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September 28, 1996

It had already been one of the happiest nights of my life, the night of my wedding to Goliath (or, as the others in the Clan called it, our “Mating Ceremony”). Everyone had worked so hard to make it right. Hudson had risked much and revealed our real identity to his human friend, the blind author, Jeffery Robbins and asked that we be able to hold the ceremony as his home. Broadway had baked and cooked up a storm, ably assisted by Angela. Brooklyn and Lexington had been drafted into service under Mom’s direction setting up the decorations and everything else. My father and sister had, with a little help from Maggie, convinced my brother to come, in spite of his objections. Matt called in a few favors and got flowers for the decorations.

The dress—which has fit perfectly—had been delivered to my parent’s home back in July, not long after the fight with Oberon. The card included with it had simply said, “For whenever Ms. Maza needs it. One small step toward repayment. –X” Damn the man’s ability to predict people. But it had been a missing piece, one I’d eventually reluctantly accepted. Besides… I looked damn good in it.

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January 26, 1996

During the Avalon World Tour, we had many adventures and met a wide variety of people, but nothing was quite so scary as the time the skiff brought us to Egypt. There, we had battled the Pack, on loan from Xanatos, who were in the employ the of the Emir. The Emir sought to use a spell to become the Avatar of Anubis, the Egyptian god of death (having previously met Odin, this did not come as as big a surprise as it should have). The Emir wanted to bring his son back to life, but Jackal interrupted the spell and became the Avatar himself.

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Late November, 1995

I'd never been much of a praying woman before, outside of some very general, dear God, let me make it out of this alive sort of way, but often after my transformation, I found myself in prayer. Prayers for sanity. Prayers for it all to make sense. Prayers for my life back. Prayers to... God? The universe? Fate? I'm not entirely sure.
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Early October, 1995

Slightly less than two weeks had passed since I had been permanently transformed into a Gargoyle. In spite of the brave face I had put on for my family and even tried to put on for Goliath and the others, my mood was mercurial, ranging from utterly depressed to dead inside to angry. These moods came quickly and intensely, confusing me even more as Gargoyle instincts waged war with a human mind. I had seen Goliath brood deeply before or quickly rise to anger and now I understood why.

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Late September, 1995

One minute I had been discussing the theft of Titania’s Mirror with the guys (along with learning about the existence of the so-called “Third Race”), the next I’d been lifted into the air by a green, bright light that filled the clock tower. When it faded, I saw the guys staring at me and felt weak on my feet. Something had changed, I could tell that much. But what? I closed my eyes and put a hand to my forehead.

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( The New, Improved Character Survey of Doom )

Though it had technically passed into being her birthday when it passed midnight on December 30, Elisa had decided to wait until after sunset on the 31th to actually celebrate it, largely because more of the important people who would be involved would be awake for that. The party itself was being held at the Labyrinth, because her family had no desire to set foot inside the Eyire Building. Things were tense enough that she was living there after everything Xanatos had done to their family, but it would not be an issue talked about tonight. Elisa still did not trust Xanatos entirely, but she was willing to believe that the long feud was indeed over.

The Gargoyles awoke in their usual fashion, with roars and stone skin cracking. And almost immediately, Goliath embraced her. "Happy Birthday, my love," he told her, as he stroked her hair, wrapping his wings around her.

"Love you too, Big Guy," she told him. "And thank-you, for remembering. I know birthdays aren't a big thing to you guys..." She wasn't even technically sure if it could really be counted as her birthday. In some strange way, this was the body of a Gargoyle who had hatched. Which also meant that her age was probably not quite the same. And... well, it made a person go cross-eyed to think about too much.

"But it is important to you," Goliath said. "That is all that matters."

The relationship between a Gargoyle and a Gargoyle who used to be human, who still in many ways thought of herself as one was always going to be complicated, always going to be made of compromises and new ways of doing things. But they could do it. Their love was strong enough.

Hard to believe it had been more than a year since she'd been transformed, more than a year since she'd seen the sun. She was not the same woman she had once been, that much was certain. Uncertainty and depression had given way to acceptance, had given way to becoming Goliath's mate and deciding not to look back any longer. Had she adapted too quickly? Had she shucked human life too easily? Hardly. There were still many things that nearly broke her heart if she dwelled upon them too much. But there was much good in her life as well. She focused on those things and, like her brother before her, made her life with the hand that was dealt. But if offered the opportunity to be human again, Elisa believed she would turn it down. After all that had happened to her, all that she had experienced, she wasn't entirely sure she could fit into a regular--such as it had been before, at least--existence again.

The birthday party itself would go fairly harmlessly, the gifts enjoyed, the two Clans and her family, along with friend Matt Bluestone, coming together to celebrate it, while they also awaited the countdown to New Year's Eve.

The cake, however...

Written across it in icing was "Happy Fifty-Sixth Birthday."

When we left Avalon, we discovered that, in Tom's words, Avalon takes you "where you need to be." We had quite a few adventures before we ended up back in New York, traveling over most of the world and reaching every continent except Antarctica. It was also incredibly awkward at first. I knew Angela was Goliath's daughter, and he knew, but she didn't. I'd agreed to keep quiet at Goliath's request, though I was not entirely happy with it. But considering part of the events of Avalon had involved fighting her own (brainwashed) mother, it definitely wasn't the time. I'd also carefully avoided any particulars about my own history, speaking even less of it than the half-lie we had told Tom, lest we complicate things further. I knew, however, she would eventually have to be told. If Angela was going to come back with us, be a member of the Clan, she deserved to know the truth. I also knew that neither of these issues were things that could be danced around for long.
( Read more... )

Late December, 1995

What was to have been one of the strangest and biggest adventures of my life started innocently enough. With the Trio occupied by their own pursuits and Hudson enthralled by some TV show, Goliath and I had opted for a mini-date, taking Bronx with us for a little walk and play in Central Park. It was late enough to be secluded and, frankly, we were quick enough to get away if we were spotted. And muggers? Please. I’d have actually felt sorry for anyone who tried to mug us.

( Read more... )

As a coating of snow fell over the city of Manhattan, a castle which rose above the clouds was immune to the falling precipitation. Still, in deference to the season, Christmas lights had been strung over the ancient stones and wreaths hung on the doors. The eight Gargoyle statues which stood on the ramparts, however, took no notice of this. At least, not until the sun went down...

Slowly, cracks began to appear in the stone skin of those Gargoyles, accompanied by a cracking sound. One by one, the statues came to life, shattering their stone skins and letting loose mighty roars. Bronx, Brooklyn, Broadway, Angela, Elisa, and Goliath. The Manhattan Clan.

Elisa happily embraced her mate, "Merry Christmas, Goliath." It was a human holiday, not one that the Gargoyles celebrated, though they'd celebrated the Winter Solstice, which Elisa had rung in with them. They, in turn, celebrated her holiday with her. It was a good way to blend their ways and perspectives together.

"Merry Christmas, my love," Goliath told her, wrapping his wings around her.

"Hey, you two! Get a room!"

Elisa turned her head to "glare" at Brooklyn. "You gonna make us?" she teased.

Life for the Gargoyles was uncertain, but this night... all was right with the world, at least as far as she was concerned. Even with Hudson and Lexington still in London, Xanatos no doubt up to no good, much of the city set against them, and an unusually crime-filled Christmas Season.

Life went on. Tonight was a night for remembering the good.

Got the soundtrack for Beauty and the Beast among some Christmas presents. Gotta say, this song is so me.

Tale as old as time
True as it can be
Barely even friends
Then somebody bends
Unexpectedly
Just a little change
Small to say the least
Both a little scared
Neither one prepared
Beauty and the Beast

Ever just the same
Ever a surprise
Ever as before
Ever just as sure
As the sun will rise

Tale as old as time
Tune as old as song
Bittersweet and strange
Finding you can change
Learning you were wrong
Certain as the sun
Rising in the east
Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the Beast

Tale as old as time
Song as old as rhyme
Beauty and the Beast

And then there was the time I lost my memories. Not a fun adventure, really, but it happened and it needs to be recorded and discussed just like all the other things that happened. Because someday, I want to be able to tell my children all these stories. Because someday, the world might want to hear them.
( Read more... )

It's hard to believe that anything could have been worse than Halloween, 1995, but the next year actually managed it. Not long before, the Canmores, a pair of brothers and a sister obsessed with killing Demona (and none to fond of us either, by association) had destroyed the our Clock Tower home. Worse, our flight from there had been caught on film, revealing the existence of Gargoyles in New York City in such a large scale way that there would be no more denying it. Much speculation was--and still is truthfully--being made over why one of the Gargoyles was dressed like a human, though thankfully there were no clear shots of my face. Gargoyle or not, there's enough about me that still looks like I did that someone who'd known me could possibly recognize me.

( Read more... )

The move to the Clock Tower and the trouble with Macbeth had occupied the holiday the previous year,so I had been prepared to make the next one a night the guys would enjoy. I'd ordered costumes at the request of the Trio and even one for myself on the off chance that I could get Goliath to go out and enjoy the festivities with me. Truthfully, I could not wait for the chance to spend a night out with him. Even then, before I was willing to admit it, I was hopelessly in love.

All this had been before the Mirror, before I'd been transformed against my will. Before Goliath and I had admitted our feelings for each other.
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( Very long and mostly repeated from previous entries. )

Looking back over and having rewatched the episodes (along with a desire to keep everything as close to the real timeline as possible...), the only two episodes that absolutely have to occur before The Mirror in this universe are The Silver Falcon, Revelations and The Cage. Matt being clued in and the revelations of what happened to Derek are too necessary for the rest of the universe to proceed smoothly.

Following The Mirror (and the events listed in various journal entries here)

Eye of the Beholder

At this point, it has been about a month since Elisa was changed into a Gargoyle. She's gone through boot camp and begun working and patrolling with the others fully. She and Goliath had a talk about their feelings, and while they are still taking things very slowly, are very much enjoying each other's company.
The Trio remains excited about Halloween. Elisa sees this as little more than a reminder of everything she's lost, losing some of the ground she's made in trying to keep herself focused and not depressed. Goliath admits to not fully understanding the holiday, but makes an effort to try and get Elisa to go out with him, reminding her that on this one night, at least, things can be as they were. Reluctantly, she agrees, with the provision that they'll leave the festivities if she asks to.
The rest of the episode occurs reasonably on course, with the encounters with Xanatos and Fox. This marks the first meeting between Xanatos and Elisa since her transformation, and it goes badly, especially with comparisons of the "werefox" to Derek in Elisa's mind.

Vows

Elisa, of course, still heavily objects to Goliath's going to Fox and Xanatos's wedding, especially with Demona being there. (There's likely some very irrational jealousy on her part here; she continues to barely hold herself together and Goliath remains her one true rock of certainty).
Goliath himself is more reluctant to go, having none of his desire to rekindle anything with Demona as he does in the real universe. He still does, however, on the off-chance that he can prevent anything that might happen with their enemies in the same place. For reasons he cannot explain, he brings his half of the Phoenix Gate with him.
Goliath still attempts to reach out to Demona, though less in love, than in simply trying, once more, to reach the person he thought he knew.
The rest of the episode goes pretty much on track (Demona gets in a few cracks about how Elisa's enjoying her new life, goading and getting the better of Goliath at different points).

Protection

It's more accurate to say this episode does not occur.
Elisa and the Gargoyles do continue to work against Dracon's operation.

Having exhausted the episodes of the cartoon (or at least, as much as I'm willing to consider canon), at least some of what occurred in the briefly published Gargoyles comic by Slave Labor Graphics is the basis for some of the canon of Elisa's universe.

Nightwatch and The Journey

Despite her severe distrust of the man and general dislike of him on principle (especially after what he's done to Derek), Elisa acquiesces to Goliath's desire to make the castle the Clan's home again, agreeing that, whatever else might happen, they're at least in no danger of being smashed as long as they're there.
Matt Bluestone and partner since Elisa's disappearance (Arleen Quinn, a profile to eventually come), are assigned to the NYPD Gargoyle Task Force, a now permanent institution. It is during an attempt to visit Matt to discuss this that Elisa and Goliath are attacked by the Quarrymen. Here too, Vinny comes to their rescue.

Invitation Only

With the Clan preparing for Halloween and the Halloween Ball being held at the Eyrie Building, Elisa experiences a moment of hefty depression. While she encountered a number of new human friends and dealt with quite a bit of exposure during the World Tour, the public exposure of the Gargoyles since then has continued to haunt her. For her, every glimpse of the Gargoyles now, even under the anonymity of presumed humanity that a costumed ball would bring, brings with it the possibility of being seen and recognized by someone she knows. Having carefully limited the number of people who know about her to family and a few friends, this remains a daunting possibility. Goliath, of course, tells her she does not need to attend if she does not wish to. Reluctantly, she agrees--if for the rare chance to be out with people with him.
Obviously, no temporary break-up between Goliath and Elisa.
The check of the Labyrinth still occurs (though Elisa goes instead of Goliath), and Delilah actually agrees to go to the party with Brooklyn (since Delilah is a partial clone of Elisa, she's not entirely sure what to make of that).

Masque

Obviously, no relationship drama between Goliath and Elisa here. Deliah, as stated above, is in attendance with Brooklyn, who utterly fails to generate any kind of chemistry or spark with the clone.
Elisa, in keeping with a pattern established on the previous Halloween, dresses as a Disney character, in this case, Esmeralda from Disney's The Hunchback of Notre Dame. (The Trio and Hudson enjoyed the movie, as did Elisa. Goliath was very grumpy about the movie's gargoyles.)
Otherwise pretty accurate to the comic's general events. Thailog's attack, Goliath's being wounded, etc.

Bash

Again, with the romantic tension between Elisa and Goliath long gone by this point in this universe, that plot point does not occur, but, of course, does little to lessen Elisa's concern for a wounded Goliath. If anything, the notion of spending the rest of her Gargoyle life without him makes his near-fatal injury all the more heart-breaking for her.
Delilah gets a bit less of a crowning moment of awesome, since she doesn't get to tell off Goliath here, but still gets her nice moment of refusing Thailog (and likely gives Brooklyn a bit of a "I am not a prize" speech of his own).
Dr. Sato (who had operated on and saved Elisa's life when she had been shot back in "Deadly Force"), recognizes Elisa during his efforts to save Goliath, creating an awkward moment once Goliath is out of danger... but one in which she largely brushes off and refuses to supply details on.
The other big events of this ep--things like Brentwood siding with Thailog and Thailog's collection of DNA from the Clan, occurr.

The Rock

Mostly minor differences. Elisa elects to remain in New York with the others (though unlike Goliath, she's less oblivious to Brooklyn's moodiness).
Elisa's reaction to learning that Maggie is pregnant starts her thinking again about the fact that she and Goliath can have children together, but questions what kind of life any children (Maggie's or hers) would have. It leads to a long, but eventually reassuring conversation with Goliath. Elisa continues to dodge Sato's questions about what happened to her.

Rock and Roll

No changes. Occurs as is.

Rock of Ages

No significant changes.

Which brings Elisa's universe pretty much up to date (when the New Year rolls around, the Phoenix Gate stuff may get adapted into this universe, maybe not).

I'll never be human again. I've come to accept that. To accept that I'll never see the sun again, that I will, very likely, spend the majority of my life with most of the world fearing me. That any children Goliath and I have--and believe me, the thought of laying an egg or going into heat is still a disturbing one on some level--will face them same problems. But I have good friends, the continued love and support of my family, and the greatest guy in any world as my ~~husband~~ mate, who would love me no matter what shape I took. I don't know if I'll ever truly get over what I've lost, but I do know that what I have now is very good indeed.
( Read more... )

Hunter's Moon, Part One

Jason Canmore is partnered with Matt Bluestone instead (a temporary reassignment. Matt has had another partner, not privy to the Gargoyles secret since shortly after Elisa went "missing).
Elisa assists the Trio against Demona.
No romantic-angsty sub-plot between Elisa and Jason, naturally

Part Two

Elisa again saves Angela's life with CPR.
She remains at the clocktower, while Goliath takes Brooklyn and Lexington to attack the Hunter's airship, Goliath trusting her to watch over and protect Angela, should they strike there.
No romantic connection between Jason and Elisa.

Part Three

Elisa takes the destruction of the Clock Tower and the revelation of the Gargoyles existence to the world especially hard, and is extremely thankful none of the shots of the Gargoyle on TV show her face.
Elisa and Jason are still knocked from the dam during that battle, but Elisa manages to save the both of them by gliding slowing their fall, but not so much that Jon Canmore doesn't believe them both still dead, vowing revenge. Goliath and the others, however, discover this is not the case, and bring Jason with them to the battle at the Cathedral, where Jon still manages to injure his brother.
Elisa pitches a royal fit over the prospect of going anywhere with Xantos, but Goliath pulls rank and she reluctantly submits.

The Green
Absent some daytime interaction between Elisa and the Mayan Gargoyles, this episode is largely identical to the real one. The ability of the Mayan Gargoyles to operate in daylight has a depressing effect upon Elisa, who has not seen the sun in a number of months by this point.

Reunion
Not an episode of the cartoon, but from the SLG comic, and taking place during the World Tour. It fits just as well after The Green as anywhere else.
Elisa holds her own against Coldstone a little bit better here than in the comic, naturally, but otherwise, this is about the same.

Sentinel
Probably occurs in some sort of seriously butchered form. This is one I've not completely figured out yet. Something may trigger temporary amnesia in Elisa, erasing her memories of being a Gargoyle and the other Gargoyles and such, which could still provide some form of amnesia plot. Have to work this one out further.

Bushido
Elisa is, naturally, included with the captured Gargoyles. The Ishimuran Clan's human allies manage to locate them on their own. The unique relationship between the Ishimuran Gargoyles and their humans gives the travelers something to think about when it comes to the nature of their own Clan's relationship with their city.

Cloud Fathers
Not too significantly different. Elisa begins thinking, however briefly, again on how any children she and Goliath might have will be raised, and how human or Gargolye, so to speak, they will be.

Ill Met by Moonlight
Though gunless, Elisa's pulling of a more medieval weapon on Oberon, combined with Titania's hint, still gives the heroes the clue they need to defeat Oberon.
As a Gargoyle, Elisa's is extended the magical protection that falls upon the others. Oberon is cognizant of her unique condition, but does not bring it up.

Future Tense
Largely unchanged.

The Gathering
No relationship angst between Goliath and Elisa here!

Part 2
Elisa experiences great reluctance in coming to the aid of Xanatos, but tells herself they're doing it for the kid.
The revelation that Owen is Puck, well, let's just say that pisses the hell out of Elisa.
Oberon reveals that even he cannot undo Elisa's transformation, since it was achieved through both Puck's own magic and Titania's mirror. Elisa, though she had more or less come to terms with her new life, will grapple with this confirmation of permanence for some time.
Elisa generally disbelieves the notion that Xanatos has any intention of giving up the feud.

Vendettas
More or less identical; Elisa's not in this ep. ;-)

Turf
Takes place at more or less the same time as Vendettas and is a much modified episode.

The Clan's involvement in the goings on and turf war in NYC is more coincidental and lacks Elisa's undercover job.
Elisa gives Dracon the fright of his life when he "recognizes" her.
Elisa's advising Angela on dealing with the Trio carries more resonance, as she's more readily stepping into something of a maternal role here.
The Clock Tower has become somewhat uncomfortably crowded, with Angela now living there as well.

The Reckoning

Evidence of heavier tension between Derek/Talon and Elisa. Both are victims of transformation because of Elisa's association with the Clan, but while Elisa is still grappling with her situation, her general outlook is one of acceptance, while Talon and the Mutates still hold out hope for a cure. Conflict over Elisa's relationship with Goliath is also highlighted.
Delilah still exists, though wholly Gargoyle, is still a product of mixing Elisa's DNA with Demona's.

--sometime in-between these episodes, Goliath and Elisa formally take on each other as mates, in a ceremony that blends traditions.

Possession
Elisa is present with the true Goliath and Hudson when held hostage.

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Elisa Maza

February 2011

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Set in Stone

New Wings

Recent Entries

Stage Five: Acceptance

Stage Four: Depression

Stage Three: Bargaining

Stage Two: Anger

Stage One: Denial

(no subject)

Happy Birthday to You

The Truth Comes Out

Meeting the Kids

Christmas 1996

God, this song is me.

A Memory With No Memory

Halloween 1996

Halloween 1995

Episodic Differences (Master List)

Episodic Differences (part -1)

Episodic Differences (part 5)

Memories and Learning

Episodic Differences (part 4!)

Episodic Differences (part 3)