*School Bell Rings* 

Another day of school is over and thank goodness it's Friday since Marina needed a break from her classmates and bullies who wouldn't leave her alone because of her school project. 

Last week in her history class Marina and her classmates had to do a project on her family history. Still, the problem was she didn't know her biological family only her adopted family. Marina was adopted by Elisa Maza's family after she was found on their doorstep. All that was left with her was a blanket that was wrapped around her and a note saying " Please take care of her. She deserves a better life."  Once the adoption went through Elisa's parents named her Mariana. Marina did not look anything like her adopted family. She has fair skin red-ish brown, and blue/green eyes.  Once Marina talks about her project Sally Ryder starts to make fun of Marina making her think nobody wants to be with her.  

So the past week Marina has been getting picked on and has been a nightmare. She couldn't tell her parents since it was pointless. No matter how many times to try to stop the bullies, they always come back to make things worse even more. 

Once Marina got her things from her locker she walked outside to see everyone going home for the day she noticed some of the couples over by the fence hugging, holding hands, a kiss on the cheek. Marinna has never had that before. No guy has ever asked her out on a date before and not sure if she ever will. 

Marina decided to walk over to her sister's work since she finished her homework early. She found a phone booth and quickly called her parent's house. 

" Hello?" 

" Hey, mom. It's Marina."  

" Hi sweetheart, are you on your way home?" 

" I'm heading over to Elisa's work. Don't worry all my homework is done, and I thought I could spend some time with Elisa since she's always so busy." 

" Alright, just be careful. I don't want you to get hurt because of all those bad guys." 

" Well, good thing Elisa has an office so I don't have to worry about that. I'll let you know when I'm on my way home. I love you." 

" I love you too sweetheart." Marina hangs up the phone and heads over to the police station. Living in New York sure does have its perks some of the places that you walk by can be the best places to take pictures. 

While Marina walks to the police station she takes out her camera and starts taking pictures of her home. 

Marina has always liked taking pictures. Ever since Elisa gave Marinna her first camera on her 10th birthday, her favorite hobby has been photography. She wasn't 100% sure if she wanted to become one professionally, but does enjoy being a part of the yearbook committee. 

Once Marina finally reached the station she saw Elisa pulling up just in time. " Marina, I'm surprised to see you here. What brings you by?" 

" What I can't see my big sister for no reason?" 

" Kid, I'm a cop, but I'm also your sister. I know you like the back of my hand. And you usually come down here if something is wrong. So what's wrong sis?" Elisa asked as they went inside the station. 

" *Sigh* Sally Ryder. She's the most popular girl in school and won't leave me alone. I never did anything to her, and yet she's making my life miserable." 

" What on earth for?" Elisa asked Marina as they both stepped inside Elisa's office.

" All because of my family history project. Once I told the class I was adopted Sally has been telling everyone at school to call me "Reject" because my birth parents didn't want me. " 

" Awe man, Marina I had no idea you were going through this, why didn't you tell me sooner?" 

" It wouldn't make a difference sis. No matter what happens trying to do the right thing, it only becomes worse." 

" But not doing anything will be even worse than before. Marina, I'm just looking out for you." 

" I just wish there was something to make her stop. I'm too scared to go to the teachers because I fear they won't listen to us." Marina tears up as she tells her sister how she feels and sure feels scared. 

" Hey, I've got you, sis I'll try to talk to the principal on Monday, but you do need to tell Mom and Dad this. They worry about you too." 

" Alright sis." Marina said as she couldn't say no to her sister. 

" Good. Any luck of making any friends?" 

" Sadly no. I feel so shy around people I don't know what to say. Maybe I'm just not meant to have friends." 

" Everyone is meant to have some friends. I'm sure when the time is right you'll never want to leave your friend's side. Listen I have to go talk to the captain for a bit, I'll be back in a bit." 

" Okay." Marina said as she watched her sister leave her office and looked around to see how nice and tidy her office was and wondered how Elisa could get through a day of being a detective. 

Since Marina didn't have anything to do and started to feel a little hungry she decided to leave the office and head over to the vending machines until she heard a clatter to find the janitor knocked over the brooms and mops and went over to help him out. 

" Here let me help." 

" Oh thank you kindly. You won't find good young people these days." 

" Well, I'm no ordinary young person." 

" That's good to know because they are the most rare, remember that." 

" I will, sir." Marina said nicely as she watched him leave. But when she was about to leave the broom closet, she noticed an attic door and wondered where it went. Marina started climbing up until she found herself at the top of the clock tower. Marina looked around and saw a small kitchen, a television, a recliner, and other gadgets. " Whoa, someone must be living here, but who? And how would they pass the police?" Marina asked herself as she was amazed at how well this place looked. " I wonder what outside looks like." 

Marina headed outside and saw the most wonderful view of Manhatten. " Wow now that's a view, and what amazing gargoyles. I gotta get photos of these." Marina said as she quickly took photos of each of the gargoyles. Marinna went to the first gargoyle that looked like a dog. " Wow, even gargoyles have their versions of a dog. Must be quite protective." Marina walks over to the next gargoyle that has a big belly. " *giggle* you must have a big appetite. I wonder how much you eat a day?" Marina said as she took her photos and went to the next one which is smaller than the others but interesting. Its wings are attached to the arms. " Wow you almost look like a bat, I wonder what it would be like if you had actual sonar like a bat as well." Marina kept on taking her pictures as she wondered who carved these creatures. " Now you look like a noble soldier and a wise man. Always protecting those who aren't able to fight. I'm sure you have lots of stories." Marina looks at the detail of this gargoyle as she wishes she could get to know them if that were possible. Marina noticed she was getting low on her film and needed to put in a new roll soon. " Just a few more and I should be good. Okay, who's next?" Marina came over to the gargoyle that sure caught her. It had long hair and a long beak, and the expression on its face was different. " What's your story? There must be something that is on your mind, or maybe you just like the view up here. I know I would I could stay up here forever and not have to worry about anything else and soar through the sky. What am I saying? I'm talking to statues for crying out loud, and I sound crazy. Maybe I shouldn't make friends." Marina took her photos and went to the final gargoyle. Marina noticed how he was bigger and taller than the others knowing the exact answer. " This one is the leader for sure. Strong, brave, and true. " Marinna takes her last few pictures from her camera and the film finished.

" Well, that leaves this roll." Marina noticed the sun was about to set and needed to head back inside before Elisa came looking for her. " Well I better go, it would have been amazing if you guys came to life." Marina started to head out until she heard a noise and quickly turned around to see the most amazing thing in her life. 

All of the gargoyles are waking up from their shells causing Marinna to be in shock and this is happening. Once the gargoyles are awake they roar out their cry. 

" Mornin lads what a fine night it is." The older gargoyle said but then the dog gargoyle started growling at Marina. " What is it, boy?" 

The gargoyles turned around to see Marina and were shocked to see her there. 

" Who are you? What are you doing here?" The leader gargoyle comes up to Marina as she keeps her guard up. 

" My name is Marina Maza. I just came up here because I was curious, and I have to say I'm glad I did come up here." 

" You're not afraid of us?" The red gargoyle asked her  Marina shook her head as she smiled. 

" No, quite the opposite. This is incredible. I never thought this would be possible to see." Marina looked at every one of the gargoyles as she couldn't stop smiling. 

" Wait you said your last name is Maza? Are you related to Elisa?" The blue gargoyle asked Marinna curiously. 

" You know my sister? How is that possible?" 

" Elisa met all of us when we used to live at Xanatos's tower." The little gargoyle tells Marina as she realizes something. 

" Wait the wreckage at Xanatos's a few months ago was you guys?" Marina asked as they all nodded to her. " This is uncanny but incredible. Just curious what are your names?" 

" I am called Goliath, this is Hudson, Brooklyn, Broadway, Lexington, and Bronx." Goliath said as he introduced everyone to Marina. 

" It's wonderful to meet all of you. Man, I had no idea my sister would keep.." 

" Goliath I need your.." Elisa quickly came outside to find her friends talking to her sister and she felt she got caught, which she did. 

" Hey sis, I seemed to stubble on your friends." Marina said that she would like Elisa to explain why keep the gargoyles a secret.