I Wished For One More Chance

by Beakwood

Brooklyn's trying to move past his frustrations, desperately in need of anything that can help him forget those painful experiences that gave him no real reward. The town no longer feared him and his friends, no longer they were viewed as monsters. For Brooklyn that was a much needed victory, unfortunately those past failures would come back to haunt him sooner than expected.

A/N: "I really wasn't planning to write for Gargoyles, it has been many years since I saw the show. Yet, these past weeks I found myself looking back at things, especially after seeing the news about the comics. I was curious and dived back in. Yes, I'm aware lots don't really like the season 3, understandable why, even so I decided to start something following the events of the last episode. I will mostly address things that happened in the first two seasons, so you can decide if to take into account what happened on most of season 3 or not. As for the comics... eh, they were... okay. I wasn't particularly interested after seeing most of it. Still, seeing the show as an adult, I couldn't help but see how jarring the dialogue and pacing was if compared with stuff nowdays or late 2000's cartoons. It helped me realize how shallow and nonsensical some characters were to each other, also how certain things seemed to just happen out of nowhere. Oh, well, it's Disney anyway. They would still hold back on stuff, but at least the group of characters they put together was remarkable. Enough for me to feel tempted enough to spare some time to write about them. I cannot really promise any heavy investment of this story since I got too much on my plate, but I will sure work on this whenever I feel burned out from my other stories. Have fun!"

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"How much weight can you carry while you fly?"

"Can you shoot lasers out of your eyes?!"

"Does your claws pierce through concrete?!"

"Can you fly to space?!"

Questions, question and more questions. It was rather unusual to be approached like this by Humans, but there was no way that Brooklyn would be complaining by the sudden increase of popularity they gained after the nearly train disaster from the previous week. It felt good to not be feared, and not to worry about negative reactions by being spotted due his draconic, bird-like appearance. As if being red skinned wasn't intimidating enough for most Human beings. He relished on the curiosity of these excited kids, even some teenagers, as they circled around him with insatiable curiosity about his skills. It was rather eventful that he happened to be coming by a museum that was closing for the night time, while relieving a bunch of students outside that belonged to a school trip.

The gargoyle was just minding his own business, as much one could when trying to walk around the town center and hoping people wouldn't try to take pictures with him for what would be thousands of times by now. He really liked the positive attention, but it was starting to get in the way of his curiosity, for he wished to know more about the dozens of stores and shops at the main avenue, which proved to be his undoing, as hundreds were still walking the streets late at night. Despite the great outcome of their heroics, the other gargoyles were not so keen to mix themselves among the crowd just yet, much to Brooklyn's disappointment. It would've been far more tolerable to deal with the hordes of curious Humans if he had someone else he knew alongside to take some of the burden. Goliath was less inclined to allow them to get into such situations so soon, not to say he found the idea rather problematic. Of course the red rookie, and second in command, would heftily object to such claim, optimistic that exposing themselves to the public would increase their opinion upwards, there was nothing they could lose by being far more presentably sociable.

Aside their sanity perhaps.

'I really didn't think about this too much. Oh, well. It is what it is.' Brooklyn thought with a pained smile as he posed, again, for another picture with a bunch of giddy teenage girls on school uniforms. He wasn't sure why they were so anxious about him, but he didn't mind it anyways. At least until the one holding the camera, as she was positioning for a better angle, suddenly spoke;

"Say, don't the gargoyle girls get flustered with you guys shirtless all the time?"

Brooklyn jerked his head back, staring at her hidden face with an expression of puzzlement. Before he could reply she took the shot and he was momentarily blind by the flash. He blinked hard few times, as light bulbs danced around his peripheric vision. By the time his sight was back to normal the girls had left, giggling madly to themselves. He watched the students enter the school bus in a hurry, waving at them his goodbyes, happy to be waved back in return. Some older Humans were also curious by his presence, but mostly went on minding their own bussiness, which was a relief. He was wondering when some of them would start to get used about the sight of a gargoyle.

"Enjoying the night?" Asked a police officer passing by, who was on a patrol duty at the area. "Been some time since we had any real issues. Things are quieting down considerably ever since you folks started hitting the block. Glad to have you around helping on the streets."

"The honor is mine, officer. Just doing my part. As always." Brooklyn replied, feeling his chest swell with pride. The officer chuckled at the response.

"Ain't we all? Well, better get going before you get mobbed by another bunch of wannabe paparazzi. See you around." He said with some humor, walking away to resume his own nightly patrol.

Brooklyn couldn't help but agree with his words. Without missing a beat he took on a short run, extending his wings to gain momentum and vector off the ground at a rather shallow ascend rate. The wind soared into his ears, the winced a bit as the frigid cold of the night hit his face fiercely. The seasons were changing, and it was getting far colder in the last days, to which he learned that the winter was closing on their town soon. He wasn't sure how badly winter could affect a Human town this big, but for sure it was cold as any other winter he faced during the older times.

Finding himself at an acceptable height, he stabilized his ascent to maintain a bit of speed, then executing a rather narrow dive before pulling upwards with more elevation, gaining more altitude faster with the extra energy. He grunted at the need of such acrobatics to reach the extremely elevated buildings quicker. All his previous fights in the past months taught him plenty, especially the need of getting height even when not being engaged. Better to keep the advantage than to be caught without it. Even if he felt there was no more need for it. He looked down, enjoying the usual sight of the thousands of lights permeating the concrete. Windows, traffic lights and vehicles the most abundant of all. While the city was extremely loud during day times, which he was never able to witness, the calm of the night made it rather easier for his thoughts to wander as he flew aimlessly between the skyscrapers.

"Enjoying ourselves, are we?"

Brooklyn nearly halted midflight. He glanced to his left sharply, finding the unmistakable presence of Demona. He glared at her for a split second before relaxing slightly. It was still complicated for anyone to ease off with her presence after so many attempts of murder from her part. He gave her a tired side glance instead.

"What do you want? I'm just minding my own here. I don't want problems." He grumpily replied, not interested at whatever she may have planned for him. Demona chuckled at his sour mood. She glided by his side effortlessly, contemplating the town below without much interest.

"I saw you back there with those kids." She said rather emotionlessly. He shrugged, or tried, since that actually broke his stable flight path a bit. "I guess... things really did change."

"What? Surprised I wasn't torn apart or shot on sight like you, so gloriously, proclaimed?" He quipped with a bit of a nasty glare her way. He would never forget how she tried to sway his opinion about Humans into a extremely negative take. Not to add the many times she tried to have him and his friends killed. Especially...

Brooklyn shook his head violently. Realizing where his thoughts were leading into and wishing nothing more to forget that whole ordeal. Yet, he probably would have better luck just diving head first and hoping for amnesia after hitting the pavement than forgetting it on his own.

"You look troubled." She said, sounding annoyingly casual. Brooklyn sighed in defeat.

"What do you want?" He couldn't help the whine. Demona raised an eyebrow.

"I... was hoping you wouldn't mind a talk. I don't usually find anyone flying around these parts, and when I do. It actually ends up in a fight." She explained slowly. Brooklyn snorted, disbelief evident on his face.

"Still having trust issues with Goliath?" He asked with a tiny smirk. Demona huffed her discontent with the current situation.

"Not that it can be helped. It is what it is. At least I can have a more civilized conversation with Angela." He dry tone making no mistake for her contempt. "What about you? Still the biggest loner out there?"

"My social status shouldn't be of your concern. Why you even care?" He replied testily. Feeling some satisfaction that he learned a bit of modern speech to make the female gargoyle slightly confused.

"I... wish to apologize."

This time Brooklyn actually broke flight, coming to an instant hover. His eyes widening at the surprising admission of fault, he stared at her with crossed arms, wondering what kind of sick joke she was trying to play on him. She huffed at his justified cynicism.

"Yes, as hard to believe that will forever be. I'm... trying to made amends with... extremely erroneous claims I made in the past. Especially to you." Brooklyn rolled his eyes as he understood what she was trying to get at.

"Wow, like that was the real issue. Not what you tried to pull on me." He fired back with a heated glare. She winced, now fully aware were most of his hatred for her was coming from. A very awkward situation that she wasn't sure how to ever amend.

"Using you in that way, I... I'm really sorry. I really shouldn't have done that. I was desperate for anyone I could trust and relate with my worldview at that time. When I realized you would never share the same feelings that I did... I should've ended then, not taken advantage of it. You're right to feel the way you do about me. I understand."

That surprised the male gargoyle immensely, he kept his intense glare, still worried about any sign of trickery. When it became clear that Demona spoke from her heart, for once, he let himself relax a bit.

"Look, I get you want to get past that. But... the problem ain't you at the moment. I have a lot in mind and I don't want to be thinking about those things." He said slowly, scratching the back of his neck with one of his clawed hands. "You, then... Mag... and then Angela. I just want to get away from all of that."

Demona stared pensively at him. Yes, she heard of Brooklyn's failed attempts with the other females from Elisa, when the female Human found time to not point a gun at her on reflex or habit.

"I find rather strange that you did not succeeded with that fake one. Your clan made some effort to take her from that lab." She said, but Brooklyn growled at her.

"I don't want to talk about that!" He shouted, closing his hands into fists. "I don't want to remember that, okay!?"

"... I wasn't aware you were still hurting about it."

Brooklyn couldn't help the grin of utter contempt on his face. He hated to think back to those days, for he knows what turned to be the outcome of his vain hopes and attempts to sooth, care and defend one who was so hopeless and alone in this strange world. He felt betrayed, yet again, almost assured that she used him in a less direct and obvious way than what Demona did. He couldn't really blame Maggie for making her own decisions, but he would never understand why she never bothered to thank him for all that he did for her. It stung so bad and he was still struggling with his frustration regarding Angela. As if his failed romantic attempts weren't bad enough, his leadership role sunk into an abyss. With Goliath's return and retake of the lead role, there was little to nothing for Brooklyn to care about now. He hoped to relink with the fun times of the early days with the other rooks, but that idea was shot down rather quick. Lexington was spending most of his time working with Human tech. The oldest member, Hudson, was prioritizing his learning of the modern age, and Broadway...

He sure was having the time of his life with Angela.

Brooklyn never felt so lost and alone as he did now. Feeling far worse than the first day that he came to life in this new age. Wishing nothing more than to turn back into stone and stay as such for another millennia. At least he wouldn't feel a thing again. If it wasn't for the Human's appreciation of his figure for the last days, he wasn't sure what he would've done with himself.

"I'm sorry... I just don't wanna talk." Brooklyn said despairingly, to which Demona actually felt concerned about. Respecting his wishes she nodded before turning around, floating away as she said her farewells.

"Take care then Brooklyn. You're a good gargoyle. I know you will find what you need someday. I... will wait that you do."

Brooklyn didn't make any sign of acknowledgement to her words. Watching with apathy as the female gargoyle flew into the darkness of the sky. He sighed heavily, rotating to resume his flight, slowly deviating back to the clock tower.

'Being good hasn't been enough for some.' He couldn't help the bitter thought from entering his mind. He groaned, feeling rather stressed out that he couldn't control himself to avoid getting into such shady trails of thoughts. Damn Demona and her awful timing! Was that her goal? To try to drive him insane faster?! He couldn't really care much for an apology at this point. At least she didn't try to drive his face into a wall for once.

Brooklyn shifted to the side, losing altitude as he banked towards the tower's balcony. He saw two other gargoyles waiting for him for whatever reason. He came down dangerously quick, pulling hard at the last few meters before landing more roughly than necessary, putting way more stress onto his draconic legs. Annoyed that he has a welcoming party, he crossed his arms while glancing at the other two with despondency.

"Wasn't expecting such honorable reception." Brooklyn said with an usual mirthful grin. Yet, his attempt of small talk wasn't really shared by Goliath and Hudson. The red gargoyle was dreading what could warrant for the oldest members of the clan to be expecting his arrival. Goliath spoke first, his tone firm, but surprisingly uncertain.

"Brook, have you been walking the streets again? You... actually showed on the news yesterday." He asked with hesitancy.

"I did? Woah, I didn't even saw any press there. It was just a candy shop. I was looking around and kinda got stuck inside with a bunch of people crowding the place. Yeah, lots of cameras flashing all the time for sure." Brooklyn replied nonchanlantly. Hudson was studying the young gargoyle with a calculated expression.

"Son, I get you want to explore further, especially now that we don't have much of a reason to avoid Humans as much as before, but you should be more careful. There are still bad people out there. You never know when the ones with ill intent might take advantage of the situation and lure you into a bad spot."

"Yeah, I get that Huds. I've been careful, not like they would do that in the middle of a huge crowd anyway." Brooklyn replied, struggling to keep the annoyance out of his tone. It irked him that they went back to treat him like a newborn, especially after the role he took during Goliath's long absence. "I can look after myself. Thanks for the concern though." He added respectfully.

"Are you alright Brooklyn? You have been... distant, these past days." Goliath asked with a degree of caution. He was well aware that Brooklyn could be a bit of a loose fuse at times, and saying the wrong words could get the rook's temper going really quick.

"Yeah, I'm just peachy. I want to look around and, dunno, meet new people and enjoy things for once. I'm still doing my patrol, but more on ground than air. Haven't had any issues so I don't really see the problem. If anything I've really enjoyed talking with a bunch of different Humans, even if it can get a bit tight at times."

Goliath and Hudson exchanged a brief glance. They both have been discussing previously about whether or not they should get involved more often with Humans, despite being forgiven of the unfair accusations towards their kind. Yet, while that was still being discussed, Brooklyn was already getting involved far too often, to which Goliath wasn't really happy about. Yet, Hudson had to point out how that involvement improved the young gargoyle's mood for the past days. It was a rather awkward conversation the eldest had regarding Brooklyn's current emotional state. Goliath, while frowning at Brooklyn's disregard for discipline, was forced to acknowledged, after Hudson's firm words, that the red gargoyle desperately needed some type of boost to his morale. They understood that what happened with the females he met previously ended extremely poor for him, to the point even Goliath felt slightly responsible. He had been there to see when Maggie and Angela picked someone else instead of the younger rook, to which he felt he could have done or said something to give Brooklyn some sort of recognition. The seasoned gargoyle was starting to regret that whole endeavor of him trying to find a cure for the mutates, perhaps he shouldn't have kept the others at the tower for that mission.

He should have given everyone else more thought when doing most things by his own. Something that, as far Hudson told him, Brooklyn would make sure to keep everyone informed and at ready. While Goliath could pride himself for his knowledge, imposing presence and determination, perhaps Brooklyn has more of a team spirit about him than Goliath did, at least Brooklyn didn't feel the need to do dangerous endeavors on his own for whatever reasons. It was surprising that he didn't let his feelings get in the way the day Maggie came asking for help to save Derek. That by itself could've been enough reason for Brooklyn to turn her down, he really didn't have any reason to help the other clan, even more so that it had been fractured. There was no way Brooklyn would know of all the Humans that were being kept under care of the mutates at that time since Goliath never really established any sort of contact in between.

It came to a point that Brooklyn actually argued with the female about even trying any rescue attempt. Hudson explained that their argument grew extremely sour at points, even more so when Brooklyn implied that Maggie would've never done the same for him. Goliath questioned Hudson about that specific point of the conversation, the eldest was reluctant to explain further, but relented with a sigh, adding that Maggie was rather awfully unkind with her words when calling Brook a monster due being denied any sort of assistance.

Goliath really felt like he couldn't blame Brooklyn for getting upset whenever anything related to Maggie was barely mentioned, the events of that night hurt him deep. Which would also make what he was about to say next very damning to this evening.

"Brooklyn... me and Hudson are heading to Labyrinth c-

"Cool, have fun." Brooklyn cut him off almost immediately, whatever serenity he had vanishing in the blink of an eye. Goliath growled lightly at his interruption. "Be mad all you want, I have no reason to care."

"Son, come on, we get you hate talking this stuff, but you can't let that anger cloud your judgement. It won't do you any good." Husdon tried to reason with him. Brooklyn stared at them both with perplexity.

"Look, I don't wanna be that guy, but... don't you two know how messed up it is to deal with anything regarding Labyrinth? Especially for me?" He said while pointing at elongated finger at himself. "Not only there's Derek, who I care not about, but... her and a bunch of clones of ourselves." Brooklyn couldn't help the nervous laugh from escaping his beak. "A fucking clone of mine is probably closer to Maggie than I ever been... screw this."

"Brooklyn! We are not done talking!" Goliath called him as the rookie started to walk away. Brook paused on his step, glancing over his shoulder with a tired look.

"Talk what? I get it, you two are going out, which means I need to keep guard until you are back. I'm aware the others are out doing their own thing. I'm not stupid."

"We are not saying that you are. But you really to work on your emotions. Also." Hudson gave a brief glance in between the other two. "What Goliath wanted to say is that there will be a meeting tomorrow and... the Mutate clan will be here."

Brooklyn's jaw tightened. A million thoughts racing his mind, but only one thing he found that could bring some sort of peace to his tormented soul.

"Ah, I get it. No worries, I will be out of your way. I had some plans for tomorrow anyway." Brooklyn said with a shrug. Yet, the shook of Goliath's head made him seethe internally.

"No. You will be here to attend this meeting." He said severely. "You're the second in command here. You must be present for this event."

The red gargoyle turned around slowly, crossing his arms with a rather defiant glare on his face. Hudson frowned at the sudden change and Goliath became wary.

"You did." He said dryly. Only to add with a rather strange grin. "But then... I'm emotionally unstable, not fit at all to lead in an emergency. Which means that you will have to look for someone to fill the spot until I'm less fucked up on my head."

"For the love of!... Brooklyn! You need to get over this!" Hudson couldn't help the feeling of disappointment with the rook. Brooklyn always showed great promise as a exemplary leader role, his actions to save Labyrinth were fundamental to this development. Yet, now all Hudson could see was a distraught, uncaring, problematic gargoyle that seemed to have given up on everything. "If you let these feelings take over you... they will destroy you son!"

Brooklyn regarded the eldest with such sorrowfulness that Hudson was actually taken aback.

"I... I just want to be alone. I'm too tired for this Huds, I'm too tired..." He rubbed both hands over his face, groaning slightly before focusing his attention back towards Goliath. "You want me to represent or whatever? Sure, but I will have conditions."

"This is n-

"I'm not doing it. You can be mad all you want, sir. I won't do it, unless you relent on something." Brooklyn cut him off again, this time it seemed he was just devoid of any emotion. Goliath sighed, feeling the beginning of a headache as he, very reluctantly, nodded in agreement. "Well, for starters, don't expect me to speak with any of them."

"Hmm, that wouldn't be a problem, to be fair." Goliath said slowly. "I'm doing most of the talk, and Hudson."

"Okay? Huh... if any of them tries to talk with me, I will just walk away." Goliath shook his head.

"You cannot turn your back on Derek, he's the leader."

"I don't care about Derek. I don't get what part of that wasn't clear?" Brooklyn asked with feign confusion. Goliath groaned while Hudson merely shook his head at the poor attitude.

"If my own fucking clone comes near me, it won't be pretty." He said aggressively. Goliath and Hudson exchanged a concerned glance.

"Okay. We will let Derek know to advise them to stay away." Goliath replied tiredly. "Anything else?"

Brooklyn blinked, he opened his beak slightly, only to close it and open repeatedly until he found his voice.

"Yeah... if...she tries to talk with me. I'm out." Goliath gave the smaller gargoyle a rather tense glare.

"What could have she done do earn such hatred?" Brooklyn gave him a scathing glance in return.

"If I told you. I don't think you would look her the same either." He replied testily before turning around unceremoniously. "Have fun with Mutant gang. Won't miss you two much."

Goliath was strongly considering to go after Brooklyn to give him a piece of his mind, but Hudson's explanation of the gargoyle's inner turmoil had him on pause. He sighed heavily before addressing his old friend.

"This is far worse than I feared. Any idea what can we do about this? I rather not lose Brooklyn due such dramatics."

"I wish I could offer any answers, but this is something that only time will tell." Hudson replied somberly. "The kid is having it rough, I know you want to extend to our alliances, but I would rather you not have them here at all. I... have my own thoughts regarding the clones. Also... let's not forget that Derek is... a bit thick at times. If he gets heated up with Brooklyn, it won't be a sight to behold at all."

"Urgh, then there's that. Come, we must hurry. At least the Mutates have the gift of not having half a day to resolve their problems."

Goliath and Hudson took off shortly, unaware of the hidden figure of Brooklyn watching them leave through one of the windows. The rook sighed, turning back as he walked to the nearest couch, not bothering to give Bronx any sort of appreciation. He splattered over the comfy tissue, looking at the roof with hopelessness.

"Just one more day... just one more."