SHADOW OVER REALITY

PART II

By Amanda A. Hilliard “Shadowstar” (castaspella68@hotmail.com)

~”And therefore, since I cannot prove a lover to entertain these fair well-spoken days, I am determined to prove a villain and hate the idle pleasures of these days.” Richard III: Shakespeare~

~for those who have reached out along the way... there is a light to the darkness~

This story takes place after "The Gathering" and takes place before "Hunter's Moon." This story was written sometime in 1996. The cannon Gargoyles characters are not property of me. The only characters I claim are my own.

CHAPTER 1: DEFIANCE

“It’s time, Shadowstar,” Xavier said stretching out his hand through the mirror rippling with the waves of the tide pool.

In the depths of my soul, I knew I could not leave this clan while their leader is lost. My people are causing them this pain. I had to stay. By Kindred rules, it was not my place to interfere... but my people have had our hand in their world... I, by choice, must help the recover their lost, and it was mine alone to decide. To defy or deny? It’s not in me to ignore this.

“No, Xavier, our interference has already begun. We caused this, and we will fix it,” I told him.

“You know the rules, Shadowstar. You cannot defy your heritage!” He said coldly ready to jump across the realms to drag me back to theirs.

They say power corrupts... I have not been corrupted... I have basked in arrogance’s delight... and I like the feel of power in my hands. It’s freedom.... it’s fire.

“You are going to tell me what to do? I have enough power to destroy every one of you placed together at your finest. You are no longer going to control me, Xavier. I am the power... The control... I am going to help them whether you like it or not... so stand with me or against me,” I snarled capitalizing on my position of prominence.

I turned my back on my teacher and looked at the mournful Angela. Brooklyn stood next to her with his head bowed in sorrow. I walked over to her feeling the anguish that ran through her mind. My choices may be haughty and insolent, but I am responsible for her pain. I may not know of my parents, but I do know that this is too much for one to handle.

“We are going to get him, Angela. I will not leave Goliath to die. I can never hurt him again,” I told her holding her hands.

“But I can’t allow you to get yourself into trouble,” Angela told me with the deepest sincerity.

“Angela, this is my decision,” I said, “It’s the only decision.”

“Are ye sure, lass? We don’t want to be causing you any more hardships,” Hudson said covering up the fact that he dearly wanted my help.

I looked at Puck and Xanatos and could sense they both wanted the adventure... Puck more so. The manipulation over his power was much more of a freedom to him. I knew that I could no longer interfere in their lives. Directly, the do not need to be on the ‘adventure’?

“I thank you for all you have given me, and I will ask no more of you,” I replied walking over to Xanatos.

“Shadowstar, you started something very intriguing today. I think I want to see it till the end,” Xanatos said to me with his typical smirk.

My plans were now set... but it was the part between now and getting Goliath that remained hazy. They expect me to have some large plan already laid out in my mind. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I haven’t been a trained war lord. I don’t know where to go. Where is the Watcher’s home? I know nothing of what is in store... the Kindred kept me extremely sheltered to other things... and it seems to work to their advantage this time.

“You don’t know, do you?” Puck questioned me sensing it on our slowly developing psychic link... one merging does that to you.

“You know me well,” I said looking at the man on the other side of the mirror. Xavier was standing there with disapproving eyes. I could see his frustration with me and my ways. Knowing he could not stop me, he just nodded his head. He was doing me a favor, but was it without a price? The Kindred seem extremely unpredictable these days... and I thought I was one of them... I feel more like a pawn.

“I cannot bring all of you. Some of you must stay behind. You have a job to do,” I replied speaking to the gargoyles behind me.

The gargoyles had their job of protecting a city in need. I know they all wanted to come to this other realm and search for their leader. It was a new place of new senses and feelings... awe and mystery surrounded their minds. Yet, They have a promise to hold, one the leader looks highly on.

Broadway was the first to reply to my words, “I’ll stay here. Elisa needs to know.”

“I’ll stay with the, lad, too,” Hudson commented, “Bronx, you stay with me.”

“You three are noble creatures. You serve the gargoyles well. Thank you. Now, to get started. Xanatos, put on your armor,” I commanded looking at him with demanding eyes.

“How’d you?” Xanatos looked questioning into my cobalt eyes.

“How soon you forget,” I said tapping my temples.

Xanatos left us only to return shortly with full clad gargoyle armor. He looked more machine than man. Hudson, Bronx, and Broadway wished us luck and slowly left the medieval room. I remained silent as I looked at my army with intent in my glare. Could we go up against such power? Yet, in the long run, it will be I doing the ultimate deeds. Am I prepared?

“It’s time for us to leave,” I said wrapping a telekinetic bubble around the clan to ensure their passage through the rift.

I touched the mirror, and it began to ripple like the tide pool. My taloned feet led me through to the Kindred realm with ease. Xavier couldn’t have stopped me if he would have tried... and knowing that he knows this is simply a pleasure.

We stood at the shore of the water while the bubble dropped from my guests. Iara looked at me fiercely fully knowing that she could not stop me, and simply, I didn’t care what she and the Kindred thought of me. This was my arrogance and emotion coming through... this is me.

None of them could even challenge my power, and now, suddenly, I am finally realizing why they kept me so insecure and so locked away. They did not want me to use my power against them. I can hold them all helpless in their own world. Yet, I know I am not evil so I cannot bring myself to cause them any harm. All I want is to give Goliath back to Angela... and be me alone, something I can never truly reach with the chunk of memories I lost to immortality.

“I thought we taught you better than this, Shadowstar,” Iara said to me crossing her arms angrily staring at me with cold violet eyes.

“And I though you all were my friends,” I replied challenging out leader’s truth with all my words, “You fear my power. You knew that if I realized my full potential, I might run from you. You should have told me the truth from the beginning. Maybe I wouldn’t despise you so much.”

“What are you talking about?” Xavier questioned clearly hiding something from me, “We told you all you needed to know of your power: the truth!”

“You’ve always kept me so insecure and worried about my powers. You always tormented my soul with my faults. I was never good enough. I had to be a perfect little Kindred. No more. This is going to go my way or no way. If you don’t help me, I’m leaving this place for good. And none of you can touch me. For I am the untouchable. I am the Kindred! Without me, the Watchers win, and you all know it!” I snarled enjoying my own conceit.

“So much confidence for such a small child. If you want to go on this man hunt, do it alone. I am not helping you,” Iara said and teleported away in a blinding light.

I had half a nerve to pull her sorry human hind back to this spot and tear out that ugly green hair of hers. Stop it, Shadowstar. You can’t let my anger over power me. That is when my powers lose control, and that is when my judgement becomes lost.

“Will you help me, Xavier?” I questioned knowing his answer before he opened his mouth of lies.

“What choice do I have? You have already mastered manipulation, I see. If I don’t help you, you would just take over my mind,” Xavier said into my eyes using a guilt trip on me.

I just looked down at the ground half knowing the truth of the words and half despising him. I could never exert my arrogance or power over him. He always found my faults and made me, forced me, to see it by using his words so charming and charismatic. He was my teacher; therefore, he always had to teach me even if it hurt me to realize it... but something of his ways was almost abusive to the mind... not my style.

I didn’t know what to say to him. I respected this man and had a relationship with him that no other could have. He was a close friend, a father figure. Ach, and so it has become to the point that I’m lost in my own game.

“I will only take you to the Watcher’s hideout. I cannot help you any further.”

“Why? Do you fear Iara and what she may do to you?” I questioned him stepping closer to the green cloaked one knowing he lies to me... I cannot read them, but I can feel them.

“No, I fear what the Watcher’s may do to you.”

I just looked away from him once again not wanting to have to choose between clans. I was torn between Xavier and Goliath. Both are very dear to me, but one has to give away to the other ultimately. I made a promise to Angela, and I could not break it . . . even if that means breaking my bonds with Xavier. I, of all things, have never been a liar.

The journey continues on my blood... and my head.

“We go,” I said to the creatures behind me watching the scorn of Xavier’s face.

Xavier said nothing in reply to me. I knew at that moment that I had hurt him much more than I had ever done in my past. At this point, I almost mistrusted his entire being... and the rest of them.

By the Supreme, Lorelei? What would she think? She was the only one who ever made me feel like I was Kindred.

“Talk to Lorelei for me,” I replied softly lowering my eyes.

Xavier had an odd look on his face... like he knew something... I could read anguish on his heart. He didn’t know what to tell me... his words came out as a mumble.

“She dead, isn’t she?” I questioned not even looking at the Kindred.

“Opaque defeated her. The Watchers never show mercy,” Xavier replied... and I could see behind his thoughts... they’re hiding something from me... and it is now that I want nothing to do with them anymore.

I stumbled back a bit so lost in my own heart felt pain. Lorelei was the only one who understood. Xavier was my father just as Lorelei was the mother of my life. Puck and Angela both stood by my side to comfort me. Xanatos bowed his head in reverence. Lex and Brooklyn looked mournful for my loss.

“She was like a mother to me. They killed her. I hate them all. And how could you have sent her against something that powerful? She was not the strongest! I should have been there!” I said coldly.

My eyes glowed with rage of hate and anger. My fury swam in my blood, and I could taste my hate in my mouth. It poisoned my heart with is ugly venom. I wanted revenge for them all. I clenched my fist and narrowed my eyes. This way of like had to end... it will end.

“They will pay for this,” I growled, ‘Everybody will pay,’ I thought in my own mind.

“Shadowstar, you cannot go on a murderous rampage. Do not reduce yourself to their level. I though I have taught you better,” Xavier said. Yes, Xavier was correct once more... but I have no more need for his words... or any of theirs. It has come to the time where a child must leave their home, and this is most definitely my time.

Xavier sighed and stretched out his hand as the air began to ripple like the pool. He led us through the portal unwillingly. I quickly put up a telepathic shield that protected all of us from being seen or heard. They’ll think their seeing the dreary trees that branched from the soil. Xavier turned to me wishing I would reconsider my motives.

“Whatever may happen, remember one thing,” Xavier told me.

“Yes, Xavier?” I questioned.

“Do not let your anger overwhelm you. The Watcher’s know your every fear. They will use it to destroy you,” Xavier told me.

He took one last look at me before he walked through the portal. I looked at the moving moons to hide my tears from the others. They were half from disgust and pain. My world seemed to be collapsing in one instant. I didn’t know their motives, and what I could deduct was a strike against me in all corners.

CHAPTER 2: INITIATIVE

I had memorized these stars before so of course I realized that the gargoyles would become stone... which would be of no good value to us on this night.

“We need to find a place to rest for the day,” I said not even studying the castle that stood before me.

We walked through the dull forest where we found a cave not too far away from the building. This probably was not one of the safest things I have done, but I knew that we had no other choice. At least we’d buy ourselves a small amount of time. I watched the sunlight enter the cave and hoped no Watcher’s would pay visit. The gargoyles turned to stone as my bracelets protected me from the brilliant rays. It’s now almost natural for me to remain flesh. Puck and Xanatos still almost seemed amazed at the fact that I would not turn to stone, but this wasn’t a new sight for them.

“Don’t you ever sleep?” Xanatos questioned.

“When I must,” I replied running my talon against the cold stone that surrounded Brooklyn... never before have I encountered my own kind.

“Protect them with your life, Puck. The mystical power in this realm is greater than Avalon’s. You can tap into it with your mere will,” I replied knowing he’d greatly appreciate it.

Puck seemed to perk up with the thought of using his powers once again.

“Party time at Shadowstar’s cave,” Puck smirked beginning to touch the dimensional magic.

“Don’t get too excited,” I smiled, “Xanatos and I have to go snooping,” I replied with more seriousness in my tone.

“Oh, yea, like I’m going to be any match for the dark, hateful brutes,” Puck grumbled.

“Have faith in yourself,” I commented patting him on the shoulder.

“Look where that’s gotten you,” Puck muttered looking up at me coyly.

“Yea, isn’t it sad,” I said back walking away from the pointed ear friend.

“Get out of here and return back with some good news, Powderpuff,” Puck replied referring to my white skin.

“Powderpuff? Puck, I thought you’d be more original than that,” I said taunting him.

“Snow White, get your tail hoppin. We don’t have all day,” Puck said pushing me away with the psi link.

He then looked at the frozen gargoyles and smirked.

“Then again, maybe we do.”

* * *

Xanatos and I walked along side the dark gloomy walls of the castle. This part of my realm was so eerie that it made me fear it simply by being there. The sunlight didn’t shine as brightly. The sky remained hazy and the air thick. Evil walked around this realm, and here, I could taste it.

As I ran my talon across the wall, I stopped to look at the stones, but I felt Xanatos keep walking. Instinctively I stopped his mechanic foot from stepping any further.

“What?” He just questioned furrowing his brow at me.

I pointed down to the ground. He looked and saw my white tail move away.

“You were about to step on my tail,” I answered his question.

“Yes, that would have hurt,” Xanatos said as I released his foot, “Tell me, Shadowstar, what is the extent of your powers?”

“There’s a limit?” I questioned as I examined the gray stone walls.

“Nobody is completely invulnerable... There is always a weakness to find.”

“I have enough power to destroy entire planets with the will of my soul. I can make entire nations worship me by manipulating their thought. I can redirect or stop any thing that comes my way. There is virtually nothing that can stop my telekinetics. I am a psi with psi powers to the extremes,” I told looking at his questioning face... for some reason, he didn’t believe the power was mine. I could read it on his mind.

I ran my claw across several stones on the wall finding a noticeable rivet between two sets of stones.

“Nobody can alone hold such a power at such an extreme.”

“Meet somebody who can... here’s entrance number one,” I replied as Xanatos pointed up.

“There’s entrance number two,” He said.

“Would seem to be so,” I retorted.

“You see to be very good at sending out plasma bursts,” He told me more preoccupied with my power.

“It comes with the power,” I simply said, “Come on, enough of this. We have more places to scan.”

“Yes, General,” Xanatos replied still not wanting to change the subject.

“You aren’t used to being commanded around by a woman, are you?” I questioned fully determining the underlaying personalities in Xanatos.

“Only by Fox.”

“I see.”

We surveyed more land before leaving the castle of darkness. I couldn’t pick up a single telepathic thought from the inside which only leads to the conclusion that they are much more powerful than first assumed. Hopefully, I haven’t led these creatures into a death trap. I would never be able to forgive myself... if I was left to forgive myself.

* * *

The twilight was broken as the moon beams stuck my back. We came back undetected with our plans already set. Puck seemed to be extremely eager when we arrived... and it would seem our plans were useless with Puck’s new found information... yet when I first caught glimpse of the white haired faery there was something out of place about him. My suspicions mounded as he neared us.

“Look what I found,” Puck said enthusiastically taking my pale arm.

Puck led us to the back of the cave. This is not right. The psi link between Puck and myself seemed extremely non existent. I turned around to see the other gargoyles behind us. I looked at the ground and found it peculiar that I didn’t see any of their stone skin, and why can’t I pick up any of their thoughts? What happened to joyous greeting from Angela and the others? They are not as we left them. They are Watchers. I have to let Xanatos know, but can I shield all my psychic messages? They are strong enough to keep up this facade with my power around. It is worth a try at this point. It’s a life and death situation until the end... a gamble.

“Can you hear me, David? Don’t speak, just think,” I said telepathically as he looked confused at the entering mental voice.

“Yes,” He thought looking at me questioningly.

“They aren’t who they say they are. They are Watchers,” I replied as Puck led us further into the cave.

“How do you know?”

“I can’t read their thoughts.”

“Are you saying we have weak minds?”

“Hardly.”

Xanatos looked at me almost worried. I never knew it to be in this man. He always seemed so confident in everything he did. Yet, if I were him, I’d question if I were going to see tomorrow’s sun. I know that is his biggest fear. He would be immortal if he could, but that isn’t an option he has. That scares David Xanatos, and I know it.

Puck turned around quickly to show us a secret stairwell embedded into the cave.

“Owen,” Xanatos started testing our ‘friend.’

Puck didn’t even respond to Xanatos’ words. Example number four as to why they are not who they say they are... their minds, demeanor, no stone skin.. and they don’t have the slightest clue as to who Owen Burnette is.

“I mean, Puck,” Xanatos replied, “Good job.”

“It was nothing, David,” Puck answered not even containing the slightest bit of humor.

Number five. I never knew Watchers to be this stupid. I am thinking that these are their lower echelons, the untrained and unskilled. They don’t even know how to start posing.

We walked into the stair well following the imposters. I kept probing away at their minds, but I couldn’t read anything. A greater force was strengthening their power against me. I knew that I had to do something fast before we continued their game.

“Keep your mind open, Xanatos. I’m going to send out a massive telepathic surge. All of their thoughts are going to flood into me. I will give you the ones you need to know. I may get weak from the strain for I’ve never done this before,” I telepathically said, “Just pick me up and go.”

“Will it work?” He questioned.

“Damned if I know,” I replied.

Suddenly, I stopped on the middle of the stairwell. Puck stepped but realized we weren’t moving. He turned around and looked at me questioningly.

“Why’d you stop?” he asked putting his hands on his hips.

“So I could do this,“ I replied releasing a telepathic burst through all of their minds.

One by one, their minds strung together and linked to mind. They stood frozen in telepathic shock as their shields and personas dropped. I was flooded with memories and thoughts that pushed my own back. For seconds, I was each and every one of them. My mind worked a heart beat a millisecond to give Xanatos all we needed to know. Xanatos then used his techno suit gadgets to tie up the shocked watchers. I let go of them and dropped to my knees trying to recollect my thoughts.

“No, time, Shadow,” Xanatos said picking me up.

He kept the metallic arm around me and flung me over his shoulder as I reorganized my motives... I felt their hate and despair as I let it echo away into the depths of my mind.

“Who is leading them?” I questioned weakly closing my eyes to reduce the strain.

“Lahcaer . . . That doesn’t matter now. We have to get to the gargoyles before we are found, and they are killed,” Xanatos said fleeing down the stairs.

I looked up and cleared my mind of all memories from the Watchers who fell behind me. I focused it on a path we would follow. But for now, I could only see where we had been not where we are going. With my telepathic senses opened to the fullest, I sensed Watchers in massive flocks.

“Fire in the hole,” I yelled, “Dive!”

CHAPTER 3: ENCOUNTERS

Xanatos dropped to the ground and let go of me as I put a telekinetic shield around us. A large wave of fire passed within millimeters of our backs as I pressed myself close to the cold ground and armor of his suit... he was protecting my back as I protected his. Xanatos sat up with me underneath him. I just looked at his arrogant eyes. He was intrigued by me. I could feel it. And I was intrigued by him. We would be the perfect duo to start a crime chain and never be caught.

“Are you ready for some fun?” I questioned.

“I never thought you’d ask,” Xanatos replied.

He stood up as I released the shield. We saw the Watcher who caused this. I surprisingly recognized her. She used to be a Kindred. Jessimyn was my friend of days of old. She left us after she and Iara became the most bitter enemies. Xanatos helped me up as I looked wide-eyed at Jessimyn. Fire burned from her hands as she started at the techno man and the crusading gargoyle. I could feel the torment in her. Deep down she didn’t want to hurt me, but she had a duty to her people. Her hate for the Kindred started to become the only thing that mattered to that elf. She would kindly kill me if Lahcaer called for it.

“Kill your friend, Jessimyn, or honor your so-called people,” I replied clenching my power in my fists.

“I dinnae want t’ hurt ye but yuir Kindred, an’ Kindred must die,” She said in her Scottish accent.

I just laughed at her. The insolence of this girl! She hurt me? Doesn’t she know the full extent of my power? Has she forgotten so much?

“You could never hurt me, Jess. Your leader, Corbeau, could not hurt me. I destroyed him,” I said recalling the events from the previous evening.

“Not on yuir own. Ye had Puck with ye. An’ last time I checked, ye dinna have Puck with ye,” Jessimyn said to me.

And my own haughty mind blinds my eyes to the simple truths of it all.

“Yes, but you, yourself, are no match for this gargoyle,” Xanatos said finishing my fight.

Xanatos fired one of his lasers at her. He hit her square in the shoulder as to not kill her. Jessimyn held her shoulder in pain. She released a fire blast at me. I just ducked and let it hit the approaching Watcher’s down the hall. I telekinetically picked Jessimyn up and threw her down the hall with the other fallen ones. Her fall was broken, but she was still weak.

“Ye’ll pay for this, Shadowstar. Yuir friends ‘ll die,” She yelled.

“Not if I can help it,” I replied.

Xanatos led us further down the hallway. His mechanic talons moved almost as gracefully as a flesh and blood gargoyle. It would be an awe to anybody else, but I’ve seen too much to even marvel... but no time to wonder. More Watcher’s were approaching around a corner.

“Why do they keep sending the weak ones?” I questioned being able to see right through their minds.

“I know. This seems almost too easy,” Xanatos replied keeping a swift pace.

“They’re saving it for later,” I answered picking out several thoughts from the weaklings.

Ten Watchers just stopped in front of us as they turned out of the bend. They could not move. I just shook my head as I held them in telekinetic arms.

“I have no time for these games,” I growled throwing them into a wall with telekinetic forces.

I tore out a piece of the wall to keep them occupied for a bit. They were caged by their own castle. That’s enough to drive anybody mad... and enough to give me time.

“I’m putting up a telepathic shield. Anybody approaching us will think they are just seeing an empty hallway,” I replied jumping onto Xanatos’ back.

“Ready to ride?” He smirked.

“Take us to Goliath,” I answered.

Xanatos ran through the twisting hallways. Watcher after Watcher passed us up undetected. We watched to make sure that the coast was clear when we came to a door. Xanatos ripped the door from its hinges. This place was like an endless maze. We ran through another hallway. I could sense Goliath near. My heart became over joyed with that feeling, but I became almost discouraged when it was plain and simple.

“This is really too easy,” Xanatos replied once more.

Xanatos stopped at a door in the center of the hallway. He ripped it off the hinges with the ease of a gargoyle. Goliath looked up to see the door fly off, but he could see nobody until I uncloaked us. Goliath looked alarmed by the sudden appearance of an enemy and an unknown.

“Xanatos, I should have known you are a part of this sorcery, “ He said trying to fight his restraints.

“Goliath, stop. Xanatos has nothing to do with this. He is here to help,” I stated walking into the cell.

I could sense a Watcher walking by. I used my telepathy once more.

“Why did he say nothing?” Goliath questioned looking at the unaffected Watcher.

“He thinks that he is seeing you in your cell sleeping. Telepathy, Goliath. It can play terrible tricks with a person’s mind,” I said taking off his restraints with my gargoyle strength.

“Who are you?” He questioned me grabbing my arm tightly with his lavender talon.

“I am Shadowstar, a friend. Listen, I don’t have any time to explain. I have to get the other gargoyles and Puck before the Watchers kill them,” I told him.

“They have my Clan?”

“We are not on your world, Goliath. Oh, just hold on,” I replied frustrated with the lack of time.

I looked into Goliath’s eyes. I could sense that this was the real Goliath for once. No more games. I was happy to see him alive again, but I fully knew that I would never feel Goliath’s love anymore like I did in the past. That was a different time and place.

“Open your mind to me,” I replied, “I am going to share my memories with you.”

Goliath nodded. He looked into the vast blueness of my eyes. My mind touched his and he saw everything. His large clawed hand felt on top of my soft white ones in sympathy. I knew that he understood who I was and what I have sent out to do. He did not necessarily trust or believe me, but he knew that he had to go along with this game, or he may never see his world again.

“You came here to save me once again,” Goliath said in a very caring voice.

“Yes, Goliath, I have. I saw you die once in my arms, and I vow never to let anything happen to you again. Even if you do not love me in your reality, I know that your counterpart did once before,” I replied, “And I will keep my word to protect your clan.”

“I’m sorry to cut this short, but we have company,” Xanatos said standing in the doorway.

“What?” I said turning around not even sensing their presence.

This must be their power house. We have no time to run. I pulled Goliath up by the hand, and we ran over to the door. I could see all their telepaths walking out to me alone. They didn’t care about the other two. I was the target... I have a feeling I always have been. Their power combined greatly out weighed mine alone so they know I have no chance in hell to defeat them unless under an extreme adrenaline rush. I stared at the approaching figures and focused on who they carried wrapped up in their crimson energy: Puck, Angela, Brooklyn, and Lexington.

I was almost afraid for the lifeless looking bodies. They were helpless in mid air. They entrusted me with their lives, and I know that if the Watchers do not get their target... the prisoners will pay the price that I refuse to meet.

“No, I can’t let this happen,” I replied summoning up a great amount of my mental powers.

I sent out a wave of mental energy, but I could not down any of them. Their source is too powerful for my mind. They had found somebody more powerful that Corbeau... more powerful than I. I had not counted on that. No time for fear. It clouds judgement. I put up a telekinetic shield around us and looked at Xanatos, “Lahcaer is more powerful that Corbeau. I can’t break through their hold.”

“I guess we run, then,” Xanatos told me as the Watcher’s kept their steady pace.

I jumped onto Xanatos’ back as we ran down the hallway. He fired a laser behind us that knocked out part of the floor, and temporarily stopped the Watchers coming at us. Goliath quickly noticed a stairwell as he remained ahead of us.

“Go to the roof. We’ll have more room,” Goliath replied, “or if worse comes to worse, we can exit that way.”

Xanatos led us up to the roof of the castle. For the first time in my life, I felt utterly lost and helpless. I didn’t know what to do to save them. I didn’t have Lorelei or Xavier to hold my hand. I was alone, and they were coming up the stairs after us.

“The only thing to do is to face them,” I replied looking at the door.

“You don’t sound very confident, Star. You always had taken me as the arrogant little child who knew that nobody could beat her,” Xanatos told me.

“Yea, well, sometimes life makes you look hard at things . . . and things aren’t going how I planned them to,” I sighed strengthening the layers f the telekinetic shield.

“Life doesn’t always go according to plan, Shadowstar,” Goliath said, “Sometimes you have to improvise.”

How true.

“You can’t run from me,” Lahcaer said bursting through the doors with crimson energy surging around his cloaks of darkness.

His followers stood around him looking like lifeless zombies. They had no will of their own at this point. They were his puppets to be tampered with... they were the source.

I jumped off of Xanatos’ back and onto the cobblestone. I looked into the dark, black eyes of their leader. Yes, there was much fear in my heart, but there is no other choice... I could easily run from these walls, but no, for their sake, I must remain.

“And I can’t let you harm my friends,” I snarled.

“You would have been better off listening to Iara. You shouldn’t have come,” He said, “How do I know? I know a lot more than you think, and I definitely know you are not prepared for me.”

“Fine then, just kill me now,” I replied stepping away from the other two.

“That would be too easy,” He snarled behind the shadows of evil.

Do they really think I can’t sense Jessimyn creeping behind me. In seconds, I raised up a shield and took a hold of her power. Manipulation has become easier to me. I directed her fire blasts to the crowd of telepaths starting to drop their concentration. I threw her frail body over me head wise into the crowd. They lost their concentration as they toppled to the ground, and gave me a chance to start stacking the deck in my favor once more.

Goliath quickly dragged Angela and Brooklyn from the crowd of limp people. Xanatos went after Lexington and Puck. I held down the others, but my power wore thin as I reached Lahcaer. His will could not be contained.

“You harmed my wife. You harmed my followers. You will not harm me,” He told me approaching my position.

Jessimyn was his wife? What is this realm coming to? Never mind. I don’t want to know that answer... nor do I have the time.

“Followers? You hold them like a puppeteer. One might think that’s where you draw your power from. At least Corbeau had his own power,” I replied knowing exactly what nerve to hit.

I redirected my power to reflect that Watchers’ power which left them with a backlash... and gave me my time. I used all my powers to protect my friends from what would follow. They had nothing to shield themselves with. Lahcaer let crimson energy loose on all but me. My friends dropped to the ground as his power pierced through my defenses. How does he know how to strike me? As they were helpless on the ground, they could only watch what would happen next. I tried desperately to reach Puck with the psi link. There was a massive telepathic wave between our two minds. Puck’s essence was slowly creeping into my body.

“Twice in one day. Snowflake, I never knew you cared,” Puck echoed.

Two once more became one. Our energies wrapped to form psionic armor that was more powerful than last time. Puck helped channel the energy to convince the minds of the arising Watchers to just sleep. We did not want to injure them. We just wanted to stop them. A drop in Lahcaer’s powers could be seen, but it wasn’t that significant compared to the whole.

“No, you cannot do this again,” Lahcaer scolded.

“Oh yes, I can,” I said asserting the arrogance that has become so much of me.

It was a battle of wills. Lahcaer’s power almost consumed Puck and myself. We tried to fight back but the crimson was dominating. Puck let loose all of his mystical powers that Oberon restricted, but nothing was a help on this plane of existence... The mystical boost did not help the battle of minds.

“This faery has nothing compared to me. I am immortal,” Lahcaer roared.

“Yea, so am I, you telepathic harlot,” Puck said to him.

I almost laughed with Puck’s remaining good humor. I kept trying to reach the mind of Lahcaer, but he kept shutting me out. The doors kept locking on us, but nonetheless, we tried to force back the psionic energy of Lahcaer. Becoming so consumed in what we were doing, we didn’t notice Jessimyn arising.

“Lass, ye better protect yuir friends better,” Jessimyn said with her demon voice twisting in my mind.

I turned around and saw Jess with her burning hands near Goliath’s helpless body. She grabbed him by his neck and just stared at me wickedly. She has learned much of the heart since she left the Kindred. My weaknesses were more clear to an enemy than ever before.

“No!” I screamed releasing a magical bolt at her.

CHAPTER 4: DEMASKED

Puck and myself had enough power to kill her. She had no chance against the power. Her limp body fell to the ground with the force. I looked at my hands full of power and had to question what I had become. Angela and Goliath almost looked at me with fear, and I could hear Lahcaer laugh behind me. He knew my rage had finally consumed me... these past couple days have finally taken my hate to the fullest extent. I have become all that I’ve known to despise. Is this the making of a Watcher? It was the falling of a Kindred... and my heart swam in it.

“Fight it, Powder,” Puck rang in my ears, “Don’t let what we’ve become destroy all you’ve been taught to do... all that you need to do.”

“Look at yourself, Shadowstar. Power is corrupting you. You have raw uncontrollable power. Your rage allows you to maintain this power. You manipulate it to give you more power. Do you like having the taste of faerie magic in your blood? Look at me Shadowstar. You know you like this feeling. It is you... your destiny,” Lahcaer coaxed walking closer to me as his power swarmed around my eyes.

“Fight him, Powder. You can’t let the haunted hoodie bother you. You can’t even see his face. Never trust a cloaked individual,” Puck said losing a grip on my actions.

I let the words consume me. They were true, all of them. My deepest desires were all before me. Maybe... Lahcaer took advantage of my weakness and tore Puck from me tearing out my soul. He cared nothing for who I was or what I wanted.

“You gave in,” Puck whined hitting the ground as his form reemerged.

He knocked me to the ground with his telekinetics overpowering my twisted heart.

I was letting him win for I wanted what I have become to end. No more did I want people to look at me with fear. It was too much to see Goliath die by my hand once. I couldn’t stand to see his fear me again... and I loath what I am.

“You don’t think I don’t see how this works,” He said looking further into my soul.

I tried to get up from the ground, but I felt his telekinetics pressing my wings down. His feet stood at my head, and his eyes beat down on my struggle. My sleek black hair was matted down with sweat from my battle. My powder arms were dirty from the ground. My quartz orb laid next to me. And I was weak...He raised it with his telekinetics and ripped it from my neck.

I could feel something different about myself. That orb . . . That is my control, the conduit. When it was removed something began tearing at me. The power wanted to escape by my hand... The orb seemingly let me channel the energy to my will. I am more than what I’ve always let myself see, and the Kindred lack of the truth has blinded me of what existed. I am power incarnate.

“You’re nothing without this orb. Only with it can you be all you are,” he jeered.

“On the contrary, you just took away my control,” I replied as I felt energy pouring from my hands.

I finally realized why the Kindred told me everything I did. They didn’t want me to hurt anybody. They were only concerned. I lost all stops as I knew it. But why lie? Why would they hide such a thing from me? All minds were intertwined with my powers. I became knocked out of the conscious world as I took everybody into it with me. I found myself floating along the psychic plane. Nobody was fighting in the midst of my power. They were two shocked with the lashing of energy. And yet, Goliath’s will was too strong.

“Star, control is only found within yourself,” Goliath told me.

“It’s too overwhelming for me... everything is.”

“Listen to me, Shadowstar. You want nothing more to help me and the others. Therefore, you must find it in the pit of your essence to maintain this energy in which you wield.”

“I’m sorry, Goliath. I am causing you all so much pain.”

“No, Star. You are saving us. And I will always be grateful for this,” Goliath said.

Our eyes froze into each others for a glance of eternity. We found something within each other that moment. I don’t know if it was a love for the lone gargoyle hearts or a heartfelt thank you to the other. But our souls touched . . . And now, it is time for me to return what Goliath has given me.

“Do not doubt yourself, Star,” Goliath said as things started to fade away.

I opened my eyes to the conscious world and slowly brought together all of the energy.

My eyes glowed with my power. I found everything I ever loved burning in my veins. I wanted this madness to end. I wanted the Watchers to stop. I wanted a stop to the hate... and stop hating what I have become.

I knocked Lahcaer’s power off of me with my green energy. I held him up from the ground with my gargoyle might. He had a look of extreme fear in his heart. He thought he had weakened me to the point of not turning back... but never can I be like them. I am not a Watcher nor am I a Kindred.

“I should destroy you and everything you know. I am sick of the Watchers, and I am sick of people like you,” I replied, “You have brought nothing to me but a pit of dark desires that can never be... You could have had me, but I despise you for all you have done to me to try to weaken me to your reign.”

The energy fell off of my hands and down his cloaks. I stared into the darkness of this man. His face silhouetted off of my energy. He had finally known fear.

“You won, Shadowstar. Finish me now,” he sneered knowing the end to the game.

I stayed quiet for a second. I just looked at him and dropped him to the ground. I cannot continue this cycle of death. The victor always kills... no more will die at my hand.

“No, I’d only be following in your footsteps, and that is not who I am,” I stated snatching my orb away from him.

I raised myself in the air with my telekinetic powers lifting my companions and fled from the castle.

“This isn’t over, Shadowstar,” Lahcaer screamed, “The Watchers will have you! Your soul yearns to be like us.”

“I know, Lahcaer. You almost had my dark side,” I said quietly knowing that my dark side was the only side.

I navigated us safely back to the Kindred soil remaining quiet as the moonlight focused it’s rays on my paleness. Xavier was waiting for me on the towers. He was not joyed with my return as he wanted me to see. Behind the mask, he hid his disgust.

“Star, your power,” he said.

“I have the control,” I told releasing all from the psionic field.

The silence was awkward. What was I to say of what I have become?

“I am no longer the same... I cannot be Kindred,” I told him.

“Star, you sound like you’re leaving us,” he stated looking hurt.

“I cannot stay here. The Watchers will be looking for me, and I cannot risk any of you harm,” I lied through my teeth... and oddly, I am not a liar.

“You know that we will protect you.”

“No, Xavier, I am going to live in those realities which bore us. I am not who I was and never can I be who you want me to be,” I said to him not wanting to confront my suspicions.

“I know. I’ve always known you did not like staying in one place too long and that you have always wanted to find more of your kind . . . just promise me that you will return to your home,” Xavier told me seemingly heart broken.

“Do not be sad for me. The mirrors are the key.”

“You always told her that,” Lexington commented.

“Yes, so I did,” Xavier replied answered with his true feelings seeping out.

I carried us all down to the tide pool. We all waded into the chilly water.

“If the Watchers ever come to this place, I know you will find me,” I said replied wanting to rid myself of the Kindred forever.

“Your choices have been made... let me warn you now that this will haunt you for years to come.”

“I know, Xavier, I know.”

“You have no idea,” he mumbled as his hand surrounded us with blue energy.

I could feel his evil ripple away from me, and I shuddered trying to get rid of the lingering feeling of evil. He dropped us into the Manhattan sky. The moonlight was still shining on our faces which made me glad to be back in time. Otherwise, I’d have to carry several large statues back to the clock tower... not fun... I quickly grabbed Puck as my wings spread to glide on the wind.

“I can levitate, Powder,” He told me.

“At the rate in which you were falling-” I started.

“I know,” Puck smirked.

We all reached the clock tower with minutes to spare. Hudson, Bronx, and Broadway stood on the tower eagerly awaiting our arrival. Elisa Maza was waiting for the gargoyles as she usually does. I braced my landing and looked at the kindly one.

“I’m Shadowstar,” I introduced.

“I kinda figured,” Elisa replied, “Thank you for returning the gargoyles in good health.”

“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” I smiled.

“It’s great to have ye back, lads and lassies. Are ye gonna stay, Star?” Hudson questioned walking over to me.

“Only as long as the voices of the Universe remain silent,” I said.

“Let’s hope they are for a while,” Brooklyn replied placing his maroonish talon on my arm in friendship.

I smiled down to him and then, I walked over to Xanatos and Puck. I nodded to Xanatos in great appreciation. I cannot believe how much I get along with this creature despite our first impressions of each other.

“I’m surprise I’ve taken such a liking to you, Shadowstar. After all, you did destroy many of my gargoyles,” Xanatos stated taking off his helmet once more.

“They are not regal enough to be given such a name. Robotics is nothing compared to what we are,” I said stepping back and opening my wings and arms to show who I was.

“I see your point. Thank you for showing us such a great adventure,” Xanatos told me.

“Trust me, David. There will be more to come... for myself, at least.”

“Come on, Puck. We should be returning,” Xanatos told him placing his helmet back on.

Puck levitated to my height and gave me a giant hug.

“I’m gonna miss ya, Powder. We had some fun, me and you,” Puck told me.

“That we did, Puck. Not many people get to have a psi link with me, and it seems like you are one of the few,” I replied.

“Until next time, Snowy,” Puck replied, “And I know there will be a next time... heck, with you around, I should go visit Avalon.”

As Puck and Xanatos left. I turned around to face the others. I have finally found a home... even if this isn’t a castle.

“It’s almost daylight,” I said to Goliath.

“Yes, I was hoping to spend more time with you,” he replied, “But daylight always has a way of stopping things in place.”

I looked down at my bracelets. I unclasped them both and placed them on my belt. The magic would not protect me now.

“Star? You’ll be stone,” Angela said.

“I know. I think I could use some rest,” I replied stretching out my arms in a yawn.

I looked into Goliath’s eyes. He smiled gently at me. I finally felt the happiness I was looking for. It was all right here waiting for me to grasp, and I am not going to let it go.

“Many adventures lay ahead for me, and they are right here,” I said looking into Goliath’s gentle eyes.

Goliath nodded to me in understanding. . . this was my place, my time. I feel connected to this reality more than none other... just maybe my ties are here... and many years of memories lost may be found in this soil. That, though, is for another day...

All the gargoyles jumped onto the ledge as the twilight started fading away. I stood with Goliath on my right and Angela on my left, and I let the soft wind carry my lightly flowing hair. As the sun touched my face, I smiled and stood in my regal glory. The shadows of my life had finally slipped away with the moon light.

~Fin~

~The next tale in the Shadowstar series is “Hell Hath No Fury Greater Than Thee” featuring many new faces and some old.~