Opening File: Gargoyles

One thousand years ago, superstition and the sword ruled. It was a time of darkness. It was a world of fear. It was the age of Gargoyles.

Stone by day, warriors by night, Gargoyles were hailed as protectors, guarding their homes and the people who lived there. They are one of the Twelves Races, the others being Humans, Faunus, Mobians, Vampires, Cryptids, Gum Golems, Trolls, Grimm, Fallen and the magical beings referred to as the Children of Oberon and the New Olympians. Once there were gargoyles in every corner of the world. Although habits differed slightly from place to place, most gargoyles lived in and above a 'Gargoyle Rookery'.

These rookeries were generally natural or gargoyle-dug tunnels in the sides of a cliff or tall mountain. Gargoyles like being in high naturally protected areas. Eggs would be hidden in the tunnels. Gargoyles would spend their nights guarding the rookery and foraging for food; their days hibernating in the open air.

When the Iron Age of Man and Time of Awakening began and the Creatures of Grimm spread across the world, the transformation to stone, which had once been a natural form of protection became a liability. Men could safely seek out gargoyles during the day as statues and smash them with iron. Many gargoyles were destroyed, and the race nearly perished. One factor saved them: the Creatures of Grimm began spreading and pushing humanity to the brink of near extinction.

Eventually the majority of Humanity was more afraid of the Grimm than of Gargoyles. One very wise man struck a deal with a gargoyle. He would build his keep on top of a gargoyle rookery. During the day, his archers could keep both humans and sleeping gargoyles safe from enemies and harm.

During the night, the gargoyles would do likewise. It worked out great, and the idea caught on like wildfire. Soon castles, keeps and fortresses were popping up atop every accessible rookery. Existing castles and new castles that could not find a rookery to co-exist with were carving fake gargoyles out of stone, to fool potential enemies into believing that their castle was also protected by gargoyles.

This was the golden age of Human-Gargoyle relations but it couldn't last.

As the secret of Aura spread across the world some were convinced Gargoyles were no longer needed. Some clans were betrayed while other humans helped their Gargoyle allies flee to safety. It was believed that all Gargoyles had perished until a clan resurfaced in Empire City, followed by more and soon enough the Gargoyles had reemerged into the world. Since emerging the Gargoyles had adopted Empire City as their home, protecting it from criminals and Grimm and gaining many allies in Humans, Faunus and Mobians who argue on their behalf as living beings with the right to exist such as David Xanatos of Xanatos Enterprises, a Huntress now acting as a detective named Eliza Maza who is deeply connected with the Gargoyles and Professor Macbeth at Empire City University and is gaining support across the world.

However they still have enemies such as rogue gargoyle named Demona who has made it her mission to exterminate the Human race and possibly the Faunus as well, an anti-gargoyle organization known as the Quarrymen and a secret society known as the Illuminati.

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Opening File: Xanatos Enterprises

Xanatos Enterprises is the name of a large corporation which owns, among other things, Gen-U-Tech. It is owned and operated by David Xanatos. The Eyrie Building is its headquarters. It's known divisions include Pack Media Studios an entertainment division that produced The Pack, Gen-U-Tech Systems which covers genetic engineering, the Scarab Corporation which deals with robotics, and Xanatos Construction.

Another area that Xanatos Enterprises has expanded into is weaponry such as the particle beam accelerators. Xanatos Enterprises also owns the lease of an oil rig located near Black Rock Point and several Dust Mines near Empire City. Cyberbiotics seems to be the main rival corporation of Xanatos Enterprises, although Nightstone Unlimited has recently entered the field. Recently Xanatos Enterprises has been involved in large amounts of charity, including supporting the rights of Faunus, Mobians and Gargoyles and David Xanatos has been involved in negotiating a partnership with Fulbright Corporation and Sanban Industries.

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Opening File: The Pack

The Pack was originally a group of ambitious Faunus martial artists, starting with Fox, born Janine Renard was the original leader, the unsatisfied daughter of Halcyon Renard and his wife Anastasia, Fox refused her father's inheritance. She met the budding young businessman David Xanatos, who recruited her into the mercenary team known as the Pack as its leader, and with whom she fell in love. She is a Fox Faunus, sporting not only fox ears but also a tail. When the Pack were placed in prison Fox stayed behind while the others escaped and was granted parole, making herself their former leader.

Wolf, real name unknown is a wolf Faunus who was genetically enhanced by Xanatos, giving him enhanced strength and speed, and making more like a giant wolf Mobian instead of a Faunus.

Hyena, real name unknown is a hyena Faunus and the most bloodthirsty member of the Pack, laughing maniacally as her namesake does at her opponents before leaping headlong into battle, leading with her razor sharp talons. Hyena was later was fitted with cybernetic enhancements by Xanatos to make herself strong enough to take down the Gargoyles. These included elongating razor fingers, extendable limbs and multi-directional joints, a cybernetic ear, multiple laser and cutting blade weaponry, the ability to fly, and various other mechanisms.

Jackal, real name unknown is the brother of Hyena and jackal Faunas because of his father who was also jackal Faunus while their mother was a hyena Faunus. Cold and calculating, he is always ready with a stylish, sadistic plan to carry out his needs even as he tosses out a taunt. To become strong enough to fight the Gargoyles Jackal was fitted with cybernetic enhancments. These included spike fingers that shot out like darts, extendable legs, re-attachable arms, a cybernetic eye and ear, laser and cutting blade weaponry, and various other mechanisms.

The last member is Dingo, real name unknown who is a dingo Faunus and refused to undergo physical enhancements, instead adopting a robotic battle suit. He grew increasingly disturbed by his teammate's transformation after their 'upgrade,' feeling that they had become monsters. He eventually left the team in disgust, returning to his native Australia and hoping to atone for his misdeeds by becoming a real hero.

They were originally rounded up by David Xanatos to star in an eponymous TV show. However, this was a mere ploy, as Xanatos had ulterior intentions for them. So, when the chance arose, he secretly pitted the Pack against the Manhattan Clan, and consequently, the group turned from TV stars to wanted criminals. The Pack were released from jail by Coyote, Xanatos' robot double who became temporary leader after Fox refused to be rescued.

The Pack was one of the most dangerous enemies of the Gargoyles and the remaining members continue to remain dangerous to this day.

Xxx

What happens in Empire City never sleeps.

Empire City is the most populous city in the United States. It is the largest city of Empire State, although not the capital Albany. The city consists of five distinct boroughs: The Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Staten Island. Of course like every other city in the world it had police and Hunters to protect it from the Creatures of Grimm along with criminals, rogue hunters and any other form of danger.

However there was one distinct difference about Empire City.

It had Gargoyles.

A thousand years ago a clan of Gargoyles bonded with the humans of a castle in Scotland. They would defend the castle at night while their human allies would watch over them during the day, when the Gargoyles turned to stone. Though the humans at the time considered the Gargoyles monsters due to their beastly appearances they were quick to change their mind when the monsters known as the Grimm appeared. They spread across the world, attacking villages and castles.

And at the time the Gargoyles were the only ones that stood in their way when Grimm came upon their castle.

At this time the clan was led by a powerful Gargoyle the humans had named Goliath and to this day he is still hailed as perhaps one of the greatest warriors in history.

But to a certain human he was more than just a warrior or protector.

To Eliza Maza he was the love of her life.

For nearly twenty years Eliza has known the gargoyles that were brought to Empire City, fought alongside them and became a part of their clan as much as she considered them her family. She aged very gracefully through the years, barely looking any different from the day she had first met Goliath and kept her skills sharp through her Huntress training. She might be a police officer but given the kind of fights when in the company of Gargoyles you realize you need more than just a mere pistol. She has fought robots, monsters, demons, Grimm and even magical beings worshiped as gods and each time she not only survived but helped her Gargoyle friends in their battles.

And when the existence of the Gargoyles were revealed to the world she among many of the friends they had made their voices of granting them their rights to exist and to life side by side with the rest of world known. It was a battle much like how the Faunus and Mobians struggled for rights and equality in other countries and suffered because of the actions of the Satyra but it was still a step in the right direction.

Still, that was far from tonight's main topic.

Eliza had stepped into the building where the home of the Gargoyles resided, the Eyrie Building and was met by the building's owner, David Xanatos.

"Eliza, I take it you received the same message as I did." The CEO said, escorting Eliza to the elevator.

"That and I found out who has been robbing your company." Eliza said, holding out a picture to Xanatos who looked at it. "I almost couldn't believe it."

"Neither can I." Xanatos admitted. "Truth be told I thought this might have been Demona, the Hunters or even Thailog's doing."

"That's why I am here now and to tell Goliath and the others." Eliza said as the elevator stopped at the very top floor. "Phil Ken Sebben is coming here."

Xanatos raised an eyebrow. "I suppose I should be honored, given that this is the Mayor of GrimmFall and the Headmaster of Nevernest, America's main Huntsmen Academy. His contributions are legendary."

The doors opened, allowing the two to step out, walking onto the castle that sat atop of the tower.

"I admit I was tempted to do business with him at one point but given that every person whose background was…suspect was always exposed and thrown in prison I figured it was best to not push my luck." Xanatos admitted with a small smile. "Some say his Semblance allows him to read minds or even see into the future."

"I wouldn't doubt it." Eliza said, spotting the statues of her friends and clan. "I wonder how our friends will react to him. Where are Fox and Alexander?"

"Training in the obstacle course. Alexander is naturally skilled, just like her mother." Xanatos replied, walking up a set of stairs to the top of the castle's tallest tower.

They reached the top in time to see the sun go down and before them were statues of gargoyles, all of them posed in a way meant to terrify any intruders.

And when the sun went down…

One by one the statues cracked and shattered, revealing their true selves now awakened.

The largest of them, their leader Goliath let out a roar as his stone rest ended and flexed his muscles. As leader of the Manhattan Clan and the strongest Goliath was an impressive figure, a tall and powerfully-built gargoyle with lavender skin and dark hair.

Nearby his mentor and close friend, the eldest of the clan who named himself Hudson awoke. His left eye was blind and he had a grey beard but just because he was old doesn't mean he is weak. Although age has done a great toll on his physical attributes, he makes up for it with his wisdom gathered through years of experience which makes him a valued member to his clan.

Next was Brooklyn, a young male gargoyle with a slimmer physique than his rookery brothers, red skin, black eyes, a long beak-like mouth and jaw, and a wild mane of snow-white hair. He also had two horns sticking out of his forehead. He wore armor and an eyepatch over his left eye. He also carried a futuristic rifle, a blaster, a katana, and a Scottish broadsword.

Near Brooklyn was his mate, a female gargoyle named Katana. She had pale blue skin, black hair, a beak and paired horns. She wore a yellow kimono and wields one katana and one wakizashi on her back, and two fans on her belt.

Near them was their son, Nashville who closely resembled Brooklyn in general appearance, except for his light blue skin and bluish-black hair, white interior wings, and dark blue exterior wings, all inherited from his mother. Nashville wore human clothing consisting of an armless T-shirt and short khaki trousers and had a short kodachi sword in a sheath attached to his waist.

Next was Angela, the biological daughter of Goliath and Demona. Angela was tall and slender with long dark hair worn in a ponytail; she has inherited her father's lavender complexion, although her features are closer to Demona's. She wore a white midriff baring halter top and a white loin cloth.

Next to her was her mate, Broadway, a large round, and bluish green-skinned gargoyle called Broadway is a jolly and occasionally naive clan member with a fondness for food and even using food as a weapon on some occasions, as well as Westerns and detective movies.

And then there was Lexington, the youngest of the founding members of the Manhattan Clan. Lexington was the smallest of the trio, and because of this, his large eyes, and his reedy voice, looks younger than he really is. His most distinguishing feature was his wings, which are attached to his arms in a web-like structure, evocative of the wings of a flying squirrel. His wings are pierced, which allows him to wear a loincloth and he had khaki-colored skin, and a hairless head.

The last were Bronx and Fu-Dog, both of them gargoyle beasts that were domesticated animals closely related to gargoyles. Bronx was a founding member of the Manhattan Clan while Fu-Dog was a new addition brought home by Brooklyn.

Together they were the protectors of Manhattan Island and all of Empire City.

Together they were the defenders of the night.

They were true, living and breathing Gargoyles.

Eliza smiled as she stepped forward, embracing Goliath who happily returned the favor. "Have a good rest?"

"Sure did." Lex said, stretching his arms and legs. "We miss anything?"

"I am hoping we haven't missed the next Wacky Races." Hudson admitted.

"I got plans to see the premier of Guardsmen with Angela." Broadway said with smile that was shared by Angela.

"That might have to wait a little bit, everyone." Eliza spoke up, earning everyone's attention. "We have a guest coming."

"A guest?" Goliath repeated.

"Phil Ken Sebben." Xanatos answered.

This was a surprise to the Gargoyles who had studied up on history or even lived through it had heard of Phil Ken Sebben.

"The Mayor of GrimmFall?" Lex asked. "And Headmaster of Nevernest Academy?"

Eliza nodded. "You got it."

"I've heard of him on the news." Hudson spoke up. "He helped start what is called the Silver Age of Huntsmen by setting up this Nevernest. They train new warriors to fight against the Grimm."

"What brings him all the way here?" Angela asked.

Eliza held up a picture. "This was taken at one of the robberies I've been investigating over the last couple of weeks."

The Gargoyles looked at the picture, seeing a man in golden armor and resembled a…bullet?

"That's Living Bullet!" Lex exclaimed. "A member of the Justice Friends!"

"Those guys? The super heroes?" Brooklyn asked.

"Sure is. He's been involved in a few dozen robberies here and in GrimmFall. That's why Sebben's on his way. He wants to investigate the reason for these crimes and he knows about you and our past history with Xanatos." Eliza explained. "He wants to make sure these robberies are not connected with anyone like Thailog, Demona or the Hunters."

"It does sound like something they would do." Brooklyn pointed out.

"Hm…" Goliath considered what he had heard. "When is this Sebben arriving?"

Eliza and Xanatos looked up. "Right now by the looks of it."

The Gargoyles looked up, watching as a white jet flew over the castle and headed for the airport.

"That's Sebben's personal jet." Xanatos informed them. "Owen will be meeting Sebben at the airport and he'll be here in minutes."

"I will go there and meet this Sebben myself." Goliath replied.

"I figured you'd say that." Eliza smiled at her love.

"In the meantime Brooklyn, you along with Katana and Broadway will patrol around the city and keep an eye on companies with advanced technologies." Goliath waited for the three to nod before continuing. "Hudson, you and the others will keep an eye on the tower in case it is next the target. We will meet back here in an hour."

Goliath then picked up Eliza and flew in the direction of the airport.

Xxx

The jet landed at the airport and just as Phil Ken Sebben stepped out he was greeted with the surprising sight of Goliath and Eliza Maza waiting for him.

"Well, this is a surprise." Sebben admitted, stepping down the stairs and onto the ground. "You must be Goliath and Detective Maza."

"We are." Goliath nodded. "And you are Phil Ken Sebben. We were told of your arrival."

"Thank you for meeting me then." Sebben nodded. "I wish I could say I was here under better circumstances."

"This is about Living Bullet." Eliza stated. "We managed to identify him as the one robbing from Xanatos Enterprises."

"Yes. That came as a shock to all of us. I've only managed to delay the manhunt that had been called for by the mayor of Empire City so I can make my own investigation in the matter."

"So what would make a member of the Justice Friends turn to a life of crime?" Eliza asked.

"That is a very good question. Though he is a member of the Justice Friends Bullet has been taking missions all across the world, due to his speed. He's managed to cut crime down in dozens of towns and he's been a great help in the transportation of anything important between the countries. It was only a week ago that he stopped sending in reports and we became concerned." Sebben started. "His latest mission was investigating raids by pirates at sea. Before he disappeared he claimed he saw what appeared to be a…golden castle."

"A golden castle?" Eliza shared a look with Goliath who frowned in thought.

"Hard to believe but in the world we live I am willing to believe almost anything." Sebben managed a small smile but turn serious again. "That was three days before there was a surprising amount of robberies in GrimmFall and the abduction of a family."

"An abduction?" Eliza interrupted.

Sebben produced a picture for them to see. "Simon and Betty Petrikov along with their adopted daughter Marceline. When Bullet was identified as the robber from Xanatos Industries we connected those crimes with the ones in GrimmFall. They were all done so fast no one saw the perpetrator or even had a chance to report it."

"What was taken?" Goliath asked.

"Various forms of equipment and an artifact along with several books from Petrikov's antique shop." Sebben showed a picture of a golden crown with three rubies embedded in it.

"A golden crown?" Eliza frowned. "Knowing our luck it must be some kind of magical artifact."

"Simon Petrikov found it during one of his travels into ancient ruins. From what he could learn it actually predates any known civilization. Unfortunately his journal was stolen so we don't anything else about it." Sebben said.

"Well, from what we have gone through with Xanatos it's likely an attempt to mix magic with science." Eliza said.

"And we don't know if there will be any more robberies." Goliath stated. "If this Living Bullet is as fast as media describes him he could already have everything he wants."

"I am hoping to find out exactly what he wants before the manhunt starts. I am not ready to believe Bullet has betrayed his friends and family." Sebben stated.

"So where do we start?" Eliza asked.

"If you don't mind I would like to see the places that were robbed. Perhaps we can understand what he actually wants from learning about the stolen equipment." Sebben suggested. "I hope a clue is found soon."

Xxx

Once Eliza and Goliath had left to meet with Sebben, Xanatos had returned to his officer to look over the latest reports from all major divisions in his company. It was important that he looks over all of his divisions and their assets, possibly discovering what might be stolen next.

Well, he got a good idea what was next when he arrived in his office.

"Just when I thought this night didn't have any more surprises."

Standing in his officer were none other than two former members of the Pack, Jackal and Hyena. Jackal was sitting in his chair while Hyena was leaning on his desk.

"Long time no see, Xanatos." Hyena sneered, raising her claws. "We got business with you."

"I am sure you do." Xanatos replied calmly. "Otherwise you wouldn't be here."

"Don't get smart with us, Xanatos." Jackal leaned forward. "You're coming with us."

"And where are we going?" Xanatos asked, not even blinking as the two former Pack members approached him.

"Ask him." Hyena pointed behind him.

Xanatos turned around and standing right behind him was a man in golden armor, shaped like a bullet with arms and legs. "Living Bullet of the Justice Friends. Under normal circumstances I would say it is an honor to meet you."

The hero didn't answer, simply staring at him.

"Not much of a talker. So, I assume you are here for something else from my company." Xanatos said, probing the intruder for any kind of reaction.

Something was not right.

It was almost like he was talking to a machine.

"I suppose I should offer you anything you want in exchange for my-" Xanatos started but was cut off by a golden flash and everything went black.

Luckily he had the time to tap a switch on his watch before he was knocked out.

Xxx

The alarms went off, alerting everyone in the Eyrie Building, including the Gargoyles who wanted to wait for Goliath. Bronx barked and ran down the stairs, apparently sniffing something bad.

"So much for it being a quiet night." Hudson muttered as the Gargoyles sprang into action.

The sound of a window smashing was heard as Jackal and Hyena shot out of Xanatos' office, holding the unconscious CEO himself. The Gargoyles immediately took after them, unaware of what was happening in the tower.

Xxx

"Get ready, Alex."

Alexander Fox Xanatos, twenty six years old and looked very much like his father, even sporting the same beard but his hair came from his mother and he had the same fox tattoo over his right eye, clutched his pistol and nodded to his mother. Both wore the similar battle armor and were armed with the same advanced weaponry Xanatos had invented for use against the Gargoyles.

"I am ready." Alexander said, emerging from the armory.

Fox nodded, smiling in pride at her son. "I know you are."

Any further exchanges were silenced as a golden blur shot past them. They spun around, aiming their pistols and firing particle beams but missed.

"Living Bullet, the World's Fastest Man." Fox muttered with grudging respect. "I'll have to talk David in upgrading security."

The golden blur shot past them again, leaving them standing in the middle of the room alone again.

"He's not even interested in us." Alexander grumbled.

"He doesn't consider us a threat." Fox reminded.

"Oh, but I can." A deep growling voice spoke as a large hulking figure emerged from the shadows.

Fox scowled. "Wolf."

The wolf Faunus member of the Pack looked even more wolf like than the last time she had seen him, thanks to the genetic enhancements given to him by Xanatos. "Fox, you look like you've done well for yourself."

"More than I can say for you." Fox retorted. "So, Jackal and Hyena took David and you're here for us."

"Gee, how'd you know?" Wolf taunted. "I almost couldn't believe what my client when he offered me this job but when told me what he needed from me…I couldn't say yes fast enough." With that said, Wolf activated his Semblance.

His form became more even more muscular, his claws and teeth lengthened and his eyes turned bloodshot red.

This was Wolf's Semblance: Berserker.

It amplified his speed and strength while also blocking out pain and allowed him to be consumed by blood lust. Wolf let out a roar as he charged at Fox and Alex, ready to tear them apart just as the golden blur rushed from behind.

Xxx

By the time Goliath and Eliza had returned to the tower Alexander was found unconscious and Fox was gone with the room covered in claw and bite marks.

Goliath only had one word to say. "Jalepena."

Xxx

Name: Unknown

Alias: Wolf

Semblance: Berserker

Description: Wolf is completely consumed by bloodlust that amplifies his speed, strength, endurance and even allows him to block out pain.