Day and Night
Six
Demona stretched her wings to catch a thermal, rising up on the hot air generated by streets full of bustling humans. Few humans looked up as she soared by, and she was usually well on her way before the one or two humans who did look up could react. Those faces staring up at her were often filled with fear, but every once in a while the man or woman's eyes would be filled with wonder.
'Is it those humans that inspire you to protect them, Goliath?' Demona wondered as the redheaded gargoyle dug her claws into the wall as she landed, climbing easily. She scurried up the wall like some human spider, reaching the top and pulling herself up onto the roof. Wrapping her wings around her Demona gazed out over the city, her expression contemplative.
After weeks of patrolling her section of the city Demona could feel herself changing inside, and part of her hated it. For ages she had dedicated herself to the preservation of the gargoyles and the destruction of humanity, her hatred of the humans spawned by bitter experience. But since founding Nightstone Enterprises and in her human identity working as head of the corporation she had worked closely with humans of all types, and her many prejudices gradually became worn away.
Yes, humans could be cruel, contemptible and evil, she had met many of them. Even in corporate circles she had encountered humans that made her skin crawl, creatures far more inhuman than the worst monsters. But at the same time she had met good, honorable, even noble humans of all shapes and sizes, as good as the best gargoyle Even that bitch Elisa Maza had shone courage and loyalty, as much as Demona hated to admit it.
'And of course Alicia,' Demona mused, thinking of her pretty young assistant. Kind, beautiful and warm she was more than a employee to her human self, in many ways she felt they were becoming friends,. And instead of fleeing in terror from Demona Alicia had been in awe of her, even inviting her right into her home!
Deciding she had been thinking too long Demona stretched out her leathery wings, flapping them slightly to loosen them up. She bent her legs slightly then with a powerful thrust of her muscles took to the air once more, soaring across the night sky.
About half a hour later Demona heard a scream, reflexively shifting her course in response. Once she would have soared on, but recently she had taken up the gargoyle custom of guarding her 'castle,' in this case the neighborhood around her townhouse. She swept down the side street, hearing another scream as she reached the alley.
Two figures struggled together, one apparently trying to force himself on the other. Demona swept in, yanking the larger man off, holding him up like a rag doll. She shook him once then looked at the victim, "Are you all right?"
"You're real," the blonde breathed out, then lights flared up from farther down the alley.
"Ack!" Demona yelped as a second man popped up, a powerful strobe light blinding her as he hefted... a video camera?
The 'victim' tidied up her clothes as she picked up a microphone the man tossed to her, "Trish Trillby, Action News!" She held the microphone up to Demona, "we had reports of gargoyle sightings, but I never expected to see one." She hesitated a moment then softly asked, "You can put my producer down now...."
Demona growled deep in her throat as she looked over the man, realizing he was fairly nicely dressed for a 'mugger.' She grit her teeth, fighting down a anger born out of surprise as much as anything, putting the man down roughly.
"Thank you," Trish smiled. "Do you have a name, Miss...?"
Demona wanted to bite the woman's head off, but throttled that response back too. "You shouldn't have been play acting like that," she said flatly to the shorter woman, "I could have seriously injured your friend here."
"I'm sorry," Trish apologized sheepishly.
Demona was tempted to simply stalk off, but she knew there was little love for gargoyles in the city. A interview certainly couldn't hurt.... "Gargoyles do not normally take names," she told her, "but I am called Demona."
"Demona?" Trish asked, a bit nervously.
Demona smiled, making sure her fangs were not visible as she answered, "Because he said I fight like a demon."
"I see," Trish said, nodding. She cleared her throat nervously and asked, "There are a lot of people scared of gargoyles, that you hide in the day and come out at night for unknown reasons. What do you think about that?"
"What you have to understand," Demona said, fighting to be patient, "is that gargoyles exist for one reason." She looked at the camera, "We protect our homes, and the people in them. It is in our nature to protect, and in return all we ask is to be left in peace."
Demona was shocked to realize that she meant every word. Once, before she met lying and corrupt humans that had been the center of her belief. Training under the Archmage and the cruelty of the royal court had soured her, the ages of life merely cementing that feeling. But now, after living among humans, it seemed that drive was returning.
"That's it?" Trish asked eagerly, "No secrets? No hidden agendas?"
"There will be some secrets," Demona admitted, "I will not tell you where I sleep during the day, for instance." She smiled wryly as she pointed out, "I have no wish for a maniac with a sledgehammer to come along...."
"Well, I don't blame you for that," the producer muttered from where he watched them off to the side, out of the camera frame.
"Now," Demona said as she stepped back, "if you are not in need of me anymore, I must go." She smiled slightly, "I still have a patrol to finish, after all."
Trish watched in shock as Demona leaped up onto the wall and began to climb. "Thank you!" she called.
"You're welcome," Demona said, stretching out her wings as she got high enough, then jumped out into a warm air current and glided away. Silently she hoped this interview hadn't been a bad idea, but figured she wouldn't find out till tomorrow.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
The next morning Alicia Sevarius carried her breakfast over to the living room, settling down a little before sunrise to catch the news. Munching on her cereal the pretty blonde sat back, the national n news running first, then the local stuff going on.
"Action News has exclusive footage of one of the city's gargoyles, caught live on tape last night," the anchorman reported breathlessly.
Alicia sat forward, her eyes widening as the familiar redhead appeared, interrupting a fake robbery. She was a little startled at how angry Demona looked over being tricked, but on reflection she couldn't really blame her. The short interview played, then they cut back to the anchorman and Trish sitting in the newsroom.
"Everyone at Action News wants to thank you for your brave actions," the anchor said, "so, Trish, what did you think of the gargoyle?"
"Her name is Demona, Dave," Trish corrected. She looked thoughtful, "My impression is that she's sincere and wants to help."
Dave nodded, "There's been several instances of people in trouble being rescued by a flying figure that matches Demona, according to police reports. Officially the police disapprove of vigilante actions, but talking to beat cops they all approve."
"We've obtained interviews from several people helped, too," Trish added. She looked thoughtful, "Most admit to being frightened when a gargoyle just appears out of the night, but they're all thankful they were helped."
"Public opinion on the gargoyles remains mixed, however," Dave reported seriously, "with over thirty percent of poll responders disapproving of them. There is also the ongoing police investigation
of the gargoyles' actions."
Matt Bluestone appeared on the screen, heading into police headquarters. "I have no comment at this time," he said briskly, "I can not discuss a ongoing police investigation."
Trish came on again, "Surprisingly, both David Xanatos and Halcyon Renard have come out and made public statements in support of the gargoyles."
A recording of David Xanatos came up, smiling charmingly. "The way I see it," he explained, "they're simply public spirited citizens, no matter where they come from."
Alicia turned off the news, finishing up her breakfast as dawn began to light up the sky. As she stripped off her night wear she admitted she was a bit surprised Xanatos made that statement. After starting up the shower she climbed in, soaping up her hair as she wondered if she should change her opinion of him. Alicia scrubbed herself clean then rinsed, turning off the shower and stepping out as she grabbed a big fluffy towel and dried off.
Ducking into her bedroom Alicia opened up her closet, scanning the suits hanging there. Swiftly deciding on blue she took out the matching skirt and jacket, then grabbed a white blouse, stockings and garter belt. Alicia sometimes felt a little naughty wearing the old fashioned underwear, but she allowed herself a indulgence now and then. She dressed swiftly and efficiently, then went into the bathroom to comb out her hair and apply minimal makeup and some deodorant.
Returning to the living room Alicia picked up her purse, checking that all the essentials were in there, then took her cellphone and called the vehicle service Nightstone used. Occasionally she felt a bit guilty about being chauffeured around, but Dominique made several good arguments for doing things this way. A incoming text signaled the car had arrived, and Alicia double checked with a security code before she got in.
'She's as striking as ever,' Alicia thought as they drove up to the townhouse and saw Dominique Destine emerge, dressed in a sleek black woman's suit, her red hair nearly glowing in the morning sun. Once again Alicia was struck by the woman's pure physical presence, dominating the street so much people eagerly shifted aside.
"Good morning, Dominique," Alicia smiled as she popped open the door. Recently Miss Destine had asked her to use her first name, and to be honest Alicia was still getting used to it. Being that informal was a bit odd, but she had to admit she liked it.
"Morning, Alicia," Dominique smiled back as she casually climbed in beside her. She looked over at Alicia, "Having a good morning?"
"Yes," Alicia smiled, getting out her Cyberbiotics PDA and starting it up.
"Did you see your gargoyle on the news this morning?" Dominique gently teased, well aware of how much a fan Alicia was.
"Oh, yes," Alicia blushed a bit. "She looked very stunning," she added then smirked, "though I felt sorry for that producer she rattled and held."
Dominique chuckled softly, "Yes, I guess Demona was a bit annoyed being tricked." She sat back, looking thoughtful, "Xanatos and Cyberbiotics both came out publicly in support of the gargoyles. Do you think Nightstone should, too?"
"Do you want to?" Alicia asked curiously, "Or is it public relations?"
"A bit of both, to be honest," Dominique admitted candidly. "The truth about the innocence of the gargoyles will come out eventually, and our supporting them would look good. Also, personally I think the gargoyles are innocent of anything other than a impulse to help people."
Alicia rather expected Dominique was thinking unpleasant things about the ungrateful people, but decided not to ask. She wasn't sure she wanted to know. "Why not put out a statement of support," she suggested, "but in the form of a press release?"
"That would work," Dominique agreed after a moment, "it's a bit less grandiose than those video messages." With that out of the way she looked at Alicia, "So, what's today's schedule?"
Running through her organizer Alicia noted, "Follow up meetings with Xanatos representatives, and a appointment with Eliza Maza. She claims it's a personal matter." She looked up at Dominique, "Should I cancel it?"
Dominique looked uncomfortable, probably for the first time in Alicia's memory. "No," she finally said, "I'd better see her."
"Right," Alicia confirmed it on the schedule.
"And clear me a half hour after that," Dominique added dryly, "I usually need at least that long to calm down after dealing with her."
Alicia hesitated, but she had to ask, "Why does she bother you?"
Dominique tapped her fingers on the seat restlessly, then admitted, "She'd dating my ex."
To be continued....