Disclaimers
All characters appearing in Gargoyles and Gargoyles: The Goliath Chronicles are copyright Buena Vista Television/The Walt Disney Company. No infringement of these copyrights is intended, and is not authorized by the copyright holder.
All characters appearing in Teenage Mutant 1987 series copyright by Murakami Wolf Swenson, Inc. No infringement of these copyrights is intended, and is not authorized by the copyright holder.
All original characters, such as Ulysses Quintone and Guillermo Maza, are the property of Celgress.
TMNT/Gargoyles Season One Beginnings Episode One Awakening
Chapter Three
by
Celgress
Somewhere in NYC late the following morning
"Five million that is our final offer" stated the bespectacled visage of Preston Vogel with authority.
"Now, now Mr. Vogel", said Armaggon shaking his large head at the flickering video screen. "You don't honestly expect me to believe that this little goody is only worth a measly five million dollars to your boss Halcyon Renard, now do you?" grinned the cybernetic shark mutant who began causally tossing the canister of mutagen into the air, like a professional juggler would a pin.
"For the love of God don't do that!" said an obviously alarmed Vogel.
"Why, worried I might destroy your precious merchandise?" laughed Armaggon, while continuing his game of cat and mouse with Vogel.
"You truly are a madman, er or a madfish or whatever you are you're totally insane!" screamed Vogel across the com link. "I, I know you want ten million for this, 'mutagen', but Mr. Renard will only authorize me to offer you a maximum of five. You are welcome to try unloading it elsewhere if you think you'll do better." Said Preseton Vogel with just a hint of smugness in his voice, his bland countenance returning to it's legendary near unflappable state. "The decision is entirely your own Mr. Armaggon, choose wisely."
Armaggon stopped playing with the canister, frowning slightly he gritted his myriad of sharp teeth in silent frustration. He really wanted, no needed, that ten million dollars if he was to start building his own cooperation which would one day eclipse TCRI, putting Shredder & Krang out of business in the process. Furthermore in the short term that much cash could help him deal with his pesky 'Turtle' problem. By placing a two million dollar bounty on the four shellbacks, he'd ensure every half-baked, self-proclaimed 'mutant hunter' and two bit criminal with more sense than brains would be after those reptilian brats. That would keep the damn things off his back for a while, if nothing else. Who knows, perhaps one of the wannabe bounty hunters would even get lucky bagging one or more of the Turtles. However with only five million to play around with he would hardly have enough money for his start-up company, little own other pursuits. Damn that cheapskate Renard and this pasty faced yes man. Very well he would 'play ball' with them, this time. Though he certainly didn't like it, he had no choice but to accept the insultingly low ball offer. After all where else could he unload this stuff for a tidy profit in less than 24hrs?
"Fine, I accept your generous offer. It was a pleasure doing business with you and Mr. Renard" said Armaggon, his deep voice thick with sarcasm.
"Excellent" stated the emotionless Vogel. "Now on to the mechanics of the situation, where and when will we make the exchange?"
"Wherever and whenever you'd like Mr. Vogel, just remember my money" replied Armaggon with a toothy grin.
An upscale apartment building early that afternoon
"So that is basically it in a nutshell April." Said Leo, as the Turtles, Mona Lisa, Casey Jones and April O'Neil all milled about the spacious kitchen of the latter's new luxury apartment.
"And you say Armaggon stole this canister of mutagen from a waterfront warehouse belonging to TCRI Corp?" asked the former reporter, while nibbling on some toast.
"Extomundo April, ol' Tooth Face grabbed the stuff direct from a TCRI freezer down on the wharf" confirmed Mikey, in typical animated fashion.
"And we of course are wondering how a canister of mutagen got there in the first place, considering the stuff is Pappy Krang's secret recipe" said Ralph, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "We can't just see the gruesome twosome giving away a family secret to strangers, so we figure there could very well be a connection between them and this TCRI."
"We are hoping you can use your journalistic skills for us? Do some digging. Find out if there is any connection between Shredder, Krang and TCRI Corp." added Mona Lisa, while taking a sip of her orange juice.
"While the rest of us track down Armaggon and recover the pilfered canister" finished Don, between bites of his sandwich.
"Of course I'll help you guys. You didn't even need to ask. It'll be just like old times." Said April cheerily, giving a single armed hug to each of the closest Turtles Leo & Mikey.
"Count me in too." said Casey Jones who was standing beside Ralph, finishing off his plate of eggs. Casey was almost unrecognizable in his casual dress suite. He was clean shaven, his usually shaggy hair now cropped short, his dingy trademark, hockey mask nowhere to be found. "I'm just itching for some old time action."
"Oh no you don't" chuckled April. "The Turtles and Mona Lisa can handle this one. On the off chance they run into trouble and need help. I'll be sure to let you know. Besides need I remind you that you have a job interview with Preston Vogel of Cyberbiotics at 2:30 pm buster?"
"No I remember, though I wish I didn't" grumbled a dejected Casey Jones.
"C'mon that is no way to act Casey. Cyberbiotics is a great company. Most people would give their left leg to even get an interview. You do not appreciate how lucky you are" responded April with mild annoyance.
"April is right Casey, you can't just throw away such an opportunity. I only wish I could work at a dynamic, innovative, company like Cyberbiotics. Unfortunately, like all other companies in this city, mutants need not apply." said Don glumly.
At Don's comment Mona Lisa slumped lower in her seat. The others could tell that what had been said touched a raw nerve in the salamander like mutant. "Don's right Casey you shouldn't pass up such a great opportunity. I know I wouldn't, though I'll likely never get the chance" she grumbled.
"Yeah, yeah it is a top notch place guys I know. Donnie, Mona Lisa I wish you two could take my place, I sincerely do. It totally blows that you guys are not given the recognition you deserve. It really burns my biscuits how you mutants are treated sometimes. Still there is a part of me that wishes I could still just crack heads, and forget about all this corporate stuff" sighed Casey in frustration.
The TCRI Building late afternoon
"That old curmudgeon has our mutagen! How can you be so calm, Krang?!" Thundered Shredder throwing up his hands in absolute frustration, mere moments after Ulysses Quintone had informed the duo that one of their most reliable moles at Cyberbiotics had reported Preston Vogel himself had just purchased the canister, from that thrice cursed shark mutant Armaggon!
"Because, if our current plans work out, we will no longer need such a crude, primitive substance as our standard mutagen, it will soon be rendered obsolete" answered Krang calmly, Ulysses Quintone stood stoically by his side. "Bah let Halcyon Renard, and his pennons over at Cyberbiotics, have it along with all its' inherent problems I say" finished Krang, dismissively waving a tentacle for added emphasis. "Under my tutelage the good Dr. Anton Sevarius has made a series of recent breakthroughs in the construction of a revolutionary new mutagenic formulation. One that makes our original design seem as sophisticated as a biplane when compared with the capabilities of a stealth bomber!"
"While I'm glad you're not worried about this development, Krang. I can't share you ambivalence. While this new type of mutagen maybe far in advance of our original design. I still am very uncomfortable with allowing one of our greatest business rivals unfettered access to any of our 'products', past or present. Think of the damage that old fool Renard could do with our mutagen, Krang. What if he creates his own mutants, like Rocksteady & Bebop or Armaggon? Worse yet what if he analyses the compound discovering in the process it played the key role in creating 90% of the mutants running wild throughout the city today? What if Renard then turns this information over to the proper authorities? What then? I'll tell you what. I'd be arrested, and likely spend the rest of my life in prison, and I'd hate to think what they'd do to you, Bebop and Rocksteady. I have no doubt a thinking, talking, alien brain from Dimension X would be treated little better than a mutant, heck they may even think you are some type of weird sub-mutant" proclaimed Shredder locking looking at Krang.
"I hadn't considered that" admitted Krang. "How do you suggest we precede Shredder?"
"We need to retrieve the mutagen before that crusty, old geezer Renard fully analyses it, Krang. Ulysses did our mole indicate where exactly the mutagen is being stored?" inquired Shredder, turning his gaze towards the Head of the TCRI Legal Department.
"Preston Vogel has placed the canister aboard the new Cyberbiotics airship known as Fortress-1." Ulysses Quintone informed his masters.
"This couldn't be better" said Shredder gleefully.
"What do you have in mind, Shredder?" asked a curious Krang.
"I believe another test of our new 'allies' is in order Krang. A test of the upper limits of their natural abilities, acquired skills and loyalty, a test that will demonstrate their capacity for eventual ultimate successes or failure against their true targets" smiled Shredder beneath his metal mask.
"Interesting one question though how do you plan on motivating them, Shredder?" asked Krang.
"Simply by letting them known Fortress-1 is a stronghold of their enemies the Turtles & Splinter. That Cyberbiotics is a front for Hamato Yoshi's evil mutant empire. That his two human acolytes, Renard & Vogel, are about to replicate Yoshi's mutagen potion on a vast scale, based upon the same container of potion our agents took away from the Turtles before they could deliver it to Fortress-1 for replication. Tragically Armaggon than stole it from the warehouse where it was about to be destroyed. A theft I will then remind Goliath that he failed to prevent" said Shredder great satisfaction evident in his smug voice.
"Oh Shredder you are truly a human after my own back heart" laughed Krang.
"Bravo Master Shredder" said Ulysses Quintone, clapping his hands in applause.
"Why thank you" said Shredder with several mock bows.
Castle Wyvern shortly after sunset
"This can't be happening. This can't be happening. This can't be happening. Oh God. Oh God. Oh God" Elisa sat all by herself in a corner her new wings folded around herself repeating the same phrases over and over again while tears welled up in her eyes.
Nearby Goliath, Hudson and the others watched her unsure of how to proceed. The Trio for their part had never seen anything like it. The three were used to their adults always being strong, barely showing the slightest sign of sadness. They recalled how even following the massacre of their clan mates that neither Goliath nor the newly minted Hudson had hardly shed a tear over their fallen comrades. Finally the Red Beaded Gargoyle broke the silence.
"Is she going to be okay Goliath?"
"I do not know. She has been like this since we awoke. She recoiled from me almost immediately upon shedding our stone skins."
"Elisa are ye alright las?" inquired Hudson moving up to were Elisa sat crying. Her face buried in her now clawed hands. Elisa took no notice of Hudson or the others she just continued deeply sobbing.
"What are we going to do?" asked the Olive Green Gargoyle. "We can't just leave her like this."
"He's right" said the Overweight Aquamarine Gargoyle. "She is our alley, or she was. Now she is one of us and Gargoyles never abandon our own."
"Aye lad, the Clan is family and family is everything" chimed in Hudson.
"Do you hear that Elisa we are all here for you" said Goliath gently gripping Elisa's shoulder. "We will always be here for you. No matter what may come, you will never face it alone."
These words seemed to shake Elisa out of her despair. She looked up with tear filled eyes at the gathered gargoyles. "You would accept me into your family?" One after another the five replied in the affirmative, even the beast barked his consent. The new clan then embraced each other in a group hug.
"How touching" said Date Masamune. "This show of affection warms my heart."
The group turned to face Date Masamune, and Ulysses Quintone. Before anyone else could say anything Goliath jumped up and demanded the following.
"The Grimorum Arcanorum where is it?"
"Right here" said Ulysses Quintone, offering the book to Goliath. "If you are looking for a counter to the spell used on Detective Maza, don't waste your time Goliath I assure you there is none."
"I'll be the judge of that. Hudson will you help me?" said Goliath taking the ancient volume from Ulysses Quintone.
"Aye lad, I will help ye however I can."
Several minutes passed in silence between the Gargoyles and the humans, neither saying a work while Goliath & Hudson continued their feverish search. By this time Elisa had recovered her composure. The newest edition to the Clan now joined the others gathered around their leader and elder.
"Well" asked Elisa finally, wiping the last few tears from her eyes. "What is my fate guys? Please give it to me straight. I'm a big girl. I can take it."
"I'm sorry Elisa" said Goliath, making eye contact with the new gargoyle. "Ulysses Quintone is right, there is no counter spell."
Elisa only moaned softly for a moment. "I guess you guys are stuck with me." She offered weakly.
"As much as I hate to interrupt family bonding I feel I must inform you of the day's developments" said Date Masamune, clearing his throat. "Please follow me inside, we have much to discus."
Elsewhere at the Turtles Secret Lair
"You're sure April?" asked Leo over his turtlecom.
"100% TCRI Corp is owned and operated by none other than Shredder and Krang. The publicity photographs taken over the course of the past year prove it. The CEO and second rate majority stockholder, listed as one Mr. D. Masamune, is a dead ringer for our old pal Oroku Saki aka Saki the Shredder. Their voices are even nearly identical" answered April O'Neil with authority. "I'm faxing over the photographs as we speak."
The Turtles, Splinter and Mona Lisa waited anxiously while the fax machine cranked out several high resolution color images of Date Masamune attending various TCRI related functions. Splinter and the Turtles gasped as the machine spit out the first of the images. Mona Lisa stood by in silence, watching the shocked reactions of her adopted family. Unlike the others, including April, she had never seen Shredder without his trademark mask, as such, like most of the people on Earth she had no real idea what exactly he looked like beneath it.
"I'll be a sea slug's uncle, it is 'ol Tin Grin" said Ralph in astonishment.
"At least now we know what a canister of mutagen was doing at that TCRI warehouse" said Don.
"April" continued Leo. "What else have you been able to dig up on TCRI?"
"The company was founded about five years ago by Date Masamune and his silent partner, majority stockholder, and recluse Mr. Karl X. Ng. Which sounds suspiciously like Krang from Dimension X to me guys, another weird thing is that during the first three years of fiscal life the company had near zero cash revenues. The operating costs were funded almost exclusively by, get this, 'lucrative mineral and energy extractions from the Earth's mantle and the Antarctic Ice Shelf'."
"Of course" said Don, snapping his fingers. "Krang & Shredder must have been funneling precious, semi-precious minerals and fossil fuels that they stole from both the Earth's core and Antarctica while the Technodrome was stranded in each place into this company so they'd have a backup platform for World domination should we ever incapacitate the Technodrome."
"I'm confused by something dudes" said Mikey.
"So what else is new" laughed Ralph, only to have Mona Lisa elbow him in the side.
"What is it my son?" asked Splinter, ignoring Ralph's antics.
"Like if this company wasn't making any dough up until a couple of years ago, than how come it is such a mondo, mega, blockbuster business now?" finished Mikey.
"Mikey has a good point. April, any info on how TCRI became a powerhouse in such a short period of time?" asked Leo.
"By achieving the highest number of industrial innovations ever in a five year period, you name it these guys either invented it or drastically improved upon it. In the past three years TCRI Corp has become a top five world leader in every industry from computers, to automation, to biomedicine."
"No doubt all that stuff is stamped 'made in Dimension X'." said Don, the others nodding their heads in agreement.
"Wait!" shouted Mona Lisa, concern evident in her voice. "What about Armaggon and the stolen mutagen? Were you able to discover anything about his whereabouts or intentions, April?"
"I'm afraid not Mona Lisa" replied April, her tone grave. "Armaggon's trail has gone cold. I'll keep trying, because I'm aware how vital it is you guys retrieve and safely dispose of the mutagen before that monster uses it himself or gives it to someone else with equally bad intentions."
"Thanks April, we'll be in touch. Oh and let us know how Casey makes out with his job interview, okay?" said Leo.
"I'll be sure to do that. Goodbye guys and good luck, it has been fun just like old times don't be strangers, April out" April's voice slowly fade into static.
"Bye April" said the group in unison.
"Now" said Leo, turning towards the other assembled mutants. "Who is up for paying our old buddy Shredder a little visit?"
Elsewhere high atop Castle Wyvern
"I don't like it" said the newest member of the Wyvern Clan, while folding her arms and capping her wings. "Something just doesn't seem right about all this."
"These Turtles have attacked the Castle twice now, and us, we can't just let them get away with that" retorted the Red Beaked Gargoyle.
"Believe me, I want them brought to justice perhaps more than anyone else" replied Elisa, her eyes momentarily taking on a bright red glow. "Still, something about this whole thing seems off to be, wrong somehow. Maybe it is my police training, my crime fighting instincts, I'm not sure but something feels wrong."
"Elisa aye ye have lived here in the city yer entire life las, correct?" asked Hudson.
"That is correct, Hudson."
"Elisa have ye ever heard of these, 'Teenage Mutant Nin-Ninja Turtles and their Master Hamato Yoshi Splinter?"
"Yeah, I've heard of them. Nobody who has lived in New York City the past six years could help but hear about the Turtles and their exploits. Back when I was attending Columbia a loud mouthed tabloid TV talk show host called Clayton Kellerman actually interviewed them on his 'show'. Of course his 'show' was little better than a televised circus or bar brawl. I think it was called Stand Trail or something like that. The Turtles actually came across as rather likable, very nervous but likable, very much unlike the ones that recently attacked us so violently. They of course didn't help their credibility at the time by spouting off about aliens and Dimension X. Stuff nobody had heard then."
"What's this Dimension X anyhow?" asked the Overweight Aquamarine Gargoyle.
"Dimension X, as we New Yorkers first learn some time after the Interview, seems to be a sort of parallel universe inhabited by all manner of strange, alien creatures. Over the past few years, about four now unless I'm mistaken creature originating from Dimension X have tried to take over both the city and the World on multiple occasions. Funny thing is that on more than one of these occasions the Turtles have helped to stop the invasions. I wonder why the Turtles are doing this to us?" finished Elisa thoughtfully.
"Because they are evil just like their master or so Mr. Date Masamune and Mr. Ulysses Quintone told us" added the Olive Green Gargoyle.
"That's another thing" continued Elisa. "I do not trust those two. There is something off about them, something I can't place."
"If you think they are strange you should see the rest of their Clan" laughed the Red Beaked Gargoyle.
"Hey, that isn't nice after all they've done for us" said the Overweight Aquamarine Gargoyle, a note of anger in his voice.
"What do you mean?" asked Elisa quickly, heading off a potential argument between the two.
"Aye they mean Mr. Masamune 's partner the lil' pink fellow called Krang" explained Hudson. "And the other mutants er Bebop and Rocky, I think."
"Rocksteady" corrected the Olive Green Gargoyle.
At the mention of these three creatures Elisa's eyes went wide. She had heard both those names and general descriptions before, she was sure of it but when and where? She quickly thought what would be the best strategy to pursue here, so she could keep her naïve new family safe. After a few moments of contemplation she made her decision.
"Goliath I think now would be a good time for the flying lessons you promised me" said Elisa turning towards the gargoyle leader. "I think the rest of you should come along with us. Let me show you the sights. You have all been cooped up here too long."
"I'd love to" said Goliath, taking Elisa's outstretched hand in his.
"I'm nah sure this be a good idea. If lads and lassy we all go together the castle will be left undefended" grumbled Hudson.
"Aw C'mon Hudson, don't you want to see everything this City has to offer?" retorted the Overweight Aquamarine Gargoyle. "Besides we'll only be gone a few hours. You heard Mr. Masamune during our meeting he said it would be very unlikely that the Turtles would attack again so soon."
"Very well than I'll go with thy" grumbled Hudson. "Boy c'mere here boy" said Hudson gesturing for the attention the large, blue, Gargoyle Beast. "I'll only be going if he comes along with us." The Gargoyle Beast came up to stand by Hudson's side. Hudson rubbed the Gargoyle Beast behind it's ear.
"I think that is a very good idea" said Elisa, Goliath only nodded in agreement.
With that the gathered gargoyles took off into the night sky two by two. Goliath and Elisa leading the charge, while the Red Beaked Gargoyle and the Overweight Aquamarine Gargoyle, carried the Gargoyle Beast between them, Hudson and the Olive Green Gargoyle brought up the rear. The group were blissfully unaware that their sojourn was being watched.
Below in the bowls of the TCRI Building
"They are going to break free of our influence sooner than I feared. The addition of that infernal Detective to their ranks has certainly thrown a monkey wrench into our plans. If only that brutish gargoyle, Goliath, hadn't destroyed the page on which the obedience spells were written during our struggle over the Grimorum Arcanorum, than Ms. Maza would be as blindly loyal as Bebop & Rocksteady here" said Krang, pointing a tentacle in the direction of the two mutants.
"Aw gee thanks Krangy" said Rockstedy.
"Yeah thanks Krangy" parroted Bebop. "And here you said he didn't care Rocksteady."
"Believe me I don't, and it was a compliment lame brains" said Krang angrily.
"There is no point crying over spilt milk" said Shredder, still wearing the white business suite of his Date Masamune persona. "We need to make the best of this increasingly bad situation. Once the Gargoyles have retrieved the canister of mutagen from Fortress-1 we'll have them face the real Turtles immediately that same night. We will then deal with whoever survives the fateful encounter. Which reminds me, Ulysses what is the latest status of Operation Steel Clan?"
"The twenty robots should be ready for their first full scale test flight in 24hrs. Assuming no major problems materialize they should be ready for fully autonomous action by the following evening, sir" answered Ulysses Quintone who was standing next to Shredder.
"Not soon enough" said Shredder. "If we cut the number in half, say down to ten, would it be possible to have them fully outfitted and operational by late tomorrow night?"
"Eight perhaps, ten unlikely sir" answered Ulysses Quintone.
"Very well, concentrate on having eight Steel Clan Robots fully operational by 2:00 am tomorrow night. Also I want my new Steel Clan based bio-mechanical armor ready by then too, understand?" said Shredder, looking at the Head of TCRI.
"Thy will be done, Master Shredder" responded Ulysses Quintone, departing the room with a curt nod.
"Shredder do you really think a mere eight of these untested new gargoyle inspired robots will take care of either the Turtles or the Gargoyles themselves?" asked Krang skeptically.
"After an exhaustive battle, with possible casualties and even fatalities on both sides, why yes I do Krang, finally we will be rid of all our enemies and the Earth will be ours!" laughed Shredder triumphantly.
High Above New York City an hour later
"And this is the Statue of Liberty." Said Elisa proudly, pointing out the impressive landmark as she and Goliath glided by hand in hand.
After circling the monument several times, the group landed softly atop it. Elisa's landing proved to be a little less graceful than the others, which was of course to be expected as she was still learning. Several minutes passed while the gargoyles, stretched their limbs, made idle chit chat and enjoyed the view.
"Aye this truly is an extraordinary city ye have here las" said Hudson in wonder, gazing towards the glittering skyline of the bearby city. "It be filled with glass towers of light, aye I dare not think such a thing was possible 'til now."
"Yeah, thanks for showing us the sights Elisa" said the Olive Green Gargoyle.
"I especially liked the area where all the plays take place" added the Overweight Aquamarine Gargoyle.
"I thought that massive bridge was the best" added the Red Beaked Gargoyle.
"Thanks,,, um guys" replied Elisa. "Um this has to end you know?"
"What has to end?" asked the Red Beaked Gargoyles.
"Me just calling you guys, well ah erm 'you guys'" answered Elisa. "You three desperately need proper names, like Goliath and Hudson now have."
"Um, okay I guess" said the Overweight Aquamarine Gargoyle. "Like what, anyone have any ideas for possible names?"
After a brief silence Elisa spoke up again. "Using a landmark to name Hudson seemed to work out fine. I guess we could do the same for the rest of you. You liked the area where all the plays are held" continued Elisa, pointing at the Overweight Aquamarine Gargoyle. "How would you like to be called Broadway?"
"Umm, Broadway I like it!" confirmed the new Broadway. "It sounds flashy & loud, just like me."
"It also sounds big, just like you" ribbed the Red Beaked Gargoyle with a laugh.
"Hey" huffed an indignant Broadway.
"Now as for you" continued Elisa turning her attention fully towards the Red Beaked Gargoyle. "You're favorite landmark was the Bridge as I recall. How would you like to be Brooklyn?"
"Fine by me" replied the now Brooklyn in a cocky voice. "Both me and the Bridge are structures that are built to impress."
"Yeah" said Broadway, rolling his eyes at Brooklyn's boast.
"Hmmm, now what you?" wondered Elisa turning her attention towards the Olive Green Gargoyle. "Anything we've seen tonight strike your fancy?"
The Olive Green Gargoyle thought about it for several minutes. He opened his mouth as if to say something several times only to shut it again. Finally his expression became decisive. He said the following.
"How about Lexington, you know after Lexington Avenue, Lex for short."
"Lexington it is" said Elisa with a chuckle, giving the new Lexington a playful pat on the head.
"Wait, what about him?" asked Broadway, pointing towards the Gargoyle Beast. "He should have a name too."
"I know" joined in Lexington cheerfully. "He has a rough exterior, but is friendly when you earn his trust lets name him after that neighborhood Elisa showed us that has similar qualities. Let's called him Bronx after the Bronx?"
"What'd ya think boy?" Hudson asked the Gargoyle Beast, patting it's head. The Gargoyle Beast gave a snort as way of consent. "Aye I think he rather likes it."
"It is settled than, now on to more pressing matters" rumbled Goliath. "Elisa you mentioned before we left the Castle that you do not trust our new allies, why exactly is that?"
"It would be easier if I showed you than told you. It'll save us a lot of time Goliath. Once we get to my precinct, make that my ex-precinct all will become clear I promise." said Elisa, somewhat dejectedly. Goliath could tell her last comment had caused her great pain.
"Very well than" said Goliath taking Elisa's hand. "Guide us to this, Precinct."
Sometime later the group of gargoyles landed in unison on the clock tower that stood atop the building housing the 23rd Precinct. "Follow me" said Elisa, leading the group into an interior room atop the structure. "We are lucky that there is a terminal up here that is only used as a backup. Nobody bothers coming up here and using it most of the time because it is so out of the way. The electronic trail that I'm about to lay down by logging into the system I'm sure will generate a lot of questions in the morning. Luckily we'll be long gone before then. No doubt I've be declared missing in action by now" continued Elisa as she sat down and started typing on the keyboard. With her new hands it was slow going, but finally after what seemed like forever a familiar visage filled the computer screen.
"That's Date Masamune's partner Krang!" gasped the trio of younger Gargoyles in surprise.
Besides Krang's picture were columns of text that contained all the information the group needed to know. It was mostly a laundry list of morally reprehensible crimes! The more Goliath read the angrier he became. Elisa than switched the view to similar criminal profiles for the mutants Bebop & Rocksteady, ending on the profile of a master criminal called "the Shredder" who looked suspiciously like Date Masamune in some type of elaborate metal costume complete with face mask.
"Now do you understand why I couldn't say tell you anymore back at the Castle?" Elisa asked Goliath, getting up from the chair.
"Yes, I do" rumbled Goliath slowly, his eyes glowed a fierce white.
"What are we gonna do lad?" asked Hudson
"And what about the Turtles?" added Broadway.
"I'm not sure they are even really our enemies" said Elisa.
"But they attacked us twice, even changing you, for no reason!" said Broadway. Elisa didn't have any counter for this allegation, nor did the others.
"We will deal with the Turtles later. Right now we must return to the Castle at once and handle these deceptive evildoers who have taken up residence there before they can cause any further harm!" roared Goliath.
"As much as I want to see them pay for what they have done, we would no longer be safe there" said Elisa. "There are far too many employees of TCRI, there is little chance we could defeat them all in a single night if they resist us. There would be nothing preventing them from attacking us during the day while we slept."
"What are you suggesting?!" roared Goliath, his eyes still blazing white with furry.
"We have to find somewhere else to sleep during the day. I have little doubt if we head back there and they learn we know the truth we'll never see another sunset. I don't want to die in my sleep, like your former clan mates did, nor do I want the same for any of you" said Elisa bluntly. "I care too much about you guys. You are all I have left now you're my new family I can't lose you."
"She is right lad, it nay worth it" agreed Hudson.
Goliath's eyes slowly lost their angry glow. "But leave our ancestral home, without a fight no less. What will we do? Where will we go?"
"I may know a place. It is run by somebody I'm rather close with" said Elisa with a sheepish grin and a shrug. "I just hope he'll help us."
Twenty Minutes later the roof of St. Damien's Cathedral
The seven gargoyles landed with a dull thud upon the pitched roof of an immense, ornate building. They were surrounded by a series of soaring spires. Each spire was adored with several beautiful stain glass windows.
"I think I'm slowly getting the hang of this" said Elisa, happy with her latest less awkward landing.
"Wow what kind of place is this?" asked Lexington in awe.
"A church, well a cathedral to be more exact" said Elisa.
"Aye it nay looks like any human church I've seen before las" argued Hudson. "It be huge."
"Much has changed since the 10th century guys. Goliath as Clan leader you should come with me. You can help plead our case" said Elisa. "The rest of you should stay here until we return. This shouldn't take long, one way or the other…"
Elsewhere outside the TCRI Building
"Man how much longer are we gonna be standing out here dude?" ask an impatient Mikey, pulling his trench coat up around his human mask. "We've already been here for three hours lookin' for a way in."
"Until something happens or at least until Don find a way in" said Leo.
"Well I sure hope he and Ralph return soon. I could really go for a pizza dude."
"So could Mikey, so could I."
Just then Don and Ralph emerged from the lobby of the TCRI Building. Even before the two said anything Mikey & Leo could tell they hadn't had any luck. The TCRI Building was proving far more difficult to enter without authorization than the Technodrome had.
"Nada" said Don. "This place is harder to break into than Fort Knox. They have an automated state of the art security system run by a next gen multi-core super computer. It'll take even me a day or so to bypass all the protocols. Luckily I can crack most of the required codes remotely."
"So we can go home?" asked an excited Mikey.
"There isn't anything more we can do here, at least right now" conceded Leo.
"I hate this, but you are right Leo. There isn't much more we can do here" agreed Ralph. "Let's just hope Mona Lisa and Master Splinter are having better luck tracking down Armaggon and the canister. I'm still not sure that letting the two of them look for ol' Tooth Face on their own was a good idea. Mona Lisa is a not very experienced fighter, and Master Splinter isn't as young as he once was."
"Don't worry Ralph. I'm sure they'll be okay" said Leo in a reassuring tone.
"I'll hold you to that Leo" said Ralph. "Now let's get out of here and get some pizza."
"Primo notion!" added Mikey.
Elsewhere St. Damien's Cathedral
"Thank you Mr. Connor for all your help. As usual the generosity of your family is most appreciated by the Church, have a pleasant evening" said the distinguished gray haired man with the thin moustache. The man wore a habit similar to that of a parish priest. He was seated in a high backed leather chair, behind a large mahogany desk, holding the receiver of a white telephone. "No there hasn't been any word yet. Yes, the family is very concerned I am very concerned. While I am aware of the inherently dangerous nature of police work, it is unlike my niece to just disappear like this. Mr. Connor, Will, I want you to know how much I appreciate your concern for my family and myself. My God by with you Will, farewell my son." The Gray Haired Clergyman hung up the phone, and sat reflecting on the events of the past day. "Oh Elisa, I wish I knew where you are and that you are safe."
"You needn't worry about me, Great Uncle Guillermo, I'm safe. Though how long may depend on your help" said the voice of Elisa from behind where Guillermo Maza was seated.
At the sound of his Great Niece's voice, Guillermo Maza rejoiced. "Praise be to God that you are okay. Where have you been? Your parents have been so worried. Why haven't you contacted them, or reported into work?" asked Guillermo Maza as he started turning his chair around to face his Great Niece.
"Because I can't Great Uncle Guillermo, something has happened something very serious. Which is why I need your help, I just hope you won't turn me away."
"You know I could never do that to you or anyone else in trouble Elisa. Now please tell me what is wrong. Dear Lord,,,,," Guillermo Maza stopped immediately as his eyes behold the new Elisa and her companion. "What happened to you Elisa? Who did this thing to you?"
"I was changed by Shredder and Krang. Remember those two wackos who took over the city briefly last year with their army from Dimension X?"
"Those fiends, but I thought they had been vanquished?"
"So did everyone else. The truth is the two are running that new company TCRI. When I went to investigate a disturbance at TCRI last night I got caught up in one of their schemes, and they did this to me" as she finished Elisa broke down in tears for the second time that night. Goliath gently squeezed her shoulder as a sign of support.
"Ahem" began Guillermo Maza, clearing his throat, not really liking the familiar treatment of Goliath towards his niece. "What about your friend here? Was he mutated by along with you by the fiends?"
"I am no mutant, nor is Elisa now" growled the large Gargoyle releasing Elisa's shoulder. "I am a gargoyle."
"A gargoyle, like those that decorate many churches such as our own?" asked a confused Guillermo Maza.
"Oh dear" said Elisa, back in control of herself. "I think this is going to take some explaining. I should probably bring in the others for this, huh Golith?" Elisa turned towards Goliath, who nodded his head in agreement.
"There are others?" said Guillermo Maza in obvious shock. "My dear Lord give me the strength."
Nearby one half hour later
"I told Ralph while he might not care about chick flicks, I'm a big fan. The least he could do pretend he enjoys them" chattered Mona Lisa, as she and Splinter continued their patrol of the streets.
"The wise man knows when he is beaten" replied Splinter stoically.
"That is what I like about you Splinter, you always have a nugget of wisdom ready for any occasion" said Mona Lisa happily. "I only wish my parents were as wise and understanding as you" Mona Lisa frowned. "Tell me Splinter why does everyone well not everyone but certainly most people, and definitely the majority in this City, hate us mutants? I mean as if our lives are not difficult enough already. Why must they add to our problems by disliking us so strongly?"
"People often fear what they do not understand. What they fear they often come to hate. What they hate they often wish to destroy. Sadly, it is human nature. Education is the key that unlocks the chains of ignorance" answered Splinter thoughtfully.
"Well I certainly hope attitudes change before I and Ralph have kids someday, assuming it is even possible" grumbled Mona Lisa. "It'd wound me deeply if our children knew nothing but hate outside of their immediate family. This must have been an issue you had while raising Ralph and his brothers?"
"Yes it was an obstacle we faced" said Splinter, pain obvious in his voice. "I've never given voice to these feelings before, but sometimes I wonder if I did enough to protect them from the negativity of the World. I often fear that much of the anger they harbor, especially Raphael, towards humanity is the result of my poor parenting decisions."
"Are you kidding" retorted Mona Lisa. "Ralph and the guys are some of the most well-adjusted mutants, scratch that, people I've ever met bar none. They've used their natural gifts and the skills you've taught them, to save the world like a million times. You have absolutely nothing; I repeat nothing, to be ashamed about. I only hope I can be half the parent, if I ever get the chance, you are."
"Thank you Mona Lisa for your kind words. In many ways you are like the daughter I never had" said Splinter with a warm smile.
"Aw shucks Splinter, you are like the father I wish I'd had" said Mona Lisa blushing.
"How touching" said a sinister voice behind the duo.
Mona Lisa and Splinter whirled around in unison. Before either could react Mona Lisa found her throat encircled by the iron grip of Armaggon. The cybernetic Shark Mutant effortlessly lifted the struggling Mona Lisa off her feet, twisting her around so that he could use her as a living shield. Armaggon then pointed the laser gauntlet of his free arm towards Mona Lisa's head.
"One wrong move Master Splinter" Armaggon spat out the words as if they were something filthy and vile. "And Raphael's little girlfriend dies, drop the weapon now!"
"What do you want Armaggon?" demanded Splinter, putting down his walking staff.
"Some fun" with that Armaggon drew back his free fist and slammed it into the abdomen of the helpless Mona Lisa. Armaggon then casually threw the now unconscious salamander like mutant away. "Prepare to die Rat Face!"
Armaggon advanced on Splinter with lightning speed. The two exchanged blow after blow. At one point Splinter even managed to retrieve his walking staff. After delivering several strong hits with it Splinter managed to break the staff over Armaggon's huge head, but to little effect. After jumping a swipe of Armaggon's tail Splinter found himself being shoulder tackled into a nearby brick wall, cracking it in the process. Armaggon then proceeded to deliver a massive flurry of viscous kicks and stomps to Splinter's head and torso. The Rat Mutant was soon left heavily bruised, bloodied and barely moving. While holding down Splinter with one foot Armaggon punched free a piece of the already damaged wall. Lifting it high overhead Armaggon snickered.
"Goodbye Rat Face, give me regards to oblivion!"
"No!" screamed the barely recovered Mona Lisa jumping on Armaggon's back.
"Get off you me you annoyance! I'll deal with you after I crush Rat Face!" roared Armaggon trashing around trying to break free of Mona Lisa's grip.
After a few moments of this struggle Armagoon grinned. He then simply threw his entire weight against Mona Lisa crushing the female mutant between his back and the damaged wall. Mona Lisa slumped off Armaggon's back falling to the ground again rendered unconscious.
"Grrrrr" growled Armaggon. "Now you both die!"
"Aye I think not monster" said Hudson landing on Armaggon from above, knocking the shark mutant off his feet. Hudson was soon followed by Elisa, Goliath and the Trio.
"You again!" roared Armaggon in absolute furry. "This is none of your business freaks! Wait" he continued scrambling to his feet starring at Elisa. "I know you, nice make over girl. I guess somebody else got to you after our little encounter, huh?"
Elisa's eyes glowed a deep red. "How dare you make fun of my plight. If you know what is best for you you'll leave right now! Scum like you does not belong here!"
"Fine" said Armaggon surveying the situation and noting how outnumbered he was. "And for my latest trick, I'll disappear." With that Armaggon quickly pressed a button on his right gauntlet his form seemingly blinked out of existence a second later. "Personal matter transporter, costly yet effective" faded away the sinister voice of Armaggon.
"He escaped us yet, again!" roared Goliath his eyes glowed white in frustration.
"What about them?" asked Lexington, gesturing towards the injured mutants.
"We take them back with us to our new home the Cathedral. We tend their wounds as best we can. We cannot leave them here unprotected" said Goliath.
"I just hope Great Uncle Guillermo is okay with some more company" joked Elisa.
The TCRI Building dawn
"Face it Shredder they have betrayed us" proclaimed Krang.
"I told you this would never work Krang. It was a mistake, your mistake I may add, to revive these creatures in the first place. I never wanted anything to do with your scheme right from the beginning. Where did you get the idea in the first place?" raved Shredder, still in his Date Masamune guise.
"That isn't important right now Shredder. We need to rectify this situation ASAP. Do you have any ideas?"
"Once the eight Steel Clan Robots and my biomechanical battle armor are ready, I will personally oversee their destruction, Krang."
"You'll have to find them first Shredder."
"That shouldn't prove as difficult as you might think Krang. Once I and the Steel Clan Robots destroy Fortress-1, while retrieving our stolen mutagen, and it is blamed on the Gargoyles. They will have no choice but to return here, if for no other reason than to clear their names. Once they do me along with the Steel Clan, our 'Turtles' and the perhaps even Bebop & Rocksteady, will destroy the Gargoyles" smiled Shredder.
"What about the Turtles?" inquired Krang. "By destroying them won't you be missing the whole point of using the Gargoyles to help address our original problem?"
"What about them, Krang. If the Steel Clan manages to destroy the Gargoyles, there is little doubt in my mind they be able to render the same service visa via the Turtles. Don't worry Krang, everything is falling back into place. If you'll excuse me Krang, I have some tests that need running" said Shredder quickly departing the room, passing by Ulysses Quintone on his way out the door.
"Good day Ulysses" said Shredder by way of greeting.
"Good day Master Shredder" replied Ulysses Quintone, the automatic door closing as the evil ninja departed, leaving Krang and Ulysses Quintone alone in the main laboratory.
"Your plan is failing" said Krang, with a pout. "The Gargoyles are missing in action, having likely rebelled against our continued influence. It is now unlikely they will destroy the Turtles for us."
"My sincere apologises Master Krang, when I told you about the Magus' story I truly thought the Gargoyles could be harnessed to your cause" said a contrite Ulysses Quintone.
"Maybe so, however I hate failure in any form" continued Krang, his mood slowly improving. "Still it was you who first brought the Grimorum Arcanorum, the Eye of Odin and the Phoenix Gate and the remarkable collective powers they possess to my attention. Dare I say it, but for you none if this would be possible and for this I thank you."
"You are most welcome Master Krang. I live only to serve" said Ulysses Quintone with a quick bow. What Krang however didn't see, turning back towards his ever demanding computer console, was a brief yet sly, sinister grin that slipped quickly across the face of his oh so helpful assistant.