Chapter 23 Kingdom
Elizabeth stepped out onto the balcony as the sun began to set. She went to where Brooklyn stood. She watched the sun disappear behind the horizon. The Gargoyles roar as they burst from their stone sleep.
"What a Glorius night." Hudson said. Brooklyn jumps down and picks up Elizabeth and swings her around. She laughs in delight. She wraps her arms around his neck. Broadway and Lexington made choking noises and the two ignored them. Goliath wrapped his wings around himself and heads into the clocktower.
"We should get going on partrol." Hudson said. Brooklyn set Elizabeth down and went to the door. Elizabeth follows. Goliath goes and sits down in a chair.
"You coming, Goliath?" Brooklyn asked.
"No. I've been looking forward to finishing this book for nights." Goliath said, picking up a book and laying back to read. Brooklyn turns to the others and shrugs. Bronx give a happy whine, hoping to come with as the Trio heads to the railing.
"Not tonight boy. You stay here." Hudson said. Bronx gives a whiper. Brooklyn scoops up Elizabeth and he takes off with his brothers and Hudson behind them. Brooklyn and Elizabeth went in a different direction. It was their night to patroll the east side.
"Its quiet tonight." Brooklyn said as they stood on the roof.
"It is." Elizabeth said.
"What is it?" Brooklyn asked.
Fox has been trying to get me to go to Australia to help her and her mom with some reserch. Classes are ending soon and I got to see if work can deal without me till I'm back." Elizabeth said.
"What's stopping you?" Brooklyn asked.
"I hate to leave you guys. Don't know how long I'll be gone." Elizabeth said. Brooklyn came up and took her face in his claw.
"We'll be fine without you. Maybe you can talk to Fox about me tagging along. The others would be fine with it." Brooklyn said.
"Soon as I figure things out, I'll ask her about it." Elizabeth said. Brooklyn smiled as he leaned down and kissed her. She returned it.
Dawn was approaching as the Gargoyles arrive at the clocktower. They were surprised to see both Goliath and Bronx gone.
"They probably found a roost to sleep for the night. Elisa must of had them help her with something." Elizabeth said. The Gargoyles nodded. They faced the sun and turned to stone. Elizabeth sent a text to Elisa to see where she was. She watched TV till she fell asleep.
A week later. There was no sign of Goliath, Bronx and Elisa. Elizabeth paced across the Balcony. She volunteered to stay behind in case any of them returned. She had put off going to see Fox till they found their friends. It was unlike Goliath to disappear without a trace without telling them. She caught three Gargoyles coming her way. Brooklyn, Hudson and Lexington land on the Balcony.
"Any luck?" Elizabeth asked.
"Not a trace of him." Lexington said.
"I've been up the East Side and down the West. No sign of Bronx or Goliath." Brooklyn said.
"It's not like Goliath to disappear for nights with no word." Hudson said, rubbing his chin.
"Guys!" Broadway lands behind them with Cagney in his arms. "I was just at Elisa's place. Her mail's been piling up and it lokos like poor Cagney hasn't eaten for days." Cagney meows in hunger. Hudson takes Cagney in his arm.
"Do you think Elisa is with Goliath and Bronx?" Lexington asked as Brooklyn came up to Elizabeth.
"She probably is." Elizabeth said. Hudson nodded. Hudson pets Cagney, who was purring.
"Here's a question. What do we do now?" Hudson asked. The Gargoyles and Elizabeth turn to look at Brooklyn. He hadn't taken up leadership with Goliath gone.
"Why are you looking at me?" Brooklyn asked. Hudson came up to him
"Because Goliath chose you to lead the Clan should something happen to him. And I'd say disappearing without a trace qualifies as something." Hudson said. Elizabeth put a hand on Brooklyn's shoulder.
"You know he's right." Elizabeth said.
"Hey. He'll come back. He has to." Brooklyn said.
"Yeah." Broadway said. Cagney meows. "And what if he doesn't." Elizabeth bit her bottom lip as she rubbed Cagney's head.
"Come on, lighten up, you guys. They're probably on a secret mission or..." Brooklyn pauses.
"Yeah right." Lexington said. Brooklyn turns and looks out across the city. "Well. I'll check Elisa's parents place. I might find out something."
"Uh, yeah. I'll talk to Matt. Maybe he's got some information." Broadway said.
"Brooklyn and I can go and talk to Talon and see if he has heard from Elisa and we can say hi to Maggie." Elizabeth said. Brooklyn smiled and nodded.
"I'll wait here. Just in case." Hudson said. The Trio jump on the side as Brooklyn scooped up Elizabeth and they take off.
"Brooklyn. Your quiet." Elizabeth said.
"Just worried about Goliath and Bronx." Brooklyn said. Elizabeth touched his face.
"I think they are fine, but you know your going to have to face being a leader soon." Elizabeth said.
"I know. I just want to know what happened or find them before I take up the Leadership role." Brooklyn said. Elizabeth nodded as they neared the entrance to where the Mutates were living and helping out the humans. Brooklyn landed and Elizabeth gets off. He grabs the grate and rips it off. Brooklyn wraps an arm around Elizabeth and they jump through.
"No. No. No. Please! Please get away from me!" A man yelled. Brooklyn gets down on all fours and takes off running. Elizabeth right behind him. They heard voices as they come around the corner. They looked around and saw Fang and Claw with two other men surround an old man. Fang was blasting electrcity at the poor man.
"I never liked him." Elizabeth said as Brooklyn growled. Brooklyn runs up to a pillar and climbs up it till he gets to the ceiling and crawls over to get above Fang and then gets behind him. Elizabeth runs towards them.
"Leave him alone!" Brooklyn yells. He tackles Fang to the ground and Brooklyn and Fang were rolling on the ground as the Henchmen ran to help. The Two men jump on Brooklyn. Brooklyn throws them off. Elizabeth tapped one of the men on the shoulder. The man turns as Elizabeth pulls her fist back and punches him. The other man piles on Brooklyn. Elizabeth runs to the old man.
"You alright?" Elizabeth asked as she helps him stand.
"I'm fine." The man said. Elizabeth looked as she heard Brooklyn getting beaten. Talon and Maggie come over and Talon run towards the pile and pulls the Henchmen off Brooklyn.
"Enough!" Talon said. Fang and Brooklyn get up and Brooklyn punches him sending Fang flying.
"Talon!" Elizabeth called.
"Brooklyn, Liz." Talon said. Elizabeth came up to Brooklyn, making sure he was ok. Brooklyn brushed her off. "What's going on here?" Talon tosses the Henchmen down as Maggie goes to the Old guy to make sure he was alright. Fang lets out a nervous chuckle as Elizabeth sends him a glare.
"Hey Talon. Yeah, I'm just minding my own business, and this creep jumps me." Fang said.
"And that girl broke my nose." The henchman, who Elizabeth punched said. He had blood coming out of his nose. Talon and Brooklyn smirked.
"Be glad I didn't break an arm." Elizabeth said.
"And you call shaking down a helpless human minding your own business?" Brooklyn growled at Fang. Fang snarled at Brooklyn. Talon seperates Brooklyn and Fang before they could get into another fight.
"I told you before. Everyone is welcome here in the labyrinth and the weak are to be protected. Not exploited!" Talon said. Fang groans as he crosses his arms.
"Who died and made you King?" Fang asked. Elizabeth snorted at that.
"Down here, nobody's King. Understood." Talon said.
"Yeah." Fang said. Talon pulled Elizabeth and Brooklyn away. Elizabeth and Maggie smiled at each other as they pass. Elizabeth would come with Elisa to visit Talon and Maggie and her and Maggie were becoming friends. Maggie and the Old Man followed behind them.
"Shouldn't you do something more about him, Derek?" Maggie asked.
"He'll come around eventually." Talon said. Elizabeth and Brooklyn share looks. Elizabeth wondered if Fang would as they go to a room where people stayed.
"Have you heard from Elisa?" Elizabeth asked.
"I haven't heard from Elisa in a while. I just assumed she was busy up in the real world." Talon said.
"It look like she's missing. Goliath and Bronx too." Brooklyn said
"You think Xanatos is behind this?" Talon said.
"David wouldn't do anything to loose me like that. Especially when I'm the godparent to his child." Elizabeth said.
"Wouldn't surprise me." Elizabeth inwardly groans as Fang comes up the steps towards them. Brooklyn growled. Elizabeth put a hand on Brooklyn's arm to stop him. "Think about it. First he turns us into flying bug zappers. Then he tries to trick you into bumping Goliath off. And hey. Let's face it." Talon threw his arm around Talon. "He always hated your sister."
"I'll make that slime talk." Talon growled.
"Talon don't." Elizabeth said.
"Talon, I don't know if that's such a good idea." Brooklyn said. Talon turned and went to the exit. "Talon. Wait!" Elizabeth and Brooklyn ran after him.
They head outside.
"Talon. Why don't we go to the clock tower to see if they returned before we go after my brother. Please." Elizabeth said. Talon thought for a minute and nodded.
"Alright. We will go check it out." Talon said. Elizabeth wrapped her arms around Brooklyn's neck and he climbs the wall. Talon lead the way to the clock tower. "I don't think your friends will find anything but let's see." Talon lands first when they arrive at the clocktower. Talon opened the door and steps in. Brooklyn lands and set down Elizabeth and they step in to see the others waiting for them. Talon turned to Elizabeth and Brooklyn. "I told you they wouldn't find anything." Brooklyn sighs. "I say we go after Xanatos and force him to talk!" Elizabeth put a hand to her head.
"Good idea, Talon." Broadway said.
"Yeah." Lexington said.
"Hang on. What if my brother isn't responsible." Elizabeth said. Brooklyn crosses his arms.
"I'm not sure it's a good idea to let him know Goliath's missing." Brooklyn said.
"Then what do you want to do?" Talon asked.
"Aye, Lad." Hudson said. He walked towards the steps. "It's your choice as leader." Elizabeth looked at Brooklyn. He looked down.
"Forget it. Let's just go." Brooklyn said. Elizabeth sighed. She hoped he will take up leadership eventually. Talon walks out and Broadway and Lexington came running up. Elizabeth made sure her gun was on her hip.
"Someone must stay here. There might be some word." Hudson said.
"Whatever." Brooklyn said. He turns.
"I'm coming with. You'll need me to get past my brother." Elizabeth said. Brookly knew she was right. He nodded as him and Elizabeth joined the others on the roof. Brooklyn scooped her up and they took off after Talon. They flew towards the Castle.
"I really don't think this is how we should approach Xanatos." Brooklyn said.
"You wanna be in charge? Speak now or hold your peace!" Talon called back.
"I hope Xanatos hasn't update his security system like Fox was talking about." Elizabeth said. Brooklyn sighs as the Gargoyles fly through the clouds and get near the Castle. Talon and the Gargoyles circle the castle. Elizabeth gasped as a gun popped out from a circle. "Yep they are up." Brooklyn holds Elizabeth close as the guns start shooting at them. Elizabeth burried her face in Brooklyn's neck as he dodged the attacks. Brooklyn landed on one of the towers, letting Elizabeth go. She held on tight as she looked towards the guns.
"He got good ones." Brooklyn said.
"Get me to the courtyard. I can try and stop this." Elizabeth said. Brooklyn grabbed her as he took off and held her hands as he flew towards the door. He dropped her. She rolled and got up and ran, heading for her brothers office and Brooklyn flew up to see if he could stop the guns. He dived out of the blasts as Broadway lands on one of the guns.
"Easy Brooklyn. I got you covered." Broadway said. He starts pulling at the guns to bend them. Talon, Lexington, and Brooklyn dived out of attacks as Brooklyn got one cannon bent up as he bends the other one down. He knots the two of the barrels together. One of the barrels goes off shooting the other gun and destroying it and a tower. Lexinton jumped happily.
"Good shooting." Lexington said.
"Come on." Talon said. Talon and Lexington go running.
Elizabeth bursts through the door to her brothers office.
"Elizabeth." Xanatos' eyes widen seeing his sister as she approaches his desk.
"Enough of this. You do realize I was with them. Do you really want to explain to Fox why I am injured." Elizabeth said. Xanatos goes to say something when Brooklyn and Broadway fall through the ceiling. Elizabeth gasps and runs to help Brooklyn up.
"Gentlemen, what a pleasant surprise." Xanatos said as Broadway and Brooklyn turn to face him. "To what do I owe the honor?" Talon came in and Brooklyn pulled Elizabeth out of the way as Talon lit up one of his fists as he approached Xanatos' desk.
"You know perfectly well." Talon said. Owen comes over and punches Talon with a stone fist.
"I see you've managed to incorporate your handicap quite nicely, Owen." Xanatos said.
"Thank you sir." Owen said as Talon growled as him and Owen circled. Elizabeth rubbed her temple as Xanatos pulled out a gun.
"Let's stop this before someone gets hurt." Xanatos said.
"Shoot any of them Xanatos and I'll make sure to let Fox know that you hurt my friends." Elizabeth said. Xanatos rolls his eyes as he points to the Gargoyles and Talon, making sure not to aim at Elizabeth.
"Now. Who wants to tell me what this is all about?" Xanatos said. Talon brought down the gun.
"Drop the act, Xanatos. Where's Elisa?" Talon said.
"I'm afraid I haven't seen her." Xanatos said, looking innocent.
"Yeah right. Just like you haven't seen Goliath and Bronx." Broadway said, approaching Xanatos.
"Hmm. Now we're getting somewhere." Xanatos said.
"Great. Now he knows." Elizabeth said, crossing her arms.
"If you don't know anything, why were you shooting at us?" Lexington said.
"Do I really need an excuse to have a good time in my own home? Besides I wouldn't have shot at you if I knew my sister was with you. Fox and my father would have my skin if I hurt her." Xanatos said. Elizabeth did an eyeroll. "But if you do feel like I'm hiding something? Search the building. You worked here, Talon. I velieve you know your way around. And Lexington. Check my files."
"Go. I'll stay and keep an eye on my brother." Elizabeth said to Talon, Broadway, and Brooklyn.
"Alright I will." Lexington said, getting in the chair and started working the computer.
"You won't get off that easily, Xanatos." Talon said as he walked out.
"Goliath missing." Xanatos said, looking at Owen.
"An intriguing development." Owen said. Brooklyn walks by.
"Perfect." Brooklyn said. Talon, Broadway, and Brooklyn left to search the castle as Lexington looked through the file. Elizabeth stood, looking out the window.
"Fox is wondering when you'll be joining her." Xanatos said, coming up to her.
"Been looking for my friends. I wanted to make sure they were fine before I left." Elizabeth said.
"I swear, Elizabeth. They aren't here." Xanatos said. She turned and looked at her brother.
"I believe you, but they don't trust you so you need to convice them." Elizabeth said.
It was an hour before dawn when Lexington hit some buttons and gave up.
"Satisfied." Xanatos said, standing arms crossed. Elizabeth sat in one of the armchairs as they waited. Lexington sighed
"I can't find anything in here other than the usual shady deals." Lexington said.
"Which is normal for him." Elizabeth said as she drank a soda.
"A man has to make a living." Xanatos said. The door opens and Elizabeth stood up as Talon, Broadway, and Brooklyn come in.
"We looked everywhere. No luck." Broadway said.
"He let you look. What did you expect?" Brooklyn said putting his hands on his hips.
"Come on." Talon growled. The Gargoyles head outside. Elizabeth climbed on Brooklyn's back as they climbed the wall.
"Talon!" Elizabeth got off Brooklyn's back as they got to the top and turn to see Xanatos standing down below. "I promise you. I will utilize all my resources to help track down Goliath and Elisa."
"We don't want any help from you." Talon growled. Brooklyn picks up Elizabeth and they take off, flying back to the clocktower.
At the Clocktower. The Gargoyles stood on their perches. Brooklyn hugged Elizabeth and helped her off his perch as Hudson hands Cagney over to Elizabeth. Broadway had brought food and water for the cat. Cagney brushed his head against Elizabeth's check as Brooklyn pet the cat. Hudson approached Talon
"Another night has passed and still no word." Hudson said.
"I'll be back tonight. We could use some rest." Talon said. Talon flies away. Hudson turns to Brooklyn, who turned towards the sun.
"So, what's our next move, laddie?" Hudson said.
"Stop asking me that! I don't know!" Brooklyn said angry as he was turned to stone. Elizabeth sighed.
"Come on Cagney. Let's go to bed. You can sleep with me." Elizabeth heads into the clocktower and sets the cat on the couch as she goes to change and grab her pillow and blanket. She lays down on the couch and Cagney lays behind her legs and both fall asleep.
"Liz. Liz!" Maggie's voice pull her out of her sleep. Elizabeth sits up, rubbing her eyes and yawning as she looks at Maggie.
"Maggie? What are you doing here and what time is it?" Elizabeth asked.
"It's noon. Fang took over the labyrinth. Talon is captured." Maggie said. Elizabeth grabbed her phone. There was eight more hours before sunset.
"Let's wait till the Gargoyles are awake before we go save him." Elizabeth said.
"Can I stay here?" Maggie asked.
"Yes. You can take one of the chairs." Elizabeth said, yawning.
"Thank you." Maggie said. Elizabeth laid down as Maggie sat in the chair. Elizabeth was worried for Talon.
"They shouldn't come looking for you here." Elizabeth said, noticing Maggie's worried look.
"Just worried about Talon." Maggie said.
"He'll be fine. He can take care of himself." Elizabeth said, yawning. Maggie felt some relief. "Let's get some sleep." Elizabeth pulled the blanket over her as Cagney stretched and laid down on her pillow near her head. She passed out and Maggie fell asleep.
That night. Elizabeth and Maggie stood on the balcony as the sunset. The Gargoyles burst from their stone sleep, roaring. Elizabeth smiled. Brooklyn turned and smiled when he saw Elizabeth and looked shocked when he saw Maggie with her.
"Maggie. What are you doing here?" Brooklyn said. The Gargoyles jump from their perches.
"Fang's taken over the Labyrinth. He's got all sort of weapons and Talon. I couldn't help him." Maggie said. Brooklyn hugged her then thought a minute.
"Let's go!" Brooklyn said, letting Maggie go and turning to his friends.
"I thought you didn't want to lead us, lad." Hudson said.
"This has nothing to do with what I want." Brooklyn said. He walked towards the railing and looked at Hudson as Elizabeth went to join him. "You better come along this time, Hudson. We'll need all the help we can get."
"is that an order, then?" Hudson said with a smile on his face. Brooklyn picks up Elizabeth.
"Yeah. I guess it is." Brooklyn said. Brooklyn jumped on the edge as Elizabeth wraps her arms around his neck and he took off with the others behind him.
They flew to the Labynth. Brooklyn explained the plans to the others. Maggie showed them where the room was to where the people lived. Elizabeth pulled out her gun as the Gargoyles got on panals and Brooklyn pulled her tight against his side.
"Ready." Brooklyn said as they heard gunshots down below. The Gargoyles nodded. Brooklyn and Elizabeth jump and Brooklyn smashes through the roof and into the Labynth with the Gargoyles right behind him. Brooklyn let go of Elizabeth who kneals on the ground as the Henchmen started firing. Elizabeth shot at the Henchmen as Brooklyn tackles Fang and they start fighting. The Henchmen started shooting at the Gargoyles, avoiding Elizabeth's shots. Elizabeth put her arm up to stop rocks from hitting her in the head. Lexington and Broadway grab a rope and use the rope to knock the two henchmen down. Broadway and Lexington take rocks and destroy the guns.
Brooklyn and Fang were wrestling around on the floor. Brooklyn pinned Fang to the ground and Fang sent electricity through him. The gun explodes sending Brooklyn flying into boxes. Claw looked terrified as he backed away and Hudson flies at him. Claw blasts electicity at him, knocking a sword from his hands. Hudson flies into the tunnel. Brooklyn flies at Claw and knocks him to the ground. Elizabeth saw Talon in a tube and runs towards him with Maggie.
"Talon. Are you alright?" Maggie asked.
"Hold on and we will get you out." Elizabeth said. Elizabeth gasped as Fang grabbed her and Maggie.
"I wouldn't be worrying about him if I were you." Fang growled. He turns holding the girls as he turns to face Brooklyn. "Brooklyn. I got no gripe with you. Leave now and Maggie and Elizabeth goes free." Brooklyn looked worried when he saw both girls being held.
"Alright Fang." Brooklyn said. He jumps over and lands in front of Fang. "But Maggie comes with us."
"Actually I like to keep Elizabeth to make sure you keep your end of the bargain." Fang said. Elizabeth looked at Brooklyn. "Don't worry I'll send her back after sunrise."
"Deal." Brooklyn said.
"You're just leaving Talon?" Broadway said.
"I'm the leader and I say forget him!" Brooklyn growled.
"I like the way you give orders." Fang pushes Maggie towards Brooklyn and Elizabeth gets pushed behind Fang. Elizabeth wondered if Brooklyn had a plan. Maggie stumbles if she gets pushed towards Brooklyn. He catches her from falling. Maggie starts struggling with him.
"What makes you think I'd go with you and leave Derek?" Maggie said, tears in her eyes.
"Then stay with him for all I care. I'm sure you'll make wonderful cellmates." Brooklyn said. Maggie felt something slip in her hand as he lets go of her hands. She looks in her hand and find the card to the tube that was holding Talon. She looked at Brooklyn and saw him smiling. Maggie returned the smile. Elizabeth saw the smiles and knew she was right. "Yeah, I thought that would shut you up. Now, say goodbye to your boyfriend and let's go." Maggie goes over to Talon's cell. Maggie turned her back to Fang so he didn't see what she was doing.
"Goodbye Derek. I won't forget you." Maggie said as she swipped the card. Maggie goes back to the Gargoyles as Talon opened the door.
"Liz." Elizabeth looked and saw Talon standing behind her. "Move." She nodded and moved out of his way.
"Hey. No hard feelings, guy." Fang said as Maggie joined Brooklyn.
"Now!" Brooklyn yelled. Talon jumps at Fang and tackles him to the ground. He was stronger then Fang and pinned him to the ground.
"Claw do something." Fang yelled. Hudson came up behind Claw. Claw wasn't sure what to do. "You want to be weak like them?"
"Don't listen to him Claw. You can be stronger without Fang ordering you around." Elizabeth said. Claw takes the gun and breaks it. Elizabeth grinned.
"Oh man." Fang said.
"Brooklyn come help." Talon called. Brooklyn came over to Talon and both lifted Fang up and took him to where Talon was prisoned before. Maggie and Elizabeth smiled at each other as their boys close the door behind Fang.
"Guys! Guys, it was all a joke. Come on you know? Mutate humor, huh." Fang said. He gives a nervous laugh. "Come out. Let me out. Let me out!" Fang bangs on the glass. Broadway and Lexington untie the Henchmen. Talon approaches them. The Henchmen flinch
"Don't let me catch you two around here again." Talon said. The two ran away. Talon lands behind Fang's prison next to Brooklyn. "From now on, all weapons are banished. In the labyrinth, justice prevails. Even for those who don't believe in it." Maggie runs to Talon and hugs him. Elizabeth runs to Brooklyn and hugs him. He wraps his arms around Elizabeth and returns the hug.
"Thanks for the save Brooklyn." Elizabeth keeps her arms around Brooklyn as they turn to look at Maggie and Talon. "Seems neither of us can escape the role of leader."
"Yeah. Try as I might." Brookyn said. Elizabeth rested a hand on his chest. Hudson comes up to the Gargoyles. He looks at the Trio.
"So. what are you gonna do now, lad?" Hudson said. Brooklyn looked at Elizabeth and she smiled up at him encouraging.
"I'll lead the best I can, but that doesn't mean we give up hope or the search. We'll find them. I swear to it." Brooklyn said.
"Agreed. But our main responsibility is to protect those who are still here." Talon said. Brooklyn let go of Elizabeth.
"Yeah. That's what Goliath and Elisa would want." Brooklyn said, walking up to Talon. They shook hands. Elizabeth smiled happy to see Brooklyn taking leadership and hopefully they will find out what happened to Goliath, Bronx, and Elisa.
AN: Love this episode. Would anyone be interested in doing a fanart of Brooklyn and Elizabeth for me? Could use it as a pic for the story. Let me know. Till next time.