"Kyra!" Micheal called.
"What?" she called back, irritated.
"Get down here!" It was an hour to dusk, there was only
one thing he would want right now, and he wasn't getting it.
Kyra put her grandmother's pendant on for courage and
felt something strengthen in her. She went down bravely and looked right
at Micheal.
"What is it this time?" she asked impatiently.
"If you think you're going anywhere tonight you'd better
think again, unless it's in my room." Micheal smiled in a way that sent
weird shivers down her arms, but she ignored it. Kyra was used to his come-on
lines.
"Not in this lifetime." she replied and turned her back.
"I've ordered everyone to keep you in." Micheal sneered.
"You belong with Demona..." Kyra said coldly. "I don't
understand why I ever joined you..."
"You can't guard that pretty neck of yours all the time."
Micheal threatened, "I will win, there's nothing you or your friends can
do to stop me." He walked out of sight.
Kyra sighed, visibly upset, "He's never going to give
up, and I don't just mean the jewel."
"What else would he want?" Brooklyn asked.
"Me." Kyra told him, her eyes diverted.........
"I just can't shake the feeling that Micheal's going to
find some way to get me." Kyra said worriedly as they walked on.
Kyra kept as far as she could from Micheal, but
soon she was cornered. Kyra stood her ground, determined not to let Micheal
get her without a long fight. Micheal knew she wouldn't let him come much
closer and waited for the right time to
make his move. Lightning flashed outside, it only caught Kyras attention
for a moment, but it was long enough for Micheal to grab her.
"Let go or I'll scream!" she threatened. "Everyone will
know something's going on in here!"
"You aren't exactly in a position to make threats." Micheal
told her. "Where are the gargoyles hiding?"
"I don't know." Kyra snapped.
"Don't lie, it will just make this more difficult for
you." Micheal said and pulled out a knife. Ever since she was twelve, Kyra
had hated that knife. He put the blade against her neck, "Now, where are
they hiding? Tell me and I'll be gentle. We had a deal."
"Deal's off. I'll never tell you, no matter what you do."
Kyra told him bravely. He knew her, when she talked that way, she meant
it.
"What happened?" Brooklyn asked, "I know Micheal's mean,
but what made him so angry at you?"
"It's a long story, you might not like it." Kyra
told him.
"After seeing Micheal with that knife, I know I won't
like it." Brooklyn replied.
"I'll tell you later." Kyra decided.
"Goliath was pretty worried about you when we left. He'll
want to see if you're alright." Brooklyn said to her.
"The sky's starting to lighten, I'd better go tomorrow
night." Kyra told him.
"All right, I'll tell him you're safe and that Micheal's
not going to hurt you for a while." Angela said and headed back to the
castle as the sky lightened.... Brooklyn stayed to listen to what made
Micheal attack Kyra like that.
.....Goliath warned Kyra to be careful, "Micheal
will try something again, and next time he won't be so easy to stop." he
said worriedly, "I know you think you can beat him, but you won't always
be under favorable conditions. I don't want to see you hurt."
"Goliath's right, Kyra. Micheal will probably have
Demona's help on the next attack." Elisa added. "Those two don't give second
chances on things like that, it will never be the same attack twice."
Kyra was talking to Kristie, Keisha, and Chris. She
told them about everything that happened the previous night.
"You're kidding right?" Kirstie asked.
"No way, those words keep ringing in my head, 'The
truth's inside but hidden well, within Demona's heart it dwells', what
does that mean?" Kyra asked.
"I don't know, but we'd better find out, and quick,
or else Demona will use it against us." Chris answered.
"You're sounding more like a warrior every day."
Kyra told him and kissed his cheek.
"Thanks." he said.
Later that evening, just after sunset, Angela and Kyra went out to try and find a way to catch Demona unaware. They had no idea what was waiting for them, if they did, they might have asked Goliath to come.
"Do you think she's expecting us?" Angela asked.
"She's your mother, you should know her better than I do." Kyra answered. They landed as close to the lair as they could without being seen.
"Better be careful." Angela warned.
Suddenly, Kyra saw something that bothered her greatly, but she didn't dare mention it. Angela could see that something was bothering her and asked why she looked so concerned.
"It's nothing, I just saw something I didn't expect to be here." Kyra shrugged it off and walked ahead. What she had seen was a Steel clan robot, the leader robot. Kyra wondered if it was just there to creep her out, or if someone was in it, spying on them. Of course it couldn't be Xanatos, the leader "bot" was one of the new missing robots that Micheal had stolen again. Kyra had a sudden memory, one she hated, a memory from the recent past, the very recent past...
Five Years ago, Docks of the Harlem River
Long before Kyra had met the Gargoyles, she knew
about them, everyone in the gang did, actually, everyone in the city did,
thanks to John, the Hunter. He and the Quarrymen made life public for the
clan.
Micheal was with Demona. He worked with Demona,
picking out the strongest, least suspicious member of the gang
to carry a new plan of hers out. Demona saw Kyra practicing her
fighting with one of the other gang members one night. She could see there
was some innocence in the girl's eyes, despite her obvious strength, Kyra
was definitely feminine.
Still, she was a warrior, refusing to give up
until she was either half-dead, or too far outnumbered, which in her case,
Micheal pointed out, was about a hundred to one. They both agreed that
the girl was perfect, strong and brave, but trustworthy and innocent looking.
Not knowing why, Kyra was called in from practice...
"Kyra, look!" Angela cried, Kyra jumped out of the memory.
"What?" she asked, half dazed.
"Steel Clan robots," Angela answered, "What are they doing here?"
"Are you that forgetful? Micheal stole more, it looks like they're off-line, so I wouldn't worry." Kyra replied.
Angela wondered why Kyra wasn't worried about the robots, she knew what more than two would mean, and that Kyra absolutely hated those tin gargoyles since they had gotten into Micheal's possession. But Kyra's mind was on other things, like what would have happened if she had not made an important decision...
Main room of Gang's Base
Kyra was brought in to see Demona, she didn't
know that Demona was evil then, Kyra was told why she had been brought
in. She was skeptical of the plan at first, being part of something like
that seemed wrong to her. She was immediately told that she didn't have
a choice in the matter, and that the plan began the minute she left the
room. Kyra decided she had to obey Micheal, he was older and her superior,
even if he was a pain in the neck.
Kyra was to befriend at least one Gargoyle, then
through them befriend Goliath, lure Goliath and Brooklyn, the two in command,
to the base, where Demona would take care of them, permanently...
"Kyra! Look out!" Angela called as Kyra nearly tripped over a rock, "What is with you? You aren't paying attention."
"I'm fine, it's just, bad memories of Micheal." Kyra said slowly, still coming back to reality.
"I've been through this before, I hope there's no magic around here." Angela said, referring to what happened at Scotland, where the castle had once stood, when she and her new friends were going back from Avalon.
"Relax, it's nothing like that." Kyra said calmly.
"Well, then forget the memories. I mean, what can a memory do to you if you ignore it?" Angela told her.
"You have no idea." Kyra breathed...
Two Months Ago, Kyrana's room in the gang's hideout
Kyra had just met Brooklyn, Lexington, and Broadway.
She knew Micheal was watching her from inside and as soon as one of the
Gargoyles had started talking about Demona, he called Kyra in to talk about
what she was to do next.
Kyra was starting to feel sorry that her new
friend would be killed because she couldn't stand up to Micheal that one
time. She secretly sent a warning to Brooklyn about Micheal being an enemy.
Kyra was starting to get attached to Brooklyn, it was almost like they
were meant to be friends, but she knew what would happen to him and tried
to fight it.
She tried to fight the tears, the hurt, the fact
that she was starting to care for Brooklyn and his clan as her first true
friends. She tried, but couldn't. She knew what she had to do, but
how could she do it?
Angela and Kyra were about to go in, when Demona partially showed herself accidentally, watching them. Kyra immediately warned Angela that they should go back later.
"Why?" Angela asked, "We're so close to getting in."
"Because," Kyra whispered, "Demona is right over by those stones."
"Oh, good reason." Angela said, "We'd better try later." she added quietly.
"Let's just get out of here before she notices us noticing her." Kyra said, equally quiet. Suddenly, they were surrounded by robots and the overly armed gang members.
"Great." Angela sighed.
"Demona, I know you're up to something, and I know what it is, but you'll never win without my co-operation, which will not happen." Kyra said, she didn't even care that she was a captive.
Micheal came over, in the robot armor, "We changed the plan Kyra, so actually, you're already co-operating." he said.
"What?" Kyra said, half confused, and half angered.
"Changed what plan?" Angela asked Kyra suspiciously. The younger female gargoyle turned away in guilt and scowled.
"Take them to the cell." Micheal ordered...
Two months ago, Kyrana's room at the gang base
Kyra was looking for something that would help
her find enough courage to stand up to Micheal. She rummaged though all
her special things, a warm glow came from the bottom of the box. The beautiful
black jewel her grandmother had given her before she disappeared filled
the room with golden light. Kyra put it on and felt something grow in her,
a strange feeling, but somehow she wasn't afraid, in fact, she felt stronger.
Something sparked in her mind. Now she could
stand up to that bully Micheal and of course Demona, she was easy to stand
up to, you couldn't help but hate her. Micheal called Kyra down, telling
her that he would be gone for the day, and she was to stay there. When
he left, Kyra realized it was time to help her friends, and stop Micheal's
plan...
At the castle, Goliath and Elisa were getting worried about Angela and Kyra, the girls had left hours ago and should have come back by then. Brooklyn was really worried because he knew about how Kyra was once on Micheal's side, she had told him a week ago, making him promise not to tell Goliath or anyone else. He knew that Demona was good at changing her plans to succeed even if the main part is unavailable. He went out to look for Kyra...
Two Months ago, Castle on Eyrie Tower
In a book of Celtic Mythology was the amulet Kyra
had shown to Brooklyn. It was actually a magical talisman, the strongest
of a set of three. Kyra vowed to hide it and make sure Micheal never found
it.
Later, Demona and Micheal realized that Kyra
left to show the powerful amulet to the Gargoyles, also realizing that
it meant Kyra was on their enemies' side now, which they did not appreciate,
and it made Micheal angry...
Brooklyn knew to look for Kyra at Demona's lair, but worried about Angela. When he got to the lair, he knew Angela and Kyra were captive there because almost every member of the gang was positioned around it, guarding from intruders. He decided to come back with help...
Seven weeks ago, Gang's hideout
Kyra was in real trouble, she had refused to betray
her new friends and tell Micheal where they slept during the day. Micheal
had lost all patience with her and held her life in his hands, threatening
to slit her throat if she didn't tell. Kyra knew she was in danger, but
still she remained loyal to her friends.
Micheal gave up and put the knife away, deciding
to make the best of a bad situation and use her in another way. Seconds
later, Brooklyn burst in, his mind set on freeing Kyra. He was helpless
as long as she was in Micheal's clutches, but Lupus came in, since he was
deaf, it took only a few hand signals and Micheal was pinned by the angry
wolf, Kyra immediately fled to Brooklyn as Angela and Elisa came in. Micheal
was immediately arrested for kidnapping and attempted murder. After that,
Kyra left the gang and lived with her new friends, where she would be safe
from Micheal and Demona, or so she had thought...
Later that night, Brooklyn came with Goliath and Elisa. He had told them everything that he knew about the situation, and warned them that there was a heavy amount of security, obviously Demona didn't want to give Angela and Kyra up without a fight. And a fight she was in for. Demona had forgotten how much harder a gargoyle fights when the life of it's blood kin (child), is in jeopardy. Goliath hated it when Angela was injured, and quickly got revenge on the person who inflicted the injury.
Brooklyn thought of Kyra as more of a sister than a friend and hated seeing her hurt almost more than Goliath hated seeing Elisa or Angela wounded. They had known each other for nearly two months, and were best friends. Brooklyn really hated it when Demona was the cause of any injuries. Kyra would probably receive near deadly burns from Demona's lazer someday and, as far as Brooklyn was concerned, Demona would pay with her own flesh when it happened.
Suddenly, Demona shot at them from above, Goliath took Elisa away from the endangered area and fought Demona back with Brooklyn's help. Demona was backed into a tree and Elisa came over with handcuffs.
"Good idea, we don't want her telling Micheal we're out here." Brooklyn said as Elisa cuffed Demona to the tree.
Elisa knew that Goliath was extremely worried about Angela, right now, she was all he could think about. He wanted Angela out of there safely as soon as possible. She was worried about Kyra, after all, Kyra wasn't used to Demona, and didn't know what she was fully capable of...
Approx.Three years ago, Eyrie Tower
The sky was it's blackest when the clan first
learned of Demona's betrayal. Goliath couldn't believe his ears when Demona
told him that she was mainly responsible for the massacre of the Gargoyle
clan a thousand years ago. They learned over a year later how Demona had
survived and why. Demona nearly killed Goliath simply because he would
not join her in ridding the world of humans, especially since his best
friend, and almost love was one.
Demona forgot completely about her past love
for Goliath and decided then and there that he was no more than an enemy,
to be destroyed along with the humans, she would have succeeded in destroying
Goliath the first time she tried if it wasn't for Elisa knocking her aside,
the deflected shot had sent peices of the castle down on the two of them
and they were hurtled off the building... Goliath could only save one,
he chose Elisa. For that, Demona despised Elisa more than any human, besides
Macbeth.
One and a half years ago, Avalon
Once they left, Avalon sent them to many places that needed them more than Manhattan did, including Scotland, to save "Nessie", Canada, to save a Native's tribe, and Japan, London, and Guatemala, where they met other Gargoyles. They even met up with Phalog and Demona in Paris. It took many months before they were finally needed back in Manhattan.
They ran into many villains including an evil Child of Oberon named Raven, and even Savarrius, an old nemesis of Goliath and Elisa's, having made the formula that made the clan of mutates that included Derek and Maggie. They also met new friends, and remade broken friendships, meeting a Child of Oberon named Grandmother, and Goliath rekindled his friendship with the Captain that had been guilt-ridden all those centuries after helping Demona and Hakon.
Dingo, of the Pack, had gone straight because of something that happened in Australia. They also learned who Fox's father was, and that she was pregnant with Alexander, who was the main reason they were sent home. Angela learned much of the world, and couldn't wait to meet the rest of the clan. Learning that Goliath was her father wasn't a problem for her, in fact it helped Goliath, gave him a bit of the past and future, but learning of Demona's blood relationship with her worried Angela gravely...
Angela was scared, Kyra comforted her, she had been in tighter spots than this well before she knew the Gargoyles. Micheal was trouble, but he was easily overcome by sharp wits and agility.
Demona, on the other hand, was something to worry about, she was completely unpredictable. She could let the girls go at a moment's notice, or destroy them in a matter of seconds. Kyra wasn't worried to the point that it showed though, in her heart she knew Goliath and the others would rescue her in time. Angela wasn't too sure of it, she had fought Demona before in Paris, and had barely lived to allow stone hibernation to heal her wounds, and Demona had known at that time that Angela was her daughter, though she didn't reveal it until they met again in Manhattan.
Angela wasn't like the other teen Gargoyles, she was a little more fragile in a way because she had a very little amount of knowledge of the world and was so young, more likely to be injured than even Kyra. That was one of the main reasons Goliath always kept an eye on her, or had someone else do it when he couldn't.
Angela had little to worry about, if Demona tried to kill anyone, it would be Kyra. Demona hated her the minute she saw the human girl, but Kyra was the only one who could have pulled off the plan. Lucky for the Gargoyles she didn't want to...
Just under one month ago, Gang Base
Kyra had become a full ally of the Gargoyle clan, and Brooklyn's best friend, this disrupted the plan completely. Demona decided it would have to be changed, and quickly, while the Gargoyles were still unaware. Micheal was all for the immediate change in the plan, to use Kyra as bait, instead of lure. He despised Kyra for "betraying him" and wanted to get her back for it, at least that was the way it seemed...
Goliath soon got in and found Angela and Kyra tied up and in the open.
Kyra shouted, "Run, it's a trap, you'll be killed!" Goliath shook his head.
"I won't leave you two." he said and promptly freed them of the chains. Demona and Micheal came in.
"I told you it was a trap." Kyra mumbled.
"Stay here, I don't want you two hurt." Goliath told her and Angela. Kyra was worried about him. She knew what was going to happen, so far very little about the plan had changed. In fact, it seemed only one part had... Now she was on the other side of the guns.
While Goliath was fending off Demona, Micheal sneaked around and attacked Kyra.
"Kyra, look out!" Angela's warning came too late. Kyra jumped away, but Micheal slashed her with a knife.
Kyra screamed in pain, and fell to the floor, bleeding terribly. Goliath stopped fighting just long enough to see her on the ground. He finished the fight immediately, throwing Demona into a wall, to make her retreat, Micheal followed. Elisa came in with Brooklyn minutes later.
"Oh my gosh, what happened?" she exclaimed, looking at Kyra's blood.
"Goliath was busy fighting off Demona, I didn't see Micheal come around until it was too late." Angela explained, "He just slashed at her."
"Where?" Elisa asked.
"I didn't see." Angela answered.
"The bleeding's coming from her leg." Goliath said, pointing to it.
"We'd better get her out of here, she's bleeding too much. Kyra might die if we don't stop the blood flow." Elisa said and Goliath carefully picked the girl up.
"Micheal is going to pay for this." Brooklyn said angrily.
"Brooklyn, we've been through this before, anger and revenge aren't the ways to stop people like him." Goliath said, keeping an eye out for Demona. Both enemies had fled at the scream, the high pitch hurt their ears.
When they got to the castle, they wasted no time in getting Kyra's wound cleaned and bandaged, to Elisa's surprise, Xanatos had come up and helped. Brooklyn explained why Micheal attacked Kyra so feircely for betraying him. Then Xanatos went down to call Micheal's family about the attack. Goliath didn't care that she was once on the enemy's side, Kyra was with the clan now and would be welcome with them as long as she wanted or needed to stay.
Soon, Kyra regained consciousness and Goliath told her everything that happened. She smiled and thanked Brooklyn for explaining everything. She was taken up to her room and left to rest and strengthen. Angela was still bothered by everything.
"Angela, what's wrong?" Goliath asked.
"It's my fault Kyra was hurt, I should have been keeping an eye out for danger." Angela said through tears.
Goliath held her to comfort her, "Angela, it's not your fault, you couldn't have known Kyra was in danger." Angela wiped her tears away and smiled, she felt better, but still was afraid for Kyra.
"Goliath, that could have easily been you or Brooklyn that was hurt." Elisa said.
"I know, I guess we'll have to take extra precautions around Micheal and Demona." Goliath replied.
"It's not that easy anymore Goliath, you've got to make sure that whatever happens the clan has a leader." Elisa told him. "Besides, it's not just Demona anymore, half the city's against you and there's no law to protect you. Until you can prove you're trying to help, you'll all be in serious trouble. And with an eternal demon out there that hates humans and attacks them on sight, I don't see that happening."
"I already did that, Brooklyn is second in command, he will lead if anything happens." Goliath said.
"What if something happens to both of you?" Angela asked, "It could happen, Demona's getting better, and you aren't exactly going to stay young and strong like she will, and there are more and more humans against us every day. Xanatos can't keep us safe forever. And Brooklyn's temper around Demona is going to get him killed."
"She's got a point Goliath." Elisa added, "You know I worry about you, you're more than a friend to me, and I don't want to lose you, or any of the others either."
"What else can I do?" Goliath asked.
"Hudson, you're the expert on this stuff, any ideas?" Broadway asked.
"Only one..." Hudson answered. "And it's almost against tradition."
The next night, Kyra seemed much better, she would be on her feet in a few more days, nothing but muscle was cut. It was a clean cut, Micheal had experience with knives. The wound would heal over in two weeks to a month. There might be a visible mark left over, but she would walk again, Elisa was sure of that.
Goliath told Kyra what he and the others had agreed on last night: Brooklyn would remain second in command, but a new position was added, as long as there was serious threats like Demona or Micheal. Third in command, would either go to Kyra or Angela, since they were the most capable of handling a serious fight. And Goliath didn't want to bring anything else between the Trio.
They each had an extra point, Kyra could help get human allies, and Angela wouldn't be hurt by Demona. But there were also problems, Kyra was a target now, and might not survive to be needed. Goliath had not decided yet, it was even harder than deciding between the trio for second. Now he would have to choose between his daughter and Kyra, who he thought of as an adopted child.
There was another difference, but not a difficulty. Angela and Kyra didn't care who got the position, as long as they were both safe and sound... and friends.
Meanwhile, Micheal was certain he had killed Kyra, since she hadn't shown at school that day, but Kirstie and Kiesha knew it would take more than that to even break Kyra's spirit, let alone her body. Chris was extremely worried, he decided to go and ask Elisa why Kyra wasn't around all day.
Elisa was in her apartment, feeding Cagney, her friendly dark gray cat. She heard a knock on the door and cautiously went over to it, it could be Demona, she knew where Elisa lived.
"Who is it?" she asked.
"It's Christopher." a familiar voice answered.
Elisa opened the door, "Hi, Chris. What brings you here, isn't your house on the other side of the city?"
"Yes, but I wanted to ask you something about Kyra." Chris told her, his voice and face betrayed his worry.
"You look like something's really bothering you, come on in, I've got an hour before my shift starts." Elisa invited.
"Thanks." Chris said and walked in.
"So what's wrong anyway?" Elisa asked him.
"It's just, well, Kyra didn't come to school today, I know her well enough that she wouldn't miss school unless she was captured or sick or hurt." Chris answered.
"And..." Elisa knew there was more.
"Well, Kirstie overheard Micheal telling some of the guys in his gang that he finally made sure Kyra wouldn't get in his way anymore." Chris sounded weak.
"Chris, believe me, Micheal doesn't know it, but he's lying. Kyra's as healthy as she'll ever be, except for a hurt leg that's healing perfectly." Elisa assured him. "There is nothing you need to worry about, Kyra will be back in school in a few weeks, at the most a little over a month. But don't let Micheal know, Kyra wants it to be a surprise."
"Good, I was so scared that Micheal or Demona got Kyra." Chris sighed.
"You said yourself that you know Kyra well, so you should know she can't be caught or hurt badly by the likes of Micheal or Demona." Elisa smiled, "Now it's getting late, I'm sure your parents are getting worried about you. This isn't exactly the right city to be wandering around in."
"Tell Kyra I'll wait for her and that I won't ever believe Micheal." Chris said and went home.
The next day, Kyra tried to stand, but her leg was still too injured to hold her weight up. "I guess I'm stuck in bed for a few more days?" she asked Fox who had been helping take care of her.
"Try weeks." Elisa said coming in the room.
"Oh, come on! I'm a faster healer than that." Kyra replied.
"Maybe, if you stay in bed and don't do anything to that leg." Fox told her.
"By the way, Chris came by my apartment last night, he knows you're safe and he says he's waiting for you to come back." Elisa said.
"Good. Where's Nipper?" Kyra asked.
"She's right over there, being good." Fox pointed to a corner where a well grown pup was curled. Nipper always stayed by Kyra's side all day and night, even when someone else was with her, Nipper just stood aside, but watched Kyra closely.
"She's probably jealous of all the attention I'm getting." Kyra said and called Nipper over, "Hi there sweetheart. Aren't you getting big? You're growing like a beanstalk!"
Nipper loved getting her ears scratched and being talked to. She softly barked and put her head on Kyra's lap, along with her forelegs. Suddenly, Nipper jumped down and back, she looked at the outside and started growling, not fiercely, but very protectively. There was a stranger in the castle. The stranger didn't mean harm, or Nipper's ears would have been pinned against her head and her teeth would be fully showing. Nipper just didn't like smelling gargoyle outside during the day, it wasn't normal.
When Derek came in, Kyra calmed Nipper down, "Easy Nip, it's all right, he's a friend."
Nipper looked at her in distrust, as if to say, "Are you sure?" As usual, her right ear stayed bent, it had opened like her brothers', but it stayed bent. Kyra thought it looked cute, though the trio thought it looked silly. Fox left, Little Alex was getting cranky and could be heard yelling for someone to play with through the whole castle.
"Derek, what are you doing up here? How did you know where to find me?" Elisa was surprised.
"I know the guys roost here, sis." Derek answered.
"That doesn't explain why you came." Elisa told him, "Is something wrong?"
"Actually, yes, it's about Micheal." Derek answered, "And I'd rather tell you away from Kyra."
"Why can't I hear it?" Kyra asked.
"You can hear it when the other gargoyles do." Elisa said.
"Hey!" Kyra exclaimed.
"I'll talk to you tonight." Elisa replied, walking outside.
"Fine." Kyra said indignantly and petted Nipper as Elisa and Derek went outside.
"What's Micheal up to?" Elisa asked, closing the door.
"Well, I've been watching this place recently during the day since there's not much else I can do. I've noticed Steel Clan robots getting closer all the time, I thought you'd be interested since Xanatos doesn't have them patrolling the castle anymore." Derek answered.
"Great, Micheal's helping Demona look for the gargoyles, and it looks like they're going to find them if we don't get those robots out of the area." Elisa sighed.
"There's one now." Derek pointed and they ducked out of sight.
"Good thing the guys aren't here today. They all went out to check on what Demona was up to and didn't get back here. Don't worry though, they're safe." Elisa said after the robot passed them.
"What are you going to do about the robots?" Derek asked.
"I have no idea, but maybe Goliath will." Elisa said thoughtfully and went in as Derek headed back to his labyrinth.
"So what's going on?" Kyra asked, peering out the door.
"Nothing, you'll find out tonight, and get back in bed, you're way too hurt to be walking around just yet." Elisa answered and went to the police station to talk to Matt.
"Hey, Elisa" he said as she walked over.
"Have there been any reports of gargoyles during the day?" Elisa asked.
"You joking?" Matt asked uncertainly.
"No, you know that gargoyle hoax two years ago? Well, Xanatos made those robots and he's made more before the battles ended, a boy stole some from the warehouse and he's using them to find the guys' new hiding place for Demona." Elisa answered.
"Terrific. Come to think of it, there were a few, but I told Captain Chavez to ignore them, probably some prank calls." Matt told her.
"If they were from near Eyrie Tower, they weren't pranks." Elisa replied, "The robots are getting too close, one almost saw me up there."
"So, there's nothing you can do, as long as those robots aren't hurting anyone or causing any damage..." Matt faded.
"I know, hovering around an old castle is nothing to arrest the sender of them for." Elisa finished, "But I can't let Demona get the "you know whats" (another officer walked by), they've been free so long. I'd hate for it to end just because of a terrorist of their own kind."
"Like I said partner, there's not much you can do." Matt replied and walked away.
"Maybe not, but I know someone who can do something." Elisa said under her breath and went back to the castle to wait for sunset.
When the gargoyles came back that night, Elisa told them about the robots and how one nearly saw her and Derek up in the tower.
"Demona is definitely getting craftier." Brooklyn said. "And those robots are getting closer."
"So now what do we do?" Broadway asked.
"Goliath, you're the one that knows the most about the robots..." Elisa said.
"Hey," Kyra said from the door, leaning on crutches.
"...And is able to do something." Elisa finished, reminding Kyra of her leg injury. "Get back in your room."
"Yeah, right, that's gonna happen." Kyra replied and sat on a stone.
"Any ideas?" Elisa asked, giving up on Kyra for the moment
"Not many that will work." Goliath answered.
"I've got an idea." Kyra said.
"Kyra, you should be resting." Elisa told her.
"Nobody listens to me. I don't get it, my ideas work..." Kyra mumbled, sounding for a discomforting moment like Puck.
"Just go to your room." Elisa called.
"What if I don't?" Kyra replied.
"Kyra..." Goliath started.
"Ok, ok, if you don't want to hear my plan just tell me." Kyra said. Then she grabbed her crutches and started to leave for her room.
"Plan?" Brooklyn said confusedly.
"See, you never listen to me." Kyra told him.
"Quit having a grudge, we're not supposed to listen to you, you're the new kid." Brooklyn teased.
"All right, cut it out." Elisa scolded, "What's your idea, Kyra."
"Why don't you just destroy every robot that comes near here?" Kyra asked, "Xanatos will help, and Micheal will think sending things here will be a suicide trip."
"Micheal will think we're protecting this place for a reason." Brooklyn added correctively.
"Pessimist." Kyra said, looking towards the stairs.
"Brooklyn's right, Kyra," Elisa began, Brooklyn stuck his tongue out at Kyra, she rolled her eyes away, "And so are you." Elisa added firmly. Brooklyn looked away in shame.
"We'll have to be careful how we do this." Lexington said.
"And you two need to work together on it." Goliath told Kyra and Brooklyn.
"Why us?" Kyra asked.
"Your friendship is drifting apart quickly, I don't think either of you wants that." Goliath answered.
"He's right, I don't know how, but we are getting farther." Brooklyn admitted.
"Maybe girl and boy gargoyles just aren't supposed to be friends for very long." Broadway replied.
"It's not that. You know most gargoyles stay friends long after they're grown." Goliath said, "And that's not just blood siblings."
"Gabriel and I were friends since we hatched, and still are." Angela added.
"Everyone has problems sometime in their friendships, you'll have to work it out on your own." Elisa told them and went down to start work.
"Ok, you have more experience with these guys, what do we do?" Kyra asked.
"Oh, no, you're the smarter one." Brooklyn answered.
"You're the older one." she replied.
"You're the faster one." he told her.
"You're the boy." That usually worked on the ego. Unfortunately, Brooklyn had a considerably small ego for a young adult!
"Maybe, but you're stronger." he replied.
"You have the higher rank." Kyra said, smiling. Brooklyn couldn't come up with anything after that.
"I knew there was a catch to that." he said shaking his head, "Ok, but you have to help me, like Goliath said."
"Sure, but you're in charge. Which means if anything goes wrong, you take the responsibility." Kyra told him, sitting on a parapet.
"Wrong, we work together, we take credit together." Goliath taught him that a year ago, blaming doesn't work on any of the clan.
Finally, Brooklyn and Kyra quit arguing, and worked out everything they needed to except the plan.
"Ok, so what do we do about the robots?" Kyra asked.
"Why are you asking me?" Brooklyn asked, "You're the one that said you had a plan."
"Yeah, my plan was to destroy the robots whenever they got near here." she told him. "But you had a problem with it."
"I changed my mind, it might work, how do we do it?" Brooklyn asked.
"Typical male. Anyway, it's easy, just do what you usually do to the robots to destroy them." Kyra said, "Now, Goliath
doesn't like it if I'm not asleep before sunrise because I need to let my leg heal, so we'll talk tomorrow night." she limped back inside.
Kyra was healing quickly, she was able to walk more easily with a leg brace and could come outside from her room more often, but she couldn't go to school for a few more days, to be sure her leg could take the strain of going to classes and going up and down all the stairs.
Kyra didn't mind, Chris came up after school and told her everything that happened at school. The one thing she missed was being able to get on Micheal's nerves. She would do that the minute he saw her, so she wanted to be as strong as she could to really get him upset. She knew his anger never lasted more than a few minutes, usually, but it would be fun watching him burn off the fact that a girl he tried to kill was still alive, and just as healthy as the day before it all happened except for a temporary metal brace on her leg.
She really got scared when the robots got really close to the castle turret and she was alone up there, but other than that, she didn't mind being stuck up in the castle. She played with Nipper and Scratch, but Tuma was too sleepy to play. Nipper got bored with chasing around a rubber ball and decided to chase around Scratch instead. Kyra laughed as Nipper tugged at her brother's ear and in return got bitten on the tail. Both pups yipped at the surprise of the other's sharp teeth. Kyra called Nipper over and petted her. Nipper and Scratch were too big to pick up now, and Tuma didn't like it. Tuma was getting to be very seclusive, which worried Kyra, Demona was seclusive when she changed from being a nice tolerating Gargoyle, to a terrorist.
Kyra knew Tuma could never be like Demona, but a seclusive puppy was absolutely no fun. And a seclusive dog would be useless to anyone, even Kirstie, who could do anything with any animal. She limped over to Tuma and scratched him behind his ears. He wagged his tail and licked her, but nothing else. He whined and Kyra realized that Tuma was hurt or sick, that was why he was so seclusive, he was in too much pain to be active. She had to do something, whatever was wrong with Tuma could be fatal if she didn't get it treated quickly.
That night, Kyra spent all of her time watching Tuma to make sure his condition didn't worsen. When Elisa came up, Kyra told her about how Tuma was really sick.
"That explains his staying in that corner all the time." Elisa said, checking Tuma's nose, it was hot and dry, and starting to crack in one spot, "Wild creatures move as little as possible when they're sick, to keep their strength up."
"What do I do?" Kyra asked.
"We'll take him to a vet as soon as one's office opens tomorrow." Elisa said.
"What do you suppose is wrong with him?" Brooklyn asked.
"Well, what has he done lately?" Elisa asked Kyra.
"Sleep and scratch." she said, petting him.
"Where does he scratch?" Lexington asked.
"Right on his neck and he bites his right hind leg." Kyra answered.
Elisa checked those spots, Tuma whimpered. "There's rashes and some little black spots in both areas. Tuma's got fleas." she reported.
"He's too young for a flea collar." Kyra said.
"Well, he's got flea anemia." Elisa said, picking up the frail pup. He whined in pain and weakness.
"What's that?" Brooklyn asked.
"It's a disease transmitted by fleas, the fleas drink so much of the animal's blood that it has a low level of red cells, the cells that give energy and oxygen to the body. It causes death if the victim is weak and it can't be treated so it has to run its course until his red cells build up to a safe level." Elisa answered, "He needs antibodies and vitamins to keep his body strong enough to fight this."
"Can he get it again?" Kyra asked.
"No, he's almost too old to get it now." Elisa answered, "Once a puppy or kitten gets to a certain age, fleas can't give it that disease, the immune system is fully formed and the red cell count is too high, but he could still get diseases."
"For a cop you know a lot about medicine." Kyra told Elisa.
"I have to know a little about animal medicine, Cagney's not the healthiest animal in the world." Elisa replied. "He had this as a kitten."
"I'm getting him a flea collar as soon as he gets over this." Kyra said, scratching at Tuma's neck.
Later that week, Tuma had his antibiotic shots and was given vitamin pills in his food, he looked, and seemed to feel, better already. His red cells were dividing fast, at least that's what the vet said.
Kyra's leg was healing fast too and in a week she would start school again. She could hardly wait to see her sister and Kiesha again, not to mention she'd really love seeing Micheal's face when she ran up the stairs to Christopher! Maybe she would bring a camera to get a picture.
The robot dilemma was still upon the gargoyles. No one dared to fight the robots or even go near them without Kyra's help since she knew the most about Micheal's knowledge of technology, and could determine what he'd done to the robots once she got close to them. Even Goliath was being cautious. Xanatos couldn't help because Micheal had the armor suit, and it could reprogram them.
Angela had enough hiding and decided to take action. "I'm sick of being up here all night, we can't even patrol anymore."
"Now you know how I feel with this stupid brace." Kyra said, limping to a parapet, "But what can you do? You are the second youngest female of the clan."
"There's only two of us. Besides I'm pretty strong, and I can beat those robots, I hope."
"Forget it, I don't want you hurt." Goliath said as he came over.
"Why not?" Angela protested. "I can do this."
"Absolutely not, you aren't ready for something this big." Goliath said.
"How do you know? You never give me a chance to prove myself." Angela told him.
"She's got a point, Goliath." Kyra said, smirking.
"Please? I promise I'll be careful." Angela looked at him like this meant everything to her, she had to prove she wasn't as young as she seemed.
"You can try, but I'm watching you closely, just in case." Goliath paused, "If anything happens, you go to the castle immediately."
"I'll be more careful than anyone ever has been." Angela promised and Goliath left it at that.
"I knew he'd let you." Kyra said, "Now, we'd better get Xanatos to teach you about the robots. And you'll have to know what to do in case something happens that Goliath can't help you with."
Xanatos told Angela everything about the robots, after all, he knew more than any of the others. He made sure Angela knew all the weaknesses and what the robots' limits were, like they could only go a few hundred miles up. Angela knew gargoyles could go higher, even in the polluted air.
The next night, Kyra watched as Angela went outside and Goliath watched her from the door. Kyra hoped that nothing would happen, but she had a bad feeling that something would happen. It struck before anyone could tell it would. At first all that were there was the regular wire and metal insides robots. Then, without warning, the robot armor, with Micheal inside, showed up and Angela couldn't get away in time. Goliath glided out to save her, but there were too many robots around, he couldn't get to her. Kyra limped over to the door, she could tell that Goliath and Angela were in serious trouble, but how could she get to them?
Suddenly, a regular robot shot Angela in the arm with a lazer. That did it, Kyra forgot the pain in her leg and rushed out in anger, Angela was her friend, and Kyra wasn't about to let her be hurt. She shot through the air like the lazer beam that hurt her friend, braced herself and slammed into the leader robot, knocking it a clear three yards away from Angela. Kyra didn't let it go however, she clawed and slashed at the armor until Micheal retreated, along with the other robots. Kyra landed on the nearest parapet, exhausted from the battle, Angela and Goliath landed behind her, she nearly fainted off the parapet because she was so out of breath.
Goliath caught her and led her back inside to rest. When Elisa came up, Goliath told her what Kyra did to Micheal.
"I'm surprised, usually Kyra's so sweet tempered, even around Micheal." Elisa said as Kyra sat with Tuma, still getting over her sudden use of a lot of energy. "From the way she was attacking, Micheal was lucky he had that metal around him!"
"Something snapped in her the minute a robot shot Angela." Goliath replied.
"Angela got shot?" Broadway jumped up.
"Don't worry, I'm fine, it's just a little burn on my arm." Angela said, rubbing the wound.
"You better put some cool water on that." Elisa told her. Matt came up behind Elisa.
"What's he doing here?" Kyra asked.
"I don't know. Why'd you follow me Matt?" Elisa asked him. "I'm surprised Xanatos let you up."
"People are calling about the lazer blast that was fired up here." Matt told her. "What do I say?"
"Tell them everything's fine and no one should be concerned, it won't happen again." Elisa said determinedly and he went back to the police station.
"What if it does happen again?" Kyra asked, "Whoever's in trouble the next time might not escape."
"Goliath, you can't put this off any longer, I know it's hard, but you have to choose." Elisa said.
"Micheal and Demona might know we're here now, we have to make sure we're always ready for them." Brooklyn added.
"I can't choose between the two girls, they're both good." Goliath said.
"Then let the others choose." Elisa said.
"How do we do that?" Lexington asked.
"Easy, I think it should be Kyra. She's the fastest and she knows her way around Micheal's plots, and some of Demona's." Brooklyn answered, "Who do you want Lex?"
"Angela." Lexington said.
"I think Kyra." Broadway added. "She's always watching out for everybody."
"Angela should, she the smartest, she never gives up." Kyra said.
"Kyra just saved me." Angela replied. "She's good at making fast decisions and puts her friends above herself."
"So do you." Kyra told her.
"Hudson, who would you want?" Brooklyn asked.
"I think they're both good warriors, they work well together." Hudson answered.
"Goliath, Hudson's got a good idea, they both work as a team." Elisa said.
"Yes, but it's up to Angela." Goliath replied.
"Do you think you two can handle it?" Brooklyn asked, "Demona's going to be after you a lot more than usual."
"I can handle Demona." Kyra said, "Angela?"
"I don't think I'm ready to get that much responsibility." Angela answered. "Besides, I have enough trouble with her as it is."
The next day, Kyra went to school. She limped because of her heavy brace so she had to be careful that she didn't get into trouble until it came off for good. Micheal was talking to Demona, hidden from any of Kyra's friends.
"I don't see why we have to watch the school, Kyra couldn't have survived... that attack probably took everything out of her." Micheal said. He seemed a little upset. He would miss her a little, who else could he pick on?
"She's strong Micheal, too strong for a knife to stop." Demona said just as Kyra came up the steps to the school campus. "See?"
Kyra ran as fast as her brace would allow and stopped right in Chris' arms.
"Kyra, you recovered so fast!" he exclaimed.
"What else would you expect of a gargoyle?" Kyra said quietly and they went to class.
"I don't believe it! She should have been killed!" Micheal exclaimed.
"And by the looks of it, that brace she's wearing will be off in a few days." Demona sighed, "We'll have to try again, we can't get Goliath and the others as long as Kyra remains healthy."
Kirstie, Chris, Kiesha, and Kyra all played a special game of basketball after school. Kyra made them promise they wouldn't let her win. Brace or no brace, she won by a landslide of points.
Many days passed, soon Kyra was running around without her brace. Her leg had signs of serious sprain from attacking the robots so she had to wear an Ace bandage, but she was once again the fastest girl in the school.
Happy ending, right? WRONG! It's not even the ending...
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