Alyssa and Gabriel were gone for only a few more days, but Alyssa was very happy to be back home after their long trip to the human cities on the east coast. She was relieved to be back home as the cities were far too crowded for her liking. It was nice to meet and interact with new people, but Alyssa was clearly happy to be back in her small little town. Since they had arrived in the middle of the night, Alyssa went to bed herself while Gabriel flew back to Nashville to take a break from humans in general. Alyssa packed away her new stuff, and left Max's new stuff on the floor before going to her own room and sleeping for at least ten hours. When she finally woke, up Alyssa was eager to see everyone and get an update on what had been happening since she and Gabriel had left. They had been away almost a week, so she was eager to hear how everyone was doing. As she walked into the living room, Pablo was in the kitchen, checking on some of the stuff she and Gabriel had brought back.

     "You guys had a nice haul this week," He noted, "Max will be beside himself."

     "It will keep him quiet for a while," Alyssa said, as she made herself a coffee. She quickly looked around. "Where's Diane?"

     "She's at work," Pablo answered.

     "Excuse me?" Alyssa asked, "Work?"

     Pablo laughed as he remembered she didn't know. "Take a seat, and I'll explain."

     Pablo told her everything that had gone on that day, and then explained that Mrs. Goldman had pretty much told Max that Diane was one of her people now and that she'd be working at the gardens. He knew better now to say no to her, and Diane had been at the garden every day after school."

     "So that's where she is now?" Alyssa asked.

     "Yes," Pablo answered, "She's taking a real liking to working in the garden. You said yourself that it was best she found something to do so she wouldn't be asked to do something more dangerous. Mrs. Goldman is watching her after school as well, which has allowed me to do more wall duties for Max."

     "Wow," Alyssa said, thinking about it. "I had no idea she liked it so much. I'm happy she's found a place to work and be safe. I just wasn't ready for the change to come so suddenly."

     "Change comes when we least expect it," Pablo reminded her, "Kids grow up whether we want them to or not."

     Alyssa found it hard to believe, but after getting something to eat she decided to see it for herself. She left her apartment building and decided to take a walk to the garden and check up on her sister. When she arrived, Diane was in the middle of all the action, putting plants into fresh pots, and was earing gardening gloves and a hat to block the sun. Alyssa slowly approached, but as she got closer, there was a light growl. She looked around to see where the source was but she couldn't find where it came from. The noise has caught Diane's attention and she turned around to notice that her sister had arrived.

     "Hey," She said, with a smile. "I know you came in last night, but decided to let you sleep in. I hope you don't mind."

     "No, I appreciate it." Alyssa said, looking around at the work Diane had done already as there were over a dozen pots on the ground around her. "You seem to really like the work you're doing here."

     "I do," Diane confirmed. "Did you know Mom used to work here sometimes whenever she wasn't busy with the kitchen?"

     "I didn't," Alyssa said, pleasantly surprised.

     "She did," Mrs. Goldman said, as she walked over to greet her guest. "Welcome back Alyssa. I take it your trip was bountiful?"

     "It was," Alyssa said, "I even managed to get some new seeds for the garden."

     "Wonderful!" Mrs. Goldman said, beaming with excitement. "Variety is often hard to come by so anything you can find will be put to good use."

     "Mrs. Goldman," Alyssa said, "Gabriel and I are going to travel East for a few days next week, would you be up for watching Diane again while we're gone? She appears to really enjoy being here."

     "It would be my pleasure," Mrs. Goldman said, "Having her here has been such a delight, but it would be easier if she stayed in my guest room while you are both out of town. Less walking and easier on my hips."

     "Of course," Alyssa concurred, not wanting to bother her. "Are you okay with staying with Mrs. Goldman while I'm gone, Diane?"

     "Sure," Diane said with a smile, "That would be cool."

     "Just one more thing," Mrs. Goldman said, "Your friend Gabriel had a talk with my friend Oscar. He told me that Gabriel wanted to speak with me about something private about something important. Tell him I'd be okay with that but we can do it before or after you get back next week. There's no rush."

     "Oh," Alyssa said, unaware of their talk. "I'll let him know."

     "Thank you, dear." Mrs. Goldman replied, "And your day is done too, little one."

     "It is?" Diane asked, almost looking disappointed.

     "The garden will still be here when you return," the old lady reminded her, "Spend some time with your sister, and cherish it."

     "Alright," Diane said as she stood up, "I'll see you Monday."

     "Take care, dear." Mrs. Goldman said, watching them walk off.

     Alyssa and Diane walked back to their apartment, and used some of the veggies and herb from the garden along with foods brought back from the city to make up a very nice meal for them and Pablo when he returned from the wall. It was dark when it was all ready so Gabriel came out to join them but he didn't eat anything. He just liked to hang out and talk with the others while they ate.

     "By the way," Alyssa said, almost forgetting. "Mrs. Goldman said you spoke to a friend of hers, someone named Oscar."

     "I don't know anyone named Oscar," Gabriel said, confused.

     At that moment, Diane softly giggled at the table, which caused everyone to turn around and look at her.

     "What was that for?" Pablo asked.

     "It's just a nice change," Diane said, "I know something you guys don't for a change."

     "And what is that?" Gabriel asked.

     "You talked to Oscar last week on the roof," Diane reminded him. "He's the black cat that has been following you guys around since he spoke to you at the wall after the incident with the undead herd."

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     "You know about the cat?" Gabriel said.

     "Yes, I do." Diane said, "It's Mrs. Goldman's cat."

      There was a long pause at the table as Diane clearly knew a lot more than everyone at the table did.

     "Do you know what that means Diane?" Alyssa asked.

     "Yes," Diane said, "She's the witch you guys suspected was living here."

     "How did you confirm that?" Gabriel asked.

     "She told me," Diane said, "Oscar passed along your message about wanting to speak with her. She told Alyssa today that she's willing to speak with you. Oscar said you wanted to discuss something with her that was rather important about the undead."

     "That's right," Gabriel confirmed, "I did."

     "Okay," Pablo said, raising his hands. "Before anyone freaks out, it's clear to see that even thought she's a witch... Mrs. Goldman appears to be a pretty stand up lady. She's been a pillar to this community and helpful to us as well, especially the last few days with Diane. Let's not panic."

     "And why not?" Alyssa asked, a tad unnerved that a witch had been watching her sister while she and Gabriel were gone. 

     "Because everyone here, especially him." Pablo said as he gestured to Gabriel, "Should know that not everyone lives up to their species' horrid reputations."

     "He's right," Gabriel confessed, "Mrs. Goldman deserves the benefit of the doubt, especially considering all the work she's put into this town. She's worked hard to help the people here."

     "She even saved my life." Diane added.

     "Excuse me?" Alyssa said.

     Diane went on to explain how Mrs. Goldman created a potion that saved her when she was very young, and quite ill.

     "One question, Diane." Pablo started, "Do you happen to know how many witches are in this town?"

     "Yes," Diane replied, "Just two."

     "Well, that's a relief," Pablo said, sighing.

     "What about the Guardians?" Gabriel asked. "How many?"

     "I'm not sure." Diane answered, "They're rather good at hiding. Oscar is one of only a few that are brave enough to show themselves so openly. The rest prefer to hide and lurk in the shadows."

     "What the hell is a guardian?" Pablo then asked.

     "The cats," Diane asked. "He's asking me about the cats."

     "How are they Guardians?" Alyssa asked.

     "Should you tell them," Diane asked Gabriel, "Or should I?"

     "Tell us what?" Alyssa asked.

     "They're not cats," Gabriel said, "It's a form they take to hide in plain sight."

     "That doesn't sound good," Pablo said, "Even creepy."

     "They're Gargoyles," Diane added.

     "Gargoyles?" Pablo repeated, looked at Gabriel. "Is she serious?"

     "Gargoyles protect witches," Gabriel explained, "In exchange for longer life and more power. They feed off a witch's aura. It makes them very close."

     "Okay," Alyssa said, trying to process what they've been told. "Maybe Diane needs to stay away from Mrs. Goldman until we find out who the other witch is."

     "Why don't you just ask?" Diane offered, "I already know."

     "Who is it?" Alyssa asked.

     "It was Mom," Diane replied, "She and Mrs. Goldman came to the town together."

     "Your mother was a witch?" Gabriel said, jumping up from the table.

     "Hold on," Alyssa said, also standing up. "Are you alright?"

     "She's a witch," Gabriel said, suddenly.

     "What?" Alyssa said, "Diane?"

     "Witches inherit their powers from their mother." Pablo explained, "It's passed down from mother to daughter."

     "Kind of," Diane said, "You can learn to become one, but it's far easier if you just inherit the power from a parent."

     "Diane?" Alyssa turning back to her sister. "Is this true?"

     Before Alyssa could respond, three cats emerged from Diane's bedroom and slowly walked closer to the kitchen table. The one leading the way was gray, while the other two were brown and a black and white mix. One of them could be heard growling softly as they walked closer.

     "Okay," Pablo said, as he now stood up. "Are those what I think they are?"

     "Yes," Diane said, "They're my guardians."

     "What did he say?" Pablo asked, assuming Gabriel heard him.

     "He told Gabriel to keep his distance," Diane answered for him.

     "She's right," Gabriel said, "That's exactly what he said."

     "Gabriel," Diane said, using a very soft tone. "You asked me to trust you despite the fact that you were a vampire, and I have. Now I'm asking you to show to give me the same consideration even though I'm a witch. To be honest, I had no idea of this until this week. I'm still dealing with this reality myself, so a little understanding and support would be rather helpful during this transition."

     Just then the gray cat meowed again, sounding rather annoyed.

     "What was that?" Pablo asked.

     "He said he's disappointed," Gabriel said, "In her."

     Gabriel had motioned to Alyssa, who look rather surprised to hear that the cat wasn't happy with her.

     "Why me?" Alyssa asked. "What did I do?"

     "He's sad that you don't remember him," Diane answered, "This was Mom's cat."

     Alyssa looked back at Diane with a surprised face. "This is smokey?"

     "Yes," Diane confirmed, "He's been staying with Mrs. Goldman since Mom passed away because he needed to stay close to an active Aura."

     "I'm sorry, this is crazy." Alyssa said, as she just couldn't believe it. "You're really a witch and Mom was too?"

     Rather that try to convince her, she cupped her hands together and closed her eyes and whispered. "Nature flows like a river to the sea, through Salem and me."

     As the light started to emanate from Diane's hands, Gabriel started to cover his eyes, and Pablo jumped in front of him to shield Gabe's body with his own. Seconds later the light was out.

     "OWW!" Gabriel screamed as he could be seen holding his hand, as the fingers and the top of hand were scorched as if they were hit with a blowtorch.

     "Damn!" Pablo said, impressed with what he saw. "Okay, I'm convinced. She's a witch!"

     "What the hell was that?" Alyssa asked, "Gabe, are you okay?"

     "I'll be fine," Gabe called back, "It will take a few hours, but I'll heal. Thankfully she wasn't concentrating that hard."

     "That was artificial sunlight," Pablo said, looking back at Diane. "That is incredibly harmful to vampires."

     "I'm sorry!" Diane called out, covering her mouth. "I didn't know that."

     Diane ran off for her room, and Gabriel tried to follow her. While his intent was to assure the young girl that he was alright and that everything would okay, that was not the impression that the three cats were given. The gray cat suddenly transformed into a much larger, more menacing gray form. A tall muscular beast, with wings, and a long tail. The Gargoyle grabbed Gabriel by the neck, and dragged him to the other side of the room in less than a second, and slammed him up against the wall, snarling at him with fangs that were even bigger than his own.

     "Let me make something perfectly clear," the Gargoyle said, in plain English that Alyssa and Pablo could hear and understand. "Witches do not kill vampires, we do."

     "I wasn't going to harm her," Gabriel said.

     "No, you weren't." the gargoyle agreed, "And to answer your question, blood sucker, there are over twenty guardians in this little town. That is actually the highest concentration outside of Salem. That number doubled in the last few days because many of them sensed a new aura. That number might double again in the next week or two. This Aura is the most powerful we have ever sensed in centuries, and we will all do anything to protect it. Is that understood?"

     "Yes, I understand." Gabriel said, "I've also been protecting her and the town for a while now. No harm will come to her while I stand as well."

     The Gargoyle looked Gabriel in the eyes and could sense that what he was being told was the truth. Seconds later, the Gargoyle released Gabe from its grip and lowered him back to the floor.

     "I believe you," The gargoyle said, "But we still have a job to do. The best way for you to protect her is to stay out of our way."

     Before anyone else could say anything else, the Gargoyle vanished and seconds later the same gray cat they had seen earlier ran across the floor, scampered back into Diane's bedroom, and slammed the door behind him.

     Pablo looked at Alyssa. "Did that just happen?"

     Alyssa walked over to where Gabriel was standing, "Are you alright?"

     "I'll heal," Gabriel replied, "But grab me a bag from the fridge, and that will speed things up."

     Pablo tossed her a bag of blood from the fridge and she handed it to him. He also grabbed a bottle from the fridge and waved it at Alyssa. "Now that all the cards are on the table, I'm going to have a drink. Please tell me I'm not drinking alone."

     "Oh, hell yes." Alyssa said, "I need a few shots after that."