Author's Note: The muse has been kind toward this fic, I'm pleased to say. Thanks for indulging me on this little adventure, dear reader.
This chapter takes place during the episode "A Lighthouse in the Sea of Time". Specifically, after Hudson leaves Robbins's house to meet back up with the clan to face MacBeth for the final showdown of the episode. Enjoy C:
Luck. Sheer dumb, or more appropriately blind luck. That's the only way Hudson could reconcile everything that transpired from last night to right now.
How else could he explain surviving the firefight with MacBeth's stooges, floating ashore instead of drifting to the open sea to be swallowed by raging waves in the storm, keeping the canister holding the famous Scrolls of Merlin, and coming to the same night? That alone was insanely fortunate, but the only people that came across his beached body was a blind man and his dog, who invited him inside their home, unwittingly giving him shelter that saved him from MacBeth all night? Unthinkably lucky.
And the cherry on top of this sundae, the man, Robbins helped put him back on MacBeth's trail so he can meet up with the rest of the clan and settle the score with the sinister human once and for all. He didn't even know a book existed with the addresses of each individual person in New York, a concept he still wasn't fully grasping, let alone that Robbins would be smart enough to use MacBeth's fake name against him and locate his castle for him.
It was utterly unfathomable, he had to be luckier than a leprechaun, which only meant he probably used up all the good luck fate had leftover for him. That suited the old warrior just fine, he was the type that made his own luck anyway. Not to knock the Fates for smiling on him for once, they were welcome to continue this trend as frequently as they liked.
But Hudson couldn't stop thinking about just how wonderfully everything was working out for him, despite his shameful display with MacBeth's jets and losing the Scrolls of Merlin that morning. Here he was, right as rain, fully prepared to show MacBeth what for alongside his clan, who had to have been worried sick about him all this time, his identity remaining a secret to the rest of the world. It couldn't have worked out better if he sat down for a week and planned it out himself.
A man like Robbins, human or gargoyle, was a rare breed, he knew all too well. Someone so kind, so warm, and so fearless, despite his condition. There's no way anyone else would be so calm and composed after being accosted by the ruthless and devious MacBeth, let alone see right through his lies. Just amazing, what manner of human had he stumbled upon, he wondered as he flew through the sky, wind whistling past his face.
When this MacBeth business was over, he vowed to himself that he'd return to Robbins's home and explain as much as he was able to him. He owed him that for his warm hospitality and invaluable assistance, at the very least. Heck, he'd have happily given him a couple pounds of gold pieces, if he had any to give, that is. It still wouldn't have been enough to repay Robbins for all that he'd done, but it would be a start and it would rescue some of his tattered honor. For as grateful as he was to have met Robbins last night, his condition and demeanor during said initial meeting shamed him.
If he wasn't so old, he would have been perfectly capable of carrying himself to Robbins's abode, instead of pathetically using him as a crutch. He's a blind 59 year old human, what business did Hudson have throwing his weight on the poor fellow, without so much as exchanging names first? He had no excuse, his manners were supposed to be ever-present, not disappear at the first sign of injury. What kind of self-respecting warrior does that to someone they just met?
The old gargoyle grumbled as he shook his head a bit, now was not the time to berate himself, with the fight he had ahead of him. Especially considering the clan may have already begun the heated battle, wondering where he is and getting distracted with sentiment, like amateurs. They were fine warriors, if a bit silly and prone to emotional outbursts, he noted. But when something weighs on them enough, such as a fellow clansmen dropping off the face of the earth for an entire 24 hours after dropping in the sea, they were at half their strength. And if they were to emerge victorious in this particular battle, they couldn't enter it with half of anything. The sooner he got their, the better everyone would be, he reasoned wisely.
So as much as he'd love to brow beat himself, he decided to shelve it for after the siege of MacBeth's castle. A castle that seemed to finally come into view, just over the horizon. His eyes weren't what they used to be, but a gargoyle's sight is best at night, so he was pretty confident in the structure he now focused on. Robbins told him the castle was located north of Hudson Heights, something he found incredibly coincidental and just a wee bit amusing, and he seemed to have just passed the border of His Heights. No other structure resembled a castle other than the one he had in his sights, so he figured he must have the right place.
And when he saw 3 figures soaring towards the castle, swiftly dipping down into the trees just outside the perimeter, he breathed a sigh of relief. He wasn't too late and he wasn't going to be a burden to the clan, good.
Hudson began his stealthy descent as well, aiming exactly where his clansmen were waiting in the shadows of the trees. Brooklyn was the first to speak up, Hudson's acute hearing picked up his tense, impatient voice easily.
"Now what?" he spat out, looking to Goliath for an answer, but he never got it. For Hudson's presence was picked up by his clan as he adroitly landed between them.
"Now we go in," he quickly answered, watching the youngest of the 4 beam with happiness at his arrival.
"We were worried!" Lexington said warmly, opening his arms at Hudson.
"There you are!" Brooklyn interrupted, excited and relieved all at once. It was only then that he realized they were missing a head, the trio was now a duo.
Hudson turned to Goliath as he walked up to his mentor, "Where's Broadway?" he asked, the worry clear in his voice. It was bad enough that he was missing in action, but Broadway too?
Goliath's eyes shot open before he quickly replied, "We thought he was with you!", motioning to Hudson.
"I've not seen 'im since the battle!" Hudson nearly shouted as he shook his head, his nerves on edge considering the revelation. He and Broadway were separated from the clan for an entire day, with Broadway still missing. A bad omen, thanks fates, we're back to our regularly scheduled apathy, he thought bitterly.
Hurried steps approached them as Lexington pointed towards the sky, "Up there!" Everyone lifted their gaze to the ominous castle, a plume of smoke billowing from the center of the structure, from a pyre, no doubt.
"Broadway could be in there, right now! We gotta get him outta there!" Brooklyn declared as he started to run. Goliath stopped him with a firm hand on his shoulder.
"I'm just as concerned about him as you, but MacBeth is in the middle of something, and he has the Scrolls of Merlin. We can't go in with our vision narrowed from worrying over Broadway. Our first priority is stopping him from using the magic spells in the scrolls to do unspeakable horrors" he ordered sagely, earning a proud smirk from Hudson. The lad's a natural.
"Then we'll make him tell us what he's done with Broadway. I'll see to that personally" Goliath snarled darkly before flaring his wings and taking flight, Brooklyn & Lexington, hot on his heels. Hudson wasn't far behind, as they got into their familiar formation and dived straight towards the castle. It didn't take long for MacBeth's minions to notice them and start their counterattack, laser fire from cannon turrets, a new one for MacBeth. Good thing they were lousy shots, as the clan weaved between the gunfire like leaves in the wind. That is, until something caught Goliath's eye.
"Broadway!" he exclaimed, worry clear in his voice. The lad wasted no thought before he swooped down towards his brother, which is exactly what the thugs manning the cannons were hoping for, a closer target.
A quick spray of shots and Goliath was hit, though thankfully it was just a graze, his luck was still in good supply. The lad regrouped to the sky, as Hudson covered his flank and attempted to draw their fire away from him. It worked briefly, and the rest of the clan converged together again, as the boys huffed in frustration.
"We can't get past those cannons!" Lexington bemoaned, clearly upset that he hasn't thought of a way to dispose of the humans and get Broadway back. So it was a good thing that Hudson had come up with a plan for him, while they fluttered about unsure of themselves. Such is youth, he mused before speaking up.
"I have an idea" he announced, before banking right, the boys silently following suit, as they crossed a tower. But Hudson stopped suddenly, hiding behind the tower and grabbed Goliath's hand to keep him at his side.
With only a stiff nod, Brooklyn and Lexington knew what to do and quickly entered the fray again, while he and Goliath dropped down much lower and flew to their separate targets in perfect stealth. While the younger ones drew the humans' fire, spinning them around in circles, Goliath and Hudson snuck up on them and took out the turret cannons simultaneously. Hudson rammed into the turret seat at full speed, slamming the thug operating it into the console, a loud pain-filled grunt was his response. The turret began to spin out of control, firing shots randomly, the poor kid was scared silly. Good, Hudson chuckled to himself as he flew directly above the out of control turret, avoiding all the lasers blasting out of it.
Within seconds it blew up, launching the dull thug over the side of the platform and hurtling towards the hard ground below. The fall would have killed him, so Brooklyn swiftly stepped in and saved the man's life. Though gratitude would be the last thing the lad would get from such a lowly criminal, so Hudson trailed behind him to pick up the human's slack.
"Good work, lad" he said warmly, as Brooklyn looked over his wings at Hudson, the human scrambling in his arms like a frightened cat. At the height, the recent brush with death via explosion, or the up close and personal sight of a gargoyle, Hudson wasn't sure, but he could guess it was a mixture of the 3 shocking events.
"Thanks," Brooklyn said flatly before tossing the panicking human into a tree, an extremely high pitched shriek trailing behind him. "Now let's go rescue someone who actually deserves it" he finished, rushing to where Broadway was.
Hudson couldn't agree more as they cut through the air, Lexington in tow, before dropping down to where Goliath already was. As well as the dangerous man behind this whole plot, the one and only insidious MacBeth, who conspicuously had his back turned to Goliath. Something wasn't right about that, Hudson remarked inwardly, his hand still clutching his sword, ready for whatever MacBeth's dubious mind would devise to throw at them.
"Release Broadway" Goliath commanded sternly as he approached MacBeth with a calm and collected demeanor. The lad's got a plan, has he?
MacBeth swiftly swung around, with laser gun drawn and tongue sharp, "Heh. Or what?" he scoffed.
"Or I'll burn the scrolls" Goliath gruffly replied, serious as a heart attack. And if the bone chilling tone of his voice wasn't enough to show he meant what he said, he angled his arm over a nearby flaming pile of debris, the Scrolls of Merlin clutched in his tense grip.
A panic shot through Hudson's entire being at the sight of the all too important and priceless artifact just inches away from fiery oblivion, like so many relics of the distant past. He was petrified on the spot, almost as if the sun had suddenly poked out from the clouds. The lad wouldn't do that, he wouldn't, he had too much reason to see the Scrolls returned to humanity.
The preservation of history and his immense respect for that honorable goal, the safe return of a priceless item to the people under the protection of the clan, the very real possibility that they would one day need the magicks hidden in those scribblings to save their hides when all hope is lost. Not something Hudson was comfortable with, personally, but with all the sorcery at their enemies' disposal, it certainly wouldn't hurt for them to have a few spells of their own to even the odds. And as noble as the boy was, he still had entirely self satisfying reasons to see the Scrolls returned safely, namely satisfying his curiosity concerning what exactly the illustrious writings entailed. Secrets from one of the most famous figures in history, lost to the world for centuries; revealed to him in an instant.
Not to mention the lovely Detective Elisa Maza would be very grateful to her favorite gargoyle for completing this task successfully, perhaps so grateful she'd spend all night with him so he can make all over her and she in turn could make all over him. Hudson couldn't help but roll his eyes at the notion, those two really thought they were slick, but he noticed from the first time they met how they looked at each other, the crazy kids. Great at protecting the earth shattering secret of their existence, terrible at hiding a simple crush. He'd have laughed if it wasn't so annoying.
Goliath would have to be crazy to let the Scrolls burn, all because a deplorable cur like MacBeth put him in a difficult position. Surely, he wasn't serious, Hudson ruled tentatively. The lad's tone and posture really didn't leave much in the way of interpretation, which makes for a great bluff to use against MacBeth, but it also caused his breath to get caught in his throat. So hopefully MacBeth would just buy the bluff, saving everyone, including himself, a lot of unnecessary grief. After all, nobody wanted the Scrolls of Merlin more than the selfish, power hungry MacBeth. Surely he wouldn't gamble with their wellbeing—
"Go ahead. They're worthless" the man in question interrupted casually, causing Hudson's eyes to shoot open wider than dinner plates. "No magic at all—"
"No!" a familiar baritone voice bellowed, drawing everyone's attention to the rotund gargoyle shackled in front of them. Hudson thanked the lad for speaking up, his heart couldn't take anymore of this.
"They are magic!" Broadway continued vehemently, "But you can't burn them Goliath, you can't!" he pleaded, his passion captivating Hudson and by the looks of it, his fellow rookery brothers as well. He never expressed such intense interest in anything other than movies and food, so this was quite a turn from the norm for Broadway. Goliath still had his eyes trained on MacBeth, the Scrolls in question still dangerously close to the raging flames beneath them.
"It's Merlin's life, in his own words. When you read them, they take you there..." the lad trailed off for a second, like he was in a lovely trance. His eyes wandered to the distant sky, as if he was lost in a memory, a profound feeling or an epiphanal moment of some sort, one that brought about such a positive change in behavior, no doubt. Hudson could relate.
Though he pressed them down to deal with the matter at hand, his thoughts were resurfacing, reminding him of the profound words from the kind Robbins. The reverent passion that Broadway expressed was near identical to Robbins's when Hudson made the mistake of making excuses to not learn how to read. A deep respect, even mystified fascination of stories, drove Robbins to, how did he describe it, preach at Hudson the wise words that it's not shameful to be illiterate, only staying that way was. Doing nothing to change the current state he was in would be shameful, something he only realized when Robbins so masterfully put it.
Hudson really did appreciate him opening his eyes to his folly, and he would have said so right in that moment, if he didn't realize the Sun was about to end the conversation for him. He remembered Robbins's panicked and apologetic demeanor at Hudson's hurried exit, and he hoped his bold dismissal at Robbins's accusation that he was at fault would have been enough. But now that he thought back on it, Robbins was obviously worried when he returned tonight, saying he was glad he returned and before he left for the castle, made him promise to come back and explain everything that was happening.
At first glance, these instances didn't appear to mean much, but Hudson had been around for a while, he knew when someone was trying to confirm something or make sure things were smoothed over without trying to come off as such. Robbins must have been worried sick when he just disappeared like that, if he was more vigilant, he might have been able to avoid such an awkward and abrupt end to their night together.
He had to be more careful next time, Robbins deserved a polite farewell, at the very least. The man did offer to teach him to read, something he couldn't bear the though of anyone else doing for him, his pride wasn't about to let that happen. But Robbins didn't know any of the clan, he didn't know Elisa, that Hudson knew of, and the man didn't even know what he looked like. The greatest point in Robbins's favor, to be certain.
Also, he was incredibly kind and warm, even after deducing on his own that he couldn't read, there was no way he'd take the lessons as a chance to belittle Hudson. Plus, the man did offer, his deep reverence to reading being the chief reason as to why he did, most likely, which focused Hudson back to the present again.
"It is magic, Goliath. Precious magic" Broadway explained soberly, giving even the malicious MacBeth pause, Hudson noticed. Goliath's gaze finally broke away from MacBeth at the lad's beautiful words. Hudson had to hand it to the boy, he was quite the poet when the situation called for it.
The old soldier stepped forward to Goliath, a resolute calm overtaking his worry. "Aye, lad. T'would be the greatest shame to lose them..." he added as purposefully as he could. Goliath's steely gaze softened as he looked at the helpless relic held in the palm of his hand. A deep sigh of relief blew out of Hudson, it looked like the tensions were down and the mystical Scrolls of Merlin were safe, both from MacBeth's lust for power and Goliath's rage.
MacBeth, uncharacteristically quiet during the entire exchange, held his chin in thought. After a slow, meaningful blink, he reached into his black trench coat, "You're all trespassing" he stated flatly, taking out a small remote control.
Before Hudson could ask what it was for, he aimed it at Broadway, pressed a button that eliciting a loud beep, and continued, "Now take the scrolls and go", a tired lilt creeped in his voice as he pocketed the remote control.
A metallic clank drew Hudson's attention back to Broadway, who's restraints were unfastened sending his wrists falling to his sides. The rotund gargoyle had a question on his face as he flexed his wrists a bit to help his circulation return, everyone in the clan did. MacBeth wasn't one to catch his prey only to turn around and throw it back, with absolutely nothing to gain in return. Surely he still had some trick up his sleeve, something to surprise them with, some weapon to inflict considerable pain or discomfort, a profit to squeeze out of the situation. Something. There was no way MacBeth, ruthless, sinister, self-serving MacBeth would let his enemies scurry back home without so much as a lasting injury to remember him by... right?
Counter to everything Hudson knew about the dangerous and methodical MacBeth, the man simply turned his back on the gargoyles, walking back to his castle without a care in the world. Was it a ploy to get them to attack him, only to trip a deadly trap? Was it a distraction to keep them from realizing he had some ulterior motive in releasing Broadway? After all, last time they met, Demona was his real target and capturing them was merely to bait her. Could this be another instance of that? If so, how? What could he even do to them right now that would draw out Demona, of all people?
None of it made a lick of sense, but there he went, without a fuss, leaving them all to gawk with their maws wide open. Goliath merely looked to Hudson for something, solace, clarity, an opinion, just something. But all Hudson could give him was a mirrored expression of puzzlement, causing Goliath to turn away and open his wings.
"Let's just go home. In case he tries anything, we'll make a couple stops and split up to confuse him" he reasoned just as much to himself as he did them, before leaping above the flames and allowing the dense heat to elevate him into the night sky once more.
The trio reunited, shrugged their shoulders in unison, then followed their leader away from MacBeth's smoldering castle. Hudson watched them and began to follow suit, even ascending a meter above the ground, but his eyes returned to MacBeth's receding form. A fire bubbled in the old warrior's stomach, heating up his chest with a palpable anger. The thoughts he entertained about Robbins reminded him of MacBeth's grievous offense earlier that day, one he couldn't let go unaddressed.
Hudson leaned his body into a barrel roll and angled back down, straight for MacBeth, before he reached the inside of his castle. Apparently, MacBeth sensed him coming back, for he was already turning to his side, staring at Hudson with a sharp gaze as he landed gruffly in front of him.
"Before I depart, there's just one last thing I wanted ye to know, MacBeth..." Hudson growled, looming just inches from MacBeth's face. With the speed of a young man, he drew his trusty sword from its holster and raised it to the human's neck before MacBeth could react. Or at least, before MacBeth cared to act.
"Stay away from Robbins or the next time we meet, you'll be the one danglin' over a fire..." his low, gravely voice teeming with menace to match his piercing, glowing stare and fully bared fangs. A sight few have ever seen and lived to tell the tale, to be certain.
MacBeth, ever the unwavering mastermind, sneered in amusement. "My my, you're scary when ya wanna be" he jested, earning a primal, feral growl from Hudson, one that would strike terror into a dragon.
MacBeth's eerie sneer receded as his eyes rolled nonchalantly, "Aye, ye have my word. No harm will come to the old cripple from my hand" he ended with an exasperated tilt of his head and a raise of his eyebrows, asking without words if Hudson was satisfied. Hudson's eyes narrowed at his flippant reaction to the threat, but supposed that was the best he would get out of the self-absorbed madman.
Hudson angled his blade up to the tip of MacBeth's nose, as he took a step back. "Ye had better honor that word or I'll be takin' that hand..." his warning as chilling as his steel.
The human pushed the blade away from his face with a gloved finger. "Hmph, charming." he scoffed unimpressed, pissing Hudson off even further, but he pressed the rage down. It served no purpose now.
MacBeth turned back around and resumed making his way inside a castle tower, "You've overstayed yer welcome, creature. Get out of my sight" he spat, waving his hand dismissively at Hudson before opening a door and slipping into the shadows inside.
The old gargoyle dimmed his eyes down and sheathed his sword, snorting derisively at the door hiding MacBeth, before jumping on the tower wall it was attached to, then leaping higher from that perch to catch a stronger current. The wind caught him and he rode the current higher and higher, until he cleared over the cobblestone walls of MacBeth's castle. His clan floated patiently for him just a few meters ahead, he could sense an expectant air about them before he even saw their facial expressions. And sure enough when he caught up to them, the questions came flooding in.
"What's up? Did he say anything else to you?"
"Why'd ya stay behind?"
"Are you alright, old friend?"
"You didn't... ya know. Did you?"
"What were you thinking staying behind like that?"
"You were trying to make sure he wasn't following us, right Hudson?"
"Maybe you thought he knew more about the Scrolls than he was letting on. Did he?"
"Come to think of it, when did he rebuild that castle? Didn't it kinda completely burn down last time?"
Hudson pinched the bridge of his nose in irritation before saying, "T'was nothin', lads! Just dottin' some i's and crossin' some t's. Let's go home already, ey?" he said more than asked, as he flew ahead of the pack to emphasize he was done with the conversation. He could feel their confused and suspicious looks peppering the back of his head, but eventually, he heard bemused hums, always accompanying an unfettered shrug and the sensation of eyes on him left.
Save one pair, the most important ones lingered on him a bit as their owner floated gently to his side. "Hudson, is everything alright?" Goliath warily ventured, his tone gentle, but stalwart.
"Fine, lad. Just fine" Hudson replied calmly, not taking his eyes off of the horizon.
"And you're sure?" Goliath quirked a suspicious eye ridge up.
"Absolutely" he replied in the same even tone.
Goliath remained silent for a moment, studying Hudson's aura it seemed, before he breathed evenly. "... Alright then"
Goliath turned his head and laid out the plan, "Let's head to the east, we'll cut through the alleyways for a few blocks, then when we're sure, we'll split up, and do the same thing after a couple kilometers. Then we'll regroup in front of the clock tower, in about an hour". The trio nodded in affirmation and picked up speed as they made their way through the planned route, with Goliath lingering beside Hudson for a beat before catching up with the rambunctious trio.
Leaving Hudson blissfully alone and giving him a chance to order his tumultuous thoughts. He knew he came across as perturbed and irrational to his clan, but he honestly didn't know how to explain what he said to MacBeth. He merely intended on warning MacBeth to keep innocent people out of their feud, bare his fangs, make his eyes glow, then fly off into the night. That's it.
But before he knew it, his blood was set to boil and his rage took charge. He dropped Robbins's name without meaning to, a stupid greenhorn mistake, then came close to slicing the man's throat open with his sword. Once the anger died down, he was at a loss, an embarrassing loss. Sure, he was upset that Robbins got pulled into MacBeth's scheme and he was pretty pissed that the Scrolls were taken from him during the day, a real cowardly move on MacBeth's part.
But there was something else that rose out of the depths and boldly made itself known, without Hudson's consent on the matter. This wasn't like him, he wasn't the type to go into any situation ungirded, driven by emotion, haphazardly, like that.
What would he have done if MacBeth really did have a trap ready for anyone foolish enough to get too close to his castle? What would he have done if MacBeth pulled his gun before Hudson could draw his weapon? Hope and pray he wouldn't blast him to kingdom come? What if MacBeth managed to slip something on him that allowed him to track Hudson, all without the gargoyle knowing because he was too caught up trying to put the fear of God into a man that didn't seem to have the ability to feel fear?
There were a myriad of factors he hadn't considered before approaching his enemy, a fatal mistake for a warrior to make and one he thought he was in no danger of repeating after all of these years of seeing others pay a steep price for their recklessness and brash behavior. So many promising young warriors cut down in the prime of their lives, all because they didn't stop and think before going headfirst into a situation they weren't prepared for.
He thought he'd learned this lesson after he and Goliath returned to Castle Wyvern all those years ago, to find their entire clan shattered into gravel. Though to Hudson and the remnants of his clan, who were frozen in time until just a few months ago, it felt just as raw as if it happened yesterday.
The chaotic fire licking at the stones he called home, the putrid metallic smell of copious pools of blood tainting what remained of the castle, the shattered remains of his people littered across the landscape. He could still feel their fragmented faces between his fingers, the sight etched in his mind forever. But worst of all... was the chilling roar of grief from his ward, Goliath. It's a sound he'll never be able to get out of his head, not even if he tried. He'd never admit this to the poor lad, but his soul-aching wail haunted his dreams, haunted them like no ghost or spirit could ever hope to surpass. Even when he was awake, in his most quiet and still moments, that thunderous groaning creeped into his ears without warning, it was enough to drive him mad.
And while Goliath seemed to be acclimating to life in the 20th century fairly well, sweet little Elisa having a lot to do with that, Hudson found the incident, the agonizing pain, was still too fresh for him. If he had just stopped and thought, he would have been able to figure out what that treacherous Captain of the Guard was plotting, and he could have prevented that horrific tragedy from happening.
Hudson shook his head shamefully. He'd thought he already put that idea to rest, but apparently it was resurfacing. Every night since they awakened in New York, Hudson replayed the events of that gruesome night over and over again, obsessing about each and every detail of it. Every word spoken, every action taken, every second spent, every look from every person, all of it scrutinized and weighed meticulously in his mind.
Like he cracked open an hourglass and was trying desperately to pick each grain of sand up one at a time and discover which one was to blame for bringing time to a standstill. Hoping that once he could find those offending minuscule grains, he could somehow make himself feel better about the tragedy. Somehow. If he'd just done this, if he'd just noticed that, if he'd just said something there, then the catastrophe would have been averted.
But the endless empty nights spent picking through the broken hourglass, examining each grain of sand, weighing each possibility, all of it was meaningless. He was just trying to find a way to make sense of his senseless life, regain a measure of control, but he could never have control of that situation, it was long since past. He was just holding onto the past, any way he could, keeping him from fully moving forward, like everyone else in the clan were doing.
The trio were hooked on all the new things this New York City had to offer, their curiosity and wondrous innocence still blissfully intact after all they've endured. Bronx never was one to dwell on much of anything, he pretty much lived like any beast would, from moment to moment. An envious clarity and focus came with that, and the burdens plaguing Hudson were not part of that package. And Goliath had made considerable strides to force himself into this time, this city, the lovely lass Elisa helping him along as best she can of course. Even the hideously insane Demona was moving forward, in her own vicious, unrelentingly maddening way, he supposed. Laser rifles, steel clan, and all that.
But then there was him, the old, decrepit, barely useful, living relic of the clan, clinging to a past that ended horrifically to avoid the present that began unwarranted. It was almost too pitiful for words, he was painfully aware of how futile the effort was, but for the longest time he just didn't have any other course available to him. It was easier than embracing change, but it was ultimately worse.
So Hudson resolved himself, shortly after his long night protecting Goliath from that she-beast Demona, that he was going to move forward, like everyone else had. After all, he was stronger than he thought, if he could handle a powerful psychotic gargoyle armed with a laser rifle while an injured Goliath rested on his shoulders, he could handle anything. And so he took the necessary steps to embrace his current lot in life, his fate it seemed was to be a 20th century gargoyle, so everything before that century had to be put to rest. Especially that infamous night.
And for a while, it seemed like he truly was moving on, but old habits die hard, and the older you are, the harder they die, it seemed. When the difficulty of committing to change pushed back against him especially hard, Hudson found himself periodically returning to the broken hourglass, sifting through the sand trying to come away with some new understanding. But he reminded himself before he got too invested that it was a futile gesture and would only make adjusting more difficult. And this was another one of those times, but he's a stubborn old fool, so here he was sifting through grains again. He was being too hard on himself, he knew, but he couldn't help it.
Leave the hourglass be, Hudson old boy, he told himself as he noticed Goliath signaling with his hand that it was time to split up, sending each gargoyle scattering in different directions. Hudson just kept straight, figured it was as good a direction as any to keep prying eyes from following him back to the clock tower. He'd lose them in an alleyway or a cluster of trees, then make a beeline back home, simple as that. He knew MacBeth wasn't following them, the look in his eye, the deflated tone of his voice, both assured him that he wasn't interested in continuing this game anymore that night. Which brought him back to the subject he'd been mulling over, his sudden shift in attitude when he remembered MacBeth troubled Robbins.
All his struggles with adjusting and changing, it never felt like a fight he could win, until the blind human sat him down and laid it all in painfully clear terms. He learned to read two different ways, and seemed genuinely ready to learn a third if he must, meanwhile Hudson was shaking like a leaf at the notion of learning one method. Shameful, he grimaced to himself, Robbins had the habit of bringing his shame to light, yet in spite of that, he couldn't deny it was... refreshing to have his issues dealt with instead of danced around or ignored.
That was his primary issue with coming to grips with his illiteracy, he realized. It wasn't just shameful that he never learned, it wasn't just mortifying for him if his clan knew of his ignorance, that was all secondary. The main reason he bucked against the idea of learning to read was it really would be moving on and accepting change, the one thing he's struggled with more than anyone else in the clan.
But the wise Robbins helped him to see the folly in his resistance and recognize the greater shame was to remain locked in the past, trembling in the face of adapting and accepting the hand the Fates had dealt. Yes, it was all thanks to his chance meeting with such a sobering and insightful man that he realized the error of his ways and saw for the first time a clear path forward. Hudson took into account how much Robbins had effected him in so short a timespan, it really was remarkable. But he didn't know it was to such an extent that the mere idea of someone like MacBeth approaching him to get at Hudson would send him barreling forward blinded by smoldering rage.
It was just so revolting to him, threatening a sweet and kindly blind man who didn't do anything wrong and didn't know anything that would put him in danger. Yet one encounter with Hudson and he was accosted by a venomous snake like MacBeth. It made his blood run cold, he really was a danger to the blind writer, wasn't he? Hudson supposed he shouldn't see him again, for Robbins's own safety.
But as soon as he thought it, he reflexively bucked against it. MacBeth was searching for the Scrolls, that's why he pursued Hudson and that led him to Robbins, it had nothing to do with Hudson himself. Besides, MacBeth couldn't get anything out of Robbins, save Hudson's fierce ire, and there was no reason for him to return to Robbins's abode now that he knew Hudson was protecting him specifically. And as long as he was careful, like he was being right now, weaving through the trees of a park he was passing over, then none of their other enemies could find out about Robbins.
And as he stopped his journey briefly, perched on a tree like a bird, a soft heat blossomed in his chest. He could return to Robbins's after all, a pleasant smile pulled at his cheeks as he moved in the shadows of the trees. What a curious sensation he was feeling, he took note of, like a small weight was lifted from his shoulders. Maybe that was it, the fact that he feared he would never be able to see Robbins again thanks to the threat of his enemies discovering his connection to Hudson and using that against him. Perhaps that subconscious realization pushed him over the edge, which only confused him more.
Why would such a thing elicit such a response from him? Hudson couldn't figure that one out and frankly he was tired of flying in circles, both mentally and physically, so he just dropped the whole thing and soared above the clouds in the direction of the clock tower. His fingers trailed through the blanket of clouds, the condensed water drops pleasantly wetting his rough skin, forcing the clouds into thin ribbons of billowing white, dancing out from his touch. He'd never get tired of that, he thought as a peaceful grin curled his cheeks up.
Pretty soon, he noticed the converging of four figures, flying in the same general direction as him, queuing the old soldier to dip down and join them as they approached their new home. Lexington was the first to notice him filing back into rank, he gave him a friendly wave as Hudson settled in with his clan.
"I think we're safe from anyone who would want to tail us, lad", he spoke up, eyeing Goliath.
"Better safe than sorry, old friend" Goliath replied warmly, nodding at his mentor, reminding him that he did still remember his old lessons. Hudson smirked proudly before facing forward again.
"We'll give the scrolls to Elisa so that she may return them to the museum" Goliath informed him, before pausing thoughtfully. "But... I can read them to you first, if you'd like" he finished, carefully eyeing Hudson from above, a wary note to his words.
Hudson couldn't help but scoff at himself. Didn't he just criticize the lad for not knowing how to keep his personal secret well hidden? Now here he was, effortlessly uncovered by the very same man. But strangely... he wasn't reeling from this revelation, nor was his pride stirred at the notion of his clan knowing all along that he couldn't read. Rather, he just felt a bit embarrassed that he made a big fuss about it in the first place. Huh, when'd that happen?
"Ack, no thank you" he replied quickly, shaking his head "We'll read them ourselves" he shrugged nonchalantly, shocking everyone else, their jaws hung open like ale steins hung upside down.
"As soon as we learn how" he finished resolutely, eyeing Broadway from the corner of his eye, who beamed with understanding. Goliath let out a quick sigh of relief before chiming back in.
"Wonderful! I can begin teaching you both tonight, if you'd like" he offered as they swooped down to the balcony of their clock tower. Broadway nodded vigorously towards Goliath before rushing inside, leaving Goliath to smile serenely down at Hudson. But he just slapped Goliath's massive shoulder affectionately before going inside.
"Appreciate the offer lad, but..." he trailed off as soon as Bronx rushed to him, reminding him of sweet, affectionate Gilly, his smile widening slowly as the slew of memories brought that soft warmth back to his chest. "I already promised someone else that job" he continued, turning his head to the puzzled Goliath slowly approaching him.
"Someone... else..?" he repeated, as if doing so would make the words make sense. Clearly it didn't help any, causing Hudson to stifle a chuckle before walking to the fridge and pulling out an iced tea, another reminder of that wonderful night.
He finally realized with amusement the reason why the revelation that the clan knew he was illiterate didn't bother him at all. It wasn't a shame to be illiterate, especially since he planned to make an effort to change that status, thus there was nothing to be upset or offended about. Robbins's words really did effect him, more than he thought they had, and after a quick swig of the sweet drink, the old soldier decided to admit what he already knew in his heart about the wise blind writer that had managed to captivate him.
"Aye. A friend"
Author's Note: I wanted to help shed some light on Hudson's mindset during the events of the first episodes, i.e. Awakening, and something that's hinted at a few times in the series, that being Hudson clinging to the past and feeling the most displaced out of everyone else in the clan in the 20th century. I felt there had to be a lot of things that lingered in the back of his head that could periodically come to the forefront, when convenient for a writer, i.e. me, to explore those things. Hopefully that wasn't too angsty, but I wanted to get across the horror of that moment and how it must feel to be snatched from the traumatic past and flung into the frighteningly uncertain future.
Anyway, hope you enjoyed and I'll see you next time inspiration hits ;)
