I do not own Gargoyles
This story takes place between "Temptation" and "Deadly Force"
Previously on Gargoyles...
Goliath: I see no walls to guard the city. How you protect it from invaders?
Elisa: Well, our biggest worries aren't from outside. They from are inside.
~ Awakening Part 3
Goliath: There is good and evil in all of us.
Goliath: Is nice to know I have at least one human friend in this new world.
Elisa: I hope you have more, lots more.
~ Awakening Part 4
''Street Family Part 1''
November 10, 1994. New York. 2:05 am
On the streets of New York, all appears to be quiet, but appearances are deceiving. In Danny's Electronics store there is a ''closed'' sign, but this does not mean abandoned.
Inside the store you can see all kinds of appliances and electronic parts, but it is not all there is. Small shadows moved between the shop, quietly taking different things. The largest figure of all was busy with the cash register, trying to open it and once it did, took all the money it contained.
At the end of the cash register, inside cabinets there was the big prize, the strongbox. It was about to open it when something caught his attention. A photograph pasted on the door of the box, was an elder in his seventy carrying a small child. Winged a little postcard with a stamp of Toronto, which said - obviously with the letters of an infant- 'See ya soon grandpa'. The person stared intensely to the photo, and then a small hand on the shoulder made it jump in surprise. At the turn saw that it was another of the small silhouettes, giving seen what they were all done.
One last look at the picture, closed the cabinet, and a sign to tell everyone that it was time to leave. Going through they entered, by the back door leading into the alley, all silhouettes disappeared into the shadows.
Police Station, 23rd Precinct, One hour before sunset
The officer Morgan finally had finished his latest report, rising from his desk ready to go home until the detective Elisa Maze makes her entrance to begin her turn.
Elisa saw Morgan and decided to greet him.
"Hi Morgan, what's up?" she asked him, just that he did not responded the same way.
"Hi", Morgan answered all grumpy.
"Boy, you are glad to see me", she said joking.
Cheering him up, Morgan laughed. "Ah, sorry Detective. It was a tough day."
"Why? Something special?", Elisa asked with curiosity.
Morgan draws the detective to follow him to the break room, taking a cup of coffee.
"No, the same as usual'', Morgan responds shrugging, ''fights in public, vandalism, the pickpockets of the park attacked 3 times today- we are already planning a litter for him- oh, and a complaint of theft at an electronics store at 9:00 am" -His both eyebrows rise-
"Now that was an interesting case."
That caught the attention of Elisa, "Really, why is that?"
Morgan takes a seat and continued over. "Apparently the thief managed to enter through the back door of the store-"
"That's nothing special Morgan," Elisa interrupted him while serving her own cup of coffee, "Many thieves can open locks."
Morgan rested her head on one hand and looked straight to her. "Would you let me finish?"
Elisa blushed. "Sorry Morgan."
"All the doors and windows had a good alarm system despite being a third-class shop -very suspicious now that I think of it- anyway, the perpetrator sabotage the system. And come and go without leaving tracks"
"I feel sorry for the owner"
"Not so much" he said as drinking his coffee.
"What do you mean?" she asked confused.
"According to the owner, the thief only steal refractions, wires and $ 150 that where in the cash register. They don't even bother to open the strongbox''
"Maybe they didn't found it or couldn't open it"
Morgan's expression turned serious. "Detective, the box was just below the cash register in plain view. And if they could enter without triggering an alarm system, a cheap box would not have been too much trouble. It made seemed that my locker is a fortress."
"Okay, that it is peculiar." Elisa said seriously.
"Indeed. Oh well," Morgan stand up and stretched "I should on my way."
"Okay Morgan, see you later," but before Morgan could to go through the door, "Wait Morgan!" he turned to her face with confusion.
"Could I see the report? You pick my curiosity."
"Of course, it is on my desk. Be free to see it as you please."
"Thank you."
Morgan finally got out.
Elisa took the report and went to her own desk. She started looking to the photographs and the owner's testimony and suddenly her eyes widened.
"This looks very familiar."
Castle Wyvern, Manhattan.
The last rays of sun hide in the horizon. And the silence of the castle was interrupted by the sound of cracked stone. With six roars, the statues came to life. After yawning and stretching, the gargoyles walked towards the castle to do its normal 'routine'.
The leader of the clan gave a look around, knowing that something was missing.
"Is something wrong lad?" Hudson asked.
Goliath turned to see him.
"Elisa is not here. Usually she is always here when we wake up." Goliath said.
"Maybe she is working." Lexington said.
Broadway confirms the opinion of Lexington. "Yes, I'm sure it will not be long for her to come."
Goliath smiled at the trio and nodded.
Broadway goes straight to the kitchen to make breakfast, trotting happily behind him, was Bronx. Hudson goes to the TV room followed by Lexington. Goliath with Brooklyn's company, decided to go to the library. Enjoying life at the moment ... while they could.
Half an hour later...
Elisa exits the elevator Empyre Building. The first place she decided to look for her friends is the TVs room.
Upon entering, was the 'usual'. The old gargoyle was changing the TVs channel, with the great beast by his side taking a nap. Broadway was on the other side eating a sandwich, while Lexington was sitting on the floor doing things on his computer. Brooklyn was sitting on the floor and leaning against the wall while reading a magazine of motorcycles.
"Hi guys, slept well?"
Everyone turned to the door by hearing the voice of Elisa, even Bronx who had woken up, he just looked at her, stretched and went back to sleep; while the other gargoyles greeted her with a 'hello' and 'what's up', as Elisa came inside the room.
"Where is Goliath?" she asked.
"Right here". Answered a deep voice.
Turning around, she saw Goliath in the doorframe with a book in his hand.
"Hey Big Guy. Just coming to see how you were."
Goliath simply smiled and walked toward her. "Thanks, is good to know that you worry about us. But it is not necessary to concern, we are safe in our home."
Elisa sighted in disappointment. "Goliath, you know..." she took another deep breath and counted to ten. "You know, I do not want to discuss this with you again, at least not tonight."
Goliath frowned at her, knowing exactly what she meant. Since Xanatos was arrested, Elisa has tried to convince them to leave the castle, telling them that they no longer belonged there and that it was not longer safe for them to stay there.
"I agree with that." Goliath responded seriously and comfortable at the same time.
There was an uncomfortable silence in the room until Broadway decided to break it. "So Elisa, you stay eat?"
"But we already had breakfast." Lexington told to his rookery brother.
"Yes, but we haven't had lunch."
"Or dinner?" Brooklyn said sarcastically.
"Hey, it's true.'' Broadway said excited, not noticing the sarcasm.
Brooklyn shook his head, and before he could say anything else, Elisa intervened.
"Thanks Broadway, but it will be for another night. My patrol begins in less than an hour and I want to go through a few places before I start."
"What places?" Goliath asked.
"A few shops that were stolen some time ago," she responded.
"Why?" asked Lexington, removing his attention from the screen of his computer.
"This morning, there was reported a theft of an electronics store," said Elisa.
"And that's weird, because...?" asked Brooklyn sarcastically. They already understand better that the kind of time they are living now is more common to find places that were stolen.
"I know, I didn't see it out of the ordinary either. Not until I reviewing the case, and noted that there was a pattern."
"A pattern?" Goliath asked confused.
"A pattern is when more than one event is held in the same way or have something in common... isn't it?", Broadway reported, obtaining the surprised look of everyone else.
"Yeah, very good Broadway", Elisa congratulated him.
"Ha! And you said detectives movies were dumb", Broadway tells his brothers proudly.
"What I still don't understand is why returning to the places that were stolen", asked Goliath
"Aye", confirmed Hudson, "Don't ye have scrolls where ye write the events so others can read it?"
"You mean the report"-corrected Elisa- "Yes, but a good detective would rather see the scenes by herself. There may be more things than meets the eye. I must go, I'll try to come before dawn", Elisa said as she walked to the door. "Have a good evening", and with that she disappears into the corridor.
The gargoyles saw her leave and three seconds later everyone went back to do what they were doing. Goliath takes a seat on the sofa and starts his reading.
Before Sunrise...
The gargoyles were leaving the castle to take their positions at bedtime. And before Goliath climbed the tower to take his place, Elisa appears with a tired expression.
"Hey guys, I'm glad to see I made on time."
Brooklyn watched her from head to toes." Wow, you look awful."
"You can say that again. I think it was the longest night of my life." Elisa agreed.
Goliath approached her and put his talon on her shoulder. "Did something happen?"
"Yeah, what happened?" Broadway asked with enthusiasm.
"Nothing, that's what happened." Elisa said, exhausted she continued. "I went to all the places that had been stolen in the same way on the last month - which were about twenty." she gave a deep sigh. "The only thing they have in common is that all these places close at night, and have back door. Not only that-the thief turn off all the light so he can't be visualize. And then is when he deactivates the cameras or security system. And most interesting is that most of these places are drug stores, or stores supplies."
"And now, what will you do?" Asked Goliath.
"I talked to the Captain about this, and she says that she will tell to the night patrols to keep their eyes open, especially in the alleys. Although I doubt it will be very helpful." And she gaves another weary sigh.
Goliath looked at her with concern "There is something more that is bothering you and you are not telling us"
Elisa met his eyes, she shook her head and said "Is just that I can't really figure out is what they want"
"What do you mean?"
"The drugs stores that were stolen; when they did the inventory, they realize there wasn't much missing. Just some supplement for first aid, vitamins, steroids, stimulant, syrup, alcohol, and other stuff. Things that no one would bother to sell in the black market. They didn't even bother to took the other merchandises."
"So you think that this is not an ordinary thief." said Broadway.
"Yes. That's exactly my point" Elisa said seriously, "Well, we'll have to discuss this other night" Finished, Elisa glance to the horizon where the sun was almost out.
"She is right" said Hudson "Come on lads, it's time tae sleep" then he, Bronx and the Trio went to their roosts. While Goliath still stay in the same place, his talon still over Elisa' shoulder.
"Maybe is best if you get moving too." Elisa told him.
"You're right" and as he started to climb the tower, he looked over his shoulder ones more time, "Remember that anything you need, you can count with us." Elisa smiled warmly to him and nodded. She stays enough time to watch them convert into stone and then she left home.
After a warm bath, she was ready to go to bed; before she get to slumber, the robberies came back to her mind. What's this guy really after? If she could only find out, she would able to catch him before he strike again.
Somewhere in New York...
The sunrise was touching the street of New York. Three shadows where running in a dark alley until they reached to a manhole cover, where the tallest hooded shadow open it and indicated to the others two hooded shadows to get in first. Once inside they close the manhole cover over them and get down the stair. They walked through the sewer and then they stopped where an airway was on the wall, once again, the tallest open the grille and as before the little once went first, follow by the tallest one; crawled through the duct until they get to the other side, an abandoned subway station. But not so abandoned.
Tents made of carton, old fabrics, plastic and other things, the three shadows walked until they arrived to the center, and then little people started to get out of the tents, beings that where very common in the surface ... children. The two little shadows took off their hood, reveling two kids that weren't more than nine years old. The others children came to gave them a quiet but warm welcome.
The Tallest one accepted their affection and responded with just a nodded and a tapped in their heads. After the little ones finished, each one got back to their duties; the tallest one looked them go and started to walk to the old train that was over rusty rails. Walking beside the olds wagons, their doors were change for grilles, each wagon have two huge dogs that were separates by another grille, you could hear their wilds barks. Stopping in front of the green wagon and knocking to the big door, waiting... "Come in" a voice responded.
Obeying, slid the door and then got inside where the owner of the voice, a man in his thirties, he have black hair tight in a ponytail, his skin was pale and have a scar all over his left side of his face, but what really make him creepy was his chestnuts eyes, hollows and cold. He was sitting comfortable over a lots of pillows and two huge dogs chained in each side "Ah, One, you came back" he stood up and walked close. "Well, what did you bring this time?".
Reaching inside of the jacket, taking out a bunch of money and handing to him.
The man's smile came wide as he took the money.
"Very well, you did a good job. Father is pleased." reaching his hand and places over One's temple stroking it, "You see?" he said, "Isn't it much better when you completed with your duties".
One's didn't say anything neither flinch, staying in ground, and nodded the head as the men continue speaking "Good" then he push 'One' to a side very hard landing in a heap "Now, get out of here and be sure breakfast is ready!".
One stood up and left the wagon going back were the tents were, receiving a hug of a little kid of four years old. Patting his head, they walked together were the others were starting to make breakfast to 'Father'.
November 14, 6:00 AM New Jersey, Police Station
In the lounge, there were three people, two men and a woman sitting on a sofa drinking coffee and watching TV; one of them took a sip from his cup.
"Agh, who put dirt in the coffee again?" He joked. The woman turned around to see him and smack him with her elbow.
"Then next time make your own coffee!" She yelled mad at him. The man next to her to intervened.
"Mike, it's too early for your bad jokes and Amy do what I do... send him to the hell."
"You son of the-!" Mike screamed.
"You're right Trevor." Amy laughed at the joke. Mike tried to ignore them and let go a yawn.
"I cannot wait to go home," with his free hand, he straightened his jacket and said proudly.
"I got a date." The others turned their heads to see him with an evil smile on their faces.
"Visiting your mother is not a date." Trevor said with a teasing voice.
"Ha, Ha" Mike laughed sarcastically. "For your information, I'm going with my mother's place to meet with an old friend."
"Every dog has his day." Amy said smirking.
"HEY!"
Laughing, Trevor got up and went to the mini refrigerator. Opening it, he took the milk out to put a pint his coffee. After that, he went back to the couch, just standing aside of it, looking at the TV. Just in time.
"-that was the testimony of the witnesses. Yesterday on the Island of Manhattan; was found the body of a homeless man floating face down in the pipes. By the forensic experts, the water washed away all possible evidence, except for dog bites that destroyed the body; the police have no more clues. Miracle in the zoo in San Diego when its pair of giant pandas gave..."
CRASH!
Mike and Amy jumped at the sound. Looking around they saw that Trevor dropped his cup and was now in pieces in the floor in front where he was standing all paralyze. He was speechless and pale, just looking intensely at the TV.
Amy worriedly asked, "Trevor?"
"What's wrong pal?" Mike asked, "It seems that you saw a ghost."
There was silence… Until he finally said it.
"He is back." he said almost as a whisper, then turned around and run out of the room.
"Trevor!" Amy cried.
Mike saw his cup scared then he looked back to Amy. "What do you put to this thing?" But she didn't respond because she just went running after him.
When she reached him, he was in his desk, opening one of his cabinets and put out a pile of files and documents. He started searching desperately between them.
"Trevor, what are you doing?" she asked worried. Trevor didn't respond, he took one of the files that were almost in the bottom of the pile and took off once again, this time to one of the halls of the station.
"Where are you going?"
This time he halt, looking over his shoulder to see her, he just said one word, "Manhattan."
Back in Manhattan
6:07 A.M. in 23rd Precinct
Elisa was in the rest room of the station preparing a strong coffee; anyone would need it if didn't slept on the past two night. The thief attacked again; this time were stolen five drugs store in the past two night with the same patron. Growling and holding her bridge nose, Elisa try to ignoring the migraine that wants to come on. Since she discover there was a patron over the theft, she was tried to find how this theft choose his target, but couldn't find any clue, just the way he was able to get inside.
"Damn it" Elisa mumble irritable as she take a sip of her coffee and walk out of the break room; seat down in the chair of her desk. Putting her cup coffee over the desk, leaning over the chair and closing her eyes, "This is a crap".
"It most, to be putting you in that mood."
Elisa almost jump out of her skin, her eyes opened very wide as she saw Capitan Chavez standing a side of her, her hand in her heaps and a smirk over her face.
"Morning Captain. I'm sorry, I didn't hear you coming" she stood up from her almost comforting position.
Captain Chavez, still smirking, crossed her arms over her chest "Hard night?"
Sighing, Eliza answered, "Yep" rubbing her neck, and before she could help it she yawned very loud. Eliza yanked her free hand over her mouth all embarrassed, "Oh! Sorry for that"
"When was the last time you shut the eye?"
"What day are we?"
"Maza..." started Captain Chavez in disapproving tone.
"I'm just joking Captain. I just wasn't able to sleep well the last couple of days."
"Well, that's about to change now. Go home." Chavez said seriously.
"I can't Captain, knowing that this guy still out there, stealing and that he is getting away with it"
"Maza you were up with this for almost three days. Besides there's not a real proof that is the same thief."
"Call it cop instinct, but I know is the same guy"
"Go home Maza, besides today is your day off, get out of here and rest up. Trust me it would clear your head up." seeing Elisa's face of 'no so convinced', "That's an order detective. And don't worry, if something happen you will be the first person to know." with that she walked away, leaving Elisa alone.
Later that day ... after sunset...
The gargoyles awoken from their sleep stone, jumping from their roots and greeting to Elisa that was already waiting for them to come to life. Goliath glided down from the tower to join them.
"Good night Elisa, is nice to know you could come tonight."
"Yeah, I was been busy with work." she said all grumpy.
"It's something the matter, lass?" asked Hudson.
"Huh, nothing at all" crossing her arm over her chest "Just that the Captain kick me out of the station."
"She ... kick you?" confusion and disbelief crossed all over Goliath's face.
"Huh, Goliath" Brooklyn took his attention "She means that they force her to leave"
"Oh", looking back to Elisa he asked "Why?"
"My Captain said that I need a break"
"But isn't today your day off?" asked Lexington.
Uncrossing her arms and putting the hands inside her pockets "Yeah, so because is my day off, they can send me home?" she said shrugging.
"Well, isn't why they call it 'day off'?" comment Broadway; "By the way, did you found something else about the thief". Elisa couldn't help but growl at that comment. Then, there was an uncomfortable silence. Even if she was human, a female was a female, and an angry female just mean one thing ... trouble.
Clearing his throat Brooklyn broke the silence "So ... huh ... we leave you now guys," and ran to the parapets and jump, followed by his rookery brothers.
"Bye guys!" said Lexington and then jump.
"See ya later!" wave Broadway and follow Lexington.
"Where are they going?" asked Elisa after recovering of her tantrum.
"Maybe just go tae explore, after all this place is still new for us. Come boy" Hudson told to Bronx "Let's see what's on T.V." they left leaving Elisa and Goliath alone.
"Are you still after the same thief?" asked Goliath.
"Yeah, I know that there are just simples robbery, but there are something that still is bothering me and I can't figure out what is it."
"You know maybe you should go home." Goliath advice earned a leer of Elisa. "I mean..." he started nervously, "You could rest and regain your strengths"
"Don't start me you too with that. I'm fine!"
"You don't look fine to me," Goliath said steadily.
Elisa was going to debate that, but she stopped by seeing Goliath look. It was a mix of firmly and concerning look, knowing how stubborn he can be she decided to not argue any longer. Instead, she decided to bring up her own issue.
"Fine, I will stay a little longer and then go home and sleep, if..." Elisa dropped her hand in her side and faced him completely "If you considerate about leaving the castle."
Goliath growled from his throat, "We are not leaving our home." His voice was low and cold. Without saying anything else he turn his back at her and get inside the castle, leaving Elisa behind. After a couple of second she just shook her head and sighted in disappointment and went after him.
A manhole cover, in a dark alley was moving, a little hand sliding it carefully. After it was open, a hooded shadow poked the head out; looking around to be sure nobody was in the alley. Realizing that the path was clear One get out of the hole, turning back to help other two of her hooded partners to get out of the hole.
Trotting, sneaking between alley and then stopped. Poking the head out the alley, One saw their destination in the other side of the street: a Pharmacy.
Meanwhile in the air...
"Boy, I don't know how the humans can call that music" Broadway said to his rookery brother as they were flying back to the castle after they were in their first concert. "My ears are still ringing."
"Yeah," Brooklyn sympathetic as he trying to clean his ear with his little finger, "And what kind of name is 'Who'. Next time we know, there will be other band call it 'When'."
"And all the humans screaming and bouncing around." Lexington added.
"Yeah" said Broadway and Brooklyn at the same time.
There was silence. "You want to come back tomorrow?" asked Brooklyn suddenly all excited.
"Oh yeah!"
"Of course!" responded the others with the same enthusiastic.
They were gliding all happy, over the great Island of Manhattan. In the last couple of months since they awakened, they were able to adapt in this new world. It was hard at the beginning, but there were able to go on, specially thank to their new human friend Elisa.
But they don't think that they will have another friend any time soon, thanks to the bad experiences that they have lately. Xanatos' and Demona's betrayal, The Pack's deception, Demona's (again) complot. It would be hard to someone else get their trust.
But for the moment, the Trio were enjoying the moment, gliding over the city, passing between the big buildings, seeing how the streets and alley were illuminates. It's what brought Broadway attention, when an illuminated alley turned dark.
"Hey! Did you guys see that?" Asked Broadway pointing to the street.
"See what?" Lexington asked, gliding next him to see what was he pointing. But Broadway didn't repeat, he just open wide his wings and glide back, following by the others. They landed over one of the buildings, then Broadway run to the side of the building and glanced to the dark alley.
"Broadway!" cried Brooklyn. Turning around, Broadway saw his rookery brother "What was that all about?"
"I see one of the alleys just black out!" the others joining him to the side of the building.
"So what?" asked Lexington confuse.
"So what?" Broadway glanced to Lexington a 'You can't be serious' look, but when Lexington gave him an incredulous look. "Don't you remember what Elisa said? About the thief, the one that is always able to open a back door, steal the money but no all the merchandise?"
"Huh... Oh, yeah I remember now. That thief."
"Oh, come on Broadway," said Brooklyn annoying. "What are the possibilities that we find the thief that Elisa was after in the past three days?" suddenly there was movement in the dark alley. Turning to it, they couldn't see very well at first, but after they were able to adjusted their eyes they could see three shadows in the back door of a drugstore, opening it, getting inside and closing the door behind them.
"Don't say anything." Brooklyn glared to Broadway who shut his mouth before he could say 'told you so'.
"Come on, lets catch some vandals!" but before Broadway could climb over the bench, Brooklyn and Lexington grab him each one from one of his arm and pull him back, ending over his back with a thump.
"Hey, what was that for?" Broadway glared to his friends from the ground.
"You can't just run inside the store." scolded Lexington.
"Then, what you suggest?" Broadway scolded back as he stood up again.
"Lex," both Lexington and Broadway turned to his red brother "You go back to the castle, Elisa maybe still there. Meanwhile Broadway and I will stay here to sure they don't leave the place."
"Wait! Why don't we just go down there and smack them out?" Broadway asked all indignant.
"Why? Don't you want Elisa to be the one who catch him? After all she had been working very hard to get this guy." Brooklyn said to him.
"Well... maybe you are right." Broadway said as he scratched his baldhead.
"Then I should be going," said Lexington as he run to the other side of the building and climb over the bench. He look over his shoulder to look to them a last time "I will be back as fast as I can." and then he jumped and headed to the castle.
Inside the drugstore...
The thief were busy taking stuff here and there; just as Elisa said, they weren't stealing in random, after One took the money from the cash register, One joined the little ones to collect why they come from. They were able to collect everything in less than 30 minutes.
They packed everything inside of the bags and prepared to leave the place.
One's poked the head out of the door to check if the path was safe, deciding that the path was clear, One opened the door completely, gesturing to the others to come out; One closed the door back and then they headed back the alley.
One's take the headier bag as the little ones take the others two. They were relieve that were finish with their duty, Father would be happy, and maybe they he would allow a second portion tonight. The only thing left to do was to go back in time. Which will be not possible.
"Going somewhere?" a voice came from behind them, they turned around startled, not able to see much, just a big red shape with a couple of eyes that emit a white glow, looking at them. The three hooded humans were petrified, backing away from the stranger, as he walked forward to them.
Castle Wyvern...
Elisa was sleeping comfortable over the couch of the library, she fall asleep not too long after she follow Goliath inside. Her plan was to stay just one hour or two, maybe bring up a little the subject of leaving the castle and moving to a new place. But unfortunately for her, 25 minutes after she sat over the couch, she was out. Ironical what can happen when someone so exhausted close the eyes for 15 seconds.
Goliath was looking the books case, when he realize that Elisa was stopped talking to him for a long time, when he went back to the couch, he found Elisa seating over the cough in slumber. Goliath took the little blanket that was aside and cover her. He sigh sadly when he look her closed eyes, and the shadows over them, he know that this new case was taking a lot of her time; to sleep and to come to see them. And for some reason that he couldn't identify... it bother him. Goliath just shook that though away, took his book and sat in the other side of the couch very carefully to not disturbing her, then started with his reading.
It was been a while since the clock of the library chimed, it indicated that was midnight. Goliath came back to reality at glance add his side, looking a still sleeping Elisa. Goliath deciding that would be the best to her if she rested in her home. So he closed the book, then stood up and kneeling in front of her, just when he was going to wake her up, the doors flew open.
Goliath turn around and saw how was in the doorway, all gasping and panting, "Lexington!" he said in surprise.
Elisa wake up with a start, glazing around, not remember where she was until she look in front and meet with Goliath's face. "Oh no," she rub her eyes with her fingers "don't tell me that I fall asleep." But before Goliath could say anything to her, Lexington interrupted.
"Elisa!" Lexington ran to them "I'm glad that you hadn't left." panting once more, trying to catch his breath again.
"Lexington! What's going on?" asked Goliath as he and Elisa stood up.
"We were just coming back from the park, when Broadway saw an alley went black, we went to check out when we saw some humans going inside in the building. We think maybe is your thief Elisa."
"Where is it?" Elisa said urgently, taking him from the shoulders and shaking him.
"Huh... I... I think it was in 5th avenue, I remember that the store name is 'Zack's Remedies' or something. Broadway and Brooklyn stay in case..." Lexington couldn't finish, as soon as he gave the direction, Elisa bolted to the door almost colliding with Hudson and Bronx who were coming to see what all the commotion was about.
"Why so much hurry lass?" But Elisa didn't answer, she just ran pass him, her only thought was to get there as fast as possible. "What is going on here?"
"We will explain later, you and Bronx stay here and guard the castle." Goliath told him as he ran to tried to reach Elisa, followed closely by Lexington.
"I think is just you and me, hey boy." Hudson told to Bronx as he pat him over the head, which Bronx responded with groan and then he went away leaving Hudson alone, "Hmph, and they said that the beast is the best friend of the gargoyle." he said to himself as he walk back to the TV room.
Elisa was pressing the elevator's button desperately, "Come on, come on, hurry up" she mumbled, and she was almost jumping in one foot to another.
"Elisa!" turning around she could see Goliath running in the corridor.
"Not now Goliath. I have to get there before he gets away again," then the doors of elevator opened "I have to get going." she turned around but before she could get inside the elevator, a claw landed over her shoulder. Turning around she saw that was Goliath's talon, and when she saw his face he was smiling to her.
"I was just going to say that we will meet you there." Elisa couldn't help but to smile back at him and nodded her head.
She entered to the elevator and looked back to him before the doors shut and said "Thanks Big Guy."
After she left, Goliath turned to Lexington who was still behind him without saying a word, "Come Lexington, show me the way." Lexington just smiled to him and with a look of determination; both gargoyles went to their way.
Back to the alley...
Brooklyn and Broadway were waiting outside over the same spot, hopping that Lexington could came back with Elisa before the thief finish their business, but is when the back door started to open again and they saw when the thief started to sneak away into the alley.
Thinking fast, the rookery brothers decided that they couldn't wait any longer. So they decided to cut their exits.
"I can guess you didn`t pay for that." another voice came from the way they were just heading, turn from the reddish shape they saw another aquamarine shape still bigger, but with the same brightly eyes. They were surrender.
"Listen, we can do this in the easy way or the hard way," Brooklyn said as he walked close to them. "Just drop the bags and no one get hurt." And they drop them... well kind of.
Everything happened so fast; One took the bag and throw it as hard as was possible for a human to the red creature. Brooklyn was taken complete by surprise; his only reaction was to catch the bag. It was a sign to the other two little ones, remember their training, they drop their bags and started to run to the other big shape.
Broadway was surprised as well but stayed in foot in his position, but didn't expected that the two little humans that where running to him split to each of his side. Broadway so occupied of which human get first that he didn't saw when One run as well to him. Running to Broadway, One took one of the other bag and throw it to Broadway's face making him wobble back, giving the opportunity to One to tackle him and sending him to the ground.
After Brooklyn finally was able to get rid of the bag, he was able to see when Broadway hit the ground, and the thief running to the dark alley. He run to his rookery brother and helping him to get up.
"Come on," as Broadway finally stoop up and shook his head "they are getting away!" and he rushed after them, following by his big rookery brother.
They have to get away; it was the only thing One have in mind, get away. Glancing back, hoping that the creature weren't chasing them anymore. The creature weren't seemed to be after them, but One wasn't going to take the risk.
Looking in front to the alley, there was a pile of empty boxes. Taking both kids by the arm and dragging them to the pile, indicate them to stayed hide. They obeyed, staying put as One run again to the alley, one second later, two big shape pass by, going after their superior.
Once they were sure that they were gone, the two little human get out from his hiding place and run back were the bags were left.
Panting, One was running as fast as a human could, and then froze. In front was the red creature, blocking the path with his eyes glowing.
"Okay, we will have to do it in the hard way." Brooklyn growled and started to walk toward. The panic started to get to One's head, just stepping back very carefully as the red creature come close, just to run into something hard, and before turn around, two big and strong arm grab One from behind.
Broadway was strong enough, able to even knock out a full adult human, but this human was giving him a hard time. The thief was trying to get free, struggle and writhing.
"Hey, were the other two went?" grunted Broadway, having troubles trying to hold the human.
"I don't know, but unless we have this one," Brooklyn chuckled as he saw the scene in front of him. "Don't let him get away, ok?" Said Brooklyn with a smirk.
Grunting Broadway glared at his friend "Easy for to you to say!'' he looked back to the human ''Calm down buddy!"
"Here, let me help." but just when he get close, One kicked him hard in the chin, making Brooklyn to fell back in pain.
"HEY!" but it was all Broadway was able to say because, One used the head to strike him in the face, forcing Broadway to realize his prisoner and hold his own face in pain "AGH!"
One was about to get out of there, when a roar-cry-like came from the sky. Looking up, One saw two shapes going down to them. Then One run away.
Goliath was letting Lexington to lead the way. They were over the place when they saw Broadway and Brooklyn cornering a human in the alley and then caught it. Just before they could join them, they saw how the human knock them and get free. That made Goliath get angry and he roared in the dark of the night. That made the human runaway as Goliath and Lexington landed beside their friends.
"Lexington, stay with them. I'll take care of him." Goliath said in a low and anger tone.
Lexington just nodded and went to help his rookery brothers, while Goliath rushed after the thief.
Trying to get away from the creatures, One was running until was able the entrance of the alley to get to the street. The plan was simple; get to the other size and find a manhole cover. Just cross the street, it was the only thing it was needed…
Of course, One was so focused into crossed the street that forgot the traffic rules… check both side before cross the street. Is because of that, One didn't saw the truck that was driving in the street. But when One saw it… it was too late. Like a deer petrified in the middle of the road, waiting the inevitable.
The truck's driver was about to end his turned, he couldn't wait to get out of his truck and go home, hearing the news in the radio.
"… that was the testimony of the Mayor. In other news, another disappearance was reported, making it five in the last couple of weeks. The police are trying to look for tracks that could suggest that the disappearance could be related, but they hadn't still found anything yet. We ask for any information that the public may had that could..."
Click. The driver changed the station.
"Yeah, yeah, very sad. But what about the Yankees?"
Taking his eyes off the road to change channel, he didn't saw the person that appear from nowhere in the middle of the street or the big shadow who launched and snatched it away to the other side of the street.
"Ahh, what the hell. I'll watch the repetition when I get home" Continuing with his way like if anything had happened.
One was in shock. In one moment it looked like it was going to end like street pizza by a truck, and in the next moment was lifted over one meter high over the ground by a talon that was grabbing the front of the jacket. The creature was growling, narrowing his eyes while they were glowing. Then everything turned into darkness.
Goliath didn't know what to think. He just knew that he wanted him to pay for what he did to his clan. Even that a part of him was saying that they were all right, the idea of someone harming his clan in any way was unacceptable. He saw the human just standing in the middle of the road and it was the chance he wanted. Without care that someone saw him, he launched himself to grab him one second before the truck hit them.
Once in the other ally, with anger he lifted the human growling and with his eyes glowing. Lifted him so hard that the hood that covered the head fall back; revealing her face.
Goliath couldn't believe what he was seeing. In all his life – even in this new time – he faced all kind of thieves and bandits, he expected everything, but not what he saw… a child.
He wasn't an expert in human age, but he could see that she was barely a teenager. Her skin was pale –didn't know if it was natural or the lack of light -, the color of her hair was awkward, it was a nice berry tone; her cut hair was peculiar as well, a fleck on her forehead, the hair of the backside was cut over the neck but with two long locks that fall over her chest in each side of her head. But what really kept his attention, were her wide and scared light-blue eyes.
And before the glow of his eyes faded, the girl fainted. Goliath face changed as well; he wasn't angry any more, now his face reflected pity and guilt. Old memories surfaced in his mind; but shook them away. Carefully he lowed her down and carried her like a hatchling.
He couldn't understand it, all those crimes were made by this little and frightened creature. Looking at her face, so calm and peacefully, he felt his heart melting of sadness, but before he could think something else a voice call for him.
"Goliath!" Looking over his shoulder, he saw Elisa and the Trio running forward him.
"What happened?"
"Did you catch him?"
"Did he get away?"
"Yes," he responded to them as he turned around, "I catch her." Everyone gasped when they saw what he had in his arms.
"It is her?" Elisa asked amused. Goliath just nodded.
Brooklyn and Broadway couldn't believe it; that was the human that gave them so many problems? And before anyone else could say anything… Sirens started to sound.
"I called for backup before I got here," Elisa said, "you better get going." Then she walked forward to Goliath, who was still holding the child in his arms. "Give her to me Goliath." Elisa told him.
Looking back to the girl little face, he doubted just for a second, but at the end he handed her to Elisa.
Elisa had problems to carry her at the beginning. After knowing she have a good grip, she walked out to the street.
"Will she be all right?" Elisa heard Goliath asking like a tone of worry. Glancing back to him, she could see something in his face, which she could only identify as concern.
"She'll be fine." Elisa responded neutrally, "Now go!" With that, the gargoyles had already climbed the building and departed to the castle.
She watched them go. Elisa couldn't understand why Goliath felt sympathy for the girl or... it was just because she was a cop. In all her carrier, she had seen all kind of criminals, of all sizes, colors and ages. Feeling her arms getting tired she started to walk where the patrols were gathering.
Darkness. It was all dark, the little girl -not much older than 4 years old- couldn't do anything but run. She was scared; she was terrified… she wanted her mother.
"Mommy!" tears rolling over her cheeks "Mommy!" and then she stumble, sobbing as she kneeled, trying to dry her tears with her fist.
Looking up to the darkness she could see her; a beautiful woman, cream skin with beautiful light-green eyes and golden hair, smiling at her and extending her arms to the little girl. The little one smile widely, standing up and running to her mother. Suddenly a dark shadow with wings and red glowing eyes come from know where and launch to the woman, surrounded her with it owns wings.
The little girl halted at the presence of the monster, fresh tears running over her face.
Not again. No. The monster now brought its attention to the little human child, coming close to her. The little girl just stayed there, trembling, unable to move, she covered her head with her little arms and kneel, trying to make herself invisible to the monster. But it didn't worked; the monster was still walking towards her.
"No," she whisper, "No… No…" a sob was able to get out of her lips. The monster was just over her and was going to strike her with one of her claws, "NOOOOOOOOO!"
She woke up with a start, her light-blue eyes wide, gasping for air and her face sweating. The first thing she noticed was the brightly light that was above her, making shut her eyes very hard. The second thing was when she tried to cover her eyes with her hands, she couldn't bring up her right hand, because the wrist was trapped with who knows what? And the third thing is that she was lying on something soft and comfortable.
Very slowly, she tried to open her eyes once more, her sight was blurred, but it started to adjust until she was able to see that the brightly light was a spotlight in the ceiling; her right wrist was handcuffed to a railing that was part of a hospital bed, and that explained the soft and the comfortable.
"So you decide to wake up." a female voice reached her ears, making her almost jump out of the bed, if she wasn't handcuffed to it, so she just seat up making realize that she wasn't using her cloth but a white gown. Looking at the direction of the voice, she could see a woman with long raven hair, tan skin and brown eyes who was wearing a red jacket, a black t-shirt, a pair of jeans and boots; Detective Elisa Maza was standing a meter of the bed looking at her, very deeply.
When One saw the older woman, her instinct told her to run away, forgetting that she was still handcuffed to the bed. She tried to get out of the bed tugging her right arm, making her wince of the pain.
"I'm afraid you are not going anywhere," Elisa said, crossing her arm over her chest, "let's start from the beginning. Like your name." but the girl wasn't paying attention of what she was saying, sitting in the bed, just jerking her right arm trying to free herself.
After a while she finally gave up, sighing and letting her hand fall over her lap. There was silence, the detective saw the girl stayed still, looking at her hands emotionless. Elisa didn't know why she listened to Morgan in the first place; if it had been for her they would be already in the station. After the gargoyles left she went were two patrols cars where gathering, Morgan was the first one in spot her and her cargo. Before Elisa could explain anything, he called to an ambulance and took the girl from her arms and walk away, leaving a very shocked Elisa behind.
When the ambulance arrived, Elisa told to Morgan that she would take care of the situation and it wasn't necessary to came along, But her other reason were that she know that his parental instinct could interfere with the case. Anyway, they were here now and at least she would able to get the cloth for tracks and evidence. When Elisa realized that the girl was not going to respond, she decided to proceed to The Miranda Warning.
"Alright, have it your way, then we will call you 'Miss Thief 94', how that sound?" Elisa asked sarcastically, she continued when the girl didn't even move, " You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. You have..."
"Detective," Elisa stopped and turned around. A doctor, in his middles with grey hair, beard and mustaches, was in the door "Sorry for the interruption, but, may I have a word with you?" but before she could replied, the doctor get out closing the door. Elisa just rolled her eyes, and looking back at 'Miss Thief 94' to her surprise, she was looking at her. Those light-blue eyes were so clear and penetrating. Elisa blink, like she was just wake up from a trance.
"Um..." clearing her throat, trying to came back to the serious police status "We aren't finish here." she turned around, walked out of the room and shut the door behind her. The girl watched her go and for the first time she had the time to look around. She was in a hospital room all right, but which hospital? She had no idea, looking at her right she could see a window, it was dark. But she couldn't tell if was the same night, she look back to her right wrist, it was beginning to turn red.
This was bad, really bad. She had to get out of there; she had to go back home. If she did not made it before dawn Father will be furious. She trembled, but not because she was afraid of what he would do to her… she was afraid about what he would do to them.
Elisa was in the corridor of the hospital, the Doctor that interrupted her was there as well talking to a nurse, he noticed her as Elisa approached to them.
"That will be all nurse, thank you."
"Yes, Doctor." The nurse turned around and walked away, leaving the Doctor and a very annoying detective.
"Sorry Detective for the interruption, but here are the cloths of the girl." The doctor handed to her a carton bag to her, "Oh, and here are some of the things that she had with her, ''He handed her another cartoon bag, a little smallest this time, ''Do not worry, I clearly specificity were to process carefully so it won't damage any possible evidence."
"Thanks a lot Doc, I will take these to the guys in the laboratory immediately."
"Of course... um… excuse me Detective, but the handcuff are really necessary?"
"For a young escape artist, of course. But anyway, how soon you can discharge her." she asked as she was checking the bags.
"Um... that's the other think I want to talk to you about."
Elisa looked up to him in confusion, and when she saw the sad face of the doctor, she moan and rub one of her temple.
"Oh please don't tell me that she has something."
"Well, no precisely. At the moment she is steady. But... "
"If she if alright, then there is no problem if I take her to the station." She argued.
"I never said that she was in good health, Detective." the doctor replied calm but firmly. Elisa just take a deep breathe and let it went very slowly.
"Then what is it?" she asked more calmly.
"It would better if I show you, please come with me to my office." Elisa estimated a moment glazing back to the bags in her hands, knowing that some evidences must be analyzed immediately to not risk it lost. Seeing this, the Doctor insisted, "Please Detective, it will be just a moment."
Elisa didn't want to lose more time so she decided to save the discussion and went with him.
"All right, but I want someone to stay here and watch her." she said firmly.
"Of course."
Elisa followed the Doctor to one of the doors in the corridor one level down. The Doctor open the door to Elisa and after she get in, the Doctor followed and closed the door. The office was as any other consulting room; a desk with files and paper work, a couple of pictures in the desk; there were two chairs to visitors in front of it. Behind the desk the wall had diplomas and certificates. Furniture with doctor equipment, a bed of examination, etc.
"So what this is all about?" Elisa asked, annoying could hear a little in her voice.
The Doctor didn't answered her, just gestured her to sit in one of the chairs. Elisa fulfill, she sit down and put the bags with the close in the other chair. The Doctor went and sat over his chair.
"I think that you should reconsidered this case Detective."
"WHAT?" Elisa cried, as she stood up, "There no way that going to happen," angry, she lean and put her hands over the desk, "Listen, just because she is a teen, that doesn't excuse her for what she did." Standing straight and taking the bags of the other chair, she decided to leave. "She was old enough to know what she was doing and I am not going to be soft with her just because…''
"DETECTIVE MAZA!" now was the turned of the Doctor to scream. He stood up from his chair, glaring angry to her, "I never said to close the case," trying to calm himself he took a very deep and continue "I just asking to reconsider the charges."
"The charges...?", now Elisa was confused, "What you mean?"
"Detective," he began as he took one of the files over his desk, "You know about protocol, don't you?" he didn't wait her to answer "Well here, when a new patient in this circumstance, especially when there are so young, there are some protocol that need to be done," then he handle the file to Elisa, "when the nurse was taking away her cloths, she note marks and bruises, so we decided to made a full examination to her."
Elisa opened the file that contained the medical inform of the girl, it also contained some pictures. Elisa's eyes widened. Pictures of purple and dark bruises; one over the shoulder, a second in a thigh, another in the stomach, and one in her back. There were cuts in almost all her body, some old, other healing and even infected.
"Wait, a second, you don't suggest that this was police brutality, do you?" Elisa asked a little nervous, not wanted to get into a demanded or something worse.
"Of course not Detective," the Doctor said all surprise, he took another file and walk to the white screen that was over one of the walls, "the cuts and bruises were recently but not that recently" he was looking something inside the file he was holding.
"How recently?"
"About two or three days."
"Maybe... maybe she did it herself." Elisa suggested, but even she didn't believe it.
"Detective I can assure you that she didn't do it herself," he placed four radiography over the white screen, "I suspect that someone has been abusing form this girl for a long time." then he turned on the light of the screen, reveling a torso, two full arms with the shoulders and a full leg. The Doctor pointing to some marks over the bones "As you can see Detective Maza, she have old fractures. Some have years, the more recently are two broken ribs, the eighth and the ninth."
Elisa's bravery went off all her body; her face grieved; now she could understand why Goliath could have pity for the girl. But how Goliath knew? She would have to ask him that the next time he visit him. Then another dark thought come to her mind, she shiver at the thought but she had to know.
"Did she...? " she looked down, searching for the right words, unable to see the him, "Is there sexual abuse?"
"I was just going to that part. But no, there's not." the Doctor answered. Elisa couldn't help but to sight in relief. There was a pause before Elisa was able to talk again.
"Well, if there is anything else, I most go back to the station to leave this. I will come back later." Elisa said, she was about to leave the office then she stopped when her hand touch the knob. Turning to the doctor she said, "I will think about this, and I will see what I can do about this case."
The Doctor, for the first time, he smiled.
"I'll appreciate that Detective Maza, thank you."
"But just for caution she will stay handcuffed. I will send an official to watch over her."
"As you wish."
Elisa just nodded in respond and left the office.
Back to the Police Station...
"I don't know Elisa. I already have many others samples to do. I can't just jump to another's whenever I like and besides…''
"Oh, come on Sam. Do me this favor and I'll buy you lunch for a week."
He turned around to see her. "Make it a moth and we have a deal."
"Two weeks and a chocolate cake of the Vicky's bakery" Elisa smirk, knowing the weak point of Sam from the lab of criminalists.
"You have a deal." Sam said as he took Elisa's evidence bags and went back to the lab.
"And don't doubt to call me as soon as you get the analysis." Elisa called him before he disappeared in the corridor.
"Yeah no problem" he called back and then he was gone. Elisa smiled in satisfaction, as soon as she check who was going to watch the girl she left the hospital and came to the station to drop the bags. She wanted to go back to the castle to see the guys before sunrise. She was just about to leave when Captain Chavez came out of her office and walked to the middle of the room.
"Listen everybody! I need all of you to come to the conference room now!" she shouted. Hopping to able to get away, Elisa started to walk to the station's door.
"Maza!"
Busted, though Elisa.
"I said everybody. Now hurry up." and with that Chavez went to the conference room as well.
"How ironic, first she want me out, and now she want me in" Elisa said amusing to herself before follow her.
The conference room was so full that some people had to stay up. Then everything became quiet when Captain Chaves came to the room, follow by the Elisa. The Captain took her position in front of everybody while Elisa went to the back.
"Thanks to everyone for coming, I know that some of you have others duties or plans," her voice become seriously "but I have to inform to you a bad new," she pick up a picture of a police and put it in the blackboard that was behind her, "The officer, Leon Anderson, has disappear during his turn, five hours ago."
Murmurs filled the room.
"How did this happen?" asked one. Captain Chavez glanced to one of the cops in the front line. The partner of the victim stood up and went in front, standing a side of Captain Chavez he spoke.
"We were doing our patrol in Bronx, and we stopped to stop a fight. Anderson grabbed one of the tramps who started and took him to the alley to calm him down. But… He never came back."
"And the one who were fighting didn't tell you anything?" a woman asked from the crowd.
"It was the first thing I tried to do, but they were already gone," he sighted "I was looking for him for almost an two and I didn't find anything of him or the tramp who he left with."
The room became silence. Until someone broke the silence.
"That's no good, someone who dares kidnaps a cop while having his partner so close, can't be good news."
"It is why I want to everyone have extremely caution and be in total alert," said Captain Chavez "I don't want another report of other officer missing. All of you who have contacts over the street start to get information. I want to know what the hell happen. You may go."
The crowd started to leave the room, some were talking between each other just thinking hard or making notes. But before Elisa could leave the room...
"Maza!" the Captain call her.
"Oh, come on" she though annoyed. If she continued in rimed, she would never go to the castle and back to the hospital.
"Yes?" it took her a lot of strength to not snapped at her.
"Congratulation, I heard you caught you thief after all." said her Captain with a smile.
"…Yes." Elisa responded. But to the Captain surprise, she wasn't happy.
"What's the matter?", asked Chavez all confuse, "I thought that you would be happy."
"I would be," sighting deeply, Elisa continued, "If the thief wasn't a young teen girl who is been physically abuse, and maybe mentally."
"Oh," it was the only thing that Chavez was able to say. "Well, unless she confess that she was forced to steal, you know that the only thing left to do is arrest her."
"I know that,'' she said suddenly, "I just need a chance to speak to her."
"Well Maza… Then I suggest you to hurry."
"Thanks Captain." And with that, Elisa rushed out of the door. Chavez just shook her head as she watched her go and the left to her office to do her own duties.
Castle Wyvern, before sunrise...
"Ow," Brooklyn wince when he touched his bruise over his chin, "How can a little human give hard kicks?" he told to his rookery brothers meanwhile they walk out to take their place to sleep. He and Broadway were still feeling sore.
Lexington couldn't help but chuckled, "Don't forget that was a female."
"Shut up Lex!" said Broadway all annoying, "If you were hit as well you wouldn't have that smile in your face!" he snap as he rubbed his sore nose.
"Well... I wasn't. That was makes it funny." he responded and started to laugh. Brooklyn and Broadway were about to shut him when...
"That's enough!" Hudson came out of the door way followed by Bronx and walk to them, "You lads shouldn't make a big deal about all this."
"What do you mean?" asked Brooklyn.
"All living been have their weak points, some are different but others are the same. I can assure ya that any gargoyle or human when is hit in the nose or chin it can cause a lot of pain, no matter how strong it can be. So stop complain about how it beats ya, and learn from yuir mistakes so it never happen again"
"Yes sir." the trio responded in unison, like hatchlings been lecturing.
"Now, have ya seen Goliath?" he asked looking around.
"He's already up there." pointed Lexington to the tower where is Goliath's place to roost.
"He's been there since we come back," commented Broadway.
"Thanks lads." Hudson started to climb the tower to join with the lavender gargoyle.
"Don't you think that Goliath has been acting strange since we left that alley?" commented Brooklyn as he took his place to sleep.
"Yeah," agreed Lexington as he hoped to his place. "I wonder what's up with him?"
"Nothing serious I hope." said Broadway as the three of them glance up worriedly.
When Hudson finally arrived to the top, he could see Goliath over his place, in his position of thinking.
"So lad, I heard that ya catch the little thief that Elisa was after," But Goliath didn't respond just flinch lightly at the memory. Hudson worriedly come close to him and put a talon over his shoulder, "Lad, what is disturbing you?"
Sighting very deeply he answer to his mentor, "The thief was only a child."
"Aye, a young girl," Hudson laugh cheerfully, "That must be a big surprise to all of you lads." But he saw that Goliath wasn't amused, "Is that what is bothering ya?"
"Yes," Goliath nodded his head, "I was furious, I want revenge for hurting the others that... I lost control again, just like that occasion when I lose control with Magus long ago." he explained, "I could have harm her, I... I could have killed her." He finally confessed. Guilty filled all his words.
"Aye, you could," Goliath turned to face him, disbelief all over his face, but before he could said anything, Hudson bring his hand up to silence him and continue, "As I was saying, you could have, but you didn't."
Goliath didn't know what to say, but just give to his mentor a nod with a smile of gratitude. Hudson just smiled back to him and before he could say anything else, Elisa appears in the stairs.
"GUYS!" Elisa cried as she panted, resting her hand over her chest trying to calm her breath. "This place needs another elevator."
"Elisa!" Goliath said in surprise. He hoped down from his place and walk to her.
"Hello lass, is good to know that you make it before sunrise" Hudson told her.
"Yeah, well it wasn't easy," taking deep breaths she continued. "Since I left the hospital, I thought I would never make it."
"The hospital..." Goliath whispered, some part of him didn't want to know, but the other part was consuming him from the inside. "How... how is she?"
Elisa looked uncomfortable; she could see that it only made him feel even worse. Afraid that he really hurt her without realize it. Elisa didn't know if tell them about what she discover. Looking up to Goliath's worry face, she make in her mind.
"Well... she is fine," she saw Goliath's face relax "But..."
"ELISA!" suddenly the Trio appeared hanging in the shore, painting to dead. They were in their place when they hear Elisa on the top with the others. Curiosity taking the best of them, they climb at all speed don't wanted to sunrise to beat them.
"So... what... what happen?" Lexington asked as he collapsed over the floor follow by his rookery brothers.
"Yeah... how many years did the judge gave her?" Broadway asked as they stand up, not notice the older gargoyles gave them a disapproval look.
"None," Elisa said firmly "because she still is in the hospital."
"Well, how soon do you think they will condemn her." insisted Brooklyn.
" Never if I can help it." she said solemnly, surprising everyone.
"WHAAAAT?" the Trio cried in unison.
"Why not?"
"Are you serious?"
"She is a criminal!"
"SILENCE!" roar Goliath extending his wings very wide, eyes glowing. "Elisa must have her reason to do what she do." He glared to the Trio, they just moan and mutter.
"That's no fair or justice." Brooklyn said, kicking the dirk of the floor.
"Yeah you said it." agreed Broadway as he rub again his sore nose.
"And I suppose that the other two were forgiven as well eh?" asked Lexington, not as angry or disappointed as his two friends.
"Lads, your are acting like hatchlings. Stop... "
"Wait a second?" Elisa alarmed "What others?"
"Huh? Oh right, we didn't have time to tell you, did we?" Brooklyn responded, "There were other two with her, a little smaller than her."
"Oh no," Elisa cover her eyes with a hand "This is worst than I though."
"What is it Elisa?" Goliath asked, don't liking the tone of concern in her voice. Elisa dropped her hand to her side. This was going bad to worse.
"If there are more kids involve in this, that mean I need to hurry up."
"What are you talking about?" Lex asked, all confuse as the rest of the clan.
"We suspect that the girl has been physically abuse. And maybe that she was force to steal."
After the words left her mouth it continue with an uncomfortable silence.
The gargoyles tried to digest her words. Physical Abuse; the concept wasn't unknown by them, it was just hard to believe that even in this new world there are still people who are capable to harm a child. It was heartless.
"But who could do that?" Asked Hudson perturbed.
"That's what I want to find out, if I can make the girl talk"
"But... if she's been... hurt," Goliath almost could say the word, "then why she wouldn't say anything."
"Many of the reasons are because they are scared."
"But they were outside," Said Brooklyn astonish "why going back to the one is hurting them? It really doesn't have any sense."
"Is something psychological, but I'm afraid I will tell you about it." Then she point behind them. Turning around they could see that the sun was almost out; sunshine was visible in the horizon.
"The lass is right, we should take our place. Come on" then Hudson walked to the edge and glided down to take his place followed closely by the Trio, who just said a quick bye to Elisa.
Staying alone, Elisa looked back to Goliath, "You should take your place as well. And I have to head back to the hospital."
"What exactly will happen to her?" concern filled Goliath's words.
"Well... if I can make her to talk, she could have a chance to no go to a correctional. And..." Elisa face changed for one of pity "And maybe Children's Service would be able to locate her in a substitute house."
"Sub-what?"
"Is another thing that I will tell you later." But before he could reply she continued.
"Listen, I promise that I would tell you everything other night, right now there's no time."
Sighting in disappointment, Goliath just nodded and hoped over his place. After a couple of seconds the sun raised and he was petrified in stone. Elisa stood there and then left.
Elisa had abandoned the yard, still feeling concerned about the situation. Before she could reach the elevator, Owen Brunette was walking in the other side to her direction.
He gave her a little bow. "Detective Maza, going so soon?''
"Save it." She said walking along, without even turning to see him and then she entered the elevator.
"Good day to you too." He replied sarcastically.
While she was in the elevator, her mind filled with many concerns. It was bad enough that someone has hurt a child, but that maybe there were more children who are going through the same, it was disturbing. She didn't even wanted to think about what might happen to them if she didn't find them in time.
Under the big city of New York, in one of the hundreds of abandoned tunnels, just in one an eco resonated.
"WHERE IS SHE?"
The children were hidden in terror in their tents just looking his head out enough to see Father and two of their brothers. After the successful distraction that One created, the other two were able to go back for the bags. It was hard to drag three bags with their little bodies, but they were able to get away. Like their training told them, they didn't wait for her; with sadness in their hearts, they went straight back home. Even though it took more time than usually.
And as expected, when Father saw that they returned without One... he became mad.
"I asked you a question." he glared at them.
The two kids of eight and nine years were kneeling in front of him; trembling like jellies in a quake.
Fuming he asked again. "I'm not going to repeat myself"
Still trembling, they shook their heads vigorously. It was the only thing they could do, after all Father didn't allow them to speak, not even a noise, not matter the circumcise.
After a few seconds of silence, he took a big breath and let it go slowly.
"It's ok", kneeling in one kneel, he started to tap their heads, "It's ok. Father understands."
They stop trembling, but they were still afraid. He stood up, turned around started walking to a shape that was lying in the floor, it was something that looked like a... body.
"Do not worry my children," he said without looking back to them as he grab the arm of the body "I will gave her a chance to come back, but..." he look other his shoulder to them, "there would be no food or water until I said the contrary." Then he started to drag the body to one of the door that was in the wall, he open the door and get inside with all and body.
Anybody would think that the kids would feel relief after he left... but they just tense more when Father went inside to that door, always dragging a body with him. Knowing what it was coming next, each one of them run to their tent.
The place become quite... the children disappeared inside their tent and the creepiest of all, is that all the wagons were empty.
Barks and growls started to come from the door that Father get into.
To be continued...