"Heritage" by Lisette- all comments to: Lisette_1@mailexcite.com All the usual legalese: nothing here is of my own creation. Goliath and his crew belong to Buena Vista and Disney. It's a really great show so I just had to write about it. In no way will a profit be made from this. Also, so you know when this takes place, for the cartoon it's after "Hunter's Moon" and before "The Journey". As for my personal world of fiction, it takes place about a week after my first two parts of one story, "A Simple Kiss" and after "The Gift". This is the third part of that little series, perhaps even the last following this thread. While you don't need to read the other three, the story does make a whole lot more sense if you read it first. In other words, it is mentioned a lot, and you're going to be pretty lost without it. Of course I need to dedicate this to a lot of people before I start. Mainly I need to say thanks to Skydancer, not only is she a great writer with lots of great fics under her belt, but she's also a great friend... one of the best. Also, thanks to the rest of my clan! Namely, Firedancer, Merlyn the Mad Mage (who should have her first fic coming out soon.. it's awesome! I recommend it to all!), Pendragoness, Leia Morgana, and Tia Grey. Also, a little 'hi' to "the troll," who makes all of our lives more interesting. I'd love to meet ya! :) Brief summary: The story that everyone's been waiting for.. I hope. This is the story that explains it all... Elisa's heritage. WARNING: I don't really think I need this, but I added it in just in case, cause there may be some naughty language within... beware!! :) "Heritage" Eyrie building - 10 minutes before sunset As Owen flipped through the paper work in the main lobby, he looked up just in time to see Elisa Maza rush into the room from outside. Panting, she reslung her black backpack over her shoulder and headed for the elevator that would bring her to the Great Hall of Castle Wyvern. "Running a little late today Miss Maza?" Own questioned, arching his eyebrow at her in a typical Owen-like manner. Elisa paused briefly in order to send Owen a dirty look before hurrying into the waiting elevator. Some people may wonder at her rush, I mean, she had seen this transformation nearly every night for the last two years. The people who say this are also those who've never seen a gargoyle awaken. ~No matter how many times I see this, I don't think I'll ever tire of it~ Elisa thought dreamily to herself, thinking of a particular lavender gargoyle. All the plans were set in motion. After the little Demona incident last month, Elisa had worked her tail off. Finally all of her hard work was paying off, for tonight was the start of her two week vacation. She had told Captain Chavez that she was going to Arizona to spend some quality time with her family. In truth the two weeks would be spent in Avalon, finding the answers she'd been longing for. Everything was taken care of, even Cagney was being looked after- by a very upset Matt. Mainly, he was upset that he wouldn't be able to join his partner on Avalon. Really, she wasn't taking very many people with her, just Goliath and Angela. In fact, the only reason Angela was going was to see her rookery brothers and sisters again, not to mention Princess Catherine and Guardian Tom. As the door finally dinged open, Elisa rushed out of the elevator into the Great Hall. She didn't even bother to stop and greet a startled Fox and David Xanatos as Elisa pushed through the large doors into the courtyard. Sunset was almost upon her. Full out running now, Elisa panted up the many steps till she shared the largest tower with one other: the stone form of Goliath. Elisa had only time enough to catch her breath before the show began. Looking up in child-like wonder, Elisa watched as Goliath broke out of his stone sleep. As he roared his awakening, Goliath stretched luxuriously, sending small stone particles in every direction. Turning, Goliath faced the human he knew would be there. "Elisa!" hesaid happily, beaming at his human love. Stepping down from his perch he quickly wrapped her in a warm embrace of wings and arms. "Hey Big Guy, ready to leave?" "Yes, but... Elisa, your clothes!" Goliath stammered as her clothing finally registered in his befuddled mind. Gone was her traditional Detective's uniform: form fitting dark blue jeans, black shirt, black shoes, and red jacket. In their place was lighter colored, low-waisted baggy blue jeans, a white polo shirt that ended below her naval, where her jeans began, and a pair off brown hiking boots. If she lifted her arms above her head, her smooth brown stomach was sure to show. "Yeah, well since I'm officially on vacation now, I figured it was about time to go without the work clothes. You don't like it?" she asked, a slight frown touching her face. "Of course, I was just surprised." In all honesty, he would have loved Elisa in anything she wore. She was beautiful, plain and simple. "Good," Elisa said. Backing away from her love, she walked towards the opening to the stairs. In her haste, Elisa had dropped her backpack. Reaching down, she slung the bag once more over her shoulder. "Is that all you are taking?" Goliath questioned, raising an eye ridge in surprise. Even though he and Angela wouldn't need anything, he was under the impression that it was different for human females. "Yeah, I always was one to pack light. Besides, if I need anything, a simple spell will be all it takes." "Oh, well, let us go, the rest of the clan will be waiting," Goliath said, indicating the courtyard below. "You're right, let's hit the road." "Hit the road?" Goliath asked. "It's an expression, it means 'let's go'" Elisa explained. Smiling, Elisa then allowed herself to be lifted into Goliath's strong arms. When Goliath was sure he had Elisa secured, he jumped from the tower and glided down below to the courtyard. Assembled there was the clan, David Xanatos, Fox, and Owen. "Are you ready to go Angela?" Elisa asked as Goliath lowered her to the grond. "Yes, I cannot wait to see everyone again!" "Good," Goliath said, smiling warmly at his daughter. Turning serious once more, he turned to Brooklyn and said, "I'm leaving you in charge of the clan once more, but this time I know that I will be back shortly." "Take your time Goliath, we'll be just fine," Brooklyn reassured, a confident look on his face. ~Please don't take too long~ is what he was really thinking. During Goliath's Avalon trip, Brooklyn quickly discovered that leading the clan wasn't all it was cracked up to be. "Well then," Goliath said, turning to face Elisa and Angela, "let's be going." "Not yet, Big Guy," Elisa said, holding up her hand in a stop gesture. Elisa walked next to the three humans standing off to the side. "Fox, do you have anything that you'd like to be passed on to your mother?" "I don't have a mother," Fox said, her eyes flashing. Nodding in understanding, Elisa then turned to Owen. "As for you Owen, I'd like to repay you in some way for helping Goliath and I with the whole Demona issue a while back." "There's no need. Seeing as how the human Elisa Maza is still needed for Destiny to be fulfilled, and how you were unwilling to allow anyone to take your place, I was merely doing my job... it was my fulfilling my Fate." "Fate or not, I'd still like to give you something in return." "I assure you, Detective Maza, there is nothing for you to give me." "I think so... The Couldron of Life doth turn your hand to stone, leaving you with no feeling to the very bone. So now this fay magic created from the time of dawn will leave Owen Burnett and be completely gone." Once more Elisa's eyes flashed bright green, as energy left her body to surround Owen Burnett's stone hand. As the magic departed, Owen flexed his now flesh hand. "My thanks, Detective Maza," Owen said, not missing a beat or changing his facial expression. Turning back to the clan, who was giving her an assortment of astonished looks, Elisa said, "Now we can leave." Grabbing onto Goliath and Angea, Elisa said, "Take us to where I want to go... take us to le lac de l'eau." The mist surrounded them quickly, and then they were gone in the blink of an eye. When the mist cleared, Goliath found he and his companions on the edge of a beautiful, yet familiar lake. "Where are we?" Goliath asked, turning to Elisa. "The lake in Central Park... don't you recognize it?" "Now I do, but I was confused by what you said at the end of your spell." "Yes," Angela said, turning from her survey of their surroundings to face Elisa. "What does 'le lac de l'eau' mean?" "It's French. Roughly translated it's something like 'the lake of water.'" "French? Is that a language?" Goliath asked, trying the new word on his tongue. "Uh, yeah... you speak it in France," Elisa explained. At their confused expression, Elisa sighed and thought ~when we get back, a geography lesson is definitely in order~ "Never mind. Let's boogie!" At Elisa's continued use of slang, Goliath and Angela became more and more confused. Ignoring their puzzlement, Elisa faced the lake and said, "Mist of Avalon come to thee, bring the skiff and answer my plea. Avalon we doth desire, send the boat and don't raise my sire." As Elisa's eyes glowed green, Goliath and Angela faced the dark waters. The trees began to sway in a sudden breeze, and their view became obscured by fog. Then, the skiff appeared as they knew it would. "You know, I never would have thought that I'd be happy to see this skiff again," Elisa said thoughtfully. "I know... I'm half tempted to sink it right now," Angela growled. "Well," Goliath said, breaking their silence, "let's get going. We can't sit here and stare at the skiff all night." Reaching down, Goliath gently picked Elisa up and set her gently into the skiff. Angela followed suit by jumping in, leaving Goliath to push the boat from shore before joining them. As he used the pole to push them deeper, the mist surrounded them. "Gee, doesn't this bring back memories," Elisa said wryly. Lucking the trip was sort, for the mists began to clear before them in a matter of minutes. In front of the skiff now lay the beautiful sandy shores of Avalon. They barely had time to pull the boat ashore before a thump was heard behind them. Turning, Angela was greeted with the sight of her rookery brother and sister, Gabriel and Ophelia. "Angela!" they yelled happily as they ran forward to wrap her in a warm embrace. "Rookery brother/sister... it's been so long! I've missed you so much!" "So long?" Gabriel asked, releasing her from his hug. "Why it's only been a few months since you've left." "A few months here turns out to be half a year in the outside world," Angela explained. "Have you not reached Man-hat-tan yet?" Ophelia asked. "Why did Avalon send you here?" "Oh, we made it there months ago! It's everything Elisa said it would be!" Angela gushed. "Buildings taller than the clouds, devices that seem like magic, a machine called television which is like a moving tapestry..." "Whoa, whoa Angela!" Elisa cut in, laughing at her friend's enthusiasm. "You can tell them everything later... right now maybe we should go and see Princess Katherine and Guardian Tom at the castle first. "You are correct, Elisa," Goliath said, smiling warmly at his love. Scooping her up, Goliath placed her on his back and began climbing the high cliff. The younger gargoyles fell in behind him, following obediently. When they were high enough, the gargoyles jumped from their positions and soared into the night sky. Castle on Avalon As the group landed in the open courtyard, they were quickly surrounded by curious gargoyles. Goliath, Angela, and Elisa were soon swamped by the many questions. Luckily, the questions died away as Princess Katherine and Guardian Tom broke through the mob of young gargoyles. "What in Heaven's name be goin' on here?" the Princess asked in her thick Scottish accent. "Oh my, Goliath, Angela, Elisa!" she gasped as she caught sight of the trio. "What ye three be doin' here? Why has Avalon sent ye here 'gin?" "Avalon didn't," Goliath said. Bowing at the wait, Goliath then followed with, "Me lady." "Ach, don't be doin' that before th' eggs. Ye'll be puttin' strange ideas in their heads," Princess said good naturedly. "But, then why are ye here Goliath?" Tom asked curiously. "I have business with the King and Queen of Avalon," Elisa said, stepping forth. "What business would ye have with Lord Oberon and th' Queen Titania? And who summoned th' skiff?" the Guardian asked. "A long story," Elisa sighed. "One that will have to wait till later. Now that I'm here, I'm eager to finally get the answers I've been waiting for." "But of course Elisa, we'll be waitin' for yer return then," Princess said, a look of bewilderment on her face. "Will Angela be accompanying ye?" "No, I think that Angela has some thing to catch up on with her all of you," Elisa said, smiling at the eager looks of the gargoyles' faces. Angela turned, with a hopeful look upon her face, to Goliath. "Father, can I really stay behind?" "Yes, Elisa and I will be back by dawn," Goliath said, smiling at her enthusiasm. Seeing Elisa's eagerness, Goliath scooped her into his arms and began their climb. Then, it was off to the royal palace of Avalon. The throne room, royal palace of Avalon "My King Oberon..." Selene said. "And Queen Titania..." Phoebe broke in. "Goliath and the human Elisa Maza wish to have a moment of your time," Luna finished. "Ah, the time has come..." Oberon muttered thoughtfully. "Send them in Weird Sisters," Titania commanded. In a matter of minutes, Goliath and Elisa were ushered into the grand room. "Goliath, leader of the gargoyles of Manhattan. Elisa Maza, human police detective and friend of the clan, welcome." "What can we do for you?" Oberon asked. "Your highness," Elisa said, bowing elegantly before them. "I have many questions, and have been told by an... acquaintance that my answers could be found within you two." "What are these questions?" Oberon asked slowly, hoping that it wasn't the questons he was thinking of. "Why can I perform magic?" Elisa asked quickly. Groaning, Oberon did a very un-King like thing as he hid his head in his hands. Not waiting for an answer, Elisa continued firing her questions. "Where am I getting the knowledge to use the magic from? What the hell is going on?" "Talika, you've really outdone yourself this time," Oberon muttered quietly. "Who is Talika?" Goliath asked, overhearing Oberon. "She is the protector of the human race," Titania answered, her husband still groaning at the present mess he suddenly found himself thrust in. "The protector?" Elisa asked, raising her eyebrow in disbelief. "Here, you may want to sit down," Titania. With a wave of her hand, two chairs appeared behind Goliath and Elisa. "My explanation may take awhile," she explained. Not even blinking an eye, Elisa waved at the chairs, making them disappear and said, "No thanks, we'll stand." "Very well. Long ago, The Creator of our world created..." "The Creator?" Goliath asked. "Well, it has no name or gender, so we've dubbed it The Creator," Oberon explained. "Now, if Titania may continue..." he asked crossly. Goliath merely nodded his go ahead. "Anyways, like I was saying, The Creator created the two races- the humans and the fay, at the birth of our world. At first, the races lived in harmony amongst one another. That peace was not to last, however, and The Creator soon realized that the two races needed guidance. So, The Creator created three beings to serve as the races' protector, or at times, leader. Oberon and I were given the power to govern over the fay, the power split between us. In the beginning, Oberon and I lived amongst the fay, allowing freedom and free will amongst our kind, the second race. This soon proved to be a mistake, for the fay were too mischievous for their own good. Therefor a decision was made and Oberon and I stepped forth and announced our presence. We then created Avalon, moving the second race there. So we became the King and Quee of Avalon, the fay our children. As for the humans, they too were given a protector, Talika. Unlike us, she was alone, and therefor had powers equal only to that of Oberon and mine combined. For a while, she ruled over the humans as their Queen. About the time of our relocation, she stepped down. We were told that she intended to give her kind a chance to thrive on their own. Of course she is immortal like us, but to keep occupied, she took on the life of a mortal, like we often do. She is "born," so to speak, to her selected mortal parents. Like mortals, she can be killed or die of natural causes, like old age. When this occurs, her identity is no longer valid and to avoid questions of her miraculous return to life, she allows the world to believe her dead. She then returns to her original form for a time before resuming the cycle of birth." "So she has always been alone?" Goliath asked, his heart reaching out to this protector. "Yes... we have heard that she has had love and relationships throughout the centuries, but nothing serious to our knowledge." "But why has she never had children?" Elisa asked, her heart aching for the poor woman. "The Creator has not given us the gift of birth," Oberon spoke up, a deep sadness in his eyes. "You mean he's made you three infertile? Why?" Elisa asked, trying to absorb the information being offered. "Because for us to have children would be too dangerous. Imagine the power that child would have." Titania explained. "But wait a minute. You've talked about the humans and fays... what about the gargoyles? I thought we were the second race and you the third," Goliath asked curiously. "Ah, the gargoyles. Now that's an interesting story indeed," Oberon said, getting a far away look in his eye. "You see, one day Talika showed up on our doorstep. She said that the world was not as it should, and that she had visions of a race that was a combination of the fay and the humans. In order to fulfill the dream, she needed our combined strength to bck her. So, with The Creator's permission, the gargoyles were created. The magic of the fay is what allows you to turn to stone at dawn to heal, while you have the humanoid appearance and mannerisms. Since it was a mix of the two races, the gargoyles were places between us, becoming the second race and us the third," Titania said. "While this is all very illuminating, I fail to see what this has to do with me and my new found magical ability," Elisa broke in quietly. "But don't you see?" Titania asked urgently. "The protector of the human race is called Talika. Elisa Maza, you are Talika." "What?" Goliath asked, unconsciously draping an arm around Elisa's slim form. Deep down, he knew that Titania was leading to something like this. He had figured that Talika had found a way to have children after all, and that Elisa was one of her grand-grand-grand-to infinity-grand kids. He had no idea that Elisa was Talika herself. "If that's true, they why didn't you say something when we first met? I'm sure this Talika person doesn't usually wipe her memories each time she takes on a new mortal life," Elisa asked, trying to poke a hole in Titania's theory. "It's true, Talika doesn't usually wipe her memories. She must have really messed up this time," Oberon admitted. "Talika also usually takes on a different appearance with her mortal lives. This time however, she has not changed forms. Still, we did not recognize you. It is probably a side condition of her, or your, spell. Like I said, you're more powerful than us, so it's possible for deception. We can make you remember everything if you like," Titania offered. "How?" Elisa asked, her curiosity getting the better of her. "A simple spell by Oberon and I can override yours." "But what will happen to Elisa? What will this added knowledge and memories do to her?" Goliath asked, worry entering his voice. "The personality of Elisa Maza should not be affected. For her, Talika never re-created her personality, as was the case of Puck and Owen Burnett" Oberon said, a sad look hidden on his features as he spoke of Puck. "But..." Goliath began. "I'll do it," Elisa broke in quickly. Turning, Goliath stared at his love. Seeing the set line of her lips, he knew that there would be no convincing her otherwise. Still, he had to try, if only so he could be selfish. If she went through with this, Elisa may no longer love him. According to Oberon and Titania, she did have other loves... what if she decided, or remembered that her love for the others was stronger. "Elisa, are you sure about this? What if..." "Goliath, think of the possibilities!" Elisa broke in. "If I reclaimed my rule, I'd be able to put an end to wars, illness, poverty... everything wrong with our world!" "You are right my love... I will stand beside you no matter what decisions you make or whatever happens." Smiling her thanks, Elisa faced the King and Queen of Avalon and said, "Make me remember." Nodding, Titania and Oberon stood up from their thrones and grasped hands. Speaking as one they said: "Combine thy magique The Creator hath given. Allow us to undo the spell she bidden. Break now bind that hold Talika. Break now bind that holds Talika!" As the chanting subsided, the green mist commonly found in the fay soared forth to wrap around Elisa's form. Instead of fading away, as was the usual case, Elisa instead absorbed the mist. And when her feet collapsed under her, Goliath was there to stop her quick flight to the floor. "Elisa... er, Talika, are you all right?" Goliath asked, stumbling over the name. As her strength returned, Talika quickly regained her footing. Turning she smiled at her love and said, "Don't worry Goliath, I'm fine." "Do you remember..." "Everything," Talika finished for him. "And not a thing has changed. I'm still the same person I was five minutes, one year, and twelve decades ago. I haven't changed except to have gained a little knowledge, memories, and experience. I love you as much as I did before, if not more so." "So, will yo be reclaiming your position as leader Talika?" Oberon asked. "No. With the memories came the realization as to why I've given up the role in the first place. My kind is in a mess right now, but I have faith that they can and will be able to pull themselves out, without my intervention. Oh, and also... Oberon, my memory lapse wasn't a mistake," Talika said wryly. "I wanted to experience what a normal life would be like if I hadn't been who I am, and I always will be. My magic found me in the end." "A wise choice, Talika," Goliath said to his love. "Goliath, another decision I've made is to keep this our little secret. I don't want to lose the life I've been given. Therefor, the clan can't be told.. not anyone." "I promise you Talika, your secret is safe with me," Goliath swore. "That's another thing Big Guy, call me Elisa." "Gladly Elisa," Goliath said, giving her one of his rare smiles. "What will you do now, Tal... Elisa?" Titania asked of her friend. "I shall see you soon my friends. For now, we shall enjoy a short vacation on Avalon before returning home." "Till then, Elisa Maza," Oberon said warmly, smiling one of *his* rare smiles. Castle Wyvern- four nights later Sunrise was almost upon Goliath and Elisa. They were sharing one final kiss before Goliath's stone sleep overtook him. Goliath, Elisa, and Angela had returned home a couple of hours ago. Eleven days had passed in the real world. As far as the explanation went, everyone now believed that her magic ability was the side result of Puck's adventure with Titania's mirror- when he had turned her into a gargoyle. Elisa had talked to Owen before hand, making sure he knew the story. He agreed only on one condition: that she allow him to run free for one night as Puck with his full magical ability and no Alex. It was tough, but Elisa finally caved. As the kiss ended, Goliath asked, "What have your past experiences been?" "Oh Goliath! I've done everything from ruling kingdoms, being a pharaoh's wife, to being a peasant woman I've experienced it all." "All sorts of love also," Goliath mumbled. "Goliath, you know how I feel about you!" "How you feel about me, yes... others, no." "You'll just have to take my word that you're the one I've been waiting for since my creation." At her words of love, a smile lighted up his handsome face, captured for the day in stone. "The one that The Creator intended to be my companion... my love, the one in my visions since The Beginning... the sole reason I created the gargoyles..." THE END!!! SO, WHAT DID YA THINK? LET ME KNOW AT THE ABOVE E-MAIL ADDRESS.. PLEASE???