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 Ninja Turtles 1987 series copyright by Murakami Wolf Swenson, Inc. All other TMNT related characters are copyright IDW comics. No infringement of these copyrights is intended, and is not authorized by the copyright holders.
All original characters are the property of Celgress.
TMNT/Gargoyles Season Two Avalon and Beyond Episode Ten: City of Mutants Prologue
By
Celgress
"There's moments in your life that make you, that set the course of who you're gonna be. Sometimes they're little, subtle moments. Sometimes they're not."
Whistler – Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Becoming: Part 1 (1998)
Saint Damien's Cathedral late April 1995 evening
Lexington answered the incessant chirping of the turtlecom the moment his stone skin was shed. He quietly hoped nothing was wrong. There had been so much bad news lately. On the other end of the communication channel was the now familiar visage of the mutant Mona Lisa.
"Lexington here wazzup, Mona Lisa?" Lexington asked as his now constant companion the yellow skinned web winged gargoyle Datura stood by his side playing with her hair.
"Hey Lex, hey Datura, you should get over to Central Park ASAP. There is something here you should see, all of you. See you guys soon, Mona Lisa out."
"Who was that?" Seraphina said, shaking off several small bits of stone.
"It was Mona Lisa" Lexington answered.
"She said we should all head over to Central Park on the double" Datura explained.
"All of us?" Hudson huffed.
"Yup, all of us" Datura said cheerfully. "She seemed rather insistent about that point."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Broadway wondered. "Lets' go everyone."
"If we must" Hudson grumbled. "What about 'im?" He said, pointing at Bronx. "We can't just leave 'im here all alone."
"I'm not carrying him again" Brooklyn said, crossing his arms defiantly. "Not after how he acted last time, throwing up all over me in mid-flight. No, somebody else can have the pleasure."
A short time later the six gargoyles, and one gargoyle beast, took off into the night, Broadway carrying Bronx along for the trip. None of them had any idea what awaited in Central Park. Their only hope was that it was something good. It took the group less than half an hour to reach the park. What they discovered there, all would later agree, was nothing sort of life changing.
"Elisa you're back!" Seraphina squealed upon spying Elisa, a few moments after the six gargoyles landed in Central Park, the two females embraced. "I missed you so much."
"I missed you too Seraphina" Elisa said, patting Seraphina on the back. Elisa knew the other female, being only about sixteen, thought of Elisa as a 'big sister'. It had been hard for Seraphina living with a nearly all male clan. Elisa silently wondered how Seraphina would react now that was about to change. "It is good to be back."
"So you're Elisa the Second in Command I've heard so much about since joining the Clan in your absence. I'm Datura, formerly of the Ishimura Clan of Japan, by the way." Datura said, offering her hand to Elisa once the latter had finished embracing Seraphina.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Datura." Elisa said, grasping the gargoyle girl's arm. Elisa quickly noted Datura only appeared about twelve or thirteen.
Nearby the Trio of young male gargoyles and Hudson were reuniting with Goliath. They were introduced by Goliath to the newly christened Othello and Desdemona.
"Aye it is good ta have ye back my children" Hudson said, embracing one followed by the other. "Long have I wished ye had survived."
"It is good to be back mentor" Othello said.
"We have missed you all" Desdemona added. "Now we are together again, so may we remain."
"Hi Goliath, Clan Leader, and Clan Elders I am Datura formerly of the Ishimura Clan of Japan" the young yellow web wing said approaching and exchanging hand grips with Goliath, Othello & Desdemona.
"As Clan Leader I formally welcome you into our Clan young one" Goliath said, smiling down at Datura.
"Hey" Broadway said, elbowing Goliath and pointing towards the young lavender female gargoyle that was standing by herself a few feet behind Desdemona & Othello. "Who is that?"
"This is Angela" Goliath said, motioning for Angela to come forward. "She is one of our Clan's eggs who hatched and grew up on the mystic Island of Avalon. It is a long story. One that is best told at length, when time would better permit. Please welcome Angela into our Clan, our family."
"Welcome Angela" Hudson said, grasping Angela's arm. "It be good ta have ye as one of my grandchildren."
"Thank you, grandfather" Angela said, with a few tears.
The other younger gargoyles gathered around Angela welcoming her into the Clan. Perhaps more importantly they accepted her into their own sub-group. Broadway was the most enthusiastic of all in his welcoming of Angela.
The Turtles' Secret Lair later that evening
"Man oh man its' great to be home" Donatello loudly proclaimed upon entering the living room area.
"Tell me about it" Leonardo said, from where he sat beside Venus. "Adventure is all fine and good, but at the end of the day nothing beats going home."
"I never thought I'd miss this toilet" Venus began.
"Sewer!" the others instinctively corrected her with a laugh.
Venus herself continued, barely suppressing a giggle of her own. "Fine, I never thought I'd miss this sewer yet I did."
"There really is no place like home" Leonardo said, snuggling with Venus.
"You got that right compadres. Home is where the heart is, not to mention the stomach" Michelangelo said entering the living room area, with Kala in tow. He was wearing a floppy, white, chef's hat and he & Kala were carrying several large pizza pies. "Snarf 'em down people there is enough for everybody."
"You know" Raphael said, from his seat by Mona Lisa, as he ate a slice of pizza. "This is the life let me tell you. If only all of our nights could be this peaceful."
"Yeah that would be wonderful" Mona Lisa said, sighing heavily. "If only it were possible."
"If only" everyone agreed, continuing their meal.
The apartment of the Maza Family the evening of April 30th 1995
Elisa paced back and forth wondering exactly what she would say when her he finally arrived. Elisa had dreaded this night ever since her return from the Avalon Adventure, as she and her fellow travelers were now calling it. Elisa knew the upcoming conversation would not be easy, most likely it would be one of the most unpleasant conversations of her entire life.
"He's here, he'll be up shortly" Diane Maza said, entering the apartment. "Are you sure you want to do this my dear?"
"Of course she is sure" Peter Maza said, answering for his eldest daughter. "It is high time this happened. These things need to be said."
"It is just he has been so angry lately. Won't this just make matters worse?" Diane Maza questioned.
"In the short term perhaps" Peter Maza said. "In the long term it just might save him, and us all, a lot of heart ache down the road."
"I hope you two are right" Diane Maza said, a worried look on her face. "I sincerely do."
The door knob of the front door began to turn. Elisa stopped her pacing. The door opened revealing Elisa's brother Derek Maza. The young man already had a foul look on his face. Entering the living room of the apartment Derek Maza shut the door behind him. A few minutes passed in tense silence. The only noises that could be heard were the ticking of the Mazas' grandfather clock and the whirring of distant sirens which drifted in through an open window. Finally Derek Maza broke the stalemate.
"You look well Elisa. Tell me did you enjoy gallivanting around the universe in the company of your new nonhuman friends, while we were worried sick?"
"Derek please don't" Diane Maza said.
"Its' okay mom" Elisa said. "I'm sorry you do not approve of my lifestyle, or my new friends, Derek."
"It more than that Elisa" Derek said coldly. "Do you have any idea how your actions have affected us? Do you even care?"
"Of course I care" Elisa said. "I still love you all. That hasn't changed because I'm a gargoyle now."
"So, where is the big one your boyfriend you know Goliath?" Derek asked with a smirk.
"That isn't important right now, what is important is that you can't work for the Shredder any longer Derek. He is an evil man, who will only hurt you in the end" Elisa said.
"Listen to your sister Derek, she is right" Peter Maza said.
"I see" Derek Maza said, his eyes narrowing. "You're both just jealous because Mr. Masamune has shown faith in my abilities, something no one ever did for either of you."
"Derek please don't say such things!" Diane Maza pleaded with her son.
"No, let him talk Diane. Let him have his say" Peter Maza said.
"Both of you were lousy cops, with lousy salaries, and lousy benefits. No one who mattered took any interest in either of you" Derek Maza ranted. "I'm different Mr. Masamune believes in me. He knows I'm going places, that I have a bright future. I will not quit my security job at TCRI Corp because you two don't like him."
"It isn't that we don't like him it is…." Peter Maza started only to have Derek cut him off.
"I know my boss is a 'bad man'" Derek Maza said with a sneer. "You claim Date Masamune is this Oroku Saki the Shredder. I say where is the proof? Where is it, huh? Do you even have any evidence? If so I certainly haven't seen it."
"Derek please listen Shredder is a dangerous man" Elisa said. "He has betrayed almost ever partner and employee he has ever had. If you'll…"
"Spare me Elisa" Derek Maza said, waving his hand dismissively at his sister's allegations. "You attempted to frame the man for your murder, a crime that of never took place. I've heard enough of your babbling I'm outta here."
"Derek wait!" Elisa said desperately lunging towards her brother, but he was already gone the front door slamming behind him.
The three remaining members of the Maza family looked at each other, their faces a combination of grief and bewilderment. Diane Maza started crying. As her father comforted her mother Elisa was at a loss for words. Elisa realized she had no idea how to fix things.
The Home of Jeffrey Robbins mid-May 1995 evening
"Its' been a long time Splint" The old African American man wearing sunglasses said, as Splinter and Hudson entered his house.
"Indeed it has Jeffery" Splinter said, taking a seat at the small table on which stood a tray containing tea pot, glasses and an assortment of biscuits.
"So, are your boys still protecting the World Splint?" Jeffery Robbins asked, taking the seat opposite Splinter.
"He knows?" Hudson whispered in Splinter's ear.
"That Splint and his boys are mutant crime fighters?" Jeffery Robbins asked.
"Aye" Hudson said.
"Sure do have for a couple of years now, ever since that blasted madman Shredder tried to take over the City. And you are?" Jeffery Robbins said, turning his attention towards Hudson.
"Jeffery this is my friend Hudson. He is the elder of the Gargoyle Clan who has recently taken up residence in City. I thought Hudson might enjoy meeting you, as the younger members of our respective groups are currently engaged in their own definition of fun" Splinter explained.
"It is pleasures to make you're acquaintance" Jeffery Robbins said, shaking Hudson's hand.
"Aye the pleasure is all mine Master Robbins" Hudson said, releasing Jeffery Robbins' hand.
"None of that formal crap, just call me Jeffery like Splint here does"
"Aye, alright Jeffery"
"Now Splint tell me how are your boys doing these days?"
"Well three of my boys now have girlfriends, only Donatello has yet to be so blessed."
"Wow" Jeffery Robbins whistled at the revelation. "Excuse my bluntness are the girls mutants or humans?"
Splinter laughed softly. "They are mutants. Their names are Mona Lisa, Venus and Kala."
"Well Splint looks like you might have those grandchildren you've always wanted yet"
"Perhaps" Splinter said, sipping his tea.
"What about you, my new friend Hudson how many are there in your family?"
"Aye my family, ere my Clan, has recently undergone much growth. There are Goliath, Othello, Elisa & Desdemona in what can be considered the generation of my children" Hudson begun to recount when Jeffery Robbins interrupted him.
"What exactly do you mean by in what can be considered the generation of your child?"
"Aye, sons & daughters, as well as grandchildren, belong to the whole Clan it is our tradition. In the generation of my grandchildren there are Brooklyn, Broadway, Lexington, Seraphina, Datura and Angela."
"By the sound of things you are both blessed with healthy, growing families gentlemen" Jeffery Robbins said, nibbling on a biscuit.
"Aye, I ere only wish the POF-SOR would leave us ere alone" Hudson grumbled, finally taking a seat beside Splinter.
"Indeed" Splinter said with a deep sigh. "They have been making our lives difficult ones the past few months."
"Some of those racists came by here a few days ago looking to recruit me, me of all people, for their cause." Jeffery Robbins said, slapping his leg before bursting out in laughter. "I told those bigoted bastards where they could stick their hatful propaganda."
"Jeffery you should be most careful when dealing with the POF-SOR, they can be extremely dangerous if provoked" Splinter said, his voice trailing off.
"Aye" Hudson said. "They could ere hurt ye Jeffery."
"Those clowns" Jeffery Robbins continued to laugh. "The ones who dropped by here were just a couple of misguided kids. Why are you two so worried? Is there something you're not telling me Splint, Hudson?"
"Members of POF-SOR recently murdered one of our good friends, a human named Obento" Splinter said his voice cracking with emotion.
"Good God!" Jeffery Robbins said, setting his tea cup down with shaking hands.
"My sister Datura and our good friend Usagi Yojimbo were then put on trial for the crime on trumped up charges" Splinter explained.
"Aye we think the POF-SOR slayed Obento because he was ere friend" Hudson continued.
"Which is why we are so concerned for your safety Jeffery. If anything where to happen, I'd never forgive myself" Splinter finished.
"Aye, nor I" Hudson added.
"I'm a big boy guys" Jeffery Robbins said. "Besides, it seems you folks have far more to fear from these fanatics than I do. I only wish there was some way I could help you and your families. There must be something I can do?"
"You are a good man Jeffery"
"Aye ye are Jeffery"
"I know I could write an op-ed" Jeffery Robbins said, his mood brightening. "It has been awhile, but it just might work. Yes that is exactly what I'll do."
"What is this op-ed of which ye speak?" Hudson asked curiously.
"Op-ed is short for opposite the editorial page" Jeffery Robbins explained in animated fashion, his creative juices now freely flowing. "Basically it is a column in the newspaper where educated readers can submit their own take on a news story, often surrounding a current controversy. My plan is to write an article in support of you guys, showing the good you have done for the City, and the World, over the years."
"Jeffery I cannot allow you to do so" Splinter said, shaking his head vigorously. "It would only make you a magnet for anti-nonhuman feelings, including violence against 'sympathizers' such as that perpetrated by the POF-SOR."
"Splint this is my choice" Jeffery Robbins argued. "If I want to stick my neck out you must let me. Bullies like these always back down when confronted. It may take some time, however they are all cowards at heart. Believe me, I talk from experience. I've dealt with their kind before."
"I know you have Jeffery" Splinter said, picking his words carefully. "While we greatly appreciate your assistance I could never live with myself if you were hurt because of your support for us."
"Aye" Hudson said. "Ye art an exceedingly brave and honorable man Jeffery, yet this scum be without any form of honor. They make sport outta attacking the defenceless."
"Don't let the sunglasses fool you" Jeffery Robbins gave a hollow laugh, a sound devoid of mirth. "Before I lost my sight I was a combat specialist in Vietnam. I am not as defenseless as I may look. If the need arises, I can more than take care of myself. I will not allow myself to be intimidated by these hatemongers."
Hudson and Splinter exchanged a worried look. The two old warriors knew there was no talking their energized friend out of his plan, at least for now. They only hoped that once Jeffery Robbins calmed down that he would see the wisdom in not antagonizing the forces of hate represented by the POF-SOR. At least that is what the two old warriors fervently hoped would happen, only time would tell though.
Outside a New York District Courthouse the afternoon of May 31st, 1995
April O'Neil had never been happier she practically skipped down the front steps of the courthouse. In just over three short weeks she'd be Mrs. Casey Jones. In spite of all the drama that had occurred in recent months April felt things were finally turning around. Yes everything was, at last, looking up. April dropped her paperwork as she stumbled on the last step. Reaching down to pick it up a gloved hand grabbed it before she could. The gloved hand then gave the paperwork to here. A familiar voice spoke.
"Tsk tsk tsk Ms. O'Neil you must be more careful" returning to a standing position April's vision was filled with the smiling face of John Canmore, who was in full POF-SOR garb minus mask and clock, "Dropping such important legal documents where anyone could pick them up, how clumsy of you."
"What are you doing here Canmore? Trying to get pets declared illegal so you can hurt them along with nonhumans" April said with a scowl on her face. "People like you disgust me."
"Listen here I will not be lectured on morality be someone who associates with filthy, sewer dwelling mutant freaks" John Canmore said, his face now a mask of tension.
"Good day Canmore" April said, turning on her heels to leave the scene.
"Remember Ms. O'Neil not all of your friends, like the little gargoyle girl and the rabbit man, can defended themselves!" John Canmore shouted at the retreating former reporter.
"What did you say?" April stopped dead in her tracts, her blood running cold.
"You heard me" John Canmore said in a smug tone.
"Yeah I did" Casey Jones said, appearing out of nowhere and getting in John Canmore's face.
"Now you listen" Casey said, mere inches from John Canmore's face. "If you lay a hand on any of them again, especially the ones you term 'helpless', I'll kill you."
"Is that a threat Mr. Jones?" asked a smiling John Canmore, as Casey slowly backed away.
"Consider it a promise Mr. Canmore" Casey said taking April by her arm.
"Casey you haven't talked like that in years" April said, concern evident in her voices. "I never thought I'd hear you say something like that to another living soul again."
"That's because no one has ever threatened our friends like that before" Casey said.
"Please never say such things again, you frightened me" April said, leaning her head against Casey's shoulder.
"I'm sorry April" Casey said. "I couldn't let him get away with talking to you like that or threatening our friends with impunity."
"I know, still promise me you won't pick a fight with that terrorist. He isn't worth it Casey."
"I promise."
The Home of Jeffrey Robbins early June 1995 evening
"Hello" Jeffery Robbins said picking up the ringing telephone.
"Did you write the pro nonhuman op-ed that was published in the New York Times last week?" asked a menacing voice.
"I sure did" Jeffery Robbins answered proudly.
"You should reconsider your position Mr. Robbins" said the Menacing Voice. "It would be a real shame if you got hurt."
"Now you listen here, whoever you are" Jeffery Robbins said. "I will not be intimidated by…"
"Click" whoever was on the other end of the phone hung up.
The TCRI Building the morning of June 14th, 1995
"Tell me why should I work with you again after you went AWOL and then betrayed us, not once but several times?" Shredder asked the image of the cyborg, shark mutant Armaggon that currently filled his communication monitor.
"Because I can give you what you've always wanted most, absolute power over Earth starting with this City" Armaggon calmly claimed.
"No thanks, I can do that on my own without your help" Shredder said, crossing his arms over his chest.
"Eventually" Armaggon said. "I'm offering you World domination now, no waiting. The spell I have will turn every human who witnesses into a mindless slave, your mindless slave."
"And what do you want in return for this great gift, hmmm?" Shredder asked, still highly suspicious.
"Reinstatement as one of your lieutenants" Armaggon said, acting contrite. "My own country in which I can be absolute lord once the new order has been established."
"Very well, if, I stress if the spell delivers as promised I will grant you your request" Shredder said, disconnecting his comlink, "Shredder out!"
"Arrogant Fool" Armaggon spat out, disconnecting his own comlink, "soon I will have what I have always deserved, the City under my thumb!" Armaggon's trademarked toothy grin slowly spread across his horrible face.
The Renard Penthouse the afternoon of June 19th 1995
"I don't understand why I'm here Mrs. Renard" Casey said, sitting across an ornate desk from the regal Anastasia Renard.
"You are here because I require your services Mr. Jones. You use to be a private investigator before my husband hired you did you not?" Anastasia Renard asked.
"Sort of" Casey conceded.
"Sort of" Anastasia Renard repeated. "I want you to find out what really happened to my daughter Janie."
"I thought the police ruled her abduction a likely murder and subsequently closed the case?" Casey said.
"My daughter isn't dead Mr. Jones, trust me."
"How can you be so sure Mrs. Renard?"
"Call it a mother's intuition. Trust me, she is alive."
"With all due respect Mrs. Renard if your daughter is indeed alive, than where has she been all this time?" Casey Jones said, skeptically.
"I don't know which is where you come in Mr. Jones" Anastasia Renard said. "You will find her, of this I am certain."
"I'm flattered Mrs. Renard, though your faith in my investigative abilities is misplaced" Casey Jones said. "I wouldn't even know where to begin with this case."
"Start by locating him" Anastasia Renard instructed, opening a large envelop and spreading several large BW prints across the desk. All the pictures were of the same mutant criminal. "I believe this vile creature is called Armaggon."
Casey picked up one of the prints. "Where did you get these?"
"My first investigator took these before he vanished. I suspect Armaggon's gang discovered he was tailing them. I'm sure you will be less sloppy."
"I never said I'd take the case" Casey said, examining the pictures carefully.
"Mr. Jones I will pay whatever you want, half up front, half upon the recovery of my daughter money is no object. Please Mr. Jones I beg of you help me find her" Anastasia Renard pleaded he expression one of deep longing.
"Very well, I'll take the case at my usual rate" Casey replied, after some thought.
"Mr. Jones you are a saint. I will not forget this" Anastasia Renard said, shaking Casey's hand.
"I'm somewhat familiar, from reports, with these two mutants" Casey said holding up one print and pointing at Scale Tail and Killer Bee standing besides Armaggon. "I've never seen these two before, are they new?" Casey said looking at another print that showed Alopex and Manx by Armaggon.
"I know the fox mutant, accompanied by the cougar mutant, attacked my husband at a benefit shortly after Janie's abduction. Other than that I know nothing about these two. I can only assume they are relatively new recruits to the cause of that monster Armaggon. Why do you ask Mr. Jones? Do you feel they are important?" Anastasia Renard asked.
"I'm not sure, yet" Casey said, getting up from the desk and excusing himself. "I'll be in touch Mrs. Renard, soon I hope."
"I'll be waiting, Mr. Jones" Anastasia Renard said with a small smile, waving him out of her office.
The Turtles' Secret Lair the night of June 22nd 1995
By midnight Casey Jones' bachelor party was in full swing. Splinter along with Hudson & Bronx had long ago retired to spend the evening with their friend Jeffery Robbins. All the Turtles were there along with all the other male members of the Manhattan Clan, Usagi Yojimbo and Mondo Gecko. Detective Matt Bluestone couldn't make the party due to conflicting patrol duty. Everyone was having a tremendous time. Even Usagi Yojimbo was getting in the spirit of things.
"Y-you g-guys are the best" Casey slurred, holding a half empty bottle of tequila in one hand. One of his arms was draped across the shoulders of Leonardo the other across the shoulders of Goliath. "I love y-you guys *hick*". Both Goliath and Leonardo looked extremely uncomfortable.
Nearby Lexington snapped off a quick picture with a Polaroid camera he had got just for the occasion. "This is priceless" said the young gargoyle while laughing so hard he nearly fell over.
In a corner Othello, Raphael, Brooklyn and Donatello were playing poker. Raphael and Brooklyn were having the best night of the quartet by far. Both gargoyle and mutant had a large hill of poker chips pilled in front of them. By comparison Donatello had very few chips and Othello had even less.
In the kitchen Michelangelo and Broadway were busy cooking up a feast. In truth feast might have been the wrong term. The massive meal consisted of burgers, hotdogs, pizzas and nachos along with soft drinks to wash it all down.
Elsewhere the upscale apartment of April O'Neil and Casey Jones
By midnight April O'Neil's bachelorette party was also in full swing. All the female mutants and gargoyles were there. The atmosphere, while still boisterous, was more subdued than in the sewers.
"You girls are the greatest" April said hugging Mona Lisa and Elisa who were seated closest to her. "I just wish Irma could be here." April's gaze fell at the mention of her slain best friend.
"Who is Irma?" Angela asked from the opposite couch.
"Irma was April's best human friend" Mona Lisa explained. "She was murdered in cold blood by Armaggon about a year ago." This revelation elicited gasps of horror from the ladies.
"I'm not surprised" Kala said from besides Angela shaking her head in disgust. "Armaggon is a heartless monster. If I hadn't been such a coward I could have stopped him."
"Nonsense" Elisa said. "He would only have hurt you more. Don't worry, someday he'll get his."
"Enough about Armaggon" Seraphina, who was leaning against a doorway, said. "This is a party, well girls lets have fun. We can worry about our enemies some other time." And fun they had. The group partied long into the night.
Saint Damien's Cathedral the evening of June 23rd 1995
"What God hath joined together let no one rend asunder. I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride" declared Bishop Guillermo Maza. In spite of the fact that neither April or Casey were practicing Catholics, the Bishop had agreed to marry the two. Bishop Guillermo Maza had done so in part because he was acutely aware no other house of worship would be able, or more likely willing, to host the unusual guests that accompanied the ceremony.
Casey and April kissed deeply. The crowd applauded wildly. The Turtle Family, the Manhattan Clan of Gargoyles, Usagi Yojimbo, Mondo Gecko, and Detective Matt Bluestone were all in attendance. The only other humans in the crowd were April's Aunt the famous sleuth Agatha "Aggie" O'Neil and Jeffery Robbins. Earlier in the evening Splinter had given April away. Raphael had severed as Casey's best man while Mona Lisa had been April's maid of honor. Lexington had been the ring bearer. Datura had been the flower girl.
In the doorway of the Cathedral April tossed her banquet. Mona Lisa was the lucky one who caught it, much to her joy and Raphael's trepidation. April and Casey jumped into their red convertible and rode off into the night as their friend threw rice after the departing spouses. No one noticed the bizarre figure that intently watched the departing couple.
"Enjoy your happiness Mr. & Mrs. Jones, it won't last" said Pannton the Dark Jester, stepping back into the shadows the building ledge he stood upon provided. The lifeless eye sockets of his mask briefly flashed an unnerving shade of green.
To Be Continued