Disclaimers
All characters appearing in D.C Comics & Time Warner, Marvel Comics, Gargoyles/Gargoyles: the Goliath Chronicles, cartoons created by Murakami Wolf Swenson Inc. & IDW comics, and media created by Joss Whedon. Are property of their respective owners. No infringements of these copyrights are intended, and are not authorized by the copyright holder.
Gargoyles Time's Changeling - Episode Twenty-Five: Treachery and Transfiguration
By Celgress
"I am out here creeping, tonight I'll succeed. I can see you sleeping. I hear how you breathe. Your window is open. You don't move still dreaming. Just like I was hoping, now you'll hear me screaming. Notice me Senpai. Look at that fear in your eyes. Notice me Senpai. Like you would like the surprise."
Notice Me Senpai (2014)
Wyvern Cliff in Scotland late January 988 C.E.
"I regret nothing." Demona spat defiantly at the circle of clan mates who surrounded her. Like Demona, most of the younger females were heavily pregnant, this included Elisa. In two short months, they would lay their eggs in the Castle rookery already prepared by the elder females.
All eyes were on the red haired, sky blue gargess. Their disapproving gazes locked on her. For her part, Demona could not care less. Let the self-righteous fools judge her. Their condemnation matter not, her victory was already complete. No gargoyle could alter what she achieved. Her and Goliath's offspring would be part of the next generation regardless of their opinions. These were her thoughts as she gently patted her bulging belly.
"Which is the problem lass," The old leader said grimly. His expression equal parts disappointment, disapproval, and disbelief. "Ye do not see the error of yer ways."
"I've committed no error," Demona said holding her head high. "In fact, I righted a wrong." Demona shot a withering gaze at her rival Elisa. "She doesn't belong here. She never has. She isn't one of us. She stole Goliath away from me his rightful mate. We'd be together now if she never came." She hissed. Her eyes flashed red.
Elisa's eyes turned red. She lunged forward intending to gouge Demona's eyes out. It took everything Goliath had to restrain his hormonally charged mate. He held her fast careful not to inadvertently injured her in her delicate state.
"How dare you! After what you've done!" Elisa screeched. "I should tear you limb from limb!"
"Ha, don't make me laugh!" Demona cruelly taunted Elisa. "You can't defeat me. You never could. I'm your better in every way, whether you'll admit it or not."
"Enough," Hudson said. Dealing with this occurrence was his responsibility. Goliath had placed the matter in his hands because his successor did not trust himself to handle it fairly due to his direct involvement. "Ye do not deny the charges. That you magically enchanted our Leader into thinking ye were his proper mate? The use of magic against another of our kind is strictly forbidden."
"I deny nothing, by your standards I am guilty. Furthermore, I would do so again given the chance. My only regret is that the spell wore off sooner than anticipated. If it hadn't, I would have gotten away without detection." Demona said evenly recalling how outraged Goliath was once he realized what happened.
"Very well," Hudson said. "Once yer egg has been laid it is the finding of this council ye shall be banished for a period of five years. Until then ye shall remain in the rookery and have no contact with either Goliath or Elisa. Do ye understand our ruling?"
"I gladly accept my punishment," Demona said. She was taken away by a pair of older female gargoyles. "And Goliath, you were fantastic." She added eyeing him hungrily then she smirked at Elisa who scowled before Demona was taken away.
Lincoln Park on the North Side of Chicago early April 2015, night
"At last," Dmona said rubbing her hands together with unrestrained glee. "This city will be free of human filth." On a makeshift alter they had cobbled together Demona and Lucifer stood. Surrounding the stage were their minions the Pack plus four Steel Clan robots. Night Flyer, Boomerang and Human Fly were on assignment elsewhere.
"Assuming we can successfully cast this spell you've pieced together sister. Even though the script appears to be archaic Latin based upon the composition, I almost suspect it is derived from some other more ancient lost language, Punic or perhaps Etrurian?" Lucifer said with uncertainty. He then added demonstrating an uncharacteristic degree of caution. "Maybe we should not attempt to cast it here tonight."
"I have faith in our abilities brother." Demona clapped her right hand on Lucifer's corresponding shoulder.
"Here comes trouble." Wolf said spying the five gargoyles and Blue Recluse overhead.
"Hold them back as long as possible." Lucifer instructed.
"To late boss, they're already on top of us." Dingo said.
"Well, well what do we have here?" Demona said a menacing sneer forming on her face. "My dear rival Elisa and her 'mate' Goliath honored us with their presence. Tell me Elisa how is my former Clan doing these days? Good I hope."
"Their fine." Elisa said her body tensing.
Elisa hated how Demona's words insinuation that the pure love she found with Goliath was something dirty and sinful to be hidden and disallowed by polite gargoyle society. She wanted nothing more in that moment than to take Demona down get her off the streets once and for all but to do that she had to remain calm, cool professional. Her personal feelings about Demona's hateful ways could not be allowed to color her actions or her rival would no doubt escape.
Noticing his mate's discomfort Goliath verbally stepped in. "We are responding to suspicious activity here in Lincoln Park. Why are you present?" Goliath's eyes glanced at the odd homemade construct.
Lucifer followed Goliath's gaze he then laughed. "Ah our altar, it is merely a vehicle by which we celebrate pagan rites of spring nothing more nothing less. Freedom of religion is guaranteed under the constitution of this nation there is nothing you can do to prevent our, little celebration."
"I don't buy your excuse for a minute. You two are up to no good." Brooklyn said. Beside him Katana and Lexington wore expressions of equally skepticism.
Demona and Lucifer exchanged glances. "Do it." Demona said in Latin to Lucifer: a language with which the others were unfamiliar.
Lucifer replied in Latin his voice wavering. "We could always wait sister."
"Until the next proper solar alignment, that would take years or even decades. As you well know brother." Demona said struggling to keep her voice under control. "Our righteous cause can't wait that long for fulfillment. We can't pass up this opportunity. I refuse to defer my, our destiny any longer. We must rid our fair city of the scourge of humanity while we possess the means by which to do so. I refuse!"
"If you insist." Lucifer said resignation evident in his voice and expression. He and Demona in unison recited the memorized spell chanting aloud its ancient incantation.
Elsewhere in Lincoln Park
Not far away but out of direct line of sight from the alter several people froliced about. They were enjoying the mild early spring evening. Amongst these were two teenage friends Miranda and Kevin.
"It is a lovely night." Kevin said. He was dressed as a stereotypical punk, complete with a pink mohawk.
"It is," Miranda said. She was dressed in typical teenage clothing. Her short black hair was worn in a stylish bob cut.
"Did you catch Patriotic Firing Line last night? Bhavin 'Bob' Malhotra is tall, dark and handsome. Plus he has a beard. He's is so dreamy." Kevin sighed
"Kevin you can do much better than that lunatic." Miranda scolded her friend. Her voice filled with indignation. She was shocked that her best friend would listen to such a prejudice show. "Bhavin Malhotra makes Adolph Hitler look like a rank amateur. I can't believe he gets away with the things he does. I should call in sometime give him a piece of my mind."
Kevin burst out laughing. He couldn't help himself. "I really had you going Miranda." Growing serious he continued. "I'd never date a thug like Bob Malhotra, not if he was the last other guy on Earth. You should have seen the look on your face though, priceless." Miranda briefly glared at her friend before she joined him in laughter.
Ten year old Bobby and his younger, by two years, sister Tammy played a game of fetch with their friendly golden retriever Lady under the watchful eye of their middle aged mother Isabelle. Both Tammy and Bobby had short brown hair and were dressed in t-shirts and shorts to beat the early season heat. Isabelle was clad in a loose fitting sundress with a flower pattern her long auburn hung around her shoulders.
A shadow of pain passed over Isabelle's mind as she watched her children and family pet play happily. It had been a difficult few years for the family. A move to Chicago was soon followed her late husband's illness and death. She fervently hoped the worst was behind them. It was nice to see smiles on her children's faces again. She silently vowed she'd do everything within her power to make sure they remained happy.
Randal strolled through the park enjoying his evening walk. He was a man of many talents and a high degree of sophistication. An anthropologist of some note he was currently on a five year loan from the Museum of Celtic Civilization located in France to Brown University Chicago. Of average build the middle aged Randal had short black hair and a matching full beard. He was dressed in an immaculate tweed suit.
Danial, or "Dan" as his friends called him, was cutting his way through the park to deliver several pizzas. The young man of East Asian ancestry was dressed in his delivery "uniform" consisting of white log bearing tee shirt, blue jeans and white hat. Dan could not wait until he was a resident come fall. He'd then be one step closer to his dream of becoming a medical doctor and best of all, at least in the short term, he'd be done delivering pizzas.
Not far away sat a latina women in her mid-thirties reading from a back lit tablet. She was very shy in general and reserved. Penelope wore glasses and had long mousy brown hair. She had an average figure and was clad in a simple pink sundress. Penelope adored children. She taught at a local elementary school.
The Altar Space
Demona laughed as she and Lucifer completed their spell. Sparking multicolored energy surrounded by similar flames poured out of the alter structure. The other gargoyles had no idea what was happening. What they did know is that there was no doubt given those involved something bad would happen unless they took action. They attacked. Demona continued cackling as if She had lost her mind.
"Stop whatever you are doing at once!" Goliath ordered.
"To late weaklings!" Demona cackled. "Nothing can be done, you've already lost! The spell has been cast, the energies are building and will soon be released in all their pent up fury. No power on Earth can stop their intended affect now."
"Which is," Elisa asked already fearing she suspected the answer.
"Why the destruction of your precious humans of course," Demona said enjoying the expression of sheer horror on the faces of her foes.
"Not if I can help it." Blue Recluse said. While the Pack members and Steel Clan robots fought with the gargoyles he used twin strains of webbing to snag Lucifer and Demona by their ankles. He then pulled the pair of villainous gargoyles off their feet before they could properly channel the energies.
A massive surge of mystical energy was released into the sky overhead. A powerful shock wave followed in its wake knocking everyone who stood within a two hundred foot radius off their feet. The advanced electronics that made up the Steel Clan robots shorted out destroying them.
The ensuing silence in the wrecked section of park was deafening. Nothing stirred for many minutes. Slowly, painfully figures stumbled to their feet.
"What happened," Elisa said rubbing her sore head.
"I'm not exactly sure. We were attempting to stop Demona and Lucifer. They were performing some sort of spell." Lexington who had been thrown near Elisa by the blast said slowly getting up. Elisa helped the younger gargoyle to his feet.
"Noooooooooooooooo," Demona howled pushing herself free of a patch of alter wreckage not far away. "How could this happen? This is your fault Elisa! You botched our spell! I should kill you and your friends for what you've done!" Demona's eyes were solid red.
"Demona we're taking you in." Brooklyn snarled his eyes. By his side stood Katana blade draw her eyes red.
"We'll settle this later." Demona said a note of threat in her voice. Demona pulled two grenades from the belt she wore, one a flash bag the other a smoke. She used them to confuse her pursuers escaping with Lucifer who was already overhead.
"Great they got away, again." Elisa said coughing once the smoke cleared.
"Forgot them, we have more pressing problems." Blue Recluse said as he and Goliath appeared. He pointed towards the altered humans.
Elisa sighed deeply. "It's going to be one of those nights."
"A truly impress display of team work," Randal said clapping his clawed hands together. "While I am a fan of group bonding I must insist you defer any further displays of team work until our concerns have adequately been addressed."
"Who's the egghead?" Brooklyn asked staring at the pale blue bearded gargoyle of medium build Randal had become. Brooklyn had already taken a dislike to the academic not at all caring for his brash attitude.
"He reminds me of Lexington." Katana said earning a glare from the gargoyle in question.
"Allow me to properly introduce myself. I am Randal Perkins visiting professor of anthropology at Brown University. Dear me I seem to have misplaced my ID." Randal said searching the remains of his destroyed tweed suit which barely clung to his now leanly muscled frame." How embarrassing I seem to have misplaced my wallet. May I ask what you six are?"
"Five of them are the same thing we are professor." Dan now a scarlet skinned gargoyle with a large muscular frame only somewhat smaller than Goliath's own said. His black hair had turned orange.
"And what might that be," Randal said looking at the clan members for further information.
"We're, you're, ah we're all gargoyles." Lexington finally managed to spit out.
"Unreal," Randal said in awe.
"Seems real enough to me professor," Kevin said now a dark almost black seeming blue-green gargoyle with fin like web wings, ears and crest of scales in the middle of his bald head. Even his fingers were webbed. "To real," he then added more to himself than anyone else.
"Tell me about it." Miranda said. Her gargoyle form was of a violet coloration with twin sets of two long horns on her forehead. One of each set bent inward the other outward from her scalp. Her hair was now a bright blue and her knees and elbows bore sharp spurs.
"So you five got transformed too?" Penelope who was now a light brown beaked gargoyle whose tail ended in a spade shape asked the clan members.
"Ah no," Brooklyn said. "We've always been gargoyles."
"Excuse me," Isabelle said interrupting the conversation. "Can what has happened to us be reversed? If not what are we to do? I have two children and a dog I can't return home with them this way. What about my job? What will my boss think?" Her gargoyle form was orange with pronounced brow ridges similar to Goliath's along with sharp knee and elbow spurs. Her hair yellow.
Bobby and Tammy who stood slightly back from their mother unsure of what to do sported the same orange skin pigmentation, yellow hair and joint spurs, although Tammy possessed the start of two long slim horns which her brother lacked. The golden retriever Lady had become what could best be described as a cotton candy colored gar beast. Her top layer bright blue while her muzzle and interior ears and underbelly were almost fluorescent pink, as were a line of spikes which ran down her back.
"We don't know yet ma'am." Elisa said which set the group off into a shouting match of competing questions, theories and concerns. Goliath picked that moment to speak.
"We'll do all we can for you. Let it be known if you should so choose each of you are welcome to join our clan." Goliath said.
"Who's he?" Dan asked thumbing at Goliath.
"He's my mate Goliath leader of our Clan." Elisa said then realizing she had not yet properly introduced herself, the rest of the Clan or Blue Recluse. She then did so prompting a round of introductions by all present.
"Um guys the police have arrived." Lexington said noting the large riot squad on its way towards them.
"And what a big and well-armed group it is," Blue Recluse stated dryly.
"Some party obviously tipped them we are in the park." Katana said.
"We best leave." Elisa said.
"Where will we go?" Miranda asked alarmed.
"Follow us." Brooklyn said gesturing for the newly minted gargoyles to follow the Clan's lead.
"May I ask where we are going young er man?" Randal asked finding keeping up with Brooklyn easier than he would have thought. It would seem his new form possessed certain advantages over his previous physically lacking incarnation.
"Safety," Brooklyn said then added under his breath. "I hope."
Sirens blared as three more cars full of uniformed officers pulled up. The recovered Pack left behind by their masters took the brunt of the police attention. Hours later the group of heroes and new arrivals were at the museum. Once they reached their destination with great difficulty, and much delay, it was agreed everyone else would wait at the base of the expansive structure while Brooklyn went up to fetch Franco, Nate or Veronica. None of the former humans felt confident about either gliding or climbing to the top of the imposing structure.
Castle Wyvern, five minutes later
"Brooklyn where be the others lad?" Hudson asked Bronx by his side.
"I have good news and bad news." Brooklyn said after catching his breath. Hudson quirked a brow ridge but said nothing. "Good news is we'll have plenty of company."
"And the bad news lad?" Hudson said unsure what to make of Brooklyn's bizarre words.
"A group of people in Lincoln Park were transformed into gargoyles by Demona and Lucifer before we could stop them." Brooklyn huffed.
"What," Hudson said in shock and dismay his wings unfolding from his shoulders as his eyes flashed a fiery white. "Do those two villains know no decency? They place a black mark indeed upon our Clan by their actions. Where are the people now lad?"
"Nate is sneaking them up in the elevator." Brooklyn said "They should be here any minute."
"Hi Hudson," Elisa said waving weakly when the large freight elevator doors slid apart.
"I hope the new museum administrator understands." Brooklyn said.
Brooklyn had yet to meet Owen Burnett. By all reports Mr. Burnett was a nice guy if a tad bland in his tastes. Surprisingly Burnett actually took the job in part because of the gargoyles presence. He started not long after the previous administer quit following the city spanning events caused by Xanatos.
Castle Wyvern the next day, night
"In closing you may all join our Clan, however such a decision must be made freely. If you wish to leave we will respect your choice and assist in any way we can." Goliath said after finishing a lengthy explanation about gargoyles, gargoyle history, the place of gargoyles in the world and a brief history of the Chicago Clan up until the present day. "Before we proceed further are there any questions?" Goliath asked Hudson stood by his left side Elisa by his right side, while behind him stood the other members of the Clan along with Blue Recluse. The latter was still dealing with his two week old bout of vampirism. They had yet to locate those who had infected him.
"Are you er we gargoyles reptiles or birds?" Dan asked. "I was studying to become a doctor, ah a human doctor, and I'm curious about our biology."
"We don't know." Goliath finally admitted after exchanging looks with his Clan members, his mate and finally Blue Recluse.
"Our biology has never been classified, either by gargoyles or humans." Lexington stated.
"That would seem a rather glaring oversight." Randal said then added a new question. "Do gargoyles possess a written language or languages? If so, I very much wish to be educated in said language."
"Traditionally no, we have no written language of our own." Goliath said without hesitation.
"Interesting," Randal said stroking his short beard thoughtfully. "In which case I assume history and important cultural information is transmitted orally, like many Native American tribal societies?"
"Yes, that is correct." Lexington said noting the confused expression on his clan members' faces.
"What will become of us?" Isabelle said. The orange female gargoyle's face was lined with deep concern. "I have two children and a pet to worry about." She gestured at Bobby, Tammy and Lady. "I don't know what I am, what I'm capable of. If we cannot turn back, how will I teach them what being a good gargoyle means when I don't know myself?"
"Don't worry lass we'll teach ye." Hudson said.
"The hacklings are safe here." Goliath said. "No harm will befall them, you have my word."
"What about us?" Kevin said indicating himself and Miranda. "Our families are no doubt worried sick."
"Arrangements will be made to discreetly contact your family members." Nate said he and his wife Veronica entered the courtyard via the elevator. "Once we have done so we'll let you know."
"Thanks Nate," Dan said. By way of acknowledgement Nate nodded at him.
"Any news regarding Demona and Lucifer," Broadway asked.
"Nothing yet I'm afraid." Veronica said.
"I have a question." Kevin said approaching Goliath and Elisa. "Are you two together?" He asked sheepishly.
"Yes, Goliath and I have been what humans would consider formally married for years." Elisa said blushing.
"So gargoyles get married?" Kevin asked. Being openly gay he was interested by how gargoyle society viewed matters of the heart.
"Within our Clan a gargoyle is free to choose any he or she wishes to take as a mate." Goliath explained. "The only restriction is that the bond most be strong and mutual."
"What about same sex relationships?" Kevin said.
"They are permitted." Goliath said.
"Why do you ask?" Elisa said.
"Um because I'm gay, and I want to be certain that won't cause any problems if I join your Clan." Kevin said honestly.
"I assure you. It will not." Goliath said smiling. "Only corrupt gargoyles those who purposefully harm others and cannot be trusted are barred from joining our Clan, all others are welcome."
"Thanks," Kevin said he and Mirands moved away chatting animatedly.
"They seem eager to join our Clan." Elisa joked with a smile of her own.
"Excuse me. Is there a tailor in this fine facility?" Randal asked trotting up to the pair of love birds. "I think us new arrivals could use more appropriate clothing." He indicated his own tattered tweed suit. By his side stood Penelope who was likewise embarrassed by the state of her torn dress.
"I'll ask our friends, see what they can do." Goliath said.
"You have my gratitude." Randal said politely then moved off.
"Thanks," Penelope offered meekly.
Above Chicago a month later, night
"That movie was stupid." Kevin said gliding along in formation with his fellow young gargoyles. After a month practice he and other new arrivals had finally gotten the hang of flight, for the most part.
"I thought it was kind of funny, in its own way." Broadway said.
"It wasn't supposed to be funny." Lexington said sulking. "Kevin is right, it was awful." Lexington conceded a couple seconds later.
"It was a little unrealistic, aliens invading Earth by disguising themselves as clowns." Katana said.
"Exactly, which is why it was funny," Broadway said sticking to his point.
"No offense Lex, but next time I'm picking the movie." Brooklyn said.
"Hey it had an interesting title." Lexington said defensively trying in vain to defend his stinker of a film pick.
"Killer Klowns from Outer Space is an 'interesting title', really Lex," Brooklyn said unimpressed by Lexington's defense of his choice in films.
"I enjoy sci-fi, okay." Lexington grumbled then added under his breath. "At least Miranda enjoyed it."
Brooklyn preferred action films, Broadway noir and Katana Japanese, Goliath, Elisa & Hudson for the most part did not watch movies. Goliath spent his limited free time reading classical books whereas Hudson would rather stay in and watch TV than go out to see a movie no matter how many good reviews it earned.
"I honestly thought it was a comedy, a bad one." Broadway again insisted
"Or a parody," Kevin said the others save Lexington and Miranda laughed at his joke.
"Ha ha ha very funny," Lexington said hurt by their insensitivity.
"Hey don't let them bother you Lex. I say it was interesting for what it was." Miranda said with a smile. "How about we go see the new Star Wars movie when it premieres in December, just you and me?"
"Its a date." Lexington said to quickly then added. "Only if you want it to be one."
"I'd like that." Miranda said.
Lexington gulped. "Sounds good," He stammered.
Rock Grotto on Another plan of existence, morning
A lumbering brown robed figure his features hid within the deep shadows of his thick hood stood over a raised dais comprised of greyish-white stone in which sat a pool of clear water. He waved his black clawed hand over the pool dismissing images of the gargoyles and various other superheroes. His silver fingers shone in the weak light. A respectable distance behind him stood the four Fae known as Mephisto, Luna, Selene and Phoebe.
"All is progressing accordingly." The hooded figure said his voice thin, barely louder than a whisper. "Long have I lurked in the shadows secretly manipulating events from afar, awaiting my moment of ultimate triumph. Soon my faithful acolytes the serpent will swallow the sun. The stars will fall from the heavens and I shall once more freely roam where I please. For I have written it in the book of life."
His sharp tipped metallic fingers reached under his robe touching something hard and metallic mounted on his chest which gleamed in the light of coming day, the legendary artifact known as the Phoenix Gate! He threw back his hood revealing the armor plated mechanical face of none other than Paradox!
Paradox could hardly wait until the timeline of the world of those so called "superheroes" caught up with his own time scale. They would then receive a thoroughly unpleasant surprise. His rise.
To Be Continued