1

Thaylog and Flynt watched from a nearby rooftop as the intruder entered their apartment.

"Our mysterious visitor returns." Flynt said as he looked at Thaylog. The ivory gargoyle nodded. Two weeks earlier, the pair had returned to the penthouse only to find it had been broken into via the balcony door. A quick search inside found the only thing missing was a quantity of food. Both gargoyles had been perplexed, first by the method of entry and second, the things stolen. But this was nothing compared to their reaction when Thaylog had replayed the tape from the security cameras located in their home. Each night since they had kept to their routine, leaving the penthouse just after sundown, but instead of traversing the city, they positioned themselves nearby, hoping their 'guest' would return. Finally their persistence had been rewarded.

Together the pair made their way back to the main balcony and silently entered through the open sliding glass door - eager to confront their 'guest'.

The pair crept into the living room, Thaylog indicating he would explore the west-end of the apartment and motioning Flynt to do likewise in the east. Before he could take two steps however, Thaylog felt Flynt's hand on his arm. The white skinned gargoyle turned, seeing his friend with a finger raised to his lips and pointing towards the kitchen. The two stood still for several seconds, listening to the sound of jars clinking from the expansive kitchen.

Thaylog nodded and the two silently made their way into the adjoining room.

The pitch blackness of the room was shattered by the bright light of the opened refrigerator door. A female gargoyle's backside was all that could be seen as she rummaged through the fridge, totally engrossed in its contents and oblivious to the two gargoyles standing behind her.

Flynt and Thaylog exchanged smiles of amusement. Unless she was very strong, or carrying a weapon, their 'guest' wasn't going anywhere. The only exit to the kitchen was blocked by the two of them. 'How very interesting this could prove' thought Thaylog as he folded his arms across his chest.

For several seconds the pair stood and watched as the female gargoyle rummaged through the fridge, pausing occasionally to wolf down something.

'Poor thing' thought Thaylog, 'she must be starved.' It was a feeling he knew all too often. She was in obvious need of help and they were in a good position to offer it. He had never expected to find one gargoyle and now he had found another. Well she had found him...

Flynt, growing weary of the scene before him, coughed lightly. Surprisingly the gargoyle in the fridge didn't move, didn't even jump. Dead silence engulfed the room - the two staring at the unmoving female. The seconds passed and a hint of movement caught the male gargoyle's eyes - the female's tail was twitching ever so slightly.

Suddenly without any other warning she turned with a snarl, eyes blazing red hot and outshining the light from the fridge. The pair watched as her eyes widened in horror as she realized she was trapped, the two males blocking the only exit.

The female looked down and realized she was still holding the last thing she pulled out of the fridge - a jar of pickles. With a snarl she hurled it at the nearest gargoyle, the glass jar shattering as it hit his head.

Thaylog backed up several paces with a growl, angry at the attack on his friend, his eyes darting to the female who took the time bought to dash to the nearest exit, slamming the door behind her. A brief smile crossed Thaylog's face as he realized where she had run to.

'No need to rush after her.' He thought as he walked over to the door she disappeared behind. 'She's not going anywhere.'

Flynt shook his head, startled more than hurt, and angry at being the one to take the brunt of female's anger. He glared at Thaylog for a moment, a sarcastic 'Gee, thanks for your help' look crossing his face, before walking over to join his friend at the door. All they could hear was the terrified gargoyle's breathing and frantic heartbeat.

"You had to let her know we were behind her, didn't you?" Thaylog whispered.

" Me?" Flynt whispered back. "You're not the one smelling like a giant pickle!"

The pair glanced at the doorknob.

"Well?" Thaylog asked.

"Uh ah. No way." Flynt said. "Little 'Miss Garbage Disposal' is likely to come out talons flying. "

Thaylog nodded in agreement. Besides this *was* getting very interesting. The pair backed away from the door slightly and waited.

2

*****

Dayia, inside the walk-in closet, was cussed herself out silently. She'd been in this penthouse before! Knew this was a closet! -And now, in a moment of pure panic, she had done the stupidest thing she'd ever done in her life, namely trapping herself in a darn closet!

STUPID, STUPID, STUPID!!

Forcing herself to calm down, Dayia listened at the closet door. Not a sound could be heard.

'Maybe I scared them off.' She tried to convince herself.

While she knew there wasn't much chance of that (After all there were TWO of them, they were MUCH bigger than she was, and the closet door didn't even have a lock!) it might be possible that the white male had taken the other male to wherever other Gargoyles go when they are injured...or maybe they had just left.

She decided to take a chance.

*****

The sound of claws echoing off the marble floor, caught the male gargoyle's attention. So, the one inside was making her move. They edged closer towards the door, Flynt staying slightly behind Thaylog. He didn't cherish the thought of being the brunt of another attack. He'd been beaned once already and that was more than enough. They positioned themselves right where they would be seen when the door was opened.

So slowly did the door open that it seemed forever had passed before the frightened face of the one inside could peer out. Her eyes met up with those of Thaylog, his odd red eyes boring into her soul. For an eternal moment the two held each other's gaze, neither wanting to be the one to look away. Then with such violence and force that it made the to males jump, Dayia pulled the door shut.

SLAM!!

A startled Thaylog and Flynt exchanged glances. Flynt rolled his eyes and shook his head.

Thaylog frowned . He was growing weary of this and wanted to get on with his nightly plans. He cautiously padded over to the door and raised his hand. He looked back to Flynt, who nodded his encouragement.

Thaylog briefly ran a mental list of the closet's contents before going any further. No, nothing that could be deadly in there.

KNOCK........KNOCK

*****

Dayia nearly jumped out of her skin at the sound. That was the last thing she expected them to do! Well, she certainly wasn't about to open the door to them. Did they think her that stupid! For all she knew, they could have a trap laid and waiting for her! Boldly she strode over to the door and knocked back in exactly the same fashion, with the same pauses and sharpness.

Thaylog growled under his breath. This was getting ridiculous.

Flynt gave a groan and settled himself down on the lounge. Thaylog glared at his friend, but the tan gargoyle simply smiled and gestured to Thaylog to continue his efforts.

"Do you intend to stay in there all night my dear?" Thaylog finally asked, turning his attention back to the door.

Silence was his only answer.

*****

Dayia, not at all expecting such a 'friendly' start to the conversation, kept silent. Her tail began twitching in confusion and fear. Did they expect her to just walk out?

'Oh sure, and have the two of them jump on me!' she thought.

But if they had really meant her harm, why didn't they just break through the door. Size and strength were on their side. Even if she was in her best form, Dayia knew she'd be no match for the two of them. As it stood it had been a long time since she had a good meal. In her current condition she'd have no chance at all.

'Options....what are my options here?

Well, she seemed to have three; she could stay in here until they got bored enough to come in after her, or she could come out and try to explain herself, and hope they would understand...or she could make a break for it. The first two were out immediately. Those would put her at the mercy of the two on the other side of the door, and most people (though human) seemed to have little of that. Besides, explaining would mean she would have to admit to being in the wrong, and so in turn deserve some kind of punishment. No thanks. So, that left the third option.

But how and when to do it? She could wait until they came in to get her, but by then they would be ready to fight, and she wouldn't have a chance. Now, while they where somewhat off-guard would be the best.'

Now that her course of action was clear, she steeled herself.

-And remembered that the white male was waiting for an answer.

'Perhaps I should answer him, put him off guard??'

She wasn't much of a talker, but she could try....

"So what if I do?" she answered flatly.

******

Thaylog's eyes narrowed a bit at her answer - that wasn't exactly what he had expected her to say, but then what HAD he expected from her? Regardless, this was not going quite as he had hoped, his slowly twitching tail betraying his feelings as he turned towards Flynt.

The tan gargoyle simply smiled smugly at him, clearly enjoying Thaylog's not-too-productive efforts. He simply shrugged at his friend's 'well, what now' expression and made himself comfortable on the lounge for the long wait.

'He's no help,' muttered Thaylog to himself as he turned his attention back towards the door, listening for any sound that may give away her intentions, give him so clue as to how to end this situation.

"Well," he began as he edged closer to the door. "There are better places to spend the night, as I'm sure you know." The white gargoyle ended his sentence with a smile - yes, why not bring up that they knew all about her past trip and exploration of their home.

He paused, listening intently for her reply.

******

Dayia's eyes widened in shock - how had they know that she had been there? Had they returned that night too and simply watched her explore? No, that wouldn't of made sense - no way would of they let her explore, and steal a few things besides, without trying to stop her.

She shook her head to clear her thoughts - tilting her head to hear what the two were up to. It was obvious that the while male had moved closer to the door. If she charged it now, chances where she'd knock him flat on the floor. That would leave her only one to deal with for a few seconds, and perhaps the surprise of her charging his friend would stall him as well.

With a sigh she mustered up her courage and tensed - waiting for just the right moment.

******

Thaylog was nearly leaning against the door as he strained to hear what the female inside was up to. She was being oddly quite - no rummaging around to see if anything may be of help to her, she wasn't even pacing. Odd.

He turned to seek some advice from his friend, who was clearly amused by the entire situation, when the closet door flew open so fast and hard that it knocked the white gargoyle off his feet. With a curse he landed heavily on his tail and glared up as their prisoner leapt wildly over the lounging form of his friend and bolted out the balcony door.

"Well that was smart, Mr. 'Well, why did you have to let her know we were here!'" remarked Flynt to his friend as the white gargoyle got to his feet, rubbing his head where the door had hit him. "Don't tell me you expected her to just come strolling out?"

"I didn't exactly see you ready for her, sitting on your fat tail like that!!" Thaylog snapped back as he made his way towards the door, quickly taking off into the night to follow their 'guest', leaving Flynt to catch up.

Flynt simply mocked Thaylog's last words and quickly followed his friend - joining him in a matter of seconds. The two took to a higher position than the female had - allowing them a great view and a better chance at tailing her unnoticed.

In no time they spotted the female gargoyle weaving her way through the rooftops and casting a nervous glance behind here from time to time. It didn't take long for her keen eyes to pick out the forms of the two males hot on her tail. Muttering a few curses that even they could here, she angled her wings to catch the wind better and darted off to the left.

"She's spotted us!" called Flynt as he quickly took off in the same direction.

"Oh brilliant, Einstein," muttered Thaylog. "Tell me something I don't know - like how to catch her!"

"You're just too slow," the tan gargoyle stated as he took off, leaving Thaylog to catch up this time.

******

'This was not good,' thought Dayia as she maneuvered her way through some narrow bridge pilings in an attempt to lose her pursuers. Well, they may be stronger then her, but they surely weren't faster! That had been one thing she had in her favour - her smaller frame and lighter build would surely give her speed over those two, and agility as well.

She quickly looked over her should to see that the two males were indeed losing a bit of ground. Unfortunately, the time she took to look back at them cost her a few seconds of her lead. They had made their way through the bridge pilings and were reclaiming some of the distance she had put between them. Growling under her breath, she turned and took off as fast as the air current would allow.

Chances were they weren't as familiar as she was with this section of town - they seemed to be living a good life there in that classy apartment which she had thought only humans would have. This section was the low end of town and home to many abandoned buildings and dead ends - the perfect place for one who didn't want to be found.

Easily and quickly she led them to her favourite haunts - quickly turning a corner and disappearing through a glass less window. She watched from the shadows as the two males rounded the corner and stopped short - the object of their hunt gone.

******

Flynt looked from side to side. "Where'd she go? She couldn't have just disappeared into thin air!"

Thaylog pulled up alongside. "No." he replied. "I highly doubt it." He scanned the surrounding skies and abandoned buildings. Dayia shrank further into the shadows as the white gargoyle looked through the window she disappeared into. She allowed herself a small sigh of relief as his gaze passed her by.

The two males continued their search for several more minutes.

"This is pointless Thay." Flynt said. "She's not here. You can bet she knows this area like the back of her hand. Besides.." the tan gargoyle continued, an edge of seriousness in his voice."...it's less than an hour till dawn. I'm not happy about this either, but time is not on our side.

Thaylog looked at the eastern sky, already becoming lighter with the approach of a new day. He let out a low growl. NOTHING had gone right this night! They both had seriously underestimated this female gargoyle and she had made fools of them both. He nodded to Flynt and without another word the pair made their way home.

*****

Dayia waited several minutes before peering out of the window, glad to see her pursuers gone. That had been close. Well, there went that easy place to find a meal - it wouldn't be wise to show herself around there for a long while. Her eyes went to the eastern sky and indeed that tan gargoyle had spoken true. Dawn would be here soon and she had to get back to her lair to spend the day. She never allowed herself to be caught in the wrong place - that was why she had managed to survive so long on her own.

Glancing off in the direction the males had traveled, she made sure they were out of sight before she left her hiding spot and headed off towards the south, quickly making her way towards the safety of her home.

4

*****

The Next Night.........

Thaylog stood in front of the large window opposite the dinning table deep in thought - an impressive cityscape view before him. His eyes drifted to a darkened section of the city where he could faintly see the outline of a few abandoned buildings, tail slowly twitching in annoyance as they came into focus. He had read in today's newspaper that a new corporation was coming into the area - not his father's and not Xanatos' eithher, but a new opponent in the game and this was not good. A sharp ivory talon clawed angrily at the paper clutched in his hand - easily shredding through layer after layer as his mind wondered on what problems this would cause for his plans.

So deep in thought was he that he didn't even hear Flynt who was seated at the table behind him enjoying breakfast.

The tan gargoyle looked up at the form of his friend and noticed his tail - a clear sign of agitation in Thaylog. He had been extremely quiet since they had awakened. He himself had prepared breakfast while Thay had gone about his nightly routine of looking though the various newspaper's they subscribed to - always keeping a watchful eye on some other corporations he said he knew the owners of.

Hey, whatever - the business end of things was all in his friend's hands, even though they were partners in it all. This world was still too strange a place of yet for him to even bother with corporate affairs. How long had he actually been in this world - 4 months? He still couldn't get over how odd things were - this huge apartment, or penthouse as Thay always corrected him, was a far cry from the caves he had spent his time in during the raids. Even compared to the exquisite castle he had resided in, this place was incredible.

Thay had it kept very elegant and gothic with dark, exotic wood floors and plenty of stone work - giving the place a haunting look of times past - a very different look from the offices and modern buildings he had seen in magazines and the like. Heck, Thay's office matched this place as well and stood out quite boldly against the more 'trendy' look of the rest of the building. He remembered his first tour of this place one it had been re-modeled - most impressive. Yes. Life in this new world was good. Only one thing was missing to make it perfect...

The sound of shredding paper brought Flynt's mind back to his friend.

Tonight something in the one newspaper had clearly alarmed his ivory friend - several minutes ago he had snatched up the one he had been reading and turned to stare out the window without so much as a word. Even when the tan gargoyle had told him the food was ready he simply continued to stand there.

Flynt's eyes drifted over to Thaylog's untouched meal and back up at this friend.

"You still mad over losing our little guest last night," the tan gargoyle asked as he finished his own meal, pushing the plate aside on the table's glass surface.

Thaylog actually jumped a bit as the sound of his friend's voice brought him back to reality.

"What?" he asked, more confused then angry, as he turned around to face the table.

"That female gargoyle..........."

"No," answered Thaylog, a hint of anger in his voice. "She is a concern, but a lesser one for now. At most she cost me what - a few dollars in food?"

He sighed as he sat in the large chair, not even glancing at the meal before him. "This could mean a bigger loss - a new corporation, Dominion Enterprises, is moving into the area. I don't like competition so close - this town is not as large a New York and from what I read they are a well established company."

"Meaning............." asked Flynt waiting to gain the same insight his friend clearly had.

"I'm not sure." For a few moments he kept silent, then stood suddenly as he tossed the paper on the table and cleanly ripped off the front two pages. "I have some things I need to check into......."

Thaylog turned to leave the room, obviously heading for his large office below, but paused for one moment to call over his shoulder.

"You can search for her if you wish - I doubt I'll have the time to join you."

*****

Three Nights Later................

While Dayia had pretty much put the events of that night out of her mind, hunger and survival shoving it away, the two males had not. Both wanted to catch this elusive female who had broken into their home - perhaps she was more then they gave her credit for.

Each night, as time allowed, they spent hours scanning the city's rooftops and sky for even a glimpse of their 'guest'. As Thay has surmised, she had not returned and he severely doubted she would. If they wanted another meeting, they'd have to be the ones to find her.

"Any luck," asked a weary Thaylog as he turned to greet his friend who had just rejoined him after searching his half of the city.

Flynt shook his head as he answered, "Not tonight."

"What is it?" Thaylog asked noticing Flynt's sour expression.

"I've been thinking about the other night." His friend replied. "Why she acted the way she did."

"Well, we *did* catch her stealing from our apartment." Thaylog answered.

"No not that! I mean how she reacted to US. She was terrified. It's not like we were *humans* or something." Flynt replied. Thaylog didn't fail to notice Flynt's distaste at the word 'human'.

Ah, yes, 'humans' - always and forever they were giving their kind grief. Both had swapped enough stories of unfriendly run-ins with them over the past months to know both felt the same way about this planet's main inhabitants.

Flynt did have a point there - if she was that afraid of themselves, being Gargoyles as her, then that meant she had real horrors in her past. It would take alot to get her to even listen to them, not to mention to keep her from running as soon as she spied them coming!

With a deep sigh the white gargoyle cast a quick look at the rooftops below, "We have wasted several hours on this tonight as is - lets call off this search for now and pick it up later. She probably expects us to be looking for her and is lying low."

"She's smarter than we first thought." The other stated with a sigh. These past few nights had indeed been long ones. Thaylog turned towards the left to head back towards their home, Flynt just about to follow when something caught his ear.

"Do you hear that?"

"Hear what?" asked the other as he turned to look back at his friend.

Flynt paused for a moment as he strained to listen. "It sounds like an alarm. Maybe we should check it out."

"Unless it's one of my holdings, I really don't care......" the other stated flatly about to continue on his way.

"It could be our little friend," Flynt teased.

Thaylog cast him a 'very well' look and followed him in the direction

the sound was emanating from. It wasn't hard for them to find the source - a large warehouse. Perhaps Flynt had been right, thought Thaylog as the two landed softly on a rooftop to watch, who else would bother to break into a place like that. Seconds later a clearly startled, familiar form made it's way onto the warehouse rooftop - looking about anxiously as the alarm continued to wail.

Both males smiled - so, their thief wasn't only stealing from them. Just as Dayia reached the roof's ledge a human form appeared in the doorway.

"Stop right here!" He demanded as he pulled a gun and aimed it at the still figure.

The female gargoyle flinched - she knew what damage that weapon could do and that, chances were, she'd never be able to get our of range before he could fire it. As before, she made no movement save for the slight twitching of her tail.

Thaylog and Flynt stood and watched worriedly at the scene before them. Both were betting that she wouldn't be able to rush her way out of this one.

"Wonder if she's armed with another jar of pickles?" Flynt asked with a soft laugh, recalling his injury of a few nights before.

Thaylog cast him an odd glance and turned his attention back to the scene at hand. It would be interesting indeed to see how she got herself out of this one.

5

*****

'Well, that tears it; Dayia my dear, you have THEE most rotten luck this side of the equator.' She thought to herself bitterly. And it wasn't just this little problem; her entire week had been a difficult one.

First the two males -wonder what they are up to...? 'Probably drinking champagne and poo-pooing the weather' she mused- then that little run-in with the grocery store clerk the next day; - 'I remember the good old days when all grocery store clerks never wore 55 caliber pistols' - she'd endedup going hungry. Then there was that one guy who-'click CLICK!!' -the sound of a gun being cocked; this human had an itchy trigger finger.

'I wonder why I'm not dead on the floor right now?' she thought to herself, trying not to move a muscle. -Besides her tail which was twitching; a nervous habit built up over the years.

She considered bolting, but had taken enough bullets and survived to know it wasn't worth trying to make a run for it. She'd have to think of something else, or get something solid between her and that gun.She could hear him whispering fearfully to himself. He was afraid of her. She considered the chances. Pretty good...now if something would only distract him...

*****

The security guard slowly approached the still form, muttering to himself - something about 'what the heck is that thing' and 'why always on my shift'. As he walked, his mind wandering on his thoughts, he started to relax his guard.

Dayia picked up on this instantly and took quick advantage of the situation. In an instant she stepped off the ledge, her actions causing the guard to mutter a curse and run to the spot she had occupied moments ago.

Cautiously he peered over the edge, an empty alleyway all that greeted his searching eyes.

"Where the hell did she go?" he asked in utter wonder.

Thailog and Flynt had seen what the guard had not - once off the ledge Dayia spread her wings and was able to glide to an open window, quickly seeking refuge in the shadows. From where they stood they could see her glowing red eyes in the darkness, narrowing as the guard's voice drifted downward.

Quickly, they themselves ducked into a shadowy corner to keep from being seen. This could offer a perfect opportunity for them to follow her back to her home, or barring that, a chance to talk to her.

Thaylog's attention drifted back towards the guard who glared at the alleyway for a few more moments, shrugged and then sauntered back into the building. No, there'd be no need to worry about him.

Fifteen minutes passed before Dayia felt safe enough to emerge from her hiding spot and when she did, it was a hasty retreat to the sky. This had not been her week - first that major mess in that penthouse and now this! She cursed her rotten luck and caught a warm air current to take her home - eager to be far from this place.

Her two watchers waited, watching her form shrink in the distance before nodding to each other and taking off after her. This time they'd be more careful. If they could find her home, then it'd be easier to schedule a run-in with their elusive 'guest' and perhaps offer her the help she was in need of. This world was far too dangerous a place for a solitary gargoyle - Thaylog knew that from experience.

His thoughts were broken by a sound from his right.

"Just what do we intend to do with her once we find her home?" asked Flynt as he kept his eyes on the female gargoyle ahead of him. If she had attacked him in their home, what the heck would she do in hers?

"Try and talk to her," Thaylog began turning briefly to look at his friend. "She needs help......." He paused for a moment and then added with a smile, "Besides, I'm growing weary of just your company."

His friend didn't even dignify that comment with an answer. In fact Thay wasn't sure if he had heard him at all. His attention was totally focused on Dayia, a strange look in his eyes.

Puzzled, Thay was about to say something further, when Flynt's expression suddenly cleared and he turned to his friend

"You say something?" Flynt asked.

"No." The white gargoyle replied. "It was nothing."

*****

A half hour later Dayia landed softly on an abandoned building rooftop - quickly casting a nervous glance to the sky and rooftops around her. The two males had just enough time to duck into a shadows before her eyes shifted to their direction.

Satisfied that she hadn't been followed, she made her way inside, glad to be home and safe once more.

The two males continued to watch from their shadowy hiding spot, Thaylog's mind going over the best course of action as his eyes picked out a sign posted on a fence below - his excellent vision allowing him to make out the words. His eyes narrowed as he read them, this was not good for their little friend.

But, what was the best course of action to take? She was obviously in a frazzled state and would run, or outright attack them, as they went waltzing in there. Perhaps it'd be best to return the next night - give her a chance to calm down and him an opportunity to think of what to say.

The ivory gargoyle turned to look at his friend - about ready to ask his thoughts on this situation when he noticed again the strange gleam in Flynt's eyes.

Something was wrong, but what? He turned to look in the direction of his friend's glance - hoping to see what held his attention. It was Dayia. She had returned to the rooftop, most likely fearful of having been followed.

He turned back to Flynt and realized he wasn't really seeing the female gargoyle peering from the doorway's shadows, no - he was seeing something else, something from memory had come up to haunt him. As much as they had chatted, there was still alot he didn't know about his friend. From the look and the object on the roof he had a good idea of where what his friend's mind was recalling.

Thaylog's hand reached out and came to rest lightly on his friend's shoulder - startling the tan gargoyle from his trrance.

Once Flynt's eyes met those of his friend, Thaylog spoke up. "There was. . .," he began with a pause. ". . . . is, someone you miss from your time?"

"Yes." Flynt's swallowed hard, his voice was barely above a whisper. "My mate Nightshade. She...she was killed in the attack on the castle."

Thaylog's eyes widened slightly. His friend had told him stories of that fateful night and the war that had plagued his homeland, but this was the first time he had ever mentioned a mate. Seeing the expression on Flynt's face he could understand why.

"Following our friend earlier.....the way she glides.... with the same grace and elegance as my Nightshade, brought back memories. Not a night passes when I don't think of her. " The tan gargoyle paused. " It seems so long ago."

Thaylog looked at his friend for a moment before letting his gaze drift back over to the rooftop, the female gargoyle now long gone - either back inside or off into the night.
His eyes quickly returned to Flynt, who still had that odd expression on his face. Tonight was not a night to try and confront that gargoyle......she was too on-edge and his friend was reliving sorrowful memories.
"Come, let us return home.......," Thaylog began as he rose to his feet and walked nearer to the edge. "It is not wise to confront her just yet......besides, I may have an idea."
For a few moments Flynt remained where he was kneeling - eyes still not seeing the present, fix firmly on some inner memory. Thaylog began to wonder if he had even heard him, but then the tan gargoyle stood - casting a glance skyward, eyes clearly searching for something. It took a minute, but it was obvious when he found it, the odd expression replaced by one of inner peace.
The ivory gargoyle's eyes tried to find the item of Flynt's interest, all he could see was stars - lots of them! A few familiar constellations, but nothing that would - to him - explain his friends reaction. He turned to face his friend, about to ask, when suddenly Flynt leapt off the roof's edge and headed towards home. With a soft sigh Thaylog simply followed Flynt's lead, deciding it may be best to wait until the tan gargoyle was ready to explain more then to force the issue. It was obvious the wounds still ran deep and he did not want to pry.

6

*****

The journey home was a silent one - not a word was said between the two the entire length of the trip. Thaylog frowned slightly, this night's events had come to an end sooner than expected, there was still several hours yet before dawn and a few problems left to attend to. Occasionally the ivory gargoyle glanced over at his friend, wanting to get his views on a few things, but Flynt kept his eyes straight ahead, deep in his own thoughts.

As soon as they landed on the balcony of their penthouse, Thaylog walked over and opened the sliding glass door, stopping to think for a moment. Out of concern he turned and looked over his shoulder to see if his friend was coming.

Flynt remained standing at the end of the balcony, hands gripping the railing, eyes fixed on the night sky. Thaylog watched the tan gargoyle for a few seconds before quietly moving over to join him. Once there he looked up at the night sky - trying to follow his friend's gaze to see just what it was that held his interest.

Several moments of silence passed before Flynt finally spoke, his voice soft and thick with emotion. The suddenness of it caused Thaylog to turn and look at his friend.

"The night of the attack..... after the keep fell." The tan gargoyle began, pausing as the mental images of that fateful night came up to haunt him.

"We escaped..... headed to the mountains. Didn't see the shadowbeast 'til it was too late. She died in my arms before we even landed..... there was nothing I could do to save her." Flynt hung his head. "Never had a chance to ......to say good-bye." he whispered.

Thaylog nodded silently, not wishing to intrude on his friend's thoughts.

Flynt brought his head up suddenly and pointed to a small group of stars.

"I see her... there." Thaylog quickly looked in the direction his friend was pointing out and searched for a few seconds before finding the constellation. When Flynt saw that Thaylog had found her stars he continued.

"Though many things are different in this sky from what I knew, *they* have remained unchanged." Flynt finished with a sigh, glad for the fact that this one thing during all of this had remained constant - it was so very encouraging, like she really was there and no matter what, would never leave him. Even here - a world away she was as close as she had been there.

Thaylog stared at the small cluster. Yes, he thought, with a little imagination he could vaguely make out the shape of a gargoyle's head. Looking at it, and having listened to his friends story, he could felt a very strange sense of awe and peace. How much more so it must be for Flynt who undoubted could see far more then he ever could in those stars.

"You believe she's there, watching over you?" Thaylog asked, almost believing that this Nightshade really was there.

Flynt nodded. "Yes I do...." He looked away. ".....Just a foolish gargoyle's dream." He said, almost with a bit of embarrassment.

"No." Thaylog said, placing a hand on Flynt's shoulder. "It's not. She must have been something special for you to love her so much. I would like to hear more about her....if you don't mind, that is."

Flynt's expression brightened slightly. "Yes she was. And no, I don't mind. I would like that very much."

"There are still many hours left to this night," Thaylog began with a soft smile. "Why don't we go inside and you can tell me about you two - and how this Nightshade came to win your heart."

That said, he took a few steps away to see if Flynt would accompany him inside this time. The tan gargoyle took one more look up at the sky and turned to follow his friend inside.

7

*****

The Next Night

The days sleep wasn't a peaceful one for either gargoyle - Thaylog's heart heavied by the tale his friend had told him and Flynt's dreams tormented by a love long lost and that could never be reclaimed. The tan gargoyle's mind ran wild with thoughts of "if onlys". If only he could go back in time and do something to prevent those events from happening - not all them, just the part that had lead to her death. He should have seen the beast coming She should not of died! Worse yet, he hadn't even had the chance to say good bye.

The setting sun freed the gargoyles from their stone slumber - for which both where glad - now the could occupy themselves with events at hand which would help to push away sad thoughts and bitter memories.

After a quick greeting Thaylog hurried inside - eager to find a way to help that lone gargoyle. He feared for her safety and though she certainly wouldn't want his, or their, help she was going to get it.

Flynt remained outside for a few moments - taking time to reflect on things before heading for the balcony doors. He could see Thaylog, image distorted through the glass panes, leaning over the table scanning through the days newspapers. The tan gargoyle shook his head a bit, wondering what on earth his friend was looking for.

'Ah well, worry and ask about it after breakfast.' he thought as he made his way to the kitchen. One thing about this world - it sure make getting a meal a very easy task! This part of his life here he could easily get used to - that and the wonderful device called TV. That darn computer was pretty cool too now that he knew how to use it. He paused for a moment, hand resting against his chin - ah heck, this whole world was fun - most times.

The sound of tearing paper brought him back to the present, causing him to look up from the fridge and turn to look at Thaylog. He could just see his back from where he stood.

Hmm - wonder what he found. Probably a coupon he thought with a smile -always trying to make a dollar he was. He he! The tan gargoyle jumped when the other suddenly appeared in the kitchen doorway.

"Let's eat and get going - we have to find our little friend and confront her - we are running out of time." Thaylog sstated as he helped himself to an apple on the kitchen counter. "Or, to be more exact, she is."

Flynt cast an odd look at this friend at that last sentence. That certainly didn't sound good. The impatient look in the ivory gargoyle's eyes told him he better not mess around with fixing some elaborate meal - eat quick and lets be off, his red eyes spoke without him saying a word.

Flynt grumbled under his breath - with how little his friend ate you'd think he'd be stick thin!

'Darn bugger must live on the air or something.' he thought with a laugh as he grabbed a chicken leg out of the fridge from the other night, tossing it to his friend before taking one for himself.

"You know Thay, not everyone can live on air like you seem to......"

Thaylog cast a quick smile at his friend, "You should thank me - you could stand to lose a few pounds! This way of life is making you lazy --- and fat." The ivory gargoyle teased as he finished up his dinner and turned towards the door.

"Alright, alright" muttered Flynt following his friends lead. Better to keep the night busy so as to keep sad thoughts away, he thought to himself. Besides, it would be nice if they could get this female gargoyle to join up with them - he was used to a large clan for company. As close as he and Thaylog were it was still not the same. He missed that large, family element that could only be found in a clan.

*****

MEANWHILE

Dayia sat on the edge of a 5 story building, directly across from a "Mac Donald's" restaurant. She was on her second cheeseburger, which she had just stolen. Her tail flicked back an forth, in a relaxed manner. This was the first stop on her nightly rounds; she would glide up to the speaker, order 3 cheese burgers and 3 large fries (always asked small orders; it was more likely that the clerk would be holding her bag, and when he or she looked out the window to see if the car was coming, and SNATCH! -with lots of panicked screaming.) The look on this human's face when she snatched her food was priceless, more so then the others. It put her in such a good mood!

She finished her first meal, then headed out to a skyscraper a mile away. The flight there was uneventful, and she arrived at the building. Gliding slowly, she peeked into each window on the 21st floor. The 7th room was her target. For the past 3 days a human female had been baking various pies, and then leaving them out on the window sill to cool.

She'd blundered onto it the first night, and had been visiting the place religiously the last two days. Today was different, as the human female had wised up, and had closed the window. -But left the pie was right next to it, and closed windows meant nothing to a hungry gargoyle. She pried the window up, and snatched the hot pie from the counter.

She quickly glided away, pie in hand and satisfied smile on her face.

********

It was obvious to Flynt where Thay was headed as soon has he left the balcony - the females home. Well, that would be as good of place as any to confront her, he figured, mind running wild with thoughts of what she'd be like - what items he might be subjected to injury from. Darn female probably has a kitchen sink she'll bean me with this time round! Now, if only Thaylog would get wanged with it instead, that could prove diverting, he thought with a smile as he turned to look at his friend. Oh - imagine that!

His rather amusing thoughts were cut short when the old building'srooftop came into view. The two quickly landed, pausing for several minutes - eyes and ears searching for any sign that the female was home. It soon became apparent to the two that she wasn't and they carefully made their way down the stairwell.

Both males stopped at the bottom of the stairs - now where? This was a good sized building and her 'main living area' could be anywhere. Flynt, tracking skills coming to the foreground, quickly picked out her claw marks on the warped wooden floor.

"It seems our friend tends to travel this route." he said as he pointed to the tracks leading to the left before heading off in that direction. Thaylog nodded in agreement and followed.

It was only a matter of seconds before they came to the spot she obviously called home. The males stopped in and took in the condition of the room.

Thaylog's expression showed he was clearly appalled that the gargoyle had to live under such horrid conditions - and her small attempts at making it homey and comfortable near broke his heart. When he glanced at his friend it became obvious by Flynt's expression that the tan gargoyle's feelings mirrored his own perfectly.

"Humans force her to live like this!" Snarled Flynt as he looked around the humble abode. Caves were one thing - and though would never be considered 'classy' or 'good' conditions by humans, were a gargoyles true home, but this - to have to live in a building that they themselves don't consider fit for residing in! It made his blood boil. Very pleasing mental images of a bloodbath came to mind, nearly making him smile in an evil way.

"We must convince her to come with us - if not for the most worrisome reason of what is going to happen to this building, then at least under the reasoning that she deserves so much more then this." Thaylog agreed as he walked over to the area that undoubtedly served as her 'bedroom', frowning upon seeing it was nothing more then a pile of old blankets. Sure - their kind could handle the chill of night without much notice, but what creature didn't like to curl up someplace warm and comfy.

Kneeling by the blankets, his attention was caught by the one item that seemed really out of place - a lap top computer and he reached to pick the item up, so deep in thought that he didn't even notice Flynt stalking off into one of the nearby rooms.

It was obviously well used, talon marks criss-crossing the case and marring the keyboard, he noted as he turned it over in his hands, examining it. A sudden noise near the entrance of the room snapped him out of his trance. Eyes near glowing he looked up, a snarl of surprise just about to form in his throat......

It was the female gargoyle and her snarl broke the silence before his could. Her eyes narrowed, blazing red in the dimness. The look on her face showed her anger and surprise at finding someone here - in HER home! How dare they, she thought with a growl.

"You have all you need!" She hissed. "Did you come to steal from me to get even?" Her hand came up in a sign of preparing to attack.

Thaylog quickly set the laptop down and rose slowly to face her, very careful not to make a move that she might consider or perceive as a threat.

"No," he stated in a soothing, calm voice. "I came to look for you..........out of concern and worry."

"HA" she spat back at him, tail waving in clear agitation. "Concern..........worry...........why would you feel that for me? You do not know me."

"Because," he began softly. "You are what I am - a gargoyle - and there are so few of us left in this world. We must help each other in order to survive."

He pondered taking a step closer to her - no, not yet, she still seemed to tense - too ready to attack. She had proven her self a worthy opponent and he did not care to test her here. She was on her home ground and that tended to make one fight all the harder.

In the other room, out of sight of the female gargoyle, Flynt picked up the sound of voices. Not good, he thought to himself - she must of returned and found Thaylog snooping through her things. He may not be a diplomat, but that was surely not a good way to start off trying to win someone over. If so much wasn't at stake he'd really enjoy seeing if his friend could talk the female into seeing his side of things. Carefully and quietly the tan gargoyle made his way towards the doorway that overlooked the main room - best not to show himself just yet, it was clear that the female was on edge and would certainly not take kindly to this other one popping up. One against one was unfair enough in the current situation, but two against one - well, that would send her running again.Thaylog's words must of hit home as she seemed at a loss for words when he arrived in the doorway, sticking to the shadows to watch and listen. Her tail was twitching in that funny matter she had. Thay was obviously nervous and in thought as well - his tail also betraying his inner feelings on the situation.

Dayia began to relax ever so slightly, what he said did make sense...........they were her kind. If they had wanted to hurt her, they surely could of by now. Heck, they could have tended to her that very night they caught her in their home!

"I'm listening," she stated, meeting his eyes and holding his gaze - trying to read his true intent. To see if his words were true or simply a cover up for some trick. Those two had to be intelligent to have such a home and so much - no telling what they may have up their sleeve. "It is simply an offer - to come and stay with us, in our home," Thaylog started keeping his eyes fixed on hers. To look away would cause suspicion. He meant every word of what he was saying and wanted her to know that as well. "We have more than enough room............"

"And," she asked, growing a bit unnerved as thoughts filled her mind. There as something else, she just knew it.

The expression in his eyes darkened. "And, your home will be destroyed in the very near future." His voice solemn. Not nice news to give her, but very necessary.

Her eyes narrowed in anger and she tensed again. "What" She snarled with such anger it actually made the two males flinch. "Destroyed?!"

He thought for a few moments on how to word his answer. "A new company is coming into the area - they have bought this area and will demolish the buildings now here to make way for their new headquarters."

The females expression went from anger to slight confusion. "Demolish?"
Thaylog took a few steps closer to her. "Humans will come and destroy this building - in a matter of seconds it will go from as it is now to nothing more then a heap of rubble." He paused when he finished talking to let it sink in. "They will come during the day to do this - if you are here you will die."

The look on her face, the hurt in her eyes cut to their very souls. 'This is my home,' she cried to herself '- they cannot do that! It is mine.' But, in her heart,she knew that they very well could and would do as this ivory gargoyle said. It would be just like them to do such a thing!

She looked up, opening her mouth as if to say something but stopped before the words ever came. Her eyes narrowed, then glowed red with rage - their gaze focused not on the ivory gargoyle, but something else. Thaylog noticed this and turned to search for what she saw.

His eyes quickly picked up the form of Flynt standing in the doorway.

"Liar!" She hissed, taking a step back - eyes scanning for anything to use against the two. "It was nothing but a trap!"

Thaylog quickly turned his attention back towards the female. "No, what I say is true - you are in great danger if you remain here!" The ivory gargoyle quickly countered as he took a step towards her.
That was a big mistake. Dayia, already unnerved and angry, didn't need any other invitation to attack and hurled a nearby metal bar at the male gargoyle.So quick and unexpected were her actions that he was barely to step out of the way. His eyes followed the bar as it flew past him to embed itself into thewall behind, a few inches from where Flynt stood watching.
'Damn,' thought the tan gargoyle as he took a few quick steps backwards, 'she is good.'

Thaylog quickly turned to face the female, but not before casting a towards his friend to make sure he was ok. Flynt nodded that all was well and came to stand by the ivory gargoyle's side.
Dayia watched the two from across the room, every inch of her body poised to attack again.
>BR> Thaylog's eyes narrowed. This was turning out to be alot harder then he had expected. Why did females never seem to listen to reason? "No wonder I remained single near all my life." he muttered to himself as him mind raced with options. It was clear he wouldn't regain control of this situation.

"We did not come here to fight you......." he began, quickly stopping when he noticed the look in her eyes.

Flynt finally reached the end of his patience

"Very well, we will leave!" he said turning towards the door. "But know this." the tan gargoyle continued, locking Dayia's eyes with his own, his voice no more than a whisper. "Everything said here was true. If you stay...you will die."

Thaylog shook his head, it was pointless to press the matter further. No, some other approach needed to be found, he thought as he made his way towards the door.

The ivory gargoyle paused by the door to let Flynt pass him out and turned to face the female who stood glaring at him with all the rage in the world showing in her eyes.

"If you do not care to believe me, then that is your choice." He stated as he took a folded piece of paper from his armor, slowly opening it up. "This is an article from tonight's paper about it - read for yourself and then decide upon your own what you want to do." He finished as he set the opened paper on a nearby box.

"Our door is always open to you if you ever care to join us."

With that, he turned and made his way outside the building. There, he thought to himself, the ball is in her court - let her decide what her next move will be.

He could not blame her for being so distrusting - after all, he had no idea what lay in her past and he for one knew that it wasn't only humans that could be cruel. Back in his youth his own Clan had hated him, despised him - tried to kill him. If she had such stories in her history, well, it would explain alot. Silently he prayed she'd come to her senses and all would be well for her.

She watched them leave with mixed emotions; the strongest was rage, but underneath was a cold fear. She shoved the latter away. He was lying. Had to be. This was just a trap to hurt her, make her pay for her stealing. And why wouldn't they? They had no reason to care about her. End of story. She steeled her face, her body

He disappeared down the hall, and she waited until she couldn't hear his footsteps before she relaxed. He'd stood there and lied to her face. The nerve of them!

'Then why are they leaving?' The frighted, rational part of her mind fought back. She had no answer for it.

'At least they are gone now' she thought. She walked over to the window, but didn't see them. They were already gone.

Then she remembered the bit of newspaper he'd given her. She looked at it; just a random bit of print. She turned it over to look at the other side, and the heading jumped out at her: "Local Abandoned Buildings To Be Demolished Over Weekend To Make Way For Dominion Enterprises...."

Her first thought was that this was some other building; but closer examination revealed the truth. The white male had not lied after all.

Then it really sunk in.

They were going to destroy her home. No.. This is hers; she'd lived here for years! That damned company can find another place to live, they were rich enough! They had no right to do this! 

'Of course they do..' The rational part of her mind announced. 'I don't recall ever buying this place, paying taxes...'

"It's not fair." She spoke softly. 'When is life ever fair?'

"Options," She spoke aloud, falling into an old habit. She began to pace. There had to be away out of this. There was always a way out... "What are my options?"

She wanted to stay and fight.

'You can't. You can't stop them. He was right; they will come during the day, and you will never wake up. Some fight!'

"I can't stay here." Speaking the truth aloud made it real.

Her heart sank to the very floor as she howled in rage.Where can I go? She'd been lucky to find this place; other ruined buildings were occupied by homeless humans. Her building's first floor had callapsed in; no human could or would enter it by the ground. It had a good roof over it still, kept off the wind and rain, even had it's own water supply! It was roomy, it was just perfect! She'd never find a place like this again!

"That could've gone better." Flynt mused as the two gargoyles glided above the city, quite disappointed in the nights events.

"She is stubborn." Thaylog countered. "And wary."

"Well her stubborness is going to get her killed, dammit!" Flynt replied. "We can't let that happen. There has to be a way to prove to her we only want to help!"

Thaylog sighed. So far their attempts had proved fruitless. And the weekend was only two days away, so that left very little time to think of a new plan. He angled his wings and dove, finally coming to rest on one of the taller building's rooftops. Flynt followed a few seconds later. The pair stared at the city panorama beneath them.

"It looks do deceptively simple from up here." Flynt said, eyes looking at a few of the more impressive buildings before turning to face his friend.

"Yes" Thaylog replied as he took a few steps towards the rooftops edge. "But beneath the veneer...."

"I know.....it's getting worse isn't it Thay?"

The ivory gargoyle turned to his friend. "You've seen the reports on TV. Crime and violence on the rise.. law enforcement agencies unable to cope."

Flynt grunted. "They brought it on themselves" he said impassively. "Unfortunately what comes down on human heads, usually comes down on our kind too." His expression soured greatly as he finished that sentence. Bad enough the humans had to ruin their own lives, but in doing so they had to drag every other creature on this planet with them.

Thaylog turned his attention back to the city with a frown. Even before Flynt's arrival there were signs of things going bad, very bad. More and more power had been shifting to large corporations, some of which used questionable methods to achieve their goals. Many cities were owned by large conglomerates which acted with impunity, doing what ever they saw fit. It seemed human society was breaking down and changing...and not for the better.

The ivory gargoyle sighed heavily, Flynt was right. This could very well affect them too, a quick end to their nice life here. He had worked hard to reach this standing in life and he cared not to have it taken from him, from them, so soon.

Inter-Dimension Technologies was a powerful company in its own right, but what would happen if it was found out that its CEO's were gargoyles?

"Let's go home. There is still some work to be done." Thaylog said, taking to the air.

Neither gargoyle noticed the pair of binoculars that followed them into the night.

"I don't believe it!" The dark haired man said as he passed the binoculars to his partner, pointing to the direction of his interest.

"That security guard was right. Gargoyles...right here!"

"The boss is going to be pleased." His partner replied as he focused in on the rapidly disappearing forms in the sky." He's been after one of them for ages - ever since those reports started in Neew York."

"Get the men together." Dark hair said with a wicked smile. We're going to bag us a gargoyle!"

*****

The Next Night.

Flynt turned off the TV with a frown, throwing the remote angrily on the coffee table. "Same news, different day." He muttered as he made his way to the kitchen.

Without really looking he grabbed a piece of fruit from the counter and turned to Thaylog, who was seated at the dining table reading through his usual assortment of nightly newspapers.

"You want an apple?"

The ivory gargoyle looked up, a bit despondent. " No. Thanks anyway," he said as he returned his gaze to the paper he had been reading.

"Anything interesting?" Flynt asked, indicating the stack of papers.

"Not really." Thaylog answered. "A small article on Dominion Enterprises. Apparently they are a large robotics firm with overseas connections." His eyes grew overcast with a bit of worry.

"I take it that's not good."

"I don't know." The ivory gargoyle frowned. And if there was one thing he couldn't stand - it was not knowing things Ever since it was reported that this company was moving into the area he couldn't help thinking something about all this wasn't right. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary about it, but doubt was there - a gut feeling.

A tapping noise interrupted his thoughts and the silence of the room.

Both gargoyles turned in the direction of the sound - the balcony. Their eyes widened in surprise.

"Well I'll be....!" Flynt exclaimed as he rose quickly to his feet.

There standing on the balcony next to the glass doors was Dayia.

*****

Thaylog opened the sliding door and stepped back. "We are glad you decided to come. Please..." he indicated for the female gargoyle to enter.

Dayia cast a nervous glance about the room and its occupants before stepping inside, arms clutching her laptop. However she remained near the open door. She was taking a big chance and wasn't about to fully trust these two...not yet.

"I did some thinking after you two left." She admitted as she looked first at Thaylog then Flynt. "If your offer still stands.."

"Of course it does." Thaylog replied the relief on his face evident. "Please make yourself comfortable."

She paused for a moment, remaining where she was. "I have a few things at home, mainly of sentimental value. I would like a hand to bring them here."

"By all means." Flynt said, smiling. Great, he thought as a huge sense of relief flowed over him - one problem taken care of. "Lead the way."

He paused momentarily. "Umm.. what's your name? Mine's Flynt."

"And I am Thaylog."

Dayia hesitated momentarily and eyed the two gargoyles. They really were genuinely pleased to see her! She began to relax a little.

"Dayia. My name is Dayia." How odd that sounded - it had been so long since she had spoken that word.

"Well Dayia," Thaylog said with a smile. "Let us go and retrieve your possessions."

*****

A short time later the three gargoyles alighted on the rooftop of Dayia's former home and made their way inside. Some distance away a lone figure on a hover skimmer watched. As the gargoyles disappeared from view, he activated his microphone.

"Unit Five reporting in. I have a sighting. Three gargoyles in the area scheduled for demolition on the weekend."

"Three?" A surprised voice crackled over the receiver.

"Correct" the skimmer pilot said. "The two males you spotted last night, and a female."

"Excellent." the voice replied. "We have a lock on your position. ETA 10 minutes to pick you up. Over and out."

*****

"Is that it?" Flynt asked as his eyes scanned over the room one last time. Each of them carried a small bundle of items wrapped in Dayia's blankets.

"Yes." Dayia replied. She sighed and looked around. As little as it had been it was still her home and she hated to part with it. "I know it wasn't much but...."

"...it was home" Thaylog finished, smiling. "Sometimes life forces choices on us, choices that seem difficult at the time. It is for the better." He said in hopes of reassuring her. Home was home and no matter what it was or was not, it wasn't easy leaving it.

Dayia nodded as the three of them turned to leave. Flynt was about to follow but then stopped momentarily, head cocked to one side.

"What is it?" Thaylog asked curiously, straining his ears to pick up on whatever it was that may of caught his friends attention.

Several seconds passed. Flynt shook his head. "Nothing. For a moment there I thought I heard something."

Together they made their way to the roof...only to be greeted by an explosion. Stunned the gargoyles looked around wildly - eyes searching the sky and rooftops for the cause of the attack.

"Up there!" Thaylog shouted as he pointed to a large hovercraft. The ship quickly moved towards their position as they stared in shock and surprise. The front of the craft opened and a large net was fired to wards them.

"To cover quickly!" Thaylog yelled as he dodged to the left, hoping like heck his friends would be able to get out of the way as well.

The two other gargoyles shot off - quickly regrouping and finding refuge behind a crumbling wall.

"Who the blazes is that?" Flynt growled, eyes glowing. Before the others could answer, the sounds of engines filled the air as the hovercraft came closer took position above the building. A dozen armed men jumped out if it's open hatch and onto the roof.

"Remember," one of the men shouted, "take them alive if possible!"

*****

"Just marvelous" Thaylog snapped at this unexpected turn of events. Worry made him risk a glance over wall. Not good he thought as he watched the humans fan out to prepare for another attack. Wonderful. Why now - why when all was going so well? Just his stinking luck to be caught and put in some zoo!

"What do we do know?" Dayia asked, ears picking up the movement all around them. She didn't need to look over the wall to know that they were in trouble.

"Blasted humans!" Flynt snarled, his voice cold and deadly. He ripped a section of iron pipe from the wall. "Do? We do THIS!" With a battle cry he leapt onto the wall, launching himself at the group of men.

"Flynt! Wait!" Thaylog called as he reached out his hand to stop his friends sudden, and foolish, charge. The tan gargoyle was already amongst them, iron pipe swinging.

"I really must talk to him about his temper." The ivory gargoyle muttered as he and Dayia joined the fray. He already had a bad feeling about the outcome of this battle - it was too many armed foes against them and they were weaponless.

*****

Flynt was starting to think he may have acted a bit too rashly.

'Stupid gargoyle.' He thought to himself as he dodged the tazer cable.' When did you start rushing into things without thinking!' He spun on the ball of his foot, the iron pipe connecting with the tazer wielding humans head. He had already put three of the humans out of commission. 'Why can't they just leave us alone!' he snarled in his mind. Just when life was really starting to get good too!

He turned in time to see Thaylog throw one of their antagonists into two of his hapless fellows and Dayia send another flying with a well aimed fist to the face. Dropping to all fours Flynt sprinted across the rooftop, bowling over another human along the way attempting to fire some sort of net gun at his friends. The shot went wide, sailing over the gargoyles heads and the edge of the building.

"I think its time to bid a hasty retreat!" Thaylog said when Flynt joined Dayia and himself. There was really too many of them and they were too well armed. Their best bet was to get out of here and fast before one or all of them got caught or, even worse, hurt.

"Agreed." The tan gargoyle answered. "Now. While they are still regrouping."

Sure enough the remaining humans had backed off slightly, hesitant at approaching the three gargoyles again. Taking the opportunity the trio ran towards the buildings edge and leapt into the night.

*****

The dark haired squad commander scowled. He had seriously underestimate these creatures. Half his squad was either unconscious or badly injured and now the gargoyles were making a break for it. He wasn't going to let that happen.

"Alive *IF* possible." He muttered. That didn't mean necessarily alive. He aimed his pulse rifle and fired.

*****

Dayia took to the air quickly, followed closely by Thaylog with Flynt bringing the rear. The tan gargoyle caught the thermal and began rise. He opened this mouth, about to call to the ivory gargoyle when he felt his back explode in white hot pain. With a roar of agony he dropped from the sky.

Thaylog turned his head at the sound of his friend's cry. Horror filled his soul as he saw Flynt's falling form. No - not Flynt his mind cried as he dove after his friend. Better it had been me, he thought bitterly, full well knowing he would of healed from any injury, even a mortal one. He banked tightly and dived, grabbing the tan gargoyle by the arm with a grunt and gathering up his limp form. With several powerful strokes of his wings he regained altitude and joined Dayia.

The dark haired commando ran to the cockpit of the hovercraft as the last of his men climbed in. He watched in satisfaction at the scene before him, a slight smile spreading across his face.

"After them." He ordered.

*****

11

"This way." Dayia said as she angled towards some old warehouses, the same area she had lost the males in that first night all that time ago.

Thaylog chanced a look back. For now they had a good lead, but the hovercraft was gaining. There was no way they could outrun it, not with him carrying Flynt. No matter what though, he would not leave his friend behind for them to have.

Quickly he followed the female gargoyles lead. She knew this area far better than him. If they could find a place to hide out....

The ivory gargoyle looked down at his friend. His skin was pale and a trail of blood trickled from his mouth. Thaylog wasn't even sure if he was still breathing.

"Don't you go dying on me..." he half muttered, half prayed as Dayia lead them into a darkened alley between two warehouses. Changing direction abruptly she entered one of them through a broken windows, Thaylog right behind her.

The pair landed and Thaylog gently set Flynt to the floor. The tan gargoyle didn't even moan. No good, thought Thaylog as he gently examined the wound, hissing in rage as he did so.

Flynt's back was a blackened mess. Hesitantly he moved his hand to the tan gargoyles neck, feeling for a pulse. His worse fear was confirmed - there was none. He blinked rapidly, fighting the stinging sensations of tears forming as he turned to Dayia, voice thick with emotion.

"He's...dead."

*****

"I've lost them sir!" the pilot said as he scanned the readouts.

"What!" John Gregory Harding slammed a fist against his seat. The dark haired commando was not accustomed to failure. "What do you mean 'lost them' !!"

"They're gone." The pilot answered, nervously.

Harding looked at the readouts, his face lined with anger. There was no sign of them.

"Make another pass." He ordered. "If we don't find them, head back to base." He sat back in his seat with annoyance. His employer wasn't going to be pleased. Bad enough losing them, but he had, most likely, killed that one male and they didn't even have his body to take back!

"I'll catch those beasts if its the last thing I do." he said to himself.

*****

The gargoyles listened as the airship passed over head its engines fading in the distance.

"They will pay for this." The ivory gargoyle growled, his eyes blazing a fiery red as he looked skyward, eyes focused on the ship - trying to find some identifying mark or logo to give him some direction to travel in. "This I swear!"

Maybe it was time he changed his view on things, maybe it was time to take up Demona's way of thinking - wipe all these damn humans from the planet. 'Take me and lock me up in a cage, fine I'll survive, but don't you dare hurt those I care about,' he thought with rage and overwhelming grief.

"Thaylog..." Dayia said in a strange voice as she took several steps back.

The ivory gargoyle turned, seeing Dayia's eyes gave focussed on Flynt. He followed her gaze and gave a gasp of surprise.

Something strange was happening. The tan gargoyles body began to glow slightly, starting from his right hand. Within moments Flynt was bathed in a eerie green light, gradually increasing in intensity. His body started twitching and convulsing. The stunned gargoyles watched as the wounds sealed up and healed. Within moments the glow subsided the tan gargoyle gave a groan.

"Oh my head." Flynt groaned as he sat up. His eyes quickly snapped open as he looked around, stopping suddenly as he noticed the shocked expressions on his companions faces.

"What happened? Where are we? The last thing I remember......"

"You...you were dead." Dayia said, still not believing her eyes.

"Dead?" Flynt answered with disbelief. "I remember the pain and blacking out..."

"She speaks the truth." Thaylog said as walked over to his friend. "I carried you here myself. You were shot. The laser tore your back open."

Flynt reached behind him. He grabbed part of his tunic and pulled. It came away easily. It was blackened and charred. He tore the top half of his clothing off and looked at the it in amazement. He felt his back...there was no sign of any injury at all.

"But ...but how?" he whispered

Thaylog told Flynt what he had just witnessed. "The source of it was from here." He finished indicating Flynt's right hand.

The tan gargoyle examined his hand, puzzled. There was nothing there, just the burn scar in the shape of the amulet...

"The amulet!!" Flynt almost shouted in amazement.

"Amulet?" Dayia asked puzzled.

Thaylog nodded, understanding immediately. "You said no-one was sure exactly the scope of its powers. It would appear your contact with it has some ....interesting side effects." For which I am grateful, he added in thought.

Flynt frowned. "In the void...I remember a flash...I thought it had disappeared."

"Perhaps." Thaylog replied as he reached his hand down to help the gargoyle to his feet. "It may even a part of you now."

"Would some please tell me whats going on?" Dayia asked, slightly annoyed.

Once to his feet, Flynt turned to the female gargoyle and smiled. "It's a strange tale, and one best for another time. What now though? What of the humans?"

"Thanks to Dayia, we managed to elude them." The ivory gargoyle answered as he returned to the window to make sure that they were indeed gone.

"One thing is for certain though. We have been discovered, it is not safe in this city anymore. Those humans, or others, may very well find us again. We must relocate and swiftly." He finished bitterly, he liked his new home and was not pleased in the least to have to give it up.

The other two joined Thaylog at the window - eager to get far from this place and back to the safety of his penthouse. After checking it was all clear, they headed back toward their home, keeping a watchful eye on the surrounding skies.

"Ah, Thay..." Flynt said as he came along side. "I acted rashly, without thinking back there. Normally I......"

"Yes you did" the ivory gargoyle agreed, using a slightly parental tone. "You should learn to control you temper, my friend."

"I wanted to say thanks for getting me out."

Thaylog smiled. "Its just good to have you back."