Kindred Spirits - Part 1
by Oberon's Child (superhiro@aol.com)


   Description: Elisa's cousin is coming for a stay. Many secrets are revealed that night, but a 
stranger has something to say also. When plans go awry, it's total mayhem in Manhattan! 
WARNING- adult language. Mature readers only, please.


   READER'S WARNING: I ramble for a little right here, but please, read. I don't want some sort 
of lawyer trying to explain this to a judge.


   Disclaimer: (sigh, this good stuff and most is not mine...) The television show (which this story 
is based off of - DUH) "Gargoyles" and all of the charactersfrom Gargoyles are copyright 1996 -- 
Buena Vista/Disney. This is not affiliated with any Disney or Buena Vista project and I am not 
doing this for money, merely for entertainment, so don't sue me!
   "The X-Files" is copyright 1997 -- 20th Century FOX.
   "Red Dwarf" is copyright 1997 -- Rob Grant / Doug Naylor (and maybe BBC).
   Ted Bentley, Sapphire, Jet, Emerald, and Midnyght are property of me, so don't even THINK 
about using them without permission!


   Everything depicted in this story is my material, and any similarity to anything, being it living 
or dead, fictional or real, is purely coincidental.


   Note: This story is part of another timeline where only the first two season stories exist (no 
TGC). Besides, my station dropped TGC after ratings drooped, so I never saw them all.


   If you are less than 18, please regard the message above. The disclaimer is above for sake of 
protection. It is in plain sight, so any jury in the U.S. will favor me in a lawsuit if you sue me 
over damages. Hey, remember: this is my first fanfic attempt. I have read all the rules and if you 
have problems with
this stuff, don't read it. (I know...RAMBLING!!!)


  Hey, for once Brooklyn isn't a depressing idiot! :)


   One more note...this takes place two days after "Hunter's Moon Part III" and is actually set one 
year ahead. This is another addition to the timeline. Just pretend here that the Avalon trip was a 
couple of months longer and this trilogy episode was delayed for another half of a year. Like I 
say, think of it as some more adventures happened after "Possession."


   Now...on with the story! (About time, huh?)
*******
Prologue
Monday, July 7
11:30 P.M.
Manhattan, New York
Elisa's Apt.


	"Listen, Elisa. It's only a temporary visit!"
	The detective whirled around. "Mom, why does Ted have to spend his time with me? I 
know that he needs to have some time to adjust to New York, but why can't Beth take him 
around?"
	Diane Maza sighed. "You're the one he likes. Beth has the hardest time keeping him 
under control, and Peter can't seem to interest him in any way."
	"I still don't see why we can't force him to stay with Aunt Mildred," Elisa muttered.
	"Elisa, I'm asking you, not making you take him in. If you turn him away, though, I'm 
afraid he'll do something rash. Maybe your police influence will get him to straighten out."
	Sighing, Elisa nodded. Diane embraced her daughter, then hastily called Ted's mother to 
confirm his visitation. Elisa was still skeptical, because her job and ties to the gargoyles could put 
Ted and Elisa's family in jeopardy.  Diane ran back over to Elisa after hanging up the phone. "I 
have an idea. While you're on patrol, why don't you have Derek watch him?"
	Elisa was startled. "Mother, Derek is a mutate now. Even if we told Ted who Derek is, 
I'm sure he wouldn't stick around to find out how he changed or if he was still retaining human 
qualities."
	"Still, he has always been calm around Derek. Maybe you could show him. Remember, 
you told us about Derek and your...friends," whispered Diane.
	"Yeah, but you're family!"
	"Isn't Ted, also?"
	"I mean immediate family. You guys are the only ones I trust with this secret. Besides, 
who knows what would happen if Ted accidentally leak that Goliath and his clan were linked to 
the police force and Xanatos Enterprises?  There would be absolute chaos."
	Diane sat in deep thought. "You may be right. Still, I want you to look him over. If you 
suspect ANY reason that he could jeopardize anyone in any way, you don't have to introduce him 
to Goliath or let him see Derek again." 
	"Thank you, Mom," Elisa said, smiling.
	Diane wandered over to the cupboard where she found bags of potato chips, chocolate 
cookies, and other assortments of junk food. "I see you've dropped the health bit."
	Elisa laughed. "That's Broadway's emergency cupboard. He comes here so often, I felt 
that he should have a space for his own food instead of draining me to nothing."
	Diane chuckled. "That boy needs to see Xanatos about finding an extreme workout 
tape."
	"Well, if I do introduce Ted to the clan, Broadway'll have a load of competition in the 
eating department. Ted eats so much, but I want to know how he doesn't gain a pound!"


11:50 P.M.
Aerie Building
Castle Wyvern


	"It does seem to be a good idea, Elisa," Goliath rumbled.
	"I'm still not sure about letting him see you guys," Elisa said, having rounded up the 
clan that night.
	"I think it'd be cool to have another person to confide with," Lexington butted in. 
"Besides, you said he likes computers. I can relate to him."
	"Well, you may have a point. If there were more of us that were not trying to rip you 
apart, you'd have an upper hand on your enemies when in a confrontation."
	"Anyway, Father always said we should be on the lookout for any kindred spirits that we 
could find. The cousin of our most trusted ally would most likely be a friend," Angela 
commented.
	"Yeah, and he may have some insights into the city that we don't already know, like 
where a good restaurant is," Broadway added.
	Lex snorted. "You and food are practically synonymous."
	"Well, I'd like to see live without a modem for a week, computer geek," Broadway 
retorted.
	Lex and Broadway began to argue offside of the original discussion. From there, 
Brooklyn spoke up, "I'm not sure about this. Remember when I thought I could trust Demona? 
She ended up nearly holding Goliath in a spell that would have him holding a grudge against all 
humanity. And don't forget Lex and The Pack."
	"Brooklyn, this is my cousin. I was only afraid he'd freak out, not hand you over to 
Mulder and Scully," Elisa hastily said.
	"You mean those FBI agents from The X Files would nab us, lass?" Hudson inquired.
	"I'm just joking, Hudson," Elisa said, snickering.
	"We're veering off again," Angela tossed in.
	"I think that there would be no reason to hide from Ted," Goliath said.  "He sounds like 
someone honest enough. Elisa, you have known him for a long time, so what do you know about 
him?"
	"He's very honest, caring, friendly, and he has yet to spill a secret," Elisa counted off his 
qualities. "He's rather young, though. Only 15."
	"I see. Well, as clan leader, I feel that he shall be a new ally," Goliath nodded. Even 
Bronx seemed to bark in agreement.
	"I still don't. I think we should think about this some more," Brooklyn insisted.
	"I have my doubts also, but it's beginning to sound okay," Elisa decided.
	Brooklyn simply had a look of frustration on his brow while the others began to decide 
on the idea of when to introduce Ted. Brooklyn walked to the stairs and descended to the library. 
The rest of the clan didn't notice Brooklyn leave. Broadway and Lex rejoined the discussion, 
finally ending their dispute.
	"So, what would be a good day?" Broadway asked.
	"He'll be coming sometime this week, so maybe Saturday. I'm not on shift then," Elisa 
replied.
	"Aye, that would be a good day, lass," Hudson agreed.
	"He'll love it here. He may seem a little shy, but he will be like family. Ted can help all 
you guys in some way, too."
	"How would that be?" Angela inquired.
	Elisa began to think about her little list of similarities. "He uses many computers, so Lex 
and him will get along very well, Broadway and him both like the same TV shows, and that goes 
for Hudson as well. He likes animals, so Bronx might like him, and he likes books, Goliath. Ted 
and Angela both watch the same type of movies, and Brooklyn could-"
	"Hey, where is Brooklyn?" Lex interrupted.
	Everyone looked around. Goliath was the most surprised. His second-in-command had 
never left without notice before, and, in the leader's mind, he had no reason to now.
	"Uh, we may have a problem here. I'll look for him and let him in on the situation while 
you guys go on patrol. Be careful -- the city is on alert about this...discovery," Elisa noted. She 
walked down the castle stairs and entered the Aerie Building.
	"Lexington, you and Bronx will remain at the castle tonight. When Brooklyn comes up, 
tell him I want to have a discussion with him," Goliath quietly said, taking to the air with the rest 
of the clan, sans Brooklyn, of course. Lex held back a smile. Whenever Goliath lowered his 
voice, it meant trouble.


	Brooklyn sat in the library, reading an article about the "evil monsters" invading 
Manhattan. He became so disgusted with the writing that he tossed the paper in the trash. Before 
he did, he caught a glance at the author's name: John Castaway.
	Footsteps.
	Brooklyn jumped. He immediately scampered to an aisle where many books shrouded 
his form. He was afraid Goliath would reprimand him for leaving.
	"Brooklyn?"
	A feminine voice. Brooklyn sighed with relief.
	Peering out, the red gargoyle noticed wavy blue hair and a red jacket. Elisa. Brooklyn 
stepped out of the shadows.
	"There you are! We've been looking for you," Elisa said, walking towards Brooklyn.
	"Well, how did you know to look here?" Brooklyn wondered.
	"Goliath usually comes here when he's frustrated and reads a book to take his mind off 
his worries for a short time. I figured that you'd do the same."
	Brooklyn laughed. "Well, you may be right about that, but reading to relax is the ONLY 
thing we have in common."
	"Yeah, but I know WHY you're frustrated. You're afraid."
	Brooklyn stepped back. "Afraid? Me??"
	"Yes. You're afraid my cousin will be a burden."
	Brooklyn scratched his neck. "Yeah, that and...I don't know if I can trust him with the 
secret of our clan knowing you or where we live."
	"That's what I feared also. I'm worried he'll tell the media about you if he becomes 
frightened. If he lets the cat out of the bag, I don't think you guys would be very safe here or 
anywhere."
	"So you do understand."
	Elisa nodded. "I only agreed with Goliath because I have a true sense of trust for my 
cousin if he won't fear you, but if he does become afraid..."
	"...There goes your reputation, as well as ours," finished Brooklyn.
	"Right."
	Sighing, Brooklyn walked up to Elisa. "Well, I'm willing to give it a chance. Just not for 
too long."
	"That's what I've been thinking. We'll let him stay here for a while. If he doesn't run off 
screaming, I take it he'll like you guys."
	Brooklyn had to smile.
	"By the way, Goliath wanted to see you after he comes back from patrol. That's what 
Lex told me as I was coming down," Elisa added.
	Brooklyn's smile faded into a groan. "Aw, damn."


*******
Saturday, July 12
7:30 P.M.
Elisa's Apt.


	"Wow, New York is awesome!" Ted Bentley said as he set his bags on Elisa's sofa.
	"Yeah, it's great, huh?" Elisa said, smiling. "I'm glad you like it. I see you liked my tour, 
also."
	"Well, it's not every day you bump into Conan O'Brien."
	"I know! That was so great!"
	Ted flopped onto a chair as Elisa plunged onto the sofa after moving Ted's stuff to 
another room. Both wanted to fall asleep, but Elisa remembered her deal with Goliath.
	"Hey, Ted." Elisa stood up.
	"Yeah?" he murmured, eyes half-shut.
	"Want to check out the new precinct?"
	Ted's eyes shot wide open. "Sure! All this cop stuff is really cool!"
	Elisa walked out of her apartment, Ted in hot pursuit. As the two hopped into Elisa's red 
car, Elisa thought, *So far, so good.*


7:40 P.M.
NYPD Precinct


	"Hey, Morgan," Elisa called, passing her fellow officer.
	"Hey, Elisa. What are you doing here today? I thought you had today off," Officer 
Morgan replied. He looked at Ted and smiled. "Who do we have here?"
	Ted smiled as Elisa replied, "Morgan, meet my cousin, Ted Bentley."
	"It's a pleasure," Ted said as they shook hands.
	"Hey, I could show him around for a while if you have to do something," Morgan 
insisted, noticing Elisa staring at Matt Bluestone's office.
	"That'd be great! Thanks," Elisa said, heading for Matt's door.
	Elisa could make out, "What's in here?" "Oh, that's...OOPS! Sorry ladies!" Elisa stifled 
a laugh. The sign to the women's dressing room had fallen off.


	Matt was writing down a report on a man charged with larceny when a knock on the 
door caused him to stir. "Who is it?"
	"Guess," called a voice.
	Matt raised an eyebrow. "An annoying partner who shouldn't be here, but is just to 
pester me?"
	Elisa came in, with a mock look of sadness. "Aw, how'd you know?"
	Matt laughed. "What do you want, Elisa? A lead on another case or another matter?"
	"Another matter. My cousin is here."
	"Hey, bring him here! I'd like to meet another one who knows the Maza family!"
"Well, after I introduce him, I was thinking we could introduce him to our 'friends.'"
	"Friends? Well, isn't he seeing them now?"
	Elisa grinned. "Not those friends."
	"Then who..." Matt's eyes widened in realization. He began waving his hands 
frantically, saying "Hell no! Not a good idea! Forget it!"
	"Oh, come on. What's so bad about seeing Goliath?"
	Matt was shocked. "What's so bad?! What's so fucking bad?! What about our safety?!?!"
	"Matt, calm down! I talked with Goliath, and he thought it was okay."
	"Oh God, Elisa. You don't get it. It's too soon!"
	"But it's not! Listen. You don't have to come, but he is meeting them."
	Matt calmed down, and began to twirl a pen in his hand, which he usually did as he was 
in deep thought. After twirling and thinking for five minutes, he looked up. "Okay, but only for 
him!"
	"Excellent!"
	"We have to be careful, though, and not say anything in public. For all we know, there 
could be some psychos spying on us and I would not like to be the center of a gargoyle cover-up."
	"Matt, you and your conspiracies. Give up already!" Elisa laughed.


	Back in the main hall of the precinct, Morgan had finished up giving Ted the grand 
tour. Elisa and Matt were emerging from Matt's office when a young girl, about the age of 15, 
walked into the station. Her long, blond hair seemed to float as she walked up to them. Her hazel 
eyes stared directly at the red-haired Matt.
	"Hello there. May I help you with anything?" Matt asked, a smile on his face.
	"Yes. I was looking for a Mr. Bluestone?" the girl asked.
	"I'm right here."
	"Ah! Perfect! I have a message for you from my aunt."
	Matt seemed confused. *Who's aunt knows me? I'm practically a recluse.* "What is it, 
then?"
	The girl handed Matt a slip of paper. As Matt read the note, his face took on a sour look. 
"Gee, thanks."
	"What is it?" Elisa asked.
	"Apparently, that little girl is Captain Chavez's niece. Chavez wants me to work double-
shifts tomorrow."
	Morgan laughed. "Well, that means you can cover my place tomorrow. I'm off to see the 
Yankees play."
	Matt groaned. He looked over at Ted, who seemed to watch the girl. Matt began to 
smile. "Elisa, I think your cousin is taking a liking to our new associate over there."
	"Heh. I guess he is," Elisa replied, noticing Ted and the girl laughing and joking 
around. After the two talked for a little while, Ted came back over.
	"That was Lana Chavez. Apparently, she'll be spending the next week here in New 
York." Ted smiled slyly. "Perfect time for a date."
	Everyone laughed. Matt was talking with Ted about their favorite sports teams when 
Elisa yanked them both out of the station. Ted was the first to say something.
	"What the hell was that for??" he said.
	"Watch it," Elisa said, shaking a finger at him. "Ted, I have some friends you may want 
to meet. They're a good bunch, but they're...not exactly from this area."
	Matt smirked. He knew that they were not only out-of-state, but not even the same 
species.
	"Well, I wasn't really feeling up to it..." Ted trailed off.
	"Oh, will you please come?" Elisa pleaded. "It won't take very long."
	Ted thought for a moment, then decided, "As long as it doesn't go past 11 P.M."
	"Perfect! We'll head for the Aerie Building now, then," Matt said. Ted was 
dumbfounded. He knew who resided in the building, and was amazed.
	"Are you saying you're taking me to meet David Xanatos?!" At that, Elisa sighed.
	"Well, yeah, him too, but some others also," Elisa replied, still not sure of whether or 
not to trust Xanatos.
	"Others? I thought he was the most important man in the world practically, moneywise, 
anyway."
	"Well, I have some unique friends," Elisa insisted, containing a smile.
	"We'll see about that!" Ted said, smirking.
	"You bet we will," muttered Matt.


Right before sunset
Aerie Building


	"Ted, this is David Xanatos," Matt said as David stepped forward. Ted's jaw practically 
hit the table. David smiled as Ted regained his composure and shook his hand.
	"Wow...i-it's a pleasure," Ted stammered, smiling like an idiot.
	"No problem," David replied in his cool manner. "This is my wife, Fox, our son, 
Alexander, and assistant and good friend, Owen Burnett."
	Ted shook their hands and smiled as he passed Alex. Ted seemed confused by Owen's 
lack of emotion.
	"How can someone be so stone-faced?" Ted thought out loud.
	"We know people more stone-faced than that," Matt chuckled.
	"Here in the Aerie, we feel that having a straight man working here helps us relax, 
knowing he isn't gallivanting around on one of their emotional highs," David answered Ted.
	"Besides, he's the only one who would work for David's pay," Fox joked. David scowled 
at her.
	"Here, let's go outside for a minute and let you check out the castle," Elisa said.
	"Cool," was Ted's last word as he flew up the flight of steps.
	"He likes everything, doesn't he?" Matt said to no one in particular.
	"It would seem so, Mr. Bluestone," Owen replied in his flat voice. Matt shivered.
	"Geez...I can't stand to here someone so monotone."
	As the quartet followed Ted up the steps, they noticed the sun had almost set. David and 
Fox became concerned, but Elisa waved them off. Ted was standing by the stone forms of the 
gargoyles when Elisa walked over to him.
	"Here, stand back," was all she said.
	"Huh? Why?" Ted inquired.
	"You'll see," Elisa whispered as the sun disappeared behind the horizon.
	A few seconds passed. Ted seemed to be bored when he heard a small sound. He looked 
up at the stone "statues" to see one of them cracking.
	"Hey! It's cr-sn-breaking!" Ted said, stumbling on his words.
	Suddenly, the largest statue stood up and the stone immediately burst. The lavender 
gargoyle that now occupied its place yelled an eerie sound that shocked Ted, but didn't phase 
anyone else. Each gargoyle did the same until all seven of the gargoyles were awake and out of 
their stone encasements.
	Goliath turned toward Ted. Ted gulped.
	"Hello," Goliath said with the most non-threatening voice he could muster.
	Ted did the only thing that came to his mind at that point.
	He fainted.


	"Ted?? Ted??" A voice was calling his name, a hand waving over his head. Ted groaned 
as he stood up, then nearly fainted again as he came face-to-face with Brooklyn.
	"Well, that was fun," Brooklyn sarcastically quipped.
	"Well, Ted, what do you think of my friends now?" Elisa asked, grinning.
	Ted simply stared. Then, he laughed slightly. His laughter rose in volume as he realized 
Elisa and the gargoyles were allies.
	"Wow! This is...awesome!" Ted finally said.
	Angela turned to Brooklyn. "See, he's not running."
	"Why would I be?" Ted wondered, hearing Angela's comment. Elisa shrugged.
	"Well, you did faint," Brooklyn pointed out.
	"True. Still, I've seen stranger."
	Everyone was startled. Even Owen seemed taken aback.
	"*ahem* Let me introduce you to the clan," Goliath broke the silence. "I am Goliath, 
leader of the clan."
	"I see where you get your name," Ted commented.
	"Anyway, this is Brooklyn, my second-in-command."
	"Ah, the one who so delighted in awakening me," Ted said sarcastically, smiling. 
Brooklyn couldn't help but smile.
	"So, have you known Elisa all your life?" Brooklyn asked, then slapped himself in the 
head, realizing that they were cousins.
	Ted simply laughed. "I really didn't know Elisa until I was 8."
	Brooklyn nodded, "Well, I hope you can fit in here in Manhattan!"
	"Thanks."
	Goliath continued, leading Ted to the short, green gargoyle. "Here is our computer 
expert, Lexington."
	"Computer EXPERT, you say?" Ted laughed. "I bet I could take you anyday at Quake 
DeathMatch!" he said, pointing at Lex. Lex smiled.
	"You're on! I'll kick your ass!" Lex responded to the challenge. Goliath shook his head.
	*Already friction,* Goliath thought worriedly.
	"So how much do you know about computers?" the young boy wondered.
	Lex shrugged, replying, "More than most people."
	"Hmm...well, I have some knowledge of technology. Maybe you and I could work on 
something sometime soon."
	"This warrior is Hudson, the former leader and our mentor," Goliath said, looking at 
Hudson.
	"Hullo, lad! Might ye know anythin' about repairin' a television? The one downstairs is 
on the blink," Hudson said.
	Ted laughed, "I can try, but don't expect success."
	"I see ye are rather happy with this situation. How do you feel about us?"
	"Well, I learn to accept things when I see them. This is just another stepping stone in 
life."
	"Next we have Broadway. You two have a lot in common, Elisa tells me," Goliath 
pointed out. "You both like 'Red Dwarf,' is it?"
	Broadway and Ted nodded. Both looked at each other, and smiled. Ted got an insane 
grin as he began to think.
	"Quick! Who were the actresses for Kochanski?" Ted immediately said.
	"C.P. Grogan and Chloe Annett," Broadway said just as quickly, then asked, "What was 
the title of the episode where Cat met Dog?"
	"Parallel Universe, which was originally untitled in the opening credits," Ted answered 
within a few seconds. Everyone stared at them. Both Broadway and Ted replied, "We're 
Dwarfers."
	"We can see that," Brooklyn idly commented. Broadway slightly growled, realizing.
	"I didn't think Red Dwarf could be seen in New York. How did you get that show?"
	"Xanatos has so many satellite dishes, it really comes in well."
	Goliath coughed to get Ted's attention. As Ted looked over, he saw Goliath and his 
frustrated look.
	"Oh, sorry!" Ted sheepishly said.
	"This is Angela, my daughter. She is the newest member of the clan."
	Ted walked over to Angela. He then began speaking in a distinguished voice and took 
her hand, kissing it. "How art thou tonight, m'lady? Surely the stars shine bright, but not as 
bright as thy beauty."
	Angela blushed and smiled. "Why, thank you!"
	Brooklyn, Lexington, and Broadway restrained themselves, even though they were ready 
to rip Ted limb from limb.
	Goliath chuckled as Ted became a little nervous around the trio. "Don't worry, they 
won't do ANYTHING to you...right?" Goliath added, looking directly at the three. They shied 
away.
	"Heh. Well, I think your daughter is able enough to fend off three eager 'suitors,'" Ted 
laughed.
	"Now we have Bronx, our watchdog." Bronx slowly walked over to Ted. Bronx looked 
directly at the boy and jumped. Everyone gasped as Ted hit the ground, Bronx pinning him. They 
all laughed, though, when the doggoyle began licking Ted's face.
	"Affectionate, isn't he?" Ted muttered as he wiped the drool off his face.
	"Well, this turned out to be a perfect night so far," Fox idly commented.
	"Indeed, madam," Owen replied.
	"What say we get something to drink? It's still rather hot out," Matt said having wiped 
sweat from his brow.
	"I have some drinks in the bar if you're interested," David responded.
	"Not too much, Matt. If you get drunk, I'll have to be the DD," Elisa seriously added.
	"Don't worry, I'll be fine. Now who wants a martini?" Matt asked, going down into the 
Aerie.


5 minutes later, at 9:20
Aerie Building
Xanatos' Office


	"So, where have you lived?" David asked Ted, everyone sitting down with their 
beverages.
	"I mostly lived in Washington state. It was always rainy there, which just sucked," Ted 
replied, sipping his root beer. "How about you, Mr. Xanatos?"
	David smiled. "Please, call me David. I lived in Bar Harbor, Maine for a while, then 
moved to New York after I obtained a coin that was worth $20K in the year 1985."
	"I see. Well, you had a good start, getting that much. How did you obtain that particular 
coin."
	"It's a long story."
	Ted raised an eyebrow. "How long?"
	"About a millennium," Goliath said, supplying the answer. Ted whistled.
	"Well, how was your life in Washington?" Fox asked.
	"Ah, I had a fun 15 years in Washington. So many memories...eh, I don't want to bore 
you. So, how long has the clan been here?"
	"Just about three years. We had some trouble, and now it's pretty bad in the view of the 
public," Broadway quipped.
	"Oh? How so?"
	"Ignorance, essentially," Lex said, frowning. "People just think we're like wild beasts, 
and that we just kill, kill, kill."
	"Not exactly the public image you'd want," Ted dryly commented. He went to the 
television, noticing Hudson's longing stare toward the box.
	"How did you guys come to Manhattan anyway?"
	"I'll fill this one in," Broadway spoke up. Broadway detailed their little incident back in 
994 that caused them to be sent to the rookery, the Viking raid and the Magus' stone spell.
	"Waitaminit. Sorcery?" Ted laughed. "Not that textbook magic?"
	"The very same."
	Ted was surprised. "You mean...it exists? I thought it only existed in a fairy tale!"
	"Now you know better."
	"Well, I guess you shouldn't just idly push what seems unbelievable away." Ted then 
looked over to Alex, who seemed to be playing with David's tie. Ted smiled, watching the red-
haired baby tug at the tie, causing David to jerk a little.
	"I see you have taken an interest in Alex," Fox noticed, amused. "Want to hold him?"
	Ted, startled, replied, "Uh...sure!"
	David mouthed "Thank you" as Alex was handed over to Ted. Alex laughed and tried to 
say something like "friend," only it came out like "ree."
	Ted gently cradled the little boy, looking almost content with the whole world. "He's so 
cute!"
	Fox and David replied at the same time, "Thanks."
	"Well, do you have plans for baby Alex to take over Xanatos Enterprises one day?"
	"Maybe he'll accomplish a greater feat," David supplied.
	"It seems rather likely, what with his upbringing," Owen stated.
	"Hmm, it seems his future's planned. Hey, look!" Ted slowly stood up, handing Alex 
back to Fox. Alex had dozed off in Ted's arms.
	Lex stared. "How did you do that? I've gotten him to get to sleep whenever he was a 
little tired, but it usually takes me a good half-hour to get that kid to bed!"
	Ted shrugged, "Well, I guess it's because I grew up with a younger sibling." He turned 
his attention back to the T.V.
	"Hey, did anyone notice that nasty article in the paper today by that one guy...what's his 
name...oh well, but did you hear?"
	Ted looked up. The picture came on. "I heard. Now, I...what the??"
	His question was directed toward the T.V. A man on the T.V. seemed to get the entire 
clan worked up. Eyes blazed through the room as the camera focused on that man.
	"Canmore," was the only word out of Goliath's mouth.
	The T.V. set finally became audible as Travis Marshall spoke up. "I am now live with a 
man named John Castaway, founder of a new group. Mr. Castaway, what is your group?"
	"Castaway?" Brooklyn asked.
	"THAT'S Castaway?!" Matt nearly yelled. He kept his voice down, not wanting to 
disturb Alex.
	"The name is fitting, that's for sure," Angela growled.
	"Well, Mr. Marshall, the name of my group is called the Quarrymen. It represents hard 
working men and women that want to protect the citizens of this city by destroying those demons 
that were discovered before," Castaway said.
	Goliath growled.
	"What evidence do you have that they are demons?" asked Travis.
	"One of these creatures killed my father and critically wounded my brother by blasting 
him with a laser weapon. They are pure evil. Also, they attacked the police department very 
recently, destroying that as well."
	"THAT'S A LIE!" Goliath roared. Ted nearly jumped out of his skin.
	"If it takes me to my last breath, I will exterminate every last one of these menaces."
	Goliath, angrier than he had ever been in his whole life, tossed a heavy book at the 
television. The screen shattered. Ted backed away slowly, walking to the nearest door he could 
find.
	Goliath slowly calmed down. "I apologize for my actions, Xanatos. It's just that 
Castaway blamed the entire incident on us when he caused all the troubles we have encountered 
in the last week."
	Ted sighed, knowing it was somewhat safe. He quietly walked to where both Angela and 
Broadway were sitting.
	"Don't worry. We don't blame you. I have more televisions anyway," David said, keeping 
his calm demeanor.
	Owen walked over to the broken television. "I shall be back in a few minutes, sir, with a 
new television." Owen began to clean up the glass shards, having unplugged the broken mess of 
plastic and wires that lay before them.
	"I see he has a rather short fuse," Ted muttered to Broadway, motioning toward Goliath.
	"You haven't seen the half of it," the blue gargoyle replied.
	"So, is there anyone or anything else I should know about?" Ted asked.
	"Well, there is someone. Demona," Brooklyn said, his voice seething with hatred.
	"Demona...isn't that a variation of demon?"
	"For her, it works..."
	"I see. Is there a conflict I hear?"
	Goliath nodded. "Demona used to be my mate, but after an incident long ago she 
became our enemy. She betrayed our clan, causing the destruction of most of our clan. She 
survived through sorcery, and then tricked Brooklyn, caused many attacks, and nearly wiped all 
humanity off of the face of earth."
	Ted nodded. "I see why she is an adversary then."
	"Now we are cautious because of our revelation to the world. So, we are even more 
secluded than before," Lexington added.
	"The lad is right. If we canna hide ourselves, we canna protect th' city," Hudson 
responded.
	Bronx barked in agreement.
	"Well, I'd love to stay, but I have to get some sleep for tomorrow's shift which Chavez 
unfairly assigned," Matt said, half-asleep.
	"Yeah, me too. Chavez wants me to assist Matt on a possible drug shipment happening 
somewhere by the bay," Elisa added, standing up.
	"Do I have to go now?" Ted asked.
	"Sorry, but I have to make sure you come back with me just tonight. This upcoming 
Monday you can stay, though, if it's okay with Xanatos."
	"Fine by me," David replied. "I could use someone to watch Alex anyway, since Fox, 
Owen and I are going to a meeting that day."
	"Perfect!"
	As the three left, Owen seemed disturbed. Fox noticed, frowning.


Twenty minutes later
Elisa's Apt.


	"So, what did you think?" Elisa asked, setting her red jacket on her rack.
	"They're cool," Ted replied, seeming distant.
	Elisa sensed his distraction. "Something bothering you?"
	"Sort of. I actually wasn't that surprised to meet them."
	"Why not?"
	"Wait." Ted pulled out a small transceiver. "Hawk to Jet, Hawk to Jet. You can come 
down now."
	"What?" Elisa asked. "What are you doing?"
	"I had my own unique friends. Look outside," he replied, stepping out onto the balcony.
	Elisa followed Ted out onto the ledge. Suddenly, three figures came into view, swooping 
down in front of them. Elisa gasped.
	"They're gargoyles!"
	"Yes, we are," one of them replied. A dark black gargoyle, female, with knee-long 
orange hair, about Lex's height, stepped forward. "I am Jet." She motioned to a turquoise 
gargoyle, male, with shoulder-length green hair. "This is Sapphire, our leader." Jet then turned to 
a gargoyle with light green skin, also female, with simple short black hair. "Lastly, Emerald."
	Elisa was astonished. She turned to Ted. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
	Ted slowly shied away. "I was afraid. I didn't know you knew gargoyles.  Sure, I'm 
going to go up and say, 'Hey, meet my friends with seven limbs!'"
	"I understood Ted's instructions, but I wasn't sure of what to make of you and your 
friends, Ms...uh...what is your name?" Jet frowned.
	"Elisa Maza," the detective replied.
	"Ms. Maza. I haven't seen the other clan, but Clan Avon is willing to join with your 
friends and group efforts."
	"Yes, we are looking forward to finding more of our kind. It has been too long since we 
have seen other gargoyles," Emerald piped up.
	Sapphire frowned. "Our course of action is to find out what the other clan would think if 
we were to appear out of nowhere."
	"Yeah, well, I'm just as shocked! How do I know that we can trust you guys when you 
have shown up in an instant?" Elisa angrily questioned Sapphire.
	"Good point. Maybe we should talk, though, and see what your clan thinks," Emerald 
replied calmly.
	Elisa sighed, "Maybe. I guess it's time to go back to the Aerie. Come on, I'll get my car."
	"No need," Sapphire picked up Elisa and jumped off the ledge. Elisa's scream was 
followed by Ted's as Jet and Emerald followed, Ted being held by Jet.


Another twenty minutes later, at 10:00 P.M.
Aerie Building
Castle Wyvern


	"So, what do you think?" Broadway asked.
	"Dream on! Lex couldn't handle Angela. She's not his type. For one, she likes taller guys 
like us. Still, I keep thinking that she'll be undecided between us," Brooklyn laughed, having 
began a conversation about who Angela would take as a mate.
	"Me, maybe. I think I got on her good side with my charms-" Brooklyn snorted, "-and 
the chocolates."
	"Yeah, well, like I said then, whatever was left of them."
	Broadway knocked on Brook's head. Brooklyn replied by kicking Broadway in the 
stomach. It took a minute before Broadway could say something, what with the breath having left 
him.
	"*gasp* Hey, I didn't even mean for her to be attracted to me. I think it was that 
Coldstone incident. It got us really close and we began talking after that. We have the same likes, 
hopes, and dreams."
	"Sure," Brooklyn simply replied. "I just wish I can find someone who's right for me."
	The two fell silent for a while. All that could be heard was Bronx's whine and the sound 
of wind.


Inside the Aerie


	"David, is there a reason that Owen seemed upset earlier?" Fox asked.
	David, punching on the large bag hanging from the ceiling, replied, "I've never seen 
Owen distracted. What could be wrong?"
	Alex waved his hands as Fox suggested, "Ted, perhaps?"
	David stopped attacking the punching bag. "Maybe. Why don't we ask him? Owen!"
	Owen came in the room, his normal bland look on his face. "Yes, sir?"
	"Fox seems to think you are bothered."
	Owen, in his normal blah voice, replied, "She's right."
	David was intrigued. "Over Ted?"
	"Yes, Mr. Xanatos. He was hiding something. I don't know what, but I can't just find out 
like Puck can."
	"Well, why don't you?"
	"Remember, sir, Oberon stripped me of my powers, save when I am teaching Alex."
	"So have Alex peek at Ted's thoughts," Fox suggested.
	Owen shook his head. "That violates the rule of interfering in someone's life directly."
	"Well, isn't there some way we can find out what's happening?" David asked hopefully. 
"If he intends to hurt Alex-"
	"I sensed no means of hostility, Mr. Xanatos, just hidden thoughts."
	"Let's speak to our little friend sometime soon," David said thoughtfully.
	"Whatever he's hiding might not be good news..."


Back outside (real change ;)


	Brooklyn, who was stationed on castle watch for running off the other week when Ted's 
arrival was announced, and Broadway had gotten into a discussion about Red Dwarf when Bronx 
immediately stood up from where he was lying. The doggoyle bounded up to the parapets where 
he barked constantly.
	"What is it, boy?" Brooklyn called, watching Bronx run around. Brooklyn eventually 
stood up and ambled over to where Bronx stood.
	"Is something wrong?" Broadway frowned, having followed Brooklyn.
	"Not that I see. I...hey, what's that? Are the guys back from patrol so soon?"
	"No, but we're back!" Ted called.
	"WHAT?!" Brooklyn stepped back as the three gargoyles carrying Ted and Elisa landed 
by Brook and Broadway.
	The two Wyvern gargoyles stood with gaping mouths as the other three gargoyles 
introduced themselves. Broadway slowly looked over Sapphire, Jet and Emerald.
	"Where did you guys come from?" Broadway wondered.
	"That does not matter. We must see your leader," Sapphire insisted.
	"Saph," Ted grumbled. Sapphire sighed.
	"We come from Washington on the other side of this country. That is where we met Ted 
here. How we met is another story altogether."
	"We have traveled with Ted all across this country. Unfortunately, trying to keep up 
with an airplane isn't that easy," Jet added, running her talons through her hair.
	Ted noticed that Bronx was acting rather protective around Elisa, Brooklyn and 
Broadway. Ted decided to keep that little bit of information to himself. Emerald looked around 
and frowned.
	"Where is the rest of your clan?" she asked.
	"They're patrolling the city," Brooklyn idly said, still watching their leader. "Listen. Is 
there some reason you need to see them?"
	"We are trying to find other clans to group efforts with. If we don't, we might as well be 
dead because three isn't exactly an army compared to 6 billion people in the world."
	"Good point, Emerald. So, when do you expect them to be back?" Jet asked again.
	"In about an hour. Maybe longer, since they're trying to find a way to keep out of sight 
from people," Elisa noted.
	"Well, we'll just wait here then."
	"Maybe. I'll have to find out what we have in store for you," Brooklyn said, thinking of 
Goliath's reaction to finding another clan in Manhattan.
	"Hmph. You treat us as we are unwelcome," Sapphire dryly commented.
	"Sapphire, knock it off," Ted grumbled, his voice with a raised tone.
	Brooklyn raised an eyebrow as the gargoyle backed down.
	"So, how did you guys get here?" Emerald wondered, admiring the parapets and rustic 
look of Castle Wyvern.
	Elisa smiled. "Well, we have an hour to waste. Why not?"


*******
On patrol
10:50 P.M.


	Goliath scanned the rooftops of the buildings of Manhattan. Nothing. Since a small 
group of his clan decided to join the patrol this week, crime was at an all-time low. They didn't 
know if it was because they were doing a better job of capturing the crooks or if it were that the 
criminals were too scared to commit a crime after hearing about the existence of gargoyles.
	Goliath wondered about that Castaway that he had heard on the television. This man 
seemed to be able to ruin the reputation of gargoyles everywhere. Now, the clan would have to try 
harder to make humans understand that they were not the enemies.
	Ever since the fateful bombing of the clock tower by the Canmores, Goliath began to 
have dreams about what would happen had they been in that blast. The lavender gargoyle shook 
his head, dismissing the unpleasant thoughts. His mind began to wander, though, back to the 
scene where Demona was ready to shatter the vial that would wipe out the world's population had 
he not smashed the Praying Gargoyle.

~~~~~~~~

	"Here, catch!" Demona said, flinging the glass canister through the air.
	The vial spun madly through the air, threatening to smash against anything that would 
release the deadly virus that was meshed with the DI/7 disinfectant.
	"NO!" Goliath yelled, diving to where the vial would come careening down. The vial 
fell into his waiting talons, and he sighed, knowing that billions of lives were just spared.
	As Goliath handed the vial to Hudson, preparing to chase after Demona, Robin 
Canmore stammered, "He risked his own life to save ours?"
	Elisa gave Robin a serious look, responding, "Gargoyles protect."


	Later that night, Elisa had come back to the tower, wondering about David and his offer 
to the gargoyles to live at their ancestral home and their safety.
	"Of course their safe, detective," was David's swift reply. The two of them talked more, 
Elisa finally becoming satisfied with David's response. As Elisa made her way up to the very top 
of the tower, she wondered how Goliath would feel about being home once more.
	"And so it begins...Gargoyles: Chapter 2. Or is it 3? I've lost count," Brooklyn 
commented, taking his place on the castle edge.
	*I'd agree with three,* Elisa thought as she came face to face with Goliath. "You know 
how I feel about you, right?"
	"How we both feel...yes," Goliath replied, knowingly.
	Elisa jumped up, wrapping her arms around Goliath's neck, and with a quiet "Good," 
she kissed him. She dropped down to the ground, smiling at Goliath's content, albeit startled look 
as he turned to stone. "Welcome home, Goliath."

~~~~~~~~


	Goliath had to smile at the memory that he always thwarted Demona, as if he were a 
super hero that would always nail the bad guy. He wondered, though, about Elisa's action. *Does 
she want to probe the relationship deeper, or was that a simple act of care?* Goliath pondered 
over that fact as the four gargoyle warriors headed back for the castle.
	"Father?" Angela called.
	"Yes, my daughter?" Goliath replied, snapping out of his trance.
	"I was thinking...of all the clans we met around the world, wouldn't it be nice if one of 
them came back to Manhattan with us?"
	"Yes, some company would be appreciated, lad," Hudson added.
	"That would be interesting," Goliath said thoughtfully.
	"Well, Angie-" Lex paused as Angela stared at him icily, "-la, why don't you go back to 
Avalon sometime and see if you can convince some of your rookery siblings to come to New 
York?"
	"That sounds like an idea," she realized.
	"I'm not so sure, lass. The last time Goliath went, he was only there for a total of 22 
hours, but to us it was almost a month," Hudson said.
	"Well, if I went I would only be gone for an hour, meaning I would be back the next 
day."
	"We'll talk later," Goliath immediately said, seeing the castle coming into view.


The castle
10:58 P.M.


	"So that's it, huh?" Jet quietly whispered. "Amazing. I didn't think an entire clan was so 
close to being wiped out, and now I hear this."
	"I'm sure Goliath would much rather explain the rest," Elisa said, noticing the four 
figures rapidly approaching them.
	The people standing at the castle made some room for the approaching gargoyles. As the 
four touched down, Lex smiled, saying something to Angela. Goliath walked over to there 
Sapphire was standing.
	"Who might you be?"
	"I am Sapphire, leader of Clan Avon," the turquoise gargoyle replied, shaking hands 
with Goliath. "These are my associates, Jet and Emerald."
	"Hello," they replied in unison.
	"Hmm...do you sell cosmetics?" Lex asked. Ted glared him. Lex sheepishly laughed, 
replying, "Sorry, bad joke."
	"This seems all to convenient. Where ye be coming from, then?" Hudson warily asked.
	"Around where Ted lives, on the northwest coast of the United States," Jet supplied the 
answer.
	"We have been looking for another clan for the longest time. We were separated some 
time ago after a fierce storm carried us out to the ocean. We woke up on a boat that was headed 
for the local port and we had no idea where the rest of our clan was," Emerald explained.
	"Fascinating," David replied, having come up the stairs.
	"What exactly do you plan to do?" Owen asked Sapphire.
	"Well, we want to join their clan," he replied.
	"We can't just let you join, because we don't know if you are trustworthy. Maybe in a few 
days, after you've proved yourself," Goliath let the others know.
	"Maybe then," Jet replied, motioning for the other two to follow.
	"Well, it seems you have some explaining to do," Broadway said to Ted, who then 
sighed.


*******
Tuesday, July 15
6:00 P.M.


	Lana was walking around Manhattan, looking for Elisa's apartment. After she and Ted 
had conversed for the last few days, she had become interested in his life. She wanted to get 
together with him and talk, so he gave her the address. The only problem was that Lana did not 
know half of the streets in
New York yet, so she wandered aimlessly for a while.
	Looking through the glass windows at a department store, she wondered if she would 
ever find the apartment when she heard a sound behind her. She turned, only to feel an 
overwhelming sense of dizziness overcome her. Slowly, she began to stagger along the sidewalk 
before finally crashing to the concrete ground before her.
	All that was left a few minutes later was the address on the paper.


Castle Wyvern
The library
9:35 P.M.


	Goliath was reading a book about ancient mythology when he saw Elisa open the door to 
David's study.
	"Over here, Elisa," he called.
	Elisa turned, then walked slowly over to where Goliath was. There, Jet was 
straightening up some things.
	"What are you doing here?" Elisa asked her.
	"Well, they said they needed trustworthy people," she simply said.
	Elisa laughed. "They said trustworthy people, not maids."
	"Hey, I just want to help out," Jet snapped.
	"Hey, have you guys heard from Lana lately? She never showed up at my apartment 
today."
	"Ted told me he was going to talk to her today. Maybe they're out doing something," 
Goliath thought.
	"Maybe. Hey, I think that Sapphire's clan has proven themselves, don't you?"
	Goliath nodded. Over the past three days, Clan Avon had stopped eight muggings, three 
burglaries, two gang fights, and helped a lost citizen find his way home. "I think that they are 
serious when they proved their loyalty."
	"There you are!" someone called from the steps.
	The three looked over to see Ted standing there.
	"Ted! Have you seen Lana anywhere?" Elisa wanted to know.
	Ted shook his head. "I was going to ask you the same thing."
	"Hmm...our clan will search for her later tonight. Right now, we have some pressing 
matters," Goliath rumbled, stretching as he walked outside.


The castle exterior
25 minutes later


	"Well, is everyone here?" Brooklyn asked.
	"I think so," Broaday replied, counting heads.
	Goliath stepped forward. "*ahem* Jet, Emerald, Sapphire. You have proven your loyalty 
to this clan and your friends, and I now officially make you part of Clan Wyvern."
	"Thank you, Goliath," Sapphire replied.
	"As your first official duty as a clan member, it is your responsibility to come on patrol 
with us."
	"Well, let's go!" Lex called, diving off of the tower. Everyone else followed suit.
	For five minutes, the clan glided around the city, having stopped one mugging when 
Sapphire veered off course.
	"Is something wrong?" Hudson yelled to him.
	"I'll be back. I have to get something," Sapphire said to them. He then drifted away from 
the clan and glided away, disappearing after a few minutes.
	Emerald and Jet looked confused. That looked passed on to everyone else after they 
noticed their puzzlement.
	"What is he going to get?" Jet thought out loud.
	"I don't know. We just got here!" Emerald replied.
	The clan returned to the Aerie to think about what just happened. Ted was just as 
surprised when they told him.
	"Yeah...hey, I don't remember Saph saying anything about needing any stuff!" Ted 
cried, becoming worried.
	"It's just as I thought," Owen replied.
	Everyone jumped. "Owen!"
	"What do you mean?" Ted asked.
	"That Sapphire fellow is hiding something from us, as you did before."
	"Hmm...well, when he gets back, we'll ask him."


10:05 P.M.
Abandoned Building (ooh, nice original place ;)


	Quiet. That's all that surrounded Sapphire. Nothing but quiet. And dark. Just plain 
darkness. The perfect setting for Sapphire. He breathed in deeply, sighing as the warm summer 
air swirled in his lungs. Slowly, he pulled out a flashlight from under the table he was at.
	The light shining on a parchment on the table caught Sapphire's eyes. He slowly 
unrolled the paper, looking at the detailed instructions on them. After reading over the list of 
items, Sapphire immediately turned, the light shining on a hooded figure chained to the wall. 
Sapphire reached under the table again.
	"Why, hello," Sapphire sneered.
	"I'm SO happy to see you," the hooded figure replied, their voice dripping with sarcasm. 
"Do I have to go along with this sick little plan?"
	Sapphire's eyes began to glow white. He pulled a semi-automatic pistol out from under 
the table. "Question me again and you'll be missing more than your confidence."
	The hooded figure removed the cowl from its head after struggling for a few minutes 
trying to see. This was not easy, considering its hands were in shackles. When it did, it was 
discovered that beneath was Lana Chavez.
	"Oh, a gun. How original. Why do you need me?" she asked.
	"I saw you talking with that boy that day. I needed someone he could trust or else he'd 
get suspicious. That's why you are here."
	"Still, you could have nabbed someone that knew him better."
	"Well, you two seemed to get cozy. I saw you that day."
	Lana was suspicious. "Wait one minute. You even told me earlier that you gargoyles 
turned to stone when the sun was out. How could you watch me?"
	Sapphire grinned wickedly. "That's the beauty of it. I had help from my friend. Oh, 
Midnyght!"
	A wisp of black covered the flashlight, then began to illuminate. A smile emerged from 
the bright mist. "Yeah, what is it, Saph?"
	"Show our friend how I can be awake during the radiant light from the sun. Also, show 
HER what happens to the rest of us during that time."
	Lana's eyes grew very large, noticing the entity that now encircled the entire room.
	Midnyght smiled. Slowly, the black mist began to glow very bright, then turned into a 
miniature sun. Sapphire became stone. Lana gasped as Midnyght started to chant:
	"By sun's light solid you have become,
	But you wish to be flesh and then some.
	So all day and all night long,
	You will not be stone, but healthy and strong!"
	After Midnyght finished chanting, Sapphire's stone shell began to break. Then, Sapphire 
roared as he broke off the casing. Midnyght became a black mist again. Lana was dumbfounded.
	"How could he do that?" she asked.
	"He's a fey...a rogue, anyway," Sapphire smiled. "Oberon banished him a very long time 
ago for...how shall we put it...malpractice," Midnyght laughed, "and now he's helping me."
	"Why should he?"
	"Because he promised me reinstatement in Avalon," Midnight replied.
	"Oh?"
	"Yes. He has a vast array of iron items, and us fey are vulnerable to that particular 
substance."
	"So how do you know he won't turn on you?"
	Midnyght smiled. "If he does, I'll crush him like a bug. Besides, I have a special shield 
that blocks me from iron."
	Lana icily stared at Sapphire. "Then what's your intention?"
	"I have known someone in this clan before. I am from his time also. This gargoyle, 
Goliath, fatally wounded me one day in 980. I was simply trying to get the princess to listen to 
my commands, but he thought that humans and gargoyles could co-exist," Sapphire laughed, 
"and apparently he was wrong. Then, Midnyght popped out of nowhere years later and revived 
me after sensing my dark side. So, we have been allies for the longest time. He's kept me alive, 
and I've protected him when his iron shield was inactive."
	Lana scowled at him. "So you're using me and Ted to get closer to him?"
	"Exactly. You will help me get in, and Ted's little 'He's-a-good-gargoyle' routine will get 
them all for a while. Then, when I see Goliath, I strike."
	"That's where I come in," Midnyght piped up. "That fuck Oberon will pay. Since my 
friend here can open the gate to Avalon, I can sneak in after him, and then he'll help me kick the 
shit out of Oberon. Then, I will rule Avalon!"
	"You're twisted!" Lana shouted. Sapphire slapped her.
	"Shut up, bitch. I'm only using you until Goliath is out of the way. Then you will be 
taken with us and kept in Avalon for eternity. That way, you can't warn anyone in time," 
Sapphire said, holding the gun up to Lana's head. She held her breath.
	Midnyght smiled. He unraveled the plans with a misty hand, read it, then smiled. "Let's 
go."


10:58 P.M.
Aerie Building
Castle Wyvern


	"Where the hell could he be?" Ted said, tapping his foot.
	"It's not like him to disappear like this. Ever since we were born, he was watching over 
us. He has never left us before," Jet looked out toward the sky.
	"I would hope he's a good leader," Fox added.
	"They're wondering where their leader went?" David asked. "Someone should be 
responsible enough to let their family know where he was."
	"Hmm...where is he?"
	As everyone struggled to come up with the scenario's solution, a small wisp protruded 
out of thin air at the castle. There, two figures dropped down just as Ted said again, "Where 
could Sapphire be??"
	"Right here," a voice called.
	Everyone looked over to a figure shrouded in darkness. Jet squinted, then gasped. 
"Saph?!"
	"Yeah, and my new friend!" he replied, laughing. Lana was pushed forward, Sapphire 
still holding the gun to her back.
	"Lana!!" Ted yelled. He immediately glared at Sapphire. "What the fuck are you 
doing?!"
	"Yes, what is he doing?!" Elisa shouted at Ted.
	"What does it look like?" Sapphire replied, making the gun visible.
	"Why?"
	"I have something to settle. Goliath...do you recall a young gargoyle who wanted 
nothing more than some money to get through life, but you denied him the chance?"
	Goliath roared, eyes blazing. "I remember you now! You tried to kill the princess!"
	"Ah, so you do remember. So much for plan B. Now I don't have to bring up all the 
details for your feeble mind."
	"Lad, be careful. He nearly killed ye the first time 'round!" Hudson warned Goliath.
	"Father, what is going on?" Angela asked.
	Goliath growled. "This gargoyle tried to hold the princess for ransom back before you 
were born. I don't know how he got here, but he will not win!"
	*I think I remember him now. He was that arrogant one,* Lex thought.
	"I don't understand!! Why did you go through all this? Pretending to be my friend, lying 
to your clanmates, and now betraying these guys?!" Ted angrily shouted.
	"Oh, come on," Sapphire retorted, "do you expect me to just waltz in and expect to be 
like one of the family? C'mon Midnyght, we have a score to settle!"
	Owen gasped. *Midnyght?!* Owen immediately transformed into Puck. He scooped up 
Alex out of Fox's hands and said to the young Xanatos, "Want to learn how to have some real 
fun, Alex?"
	The baby nodded his head, always eager to use magic. "Want play!"
	Puck rolled his eyes. *If he knew how serious this was...*
	"Puck, what is going on?" Broadway asked.
	"That is Midnyght, fey of darkness. He abused his power long ago, using it to mistreat 
all. Oberon banished him, but I don't know why his powers remain!" Puck replied.
	"Can't you do anything?" Fox asked.
	"Well, let's try this then. This spell should render him powerless for a short while, but 
it'll be enough.
	"Round and round the world goes,
	But I have-unnh!"
	Puck grunted as an iron arrow pierced his shoulder. He fell, still holding onto Alex. 
David immediately grabbed his son, looking up at Midnyght. A bow was suspended in midair by 
the fey, now dropping into the hands of Sapphire. Fox began to glow, sensing that Alex was in a 
dangerous situation. She let loose a blast of magic, but Midnyght easily dodged the shot. He 
responded by wafting over Fox.
	"Hey, get away from me! I-" Fox began to become sleepy. She fell over, snoring.
	*They don't call me Midnyght for nothing,* he smiled.
	"Midnyght!" Sapphire cried. He was bring approached by Goliath and a group of the 
clan. Only Brooklyn stood back, watching Midnyght as Ted panicked, trying to find a weapon.
	"I can't," Midnyght replied.
	"Why not?!" Sapphire yelled back.
	"I cannot interfere with human lives directly!"
	"I thought you were banished though!"
	"I was, but that doesn't mean the laws of Oberon still do not apply!"
	Sapphire cursed Midnyght as the large gargoyle jumped. Sapphire dodged narrowly, 
letting Goliath smash into a wall. The wall crumbled to the ground as the others tried to regroup 
their efforts. They fought for minutes before one of the clan members made a potential mistake.
	"I feel so tired. I wish I could just sleep," Lex yawned, trying to keep his attention on 
Sapphire. Midnyght perked up.
	"Hey gargoyles! As they say, the rule that cannot be broken can surely be bent!"
	"What are you talking about?" Elisa yelled at the fey.
	"Just that your little friend gave me the reason to do this!" He began to chant:
	"All those trying to attack my friend,
	It's you who should have to defend.
	Whether you try to run or leap,
	Thou canst defeat the power of sleep!"
	Slowly, as the glimmer left Midnyght, all who had gone forward to attack Sapphire 
began to fall into a deep sleep. Only Goliath was able to fight the urge to doze, but he soon fell 
under the spell.
	"That's that. Well, I- OW!" Sapphire shouted, his back being struck by a heavy stone. He 
turned to see Ted, who then rushed Sapphire. The two engaged in a rather painful brawl. 
Sapphire was continually trying to shield himself from Ted's fists as he tried to inflict some 
damage as well. Ted was so powerful that Sapphire began to bleed after a while.
	*So THAT'S why Sapphire's so afraid of him,* Brooklyn thought, trying to revive his 
fallen comrades.
	Sapphire growled, "Wrong move," drawing his gun.
	"No!" Brooklyn shouted, jumping toward Sapphire, but was thrown against the stone 
wall as Midnyght hit him with a blast of pure magic. Brooklyn fell into unconsciousness.
	Ted looked up and jumped away, but not fast enough as Sapphire pulled the trigger. The 
bullet sailed through the air, piercing Ted's leg. Ted cried out in agony, clutching his leg as he 
fell.
	As Elisa tried to sneak past Midnyght so that she could get in a better position to shoot 
Sapphire, she was about to make it into the Aerie when a chain wrapped around her legs.
	"What-" was all she could say as the rest of the chain was raveled around her. Sapphire 
shook his head.
	"Tsk, tsk. You didn't think I hadn't seen you, did you?"
	Elisa glared at him, trying to break loose. She was lifted into the air by Midnyght, 
slowly lifting everyone else. Puck began to move, but he was stopped when iron chains were 
wrapped around him. Sapphire lifted Lana off the ground, not noticing David and Alex.
	"Well, well. Now, I shall take care of your 'friends,'" Midnyght smiled, beginning to 
direct magic toward Jet and Emerald, who were in so much shock from learning about Sapphire's 
treachery. Sapphire, though, gasped, then called out, "No, Midnyght. That will be enough."
	Midnyght was confused, but he complied. "As you say."
	The fey and gargoyle then took to the air, holding all of their captives. All that remained 
at the Aerie were Jet, Emerald, Ted, Brooklyn, David, and Alex. Ted slowly looked at the 
gargoyle who was once his ally.
	"Bastard," he muttered, hissing as he accidentally touched his wound.
	David slowly rose from where he was hiding. He looked really worried, an unnatural 
Xanatos expression. "Now what?"
	"We find Saph and make him pay," Jet angrily said.
	Suddenly, a projection of Sapphire appeared in front of the five (Brooklyn came to his 
senses as David got up). "Oh, that is such an old line. Listen, if you actually want to risk your 
pathetic lives to save your pitiful friends, meet at the old clock tower. There you will have a 
chance...maybe." Sapphire laughed
maniacally as he faded out.
	"Oh, fuck him," Emerald cursed. "What the hell was he doing?"
	"Trying to get revenge on Goliath. Goliath told me this story once. You see, Sapphire 
thought like this one gargoyle, Demona. He thought that humans are inferior to gargoyles, so he 
tried to take Princess Katherine and get some money for her return. However, Goliath spotted 
Sapphire. Sapphire was about to slit the princess' throat when Goliath took the most precise aim 
and threw a spear into Sapphire's heart. He died instantly, but Katherine was so spooked that her 
distrust in us gargoyles was deepened."
	"I see. Now, who knows where this clock tower is?" Ted asked.
	"We used to sleep atop that tower. First, we must gear up for the upcoming battle."
	Ted looked out to the horizon. No one noticed, but he silently wept as he thought, 
*Saph, if I get to you first, you had better pray that I don't decide to kill you.*
	"Hey, he left some of his stuff behind!" Brooklyn said.
	Everyone walked, or limped, over to where a couple of weapons remained. Brooklyn 
picked up the crossbow, examining it. Ted found a sword that was lying on the hard concrete. He 
swung the sword around a few times, then smiled.
	"That's why Saph always backed down whenever I got mad at him. I'm much stronger 
than him," Ted said to himself. "Now that I know this, it's time for some action."
	Brooklyn, Jet, Emerald, and David, still holding Alex, stood by the edge of the castle. 
Ted's eyes narrowed as he began looking at his allies. They may not have been many in numbers, 
but they wee one strong force.
	"You had better be ready for us, Sapphire, because ready or not, here we come!"
 
*******
TO BE CONTINUED
*******
Argh...I didn't intend to make this a cliffhanger (or to type this story so fast and kinda rushed) 
but I had trouble trying to implement so many people. Well, Brooklyn was right for once, eh? ;)

PREVIEW:

	Ted looked up. All he could see was a small light at the top of the tower.
	"Damn...if only I were in his shoes, I would know where to go."
	Up on top, Midnyght smiled. That was what he was waiting for.
	"For the spirit to be willing,
	The flesh must first become weak.
	Just long enough for soul in flight
	To pass from cheek to cheek."
	Suddenly, Ted felt his body being ripped away from him. He passed by a blue blur going 
past him as he sailed upward to where Midnyght was. Suddenly, Ted went flying into Sapphire's 
body.
	"Whoa! What was that?" Ted thought as he scratched his head. He looked at his hands...
	...then screamed.


Fun, eh? Wait for Kindred Spirits: Part 2 -- After almost everyone is kidnapped by Sapphire, 
Brooklyn has to take his leadership to its fullest when he goes to face Sapphire. One problem, 
though. There is an enemy in the party.

Questions? Comments? Flames? (oh God no ;) Praise?
E-mail me at superhiro@aol.com