Celtic Spirit
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WARNING: Some people might be offended by the subject of this 'fic. This is just
Risky enough to put a 'Mature Readers Only' mark on it; but just barely.
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Malibu, Leo, Griff, and Una are owned by Disney. All the rest are mine
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Celtic Spirit
(Animator03@wolf-web.com)
by A. Gunner
A loud thump woke Malibu up with a start. Rubbing his eyes; he sat up and
turned on the bedside lamp. He yawned and looked beside him to find Jessie
missing. Gazing with sleepy confusion at the place his future wife should be; he
heard another, quieter thump. Looking up, he saw Jessie struggling to get up
from where she fell on the floor. Awake in an instant; he leaped out of bed and
ran to her side. "Jessie! Are you alright?"
Jessie grumbled incoherently as he picked her up. Carrying her to the bed,
Malibu carefully sat her on it and grabbed her cane that leaned against the wall
beside the bed. "Your calf muscle is still too weak for you to walk un-aided,
Jess. You know that." He said as kneeled beside her and handed Jessie her cane.
She sighed, frustrated, and took the cane from him. "I know."
"If you don't follow the doctor's orders you can ruin your leg permanently." He
reasoned, placing a loving hand on her knee. "I don't want that to happen;
especially not on our vacation."
She stared at the floor, fingered at her cane, and grumbled, "I know."
"Then why do you do it, Jess?"
Sighing, Jessie answered with a shrug. Slowly; she stood, wincing and
leaning heavily on her cane. Malibu watched, still kneeling, as Jessie slowly
made her way towards the window. Opening the curtains, the light gave the hint
that it was just after dawn. "Maybe it's because I want to walk down the aisle
on our wedding day and not limp. Maybe I want to be able to run up the stairs of
these castles, like I used to be able to, and not have every step be an
accomplishment." Jessie said quietly; staring blindly out the window at the
brightening Scottish countryside.
Malibu still didn't move. Jessie had nearly totally ruined her leg on many
occasions. When she had tried to run; her knee gave out; causing even more pain
when she walked, now. She had tried walking without her cane and once without
her brace before; and Malibu had nearly flipped when he found out. He wanted so
much for her to walk without a cane; but her spirit was always getting in the
way. Finally, he stood and walked over to her, wrapped his arms around her, and
kissed the top of her head. "You will walk on our wedding day. But if you
keep this up; it will still be a limp, and a permanent one."
She lightly ran her free hand up and down his arm. She took in a deep
breath and exhaled slowly. "You're right. I guess I should be thankful that I
can still walk after how torn up my leg was..." Jessie suddenly grinned a little
and looked at him. "And what about you, mister? Didn't the doctor tell you not
to pick up anything heavy because of your shoulder? 'Nothing heavier than ninety
pounds' ring a bell?"
"You're not heavy; "Malibu retorted, grinning slightly.
"Whatever, "Jessie chuckled, shaking her head. "I'm 'only' thirty pounds over
your limit."
He shrugged. "What was I s'possed to do?" Grinning, he continued, "Make
you walk back to the bed then yell at you for it?"
Jessie laughed and lovingly squeezed his arm. "I guess not."
Malibu hugged her tightly and said, "Well, since we're up; I guess we can
start early."
Jessie nodded. "The Highlands. This is gonna be fun for my knee."
"You'll get through it." He smiled. "You always do."
"It's so beautiful here."
Malibu nodded. "It's too bad we can't have our wedding here."
"Why can't we? Our wedding was going to be small anyway... "Jessie thought for a
moment. "But that would be a little expensive, huh?"
He chuckled and wrapped an arm around her waist. "Just a bit."
They began walking across one of the few fairly flat areas; and Malibu
suddenly stopped. "What's wrong?" Jessie said, looking at him.
"Shh... I thought I heard something." He whispered.
They both stood unmoving, and listening. Malibu shrugged. "I must've been
hearing things."
When they started to walk again; both clearly heard a branch snap. Malibu
instinctively stood tall and flared his wings to look bigger and more
intimidating. "Who's there?" he shouted into the trees.
Jessie looked into the trees, but couldn't see anything. Malibu growled.
"I don't like this... Someone's watching us..."
"You're correct, trespasser, "a voice with a heavy Scottish accent growled from
behind them.
Malibu and Jessie whirled around to see five huge gargoyles
standing there. They were all different animals; but they stood at least
three feet taller than Malibu. The one that spoke was what looked like a cross
between a lion and a wolf. He waved the back of his hand towards Malibu. "You
can go. "He paused and pointed at Jessie. "But th' female comes with us."
Malibu balled his fists and stepped in front of Jessie; who's face held a
confused and angry expression. "What do you want with her?" He asked defiantly.
The gargoyle grinned. "Aren't we th' brave type. If ye must know, we're
gonna use her for breeding purposes."
Jessie's ears dropped with fright as Malibu's face went pale with rage.
"Over my dead body you will!!!"
The other gargoyles snickered at this. "If that's what ye want, laddie."
And with that the strange beasts attacked. Jessie snapped out of her fright and
counter attacked. She swung her cane and caught a Clydesdale in the jaw; sending
him wheeling in the other direction. Malibu roared and clawed the wolf hybrid
across the arm. In the instant that the full force of pain swept over the
attacker; Malibu took the hybrid's injured arm and snapped the bone. The
creature roared in pain and fell to his knees; clutching his useless arm.
When Malibu turned around to attack another he came face-to-chest with an
enormous griffin- like gargoyle. The griffin growled and swung an arm made of
steel and etched with silver at him. The claws on the fake limb caught Malibu's
shirt and he found himself being lifted off the ground. Roaring in rage; Malibu
lashed out at the gargoyle that held him; but it was no use; even if he
stretched as far as he could, his talons were still at least a foot from the
griffin's chest. Suddenly; he saw Jessie roar and charge at the brute that held
him; ignoring the pain in her leg. She screeched to a stop and swung her cane
full force; hitting the griffin right square in the groin. The beast's eyes went
wide and he slumped to the ground; clutching between his legs with his good hand
and rolled on the ground sobbing.
Jessie spun around after she made sure the gargoyle that held Malibu was
down and stabbed the handle of her cane into a dragon's stomach; then cracking
it over it's head; knocking the dragon out. Malibu stood beside his fiancée and
they both glared at the last two gargoyles standing. "Looks like it's just you
and me horse-boy." Jessie growled.
Just as the sides were going to attack; the wolf hybrid shouted, "STOP!!"
Both sides stumbled to a halt and looked at the injured gargoyle. "We lost
lads.. These brave souls fought for each other; they deserve to know th' reason
we attacked. Maybe they can help us."
Malibu growled. "You attack us; and now you think that we're just gonna
follow you back to your home and be attacked by the entire clan!??!"
All the conscious gargoyles lowered their heads. The hybrid cleared his
throat and said quietly, "This is the entire clan lad...."
Malibu blinked then looked at the ground. "If you'll come with us; we will
tell ye our story." The wolf stated.
Jessie leaned heavily on her cane; the toll of the fight finally getting
to her. Slowly moving forward, she glanced at his arm and gasped. His gruesome
break and torn flesh was already healing. Seeing her stares, the creature smiled
and said, "This is part of th' tale, lass." He looked at Malibu and walked
forward. "Well, we best be gettin' to the introductions; ay lad?" He held out
his hand. "My name is Cholssen; leader of the Highlan' Clan. The horse there is
Edin; the dragon..." He paused as he watched Edin help the coming- to dragon up.
"The dragon is Nion; the griffin is Dundee; and the ram is Glasgow."
Malibu hesitated for a moment; then grasped Cholssen's forearm and shook it.
"I'm Malibu." He helped Jessie foreword and wrapped his arm around her waist for
support. "This is my fiancée Jessie."
Cholssen stared at Malibu; then sudden recognition came to his eyes. "I
know you!"
Malibu blinked. "I'm sorry; but I've never even been in Scotland
before.... You must be mistaken."
The wolf stared at him, deep in thought. "No wait; the fellow I knew was a
brick red color."
Malibu's jaw dropped. "That's impossible....."
"Impossible?" Cholssen looked confused. "How is that?"
"Was the gargoyle you're referring to hang out wit-"
"A light green-blue gargoyle and a small green gargoyle? Don't doubt my memory,
lad."
"But the last time the New York Clan was here was in...." He paused; trying to
pry the right year from his mind.
"994? Aye, that's them." He paused, chuckling. "I used to play warriors with
them before the Vikings came."
Jessie looked at him in wonder. "That would mean your-"
"1,096 years old." He grinned and winked at them. "I look pretty good for my
age, don't I?" He chuckled at the couple's blank faces. "It's all part of the
story, my friends."
The small group sat around a crackling camp fire; using it for warmth and
light as the sun started slowly sinking behind the Scottish hills. Jessie
snuggled close to Malibu as the cool night air got colder. "Well; I suppose we
should start th' tale." Cholssen began; and gazed deep into the fire. "Our clan
was the largest clan in Scotland. We had over two hundred gargoyles in the clan;
with four joint leaders. We were very prosperous; living with the Celts that
settled around here. Every once in awhile; th' clans would get together for a
celebration; the... "He paused as he thought deep and hard. "The Hatchery
Opening. Every time the eggs in our rookeries hatched; all the clans in all of
Scotland would get together to show off the young ones. That's how I met the
trio." He smiled. "Between the four of us; it's amazing the leaders kept their
sanity."
"Are you kidding?" Dundee laughed as he used his metal limb to stir the fire.
"You four were the biggest trouble makers in all of Scotland; Great Britain
possibly."
The small clan laughed, and Malibu and Jessie smiled a little
uncomfortably.
"Anyway; we would play together, fight; just as any young gargoyle would do. But
when the Vikings came; our clan leaders kept the hatchlings and young ones very
protected. We weren't allowed to go anywhere. Then we found out that Castle
Wyvern was attacked and the only gargoyle survivors was the old one, Goliath,
the trio and the beast. Goliath came to our clan leader, alone, and told him
what had happen; and said that he was not going to see them again. The leaders
asked him why but he wouldn't say. He just said that he'd be safe; and walked
away.
"Later; scouts found him and the survivors at Castle Wyvern; stone during the
night; and the rookery empty. Our clan went through a mourning period. Well; the
five of us.." He gestured to the others. "Decided we were bored with that and
snuck off. We found this cave; near the Loch. The five of us thought it would be
a neat refuge from th' adults; and kept it a secret. When we were all about 22
in human years; we took females to our cave; us expecting that we'd get a
mating. All we got was a slap on the face and kick in the- "He was interrupted
by Dundee coughing. After he stopped 'coughing', the griffin glanced up and
Jessie and winced. "Well, you get the point." Cholssen continued. "The females
stomped out of the cave; and left us in pain 'till sun rose." His ears lowered
sadly. "We owe those girl's our lives. That day, the Hunters attacked our clan
as they slept. We were the only survivors out of over two hundred. Even the eggs
weren't spared. We knew that we were the last gargoyles in all of Scotland.
There was no hope of making our clan grow; unless somehow a female was spared in
the massacre. We turned to our only friends left in the world; the Celts.
"They named us; and taught us new trades to survive. Nion, named after part of
the Celtic horoscope, was trained to be a sorcerer. Edin and Dundee, named after
the cities, were trained to blacksmith and farm, so we didn't have to steal
anymore. Glasgow, also named for the city, was trained to be a soldier. And I;
Cholssen, named after the Loch, was trained to be a leader and be a soldier."
"But that doesn't explain why you are all still alive...." Jessie said, a little
confused.
"Aye; but it does, lass. Let me continue. "Cholssen shifted position to get more
comfortable. "One night; we woke up to swords and axes swinging down at us.
That's how Dundee lost his arm. We were being attacked by the very people who we
trusted and protected. The Celts heard that we had attacked a small young boy.
It was untrue of course, the boy was crying wolf. But th' people believed him
and now considered us a threat to their lives and way of living.
"We ran, of course, hid in the very same cave that had saved our lives the first
time. Thas where we decided to give up our stone sleep for our own protection.
And to make sure our clan; even composed only of males, would survive an' teach.
So Nion cast a spell on th' clan; ridding us of our stone sleep and aging. And
let me say one thing; "he shook his index finger at the couple. "Immortality
isn't all it's cracked up to be. It gets in the way; a nuisance at times. But
it's our duty to keep the clan alive. And try to make it grow."
Malibu frowned and hugged Jessie closer to him. "That doesn't mean you
need to rape innocent, and maybe helpless, women."
The clan looked at the ground. "I'd hardly call your wife helpless;
laddie..." Nion said, rubbing his head. "But we have no other choice."
"Rape isn't a choice. "Jessie said angrily. "It's a force. Why don't you move?"
"This is our home. If we left; we would be turning our backs on everything we
were raised for." Edin said, prodding a dagger in the fire.
"What about the England clans? Can't you go there and see if you can court any
of the single females?" Malibu asked caping his wings around himself and
Jessie.
The entire clan looked at Malibu; their jaws hanging open. He blinked and
looked at them. "What? Did I say something wrong?"
"You're suggesting that we; the last gargoyle clan in Scotland; breed with the
British??"
Cholssen said, appalled at the idea. "Out of the question!!"
"Why?" Jessie asked. "Why is that so bad?"
"They're British!! That's the only trait they need to be overlooked by us!"
Cholssen shouted.
"But why? I don't understand why you're so horrified about that idea...." Jessie
said.
"The Scottish and British clans have always been at each other's throats. That's
the way it's always been; and that's the way it's always will be!"
"So you'll choose to go through with this out of date racism; instead of going
with the chance of making your clan grow." Jessie said calmly.
"Watch what you say, lass; "Edin growled; his muscles tensing.
Jessie casually tapped a finger on her cane and Malibu's eyes slightly
burned in warning.
"Listen, "Jessie growled. "I don't want to fight again. My knee is already
screwed up. And I mean that literally. But you asked for help; and we're giving
you the only rational options. Don't bite our heads off for it."
Cholssen lifted his hand and his clan stopped most of their threatening
postures. "I apologize for our actions; but you must understand; this is the way
our clan has been brought up for thousands of years."
"That doesn't mean you have to abandon your culture, Cholssen." Malibu stated.
"But you should realize that, if you want to have kids, you have no other
choice."
Cholssen sighed and looked at his small clan. "They're right, lads. If we
want to be able to make our small group grow; we need to talk to the British
clans." He paused and looked at Malibu and Jessie hopefully. "Will you accompany
us?"
The couple looked at each other, and Malibu shrugged slightly. "Alright,"
Jessie said. "We'll come; but if you start fighting; we're gonna leave."
"Sounds fair to me." Glasgow said.
Cholssen nodded in agreement. "Well; we best get going now. By the time we
get there it will be sunset, tomorrow."
"How're we going to get there?" Jessie asked as Malibu stood up; then helped her
to her feet.
"We're going to glide there.... How else?" Edin said a little confused.
Jessie looked at the ground, embarrassed. "I've only glided once in my
life... And that was a long time ago..."
The clan stared at her. "You're gargoyle; and you never flown before?"
Edin said, almost laughing.
"I'm mutate; and I never had to before." Jessie snapped back.
Malibu took her hand and squeezed it reassuringly. "I'll help you." He
looked at the others. "Well? What are we waiting for?"
The Highlanders looked at each other and shrugged. Then, one by one, they
ran to the top of the hill and took off until Cholssen, Malibu and Jessie
remained. The wolf- hybrid looked at them and said softly, "They know the way;
I'll travel slower so that you will be able to keep up with me until you get
used to gliding."
"Thank you." Jessie said. "And I'm sorry I'm such a burden."
Cholssen smiled. "Nay. My clan doesn't remember this, but I was the last
to learn how to glide out of the hatchlings of my year. I know how you feel, and
I sympathize."
With that; he turned and walked up the hill; opened his feathered wings,
and leapt into the air.
"You ready, Jess?" Malibu asked.
She nodded. "Yeah; I think so."
"Okey;" Malibu helped her up the hill and saw Cholssen hovering about 100 yards
away.
"First, loosen up your wings; so that when you jump; you can fully open them
easily. To gain altitude; simply flap until you get the height you like; to turn
you lean." He grinned. "We'll worry about landing when we get there."
Jessie grinned nervously. "Oh, thanks."
Malibu strapped Jessie's cane to her leg with straps from her brace, then
took her hand again. He opened his wings and looked at Jessie. "On three, we'll
jump; okey?" Jessie nodded. "One, two.... three!!"
Both leapt into the air, the wind filling their wings and making them
rise. Jessie's back muscles burned with the strain of flight; but soon it
subsided.
With about two hours of non-stop practice; Jessie was finally doing well
enough to easily keep up with the others. When they were ready for a rest stop;
Malibu tried to coach her on how to land; but she ended up slipping on dew-
covered grass and fell feet-first; skidding about four feet until she finally
stopped. Luckily; all she got was grass stains and a few snickers from the clan;
which was quickly ceased by a threatening glare.
She unstrapped her cane and stood up. "How much further do we have to go?
My back is killing me..."
"We're past the border; but it will still be a while before we reach London. "
Cholssen said. He turned and looked at her. "We'll rest if you need to; lass."
Jessie grinned sheepishly and rubbed her shoulders. "Please?"
Cholssen nodded and leaned against a tree. Edin walked up to him and
glanced to see Malibu and Jessie sitting in the grass, talking with each other;
then he turned back to Cholssen and said quietly, "I don't see why we can't
knock off that Malibu character and take the female for ourselves."
"Because that won't help us, "Cholssen replied harshly. "Those two could help us
get a few females from the British clan; and possibly end our war."
"I don't want the war to end!" Edin growled; nearly shouting. "It was the
British who pointed the Hunters to our home!! They're responsible for the loss
of our clan!!"
"That was over a thousand years ago! And besides; it was never proven."
"Cholssen, if you weren't the leader; I'd kill you where you stand.." Edin
growled, balling his fists.
"Why?" The hybrid asked. "Because you're too hard- headed to realize that the
London clan didn't tip the Hunters? The Hunters wiped out all the
gargoyles in Scotland! We're lucky to be alive, Edin!"
"Aye. Living a long, meaningless, lonely existence. That's lucky."
And with that; the angry Clydesdale stomped off. "What was that all
about?"
Cholssen turned to see Jessie limping towards him. "Nothing." He paused
and cleared his throat. "Are you rested?"
"Yeah, bu-"
"Then we must go." Cholssen interrupted.
He turned and opened his wings, letting a gust of wing pick him off the
ground; and with a few mighty flaps; he was airborne. His clan ran and leapt off
a hill and followed him. Malibu walked up to Jessie, looked at each other,
shrugged; then followed the Scottish clan.
Finally; they were flying over the beautiful city of London. They all
landed on Big Ben for a rest. "We're almost to the shop." Dundee said, looking
around.
"Shop?" Malibu questioned.
"Aye. Some of the London Clan reside in a magic shop in SoHo. Only five members
stay there; the rest live at a castle outside the city." Glasgow explained.
"That sounds awful familiar," Jessie mumbled to herself. "It kinda sounds like
some stories my Dad told me when I was little."
"Let's go. It's almost sunset." Nion said. "Besides; I'm excited to see what new
merchandise they have."
Soon they landed lightly (with the exception of Jessie; who made quite a
racket) on the roof of a small shop. Malibu peered over the side of the roof and
saw a wooden sign with 'Into The Mystic- Open all Night' painted on it. Cholssen
padded towards a large window and knocked.
A voice with an English accent from the inside shouted, "Come in!"
The Scots looked at each other, shrugged; then walked in with Malibu and
Jessie following. They walked into a large room, and were looking around when
they heard the same voice say, "Is that you, Jet?"
An old but stately- looking lion with a gray mane walked into view and
gasped. "Celts!!" The lion grabbed a gun that was in a holster on his leg and
pointed it at them. "What do you want you savages?"
"Hey, we're not here to fight!" Cholssen said.
"Yet." Edin muttered under his breath.
Malibu walked around the clan and held up his hands. "Hey, we're just here
to talk. At least let us tell you why we're here."
The lion lowered his gun. "You.... I know you."
Malibu looked at the ceiling and then back at Jessie, getting a little
annoyed by the mistaken identity. Jessie walked to Malibu's side, and leaned on
her cane, examining the gargoyle in front of her. "Leo?"
"Yes; who are you?" The lion rumbled.
Jessie walked and stood about a foot from the aged lion. "You don't know
me; but my Dad knows someone who does. Do you remember Goliath?"
"Yes, I do know Goliath.." Leo said, amazed. He placed his gun back in
its holster. "Who are you?"
"I'm Jessie Johnson. My father is a good friend of Brooklyn's son. Do you know
Brooklyn?"
Leo placed his hand on his chin as he thought. "Yes, Griff often spoke of
him. Isn't that him?" He pointed at Malibu.
"No.. but close enough." Jessie smiled. "He's Brooklyn's....uh, brother."
"Well, any friends of Goliath's clan are friends of ours." Leo glared at the
Scottish clan. "But I'll be watching you." The clan and the old lion exchanged
glares for a second before he continued, "Follow me."
Leo led them down a flight of stairs and into the main shop area. "Una!
Griff!! We have visitors!"
A griffin with gray hair with small streaks of dark brown, who looked like
the complete opposite of Dundee, and a unicorn with gray hair walked hand in
hand up from another staircase. "What is it, Leo?" Griff asked. He blinked at
Malibu. "Brooklyn? What happened?"
Malibu sighed irritatingly. Jessie grinned and patted his shoulder. "This
is Malibu. But my father knew Brooklyn."
Griff's eyes drifted from them to the clan. "Celts!! What're you doing
here?" He growled.
"Listen," Malibu said. "We're not here to fight." He turned around and gave the
Scots a warning glare. "Right guys?"
The clan looked at the floor nervously; with the exception of Edin, who
snorted in annoyance. "What we're going to talk to you about; you may consider
an insult. But, please, hear us out." Malibu said.
"Alright." Leo said. "But first join us for supper. We'll talk of whatever it is
you're here for afterwards."
The Celtic clan kept mostly to themselves during the supper; sitting on
the floor in an out-of-the-way corner. Meanwhile, Jessie, Malibu, and the three
British gargoyles sat on the floor close to the table. "I'm sorry we have to sit
on the floor," Griff apologized.
"But our table is too small for all of us."
"That's alright," Jessie said before taking a sip of milk.
Una looked at Jessie, then finally said, "If you don't mind me asking;
what happened to your leg?"
Jessie set down her glass and said quietly, "An accident."
Malibu put his hand on her shoulder. "Forgive us, but it's a painful
memory to talk about. But we were on the Titanic that sank a few months
ago."
Suddenly the door opened. They turned to see two younger gargoyles walking
into the room. Griff smiled and stood up; then walked towards them. "Allow me to
introduce my son, Jet," He placed his hand on the shoulder of a tall and
muscular unicorn. "And my daughter, Tara." He placed his other hand on the
shoulder of a fairly muscular griffin, who stood just an inch shorter than her
brother.
Both waved. "Sorry we're late, Dad." Tara said, flopping down on the floor
beside Jessie. "We had a problem at the museum."
"But it wasn't anything we couldn't handle." Jet added as he flopped down beside
his sister.
Tara looked at Jessie; then held out her hand. "Hi! What's your name?"
"Jessie." She replied as she shook the female griffin's hand. "And this is my
fiancé, Malibu."
"Hi!" Tara said cheerfully and shook his hand also.
"Hey! Celts!" Leo shouted.
The Scottish clan glared at him. "Hey, you don't have to be so rude to
them..." Jessie said angrily.
Leo just shrugged. "What is it that you wanted to talk to us about?"
"Come on over, guys." Jessie said.
Hesitating; the clan got up and moved closer to the other group. "Now,
remember; this is a serious subject; and we're not meaning to insult you or your
clan in any way." Jessie warned. "These five are the last of the Scottish clans.
Their clan was killed over a millenium ago by the Hunters. They are immortal
now, their bodies have stayed at about 44 years of age; although they have all
lived well over a thousand. They want to expand their clan; and--"
"I already don't like what you're getting to; Jessie," Leo rumbled.
"Let me ask you one thing." Jessie snapped; jabbing her index finger in his
direction. "Why do you hate each other?" She cut him off before he could argue.
"And don't say that it's 'been that way for generations'. People have the
power to change themselves."
Leo opened his mouth to say something; but stopped. "I thought so." Jessie
said, nodding her head. "Stupid prejudices."
Leo sighed. "Alright. You've got us. We'll take you to our clan leader
tomorrow night."
With that; the British clan stood and walked outside. "Until sunset."
Griff said; then turned to the street, flared his wings and roared, then turned
to stone with the others.
"Well..." Glasgow breathed. "What're we supposed to do now?"
Everyone turned and looked at Jessie. Jessie looked at them all and
blinked. "What?"
"You seem to be taking charge of everything...." Cholssen said quietly.
Jessie looked at Malibu, and he shrugged; grinning. "He's right, hon."
"Oh... Um.. We'll do whatever, I guess..."
The Scottish clan turned around and walked back inside. Malibu walked up
to Jessie, and patted her shoulder. "Great order almighty leader," He chuckled.
"Oh shut up!" Jessie laughed as she playfully shoved him.
That night; the couple and the Scottish clan watched as the London clan
broke out of their stone sleep. "Well; we might as well go now." Griff said.
So they watched as Griff launched himself into the air; and finally
everyone followed. As they glided over the city; Tara flapped towards Dundee.
"You're not like a regular griffin..."
"That all depends on what you call regular." Dundee said, smiling a bit.
"Besides; I've got more lion in me than eagle. I just assumed you were the
opposite."
"So there's two types of griffin?" She asked, getting interested.
"There are, or was, much more than two. In my clan alone there was many kinds of
griffin; lion and hawk, tiger and eagle, jaguar and falcon, and many more
intermixed between them. But they were all killed when the Hunters attacked my
clan."
"My father told me of those Hunters," She said turning her gaze to the street;
then looked back at Dundee. "I've never seen one though."
"From what I hear; the Hunters finally realized their wrongs and quit; all but
one brother. But that was a long time ago. Thank the stars they don't exist
anymore."
They all glided past the main part of the city; and landed on the lawn of
a huge mansion. "You live here?" Glasgow asked in awe.
"Yes. We don't live in caves anymore." Leo answered coldly.
Jessie and Malibu glared at the lion; who took no notice of them. Leo
walked up to the large doors and opened them with a grunt. "I'm not as young as
I used to be..." He muttered; rubbing his back.
All of them walked through the bright hallway; the loudest sound was just
the creaking of Jessie's brace. They reached a large room that was a bit darker
than the hallway they just walked out of, and the British clan looked around a
bit. "It's all right!" Griff shouted. "We brought guests!"
Slowly the room began to fill with gargoyles of every different kind. A
noble-looking wolf gargoyle stepped forward, smiling. "We were just making sure
you weren't being forced to bring intruders in." He said, clasping forearms of
Griff and Leo.
"Let me introduce you to our guests," Griff said, smiling and waving to the
others.
"There is Jessie and Malibu, and a visiting clan from the north. This is Robin;
our clan leader."
Robin frowned. "I see that our guests are Celts. With the exception of you
two." He said, gesturing towards Jessie and Malibu. "What are you doing here?
I'd like to know why you came into our lands."
"Please, we mean you no harm. We just came to talk..."Cholssen said, nervously
wringing his hands.
"I know it's not exactly easy for you," Malibu said. "But, please, listen."
"Well, this is sounding like it may be a private matter..." Robin said, rubbing
his chin. He gestured towards a hallway. "Please walk with me. Leo, Griff; you
may come as well."
They walked down the halls, talking; with Robin calmly listening to
every word. "And that's why we need your help, Sir Robin." Cholssen finished.
Robin chuckled, "Just Robin, please." His expression turned serious. "I
understand you're plight, Cholssen. But you understand that I just can't hand
out members of my clan."
The Scots slowly nodded. "Aye. We understand." Cholssen said quietly.
"However.." Robin said. "You are welcome to stay with my clan and see if you
can develop any relationship with some of the clan members here. And if they
wish, you may return to Scotland with them."
The clan's heads shot up to look at Robin unbelievably. "Are you serious?"
Dundee asked.
"Yes, I am. But I'm sorry that you may encounter troubles with the rest of my
clan. Maybe this will help unite our clan's in peace, and end this senseless
hatred."
Cholssen smiled and held out his arm. "We thank you for your help, Robin."
"No problem at all." Robin smiled and clasped the hybrid's forearm.
"I hate to say this, guys;" Jessie said; causing them to look at her. "But
Malibu and I need to get back to Scotland. Our plane leaves tomorrow night and
we need to pack."
Cholssen nodded. "Of course. I will accompany you back to your hotel."
Jessie and Malibu shook hands with the Scotland and British clans; then
headed towards the door.
When they finally reached their hotel; the couple nearly collapsed with
exhaustion. They walked into their room and dropped themselves on the couch.
Cholssen stood at the balcony doorway. "Well, I thank you, m'friends. You have
given my clan hope."
"No, thank you." Malibu smiled. "You actually listened to us."
Cholssen chuckled, held up his arm, and winked. "Ye didn't give me a
choice, lad."
"Well, thanks all the same; and sorry about your arm; no hard feelings, right?"
Malibu said, holding out his hand.
"I understand why you did it, Malibu." Cholssen said as his gripped Malibu's
forearm and shook it once. "I'd do the same if I loved one person that much."
Cholssen held out his hand to Jessie, who shook it in the same fashion as
Malibu. "And thank you, Jessie."
"No problem. But do me a favor and keep an eye on Edin... I may just be
paranoid, but I don't trust him."
"Aye; Edin seems to be rebelling against everything I say. I must admit that
when we were on our way to England he asked me why we couldn't just kill your
fiancé and take you for our own purposes." Cholssen frowned and shook his head.
"If we weren't there together the entire time, I bet he would have done it,
too."
"Just be careful, Cholssen." Malibu said.
The hybrid smiled and nodded. "I will." He turned towards the balcony.
"Well; I need to be getting back to my clan."
Jessie and Malibu stood and walked to him. "Make sure to get back to us,
'kay?" Jessie smiled. "Drop us a line sometime."
Cholssen nodded. "I promise."
The wolf hybrid spread his wings and leapt off the balcony. He turned and
waved at the couple; then disappeared into the horizon.
Cholssen returned to the British clan's castle just as they were outside
ready to greet the sunrise. Cholssen landed behind Robin and stretched his wings
before caping them around his shoulders. "We leave our home to you, my friends.
I trust you with it."
Before anyone had the chance to reply; the sun rose and the gargoyles
turned to stone. Cholssen turned to his clan and shrugged. "Well, lads; I
suppose we should look around the place. We're gonna be livin' here for awhile."
-----------------------------------------
12 years later (June 30, 2086)
"Hey, Jess!"
Jessie peeked around the corner and looked at Malibu; who was staring at
a computer screen. "Yeah?"
"You'll never guess who sent us an e-mail."
Jessie blinked and walked in. "Who?"
Malibu turned to her, grinning. "Does Scotland ring a bell?"
"Cholssen sent us an e-mail? How?" She peered over her husband's shoulder,
looking at the computer screen.
"Well, let's see..." He cleared his throat and began reading. "Hi Jessie and
Malibu! I'm at Jet's computer right now so I could tell you the important news.
The first hatchlings of my clan in over two thousand years will be hatching
soon; and the entire clan wanted you two to be there when it happens. You should
be receiving two plane tickets in the mail soon after you read this. See you in
a few days! Your friend, Cholssen."
"Well, what do you know about that..." Jessie chuckled.
"Mommy..."
Jessie and Malibu turned to see a small boy in the doorway, clutching a
stuffed animal almost as big as him, and rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
"What's the matter, buddy?" Malibu asked, smiling.
"I had a bad dream..." The boy answered, squeezing his stuffed toy closer.
"Aw.." Jessie walked over and picked him up; patting his back. "C'mon, Bryan.
I'll tuck you back in." Jessie turned to Malibu and smiled. "I guess we're gonna
need another ticket."
Malibu chuckled and nodded. Bryan waved with his free hand as Jessie
carried him out of the room. "G'night, Daddy."
He waved in return and called back, "Good night, Bryan. Sleep tight!"
Malibu turned back to the computer and began to type a reply to Cholssen's
e-mail.
They arrived in Scotland within a week; and got the same hotel room they
had the first time they were there, twelve years ago.
Bryan sat on the floor playing with his Legos as Malibu and Jessie
unpacked. "Where exactly do you think we're gonna meet them?" Jessie asked.
"I don't know. But I suppose where they took us that night."
She nodded. "Sounds like a good place to start, anyway." She paused
and grinned. "We'll have to look at all the castles again. It'll be nice to be
able to walk up the stairs with no trouble."
Malibu chuckled and nodded. He turned to his son and smiled. "What do you
think, Bry?" The boy turned and looked at his father. "Want to go see the
castles?"
Bryan grinned and asked excitedly, "Will there be dragons and knights??"
"I think there might be a dragon; and you just might see a knight!"
"Yeah!!!" Bryan clapped in excitement.
Malibu turned back to Jessie, grinning. "At least we know he'll see one
dragon." He said quietly.
Jessie laughed, shaking her head. "Yeah; as soon as he sees Nion, the poor
little guy will probably be scared senseless."
The family walked over hills and finally came to a very familiar place.
"Jeez, this place brings back memories." Jessie said, looking around.
"I don't know; I can't see it."
Jessie turned to see Bryan on Malibu's shoulders, giggling hysterically
with his hands over his father's eyes. Jessie chuckled and walked over and took
her son off of Malibu's shoulders and set him down. "Better?"
"Much." Malibu nodded, smiling. He looked around and replied, "Yeah; this is
where they attacked us. Definitely filled with memories."
"Aye, and painful ones."
All three turned towards the new voice and Jessie laughed. "Cholssen!!"
The grinning wolf hybrid jumped down from the hill he was standing on and
down to where they were standing; causing Bryan to scream and hide behind
Malibu's leg. Cholssen blinked and looked at the sobbing boy as Malibu tried to
comfort him. He suddenly grinned. "I see you have quite the family there, too,
Jessie."
"Yeah; sorry for him screaming like that." Jessie turned to where Bryan and
Malibu was and said, "Come on over here and meet our good friend."
Bryan rapidly shook his head and ducked behind Malibu's wing, peeking out
after a few seconds. Cholssen smiled and kneeled down, holding out his arms.
"C'mon, laddie. I won't hurt you."
Bryan took a step aside from Malibu, but kept a good grip on his dad's
tail. Malibu smiled and began walking towards Cholssen; with his son
hesitatingly following. When Bryan was about three feet from him, Cholssen
smiled. "There we go. Now what's your name, lad?"
"Bryan."
"Wow! I have a friend whose name is Bryan! My name is Cholssen. And how old are
you?"
Bryan held up five fingers, grinning. "Five! Wow, you're gonna be driving
soon, aren't you, laddie?"
Bryan giggled. Cholssen stood and looked back at Jessie. "Well I see your
leg is better!"
"Yeah; I've been off the brace for about ten years now. It still troubles me
every now and then."
Cholssen nodded and turned to Malibu, holding out his hand. "And how are
you, Malibu?"
Malibu gripped the hybrid's forearm, grinning. "Good! How's that clan
of yours?"
Cholssen's grin grew. "Bigger. And about to grow more. But let's go so you
can see for yourself."
They arrived to find both humans and his clan gathered. Even Jet and Tara
were there. Jessie walked up to Jet and smiled. "So how's your parents?"
Jet stared at the ground and said quietly, "They died about two years
ago; they were trying to save a little boy from drowning in a ditch when they
were both hit by lightning."
"Oh, jeez... I'm so sorry..."
"It's alright; they died the way they wanted to." Jet looked up, smiling a
little. "With each other."
"So did you make peace with the humans?" Malibu asked as he walked with
Cholssen.
"Aye, this village at least. But it's a start."
Malibu nodded and looked around, then turned back to Cholssen. "Where's
Edin?"
Cholssen frowned. "He's dead. We caught him getting ready to smash the
British clan as they slept; and Glasgow shot him. The gun was the closest
weapon, and the fastest. We had no other choice."
"But I thought you guys are immortal."
The hybrid nodded. "We are. Glasgow shot him at least five times in the
chest; then Nion removed the spell of immortality. He died instantly."
Malibu shook his head. "I don't believe it. I knew he didn't like the
idea of staying with the British clan, but..."
He stopped when he felt his jeans leg being tugged on. Looking down he saw
Bryan with a human boy of about the same age. "Daddy, can I go play with
Ricky?"
"Sure, son. Be careful." Bryan began to run with Ricky. "Hey Bry!" He turned
and looked at Malibu. "What're you going to play?"
Bryan grinned. "I'm a knight and we're gonna slay the dragon!!" The boy
held up a small stick and ran, swinging it all the way.
Malibu turned to Cholssen, grinning. "Why do I have a feeling Nion has a
hand in this?"
Cholssen laughed and clapped Malibu on the shoulder. "C'mon, you have to
see it to believe it."
When they arrived on the sight, it looked more like a huge mass of little
kids. Then Nion erupted from the small mountain; children hanging on his arms,
legs and tail. "I'm gonna get you all!!" He cried playfully.
All the little kids began poking at him with their sticks; and Malibu saw
Bryan stab at the dragon's arm. Nion grabbed the stick and held it to his side.
"Oh, the lad got me." He sank to his knees, over-acting so badly Malibu couldn't
help but to laugh. "Aye, I'm headin' towards that big firepit in th' sky."
And with that; Nion fell limp, his tongue hanging out the side of his
mouth, and a firm grip on the stick that 'killed' him. All the little kids began
cheering and bouncing around Nion. Malibu walked towards them, clapping and
laughing. Bryan ran up to him, grinning. "Daddy, daddy!! I killed the dragon!!!"
Malibu picked his son up and put him on his shoulders, "Yeah, that's my
little knight!" He walked up to Nion and shook his head. "And what an ugly
THE END
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