biting beverages to the sides on the large looking glass.

The bartender returned with two glasses of the surprise drink. “Come with me; I know a place where we’ll be left alone.” He walked around and proceeded towards an area hidden by the shadows of the rafters. Elisa dutifully followed, curious as to what this eccentric middle-aged man was hiding.

***

Before closing the door, the bartender groped above him for the light switch. Eventually he grasped it and tugged. A click and a bare bulb blinked into existence, swinging with the force of the pull. Satisfied, the man closed the door, and beckoned for Elisa to sit with him at the table for two nearby.

Elisa sat, and caught sight of an odd-looking head-to-feet mirror. It was framed in gold, and kept company by a golden console to the right of it. The console looked like it had seen better days. She looked at the bartender incredulously and began to speak, but the man held up his hand. “Don’t worry, I’ll get to that. Here, sit, tell me what you’re here for.”

“But you know enough already.” Elisa sat down as she spoke.

The man shrugged. “Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. Why don’t you just tell me what you’re here for?” he repeated.

Elisa sighed in a somewhat exasperated tone. “Alright.”

She told him.

The bartender leaned back in his chair. “That’s quite a predicament you’ve got there. So, let me get this straight; your gargoyle --- uh --- friend ticked off the King of Avalon, and as punishment he was sent back in time to when Life first appeared on Earth, some 4.5 billion years ago, and his wife, the Queen, has given you permission to look for him.”

Elisa nodded.

“And she told you to come here, because what you needed to complete your search could be found here.”

Elisa nodded a second time.

“Well, you’ve got a plethora of adventurers to choose from; just open the door. As for the means of transportation . . .” The bartender turned his gaze over to the golden machine. “That there can get you anytime. But it’s an odd little contraption. Y’see, it’ll only allow who it wants to go.”

Elisa eyed the man with an appraising glance, and wondered not for the first time of the mental stability of her rescuer.

The man sighed. “My wife found it in some garage sale and brought it here. Soon as she flips a switch she’s gone. Now I’m flippin’ and pressin’ and nudgin’ and all that crap and I can’t get her back, much less go where she went . . . that was twenty years ago. You can verify that too; ask anyone out there, they all know. You can try to turn it on; might not do much, but I won’t stop you.”

“Thank you.”

“I’ll be outside if you need me.” The bartender stood up, walked to the door, opened it, and left Elisa alone with the stubborn tool.

***

Elisa turned in her chair to appraise the machine. It stood there, looking back at her, almost mocking her with patient silence. Finally Elisa stood and walked up to the machine. She walked around it, taking in its features, doubting not for the first time Titania’s message. She continued standing in front of the machine after completing her circumnavigation, debating whether to try and use it or not. If she did, she could find Goliath and bring him back, and everything would be hunky-dory. If she did not, Goliath would be stuck God knew when. Then again, there was the chance that, if what the bartender said was true, she could be sent to another time altogether. And there was always the chance that it would not work for her, or not at all.

Too bad. Elisa loved Goliath, and he the same. He would do anything for her, and she knew it; he had proven such more than enough times. It was high time she returned the favor. She reached towards the console, and realized something: she had no clue as to how the damn thing works. Perhaps the bartender . . .?

No, he did not know either; he implied that when he confided in her the loss of his wife. Well, when in doubt . . .

Elisa started flipping switches and pressing buttons. The machine churned, whirred, and pumped, hopefully a good sign. The mirror dimmed, then shimmered into existence again, this time, however, as a swirling, milky blue-white haze. Surprised and impressed, Elisa stepped back to view her accomplishment. The haze faltered, then shrank to a small dot the size of her fist. Elisa slumped.

What happened next was quite unexpected. The dot became a beam of the blue-white haze, and centered itself onto Elisa’s heart. Immediately Elisa felt extremely tired and there was no time to call for help. Before she lost full consciousness she succeeded in sitting on one of the chairs. Placing her head on the table as carefully as she could she fell into a deep sleep.

***

Elisa awoke to find herself suspended in space, looking down on the earth. She failed in trying to move anywhere, but was successful in breathing. Perhaps she was not really in space, after all. A soft, soothing voice began to speak from behind the stars.

“Ah, the catalyst! There is still much to do, however. Listen, learn, and act.” The voice did not wait for an answer. Immediately Elisa began to move towards Earth. She passed through the different parts of the atmosphere at an alarming speed, and thus soon the ground came into view. But instead of meeting a rather ugly end, her speed slowed and stopped over an island she knew as Puerto Rico. Her movement began again, however at a slightly slower speed, towards the United States commonwealth. She stopped in the middle of a town, where a few feet away Demona strolled, clothed in exquisite jewelry. Periodically the gargoyle would summon some object from her magical expertise.

The voice spoke again. “Bring me the Magic-wielder; bring me the Demona Taina.”

Once again Elisa found herself in space. But, instead of going back down to Earth, she was moved away from it, until she was unable to see it anymore. Then she was suddenly enveloped in a swirling, blue light; the light vanished as quickly as it appeared, and she found herself looking down upon another planet definitely not Earth. This one had more brown tones and less water-like colors from this view. “The home of the Lost Soul, the Guardian.” the voice said. An image appeared before Elisa, strikingly similar to Brooklyn, except with a light orange skin tone, and, most obvious, it was female. “Bring me the Lost Soul; bring me the Guardian.”

Elisa was pulled away from this planet, enveloped in the strange light a second time, and deposited in front of the familiar blue and brown tones of Earth.

“The Magic-Wielder, The Lost Soul, they will help you find the Wayward Prisoner.

Did you listen? Did you learn? Will you act?” the voice asked. Again it did not wait for an answer. The planet shimmered into nothingness as Elisa began to awaken from her slumber.

***

Elisa awoke, and found herself back in the room with the Time-Device. She looked at it; the mirror was now emitting its own light, bathing the room in a baby-blue color. With knowledge she did not know the origin of, she stepped up to the mirror, and placed a hand upon it.

Nothing happened.

Vexed and puzzled, Elisa stood there, her hand on the cold mirror, wondering what to do. A distant voice within her mind spoke: “Did you listen? Did you learn? Will you act?”

She did listen; Elisa needed to find two gargoyles. She did learn; these two gargoyles would help her find Goliath hopefully. But would she act?

Where could she start? Although the bartender said help was available with the customers of the tavern, none of them matched the visions she saw. And what was with Demona helping? Demona was the last person on her mind. Well, this Demona was not blowing things or people up with anything in the dream; she was just walking around. Still puzzled, Elisa opened the door and waded through the crowd to find a seat at the bar. She caught the bartender’s attention and waited while he filled a mug; he walked over, an empty mug from nowhere in his hand. “Can I get you anything?” he asked.

“Yeah, some answers maybe.”

“Part of the job description. What sort of answers do you need?”

“Well . . .”

“Let me guess; you saw some crazy dream where some voice told you to find tow gargoyle-like creatures and these creatures would help you out. And no, I didn’t go mining in your mind for that; I had the same dream after I tried to get my wife. But it also said I needed to find you.”

“Me? Why would . . . I’ll bet it called me some catalyst, huh?”

“Right on. So I guess you want to know where you can find those two creatures.”

“You don’t need to read my mind to find that out.”

The bartender started running a towel he found from behind the counter within the empty space of the mug. “Well, you’re half lucky. That blue one, with the fiery red hair, has been here before. You could say she’s a bit of a regular.”

“And the other one?”

“That’s why you’re only half lucky. I’ve never seen her around before, and I’m the only one that works here.” Elisa groaned, palmed her forehead, and rested that arm’s elbow on the table. “You know, I could go for another drink.”

“Of course.” The bartender started to pour another of Elisa’s preference when a loud thunk on wood interrupted not only him, but also most of the sea of conversation throughout the tavern. A mass of faces turned to the door. Elisa gasped.

The same gargoyle Elisa saw in her dream stood in the doorway, jewelry and all, grinning at the other customers. She walked inside casually, smiling and nodding to a few other customers. She plopped down into the stool next to Elisa, gave her a nod, then held up a talon for the bartender. He nodded, and turned to fix the gargoyle up with a drink.

After a few minutes it was easy to tell the newcomer was agitated. She turned to the crowd, muttered something, and immediately the crowd disappeared, save for Elisa and the bartender. The sudden lack of noise startled the bartender; he dropped the glass and it shattered to the floor. He spun around, his jaw on the floor when he saw what happened. He turned to the gargoyle. “Hey, most of those people hadn’t paid yet!”

The Demona look-alike shrugged and grinned mischievously. “So I’ll pay. The noise was bothering me, so I sent them all home. They’ll be back, if they want to come back. You, however . . .” The blue gargoyle spun in her stool to face Elisa, “I kept here because you remind me of someone . . . Oh well, I’ll find out soon enough . . . Hey! Where’s my drink, mister!”

“Well, gee, I was getting it, but you had to give me a heart attack by sending all my customers home! Your drink is on the floor, if you want it.”

“Ooh, a challenge. Well, take that!” The blue gargoyle muttered another incantation, and all the relaxing furniture in the room was transformed into Gummi Bears.

The bartender uttered a small yelp of surprise, and promptly dropped a second glass. “My IKEA furniture! It was on sale!” While the bartender scurried to survey the damage to his poor furniture, the blue trickster turned back to Elisa, who had been quiet throughout the ordeal.

“Like I said, you remind me of someone . . . Oh I know! Salli Richardson!” The gargoyle then raised a hand and turned the unfortunate Elisa into this Salli Richardson person, whoever she was. Before Elisa could protest the gargoyle frowned and shook her head. “Maybe not. Maybe you look more like that Barbie toy I saw a few days ago.” Again Elisa was used to compare herself to the Barbie toy. Again the gargoyle shook her head. “No, not it either. Though it’s quite an improvement. Oh well.” Another raise of her hand, and Elisa was Elisa again.

“Um, thanks. You know, it’s actually a good thing I caught you, because . . .” Elisa began, not knowing how to talk a look-alike of an enemy into helping her. Though this was, for sure, not Demona. Demona would have tried to kill Elisa, not turn her into other people.

“Yes? I’m listening . . . And still waiting for that drink!”

“You can wait! I’m putting in another order for couches! Oh, you can pay for that too!” the bartender called angrily from across the room.

“Oh, please. Watch this.” The gargoyle muttered an incantation, and the Gummi bear-ed furniture turned back into its original form. A plastic bang against tile came from the bartender’s phone room. “Now, what is it that you need, Miss? Oh, by the way, my name is Demona Taina.” Demona Taina offered her hand.

Elisa accepted. “Well, I have a friend who’s in trouble, and, though I’d help him if I could, I can’t, and I think you can.”

“Really? Tell me about this guy. Maybe I’ll consider it.”

“He’s . . . he’s a gargoyle, like you; and . . .”

Demona Taina shot out of her stool, completely surprised. “Let me guess; he’s tall, lavender in color, and his name is Goliath.”

“Yes . . .”

“And you’re name is Elisa . . .” Taina’s eyes glowed a blood red.

“Um, well . . .”

Demona Taina screeched, and launched herself at the human. “Goliath is mine! Do you hear!”

Elisa jumped out of the way, her second assailant landing on her previously occupied barstool. “What are you talking about? Goliath doesn’t even know you. And besides, no he’s not!”

“And how would you know that he doesn’t know me?” Taina asked coyly. Her anger returned and she again lunged at her human enemy.

Elisa rolled with the force of the gargoyle. “Why you . . .” Pure anger succeeded in throwing the fairly heavy trickster off of her. The two continued to fight, but the bartender had an idea. He opened the door to where the Time-Device, still activated, lay. He ‘thought-spoke’ to Elisa: “Get the pesky one in here. Once she sees the message, I’m sure she’ll help you.”

Elisa didn’t reply, but she heard and understood what the bartender was getting at. After a few minutes of stalemating struggle, Elisa stepped back, hands up in surrender. “Okay, okay. If I can’t protect myself from you, it’s obvious Goliath doesn’t deserve me. But, we’ll need a witness to seal the agreement.”

Demona Taina, her fangs and talons bared, stood in front of Elisa, contemplating the proposal. The gargoyle relaxed as well. “Alright, human. I can go with that.”

“The bartender’s in here.” Elisa led the way into the room with the Time-Device, and quickly stepped out with the bartender and closed the door before she could fall asleep again. They waited while the hopeful ally learned of her quest.

***

Ten minutes passed in awkward silence as Elisa and the bartender waited for Demona Taina to emerge from the room. Finally, after a fair profit for the bartender, the door clicked open, and in the doorway was a puzzled Demona Taina. Elisa stood up, but the gargoyle waved her down and walked to the two humans on her own.

“Well, I can see why you need my help, now, I think. What about this other gargoyle I saw?”

Elisa glanced at the bartender. “I haven’t seen her here, ever. But maybe that will change.”

“Please, if not for me, for Goliath. Help him.” Elisa almost begged.

The cyan gargoyle gave Elisa an enigmatic look. She tossed her hair back. “Of course I’ll do it for him, but only for him. You,” she pointed a talon at Elisa, “I’ll deal with later.” The magical gargoyle began to walk out of the tavern. She turned to the human duo again.

“I’ll be back.”

Four years later

Search for the Exiled

5:00 PM, Eastern Standard

Guardian landed a few feet away from the door of the tavern and caped her three-clawed, triangular wings around her shoulders. She stood there a few minutes, taking in the atmosphere of the area. Just a half-hour ago, she was surrounded by technology at its best: Detection Radars, Plasma Cannons, Aud-Vid Communications, anything and everything that her employer could create. Now, just a half-hour later, she had traveled back in time about a few hundred years or so. The tavern in front of her was rustic in appearance, fitting in with the evergreen pines scattered about the area quite nicely. It had no bright lights signaling its existence, no loud music booming from inside; just a small wooden sign above the wooden door. A stone pathway began ten feet away and ended at the door. The green of the forest and rusty-brown of the tavern clashed with Guardian’s brighter orange. She heard various small-sounding poofs, announcing that magic users were within the area. Guardian snorted and her tail swished back and forth; she never attempted to handle magic, much to the dismay of those that frequented the tavern much more than her, nor did she intend to. Technology was just as magical for her.

Slowly Guardian walked on the stone pathway to the tavern, her three-taloned feet clicking on the weathered rocks. Upon opening the door she was greeted by a multitude of recognizable faces, and some not so recognizable. She nodded and waved to those she knew, and smiled to those she did not but who greeted her regardless. The people were friendly today, which was not surprising. This whole tavern seemed to exude an air of friendliness 24/7. Almost everything about the tavern was wood, a singular rusty-red color: the tables, the chairs, the floor, the ceiling, the walls, the beams, the rafters, the bar, and the shelves behind the bar. The only things that were not wood were the heavily frequented couch and the cushions on the barstools; the stools were again made of wood. Guardian walked over to the bar, fished her credit disk from her pocket and handed it to the bartender; she watched him patch it through to her command ship miles above this particular World’s atmosphere, nod when it said she had enough money for a few drinks, and hand it back to her.

“The usual, Guard?” the bartender, a human male, inquired.

“Of course.” Guardian answered.

The man turned around and disappeared under the bar. He returned moments later with a brown can and glass. He mesmerized his customer with how he summoned ice-cubes from no where and dropped them into the glass and how he opened the can and poured it into the glass --- all without using his hands. Guardian took hold of the glass, expecting to feel some shock of sorts as a result of the magic the bartender just practiced. Feeling nothing, she proceeded to drink

“How goes the war?” the man asked, attempting to initiate a conversation.

Guardian looked up from her drink, surprised that someone would ask her such a personal question. Not that she minded; she had been feeling the need to vent lately. “The war? Oh, it goes well, for all I know. Reports have been spotty, thanks to the havoc they wreaked outside, but from what I’ve gathered we seem to be patching it up.” She paused to let out a small hiccup-burp. “There’s also talk that another World has been declared clean.”

The bartender nodded. “Good to hear. From what you’ve told me about your ‘friends’ I feel just as angry as you do about what they’ve done.” His gaze wandered to a table that was just vacated. “I think your table’s ready.”

Guardian followed the bartender’s gaze to the table. Her expression lightened a bit. “Hey, thanks. Guess I’ll let you tend to your customers, now. Thanks for conversing with me.”

“Anytime.” The bartender replied. “And don’t hesitate to come back if you need an ear. So far everybody seems to be happy with what they’ve got, so it doesn’t look like I’ll need to be serving anyone anytime soon.”

Guardian smiled. “I appreciate your concern, but I think I need to just be alone for a bit.” The bartender nodded, and watched his customer slowly rise from her seat and walk to the table that he had recently dubbed as “Guardian’s”.

His expression changed from encouraging to solemn as he spied Guardian ease into her chair and nurse her drink. From what she risked to tell him, she had been involved in a war that included not only this earth, but also earths from multiple dimensions. She said that the way they got to these other earths was based upon someone’s Bridge, perhaps the Rinstein-Spendalsky Bridge of her World and that many people were helping stop their enemy from hurting other ‘Worlds’. She said that the war on her world was won successfully, and she was entitled to ‘retire’ or continue to fight. She told him she decided to ‘retire’, with the reason that she just didn’t feel like fighting anymore.

But the bartender, being a bit of a telepath as well as part time magician, knew that wasn’t the real reason; but whatever is was, he couldn’t find out. He did know something was troubling her inside, and he didn’t even need to exercise his telepathic powers to find that out. It was all in her body: the way she walked, slowly and deliberately; the way she was slow at answering his questions, like contemplating whether she wanted to re-tell the story or not; but it was mainly in her eyes, the way they always seemed to look down at her beak, even if she smiled. Just by looking into them he could tell she had seen a lot already, and wasn’t all that old, either. He guessed she was in her early twenties, in human years. After working at this tavern for the past five years, he learned a thing or two about the differences between a gargoyle and human. Even if this newcomer wasn’t necessarily a gargoyle, she had told him her ancestors were, and that little changed during the thousands of years it took her ancestors to evolve into the race she represented today.

The man took one last look at the orange-colored ‘gargoyle’, noting that any male of her race would have been damn lucky to be with her, sighed contemplatively, and then turned to serve another customer.

***

Guardian slowly brought her drink to her beak and downed another sip of the de-caffeinated version of a popular beverage. She looked up to the single skylight above her. Sometimes gargoyles would land, and sometimes crash, through there, and even an occasional human with enough magical powers would levitate himself and enter the tavern this way. Through the skylight she caught a glimpse of a fighter ship making its way across the country. She chuckled. The alien thought it ironic to be seeing technology at work through the skylight of a tavern in a more rural area. Guardian briefly pondered where it would be going, shrugged, and downed another gulp of her drink, allowing her thoughts to wander as she brought her head back into the tavern.

Unfortunately, they turned to topics she would have rather avoided. They turned to the war, the evacuation of her planet, the friends she had lost during those years. So long ago it seemed to be, and yet it had only been four short years that she involved herself in the war.

Guardian grunted and rubbed her forehead. She ran her hand through her coal-black hair, passing over the two, six-inch horns protruding from her eyeridge. She felt old; by the Founder, she was old. But thanks to the lack of sunlight similar to her home world’s her body was frozen in a time forever flattering herself. As an advantage, she’d be as strong as a male Andusian in his prime years when she was nearing her end; but it just didn’t feel right. She didn’t feel that she deserved such a gift when almost all of her people were dead.

Yet she was here, making the best of it. That’s all she could do, considering she was the only Andusian on this planet, much less World. So far Guardian could successfully hide her true feeling to the people in the tavern, not wanting to add her burdens onto those that would listen; it seemed that whenever she was here, someone was spilling his or her troubles onto another someone and just couldn’t be interrupted.

Besides, why bother telling someone how you feel when he or she wouldn’t even understand in the first place? For one thing, most of the people frequenting the tavern mistook her as another ‘gargoyle’. Another was that Guardian came from a more technological background than most of these people ever dreamed of; on her first trip here, everyone questioned her about the piece she kept strapped to her thigh.

The Andusian sighed softly. Never had she felt so sorry for herself before. So why did she have such feelings now? She had always prided herself on how altruistic she used to be: as a hatchling, during the Evacuation, and the war. But now that she had ‘retired’, she felt a hollow emptiness growing inside her every day. She knew it wasn’t because she needed a significant other, definitely not, but just what she needed she could not put her talon on.

Guardian’s thoughts finally had mercy on her and allowed her to concentrate on a human nearby. He was rather tall, with blond hair, and seemed to be quite busy conversing with another human, a female. Guardian had seen this particular man every time she was here since she first came, and every time he was talking to a female. She watched this man converse with the female with such ease. At times she picked up parts of the conversation. Such trivial ideas, who came up with these conversations? There are many more things to worry about besides the threat of rain, like an attack from her enemy at any moment. Guardian chided herself. There was no possible way that her enemy could attack this planet, so let the natives talk all they want about how nice the night is.

A loud thunk against wood snapped Guardian from her observation. She turned to the main entrance of the tavern, and saw a large figure, fully caped and hooded, so as not to show their appearance. However, the cloak stopped just a few centimeters from the ground, allowing Guardian a glimpse of the newcomer’s feet. They were cyan-colored, and had three talons instead of toes or hooves. The alien’s eyes widened. Perhaps this being could be another of her kind, an Andusian? Fighting back the urge to get up and reveal this person, she sat, and sipped at her drink.

The cloaked figure must have noticed Guardian’s curiosity, for it walked right up to her table, bowed, and asked, “May I sit down?”

***

Demona Taina had been traveling for four years, looking for the right person to share her quest with. Not any one person would do; for some reason the transportation she would use would not activate unless this particular being was with her. For the past four years she had looked in every pub, bar, and tavern for the right person to aid her in her quest. And in every pub, bar, and tavern she went to, she found nothing. Either all were too drunk to even understand, too involved in something to be bothered, or just not interested.

But she felt something pass through her as she glided over this one particular tavern. She had been there before, and was not entirely pleased with its occupants. But she could not pass up this feeling, unless she wanted to continue her search ad infinitum. Ironic that her means of transportation were housed here too. She swooped down and landed a few feet from the door, checked to make sure her identity would be hidden, walked towards and kicked open the door.

Not surprisingly, everyone in the tavern looked up at her entrance. She stood there, allowing the occupants to get her in their memory, if it would do them any good, since she couldn’t be seen, except maybe . . .

Aha! She was right! The person who she would need to help her was here. Quickly Demona Taina scanned the room. Almost at once an orange gargoyle-like creature caught her eye; this particular gargoyle was looking at Demona Taina’s feet, seemingly astonished at the form they had.

Well, maybe this one wasn’t who she was looking for, but it would be fun to toy with her, maybe for just a little while. Demona Taina hadn’t had fun like that in weeks. Calmly she strode over to the fellow gargress, bowed, and asked her, “May I sit down?”

***

Guardian’s eyes widened. Never before had anyone asked her that here. Briefly she hesitated, then gestured to the seat opposite her. “Oh, yes, of course. Pardon my manners.”

The hooded figure nodded. “Thank you.” It sat, turned around to catch a glimpse at the bartender, waved a talon, and turned back to the orange Andusian. The figure settled into the chair before it spoke. “I’ve been coming here quite some time, but I don’t believe we have met.”

Guardian chuckled. Just wait, she kept telling herself, just wait. “Well, I’m kinda new myself. I only started coming here regularly a few months ago.” She paused to take a sip of her beverage, which was almost finished. “You seem to be quite comfortable in coming here, or at least entering.” The alien smiled wryly.

The hooded figure raised an eyeridge, but that was unseen by her conversing partner. “Oh, that? I do that everywhere I go. You could call it my ‘trademark entrance’.”

Both paused while the bartender walked over with the figure’s drink. He noticed that Guardian’s cup was almost empty. “You want a refill, Guard?”

The usual hesitation was absent. “Please.” Guardian raised her glass to be taken.

“Be right back.” The man walked off, and the two’s conversation resumed.

“So your name is Guard, I presume?” the cloaked being inquired.

“Most of it. My full name is Guardian, but most of the people here that bother to speak with me call me ‘Guard’ or ‘Gee’.”

The figure’s hood fluttered slightly. “You do not have many companions here? I have heard that this place is the greatest place to find friends.”

The word ‘companions’ tweaked a spot in Guardian’s heart. She winced slightly, not caring whether or not her newfound conversing partner had noticed or not. She closed her eyes.

She had. “Oh, please forgive me. I did not know that I would offend you so.”

Despite the blow, again the hesitation to answer was not used. “No, it’s alright. Let’s just say . . . I’m not entirely ready to . . . to . . .” The Andusian was at a loss for words.

“Make friends?”

Guardian looked up. She stared blankly at the figure for a moment, then, “Yeah, that’s one way of putting it.” She smiled shyly. The conversation was put on hold as the bartender returned a second time with Guardian’s refill.

The hooded being rested her elbows on the table and placed her head in her hands. “Well, do you consider me a friend, or foe?” She smiled, unbeknownst to Guardian.

The Andusian narrowed her eyes at the person in front of her, thinking for a moment. Then she spoke. “That’s hard to answer. We’ve known each other for, what, five minutes? That isn’t enough for me to determine whether you’re a friend er not. But I will say this: I don’t consider you a foe, yet.”

The figure turned around, then back to Guardian. “What about him? I’ve heard he’s quite good with the ladies.” She pointed to the blond boy Guardian observed earlier.

Guardian raised her left eyeridge and cocked her head slightly. “Him?” She let out a soft laugh. “In my opinion, he’s got some issues to resolve, even more than me.” Her eyes widened again, realizing what she had done. The figure opposite her said nothing, so Guardian continued. “He can try and charm me, but it’s not gonna happen. The things he talks about with those other ladies . . . it’s not something I’d bother to busy myself with.”

The hood nodded. “So I see. Well, it is nice to know my feelings for him are finally shared . . . My, it’s hot, don’t you agree? Perhaps I should take this off . . .” The figure removed the hood from her head, and ripped off the cloak to reveal her body. She shook her head, thrashing her brick-red hair about, and smiled delicately. “There, that’s better, wouldn’t you say?”

Guardian didn’t answer. She stared at the figure, her beak gaping open. No, it was too good to be true. She had the same physical characteristics, but her skin color, which was a light cyan, was too bright for her to be a fellow Andusian. Her wings had the same type of claws, but they were more slender, and her wings were similar to a bat’s. Not only that, and this new person did not have the characteristic beak that mostly all Andusians boasted. She had to find out regardless. “You --- you’re --- are you Andusian?”

The cyan-colored being in front of Guardian was taken aback. “Andusian?”

Guardian realized she had her mouth open, and promptly clamped it shut. No, it was too good to be true. Not an Andusian, but probably one of the gargoyles she heard about and was repeatedly mistaken for. She sighed sadly, still alone. “That’s me, my race. It’s a bit of a long story . . .”

“I’ve got time.”

Guardian shook her head. “No, I’d rather not. Not now.”

The gargoyle leaned forward, smiling. “And why is that?”

Guardian’s eyes narrowed again, and her eyes glowed a faint white. “Let’s just say that it brings up some feelings I don’t feel like telling you about.”

The gargress opposite her put her hands up in defense. “Hey, hey, that’s fine. I didn’t mean to intrude, pardon me.” Seeing Guardian had calmed down a bit, the cyan-colored gargress continued. “Well, since I know your name, you should know mine. I’m Demona Taina, but you can call me DT.” Demona Taina offered her hand to Guardian.

Guardian looked at the hand coolly, then shook hands. “A pleasure to meet you.” She paused. “I suppose you’re a gargoyle, then, if you’re not --- Andusian.” The last word was said a bit dejectedly.

DT shook her head. “Nope, not a gargoyle either. I’m a clone.”

Guardian looked surprised. “A clone? Huh, didn’t know that happened here.”

“Despite the appearance, this place does have its balance of science and magic.” She paused to take a sip of her drink. “Well, now that that’s settled, we can get down to business.”

Guardian blinked. “Business?”

“Of course. I’m sure you wondered why I even came to your table, did you not?”

“The thought crossed my mind.” Guardian smiled sarcastically.

DT leaned closer. “I need your help to find someone.”

“Oh? That shouldn’t take too long. Just give me the name an’ I can patch it in to Central Command . . .”

Demona Taina grasped the Andusian’s right arm. “That won’t work.”

“Why not?”

“We have to find him in another time, and we only have three days to do it in.”

“Are you saying we . . . travel through time?” Guardian asked breathlessly.

The clone nodded.

“Is that --- even possible?”

The cyan-colored gargress nodded again. “Will you help me?”

The orange-colored alien took a breath. She needed to think about it, quickly. By the Founder, time travel was possible --- here, anyway. But still . . .

Well, if she agreed, she wouldn’t be missed by anyone, except maybe the doctor she visited from time to time back at Ground Central. But that was just one man, not an Andusian. She may be relieved of many a feeling she had been keeping to herself.

And if she declined? Her newfound acquaintance would go and try to find this being alone, and maybe fail. She came to Guardian for her aid in the first place, anyway. Guardian would continue to be alone, most likely, at the tavern, sitting at her table, nursing that de-caffeinated version of a popular beverage, feeling more pity for herself more and more as time passed.

“It would be an adventure for you, too.” Demona smiled.

That did it. If Guardian perished during her trip, at least she would have gone doing something right for the first time in a long time. She stood. “Alright, I’ll help you. But I’m telling you, this whole time-travel deal, it’s new to me, so . . .”

The clone shook her head. “Not a problem. Trust me, you’ll do fine.” She stood as well, and proceeded to lead Guardian to a fairly well hidden door in the shadows. DT caught a glimpse of the bartender looking at them, and winked at him. He smiled, nodded, walked over to their just vacated table and took away the drinks.

***

The bartender watched the clone talk Guardian into whatever it was she needed help with and smiled. Who knew that the one DT was looking for would turn out to be this poor lost soul? Even though he had seen the vision, he could not believe that it was Guardian all along. He walked over to their now empty tables, relieved the wood of the two glasses, and returned to his job.

***

Demona Taina couldn’t believe her luck. She had finally found who she was looking for, after four years, four very long years. It didn’t even take too long to get her to accompany her, either, which was pleasantly surprising. Perhaps she would succeed after all in her job. The clone opened the hidden door, stepped inside, and beckoned with her index finger for Guardian to follow her. The Andusian’s eyes widened as she entered the room. In front of her was a large black, mirror-like object. It was kept in place by a gold-colored frame, which, in turn, was held to the ground by a control console. Blinking lights and ‘whir’ sounds emanated from the console. Guardian blinked and turned to her companion. “This is going to help us find him.” She said questioningly.

The clone nodded. “I know it doesn’t look like much, but trust me, it’ll get us there.” She pushed a few buttons and pulled a few levers.

“And will it get us home?”

“Of course. You just leave that part to me.” The mirror shimmered and erupted into a blaze of soft, blue light. Again, Guardian was in the awe of such technology. DT noticed this. “What, never seen a time-device before?” Before the Andusian could answer, the Device shot out at her, delivering its message. DT counted the seconds. When the message played itself out, she assisted Guardian in getting her to her feet.

“So, from what I’ve gathered in the past few minutes, I pretty much need to go with you.”

DT pulled one last lever, and stepped in front of the portal. “Basically, yes, you do. Are you still with me?” She held out her hand.

“Oh yeah.” Guardian grabbed the cyan-colored clone’s hand, and both were pulled into the vortex.

***

One million years after first life appears on Earth

The vortex opened onto a grassy plain in the middle of nowhere, and spit out the two adventurers. Demona Taina flipped in the air and landed on all fours. Guardian, being used to such types of portal-travel, was able to land on her feet. She offered a hand to her companion, which was readily accepted. There was a strong wind blowing, which whipped the two creature’s hair all about. Thousands of stars illuminated the night sky.

The Andusian scanned the horizon before speaking. “So, where --- er, when are we?”

“The beginning of Life . . . I think . . .” The clone answered with uncertainty. She too looked around. “Maybe not. Looks like we’re a thousand years late.” Her gaze lifted to a large object in the sky. “Is that the moon?!”

Guardian followed her friend’s gaze upward. She squinted to see better against the darkness. “It doesn’t look like it. It doesn’t have as many craters as the moon in our time does. Of course, it could still be getting them.” The alien continued to examine the object when a fairly large earthquake felled the both of them.

When it subsided, the orange Andusian spoke. “What did that come from?”

DT pointed to a large mountain range on the horizon. “There must be a volcano up there. It’s probably erupting.”

Something clicked in Guardian’s mind. She looked up again at the object they had spied before. Sure enough, it looked much larger and wider. “Um, DT? I think we should run.”

“Why is that?” DT followed Guardian’s eyes upward and saw the object coming towards them. “Oh, good idea.” She took off, followed shortly by Guardian.

Their flight was impeded by the volcano and falling rock. Periodically they would slip, but their adrenaline would pump themselves back up and they would begin again. Demona Taina found a series of caves and started running towards them, with Guardian following close behind. Instinctually the two companions ducked into the caves and waited for the quaking caused by the volcano and fallen rock to cease.

They didn’t have to wait long. In fifteen minutes all was serenely quiet again. They cyan clone took a few deep breaths before asking, “Are you alright, Guardian?”

“I’ve been better, but I’m alright, yes.” Guardian paused to take a very deep breath before continuing. “So, what happens now?”

“He should be in one of these caves.”

“These caves look pretty big. It’d be kinda hard to look for him this way, and I wouldn’t suggest splitting up.” She paused. “By the way, just who are we looking for, anyway? What’s this guy’s name?”

“His name is Goliath. We’re here to bring him home because he made Oberon very angry.”

“What’d he do?”

“Ever heard of the Phoenix Gate?”

Guardian shook her head. “No, I haven’t.”

“Well, think of it being the magical way of traveling through time. Anyway, Goliath threw the Gate into itself, thereby destroying it. Oberon got mad at this, and punished Goliath by transporting him to the beginning of Life.”

Guardian’s eyes widened. “Gee, what a nice guy.” she said sarcastically. The Andusian looked around the cave. “So, how do you suggest we look for him?”

“Well, we could always call out for him.”

“I don’t know, DT. These caves don’t look like they could take it, especially after the . . .”

It was too late. Demona Taina called out for Goliath, causing the walls to rumble with his name. The noise was too much for the already weak walls of rock, and they began to crumble. “Um, let’s run again!” she screamed over the resounding thunder.

“Right behind ya!” Guardian quickly joined her companion in running for the second time in less than a half-hour. At least she would be getting exercise on this ‘adventure.’

Luckily the exit was right ahead of them. Guardian thanked the Founder for making sure they had not strayed too far from the entrance, and leaped out with Demona Taina just before a large boulder fell and blocked the way in. Both alien and clone landed on their stomachs, knocking the wind from them briefly. In a few minutes, Guardian was able to sit up. She propped her elbows on her knees, held her head in her hands, and took many slow, deep breaths. “Well, that was a bust. Any other ideas?” she finally asked her friend.

By now her cyan-colored companion was able to speak as well. “Well, we could try that mountain. Maybe there’s caves in there.” While speaking she pointed to the mountain range they had observed earlier.

The orange alien vigorously shook her head. “Oh no. There’s no way I’m going to get in something like that again. Let’s be sure about it this time.” Guardian stood up and unholstered her weapon. “This can track most anything. If we’re in range, we just might catch something that’s his.”

“Like what?” Demona Taina asked.

“Well, maybe his body heat, for one thing.”

“Go ahead.”

Guardian aimed her weapon at the foot of the range, or what she could see from where she was, and pressed a button. The gun pulsed in her hand, whirred, then was silent. “Now we wait.” The alien sat back down. After a slightly uncomfortable silent five minutes, she attempted a conversation. “You know, during all these comotions, we never did get to know more about each other. All I know about you is your name and that you’re a clone. Anything else you’d like to add?”

DT was silent for a moment, thinking about her answer, then, “Well, I was cloned from Demona. She isn’t one of those people you’ll want to meet in a dark alley at night. But I’m very different from her, I can assure you. For example, if I weren’t different, I wouldn’t be doing this job . . . especially for who asked me to do it.”

“Who asked you?”

“A human female; Elisa Maza.” After seeing Guardian’s odd look, she added, “Let’s just say she and Goliath have a --- mutual respect for each other.

“Anyway, getting back to me, I don’t remember much of my childhood. Actually, I don’t know if I even had one. The last thing I remember is that I found a bone for the Servant of the Bones, and he gave me three wishes as a token of his gratitude: skills in handling magic, an undefeatable expertise in weapons, and to keep my English language skills up to date.” At Guardian’s questioning look, she added, “I’m native to Puerto Rico.”

“No, it’s not that. Servant of the Bones? Where did that come from?”

“Trust me; you don’t want to know. Oh, yes, I also have the notorious reputation of jumping from man to man, and that’s all I’m going to say about that.”

Before Guardian could continue, her weapon beeped. The Andusian looked at the digital readout, and smiled. “Well, it shows a lot of life signs, and there’s a lot of heat from the Earth interfering, but there’s only one here that could actually pose as a sentient being. Looks like we’ve found our Goliath.”

“How far is it from where we are now?”

“Hmmm . . .” Guardian looked at the readout again. “It looks like it’s about three miles from here. We could get there in about an hour if we walked, but gliding, or in my case flying . . .”

“Problem.”

“What’s that?”

“There may be wind, but there’s nothing we can use to get high enough for the winds to support us. And I don’t think those rocks will support our weight now.”

Guardian glanced at the now caved-in rock formation. No doubt about it, DT was right. If the caves couldn’t handle the last two quakes, there was no way they could withstand the weight of the two gargoyle-like creatures. “Well, we might as well start walking. I’m in no mood to run just yet.” Demona Taina nodded and stood. “I don’t blame you. Oh, and sorry about the cave-in.”

Guardian shrugged. “Hey, we’re alive, aren’t we? I just hope nothing important to this World’s evolutionary path was in there.” Both laughed at the comment.

***

Guardian was grateful for the distance. Not only did it give her time to cool down; she also was able to collect her thoughts.

So, time-travel was possible. By the Founder, it was incredible. And not only through magical means, but also through scientifical means. Unless, of course, the time-device they had used had some magical qualities Guardian had not seen. The orange Andusian never thought it could be done because whenever she wished she could go back in time and do something different, she always found herself going through a never-ending loop.

Cloning was also utilized on this World. As far as Guardian knew, cloning had been outlawed in many of the Worlds she had visited, medical purposes exempted. Also interesting was the fact that her friend, Demona Taina, had a personality much different than her ‘donor.’ Although such a difference did not seem impossible in the alien’s eyes, for some reason it sparked a curiosity in her she had not felt for a long time.

Another idea piqued Guardian’s curiosity. She looked up at the stars, and gasped. They were not in the constellations she was used to. Well, she didn’t need the stars for what she was looking for. She turned her attention to the moon, then lifted a talon to the right of it. Back in her present time, there would have been a faint star, but there was none. She sighed; so her employers were not here at this time. That would mean no way for DT or Guardian to return to their present-time should DT’s Time-Device fail, providing Guardian’s employers even had the technology to create a time-travel device in the first place.

The beaked Andusian was about to let her mind wander to more trivial matters when her cyan-colored companion broke the silence. “You say you don’t know much about me; the same goes for you. Tell me a little about yourself, or are you still on the defensive about recalling your past?”

Guardian blushed. “Well, that was before I knew you better. Me? There really isn’t too much to know. I come from a different World, a different dimension. To explain, maybe in the World I come from you, or your --- ‘donor’, for lack of a better term --- may have never existed.” The Andusian paused while her friend contemplated what she had just said.

“When I was entering my Maturation Stage my planet was attacked by The Blight, a shapeless entity that consumes anything and everything. Almost all my people were killed. My family was consumed early in the war, and I had to learn to defend myself on my own. A local resistance group found me and was able to train me to fight successfully. That’s how I lived for most of my Maturation Stage”

DT could sense the pain Guardian was experiencing as she re-told her life story. She gingerly placed a hand on her companion’s shoulder. The orange alien shuddered, but continued.

“For four years I fought with my remaining kind. Then a large ship entered our space and obliterated our enemy’s ship. It brought shuttles down a few days later to aid in the ferrying of medical supplies and foodstuffs. Within five months the remaining Andusians realized what they had prayed would never happen: from a bustling, prosperous population of almost three billion, only fifty thousand survived the war. There was no way we could rebuild such a wonderful paradise a second time. We had to leave. The fleet, incidentally all human, offered us enlistment, but everyone declined.”

“Except you.” DT chanced to say.

The beaked alien nodded. “Except me.” Guardian sighed. “My family was dead, the resistance I fought with dispersing. During the war I never really had any time to grieve, so I really did not know how. I turned to the only outlet I knew: the war. And for the next four years the Fleet bounced me from World to World, trying to get other humans to imitate my expert fighting skills.

“After fours years, I had it. Sure, I got to see places most couldn’t ever dream of, but I couldn’t take the killing anymore. I ‘retired’ from the Fleet, picked a World, and called it ‘home.’ Only it’s taking longer than I expected to make it seem like home.

“Why not go back to the World you were born in?” the cyan-clone ventured to ask.

“Why bother? My real home is destroyed beyond repair, and I never went to the Earth of that World, so going there would probably have the same results as being here.”

“But you might find more of your kind there.”

“Perhaps. But . . .”

“But what?” Demona Taina pressed after Guardian remained silent.

The Andusian sighed. “Let’s just say that my people weren’t exactly --- supportive --- of my decision.” There was more to it, but Guardian let that painful memory stay buried.

“Oh.” was all DT could say for the moment. Then, “I’m sorry.”

The orange alien slowly nodded. “I appreciate your sympathy.”

“So that’s why you wished I were --- Andusian.”

Guardian nodded again. “If you had been, maybe you didn’t know my past; maybe you were born on this World. Then you could judge my actions impartially, if it ever came to that.”

Demona Taina stopped suddenly. She looked at Guardian long and hard. Guardian looked back, surprised at the sudden cease of movement. “What did I say?” she asked after a minute’s silence.

“Why do you wish to have someone judge your actions? What you did was your choice. No one has the right to stop you. All right, I understand that their support may have meant something to you, they were all that remained of your species, but it shouldn’t bog you down like this. So you took a different path to mourn than they did. Is that wrong?”

The alien’s eyes widened slightly. She thought a moment before answering. “Odd as it may seem, yes, for a time, I felt that it was wrong.” She began walking again after the initial shock at the question, and DT followed. “What I mean to say is --- think of it this way: you choose to go in a direction, and you already know that it won’t go over well with your close friends or family, but you do it anyway, not knowing whether you’ll be missed or not. So when you leave, barely anyone says ‘Goodbye’ or anything resembling that. I guess that’s what made me to believe I did something wrong, the whole idea that you’re hated for a decision you make that you feel is right, but no one else does. Kinda sways your thoughts to side with the majority.”

Demona Taina had nothing to say. What could she say? Her adventuring companion just probably told more to her, a practically total stranger, than she ever had. And for what? An impartial opinion on her actions. Well, she’d give one. “Well, I don’t feel like you made a mistake. I need you for this mission, right?” The clone smiled, hoping to ease the tension.

Guardian contemplated her answer briefly, then grinned as well. “Yeah, I suppose you do. Hey, whadaya know. We’re here.”

The two adventurers’ conversation had taken up the hour’s walk. They were at the foot of the caves, rested after walking the distance. Now they could tackle most anything dished out at them. Guardian bowed and outstretched an arm towards the entrance. “After you.”

The cyan gargoyle nodded and ducked inside, Guardian following dutifully behind.

***

“By the Founder, it’s dark in here.” Guardian quipped. Her eyes glowed a bright white soon after her comment.

“You have no argument from me there.” DT said in agreement. Her eyes, too, glowed, but instead of an Andusian’s white-hot glow, they glowed with the more traditional crimson found in female gargoyles.

The conversation was reduced to checking Guardian’s weapon for any update on Goliath’s whereabouts and reassurance from the Andusian or the clone upon were they close or not. Finally, the orange alien’s gun beeped softly, signaling that they were within three feet of their intended target. The two adventurers pressed their back to opposite sides of a wall of rock. They were sure that they’re presence was known, for they could hear long, low, slow growls coming from the alcove ahead of them. The alcove was eerily lit by a large green colony of moss living on the ceiling.

The orange Andusian carefully peeked out from her hiding spot into the alcove. “Looks clear.” She stepped out to make sure, then motioned for Demona Taina to follow.

The clone cautiously stepped out, unsure as to whether Guardian was correct or not. “Where could he be?”

Suddenly, two blue slots glowed, and a tall, lavender gargoyle stepped out from the shadows. His eyes narrowed at the two adventurers, his long tail swishing in anticipation. He snarled. “Who are you.” he growled.

***

Goliath could not believe his ears. Those were definitely voices he heard. Were they Elisa’s? He strained to place a face to them, but, alas, he was unable to. So, no, neither were Elisa’s. That meant he could not be hallucinating again. Every time he had, the voices were strangely familiar, but these two he had never heard before.

One of the voices stepped into the lavender gargoyle’s eyesight. It was orange in skin color, and bore a strange resemblance to someone he knew, but a name escaped him. It motioned for its partner to enter. Its partner gave him a hint of animosity, but why he could not remember, either. They were about to invade further into his sanctuary, when Goliath decided to show himself. He stepped out from his hiding place, growling menacingly. “Who are you.”

***

Guardian gulped. She hoarsely whispered to DT, “You never told me he was seven feet tall!”

“You never asked.” DT whispered back. She took a step closer to the gargoyle, cleared her throat. “Goliath? We’re here to take you home.”

Goliath stayed silent. He continued to eye the two maliciously.

Guardian took the initiative and joined in the persuasion. “That’s right. We’re here to bring you back to where --- er, when you belong.”

“Elisa --- she misses you dearly.” Demona Taina added.

Goliath lost his feeling of anger at such a sweet name. He became lost in a sea of euphoria. “Elisa . . .” he crooned longingly. Then something clicked in his mind. “How would you know? To her I will have been gone only a few minutes.”

“Something happens when you get to the year when you were first taken. I don’t know what, but it keeps you from seeing Elisa.” the cyan clone answered.

Goliath gasped. Four and one half billion years of waiting to see Elisa again, all for naught? Of course, now with these two, it may be less . . . He swayed, but caught himself before he fell. No, it couldn’t be . . . They had to be hallucinations. Oberon would not be so cruel as to extend his punishment even further, would he? Goliath was silent, mulling over what his would-be rescuers had just said. They were, mercifully, just as still, allowing him to decide whether or not to accept their gift.

The probability of the existence of these two still plagued his mind. It was quite possible that they actually were hallucinations; this was not the first time he had seen almost real apparitions. But, the information they had, it seemed too factual, too good to be true. Goliath sighed. “Still, I do not know if my --- if Elisa --- really sent you. What proof do you have to convince me?”

“Oh, I can answer that. Elisa told me to tell you ‘Come on, big guy. I want to meet you at the tallest parapet again and resume what the sun so abruptly interrupted.’” DT answered.

Goliath gasped again, and growled. “That is a private matter.”

Guardian held her hands up. “Hey, don’t worry. That’s all she told us.” She added to herself, “It’s pretty much obvious what you two were doing even without details.” Cautiously, Demona Taina stepped towards Goliath and offered her hand. “Please, will you come back with us? I don’t think I need to say that Elisa will be overjoyed to see you.”

Goliath blinked and stared at the adventurers. Finally he rumbled, “Very well. I will go with you.”

The clone stepped back and smiled. “Good.” The trio began walking to the entrance to the cave.

Goliath was uncertain about one last concept. “If I cannot see --- Elisa --- when I return, why did you not come when I was first exiled?”

“That, actually, has some aspects beyond our control involved.” Guardian answered. “One thousand years isn’t as bad as four point five billion, right?”

Goliath lifted and eyeridge. “One thousand? Try one million.”

Both DT and Guardian stopped and gasped. Demona Taina turned to Goliath. “One million?” He nodded. DT looked down. “I --- I’m so sorry, Goliath.” For once, it looked to Guardian as if she harbored genuine concern for his plight.

Goliath nodded curtly. To hearten the atmosphere, Guardian added, “Well, you can’t trust technology, can you?” She grinned sheepishly. What she had just said went against everything that ever had a large impact on her life. She wondered why she could say such a comment so easily.

The Andusian failed at rousing any humor within Goliath. He nodded just as curtly as before. But he did reply. “No, you can’t.” Guardian left it at that. The rest of the trip out of the cave was spent in silence.

***

The difference between the cave’s darkness and the darkness outside was little. The trio kept their eyes wide and bright to see. By now the wind had died down, and all was oddly quiet. Though the lack of animal sound was disconcerting, it was normal for this time period.

“The portal we came in should be about a mile or so from here I think.” Demona Taina stated. “Too bad the wind’s died down. If we could get high enough by climbing the cave, we could have glided over.”

“Distance should not be a problem.” Goliath rumbled.

“Eh? Why’s that?” Guardian inquired.

The lavender gargoyle did not answer. He simply scooped up both alien and clone and began to run very fast. He unfolded his wings and started to flap them. Almost immediately he lifted from the ground, greatly astonishing the two adventurers.

“Whoa, you can fly?” Demona Taina asked breathlessly.

Goliath nodded. “I couldn’t just sit around and do nothing for four and a half billion years, now, could I? Or, now that you’re here, one million.” He chuckled.

DT paused to think that statement over. Then, as if she realized something, she grinned mischievously. “Ooh, this is cozy.”

Guardian looked at the clone and whispered, “He’s got someone already, mind you.”

“Aw, that doesn’t mean I can’t have a little fun, now, can I?”

The Andusian shook her head and smiled. “How would I know? I’m the lost soul, remember?” The cyan-colored clone giggled.

Goliath looked down at the two of them. “Perhaps you could point me in the right direction of this --- eh --- portal . . . that you came in.”

“Oh don’t worry. It’s straight ahead. I don’t know about you, but I can see it. Kinda a faint, light blue light.”

“Ah, yes, I see it.” The lavender gargoyle flapped his wings slightly to right his position.

Guardian took a moment to ponder DT’s reaction to Goliath’s grip on her body, and tried to parallel it to her situation. Well, yes, it felt . . . well . . . comforting. She could not remember ever having such an experience with anyone besides her family. Well, there was that one . . . But things changed, very drastically, before she could go any further.

Goliath looked over at Guardian inquisitively. “Are you alright?” The orange Andusian snapped back to the past. “Huh?”

“You sighed.”

“I did?”

Goliath nodded.

Guardian was taken aback. She had no idea that she sighed. “Let’s just say that I haven’t been held like this by a male of my kind for a while.” She looked for the portal, trying to change the subject. “Hey, isn’t that the portal over there?” She pointed to a rectangular, milky-blue object not six yards away.

“Yeah, I think so. Takes us down, big guy.” DT giggled a second time.

The lavender gargoyle laughed and began to descend.

***

“This will bring us home?” Goliath rumbled.

“Of course it will. It’s what brought us here, isn’t it, Guard?” DT protested. Guardian nodded.

Goliath sighed. “Very well. Shall I enter first?” Try as he might, he could not hide his eagerness to get home --- and see Elisa again.

“Actually, we all have to go in together, or the portal will close on the last one.”

The lavender gargoyle rolled his eyes, smiled, scooped up the two adventurers a second time, and jumped into the portal.

***

2000 AD (or BCE)

5:30 PM, Eastern Standard

The portal opened up in a small, sparse room, and spit out a clone, an alien, and a gargoyle. It promptly closed again, the Time-Device sinking back into its omnipresent silence, its endless waiting, until it would call upon the common man (or gargoyle) once again.

Goliath helped his rescuers up and looked around. “Where are we? . . . When are we?”

“The ---” Guardian paused. No, it was not the two-thousandth year of knowledge, here, anyway. “Two-thousand AD, last time I checked.”

“Four years . . . I hope my go --- I hope Elisa is well.”

“Well, fours years on her part is much quicker than almost four and-a-half billion on your part, right? Of course, that is, if you had been exiled for four and one half billion years or so . . .” DT said casually.

Goliath rumbled a sigh, and did not answer.

“Why don’t I go check if your --- employer --- is outside, DT.” the alien offered.

“Sure. Come back quickly, though.” Demona Taina replied.

“Why’s that . . . Ohh . . .” The Andusian nodded as her companion grinned mischievously and stepped out of the small room and into the tavern.

***

Guardian quietly closed the door behind her. An idea struck her: just how long had they been gone? She looked at her watch; about two hours had passed. The Andusian skimmed the room, and realized she had no idea what this Elisa person looked like. Well, since she was a human, and there were few humans in this place, she would probably look and feel out of her element. It would be easy to spot her. The alien walked over to the bar and settled in a stool.

Guardian almost fell backward when the bartender popped up from behind the counter. “Hey, Guard, that was fast. Have fun?” he asked with a smile.

Guardian did a double take. “Fast? How could that be fast? Me ‘n’ DT were gone for . . . oh.” She looked up at the tavern’s clock, and saw only fifteen minutes had passed while she and DT were gone. “Guess I’ll have to fix the time on my watch.”

The bartender nodded, and started creating a drink for his customer. “So, did you get whatever it was you needed to do done?”

“I’d say we did. Hey, have you seen an ‘Elisa Maza’ around?”

“For the past four years or so. She’s been coming in very regularly now. Always asking me about ‘Has DT found the lost soul.’”

Guardian’s heart skipped a beat at his mention of the ‘lost soul.’ Well, he was a telepath, and it was his tavern the Time-Device was in, so of course he’d know. “So you’d be able to pick her out of a crowd.”

The bartender laughed. “Boy would I! A shame she’s got her eye one someone else. I’d love to take her out one night.”

“Isn’t she a little young for you?”

“Hey, I’m not that old. It’s the telepathy, makes me look a few years over. Small price to pay.”

“Anyway, could you point her out if she’s here?”

“Sure thing, Guard.” The bartender finished ‘pouring’ the drink and handed it to his customer.

Five minutes passed. The tavern door opened, and in walked a human female. She wore a black shirt under a red blazer, black pants and shoes. She looked very out of place, and it was obvious she knew it. Guardian kept an air of indifference at her entrance, but kept an eye on her. “Enter Elisa.” The bartender said softly. Guardian nodded, and put her drink on the counter. “Bug me later about the pay. I need to do something,” she said.

“Not a problem. I know you,” the bartender said reassuringly.

Guardian walked over to Elisa, who had sat down at a table near the door by now. She did not bother sitting down, as they would both be leaving the room shortly. “You’re . . . Elisa Maza?” the Andusian asked.

The human looked up at Guardian, obviously startled by her appearance. “Y—yes, I am.” “Then you will want to come with me. We have found your --- friend.”

Elisa did not answer. She stood up and looked Guardian in the eye. “Bring me to him.”

***

Elisa felt she was walking through a fast moving stream as she followed the gargoyle-like being to a door hidden by the shadows of the tavern’s rafters. The conversations around her twisted into an unintelligible blur. Finally, after four years of waiting, and hoping, she would see Goliath again. The euphoria was indescribable. No one felt as lost as she did during those four years. The clan, though in mourning, started getting back on its feet only a few months after their leader’s initial disappearance; Brooklyn made for a wonderful leader. But the relationship growing between Elisa and Goliath had been cruelly put on hold because of this bone Oberon had to pick with him and it devastated Elisa. And now, after a grueling four years, the search would be over. She would be with Goliath again, and life would continue.

Elisa’s companion opened the door and politely nudged her inside.

***

Goliath and DT looked at the door as it opened. Goliath stepped back and gasped. DT looked sullen and turned away.

The four stood in their places for a few minutes, until Goliath broke the silence. Slowly he padded over to Elisa. He scooped her up is his muscular arms, wrapped his wings around her, and began to stroke her hair. “Elisa . . .” he crooned.

“Yeah, I missed you too, big guy.” Elisa was able to choke back tears for the moment.

Neither of them said more for a while. Guardian started towards the door, and motioned for DT to follow. Her companion shook her head stubbornly. The Andusian gave a look as to question her friend’s decision, but nodded and smiled when the clone grinned just as mischievously as before. Guardian took one last look at the newly reunited couple, shook her head, smiled a second time and walked back into the tavern.

Demona Taina watched her friend go. She would join her shortly; first she had to do this one thing, one little thing, before she left Goliath forever.

How could he? How could he love someone not even of his own race? And especially that human, Elisa Maza? It made DT nauseated just thinking about it. Here she was, a beautiful gargress, who was not getting any attention at all from this guy. Not only beautiful, a clone of his former love. Maybe that was it; maybe he still harbored harsh feelings for that other Demona. But then wouldn’t have Goliath attacked her when they first met back in the cave if he remembered? It wasn’t fair. Here was Goliath, DT’s crush, and she couldn’t do a thing about it. The clone jumped nearly a foot when she felt a strong arm touch her shoulder. She spun around, and was face to face with Goliath. He looked very unsure of himself, despite his smile. “I would like to thank you for brining me back.”

“Oh, really, it was nothing.” Demona Taina replied nervously. Her gaze lowered to his other arm. Ooh, so muscular . . . if only . . . “Um, can I squeeze your arm?” she asked. Goliath stared at DT blankly for a moment.

Then, “Well, I suppose . . .”

Demona Taina immediately latched onto his arm, not letting go for almost three minutes. Soon she slowly detached herself from the purple hunk. Then she looked up into his eyes. “Were you always this tall?” she asked innocently.

“Um, well, I don’t think so . . .” Too late. Catching Goliath off guard a second time, the cyan clone reached up to his face, pulled it down, and gave him a long kiss on his lips, yelling, “OOOHHH!!! I LOVE YA!!!” Upon releasing him she danced giddily in circles, summoned a rose for him by magic, and danced out of the room.

Both Elisa and Goliath stared speechless at the door. Elisa blinked, look at Goliath, and said, “You better not have enjoyed that!”

Goliath was quite sure that he had not.

***

5:45 PM, Eastern Standard

“So that’s it then, I guess.” Guardian stated as she took a sip of her drink. The two were sitting at the bar.

“Yeah, I guess. We got Goliath out of the past, and reunited him with Elisa.” In a softer tone she added, “Much to my dismay.”

“So what happens next?”

“Well . . . I don’t know. Never had to do this before.”

“We keep in touch.” Guardian turned to her friend. “Haven’t had a friend for a while. I think it’s time I get one.” She smiled knowingly. “You’re one of the first to know why.”

DT grinned along with Guardian. “It’s a deal.” She stuck out her hand to officiate the agreement. Guardian took her hand and shook formally. “Well, I guess I’d better be going. It’s a long trip back to Puerto Rico from here.”

The orange Andusian seemed a bit dismayed, until she checked her watch. “You’re right. It’s getting late.” Demona Taina started to pull out the tab when Guardian held out her hand. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve got enough on my disk to get through the year. One extra drink isn’t going to hurt it.”

“You sure?”

“Positive. Where else am I going to spend my pay?”

“Well, it was nice meeting you. Keep in touch.”

Before the Andusian could reply she was swept up into a warm hug. She returned it. “You take care of yourself.”

“Same to you.” The cyan clone released her friend and walked out the door. Guardian settled back into the barstool and resumed picking up bits and pieces of the conversation around her.

She felt better since completing her mission. The hollow emptiness she had experienced ever since she landed on this World seemed to be losing its grasp. Life, after a long desolate time, seemed to be turning for the better.

***

Search for the Gate

Outside the tavern a blue, rectangular object appeared. A tall, white, exquisitely robed man stepped out from it. Demona Taina had just left the tavern and was ready to teleprompt herself home when she saw this light show. She stared in horror at the man

Oberon.

The man looked around, either not seeing or not caring about DT, blinked, and a large, black trenchcoat appeared around him, tightly fastened so as not to reveal his brightly colored clothing. He then walked towards the tavern, opened the door, and stepped inside.

No doubt he’s looking for Goliath. I hope Guardian got out of there before he came in . . .

***

“You know, after your excursion, you might want to get some rest, no?” the bartender stated

Guardian arched her back and stretched her wings. “For me, it doesn’t matter. I can go for days without needing sleep. I can regulate when I turn to stone.”

“You can? How is that . . .? ‘Scuse me. Almost forgot there. You’re not a Gargoyle. Interesting, though.

“The telepath that forgets. Never thought I’d see the day.”

The bartender passed off the mockery with his towel as he swatted the mug he was holding clean. “Well, in any event, you might want to get back to your place soon. This place don’ take kindly to you peeps. I’ve had tons of lawsuits just trying to keep this place open. Sheesh, the ignorance of some people.”

The conversation stopped abruptly when a tall man walked inside. He wore a heavy, black trenchcoat. Immediately Guardian did not feel right. A cold chill seemed to enter the room and stay there, and it all seemed concentrated around this man. He looked around, intent on something. The orange alien hoped it wouldn’t be her, and tried to keep her mind off him, and work on her drink instead.

Unfortunately, the man had other ideas. He walked over to the bar and sat right next to Guardian and immediately began to speak. “I was hoping you could help me find a friend of mine.”

Guardian groaned inside. Sure, adventures were fun, but one right after another? She would have to turn to stone sooner than she thought if this kept up. “Well, I don’t know if I can help you on my own; if you give me the name of your friend I can . . .”

“Oh, I think you can help me on your own.” The man smiled evilly.

Guardian was silent as she contemplated what to say next. This man’s mannerisms did not bode well with her instincts. Something was definitely up with this guy, and it seemed she had information he wanted or needed. Well, if it were for harmful doings, there was no way in Andus she would let herself be an accomplice. “Well, why don’t you tell me what he or she looks like. I’ll look out for them then and let you know if I see them next time we meet.”

“He’s tall, very tall, and a gargoyle. A light-purple skin, dark-black hair . . . does this ring a bell?” Now Guardian was getting worried. Was this the Oberon DT had brought up earlier? She prayed not. “No, don’t think I’ve seen anyone like that here. He’d be pretty noticeable if you know what I mean.” The Andusian chuckled nervously.

The man sneered, and continued. “You are sure you haven’t seen him around here? He may not even be here; you might have seen him at another time . . .? You see, he owes me something.”

Guardian’s heart leaped up into her throat. It had to be Oberon. By Andus, how could she outwit this guy? She shook her head, trying to calm herself and put on a good show. “Nope, haven’t seen anything looking like what you described here or anywhere else. But, I’ll let you know when I do, fair deal?”

The orange alien heard a low growl. “See that you do.” He stood up and stomped out the door. Guardian was left staring at the door, wondering how she was able to do that, and thanking the Founder that she did.

***

DT watched from nearby as Oberon came back outside and left this plane of existence. Quietly she crept from her hiding place as the man left. Looking all around her, she quickly ducked into the tavern again. She spotted Guardian immediately and rushed towards her. “Guard! Are you okay? What happened?” Her companion was slumped onto the bar-counter, breathing heavily.

“I thought I saw everything, did everything, for the past eight years. I was wrong. That was Oberon, I take it.” Guardian said.

“Yes, it was. What did he want?”

“I think it had something to do with Goliath. He says Goliath ‘owes him something.’ But what he didn’t say.”

“We’ve got to warn Goliath. He could be in very grave danger.”

“Not only him, us too.”

***

Oberon paced back and forth in his throne room. That wretched mortal! Not giving him the information he wanted; no, he deserved. He growled in anger.

“I must go back! Surely by now she will be speaking with that . . . that gargoyle about what I want! He must finish his sentence! He destroyed the Phoenix Gate!” he roared.

“Patience, my husband. We must not expose ourselves so quickly and irrationally. Perhaps we should let the mortals try and protect their charge. It may prove amusing.” Oberon’s wife, Titania, said soothingly.

Her voice did its work. Oberon slowed and halted in front of his beautiful wife. He was silent for a moment, taking in her features. Green pale skin, elfin ears, clothed in robes just as delicately made and brightly colored as his. “You have proven your wisdom more than once. If it is your wisdom that speaks now, I shall heed it. I shall let the mortals play their game . . .

“For now.”

***

Guardian quickly opened the door to the Device and found Elisa and Goliath still there, talking. DT followed her inside. “We have a problem,” the two said simultaneously.

Elisa stood up. “What is it?” she asked.

“Someone’s looking ---” DT began.

Goliath stood up. “He is looking for me, isn’t he?”

Guardian nodded solemnly.

The lavender gargoyle sighed. “Must I hide from him for eternity?” The news dealt a tough blow to him. All he wanted to do was enjoy his time with Elisa.

As Elisa consoled her friend Guardian contemplated the situation.

All right, so Goliath destroyed the Phoenix Gate. Maybe not one of the better things he’s done, but what’s done is done. Oberon is ticked off, not surprisingly. Time travel is a coveted power; Guardian’s employers worked their scientists day and night to come up with technology that could replicate such a marvel.

Now, did this Oberon know that trans-dimensional travel was possible? If so, maybe the alien could cut a deal with him next time they met . . .

That train of thought led to another. What if this Oberon existed on another World? Maybe even another Gate was with him too? Hey, wait a minute! If they looked for another Gate on another World and brought it back, maybe they could use that as a bargaining chip! No, wait, that wouldn’t work, would it? Something about too much matter, too little . . .

No, wait. The Tunnel had been perfected to negate that problem. How was beyond Guardian. Also, this World’s Gate was destroyed. Perhaps a new Gate would just takes its place as the destroyed one . . .

It was a long shot, a very long one, but it was all they had. Guardian cleared her throat. Three heads turned to her. “I may have a possible solution.”

“What? What is it?” Elisa demanded.

“Perhaps if we went to another World . . .”

“World?” Two expressions turned blank. DT sighed and prepared for a long explanation.

Guardian grunted. Being around people too long who knew what she was talking about made her forget there were actually people who had no idea about trans-dimensional travel, much less the Fleet. “Worlds; a term used to describe another dimension, basically the same as any other World, but something could be different. Maybe you two,” the alien pointed to Elisa and her companion, “never existed.”

Elisa and Goliath blinked, taking the new information in.

Guardian continued through the silence. “So, as I was saying, if we look for a Gate in another dimension, we could bring it back and perhaps fake it as the original.”

“Are you sure that would work?” Elisa asked.

The Andusian shook her head. “I can’t be completely sure; it’s never been attempted. But if any of you have other ideas I’m open.”

The silence was deafening.

“Then I guess it’s settled.” Guardian stated. She opened a pouch on her gun-belt and took out a rectangular box. On the top there was a digital readout, the bottom had a keypad. She was about the punch in numbers when a cyan-colored hand grasped her arm. The orange alien looked up and found a smiling Demona Taina.

“There’s no way you’re going without me,” she said

“I should accompany you as well. Who knows what danger lies ahead?” Goliath interjected. He looked to Elisa.

“She should stay, just in case Oberon comes back.” Guardian said. Elisa nodded.

Guardian activated the box and punched in a few numbers. She aimed at the wall opposite the door and pressed a final button.

A beam of white light emitted from the box and splashed into a milky-blue circle. The circle stayed there, its shimmering presence illuminating the entire room. Guardian stepped in front of the Tunnel, turned and outstretched a hand towards DT. “You still with me?” She grinned.

“Oh yeah.” Demona Taina grabbed her friend’s extended hand, reached for Goliath’s just before Guardian jumped through, and they all disappeared with a blaze of white light.

Elisa stared as the circle diminished into nothingness. She cautiously walked over to where the portal had been and touched the wall. There had been no climate change, no way to tell if anything had ever been there. She sat back down in the small room. “Come back soon Goliath. Please.”

***

6:00 PM Eastern Standard, Fleet Index World 170

The vortex opened into the same room, but it was definitely different. For one, there was no Time-Device. Everything else was in shambles, and it appeared that the room had never been closed off to the public. Guardian flipped out and landed on her feet, Demona Taina a little more haphazardly, and Goliath in a heap. The Andusian surveyed the surroundings while her cyan friend helped their lavender tag-along onto his feet.

The whole tavern stank of the telltale smell of Plasma residue. Not poisonous, but unpleasant enough to want anything breathing to get out of there quick. Desolate memories came back to Guardian’s consciousness as her mind connected the smell to the past.

Even the tavern mimicked the destruction this World has faced at the hands of the orange alien’s enemies. No longer the familiar rusty-red, the darkness of outside filtered in a turned the walls into a mottled, sickly gray that mixed with the years of decay this poor building saw.

A rustling caught Guardian’s attention. She turned, her Plasma Gun ready, but it was too late. A black form jumped at her, brining her down. Guardian grunted and rolled with the impact, able to throw the form off her.

“We’ve got some nasty company!” the Andusian warned. Goliath ran to take care of Guardian’s assailant while Demona Taina summoned two large balls of fire, illuminating the room with its eerie orange glow.

Another assailant rose from behind a pile of debris and started shooting. Guardian tackled her magical friend, keeping herself and her friend out of the line of fire. Startled, the cyan gargoyle’s fire was extinguished, thankfully before it could make contact with the rotten floor.

Goliath had succeeded in cornering the first attacker. His eyes glowed their enhanced blue, his growl menacing. “What are you doing attacking us?” he demanded.

The still unidentifiable form stood facing its interrogator, heaving.

“YOU LEAVE HER ALONE!!!” a male voice roared. The second form launched itself at the first with amazing speed, sending both of them back into the shadows. Goliath roared in anger and began to search for them.

“Hold on, Goliath!” Guardian called. “You two, we’re Fleet personnel! We will not harm you!”

“Yeah, and I’m the King!” the male voice argued.

“King . . .?” Demona Taina questioned softly.

The orange soldier growled. “This is World One-Seven-Zero, is it not? Liberated from the Blight approximately twenty years ago? Or am I wrong?”

A startled yelp echoed throughout the desolate room. A female voice, surprisingly calm, spoke out. “Yes, you’re correct. What is your designation.”

“We’re part of a recently formed unit, non-humans only. We were sent here to help out with keeping the peace before we became more involved in Fleet campaigns. Guess we got our co-ordinates wrong.”

There was a pause. Then, the female voice spoke again. “Can your friend summon the light again?”

“Not a problem.” Demona muttered a few words, and her hands erupted in two balls of fire again. Goliath found a fairly long piece of wood, set it down into a part of the floor, and stepped back, allowing Taina to illuminate the room once again.

“Now, if you would please come out, we can talk.” The orange alien said slowly and calmly.

More rustling came from the pile of debris. Two humans of opposite genders stepped out. Physically, they looked like they were in their late forties, but their eyes betrayed an age achieved only by war. Both were of a light brown skin tone.

“That’s better. Now, why don’t you tell us why you attacked? It’s like gargoyles are your sworn enemies.” The orange soldier said.

The man growled and moved to attack Guardian, but the female held up an arm. “Your superiors didn’t brief you on the situation?”

“They said we’d get briefed when we came here.” Demona Taina answered. Guardian chuckled softly. She was catching on.

“No wonder . . .” the man said in a low voice.

“Silencio, esposo.” The woman looked at the gargoyle ‘trio’ pleadingly. “You’ll have to excuse him; after the death of our Hija he went a little loco.”

Guardian nodded in indifferent sympathy; Demona Taina gasped. “I’m so sorry, miss.”

The woman nodded gravely and continued. “This World had mucho problemas with the war. There was barely anything left when your Fleet came. They tried to help this planeta back on its feet afterward, but something happened, and they had to leave. That’s when his double,” she pointed to Goliath, who looked genuinely surprised, “and I guess his love successfully took over.”

The man stared intently at the noble lavender gargoyle, almost pleadingly, in a perverse, insane, hungry fashion. Goliath was doubtlessly troubled by his stare. “Why would my, er, double want to try and take over this planet?”

“I’m sure you’ve heard that no one double is exactly alike.”

Goliath hadn’t, of course, but nodded. “Still, it’s rather --- disconcerting.”

The woman nodded again, and started another conversation. “So, if you’re from Fleet here keeping the peace, are you here to overthrow the King and Queen?”

Guardian raised part of her eyeridge and began to answer when her cyan friend spoke. “I should think so; our superiors told us that we were going to help restore freedom to the people.”

Guardian’s eyes grew wide. Her beak dropped open and she stared at DT, who promptly slammed her beak shut with her magic. Knowing it was no use to argue now, Guardian nodded in surrender. She looked at Goliath, who was equally surprised.

Andus, I pray that you protect us . . . Guardian chanted in her mind. Looking for an elven artifact was one thing, but trying to save a global population from two most likely very powerful oppressors? Oh boy, this was turning out to be some adventure . . .

The humans looked hopeful. For once, the man succeeded in hiding his insane anger and spoke. “We may have supplies that can help you in you quest . . .”

The woman nodded. “If there was anything the Fleet did that could help, they left us some useful armas and ships.”

“What kinds of ships?” the orange alien asked enthusiastically.

“Mostly some single-seaters, but we have one multi-seater, which you are welcome to.”

“Much obliged.” The magic-weilding clone said, a warm smile on her face.

“Come with us; we will show them to you.” The humans proceeded to lead the gargoyle ‘trio’ through the debris to a hidden door within the dead tavern, seemingly under the tavern, through a large, dimly lit corridor, and finally to two tall doors.

“Mi esposo and I will open the overhead bay doors. Good luck with your task.”

The group said their good-byes, and the trio walked through the doors and into the makeshift hangar. Guardian was thoroughly amazed. “Must have been some quick evacuation. Fleet usually only leaves enough tech for the Worlds to profit from it. Speaking of which, why did you suddenly put us in an obligatory position to help these people? We’re here to help one gargoyle, not a global population!”

“Yes, I would like an answer to that too, Taina,” Goliath rumbled in a slightly angered fashion.

“Well, we’re here, aren’t we? That Time-Device thing chose us to bring back Goliath; maybe your Device brought us here for a reason too.” Demona Taina defended.

“This was made from pure technology! No magic was involved!” Guardian exclaimed, holding her Summoner for emphasis.

“Then what about Fate? Can you explain that?”

That struck a chord in Guardian’s heart. Her people, for as far as she could remember, always felt that a higher force guided their lives discreetly, so the human idea of Fate was similar. The Andusian could offer no rebuttal for Demona. She sighed. “Alright. I suppose she has a point. But this is ultimately Goliath’s decision. It’s him we are supposed to be helping anyway.” The orange alien looked at Goliath, offering no hint as to which path he should decide.

Goliath was silent as he contemplated the problem given to him. Yes, these two were supposed to be helping him; that’s why they were here in the first place. Now, they were supposedly part of some quest to try and overthrow this World’s king and queen. Well, the female said that it was his double that was doing the ruling, so maybe there was an advantage to this. But there was still the fact that Elisa missed him, and if something was to happen . . .

Eons of instinctual human protection won over years of real love. Goliath sighed. “The humans here, and perhaps other gargoyles, are in need of a help that we seem to be able to offer. Perhaps my, er, double has the Phoenix Gate. Maybe we can obtain it from him.”

“That’s the spirit, Goliath!” Taina cheered. “Now, let’s go find us a ship.”

***

The two humans walked through another corridor to the control room. The male watched the security cameras while his wife opened the overhead hangar doors.

“I still don’t see why we told them what happened aquì.”

“Sea paciente, mi esposo. Even el rey seems to be innocente of what has happened here. I trust them. I do not intend for them to be alone either. Call up the other soldados; our non-human amigos will need help.”

***

Guardian instinctually climbed into the pilots’ seat in the fighter ship and started working the controls to get the ship up in the air and moving.

“Hey! I’m the one that got us into this! I should get to fly!” Demona Taina protested.

“If you know how to fly one of these, be my guest. If you don’t, just please sit down and let me get us there.” The orange soldier pressed a button, and a map flickered into existence. Two red dots blinked simultaneously, one larger than the other. The map indicated that the smaller dot was the ship, the other . . . well, it wasn’t the ship. “That’s funny, what’s this other place? Direction seems kinda --- familiar . . .” Guardian pressed the dot with her talon, and the screen zoomed into the area. “DC? Why would we be going . . . unless . . .” the orange alien pressed another button for information on that area. Several names appeared to the right of the screen, the last two in red:

Area: Washington, DC. The White House

Past Residence of: American presidents since late 1700s

Current Residence of: King Goliath, Queen Demona

TO BE ELIMINATED AT ALL COSTS!!!

“How quaint. They’ve stationed themselves in the epitome of freedom. Well, that just made it personal.” Guardian quipped. She flipped a few more switches, took hold of the pilots’ wheel and throttle, and began to ascend.

***

From the protection of the outside debris, a single woman watched one of her employers’ ships rise from an underground hangar and fly away. From her gunbelt she procured a small cell phone, dialed a number, and waited for someone to pick up.

“Maria here. It looks like our old comrades have begun to take the offensive; I haven’t seen them use one of our ships in years.” She paused. “No doubt they’ll need help.” Another pause. “Yes, I understand that action goes against our project, but it looks like these humans have had enough. Frankly, I would too . . . I’ll ready my troops.”

***

7:15 PM, Eastern Standard

A tall, lavender, immortal gargoyle stood in what was once a human Oval Office, looking out onto the view through the windows. He narrowed his eyes and sneered. The humans deserved it, every single one, even those he did not know. He rose a talon to scratch at an itch on his cheek; his claws passed over a scar, remnants of a past he would have liked to forget. An ominous quote floated through his mind: “Get out . . .”

King Goliath uttered a sound, a mix between a helpless groan and a menacing growl, and raked that talon down back to his side. He saw that he drew blood; he didn’t care. Within seconds, the new wound was healed.

The opening of doors brought his attention back to the present. He spun around, only to see his love enter. He smiled in an almost stupid way, and walked towards her, folded his wings around her as she did the same, and the two embraced.

“How are you, beloved?” Demona asked her love.

“I am . . . well.” the king answered.

“I don’t think so. You sound --- troubled.”

“Really, it is nothing. I will be fine.”

“Are you sure, beloved?”

Goliath growled, and his queen stepped back. “I will deal with it myself.”

There was a knock at the door. “Enter.” Queen Demona said, happy to have some extra company along with this seemingly loose cannon.

One of their orderlies, another gargoyle, stepped into the office. “Pardon my intrusion, but there is a trio of our kind here to see you.”

“From where do they come?” the queen asked.

“They say from a recently liberated World. They said they wished to follow in your footsteps.”

“Tell them we shall see them shortly.” The orderly bowed and backed out of the room.

***

“I still think this is a bad idea, a very bad idea.” Guardian quipped as the three heroes waited.

“Whether you don’t like it or not, we’re here, and I highly doubt that our hosts will like it if we leave.” Demona Taina quipped back.

“Most likely they will not.” Goliath added.

Their conversation was halted when the doors opened, and out stepped the King and Queen of this World: Goliath, and another gargoyle almost identical to Demona Taina.

So that is DT’s clone. Guardian said in her mind.

The two rulers were just as surprised as the Andusian. The two stared at the three, and vice versa for a few minutes while the gravity of the situation sank in.

The Queen took the initiative. “We heard that seeing a mirror image of yourself was possible, but we never took much interest in it; what a pleasant surprise. Please sit down.”

The three gargoyles, clone, and alien sat down on the chairs provided. Guardian felt like she was being watched. She glanced at Goliath’s double; sure enough, he was staring intently at her. This did not bode well.

The Queen seemed to have noticed it, too, and glared at her beloved. Well, she had nothing to worry about; Guardian did not need a significant other. “What is it that brings you here?” Demona asked.

“Much like we told your servant, our World was recently liberated from the Blight. Others of our kind had received word that gargoyles from another World had succeeded in conquering their planet. We came in hopes that this was true; it seems it was.” the orange soldier replied in as congenial a tone as possible.

“What is it that makes you want to take control from the humans?” King Goliath demanded.

“Humans have been destroying us since our kind have lived. We want that to change.” Demona Taina answered simply.

“I can understand your want of change. Perhaps we can aide you in your quest.” The queen offered.

Whatever was troubling Goliath finally made itself clear. “You’re not a gargoyle.” He continued to stare at the Andusian.

Oh, Andus, what have I done to deserve this punishment? “I --- I beg your pardon?” Guardian spoke breathlessly, in hopes of deterring the King’s rightful observation.

“You are not a gargoyle.”

“And what evidence would you have of that, may I ask?”

The King growled low, and his eyes flared to a faint blue. “Do that.”

“Do what?”

“Flare your eyes.”

Demona Taina gasped quietly.

Oh, Andus . . . The Andusian did as she was told. “They’re different from a female’s, right? It’s a birth defect I had since I hatched. I’d tell you more if I could, but that’s all my elders would tell me.”

King Goliath sighed again, and let the matter slide. He still continued to stare at the Andusian, making her fidget at times. Demona, a businesswoman at heart, chatted amiably with the trio in hopes of alleviating the awkward air.

During this time, and even right after he had learned that his double had taken over this World, Goliath was wondering what happened to the Elisa of this World. Before he had assumed that these two would have ruled together, odd as it may seem. Upon seeing Demona he was surprised, and a bit annoyed. Though he still could not remember who she was, he still harbored some hatred for her. So, if this Goliath wasn’t with this Elisa, what happened? He was very curious. Finally, he couldn’t handle the tension any longer. He cleared his throat, gaining everyone’s attention. “If I may change the subject briefly; I’m only curious, but did you know an Elisa Maza, eh, Your Highness?”

King Goliath looked at his double in a way similar to how he had been starting at Guardian, then his features morphed into a mask of horror and pure hatred. He rose from his chair, shaking uncontrollably. He spoke in a low, angry voice: “How dare you mention that name in my presence . . . HOW DARE YOU!!!” The king lunged towards his double, and the fight began.

Guardian and her cyan friend rose from their chairs as well, prepared to go against the queen. Demona, her fangs and talons bared, glared at Guardian. “You angered my beloved first, so it is you that shall die first!” She screamed and launched herself at the Andusian. Guardian miscalculated and fell to the ground, pinned by the outraged gargoyle.

Demona Taina yelled an incantation, spread her talons towards her ‘donor’, and an invisible force impacted on the back of the queen. She hissed in pain, and turned to her clone. That was the diversion Guardian needed, and, tucking her feet towards her stomach, she kicked her assailant in the stomach and succeeded in getting the queen off of her. The clone yelled the same incantation, and pummeled Queen Demona with another compressed bubble of extreme force, leaving the queen on the ground, breathing, but down for the count.

“I’ve had Combateers last longer than that.” Guardian said as she walked to her friend.

“Trust me, the Demona on our home is a lot more fierce.”

***

Goliath and the king were in a stalemate as soon as their duel had begun. Each had an intelligence and strength equal to the other; however, King Goliath had a perverse advantage: any mention of Elisa sent him into a rage that could only be ended with the speaker lifeless at his feet. He was not about to let that record be broken.

King Goliath smiled madly, and swiped at his double with a dagger he always kept with him. Goliath leaned backward, the dagger narrowly missing him by centimeters. He returned suit with his own dagger in a downward motion, almost nicking his double’s left wrist.

The two were locked in a bubble, neither hearing the sounds of another scuffle ended. Only their sounds reigned in this bloodthirsty domain. Only the beating of the pulse and heart mattered, and in due time, only one rhythm would exit that world.

***

Guardian and Demona Taina watched the king and his kinder opponent trade blows. Neither seemed to have the upper hand, and neither the Andusian nor the clone found this surprising. Neither of them was in the mood to try and take them out of the struggle, lest they forfeit their own lives.

“Any ideas as to how we can get them out of their deathmatch?” the orange alien asked.

The magical clone thought for a minute. “Well, I do, in a way, but I’m not sure it would work . . .”

“I think just about anything would work right now. What’d you have in mind?”

“Well . . . Okay, I was thinking that you could create some kind of diversion, and while you, er, distracted them, I could go around and slap them both on the bum.”

The Andusian looked at her friend blankly. “How could you think of satisfying your ‘crush-urges’ at a time like this?” she said exasperatedly.

“Hey, you did ask me to tell you.”

The orange alien sighed. “Yeah, I suppose I did. But still . . .” Guardian trailed off. She didn’t have any other ideas, and it would get their anger off of each other. But, what about DT?

By Andus, she could get herself out of trouble. Guardian shook her head. “I guess it’s all we’ve got. You do your part, I’ll do mine?” Demona Taina nodded, and started to circle around to the fighting King and their friend.

Meanwhile, Guardian needed to think of a diversion. She looked around. Queen Demona was still down; she didn’t want to risk throwing anything at them . . . She looked down at her holster. Maybe . . .

The Andusian unholstered her weapon and switched it to its highest setting. That would only give it a few shots, unless she let it recharge itself, but the sound it would make upon leaving the chamber should be enough to grab the duelers’ attention. The orange alien aimed straight above her, and fired three shots. The gun vibrated in her hand and the projectile shrieked loudly upon exiting the chamber. The high-pitched shrieks seemed to have done their job, because both Goliaths stopped their fight and turned to the shooter.

Although she knew it was futile, Guardian aimed her weapon at the two. “Now, you two can stop fighting, and we can talk peacefully, or I can shoot you two, and I can assure you that you won’t like it.”

Both Goliaths stared in bewilderment at her.

***

While Guardian kept the two hunks occupied, Demona Taina had successfully planted herself behind the two Goliaths. She took a deep breath, let out a faint squeak of happiness, and planted her hands right square on the bums of her crushes.

Both Goliaths squawked in alarm and slight pain, and turned again to their ‘attacker,’ their eyes an eerie blue.

“Uh, hehheh, hello boys.”

***

“Now would be a good time to go!” Guardian quickly followed her own advice and ran out of the room, Demona Taina following soon after. Their Goliath took a few seconds to realize what was going on, but then was soon at their heals, roaring the magical gargoyle’s name angrily.

King Goliath was the last to follow them. He rushed to his love, which had now recovered from her blows. Her eyes were a blood red. “They will all die.”

The two moved to follow their enemies out of the hall, but a large, dark object in a window took their attention away.

It was a large, black helicopter, an obscure insignia on its door. Numerous humans were pouring out of this helicopter and, if the window did not offer such an obstructed view, the king and queen would have seen more just like it. The building shook as fighter-ships from a Fleet long gone flew overhead. The two stood, unable to move, watching the spectacle.

To their left more humans entered the hall. The royalty’s brief paralysis gone, they growled, roared, and charged the insurgents. The humans stood their ground and raised their guns. Before their lives could end, they fired their weapons.

The roars or anger turned to roars of pain as king and queen sank to the ground, falling under the sedatives’ spell. Their cries of anguish were soon drowned out by the victorious cries of the humans, their years of poverty, death, and destruction now over.

***

“Were you able to track that Tunnel?” a masculine voice asked.

“Yes, sir. It opened up on World Two-Three-Zero.” a female voice answered.

“Any updates besides this?”

“No, sir. Shall I send a pickup team?”

“No. The handler is one of us, or was. One of her former comrades in on Project Utopia; who?”

“That would be me, sir.” another female voice answered this time.

“If anything, the Andusian could not have been making a trip to one of the Critical Worlds just for the Hell of it. There must be a reason to her visit. I want to know it.”

“I’ll get right on it, sir.”

***

8:00 PM, Eastern Standard, Fleet Index World 230

A blue circle appeared over a waterfall, and spat out three gargoyle-like creatures. They began to plummet towards the choppy water below.

“By Andus!” on of them, an orange Andusian, cried out. She flapped her wings, and succeeded in staying aloft.

Another, a lavender gargoyle, was able to do the same.

Their third friend, a cyan clone of a gargoyle, was having trouble.

“Hold on Taina!” the lavender gargoyle yelled. Goliath swooped down and was able to catch the clone before she fell out of his reach.

“Let’s get to shore,” the orange alien, known as Guardian, yelled over the roar of the waterfall. Goliath followed suit.

Both Andusian and gargoyle landed safely a few feet away from the lake the waterfall fed. Goliath let the clone, known as Demona Taina, down onto the ground.

“Aw, man, and I wanted to take a swim.” Demona Taina complained.

“You’ll get your time for leisure as soon as we finish what we agreed to do for Goliath.” Guardian looked at the display of numbers on her Summoner. They read 2-3-0. “We should be in for a break this time. This place was liberated a few years ago, and it doesn’t look like anything’s messed up.”

“Or built . . .” Goliath interjected.

“Yeah. We should be in basically the same area that that place we met King Goliath was, right? So, why isn’t there a building here?” Demona Taina agreed.

“Well . . .” Guardian began as she sought an explanation; “you know how people can be different, right?” Her two friends nodded. “That difference can also apply to structures, the planet itself, if you will. As we can see, it looks like the White House was never built. I wonder why . . .

“In any event, we should continue our search for the Phoenix Gate. Probably the best place to begin would be at the tavern, but we have to get back there.”

“Do you know the way?” the clone asked.

“Of course I do.” Guardian answered in a reassuring tone. She began to spread her wings when the magical gargress warrior cleared her throat.

“You know, I’m really tired after that battle, and running, and almost falling, by the way, thanks for the rescue, big guy.” She giggled softly.

Goliath sighed. “I do not intend to carry you the whole way, Taina. I tire as well.”

“If you’re so tired, DT, maybe this can help.” Guardian began to undo the clasps on an Anti-Grav belt she happened to have with her, and handed the device to her magical friend. “It’ll help you fly. You won’t have to use your wings at all.”

While the Andusian was unclasping her Anti-Grav belt, Demona Taina had circled around towards Goliath’s back, much like she had before. She aimed and swung at the lavender gargoyle’s rear a second time, squealed happily, and ran off into the woods ahead of them. Goliath, furious, took off after her. Guardian was left alone, with her Anti-Grav belt. “Oh wonderful.” It was no use trying to call them back; might as well let them have their run, then maybe DT would agree to use the belt for fear of her safety. Goliath, though much more gentler and nobler than his insane counterpart they had met, could kill if he wanted.

Meanwhile, up on a ledge near the waterfall, a woman watched the three ‘gargoyles’ through a pair of night-vision binoculars. She lowered the binoculars and sneered.

They won’t succeed a second time, she though to herself. She started to carefully climb down the moist, slippery rocks.

***

“Guardian! Help me!” Demona Taina pleaded as she ran from her angry crush.

“If I were him I’d be at your throat, too. You get no assistance from me.” the Andusian said indignantly.

Finally the clone managed to place the alien between her and Goliath. Guardian was getting angrier herself. Then an idea popped into her mind. “Now hold on a minute you two. Let’s try and settle this. DT, you know Goliath is taken, right?”

“Yeah, unfortunately. I would be such a better girlfriend.” the magical gargress answered.

Guardian groaned. “That’s not the point. You see, your constant flirting with Goliath is hurting him, right Goliath?”

Goliath grunted a reply, but if it was in the affirmative or negative, Guardian was not sure. She sighed, and tried a different path. “You know, DT, there could be a Goliath out there that never met an Elisa.”

“Yeah, right.” Demona Taina retaliated.

“I’m serious. We didn’t see an Elisa with King Goliath, did we?”

“Well, maybe she died. You remember how he reacted when our Goliath asked about her, right?”

“Still, he was without Elisa. It can happen.”

The clone paused. “Yeah, I suppose. But it’s not like I’d ever be able to see him or anything. I can’t get to these places by magic.”

“How about this: I’ll get you a Summoner, and you can find a World with an Elisa-less Goliath, but you have to leave this poor guy alone.”

“That’s a tough decision . . .”

“DT . . .”

“I’ll think about it.”

Guardian sighed. Well, at least she convinced DT that there could exist an Elisa-less Goliath.

The conversation withered. All this talk of Elisa had put Goliath into a euphoric stupor. He sighed giddily as he recalled her, the time they spent together in the tavern . . . then his thoughts traveled to where he was now, and he sighed again, a bit more sadly this time. Would he ever be able to see her again?

Demona Taina sensed Goliath’s worry, and, for once not acting on her ‘crush-urges,’ walked over to him. She took hold of his hand and patted it. “We’ll find that blasted Gate yet, or my name isn’t Demona Taina . . .”

Guardian had been silent throughout this rare exchange of kind feelings. She thought she heard something, like hooves . . . “Do you guys hear something?” She sniffed the air, and caught the faint smell of a horse.

Suddenly, a woman on a horse jumped over a small thicket of dried underbrush, screaming bloody murder and holding a Plasma Gun high over her head. Her entrance startled the trio, and they ran for cover. The woman aimed her weapon at the nearest creature, the lavender one, and fired. Goliath jumped up, took hold of a nearby branch, and hoisted herself into the tree. The woman cursed, and began to follow the trails of the other two.

***

“Seems like we’re getting a friendly welcome every time we meet!” Demona Taina yelled to her warrior friend.

“No kidding!” Guardian returned.

The horse was getting closer. Guardian and Demona Taina spilt up, hopefully confusing their attacker. Guardian dived into another thicket, her magical friend leaping into another tree. The Andusian unholstered her own weapon, set it to a mode that would stun their opponent, and waited.

Goliath had followed the woman in the trees above, careful not to make much noise. He was soon directly above her. As a plan formulated in his mind, he stealthily moved in the fairly thick tree branches to a position that, if he tackled her from above, would send her off her horse and to the ground, hopefully not greatly injured. Something in the face of this woman reminded the gargoyle of someone he knew. He would need a longer look at the person to figure out who this ghost of a person might be. Now would be better than ever. The lavender gargoyle roared and leapt from his hiding place, his eyes a dark blue. Goliath took hold of the woman by the shoulders and threw her from her horse. She rolled to a stop in front of a nearby tree, cursing. Her horse screamed in fear and took off.

Guardian and Demona Taina leapt from their hiding places as well, eyes blazing in white and red-hot angst. Guardian kept her gun trained on the woman while DT’s hands were a bright mixture of red, orange, and yellow from the fireballs she had conjured. The woman stared coldly at the three of them, angry that she had let her guard down so easily.

“Why are you attacking us?” Goliath demanded, his eyes still an eerie blue.

The woman turned her attention to the gargoyle that spoke and sneered. “You’ll get nothing from me, monster.”

Guardian was about to roar in anger, when Demona Taina placed an arm across her chest. “You know, she looks a lot like . . . Elisa Maza . . .”

Both Guardian and Goliath’s eyes dimmed to their usual hues and stared at their magical friend.

“Here, I’ll prove it to you, maybe.” She held her still blazing arms towards the woman’s face, giving the matter more light, literally.

Both Goliath and Guardian gasped. The former loosened his grip on their prisoner. “Eh . . . Elisa?” he said in a bewildered tone.

“Yeah, yeah, that’s my name. I’ll bet you got that information from one of your friends, huh?” Her sarcastic tone hurt Goliath, who thought for a moment that this was his Elisa.

“Friends? We uh . . . we kinda know her, in the World the three of us come from.” Guardian explained.

“World?” Elisa exclaimed. “You mean to tell me you’re from Fleet?”

The ‘gargoyles’ nodded. “You think you can answer his question now?” Demona Taina asked quasi-politely.

Elisa chuckled nervously. “I’ve never seen the likes of you three before. I assumed that you were part of the Blight, and I took action.”

“Wait. You mean to tell me that you’ve never seen a gargoyle before?” the clone asked.

Elisa shook her head. “Not to my knowledge.”

Three long groans came from three very unhappy ‘gargoyles’.

“Something wrong?”

“Well, it’s not like we’re here for the hospitality,” Guardian answered dejectedly, “We need to find a magical talisman to help our friend here.” She pointed to Goliath.

“What kind of a talisman?”

“It is called the Phoenix Gate. It enables whoever holds it to travel through time.” Goliath replied.

Elisa ran a hand through her dark hair. “You know, I think I’ve heard about something like that. It was created by the so-called Third Race?”

Goliath nodded.

“There’s a rumor going ‘round that something called that is nearby. Does it look like a small shield with a bird in it?”

“Yes, it does.” The lavender gargoyle said hopefully.

“Then you guys may be in luck. There’s a rock formation not far from here, and it’s been said that the Gate’s in there. I’ll help you look for it; guess I kinda owe you for shootin’ at you when you didn’t really need it.” The human chuckled nervously again. “Let me find my horse, and I’ll see what I can do for you.”

While Elisa went off to look for her steed, Guardian gently nudged Demona Taina in the ribs with her elbow. “Y’see? She’s never met Goliath; he could be around somewhere, just waitin’ for someone like you to take his breath away.”

Guardian’s friend nodded, grinned, and started to giggle.

***

In ten minutes Elisa returned upon her horse. Oddly, it was no longer fearful of the strange creatures. “Can you guys fly with those wings of yours?” Elisa asked.

“For the most part.” Guardian answered.

“Except for me. I glide, and it doesn’t look like there are any good wind currents for me.” Despite the fact that a free Goliath was promised for her, Demona Taina still looked to the one in stock for ‘help.’ “Why don’t you carry me, you big hunk?” She strolled to Goliath and stroked his chest.

Oh, Elisa, the things I endure now . . . “What makes you think I want to?” the lavender gargoyle protested.

“Come on, DT, try the Belt. You’ll be able to fly faster than both Goliath ‘n’ me combined!” the Andusian exclaimed, attempting to dissuade her magical friend from making Goliath angry again.

Elisa could see that the pleas from the two would not help the situation. She cocked her weapon and aimed it at the cyan gargoyle. “Now this will really sting if I follow through. Why don’t you ride with me? Don’t worry; Mr. Ed won’t bite.”

Demona Taina gulped, and took up on Elisa’s offer.

"That’s better.” Elisa pointed to a large, black formation in the distance. “That’s the mountain where your supposed Gate should be. There’s a cave in there that, if the rumor is true, holds it. It shouldn’t take too long to get there; about an hour maybe.”

Guardian and Goliath nodded. “We’ll follow you.” The Andusian and the exiled gargoyle ran to the clearing by the lake and took flight. Elisa followed on her horse, and the journey commenced.

***

“I do not understand that Taina. Why must she pester me so? I will never give up my Elisa for someone like her.” Goliath said angrily as he and Guardian flew towards the mountain.

“Well, I’m not her, but you gotta think in her shoes for a minute; she has a crush on you, it’s obvious, and she’s showing that she likes you as best she knows how. Trust me; when a female has her eyes on a male, she’ll do what she can to get his attention. I’ve been there.”

Goliath looked at the Andusian in surprise. “You? You seem the type that would not choose love as a path in your life.”

In a way, Guardian was a bit hurt by this, but she did not show it. “Once, years ago. Lucky for me the feeling was mutual, but . . . things happened, and I never saw him again.”

The lavender gargoyle nodded contemplatively, and turned back to the task at hand: finding the Phoenix Gate.

***

“Sometimes I just don’t understand Goliath. I mean, I’m a clone of his former love. And now here he is in love with a human, your double actually.” Demona Taina said exasperatedly.

Elisa was silent as she thought that tidbit of information through. “The two must really like each other, then. I’ve heard of interracial marriages, but . . . kind of flattering, maybe. He has you and your, uh, ‘donor’ to choose from, and he chooses my double.”

“Hey, since you and the Goliath of this World aren’t together, did you ever hook up with somebody?” the clone asked innocently.

“No . . . Well, I had one fling with someone, but . . . with the war and all . . .”

“I understand. Say no more.” The gargress smiled and patted Elisa’s back, an act she did not mind doing since this Elisa never met the Goliath here.

“What do you know; we’re here.” Elisa slowed her horse to a stop, and human and gargoyle waited for their friends to catch up.

9:00 PM, Eastern Standard

Guardian and Goliath landed soon after the other two arrived at the foot of the mountain.

“She actually wasn’t bad company.” Elisa said as she got off her horse.

The Andusian was genuinely surprised. “Really? Then maybe now you’ll try the Belt?”

Demona Taina smiled and shook her head. “Nah, I think I like horses better.” The clone slowly reached up to the horse’s nose to pat it. The animal did not flinch.

“Well, we’d better get this over with.” Elisa fished a flashlight from a bag on her saddle, turned it on, and proceeds to lead the trio into the mountain through a nearby opening.

***

Before long the trio of ‘gargoyles’ and their human companion had succeeded in finding a larger opening in the cave. Elisa’s flashlight waved throughout the room, while the ‘gargoyles’ looked around with the aid of their own anatomy. A number of shadows were created with Elisa’s flashlight, and closer scrutiny by the trio revealed them to be statues: gargoyle-like statues. At one point the flashlight found a shiny object, and the object glared its existence. Demona Taina walked over to where the flashlight found the shiny object. “Oh my gosh . . .! Guys, guys, look! I found it! It’s the Phoenix Gate!” the magical gargress exclaimed happily. She reached out and picked up the coveted object as her friends rushed over to confirm her discovery.

Suddenly, a loud whirring sound emanated from above them. Elisa shot her flashlight upward to find a hole in the ‘ceiling;’ coming from this hole was a large, drill-like object, spinning slowly. Blue beams of light shone through the casing, illuminating the many faces of the gargoyle statues. The ‘drill’ stopped spinning, one beam of light centered on the Phoenix Gate Demona Taina now held. The light went out, and erupted into existence again in a much brighter tone. Andusian, clone, gargoyle and human alike cried out in optical pain and shielded their eyes. Three cries were abruptly ended as their creators fell to the ground, unconscious; however, the clone was left awake. Another, larger beam centered itself again on the Gate, spreading out onto Demona Taina’s body. The magical gargoyle clone gasped for breath as she felt all her energy, quite literally, leaving her and entering the ‘drill.’ She tried to summon a fireball to destroy it, but she was without the energy to do so. There was no pain, but nonetheless, Demona Taina feared for her life. She tried to cry out to her friends for assistance, but her voice box could not utter the sounds necessary; she was just too tired.

Finally the ‘drill’ let up, and Demona Taina collapsed onto her knees, gasping for breath, her strength and energy fully renewed. She was about to summon a fireball and destroy the structure that had given her so much misery when it began to spin again, only faster. More beams of blue light shot out onto each of the faces of the statues. Bright white lightning also erupted from the machine, touching all of the statues. One by one, each of the statues cracked and became animated, revealing that these statues were the real McCoy: real gargoyles.

The clone’s friends began to awaken from their brief slumber. She looked down at them, and caught a glance of the Phoenix Gate she still held. She noticed a small crack forming in it, and immediately her heart dived into her stomach. The crack grew longer every passing second, until it reached the other end of the talisman. The crack stretched itself over the entire object, causing it to crumble in the dejected clone’s hands; their journey would have to continue. Demona Taina shut her eyes tight, unwilling to allow her friends see her cry. So close . . .

By now the gargoyles had awakened from their unnatural sleep, and were taking in their surroundings for the first time in a long time. The ‘drill’-like object had ascended into its hiding place again, and brought moonlight into the dark room. How no one knew, and most likely did not care; there were more important matters to discuss at the moment. For one, why the new Goliath was staring at Demona Taina like that.

“My love, is it really you?” the new lavender gargoyle said as he walked towards the clone, arms outstretched, mouth upturned in a welcoming smile.

“Well, uh . . .” Demona Taina could not answer, as she was swept into a comfortable embrace by this newcomer.

The magical gargoyle’s friends looked on in surprise. “It looks like we missed something big,” Guardian quipped.

“Obviously so,” her gargoyle companion agreed.

The embrace ended, and the new Goliath looked at his ‘love’s’ friends. His face twisted into a look of confusion, and he looked back at Demona Taina. “Who are these people?” he asked.

“Here, I’ll answer that. You guys get going with that Gate,” Elisa offered.

“There’s a small problem with that,” the clone said sadly.

“And what might that be?” the Andusian asked, but she had an idea as to what the answer might be.

“Well, whatever it was that helped these guys awaken, it broke the Gate, right in my hands. I --- I’m sorry, Goliath.”

The trio’s Goliath sighed sadly, but offered no further insight as to how he truly felt.

One of the other gargoyles, brick red in skin tone and quite similar to Guardian, spoke up. “Hey, can we get some answers here? Maybe just what in the world is going on here?”

“Like I said, I’ll handle that. You guys get going, without the Gate, then,” Elisa offered again.

“Yeah, looks like we need to reconnoiter,” the Andusian said in agreement. She began to walk through the small crowd of recently awakened gargoyles and back to the entrance, her companions following. The other gargoyles stared at them, unsure as whether to follow or stay. The human gathered them around her and began to fill them in on what happened while they slept as best that she could, hoping that they wouldn’t attack her.

***

“Alright, so what happened while we were in ‘La-la-land’?” Guardian asked her cyan friend.

“It was weird. The drill-thingy started taking my energy, and I guess the Gate’s too, and was giving it to the statues, so they could awaken. I survived it, but the Gate didn’t.”

The Andusian sighed. “Well, I guess that means we do it again.” She began to take out her Summoner when the magical clone cleared her throat.

“I think we’ve all had enough for a while. First with King Goliath and Queen Demona, now this disappointment? I don’t know about you, but I could go for a break.”

The orange alien turned to Goliath. “Your thoughts?”

The lavender gargoyle sighed again. “Much as I’d like to see this over with, I believe Taina has a strong point.”

Guardian nodded. Something in her urged her to leave that World, to continue with the journey, but she quelled it. “I guess we all deserve some kind of a break; I won’t push you.”

After the trio’s vote the newly awakened clan walked out of the opening, Elisa behind them. “They learn fast,” she said, smiling.

The new Goliath glanced at Demona Taina and beckoned her aside, smiling as well. “Um, Guardian? You wouldn’t mind if I went off on my own for a while, would you?”

“No, not at all. Just get back here before sunrise if you can,” Guardian answered.

Giddy, the cyan clone ran off to see just what it was the new Goliath wanted. The Andusian waved to her friend’s back, and turned to their Goliath, who was in an awkward position; could he please tell the other gargoyles about the idea of doubles? And maybe answer the beaked one’s question as to what these three weirdoes were doing here? Guardian laughed. “I can answer those if you like, Goliath.” The lavender gargoyle nodded enthusiastically.

So Guardian began to tell them.

***

Demona Taina followed the new Goliath around the rock formation to where they could not be seen or heard. The two were silent while the new lavender gargoyle gathered his courage to speak.

“My clan and I have slept for four years. My former love, Demona, cast a spell on us so as to keep us safe from the impending invasion, then left to find help. Lexington helped her build the device that usurped you of your energy, and she left the Phoenix Gate in the cave so that, when she returned, its power combined with her magical expertise, with the machine as the catalyst, we would all awaken again.”

“You remember all that?”

“It was the last thing she said to me before she cast the spell over us.” Goliath paused as this information sank in. “From what your human companion said about ‘doubles,’ I deduced that the machine thought you were our Demona, and the process began. We owe you our lives. If you had not come here, who knows how much longer we would have been under the spell.” Goliath took one of Taina’s hands into his own, and kissed it lightly. “From the bottom of my heart, I thank you.”

The cyan clone was quite giddy with his heartfelt thanks. But, there was still one little unresolved issue: “I appreciate your, uh, appreciation, but what if your Demona is still out there? I wouldn’t feel right.” Although she would easily try and take any Goliath away from Elisa, something in her did not like trying to take away a Goliath that has professed his love to Demona.

Goliath shook his head sadly. “I fear the worst has happened. Had it not, I am absolutely positive that she would have returned by now. But she has not, and you are here.” He stepped closer.

The magical gargoyle grinned, and stepped closer as well.

“There is a place that the two of us enjoyed going to. I would like to take you there, as a token of my appreciation,” he said.

“Don’t waste another minute.”

Gargoyle and clone dug their talons into the rock, climbed a few feet, and launched themselves into a strong wind.

***

10:00 PM, Eastern Standard

For the second time since their arrival Demona Taina found herself at the waterfall. Goliath led her down to a ledge beside it; here the roar of the water and the force of the wind were strong and fierce.

“My love and I would dive into the water below. It made for some interesting gymnastics!” Goliath yelled over the falling water. “After you!”

Taina grinned, and launched herself off the ledge. She folded her wings, plummeting towards the lake below. So she would get to swim after all. The cyan clone dived into the water below, making a neat little splash.

Goliath watched his love’s double dive, then took his turn. He leapt off the ledge, and tucked his wings in as well, falling closer and closer to the lake. When he was only a few feet away from the water, he spread his wings, sending him upward a few more feet. Then he folded in his wings one last time, and cannonballed into the lake. He surfaced to find Demona Taina smiling and clapping.

“Nice one.”

The lavender gargoyle grinned, and dunked the gargoyle into the water. She retaliated by wrapping her tail around one of his legs and pulling; he went under. Their play lasted for a rather long time, from splashing to dunking and more diving to short periods of treading water, regaining strength for the next session of fun.

1:30 AM, Eastern Standard

Demona Taina and Goliath sat near the shore of the lake, taking in the morning sky. No constellations were familiar to the cyan clone, as there were so many stars; the lack of nearby artificial light provided for that. “Well, I had fun,” she said at last.

“Yes, I did as well. This is the perfect end to a perfect evening. After out swims my love and I would always do this, sometimes for hours on end.” Goliath turned to face the magical gargress. “Will you be able to stay?”

Taina paused for a moment. She would have liked to say ‘Yes,’ but she had a job to do. Well, perhaps she could return once it was done. She sighed. “No, I don’t think I can stay much longer. You see, my friend and I, the orange one, we’re helping your double settle a tiff between him and a very powerful person. I can’t abandon him like that; it would almost be like abandoning you.”

“Is there anyone waiting for you at your home?”

“No, not really.”

“Is it possible that you could return?”

“I hope so. My friend has the technology that brought us here. I don’t know if I could use my magic to get here; I promise that I will return, though.”

“I trust that you will fulfill your promise.”

The rest of their time alone together was spent in silence as the two watched the stars and moon dance from end of the sky to the other, reveling in an unspoken, but known love.

5:30 AM, Eastern Standard

“Look, they’re back!” one of the gargoyles, named Lexington, said happily as Demona Taina and Goliath landed a few feet away.”

“Glad you could make it back in time,” Guardian said to her cyan friend. She winked, and received another from DT.

“I apologize for my prolonged absence; we were . . . reminiscing,” the new Goliath said sheepishly.

“Ach, ’tis no trouble, lad. Come, let’s get back into the cave; the sun will rise soon,” an elderly gargoyle, Hudson, said jovially.

“Perhaps you would like to join us for the day? It is the least we can do, after what you did for us,” the new Goliath offered the trio that saved them from a possibly endless stone slumber.

Guardian looked at the Goliath she knew, for she already knew DT’s response. Their lavender gargoyle nodded. The Andusian turned back to the double. “We’d love to.”

The gargoyles and Andusian walked back into the cave. “Oh, yeah, where’d Elisa go?” Demona Taina asked her orange friend.

“Oh, she left a while ago. But she did tell us to say ‘goodbye’ to you for her. And ‘good luck,’ but I wouldn’t know why she said that.” In the darkness, Guardian smiled.

Taina understood the joke, and chuckled. “How nice of her. Well, I guess I am lucky.” She paused for a moment before brining up another question. “Oh, um, this may seem a bit odd, but . . .” when the Andusian said nothing, the cyan clone continued, “Is it possible that you could give me another, uh, whatever is it you’ve been using to bring us to these other, eh, Worlds?”

The orange alien laughed. “Sure I can. May take a while, with the red tape ‘n’ all, but you’ll get one.”

The group entered into the large room and took their places.

“Too bad we have to do this again so soon after we were awakened,” one of the new gargoyles said, “I was looking forward to eating.”

The sun rose above an unseen horizon. Seven gargoyles froze to stone, leaving one alien standing within a garden of statues. Guardian yawned, and brought out a device the size of a poker chip from her gunbelt. She pressed her thumb into a depression in the device, and waited for the device to beep. She dropped it onto the floor, took up a pose as well, and closed her eyes.

The device emitted an almost blinding white light, which enveloped the strange creature. Another light, this one a pink color covered the first. Both dimmed, leaving an eighth stone statue.

***

6:00 AM, Eastern Standard, Fleet Index World 150

A knock from the door snapped Elisa out of her sleep. “Come in.”

The bartender peeped in. “Is there anywhere you need to be? As I’m sure you know, it’s getting late, or early.” Even in the dawn, this man got a chuckle from the exhausted woman. “If not, I can let you hole up in one of my rooms.”

Too tired to disagree, Elisa nodded. “I would appreciate that.”

The bartender helped Elisa to her feet, and walked her out of the room and towards the guest rooms. “Get some rest. I’ll make something up later for the both of us.”

Drifting off as they walked, Elisa said sleepily, “Will they ever return?”

The bartender sighed. “Guard’s a good one; she won’t shirk out of this. And I’m sure she’ll keep that Taina off your friend.”

Elisa sighed as well.

***

1:30 PM, Eastern Standard (that afternoon), Fleet Index World 230

Long before sunset, one of the eight gargoyle statues broke from her stone sleep. She surveyed the other statues to make sure her awakening had done no harm. Once she was satisfied, she picked up the object which helped her sleep and placed it back in the pouch on her gunbelt; she turned to the opening of the cave, and began to walk towards it. For now her friends could sleep, but she knew she would have to answer to someone for what she had done.

Guardian squinted at the sudden change in light. Stepping out, she rubbed her arms, bathing in the serene sunlight; a gift her friends could never have. Taking in her surroundings, she began to run towards the waterfall that she had the pleasure of meeting the night before. In seconds, she gained enough momentum to lift off, and flew towards her destination.

***

2:30 PM, Eastern Standard

Guardian was quite surprised to see barely anyone on or near the waterfall. She only saw one person, by the shore, waving for her to come down. The Andusian complied, and landed some feet away from the human female.

“Well, you took a while. How’ve you been, Guard?” the human asked as she walked towards her former comrade.

“I’ve been well enough, Diana. Missing you and the others, though,” the Andusian soldier answered. The two shook hands and embraced.

“Oh, I’ll spread the word to the other guys.” After that the conversation was no longer conversational. “I’m willing to bet you know why I’m here.”

“I didn’t request to use my Summoner.”

The woman looked at her friend. “What? Oh, great, you just made it harder, then.”

“You mean you’re not here for that? Then just what in Andus are you here for?”

“One-Seven-Oh is a Critical World, Guard. No one can get there, only authorized Fleet personnel, and all Casual and Warfare Summoner indexes have been wiped of the World. The Summoner you got is a Casual, right?”

“Of course it is.”

“Then please tell me how you got to One-Seven-Oh.”

Guardian was perplexed. “I used the Summoner.”

“Guardian, I’m not in the mood for this. Stop joking.”

“I’ve never joked about issues pertaining to Fleet, you know that. I’m telling you the truth; I simply let the Summoner randomize, and that’s how I got there. Seems like I came in time, too. What was going on that it had to be Critical?”

“Might as well fill you in; it’ll clear my mind before we tackle how your Summoner didn’t get wiped:

“World One-Seven-Oh didn’t like gargoyles, and when the Blight came they blamed them for it; and, instead of focusing on the Blight, they focused on the gargoyles. Needless to say, that was stupid. When we finally came over, that place was in a shambles; almost like your place, but at least your Humans weren’t killing the wrong species.

“As usual, we were able to clean up the place. Then, we began to implement what it known as Project: Utopia; in theory, it’s supposed to bring a World to a singular, peaceful government, and later join the Fleet as a Primary.”

“Trouble was brewing. Two gargoyles were able to take over before the Project could even start. Fleet had to high tail it outta there before any more lives were lost. But the members of the Project, and some other personnel, stayed. We were to wait for the word from Fleet to take action.

“Then you and your two friends came along. God only knows how, but you were the catalysts to a long-awaited second liberation. I was sent to find out just how in Hell you were able to get to that World, but it looks like you don’t know either.”

“Here, why don’t you take a look at it; maybe it wasn’t wiped from here.” Guardian willingly fished out her Summoner and gave it to her friend, eager to get to the bottom of this odd problem.

Diana keyed the formerly Critical World, and pressed the ‘Activate’ button. The Summoner buzzed angrily. Diana looked at her friend. “Now it’s saying that World is inaccessible; but, why didn’t it do that before?”

“Trust me; right now I’m not the one to be asked that,” Guardian answered in a confused tone.

“Well, you stay here for now. I have to bring this back, then, and get it worked on. We’ll pick you up shortly.”

“Ah, you can’t do that.”

“And why is that?”

“You ready for an even more bizarre story than this?”

“Probably. Lay it on me, Guard.”

Guardian told her former comrade of the Time-Device, the search for Goliath, and the need to find an alternate Phoenix Gate.

“No, I was wrong. I wasn’t ready for that.” Diana was silent as her comrade’s strange tale sank in. “Well, I can make a deal with you; I’ll let you continue on your journey. As soon as you’re finished with it, you have got to get to some Fleet ship ASAP and speak for this. I can hold them off for a while, but not forever; you get finished fast.”

“D’you have another Summoner? Maybe you can let me use that instead of this one that seems to be messed up.”

“Nah, I can’t do that. I can’t use the messed up one; it’s evidence. You keep using it. I looked for you, but before I found you my Surveyor picked up another Tunnel; looks like you got out before I could find you.”

“Thanks, Diana. I owe you one.” The two embraced again.

“We’ll call it even as soon as this problem is solved. ‘Til then, try and lay low, please.”

“I’ll try. But with this thing,” the Andusian waved her Summoner, “there’s no telling where we could end up.”

“I know you’ll be good. Now get outta here, before I change my mind and bring you back with me.”

Guardian grinned, turned around, and began to run a second time. She lifted off into the air, with her Human friend waving to her back. As the Human tunneled back to her job, Guardian’s thoughts were preoccupied; for the rest of the day and early evening, she pondered the problem Diana presented to her. Perhaps this was the Deceased’s work, perhaps it was a malfunction; whatever the reason, it did not matter to Guardian. She had helped an entire planet free itself from two crazed rulers; yet another accomplishment to put on a resume.

***

6:00 PM, Eastern Standard (that evening)

Guardian waited outside the cave for her friends to emerge. She smiled as they stepped out, followed by the new clan.

“How’d you break from the stone sleep before us?” Demona Taina asked.

“I don’t need to sleep as long as you,” the Andusian answered simply.

“Strange gargoyle,” one of the new clan gargoyles said plaintively.

“In any event, we better get going, unless there are still any opposing?”

Neither DT nor Goliath spoke. Either they were both ready to move on, or reluctant. It did not matter; they had to work fast. The trio said their good-byes to the new clan, and Guardian keyed in the randomizer on her Summoner.

The device shot out a blue circle that quickly increased in size. The trio jumped in. The new clan watched in awe at the spectacle. At least two of them yearned to follow the trio, each for different reasons, but these reasons were quelled as they dispersed, searching for the first time in a long time, for the clan’s breakfast.

***

6:05 PM, Eastern Standard, Fleet Index World 160

A blue circle shimmered into existence on the wall that helped to form an alley. Three beings, a gargoyle, a clone of a gargoyle, and an alien jumped out of the Tunnel. The alien, with an orange skin tone, landed on her feet. The clone, cyan in color, ran to a stop a few inched from the parallel wall. Their third friend, a lavender hue, landed on his feet, then collapsed onto his knees. The vortex closed. While the clone, known as Demona Taina, helped their lavender friend up, known as Goliath, Guardian, the orange alien, cautiously peeked out of the alley.

The Andusian was quite surprised to see people, gargoyles as well, smile and wave at her. Some even said ‘hello.’ This unnerved the alien, as she was accustomed to a harsher New York. Sheepishly, she returned the congenial waves.

“So, is this place messed up, or are we okay?” Demona Taina asked.

“Well, I’m not sure. This place seems overly friendly, even for New York; but I guess that could be a plus, considering what we’ve been though already.”

“Perhaps we will not be attacked this time,” Goliath interjected. He then chuckled at his own joke.

“Let’s hope so. At least we won’t have to hide. Let’s try and get back to the tavern. We should be able to get our answers there, hopefully.”

“You think maybe we should find another one of those ships, Guard? We’re still in D.C., right? It took us an hour to get from the tavern to here in that World with King Goliath?” Taina asked.

“Uh, right. You’re right, DT. Unless the cave was around where the tavern would be . . .”

A woman walked up to them. She looked a bit disheveled, and anxious. She looked at the trio, who by now were more surprised to see her than the ‘New York’ welcome; this was Elisa again. “Hey, you think you could tell me where Central Park is?” she asked

For the moment, it was quite silly to ask these three, as they had no idea where they were either. “Uh, I wish I could help you, miss, but we’re kinda in the same predicament as yourself; we don’t know where we are either. You’d probably be better off asking someone else; sorry, miss,” Guardian said politely. She and her friends turned to ask the same question themselves.

“Oh, alright, fine! Go ahead, don’t tell me! I’ll just go and be late to my job, and I’ll have you to thank for it!” Elisa yelled at the ‘gargoyles,’ attracting the attention of some window shoppers nearby.

The trio stopped in their tracks. The Andusian looked at the cyan clone. Goliath growled, and slowly turned around to face the human, his eyes a faint blue. He stepped towards her, barely containing his anger.

“That’s right, I’m talking to you!” Elisa yelled at the lavender gargoyle.

“Leave --- us --- be,” Goliath growled.

The ultimatum fazed the double not one bit. On the contrary, it only angered her more. So much, in fact, that she actually took a swing at the gargoyle.

Goliath caught the fist before it could make any contact on his face. Furious, he took hold of the human’s jacket collar, and walked towards a nearby trashcan. Flailing and screaming on the human’s part brought her no assistance. Goliath dropped her unceremoniously next to the can, and leaned into her face. “Leave us be!” Goliath growled loudly. Finally, the human complied, staring into the gargoyle’s eyes fearfully.

Goliath stood and returned to his comrades. “We can go. She will not bother us. However, we should find directions to the tavern.” Guardian and Taina watched him walk away, mouths agape. They quickly followed him.

***

7:15 PM, Eastern Standard

Guardian, Goliath, and Demona Taina waved ‘goodbye’ to the ship that was lifting off in Central Park.

“It was a good thing Goliath saw that ship place; otherwise who knows how long it would have taken us to get here,” the clone said.

“Yeah, thanks for pointing that out, Goliath,” the Andusian agreed.

Goliath nodded happily, and led the way into the tavern.

A tall, young man with a goatee and a ponytail looked back them and smiled. “Hello there. What can I get you today?”

“Oh my gosh, that’s Xanatos!” Taina whispered.

“Who’s he?” Guardian asked.

“Where we come from, he’s the one that helped awaken Goliath and his clan.”

“Oh . . . whoa, then why’s he here . . .?”

Goliath, unaware of the others’ conversation, answered Xanatos the bartender. “We won’t be here long. Perhaps, eh, something to keep us up for the night? We’re all still a bit tired.”

“Coming right up. Have a seat; I’ll bring them to you shortly.”

The trio walked to a table and sat. They conversed quietly, assessing the situation.

“Alright, so Xanatos is the bartender. Is there still a chance that the Phoenix Gate can still be around?” Guardian asked.

“I don’t know. I remember so little . . . Xanatos is the one that brought our castle above the clouds, ending the spell over my clan and awakening us. Through him I was able to procure the Gate, and everything else you know,” Goliath answered.

“So . . . there is a chance still, maybe. Perhaps, providing this guy never did what you just said, maybe someone else with his power here did, and everything went according to our World. Or, there’s the chance that your clan could still be collecting dust.”

“Well, there’s no harm in asking,” Demona Taina interjected.

Guardian nodded. “We’ll ask when he brings us the drinks.”

An unseen door banged closed. “You’re late!” the bartender called.

“Yeah, yeah, I know. I’ll make up for it,” a strangely familiar voice called back.

“Here, take these to those three over there.”

There was a frustrated sigh, and the mystery voice carried the drinks to the trio. Upon setting the drinks down there was a chorus of gasps.

“Oh, jeez, not you three again! So you did know!” Elisa nearly shrieked.

Guardian groaned, and put her head in her hands. “Hey, can we let bygones by bygones? We went to a nearby ship depot and hitched a ride here, yeesh . . .”

Elisa growled, slammed the drinks onto the table, and stomped out of the room.

“Oh boy she’s cranky . . .” Taina said plaintively.

Xanatos walked over. “Sorry about that. You want something else?”

“No, we’re fine, thanks. Actually, we were wondering if you could tell us a bit about this World,” Guardian began.

“Go ahead.”

“Have you ever heard of the Phoenix Gate?”

The bartender stroked his goatee. “Nope, don’t think I have, sorry.” He turned to go when Taina stopped him.

“What about the Third Race? You know, Oberon, Titania, elves, anything like that?”

“Nope. The Third Race doesn’t even exist on this World. I’ve heard about it from the conversations of some Fleet soldiers, but they don’t exist here. Sorry again.”

Two mouths and one beak dropped to the table. “Oh, wonderful,” the beaked one quipped. “In that case, where’s your restroom?”

“Right over there.” Xanatos pointed towards a familiar door.

“Thank you,” Goliath said.

The trio quickly stood up and walked into the restroom together. And odd spectacle, but there was work to be done.

“Here’s hoping,” Guardian said in the bathroom. She activated the Summoner, and the three jumped in, leaving the empty stalls without company.

***

7:25 PM, Eastern Standard, Fleet Index World 260

A bright white circle shimmered into existence in a small, unkempt room. Three gargoyle-like creatures tumbled out; one, Guardian, able to land on her feet, a second, Demona Taina, on all fours, and the third, Goliath, in a heap on the floor. The circle closed, leaving the adventurers in a dark room once again.

“So, now we should be where we started, right?” Demona Taina, cyan in color, speculated.

Guardian looked at the rectangular box she held. “Yep. Same place, just a different World, and hopefully we’ll get lucky this time. Number . . . Two-sixty.” She looked around. “So much for another warm welcome.” She turned to her comrades. Her cyan friend had helped their third member up who happened to be a light purple.

“Ick, it looks like the first place we went to. I hope it’s not,” the cyan clone stated sadly.

“I wouldn’t think it would be the same. Let’s hope Fleet still has yet to send in repair teams.” For protection, Guardian unholstered her weapon, aimed at the door, and opened it quickly.

Dozens of bodies were laid out in rows in what would have been the tavern. White sheets covered them, showing the worst had happened. The sheets had black lettering on them, identifying who was underneath. The white of the sheets contrasted starkly to the moldy green-brown of the tavern; the owner left it for lost soon after the war began.

The trio startled a man who was bending over one of the sheets. He looked up, and stared in fear at the creatures. He stood up and backed away. “No, no, I see things . . . they are here . . .” He shielded his face with his arms, warding off the invisible demons he thought were giving him these visions. Although he was fairly young, his voice betrayed an age that only veterans of war and death could attain.

Guardian noticed the cross embroidered onto the man’s right shirt sleeve. She holstered her weapon and stepped forward. “No, Father. We are not visions produced by the Blight. We --- fought here, and we wanted to see how things were doing.”

The priest nodded and lowered his arms. “The fruits of their labors. I wonder how I still go on.” He swept an arm across the room, indicating those who had perished.

Guardian nodded solemnly. “May they be at peace where they are . . . Tell me, you haven’t heard of a Phoenix Gate, have you?”

The priest shuddered. “Too many times. There is something called such here, and there has been uproar about using it to correct what happened. I myself would like to see it put to use, then maybe we will not have need of a Fleet at all.”

Guardian let the priest’s opinion go. Some things just couldn’t risk being changed. “Do you know where we can find it?”

“Perhaps you would try the large replica of a Scottish castle not five miles from here.” He smiled. “Are you going to attempt an ultimate solution?”

“In a way. My superiors think that if they study this Gate they might find a way to create time travel scientifically.”

The priest nodded. “I shall not keep you longer. Good luck in attaining it. I hear its proprietor is insistent on keeping it.”

Guardian nodded, and motioned for her companions to exit with her. “Thank you for the information, Father.” The trio exited the tavern.

Outside it was just as dismal. The forest Guardian and Demona Taina were so accustomed to seeing was decaying. A blanket of gray clouds covered the sky. To the west a large shadow stood over the mourning World, observing the destruction the Blight had caused.

“That must be Castle Wyvern.” DT stated, and pointed to the shadow. “If you get enough altitude back home you can see it. But I guess without the trees in the way . . .” She did not finish her sentence.

“There’s only one way to find out.” Guardian spread her wings and started running in the direction of the shadow. Once she gained the momentum required she lifted off into the air and circled back to her companions. “Well, what are you waiting for?” The alien smiled, and beckoned them to follow her.

Demona Taina looked around and checked for wind by licking her finger and holding it the air. “No wind for me to glide on.” She turned to Goliath, grinning innocently.

Goliath rumbled a sigh, picked up the cyan clone, ran in the same direction Guardian had, and lifted off as well.

***

7:45 PM, Eastern Standard

It did not take them long to arrive at the castle. The priest’s calculation was inaccurate; it was about five and a quarter mile from the tavern. Still, with the Andusian and exiled Gargoyle doing the flying power, it only took a half-hour for them to reach the castle. The two flyers landed silently, with Goliath gently setting his passenger on the ground. Demona Taina giggled. They stood at the entrance of Xanatos Enterprises.

“How someone could create an exact replica of a castle and put it on top of a building is beyond me. Who in their right mind would attempt such a feat?” Guardian asked rhetorically.

“Someone that woke my clan and me from a thousand years of stone sleep.” Goliath rumbled angrily.

Guardian turned to Goliath and grinned sheepishly. “Didn’t realize I said that out loud.” She turned her attention back to the doors. “Well, they can’t deny a visit from Fleet Inspection if they have something Fleet wants.” The orange alien prepared to kick in the door, but Goliath interjected and calmly pushed them aside.

“Force is not needed, yet.” the lavender gargoyle said softly. He bowed and outstretched a talon towards the dark lobby. “After you.”

Demona Taina quickly sprinted inside, happy to be treated so politely by her purple crush. She turned and blew him a kiss. Guardian sighed jokingly and stepped inside second, Plasma Gun drawn, followed by Goliath.

Although it was against their better judgement, they used the elevator; it was simply much quicker than taking the stairs. The doors opened into the Great Hall of the castle, and the trio stepped out. Cautiously they stepped out of the elevator, and looked around. No artificial light was on; the only light filtered in from the dirty windows, giving the room a foreboding appearance. Six spots of red, white, and blue pierced through the dim light as the trio attempted to adjust to the darkness.

“So, where did you keep the Gate here, Goliath?” Guardian asked.

“With me, at all times,” the lavender gargoyle answered.

“Then all we need to do is find your double and get the Gate. Doesn’t seem too hard.”

A roar broke off the conversation. A large, winged figure jumped onto Guardian, screaming “Traitor!” The force of the blow took the breath from the Andusian, and she was unable to retaliate. The figure growled, jumped off the incapacitated alien, and turned to face his other two enemies. Upon seeing Demona Taina he roared again, and lunged at the clone. He was stopped as his double grabbed a hold of his neck and lifted him off the ground.

“Take him into the light!” Taina cried out, wanting to know who was attacking them this time. By now Guardian had recovered from her lack of breath, and was scanning the room, her gun drawn and ready, for any other surprises.

Goliath complied, and dropped their assailant between himself and one of the windows. Another Goliath fell to the ground, rubbing his neck. “Wow, I grew big,” he said innocently.

“It’s Goliath?” the clone exclaimed.

Before anyone could answer another gargoyle joined the party. This one looked similar to the Lexington the trio had met on World 230, but this one had gold plates covering most of his head and parts of his webbed wings, and one of his eyes had been replaced with a red optical display. “What’s going on here?” he demanded. “Who are you?”

“It’s okay; we’re with Fleet. We were told to come here and try to obtain a talisman that would allow for time travel. It looks like Fleet wants to try and erase what’s happened here,” Guardian fibbed.

Lexington nodded. “I’m sorry about him,” he pointed to the Goliath sitting on the floor, “Ever since we defeated the Blight he hasn’t been the same. As for the talisman, you must mean the Phoenix Gate. He has it with him, but he won’t give it to anybody; believe me I’ve tried.”

“Well, there’s a first time for everything,” Demona Taina suggested.

“No there’s not! I’m giving this to anybody!” the insane Goliath protested childishly.

While Taina and Goliath tried to negotiate with the insane double, Guardian procured information from Lexington. “What happened here, if I may ask?”

“During the reign of the Blight I was able to take over the company of the man that helped awakened the rest of my clan. When the Fleet came I helped manufacture energy weapons that would take care of the Blight problem,” Lexington supplied, happy to comply with Fleet personnel.

“Why’d he go, eh, insane?”

“During the fight most from our clan passed on. Our human friend, Elisa Maza, lost the use of her legs. When he found about Elisa, he snapped.”

Guardian narrowed her eyes and thought for a moment. “Is it possible that, if we convince your Goliath that Elisa would appreciate it if he gave us the Gate, he would give it to us?”

Lexington shrugged. “Like I said, I’ve tried. But since it’s going to a good cause, you can be my guest.” He waved his arm towards Demona Taina and the two Goliaths.

Guardian nodded, walked towards the insane Goliath, and cleared her throat. “May I have a crack at it?”

“Go ahead. Good luck,” Taina said in exasperation. The two stepped back to give the Andusian room.

The orange alien squatted down so she was almost at eye level with the insane lavender gargoyle. “Goliath, your friend says that you have the Phoenix Gate. Is that true, Goliath?”

The insane Goliath nodded happily. “Wanna see it? You can’t have it though.”

“That would make me so happy if you showed it to me, Goliath.”

The insane Goliath grinned stupidly, and from a pouch on his belt took out the coveted object. That was it; that was the Phoenix Gate the trio had spent that past night or so looking for; it was there, right in Guardian’s grasp. One quick move and it could have been theirs. The golden bird almost seemed to cry out to the trio, begging to be taken from its crazy owner. But no, things could not be done that way. That would leave the door open for more trouble later on.

“You know, my friends and I really need to use the Phoenix Gate. And you know what? I think Elisa would really like it if you gave it to us.”

The insane Goliath stared at Guardian, his eyes the size of dinner plates. “Really? You think so? I know! I’ll go check!” He scrambled to his feet and scampered out of the room, calling out Elisa’s name. The trio and Lexington soon followed him.

There was a scream, a loud thump, and the squeaking of wheels as they quickly moved to another location. “Uh-oh; he scared Elisa again.”

The insane Goliath called out for Elisa again, and followed her out to the courtyard; Lexington and the trio joined them shortly.

“Get him away from me!” Elisa screamed.

“But wait! I have a question for you, Elisa! It’ll only take a minute!” the insane Goliath pleaded.

“Speak softly, okay Goliath? Then maybe she’ll listen, okay?” Lexington asked slowly.

Insane Goliath looked at Lexington, smiled and nodded. “Oh, okay,” he whispered. Carefully he knelt down besides the wheelchair-bound Elisa. “Elisa, I have a question for you.” He continued to whisper.

After taking a few breaths to calm herself, Elisa answered. “And what might that be?”

“They,” Goliath whispered, pointing to the trio, “say that you’ll be happy if I gave them the Phoenix Gate. Will you?” He looked at Elisa curiously.

“I don’t know, Goliath.” She looked up at the trio. “Why do you need it?”

“Fleet wants to try and use it to erase what’s happened here,” Lexington said.

Elisa stared at Lexington, then at the trio; then she laughed. “Oh come on! You really are going to believe that? Fleet knows that the Phoenix Gate exists here; they’ve never attempted to get it before, and I even talked to a soldier that doubted they would use it to erase what happened here. I don’t know who you three are, but you’re not getting the Gate for that reason.”

Two mouths and one beak dropped to the floor. Was their bluff that obvious? In any event, all three of them were tired of lying, especially to people and gargoyles whose doubles they knew so well.

“Alright, alright, you win. You’re right; we’re not here to get the Gate for Fleet reasons,” Guardian said dejectedly. “But maybe the real reason will be enough to change your mind.” The Andusian turned to Demona Taina. “Maybe you should tell them; you know more about the problem than I do.”

Taina nodded steadfastly, and began her tale. “On our World, the Blight hasn’t come yet.” She continued through the gasps. “Our Goliath destroyed our World’s Phoenix Gate, and Oberon punished him for doing so. Guardian and I were chosen to save him from his exile, and we succeeded in doing that. However, Oberon got word of what we had done, and began to look for the three of us. That’s when Guardian brought up the idea of traveling to other Worlds to try and find a substitute for our missing Gate. That’s what we’ve been doing for the past two nights.”

There was a brief pause. Then, Elisa spoke. “Okay, so you want our Gate to help him end a tiff with Oberon?”

“I would be grateful if you gave us the Gate,” Goliath rumbled in his solemn tone. “If I am ever to be with my Elisa again, I will need it.”

“Oh, so you have an Elisa of your own on your World, then?”

Goliath nodded. “And I would do anything for her. Perhaps you can look at this journey as being done for her, so that we can be together again. My love for her knows no boundaries.”

Elisa uttered a small gasp. Before her own Goliath went off the deep end, they shared the same bond. Now, although she could not relive this romance, perhaps she could help another continue theirs. Suddenly, giving up the Phoenix Gate did not seem as stupid anymore. She turned to her Goliath, who was still kneeling to her side, and said to softly, “Goliath?”

“Yes?” he whispered back, happy to continue their game.

“I would be very happy if you gave your double the Phoenix Gate. He needs it more than we do.” She looked into his eyes, for any sign of intelligence, any hope that one day they, too, could follow in the footsteps of their doubles.

The insane Goliath stared into Elisa’s eyes, letting her request go over in hid mind. He carefully pondered each word, making sure he understood the full extent of their purpose. Something in his mind sparked. It was time to give up the Phoenix Gate. He looked down at the object he still held in his hands, then looked back up at his former love. His mouth slowly upturned to a knowledgeable smile, and he patted a nearby hand of hers. “Yes, I think it is time I gave it away.”

Goliath stood and turned to the trio. He carefully stepped towards his double, and outstretched the hand that still held the Gate. He looked up at his double and said earnestly, “Elisa wants you to have it . . . I want you to have this.”

Surprised, and almost close to tears, Goliath took the Gate from his insane double’s outstretched hand. Finally, after searching for what seemed like years, his journey was over. He could go back to Elisa, Oberon would have his Gate, and life could continue. More so, this Gate did not hurt him; as part of his punishment, if he lay as much as a talon on the Gate, his immortality would be erased; and if he lived long after he should have passed on, then there was not much hope for his survival.

Goliath’s insane double was staring intently at him. “You are happy now?” he asked innocently.

For a moment Goliath stared back at his crazy double, then, he nodded. “Yes, I am very happy. Thank you.”

Taina and Guardian had watched the whole ordeal, eyes transfixed upon the insane Goliath, thanking their respective ancestors that their journey, too, would finally be at an end.

Lexington turned to look at the two. He walked over to them. “He’s never spoken like that. I wonder if this is a foreshadowing of things to come . . .” He looked up at the lain and the clone hopefully, and outstretched his cybernetic hand. “Thank you for coming, even if you weren’t sent by Fleet. If he actually does get out of his . . .” he left the statement unfinished, still amazed at the sudden turn of events.

Both Guardian and Demona Taina accepted the offered hand. Neither of them spoke, either, allowing the gargoyle to dream his fantasies. They, too, hoped that the friend’s double would come out of his insanity, but that would happen if it was suppose to. Guardian looked up to call for Goliath but found him talking to this World’s Elisa. Assuming the conversation was important, she waited for him to finish.

***

“I cannot thank you enough for prompting your Goliath into giving us the Gate. I am sure that my Elisa will be eternally grateful,” Goliath said to his love’s double.

Elisa blushed, then looked up at the gargoyle. “I can’t have what you two have anymore, so perhaps I will feel good knowing that I helped you at least try and continue what I can’t.” She glanced at her former love, which was wandering aimlessly around the courtyard.

Goliath stooped, and kissed his love’s double on the forehead. “I will never forget your sacrifice. Thank you again.” He turned to look at his friends; they were waving at him to get over there. He turned back to say ‘goodbye’ to Elisa, but she had already left to join her former love. Perhaps there was hope for the two after all. He chuckled, then walked towards his friends.

***

8:45 PM, Eastern Standard

The trio landed near the entrance to the tavern, the Gate with them. Guardian opened the door, half expecting to be ambushed. By now the priest had left, his job done. The sheets were left, unclaimed by any regiment as of yet. That would occur tomorrow. Without a word, the trio stepped around the bodies and into the room where, on another World, a Time-Device sat. Guardian keyed the controls of her Summoner, and, for the last time, opened the Tunnel. She gestured that her friends go before her. The Andusian took one last panoramic view of the dead tavern, smiled and shook her head. She had done than she ever had during these past two nights, and they would not be forgotten anytime soon. She turned to the waiting vortex, and jumped in.

***

8:50 PM, Eastern Standard, Fleet Index World 150

A blue circle shimmered into existence, startling Elisa from her dozing. She rose from her chair, hoping that it was her Goliath returning, dreading that it was someone else.

The lavender gargoyle was spit out unceremoniously. In his hands was the Phoenix Gate. He rose, looked at Elisa, and grinned like a child. “We have . . .”

His jubilation was cut short as a blinding light emitted from the talisman, and, through ways unknown, the object took the role of its destroyed brother. Immediately the curse took effect, and began to drain Goliath of the life he gained from his immortality, all one million years of it. His roar of pain shook the tavern, echoing out into the park. Elisa tried to pull the Gate from her love’s fingers, but they were glued to the object, a part of the curse Oberon had neglected to mention.

The Tunnel, which had not yet closed, spit out Demona Taina, then Guardian after a few seconds more. Both stared in disbelief at their friend in pain. After searching for the Gate for so long, now he was to die from it? No, this could not happen.

It was split-second thinking, but to Guardian and the rest it felt like it took hours to comprehend and act upon. Guardian laid a hand on her Plasma Gun, unholstered it, and aimed at Goliath’s hands. “GET DOWN!!!” she screamed, and she fired at Goliath’s hands.

The weapon shrieked with the force of the charge, and a white sphere exited the chamber, flying towards the cursed hands. The charge made contact; Goliath roared in an even more articulate pain, and dropped the Gate. His immortality renewed, his feature began to mold back into their original place. Soon, he was Goliath again. He sagged, and would have fallen to the ground had Taina not caught him. Elisa retrieved the Gate from the ground, then helped Demona Taina in sitting their friend in a chair.

“That took guts,” Taina said plaintively.

“It’s something I’ve been taught not to do, but I’m glad I did it anyway,” Guardian said in a relieved tone. “Goliath, are you all right?

The lavender gargoyle nodded slowly. “I’ll be fine in a few minutes I think,” he answered breathlessly.

Guardian nodded. “You’re in no state to face Oberon yet; I’ll stay outside and watch for him. If I’m in trouble I’m pretty sure the bartender’ll let you know.” Before any of her companions could answer her, she walked out into the rest of the tavern.

***

The familiar wave of conversation hit Guardian as soon as she opened the door. The tavern was unusually full tonight. The Andusian carefully waded through the crowd and towards the bar, where she hoped to catch a few words with the bartender before things became particularly ugly.

Within time the orange alien found herself sitting on one of the stools, trying to get the bartender’s attention. Finally, she succeeded in getting him to look at her; he smiled, nodded, then turned back to a customer. After a few minutes he walked towards Guardian, and began to set up a drink for her.

“Glad to see you back. Did you find anything?” he asked.

“Yes, we succeeded in finding the Gate. But, there could be problems.”

“Yeah; that Oberon guy will probably return. I’ll close early so as to save my customers.” Within minutes the bartender was true to his word. He signaled for silence, and mournfully said that he had to close early. Disappointed, the customers filed out of the room, leaving only Guardian and the bartender. He smiled at her. “Respect goes a long way.”

“Yeah, I’ll bet.”

Guardian was beginning to nurse a drink when the main doors to the tavern opened widely, revealing a tall man, clothed in the same black trenchcoat as before; and, like before, a cold chill seemed to be coming from him. Smirking evilly he walked to Guardian and sat in the barstool next to her. The Andusian nonchalantly sipped at her drink, taking no notice of the newcomer.

Oberon cleared his throat, and Guardian finally turned her gaze to the arrogant king of Avalon. “Oh, hello again,” she said as congenial as possible.

The man gave a curt nod, and went right to business. “Have you found him?”

“Him? Him who? Oh, you mean Goliath, don’t you? No, I’m sorry, still haven’t seen him. I’ve been looking out for him, as I said I would, but I haven’t seen anyone of anything that looked like him.”

Oberon growled and rose from the stool. “I tire of your games. You have seen him, and you know where he is. Tell me, or suffer my wrath.”

Guardian stared at the king, and, for the first time in a long time, was genuinely afraid for her life. But no, she would not tell him what he wanted to know. It seemed useless to continue with the fake story, so she took the defensive. “No. You won’t get his whereabouts out of me.”

Oberon stared the Andusian down, shrugged, and spread his palm out towards her. Guardian was immediately caught in an invisible chokehold. “Then you shall face that wrath that is Avalon!” he roared, and threw the alien outside. Guardian skidded to a halt on the grass, nearly slamming up against a tree.

Guardian stumbled to a standing position, her Torreadean heritage refusing to die without some kind of a fight. She unholstered her weapon, the only defense she had, aimed at the towering king, and fired, screaming as loud as the charge.

The charge, being pure electricity, introduced a new sense of pain to the arrogant king. He cried out in pain, and careened into a table in the tavern, granting the alien a brief respite.

It was too brief. Out he charged, his hands white hot, his eyes sparking with hate, and his trenchcout in shreds, revealing his beautiful robes. He thrust his hands at the alien, and her weapon was thrown out of her reach. “Tell me where he is, you fool!” he nearly screeched.

“No! You’ll never get that information from me!”

“Very well!” Pure Avalon energy surged from Oberon’s fingertips and centered themselves on the Andusian’s chest. Had the three not been in her way, Guardian would have sailed deeper into the park. But, alas, the tree broke her flight, giving her the unwanted gift of more pain. She flopped to the ground, tired, in pain, angry.

Guardian felt rather than heard the footsteps of the king coming closer. She barely heard him say, “If you will not give me the information, then I shall have to get if from you in a way that will make you wish you were never born.”

The Andusian knew where this was headed. Her Fleet comrades had taught her a technique that would keep her from becoming Blighted if that ever happened. Would the same technique apply? She prayed it would. Before the king could begin she desperately searched for a pleasing memory, any memory, and latched onto it. If the technique worked, all Oberon would get from her mind was that one memory, useless to him, but a life-saving one for her.

Pain would not come. Guardian heard the faint shriek of “Wait . . .”

***

The bartender did not need to step into the room to tell the others that Oberon had arrived; the cries of battle were enough for them

“I’m going out there. We have to help her,” Demona Taina said in a determined tone. Guardian was a friend, and Taina was not about to let that friend die. She was about to take the Gate when Elisa placed a hand on her own.

“We are going out there.” Elisa took the Gate herself, and the three walked out of the tavern and outside to the battle.

Guardian was down; the arrogant King of Avalon loomed over her, doing God knew what to the defenseless creature.

“WAIT!!!” Taina cried out, only the slightest hint of fear in her voice.

***

Oberon turned, and found Goliath, a human, and another gargoyle staring at him. He smiled, and left Guardian to her own devices. “Ah, so your friends have decided to confess.”

“Not so fast, Oberon,” Elisa said angrily. She thrust the Phoenix Gate into his face, making him stop short of his malicious advance. He stared longingly at the talisman, wondering if this was the very one his prisoner had destroyed four years ago.

“You play games with me, human fool. He destroyed the Gate. This is but a hallucination.”

“Wanna bet? Take it, test it out,” Taina said challengingly.

Oberon sneered, and grabbed the object from Elisa’s hands. He spoke the incantation, and disappeared in a ball of flames. While he was gone the cyan clone rushed over to Guardian, working on a healing spell for her.

The King of Avalon returned minutes later, a conglomeration of emotions playing around his face. He stared at the Gate and Goliath. “How . . . how were you able to create a duplicate of my Gate?” he asked. His tone betrayed his wonder, much to his dismay.

Taina’s healing spell had worked; Guardian was at least able to stand on her own. “We found it,” she said simply.

“How? There are no two Gate’s.” His curiosity was obvious now.

“I work for an organization that has discovered a way to travel to other dimensions, worlds just like this one, but also different.”

“How do you travel that way?”

“With this.” The Andusian took the Summoner from her gunbelt, and held it up for Oberon to see. “You seem interested in observing these new Worlds. Perhaps we can make a deal . . .” Guardian continued after Oberon nodded. “We give you the Gate, and a Summoner, and Goliath gets a parole.”

Oberon’s eyes narrowed as he weighed the proposition. The idea of not being able to punish Goliath did not appeal to him; however, if he agreed, not only would he have another Phoenix Gate that worked as perfectly as the old one, but also a device that would allow him to travel to other Earths. Ultimately, he decided on the latter choice. “Very well. As of this moment Goliath’s exile is annulled; however his ‘gifts’ remain.” He walked over and reached for the Summoner but Guardian pulled it back from his grasp. The king’s eyes ignited to a bright white and her three friends gasped.

“I can’t give you this one; this is the topic of some very interesting debates. However, my employers have many others just like these, and they all do the same thing. I’ll make you another deal. Get back to me in a week, and I’ll have another one ready for you then,” Guardian said apologetically.

“I can easily take it from you.”

“Haven’t you had enough? Do you really want to start another fight? Or would you rather wait just one quick week?”

Oberon sighed. “You have a point, gargoyle. Very well, I shall wait. But if you double-cross me . . .”

“Neh, I won’t be doing that anytime soon.” Guardian chuckled nervously.

Oberon smirked, waved a hand, and disappeared.

“That went fairly well the second time around.” The Andusian leaned against a tree for support.

There was silence for a few moments, as the group pondered what they would do next.

“We had best be going,” Goliath offered to Elisa.

She nodded. “I can never thank you enough, both of you.”

Taina and Guardian both smiled and shook their heads. The clone no longer needed this Goliath as a crush; Guardian could supply her with another, which reminded her . . . “Hey, when am I going to get my own Summoner? You said I could have one and I could go to that one World with the other Goliath in it.”

The orange alien chuckled, and coughed a bit. “First let me take care of this Oberon guy. He packs quite a punch.” After gaining enough strength Guardian walked over to where her weapon had landed and placed it back in its holster.

“Well, I guess that’s it, then,” the clone said in a somewhat sad tone. “We got the Gate, Goliath’s back with Elisa, and Oberon will have a new toy to play with soon. But . . . I just can’t help but wonder . . . would Goliath have been better off without our intervention? I mean, sooner or later he would have returned to the present, and Oberon would have released him from punishment.”

Guardian looked long and hard at her magical friend before answering. “Our intervention seems to have been destined from the start. But, if it wasn’t, will we ever know the answers to those questions?”

Demona Taina smiled and shook her head. “I guess not, but it’s something to think about.”

At this point the bartender walked out of his establishment and joined the two heroines. “Thank God, I thought he’d never leave. What made him leave so silently?”

“That’s a rather interesting story,” the gargoyle and clone said simultaneously.

“I’d like to hear it. Come on inside; it’s not too late, and I’m sure we all could use a drink after what’s happened these past two nights.”

“I think I’ll take you up on that,” Guardian answered.

“Yeah, let’s swap some war stories,” Taina agreed.

Epilogue: Search for an Answer

Demona Taina landed near the Fleet Protectorate base, and walked towards the landing pad her friend had instructed her to go to. She found Guardian loading some supplied onto a ship of sorts, one that looked almost identical to the ones she saw in World 170. Upon getting her alien friend’s attention she ran to her, and the two embraced in a welcomed hug.

“Glad you could make it,” Guardian said happily. “Our friend came by earlier, looking as austere as usual. Needless to say, he liked the gift. Doesn’t look like he’ll be bothering Goliath anytime soon now.”

“And what about your promise to me?” Taina asked hopefully.

The Andusian laughed. “Don’t worry, yours is right here.” Guardian stepped into the ship for a moment, and came out with a wooden box, and offered it to her magical friend. Upon opening it the clone found a Summoner, its digital readout blinking 2-3-0, ready to go. “It can only go to that World and this one, since I’m giving it to someone outside of Fleet.”

“That’s alright. So, where’re you going?”

“To the Fleet ship up there.” Guardian pointed to the sky above them. “Supposedly there are some questions that need answering in regards to my trip. It shouldn’t take me too long. Worst case scenario I’ll be back in a month.”

“Well, take care of yourself while you’re up there, Guard.”

“Oh I’ll be fine. ’Sides, I’ve got some friends up there I haven’t seen in a while. It’ll be good to visit them again.”

“I’ll miss you.”

“No you won’t; you’ll be having the time of your life with that new Goliath friend of yours. Don’t worry about me; have fun with the Summoner, and take care of yourself too.”

Andusian and clone were swept up in another hug, then they parted. Neither liked long good-byes, and they two would see each other again anyway.

And the Device still sits, to this day, in its omnipresent silence, its endless waiting, until another poor soul is in trouble; and then it will awaken, reaching out to those that can perform the necessary task. And it will continue to do this, this endless cycle, until the end of time.