(Story Concept by Flynt, Diamond, Kahreen, Thaylog and Shaiya)

Written by Flynt

*****

1

The overhead lights shone brightly off the sword blades as the two winged figures circled each other, their taloned feet clicking across the polished hardwood floor. A large variety of weapons, both ancient and modern, hung off the walls of the large room. Off to one side a dark haired female gargoyle watched the pair, an amused expression on her face.

The tan gargoyle suddenly lunged, katana flashing as he rained a series of blows against his ivory hued opponent. Thaylog blocked the blows, blue sparks flying from both katanas as the tempered steel blades repeatedly made contact. The ivory gargoyle side stepped, his tufted tail snaking out. His opponent noticed the move and jumped back safely out of reach.

"Now you're being sneaky." Flynt grinned. He brushed a stray lock of yellow hair from his face as he took up a defensive stance.

Thaylog smiled and leapt forward. Flynt parried the blow and countered with one of his own. Thaylog lowered his blade to block the thrust and instantly realised his error. The tan gargoyle reversed his stoke, bringing his sword up over Thaylog's guard and tapping it on the white haired gargoyle's dark brown breastplate.

"Feint east, strike west." Flynt said with a smile as he stepped back.

Thaylog gave a small groan. "That is the third time this week you have done that to me."

"Don't worry," Flynt replied. "Like you said it's been a long time since you wielded a sword." He wiped the blade down with a bit of cloth before returning it to its saya. "You're bound to forget a thing or two."

'Yeah, like falling for the oldest trick in the book' Thaylog thought to himself as he sheathed his own blade. 'A couple centuries would tend to leave one a bit rusty.'

"So?" Flynt asked. "Whats on tonight's agenda?"

"I will be going into the city shortly." Was the ivory gargoyles reply.

"What!" Flynt responded in shock. "Are you serious?" he shot a glance over to Dayia, seeing his worry mirrored in her eyes. "That place is a tinderbox! We're damned lucky you had this place to go to after all that happened last month."

Thaylog nodded. They were lucky indeed. After the last attack. IN their very own apartment, the three of them had left the city, making their way to this secluded modest mansion in the woods, some thirty miles outside of town. Thaylog had bought the place at the same time as the penthouse, intending to use it as a 'summer retreat' of sorts. Now it served as their permanent home.

"Why?" Flynt asked. " With your computers we can run things from here well enough. Heh. We expanded our holdings by twenty percent last week didn't we."

"Yes." Thaylog answered." That *was* good thinking on your part."

For the past few weeks Thaylog had been showing Flynt the 'finer points' of successfully running a business, and was happy to see the tan gargoyle grasping the idea rather quickly. It was Flynt who had noticed two smaller companies in apparent financial distress and had pointed them out to his friend. Thaylog watched them closely over the next couple days and then made his move, buying them out before the other corporations knew what was happening. That was a good week indeed.

"Flynt's right." Dayia said. "Why risk going back there?"

"Because." The ivory gargoyle replied. "There are things neither the computer nor the media can tell us. Things I need to see first hand. The progress of our rivals, the REAL mood within the city...."

"At least let us go with you." Dayia answered as she reached for a small laser pistol.

"No. There is enough risk of being seen with just my self going." Thaylog said. " If we all went it would be all the more dangerous."

Flynt sighed. Once Thay got an idea in his head there was usually no stopping him. He looked at the two gargoyles in front of him. He cared for both deeply. His old clan, his mate, his past, were gone forever. He had accepted that. There would always be a little hurt in his heart, but thanks to Thaylog and Dayia it wasn't so bad. They were as close to clan as he could hope for here. No. They *were* clan. He placed a hand on Thaylog's shoulder.

"I can see there is no way to make you change your mind. Just watch you back, brother."

The ivory gargoyle's eyes widened slightly in surprise. Never had anyone called him 'brother'. Hearing the word... spoken to him, filled him with happiness. A true sense of belonging. He smiled.

"I always do...brother." How odd the word sounded coming from his lips! He looked at Dayia. ".and sister." With that, Thaylog made his way through the large french doors that lead onto the wide stone balcony.

"I may be a while, but should be back shortly before dawn." Thaylog said as he hopped onto the railing and spread his wings. "Flynt, I'll leave you to go through the days reports."

"No problem." The tan gargoyle answered. "Consider it done."

The ivory gargoyle disappeared into the night.

*****

Flynt straightened up from the computer monitor and rubbed his eyes. He had finally finished reading the days reports. Everything from the many divisions of Inter-Dimensional Enterprises was running smoothly. He glanced at the clock.

"Well that killed a couple hours." He said to himself.

What to do now? Flynt considered heading down to the library. He really wanted to finish that book on Feudal Japan. Thaylog had mentioned he had lived there for several years. Reading about its culture and way of life mystified and amazed the tan gargoyle. And Bushido. The Way of The Warrior. Now that was something he could relate to.

He raised himself from the chair and stretched, the knotted muscles in his shoulders protesting with the effort.

'But first a glide would be nice.' He thought. Flynt made his way up the stairs and through the kitchen, grabbing an apple from the counter along the way. His ears picked up the sound of laughter. Following the sound, he soon found himself in the lounge room. Dayia sat curled up on the lounge, laughing and watching the TV. Flynt's eyes strayed to the screen and he grinned. The Three Stooges. They were funny... even for humans. The tan gargoyle watched the show from the doorway as he finished off his apple, before turning to Dayia.

"I'm going to stretch my wings. Want to come along?" He asked.

Dayia looked up and smiled. "No not tonight thanks." She replied. " I think I'll just have a quiet night here."

"Ok." Flynt was happy Dayia had settled in so well. Well who could blame her, after the way she had been forced to live for all those years? " I'll only be an hour or so, see you soon."

"Alright." Dayia replied. "See you later."

The tan gargoyle made his way to the 'gymnasium' where he and Thaylog had been practicing earlier. He hoped his friend was all right. He selected a wakizashi and thrust the short bladed sword into his belt, thinking a moment before taking a small laser pistol also. He wasn't overly fond of these 'modern' weapons. He wasn't going far but no sense in taking any chances. He'd been shot at already enough times and although Flynt knew he would recover from his injuries quickly, he wasn't keen on getting his hide scorched again.

'Fat lot of good a sword will do if someone points a particle cannon at you.' He thought as he placed the laser into his belt. He strode out onto the balcony and leapt off the railing, his wings catching the thermals and raising him aloft. The wind rushing through his hair and along his skin felt so good! It seemed that there just wasn't enough time for pleasurable gliding these days. With a grin he banked left and headed out over the woods.

*****

2

An hour later Thaylog found himself within city limits...not much seemed to have changed since his last visit here, all seemed calm and routine. After that little mishap in his apartment last month he knew that his kind were known about - not only by that mysterious lot that had attacked them shortly after finding Dayia, but by another group from her past that had tracked them on their way to their home. Not one - but two sets of enemies that needed to be watched. Hardest part was he didn't know whom they were sent from or what their true intent was.

Worried, he landed on a nearby rooftop to get a better look at things. Sharp eyes scanned the billboards and graffiti on the alley walls and fences - a wave of relief washing over him when he saw no hint of the word gargoyles. All too vividly he could recall how nasty things turned in New York near a decade ago when it became public knowledge that gargoyles existed - whoever their 'hunters' were, they apparently didn't want it to be common knowledge that their prey existed. This gave them a bit of an edge, not much of one as within any given second that anonymity could be taken from them and they could find their lives thrust into the public spotlight - not a good place to be.

A bit at ease, he spread his wings and leapt from the ledge - quickly heading in the direction of his corporation. How thankful he was that he and his friends hadn't been found there and that building destroyed...that would have dealt him a major loss. It was time to check up on his company first hand and then perhaps stop by Dominion Enterprises and see what was going on there. The new company had, as he had expected, made incredible progress in the short months that had past and 2008 had put Inter-Dimension and Dominion in close competition with each other. Of all the corporations playing in this game - they were the one that posed the most threat to him.

*****

3

Flynt watched the terrain pass swiftly below him. By the tell tale landmarks he knew he was approaching his destination. He looked ahead and saw a break in the forest, the trees forming an irregular circular opening around a large lake. He had discovered it shortly after they had moved into the mansion, and it was fast becoming his favorite place. Often he came here to think or just simply relax, its solitude and peacefulness appealing to him greatly. Flynt began his descent, watching as the moonlight reflected off the watery source. Suddenly he slowed his dive and hovered, eyes wide in disbelief. Someone else was there...in the lake!! The tan gargoyle changed direction and landed by the cover of the trees that ringed the lake. He cautiously make his way to the very edge of the tree line, stifling a gasp of surprise as his sharp eyes picked out the form in the water. There ahead of him was the unmistakable form of a gargoyle, her pale skin and long white hair in sharp contrast to her black wings. She was knee deep in the water humming to herself as she cleaned a freshly caught fish. Intrigued Flynt stepped forward to get a better look at this unexpected stranger. He winced as he trod on a dry twig, the snapping sound seeming as loud as a gunshot in the quiet night air. The female gargoyle instantly spun around in his direction, eyes glowing crimson and fangs bared.

Flynt froze, but it was obvious he had been spotted. With a feline snarl of fury she charged, her speed surprising the tan gargoyle. The female barreled into him, her momentum sending them both into the dirt as her talons sought to wreak havoc on his face.

A string of curses went through Flynt's mind as he deflected her blows. He didn't want to hurt her, but she was fast and if he didn't do something quick, this angry female was likely to take out an eye. He roared and pushed hard, sending the enraged gargoyle flying backwards as he scrambled to his feet and assumed a battle crouch. The female regained her footing quickly and began to circle him, pausing suddenly as a look of confusion crossed her features. Flynt tried to keep his eyes focused on her face; a rather difficult job considering his opponent was lacking apparel. He resisted the insane compulsion to giggle. This was definitely a first for him. Reading the confusion on the female's face he straightened slightly, mind working furiously on how to handle this.

"I am not here to hurt you." He said.

The female glared at him with her glowing crimson eyes, before turning and running off, gathering up a black garment from the ground along the way.

"Oh no you don't." Flynt said to himself, dropping to all fours in pursuit. He wasn't about to let her escape. He caught up to the female rapidly, her dash to freedom hindered by the fact she was trying to clothe herself at the same time. Flynt leapt and tackled her. The female twisted underneath him and tried to rake him with her talons.

"Enough already!" He grabbed her wrists, locking her arms in his grip. She wriggled beneath him, snarling, her tail lashing out and striking him painfully in the back.

"Ow!! Are you insane?" he roared. "Enough! CALM DOWN!!"

Suddenly the female stopped struggling, the glow fading from her eyes. She gave him a baffled look as she scrutinized him, her gaze travelling to his shoulders, his arms, then back to his face.

"I...I...you're a gargoyle...like me!" she said in shock.

"Well I was last time I looked!" Flynt shook his head slightly at her puzzled expression. Now was not the time for smart comments. "Yes I am a gargoyle...like you."

Flynt relaxed his grip slightly as she continued to stare at him with her onyx eyes. Now that he had a good look at her, she really was quite lovely. Long white hair framing a delicate yet strong face. She had small horn stubs at the apex of slender brow ridges running above each eye. He watched her closely, slightly confused by her look. Was it one of...of admiration?

'No' he thought. 'Your imagining things.'

"My dagger." She said softly.

"What?"

"My dagger" The female repeated. "I left it by the lake."

Flynt hesitated momentarily, wondering if it was wise to let her within reach of a weapon. She was a formidable enough fighter as is. Still, perhaps a sign of trust, of good faith was in order. After all it was he who had surprised her in the first place. With a small sigh he got to his feet watching carefully as the female did likewise. She straightened her short bodysuit as she strode past him to the shore of the lake, retrieving a long bladed knife and harness nestled carefully against a rocky outcrop. The tan gargoyle was feeling decidedly odd.

'I wonder where she is from?' he wondered as she strapped the blade to her upper right thigh, turning to look at him.

"My name is Flynt" the tan gargoyle stated." And you...?"

The female glared at him before walking away.

"Hey wait up!" Flynt called." Where are you going?"

She turned and faced him silently, hands on her hips.

"Look I'm sorry I startled you." Flynt began. "Fact is I come here frequently. The last thing I expected was running into another gargoyle."

The female considered his words for a moment, never taking her eyes off him. In truth she was rather curious about this tan gargoyle. He was the first of her kind she had seen since her parent's death and his sudden appearance came as a shock. A gamut of emotions ran through her mind. Confusion, anger, fear, hope. And something else, something she could not identify as she looked at large male in front of her. Briefly she relived the bitter memories in her mind. Her father murdered when she was but a hatchling, her mother driven insane by grief until she too virtually killed herself. Then the lonely years of wandering, struggling simply to survive. She wanted to cry out, to scream the pain away from her, but she could not afford to appear weak. With great effort she maintained her steely composure.

Life had taught her to trust no one.

Flynt waited for an answer, thinking to himself how beautiful she looked in the moonlight. A strange sensation started in the pit of his stomach, something he hadn't felt since... Suddenly memories of his own rose unbidden to the surface, together with an ache in his heart, touched by a feeling of guilt.

A shadow passed briefly over his face, but if the female noticed, she gave no sign.

"So you come here often." She said. It was more of a statement than a question.

"Yes." Flynt replied nodding. "We live not far from here."

"We?" She responded, suspicion creeping into her voice.

"My friends and I." The tan gargoyle answered. "Others like me...like us. My Clan. We live in a house not far from here."

"A house!" Her eyes narrowed angrily as she snarled. "You lie! How can it be you live in a human dwelling!"

Flynt sighed inwardly at her reaction, thinking of the best way to explain this.

"Firstly I do not lie." He answered simply. "Secondly, through a set of fortunate circumstances and hard work we DO live in a human dwelling." The emphasis on the word 'human' leaving no doubt to his views on them. He paused for a moment as his eyes hardened. "Why shouldn't we. Or should we be content to live our lives as beasts, to be on the run and constantly hunted?"

The female stiffened slightly at his last words. Flynt's voiced softened.

"You can see for yourself, you would be gladly welcomed, without a doubt."

She backed up a step, conflicting thoughts of hope and fear running through her mind. Could he be telling the truth? Or was he lying. Was this some plot to do her harm as she had encountered so many times before? She hesitated, struggling to make a decision.

Flynt nodded a little sadly. "The choice is yours. Our home is a little way in that direction." He pointed northwards. "You are welcome there. If you decide not to come, I wish you well on your journey."

He turned and began to climb the rocky outcrop, hurt that he had failed to convince her. She watched as he climbed, talons sinking deep into the stone. Flynt reached the summit and flared his wings, testing the air currents. The female gave an involuntary gasp as she saw him silhouetted against the night sky, the unfamiliar feeling again passing through her body.

Flynt tensed, ready to launch, when a voice brought him up short.

"Diamond."

He turned.

"My name is Diamond." She climbed the rock, joining him at the summit.

Flynt bowed deeply. "A pleasure to meet you Diamond."

Diamond allowed a hint of a smile to cross her face. She was unaccustomed to such actions, but impressed none the less.

"Show me this home of yours." She said, making her way to the outcrop's edge.

The tan gargoyle gave her his best smile. "Of course." he replied. "Just follow me."

*****

4

Flynt allowed the thermals to carry him higher, keeping Diamond to his left. Her eyes were scanning the ground below, a tense look on her face He was happy he persuaded her to follow him. He was pretty sure she had no real home, heaven knows how long she had been living in these woods, and practically right under their noses!

He turned back to their destination, the mansion coming into view through the trees.

"There it is!" he called out pointing downwards.

Diamond turned her attention towards the mansion. The sight of it filled her with apprehension. No it wasn't possible. How could they live in such a large, luxurious place? Doubts began to fill her mind as she slowed her flight.

Flynt noticed her hesitation and frowned worriedly.

"It's all right." he called. "There is nothing to fear. Trust me." He banked slightly and began his descent.

'Trust me'. The words stuck her like an arrow. She hovered, part of her wanting to follow the tan gargoyle, another part, the one she had lived with so long screamed for her to flee.

"Nay. I cannot." Diamond whispered regretfully as she turned and headed back towards the woods.

Flynt raised his head and saw the female gargoyles retreating form.

"Wait!" he shouted. He pulled up from his descent, trying to catch a breeze to raise him aloft, but Diamond had already disappeared into the night.

'Damn!' Flynt shouted angrily. What did she do that for? He landed on the balcony and gazed out into the night sky. No sense going after her now. There just wasn't enough time. He didn't want to get caught out in the open when dawn came.

"There is always tomorrow night." He whispered "Or the night after." He stopped suddenly, surprised by his reaction. He struggled with his conflicting emotions. He didn't even know this gargoyle and yet...

Flynt turned his attention to the heavens and the moon, symbol of the Goddess, The Great Earth Mother, Mistress life and death, birth and rebirth, destiny and nature. His mind wandered over the events that had transpired since that fateful night of the attack of the keep.

"What is it you want of me?" He whispered. "All I had once known has been taken from me forever. Why do you deem my life to follow such strange paths?"

The sound of a door opening interrupted Flynt's thoughts. He turned to see Dayia padding across the balcony.

" I thought I heard someone." She said before noticing the look on Flynt's face.

"What happened?" she asked, puzzled.

Flynt shook his head, and turned his gaze back towards the woods. The eastern horizon was already beginning to lighten with the sign of a new day. He looked back at Dayia.

"Has Thay returned yet?"

"No. Not yet." The dark haired female replied, concern in her voice as she watched the rapidly approaching dawn.

Flynt closed his eyes and sighed. It had really been one of those nights.

"Lets hope he finds somewhere safe to stay for the day." He turned and headed inside. "We'd best get ready."

Dayia nodded and followed the tan gargoyle back inside. Flynt removed an access panel from the wall and punched in a sequence of numbers onto the keypad, effectively locking down the mansion and activating the security systems. He crouched down in the 'gymnasium', eyes full of thought as the sun's rays lit up the sky, banishing away the last vestiges of the night.

*****

5

Long shadows drifted across the large office, breaking Thaylog's attention away from the reports he had been going over. His eyes shifted to look out the large glass window - quickly taking note of the fact it was near sun-up. No - it couldn't be that late, he thought to himself in anger, he had so much more he wanted to finish this night.

He stood with a deep sigh, stretching as he turned to face the window.....well, no point in trying to make it back to the mansion, it was too late for that. There was no way he'd be able to fly back in broad daylight and expect not to be seen - might as well spend the day here at his penthouse. Or better yet, take a bit of a rest and then head out to explore the city in his human form - alot of useful information could be picked up from that.

Yes, he thought as he began to make his way to the hidden doorway that allowed access to his penthouse above, that would be the best route to follow.

*****

Noon the Same Day

Thaylog paused outside the large building that housed Dominion - a very modern structure had quickly been built where Dayia's home had once stood. Most impressive indeed, he thought to himself as he walked through the front doors. It was shortly after noon - a good half of the company's employees darting about on their lunch break made it a perfect time to walk in unnoticed. He had even made sure he had dressed in a more 'professional' manner - black dress pants and a white silk shirt, and it had proven a wise choice he noted as he casually walked through the lobby. No one gave him a second glance, well - just one well-dressed female employee whom stopped to give him a friendly smile before going on her way.

He laughed softly to himself as he took note of the magazine and papers that were organized in neat pile alongside chairs for awaiting visitors - one out of the lot catching his eye. It was a company magazine. Not just one give to the more common employees, but rather one that would of been handed to a prospective business partner.

Two suit-clad gentlemen at the receptionist's area were undoubtedly the ones it had been given too, they were people he had seen in his office around a year ago. Not good, if they were talking to the head of Dominion, that meant they may be leaving his company for this new one, he thought with a frown as he walked over and quickly picked up the magazine before they could realize they had left it behind.

Best to be on his way, before those two recognized him - after all, how many people were running around the city with white, waist length hair? This new turn of events posed a bit of a concern to him - if they, Shaikeo Corporation, were looking into another partner - how many others were as well. Dominion was getting to be a really big pest and would have to be dealt with soon. Inter-Dimension Technologies couldn't afford too many loses....not with the game so close and far too much at stake.

He turned with a silent snarl and made his way from the lobby - his enjoyable day out turning rather quickly unenjoyable.

Thaylog was quickly brought back to reality when he turned a corner and ran full-force into another person. "Excuse me.........." he began as he looked up. No, he thought........not him! His eyes narrowed as he took in the features of an all too familiar human - his mind quickly racing back to that night when they were moving Dayia to their home. This was the human that had taken part in that attack! He was a part of Dominion - but why would they be hunting gargoyles? Did they know who, and what, he was?

Harding looked up - this person seemed familiar, but yet he couldn't place where he had run into him. His features and the long white hair reminded him of someone.....but who? He saw Thaylog's eyes narrow, making him certain that this one recalled him as well.

Thaylog quickly nodded a silent apology and briskly walked past him, mind racing with a thousand questions as to what this all meant.

*****

Thaylog decided to take his time in returning to his office, opting to wander the city streets while mulling over the puzzle of Dominion and their apparent connection with the gargoyle hunter he had bumped into. He was lost in his thoughts when a sharp noise snapped him back to reality. A loud crash echoed though the grimy alleyways, catching Thaylog's attention. Listening intently for it's source, he heard only an ominous silence on what should have been a bustling main street

.

Odd, he thought to himself, and he turned a corner to investigate. Upon rounding another bend, he discovered the cause of the noise, or, causes. Three figures engaged in quiet but intense battle met his eyes. A metal trash can was crumpled to the side, forgotten. Two of the figures were masked, the third wore a long, hooded cloak. All three wore gloves. He could not discern their gender, but guessed that the two were males because of their large builds and obviously superior strength. What should have been an uneven fight, however, seemed to have been handled well. The cloaked figure, though smaller and slighter than the others, seemed to have been trained better than they, and seemed to have little trouble fending them off. Thaylog, watching for the weaknesses of any of these humans, stayed far back and out of the battle. After all, he reasoned with him-self, his assistance was not required. But they might be his enemies in a week -or even a few minutes if he intervened. 'Know your enemies,' an old saying came to his mind, and he agreed very much so with it.

Suddenly a ringed glove struck out, a peculiar red-gold glinting in the sunlight and catching Thaylog's attention. A second later the hood of the cloaked figure fell free from her face. Her large, bright, light yellow-green eyes blazed against a pale, orange-tinged face and slightly violet lips. Her long, fine silver-white hair flowed over her ears. She looked young, quite lovely, even for a human. Thaylog blinked in surprise - how could one small child fend off these two brutes as skillfully as he had witnessed? Then he had his answer.

She snarled at the two attackers, revealing deadly fangs. And then she began to mutate. Large, Raven-black wings sprouted from her back, shredding the cloak. A tail immediately followed. Her ash-colored gloves burst and two fingers melted into each other, and then into talons.

Thaylog's brownish-red eyes widened in surprise. A Gargoyle? In daylight?!?

Snaking her tail around, she caught the nearest villain by the leg and smashed his face into the wall. What should have been a blow enough to knock human conscious did little more than slow him. Raking her talons at the eyes of the other, she made a lethal mistake. She had turned her back on the first attacker to deal with his partner.

Quickly pulling on a leather glove with metal spikes from his jacket, he swiped at her. Slamming the second into a dumpster, she realized what her error had been, and she whipped about, but fast enough. A needle-sharp spike caught her cheek and left a long gash across it's pale surface. Blood welled up from the wound, and a thin stream of blood trickled down the right side of her face.

Her hand went to the ripped flesh almost instinctually. Bringing the bloodied talons into her sight, she froze in horror.

'Bleeding... I'm bleeding!!!' Her mind screamed. Her breath caught in a choked inhaling. The attackers grinned under their masks and advanced upon her once again. She seemed to be in some kind of shock- just staring at the blood as it flowed from her, and she made no move to stop the attackers. From all the indication she made, they might not have even existed. She kept gasping like a fish out of the water.

"Ah- ahhh!" She shuddered in fright and shrank away from the hooded figures. One of them drew a blade...

Thaylog decided that perhaps he ought to interfere after all. Without a second thought Thaylog made his way behind the nearer of the two, hands coming down heavily upon the attacker's back. What should have been enough to of at least stun the human did little more than anger him. The figure quickly turned to face this new opponent....a bit surprised to see a human interfering, defending even this one.

'Well,' thought Thaylog as he prepared to defend himself, that didn't quite go as planned. His eyes narrowed as he fully realized the inhuman strength of these attackers. Surely no human could be ~that~ strong... Just what had he got him-self into this time?

With a snarl he leapt at his opponent, managing to catch him off guard enough to lift him off the ground and throw him against the dumpster. Thaylog watched as he made a half attempt to rise and then collapsed on the ground. Satisfied that he no longer posed a threat, Thaylog quickly turned his attention to the remaining one.

'Bleeding!!!' Her mind screamed as the attacker advanced. 'I'm bleeding!!!'

"Ahhh! Ah!" An incoherent cry sprang from her lips as he reached out. She was defenseless to stop him. He quickly snatched her slender wrist in an iron grip and a wave of agony was wrung anew from her. She was burning alive. Bleeding! 'Stop it, stop it! Let me go!!! Ahhhhh!!! You're killing me!!!' Her mind screamed in endless torment.

Another scream rose to join hers - but this one was tangible - this one could be heard with her ears, not her thoughts. The female's scream drowned under it, and the horrifficness of it subdued as she was released and her captor - near captor - stumbled away.

Numb, she turned around and came face to face with a human. Long white hair, clear eyes, tall. She was a surprised, too, as she realized that he was a decent - seeming one. Still nervous and wary and frightened - was this one is a new threat? He had seen her. Had seen... her wings...

Thaylog read the female's confusion and fear in her expression. He tried to look unimposing. Careful, he reminded him-self of the last meeting with a Gargess. And yet, this couldn't be a Gargess. There was some thing more... some thing different...

'Something secret' a soft voice whispered in the back of his mind, and looking at her, he tended to believe it. Cautiously, he spoke in a soft, comforting tone.

"It's alright, little one."

She stared, uncertain, at this male who had driven off her enemies and spoke as one might to a frightened mother-deer away from her brethren and fawns. The female tried to read his eyes for ill-meaning, but only tender sympathy showed in them.

And... some thing else. Some thing she shouldn't know... Or couldn't know. Some secret he kept hidden. 'Like me,' she thought.

She was quivering, wings and tail slowly being re-absorbed. Thaylog tried again, hoping she wouldn't dash off.

"My name is Thaylog." He stepped a small bit closer, hands unarmed, wrists unguarded. She tensed, awaiting the next question she knew must come. "What can I call you?"

She was startled. This wasn't the question that had been expected. He hadn't asked for her name, after all. Though he had given his own. Awed by the trust she was being shown from such a mighty warrior - and a true warrior at that - not one of those cowardly slime that seemed to populate everywhere she went, she thought fast. How could she answer? That was some thing she had to contemplate- even if not her name, it was almost as important. She bit her lip, mind racing fast.

Thaylog smiled encouragingly, genuinely pleased. His tactics seemed to have worked.

"I..." she trailed off, trying to remember the sounds and meanings of this language. It had been a long time since she had needed talk to any one, and her words were out of practice.

"You." Her eyes shifted quickly to his face. "You can call me..." And the word came to her mind, ever-so appropriate for her experience and person. "Shaiya." And she pronounced it like her last calling had. Shhh-A-ya.

Thaylog grinned in triumph and held out his hand to a near-human Shaiya. She hesitated and slowly met his hand.

"I must tell you of my Clan..." And Thaylog led her from the alley, stopping only when she opened a small pouch and donned a cloak and gloves.

*****

The lift doors opened with a barely audible 'whoosh' as Harding entered the top floor of the Dominion Building. The mercenary frowned slightly, still thinking of his run in with Thaylog just outside the lobby. He was sure the two had met before, what annoyed him was that he just could not recall where. That alone was enough to arouse the dark haired man's suspicions. He pushed the thought to the back of his mind as he strode up to the receptionists desk. The young blonde secretary looked up from her typing and gave him a small professional smile.

"Hello Mr. Harding, if you just give me a moment I'll inform Mr. Dawson that you are here." Harding nodded once as she pushed a button on her intercom. "Mr. Dawson, Mr. Harding is here."

"Thank you Emily." A voice responded over the intercom speaker. "Show him in."

Emily showed Harding through a large set of double doors before returning to her desk. Harding walked into the expansive office. Wall to ceiling windows allowed the daylight through, offering an impressive view of the city. Harding sat at the far end behind his large mahogany desk. He motioned for Harding to sit. The commando removed his trench coat and made himself comfortable. Dawson looked at him for several moments, fingers tapping lightly on the desktop before speaking.

"Well Mr. Harding," Robert Dawson said. "Is everything running according to schedule?"

"Yes sir. Running as smooth as clockwork." Harding replied looking at the head of Dominion Enterprises. Robert Dawson was a tall man in his mid fifties, his brown hair slightly graying at the temples, a gray moustache gracing his upper lip.

"Excellent." Dawson said. "and what about the other unresolved matter?"

Harding's lips drew into a grim line. "Nothing. I've sent squads out all over the city. There's been no sigh of those creatures for over a month now. Its as if they disappeared into thin air."

Dawson smiled thinly. "Some how I doubt that. Fortunately we have managed to ... acquire two specimens, thanks to the extraordinary talents of our latest employee."

"What!" Harding exclaimed. " No one informed me of any changes! I thought..."

"I do not pay you to think." Dawson said his eyes glinting dangerously. "You had the chance to capture three of them, and you failed. I merely allocated extra resources to achieve that goal."

The dark haired commando bit back an angry reply. He really didn't give a damn about Dominion or their agenda but the money he was getting to get for this job was enough for him to retire comfortably. He wasn't about to blow that chance.

"I'll double the patrols." He answered tightly. " If they are out there, I will find them."

"Good" Dawson said. " In the meantime continue with the relocation program. That will be all."

Harding rose from his seat and nodded stiffly before leaving the office, striding past the receptionist and into the hallway. He angrily pushed the elevator button.

"Damned gargoyles!" he muttered as the lift doors opened. The three who escaped him that night had made it personal. He had the reputation of ALWAYS getting the job done, no matter how impossible it seemed. Not only was it a blotch on his record , but now Dawson was hiring other mercenaries to do his job. He pushed the button for the ground floor, his eyes hard.

"Time to allocate some resources of my own."

*****

Dawson pressed his intercom after Harding left. "Emily I want no interruptions for the next half hour." He released the button and rose from his chair, walking over to the wood paneled wall. As he placed his hand on its surface a small section of wall slid away revealing what appeared to be a communications panel. He then placed his hand on a small panel. There was a humming sound as the monitor came to life. There was no image to be seen, rather a swirl of colors drifting lazily along the screen. There was a small movement on Dawson's back. He stiffened and his eyes took on a milky white hue. He opened his mouth to speak, but the sounds that issued forth were ones ever heard by human ears before.

" Phase two has begun"

*****

8

The setting sun found them both at his penthouse, over dinner Thaylog had told Shaiya of his Clan, of the house they now resided at and how she would be most welcomed to join them. He had also hinted at a few questions into her own past, but each time the female tactfully avoided the subject.

She really impressed him - on the outside she seemed so fragile and child-like, yet her skills and abilities were exquisite....unbelievable, almost. The longer he talked to her, the more certain he was that she was no normal Gargoyle. More then once it had crossed his mind that, perhaps, she was Alkyrian as his mother was, as he was half himself. But even this didn't seem quite right.........no, she was not that either. Her continued mysterious and hidden background intrigued him.....he had a horrid streak of curiosity that had gotten him into trouble more then once.

This time, he thought with a laugh, would probably prove no exception.

His eyes went to the large window, frowning as the vivid colours of sunset illuminated the skyline. He best get back to the mansion - the others would be worried about his safety and he had a few things he wanted to go over with Flynt about their business. It seemed it was time to let Shaiya in on his little secret.

Even his own Clan didn't know about this ability of his........where to begin. Would she keep his secret between the two of them? Flynt and Dayia's hatred of humans had prevented him from telling them of this......fear that they might not trust him, or hate him for his difference.

Something's were best kept hidden. He gracefully got to his feet and turned to glance out the window.

"We should get started back to the mansion - it's a fair trip and I want to get back as early as possible."

*****

9

Harding slowed his car to a stop at the gates outside of Dominion's research facilities and flashed his pass to the security guard. The guard gave it the once over and nodded, raising the boom gate to allow the mercenary to continue on his way. Harding parked his car within the main compound, wondering briefly what was so important for Dawson to arrange to meet him here this evening. Not that Harding didn't welcome the diversion. Having his men aid the local authorities in relocating the homeless from future Dominion sites these past couple weeks had him bored stiff. He wondered why Dawson even bothered with it. Harding knew the Dominion CEO couldn't care less what happened to those people. It was a waste of time and manpower that could be put to better use elsewhere. He locked his vehicle and entered the main building, noting the security cameras that tracked his entrance into the lobby.

Dawson was waiting for him next to the security guard's desk. Upon seeing Harding the Dominion chief gave a small smile.

"Ah, commander. Good . There is something I want you to see." Dawson said. "If you would follow me."

Dawson walked over towards the elevators and pressed the button. The doors slid open and the two men entered. Dawson pushed the down button and lift began its rapid descent. Seconds later the doors opened once again and two men stepped out into a well lit corridor. Harding followed Dawson down the hall. "This is where Dominion carries out most of its research." Dawson said, directing the mercenary's attention to a Plexiglas window. "We are at the forefront here, the cutting edge of technology."

Harding looked through the window and saw several technicians going about various tasks.

"This is all very impressive." The dark haired commander replied. "But I'm no scientist. What has this to do with me?"

Dawson simply smiled and continued down the corridor. Eventually the pair reached a steel door. Dawson punched in a number sequence on the keypad and opened the door.

"I thought this may interest you." He said leading Harding into the dimly lit room. " Close up view of your quarry."

Harding took his surroundings. The room was filled with a number of computers and other equipment he did not recognize. But what drew his attention was two horizontal, clear cylindrical tubes in the room's center. He went over for a closer inspection and in each saw the unmistakable form of a gargoyle. Both were females, dark of skin and hair. He looked back to Dawson questioningly.

"They are in stasis." The CEO replied. "Considering the amount of trouble they caused during their capture, I don't want to risk their escaping."

"It was nothing I couldn't handle." said a female voice.

Harding spun around in surprise and at the ready. Dawson stood there, his face unreadable. "Commander, may I present Kahreen. It was she who caught the two specimens you see before you."

Harding watched as a form detached itself from the shadows. His eyes opened slightly and he blinked them a few times to make sure they were not deceiving him. Though humanoid in appearance, the form before him clearly wasn't human. Dressed in what appeared to be dark blue padded body armor, she had a feline face, framed by long reddish hair. Her hands and feet were also feline, with each digit ending in a small claw. She regarded the mercenary coolly with her yellow cat like eyes.

"I thought the two of you should meet." Dawson said, eyes showing a hint of amusement at Harding's reaction. "Perhaps the two of you could 'combine forces' so to speak to bring in the other gargoyles. Kahreen has some...unique abilities."

Harding looked at Dawson, irate at this unexpected surprise. "You mean to tell me this...this..." he groped for the right word. "This creature captured the two of them on her own?"

"Yeah I did." The feliniod replied. "And my name's Kahreen. From what I hear you and your men could use a little help. You haven't exactly been successful in your efforts."

Harding glared, his dislike evident. " My men need no help from you or anyone. We have the situation in hand."

"Yeah right." Kahreen replied caustically.

"Now, now." Dawson said almost paternally. "We're all on the same side here. Mr. Harding please be good enough to co-ordinate your efforts with our friend here. We must find those gargoyles and soon!"

Harding bit back a reply and thought a moment. Yes why not. He may be able to dig up a little more information on this Kahreen and find out exactly who she is. 'Probably the result of some genetic experiment.' he thought.

"Alright." Harding said as the turned to Dawson. "Your calling the shots. If there is nothing else, I should get back to business"

"No, that is all" The Dominion CEO replied. "You are free to go commander."

Harding nodded, casting one last glance at Kahreen before leaving the room.

"Doesn't like me much, does he?" The feliniod remarked as the door closed.

Dawson shook his head. "Don't worry about him. He is a good man even if he is a trifle short tempered."

Just then door to the room opened and a lab technician walked in. He nodded to the occupants and proceeded to one of the stasis chambers. He punched in a code sequence and Kahreen watched as a small probe attached itself to the gargoyle's fore arm drawing out a sample of blood. The technician pressed a few more buttons and a small hatch opened in the chamber's side revealing a small test tube filled with the gargoyles blood.

"Well I best be off too." Kahreen said. " I have more than enough on my plate as it is. The sooner I start the better."

Dawson acknowledged her as the technician walked up and began to speak to the CEO in hushed tones. Kahreen made her way back to where she originally stood when Harding had entered to retrieve her kit bag. As she bent to pick it up, her sharp ears picked up part of the quiet conversation.

Kahreen stiffened slightly, but quickly recovered herself, straightening up and slinging the kit bag over her shoulder, mind reeling. 'What is going here' she thought. 'Tests on humans!' She walked back towards Dawson just as he dismissed the technician. The CEO gave her a small smile.

"Good luck with the hunt." He said.

Kahreen returned his smile, keeping her face carefully neutral. "I'll report to you as soon as I uncover anything." With that she helped herself through the door and headed down the corridor to the lifts, a worried frown crossing her features. Something was very wrong here. A hundred questions were forming in her mind and she had a feeling she wasn't going to like the answers.

*****

10

A shattering sound filled the air, accompanied by roars and snarls as the two gargoyles burst from their stone shells. Flynt shook the last few shards of stone from his hair, glad the day's sleep was finally over. Strange dreams had filled his slumber. Not only dreams of his Nightshade but also of the gargess he had stumbled upon the previous night. And something odd too, something that seemed to hover just on the edge of his vision.

"I have to learn to relax more." He mumbled to himself as he watched Dayia turn of the security system and opened the balcony doors. She cast a quick look around.

"Doesn't look like Thay's made it back yet."

The pair walked out onto the stone balcony, each scanning the skies for their ivory hued friend.

"I hope he didn't get into any sort of trouble." Flynt said worriedly. He hopped up onto the balcony railing.

"Where are you going?"

The tan gargoyle turned, suddenly realizing he hadn't the chance to tell Dayia about what had happened last night. Quickly he filled her in on his encounter with Diamond.

"So you're going to see if you can track her down tonight." Dayia said when the tan gargoyle had finished. " Do you want some help?"

Flynt smiled. "Thank you sister, but no. She was nervous enough with just me around. Confronting two gargoyles might only cause her to flee."

Dayia nodded in understanding.

"I shouldn't be too long" Flynt continued. "Besides someone should be here in case Thay returns."

"And what if he isn't back soon?" Dayia responded.

"If he isn't back by time I return, we'll go and search for him. I don't care about the risks in the city. I know Thay can take care of himself, but if he's in over his head..." Flynt let the sentence trail off.

"I hope he was just delayed by the dawn and nothing more."

"As do I." Flynt spread his wings and jumped from the balcony, catching the evening breeze.

"I'll be back within the hour." He called.

Dayia watched as his form disappeared into the night.

*****

11

Kahreen sat on the edge of the building, absently picking at the stonework with a clawed finger as she listened to the small noises of the hover sled's cooling engine. Since catching part of Dawson's conversation, her mind went over the same question again and again. What was Dominions agenda? She began to wonder whether taking this job on was such a good idea. It seemed easy enough to start with. Bring in gargoyles for research and study. But now, with this talk of 'infecting' humans and possibly gargoyles... Kahreen's mind drifted to another time and place. She suppressed a shudder, reliving a nightmare, THAT nightmare once again. She thought momentarily about packing it all in but just as quickly pushed the idea aside. No, she wouldn't be responsible, not again. She had brought the gargoyles to Dominion and in some way they were integral to Dawson's plans. Like it or not she was into this up to her neck. Letting out a small sigh, the feliniod let her gaze wander over the cityscape, suddenly scrambling to her feet as she focused on a nearby building. On the balcony of the topmost floor stood a pair of winged figures. Kahreen watched as the two gargoyles launched into the air and disappeared over the buildings. Jumping onto the hover sled Kahreen fired up the engine and brought the vehicle about ready to give pursuit. She paused, looking in the direction the gargoyles had went and then back to where she first saw them.

'Curious.' Kahreen thought. It was probably nothing, but she decided to check it out anyway. Changing direction she headed towards the Inter-Dimensional Technologies building, alighting on the balcony a few moments later. She looked around. There was no signs of a break in. Peering through the glass doors of the penthouse, Kahreen's enhanced vision picked up the residual body heat of two figures. The signatures were only a few minutes old, enough remained to tell her they belonged to one large and one small individual, the same as the two gargoyles she had just seen.

'Unique abilities.' Dawson's words echoed in her mind as she gave a small smile. Not even the Dominion chief knew exactly who she was. He believed Kahreen was simply a cybernetically enhanced being, but she was far more than that. She took a step back, scanning for the security system. It was there, high tech but not impossible to get past.

"Well this is going to be interesting." Kahreen said to herself as she began to disable the alarms. If her hunch was correct, it was going to be most interesting indeed.

*****

12

The waning moon reflected of the lake's surface as Flynt swung around, eyes scanning for his quarry. So far his search had proved fruitless. The tan gargoyle softly landed and, caping his wings about himself, began to examine the shoreline. Apart from a few animal tracks and faint traces of the previous nights encounter, there was no sign that the female gargoyle had even returned here. Flynt leant against the rocky outcrop as he let out a heavy sigh. "Nothing!" he said to himself in frustration. There was no more he could do. He had run out of places to look. With resignation he climbed the rock face, unaware he was being observed from deep within the trees.

A pair of dark eyes watched as the tan gargoyle took off into the night. 'He came back looking for me!' The thought was unnerving, yet thrilling at the same time. Satisfied he was out of sight, Diamond left the safety of the tree line, pondering yet again whether she had done the right thing. Going over last night's events in her mind, Diamond was almost certain he meant no harm. Still she couldn't bring herself to fully trust this tan gargoyle or his story. Or was it she was afraid to trust? She had lived so long on her own that the concept of trusting.... relying on another seemed almost alien. She stood at the shoreline, struggling with her conflicting thoughts. Finally she reached a decision.

Scaling the outcrop, she took to the air and headed north.

*****

Dayia cast another look in the direction of the city. There was still no sign of Thaylog. With her tail flicking in agitation, she started pacing back and forth, wondering off handedly just how long it would take before she wore a groove in the balcony's floor. The sound of wings caused her to turn as Flynt alighted on the rail.

"No luck?" Dayia asked.

Flynt scowled as he hopped onto the balcony. "None at all." He looked about. "And Thay hasn't returned either?"

"No." Dayia answered, shaking her head.

"That's it then." The tan gargoyle replied. "We're going to out find him." He turned and ran inside. The city was trouble and he wasn't going to let them venture there unarmed. He was about to make a selection from the weapons rack, when Dayia's voice called out to him.

"Flynt!! Thay's back.....and he's got company!"

'Company?' thought Flynt as he ran back out to the balcony in time to see the ivory gargoyle and his 'companion' land. He and Dayia traded surprised glances before turning their attention curiously to the newcomer. Neither had seen anything quite like her before. Flynt turned to Thaylog, his eyes full of questions.

"My apologies for the delay, but it was unavoidable...." The ivory gargoyle said. He gestured towards his companion, "This...is Shaiya. We met in the city under...unusual circumstances. I told her she was welcome to come and stay with us."

"Ahh yeah." Flynt said looking at the petite form. "Hello. I'm Flynt"

"I'm Dayia." The female gargoyle replied, equally astonished.

Shaiya gave the pair a small smile. "Hello. Thaylog has already told me all about you. I owe your friend a debt of gratitude for his assistance today."

Thaylog rested his hand on Flynt's shoulder before he could ask another question. "There is much we need to discuss brother. I fear Dominion may be an even greater threat than we had realised. I believe they may be the ones behind the attack on us at Dayia's old home."

"Just wonderful." The tan gargoyle growled. " You wouldn't happen to have any good news now, would you?"

Thaylog smiled ruefully. "Come." he said, turning to head inside, the others following. "I will explain it all shortly."

"If we are going to be swapping tales this evening..." Flynt said as he entered the mansion. "Well...do I have a story to tell you!"