"Heritage"
by Lisette:  Lisette_1@lycos.com

Created on: 10/07/07

Revised on: 05/28/01

Legalese: Nothing here is of my own creation.  Goliath and his crew belong to Buena Vista and Disney.  In no way will a profit be made from this.

Author's Note: This story is set a month after "The Gift" and is the third part of the Talika series. 

Brief summary: The story that everyone's been waiting for: the story that explains Elisa's heritage.  

Rating: PG-13 due to language and content

Aerie building -- 10 minutes before sunset

    As Owen flipped through the paper in his hands in the main lobby, he looked up just in time to see Elisa Maza rush into the room from outside.  Panting, she re-slung 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?" he 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 -- after all, she had seen this transformation nearly every night for the last two years.  But the people who would 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.  But as she had explained to him, 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 Katherine 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, he stretched luxuriously, sending small stone particles in every direction.

    Turning, Goliath faced the human he knew would be there.  "Elisa!" he said 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 were a lighter colored, low-waisted baggy pair blue jeans, a white polo shirt that ended below her naval, where her jeans began, and a pair of 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 she 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."

    Nodding his understanding, Goliath quickly gestured to the courtyard below.  "Then let us go -- the rest of the clan will be waiting."

    "You're right, let's hit the road."

    "Hit the road?" Goliath asked, the confusion evident on his face.

    "It's an expression, it means 'let's go'" Elisa explained with a small, patient smile.  Even after two years in this new world, the large gargoyle could still be taken be surprise at the strange idioms that her race used.

    Smiling, Elisa then allowed herself to be lifted into Goliath's strong arms.  When Goliath was sure he had her 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 ground.

    "Yes, I cannot wait to see everyone again!"

    "Good," Goliath said, smiling warmly at his daughter.  Turing 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 being 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 as she walked next to the three humans standing off to the side.  "Fox, do you have a message for your mother?"

    "I don't have a mother," Fox replied, 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."

    Puzzled by the manservant's cryptic answer, Elisa simply stared at him for a few moments before shaking away her confusion.  "Okay... well, 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 Cauldron of Life doth turn your hand to stone leaving you with no feeling to the bone.  So now this fae 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 Angela, 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, "Mists 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 thing again," Elisa continued 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 asked wryly.

    Luckily the trip was short, 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 'gain?"

    "Avalon didn't," Goliath said.  Bowing at the waist, Goliath then followed with, "M'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 answered for them all, stepping forth.

    "What business would ye have wit' 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 things to catch up with 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 and not only a moment later Goliath and Elisa were ushered into the grand room.  "Goliath," the queen began, smiling warmly, "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 highnesses," 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 both."

    "What are these questions?" Oberon asked slowly, hoping that it wasn't the questions 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 said.  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.

    "Anyway,  like I was saying, The Creator created the two races -- the humans and the fae, 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 fae, the power split between us.  In the beginning, Oberon and I lived amongst the fae, allowing freedom and free will amongst our kind, the second race.  This soon proved to be a mistake, for the fae were too mischievous for their own good," Titania explained with a wry smile at the gathered fae in the Great Hall.  "Therefore," she continued, "a decision was made and Oberon and I stepped forth and announced our presence.  We then created Avalon, moving the second race here.  So we became the King and Queen of Avalon, the fae our children.  As for the humans, they too were given a protector, Talika.  Unlike us, she was alone," she continued, a haunted look entering her eyes as she said these words, "and therefore had powers equal only to that of Oberon and mine combined.  For a while, she ruled over the humans as their Queen.  But about the time of our relocation, she stepped down, intending 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.

    "For the most part... yes," Titania whispered, that same faraway look entering her eyes.

    Elisa, not noticing this, felt something familiar about the story that she was being told, something that tugged at her senses.  "But why has she never had children?" she asked, her heart aching for the poor woman.

    "The Creator has given us only the power to bear children with our selected mate," Oberon spoke up, a deep sadness in his eyes.

    "You mean you two are able to have children but she isn't?  Why?" Elisa asked, trying to absorb the information being offered.

    "Another long story that shall have to wait for another day," Titania explained.

    "But wait a minute.  You've talked about the humans and faes... 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 that same faraway look in his eyes.  "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 fae and the humans.  In order to fulfill the dream, she needed our combined strength to back her.  So, with The Creator's permission, the gargoyles were created.  The magic of the fae is what allows you to turn to stone at dawn to heal, while you have their humanoid appearance and their mannerisms.  Since it was a mix of the two races, the gargoyles were placed between us, becoming the second race and us the third," he explained.

    Sighing, Elisa slowly nodded her head, trying to absorb all that she had been told.  In essence, it redefined all of the beliefs that she had been taught as a child and was starting a massive headache that seemed to creep over everything else.  While it still fell in with the idea of a God, the God of many religions, it still was far different than anything she had ever before believed or thought possible.  But then, her mind quickly drifted back to her own dilemma, that which had brought them there in the first place.  "While this is all very illuminating," she began, wearily rubbing her temples before meeting the eyes of the King and the Queen, "I fail to see what this has to do with me and my new found magical ability."

    "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.

    Baffled, Elisa quickly shook her head.  "If that's true, then 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 life," Elisa pointed out quickly, trying to poke a hole in Titania's theory.

    "It's true," Oberon admitted slowly, wiping against his own forehead, "that Talika doesn't usually wipe her memories -- she must have really messed up this time."

    "Talika also usually takes on a different appearance with her mortal lives.  This time however, she has not changed forms," Titania continued, eyeing the woman who stood before them.  "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 we are alone, so it's possible for deception... we can make you remember everything if you like," Titania offered.

    Biting back a disbelieving laugh, Elisa quickly shook her head.  She still wasn't buying this idea of her being this immortal protector of the human race deal -- she was just a normal detective.. with admittedly not normal friends.  Still, the offer got to her nonetheless and ate at her curiosity.  "How?"

    "A simple spell by Oberon and I can override yours."

    "But what will happen to Elisa?" Goliath broke in, his voice a low growl as his arm tightened around her small form.  "What will this added knowledge and memories do to her?" he asked, worry entering his deep voice.

    "The personality of Elisa Maza should not be affected," Oberon quickly protested.  "Talika never re-created her personality, as was the case of Puck and Owen Burnett," he explained, a sad look hidden on his features as he spoke of Puck.

    "But..." Goliath began.

    "I'll do it," Elisa broke in quickly, surprising them both.

    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, excitement beginning to build within her.  "If they're right -- if they're right in who they say that I am and if I reclaimed my rule, I'd be able to put an end to wars, illness, poverty... everything wrong with our world!"

    Sighing, Goliath instantly knew that there would be no convincing otherwise.  "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:

    As the chanting subsided, the green mist commonly found in the fae 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, are you all right?" Goliath asked, fear tightening like a vise around his heart.

    As her strength returned, she quickly regained her footing.  Turning she smiled at her love and said, "Don't worry Goliath, I'm fine," as a sea of memories overcame her mind.  In that instant, Elisa and Talika became one once more as the memories of her hundreds of lifetimes filled her mind with a sadness and warmth that left her feeling strangely full, even when before she hadn't been aware that anything had been missing.

    "Do you remember..."

    "Everything," Talika finished for him with a small smile, sending Titania and Oberon a grateful look before looking deeply into Goliath's onyx eyes.  "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," she stated firmly, her eyes daring him to disbelieve her.  "I love you as much as I did before, if not more so."

    "So, will you be reclaiming your position as leader, Talika?" Oberon asked, breaking into their heartfelt words with bored curiosity.

    "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," she admitted with a sour frown, "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.  But, it seems as though my magic found me in the end."

    "A wise choice.. Talika," Goliath replied quietly to his love, stumbling over the unfamiliar name.

    At this, she turned back to her love with a small smile.  "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.  Therefore, 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," Elisa laughed as she elbowed him gently in the ribs.

    "Gladly, Elisa," Goliath said, giving her one of his rare smiles.

    "What will you do now, Tal... Elisa?" Titania asked of her friend.

    "Well..." Elisa trailed off as she turned and raised her eyebrows at Goliath.  Seeing his nod, she quickly made up her mind.  "I think we'll give Angela a chance to see her rookery brothers and sisters and enjoy a short vacation here on Avalon before returning home... I shall see you soon my friends," she finished with a nod at the King and Queen.

    "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," Elisa laughed as she waved away her memories with a careless wave.  "I've experienced it all."

    "All sorts of love also," Goliath mumbled.

    "Goliath, you know how I feel about you!" Elisa laughed before she saw the seriousness in his eyes.  He actually meant it.

    "How you feel about me, yes... others, no."

    Sighing, Elisa slowly chewed her lips, choosing best how to prove it to him.  "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 New Beginning... the sole reason I created the gargoyles..."