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Brood of a New Age

25

Luca De Santis had been flabbergasted when Professor Macduff had asked him to accompany him after the gargoyle Lexington had crawled out of the window. They had walked together to his car - not without the man being recognized and engaged in conversation several times on campus by students swarming at night. The man was popular, handed out critique or praise for this homework or that project like cookies. Luca had politely kept his distance, and although he hadn't been eavesdropping (he really hadn't) it had become clear to him that hardly any of the students knew that Mac Duff was acquainted with gargoyles. Like really- really acquainted- on a friendly basis. Or was it a professional basis? Was he their familiar like Luca was the human familiar of Grace and Dante? Briefly, Luca wondered if he should call Grace. She would be absolutely thrilled if he told her he had met another gargoyle and might meet their leader right away to set up a time and place for the gargoyles to come together.

But there was the little voice in the back of his head warning him to be careful. Yes- Lexington was undoubtedly one of the gargoyles from the television pictures. Not a child, as Dante had thought. Anyone who heard his voice and saw his appearance and wasn't a complete idiot realized that. But his cop instincts told him to size up this leader first, so he wouldn't send his friends into an unpredictable situation. They couldn't be too trusting just because they wanted to find other Gargoyles so badly.

At just before midnight, the two men had driven through Manhattan. Luca was nervous, and despite his doubts, he hoped he could make a good impression and convince this leader to meet Grace and Dante. Then it would be up to the two of them to win over the others. How Dante would manage that was a mystery to him, but perhaps the charm of his Queen of Hearts was so great that this family - this clan! - would automatically tolerate Dante's special character. Luca hoped so. Macduff drove into an underground garage at the entrance of which a security guard sat in a Plexiglas-clad booth, obviously located the professor by his name in a database on his computer, and waved him through. The entrances and exits of each floor and each curve of the underground garage had strangely wide dimensions - presumably for the big American cars.

They drove three stories down past mostly empty parking lots; by the fourth floor, a massive iron grate was down. Macduff leaned out of the car to a small panel in the wall, pressed a combination of numbers - 0994 - whereupon a beam of red light streaked across the professor's face as if he were a piece of meat being scanned at a supermarket checkout.

"Code word," croaked a mechanical voice, and the professor grumbled.

"Let us in, Laddie. Don't torture the man like that."

Before the connection broke, Luca heard a muffled laugh, then the grate went up. Once they were through, it closed again.

"A lot of security measures," Luca remarked.

"Don't you think that's necessary? In the threatening times the clan and clan allies are in?"

Luca nodded affected. Which he couldn't keep up for long because Macduff drove his car past a long line of luxury cars and limousines.

"Wow," he whispered.

"Yeah-I know. Some people don't know what to do with their money."

"The clan is rich?" Luca asked, perplexed, and the older man behind the wheel smirked.

"Not exactly. Let's say powerful and rich folk owe them eternal thanks and unceasing support for previous wrongdoings."

As the professor steered the car into one of the parking spaces next to an elevator, it opened and the gargoyle Lexington waited there as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

There was no end to the surprises today.

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Nashville had once again slipped into his room unnoticed from outside, stowed his ninja clothes (even folded them so his mother wouldn't notice he'd even taken them out of the dresser), and rinsed off the dark body paint. His room was just as a human boy of the early 21st century would have had it (except for his bokken in the corner and his kodachi sword hanging on the wall)-even with a bed, though Nashville only huddled in it when he played Gameboy or listened to music. He had been given his own room first, but Mister Xanatos was in the process of making rooms available to each gargoyle according to their preferences. The others had no exact ideas at all, Hudson thought it was downright stupid and hardly any of the others had understood the meaning behind it. But Elisa had said to Goliath that own rooms could be quite "nice" if a clan member wanted to have a completely undisturbed hour, whereupon Goliath had gotten big eyes and suddenly all the others hesitantly agreed that own rooms could be "quite nice". Now at the latest the new gargoyle untypical privacy proved to be important for Nash. Quite hungry and trying not to let his sadness about the last topic with Graziella show, Nashville made his way to the kitchen. Food would distract him. But it could have been worse. Graziella didn't know what he was and he certainly wouldn't be able to tell or show her now. But they were still friends and would meet again in two nights. He could look forward to that.

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Angela glided next to Grace and both females kept giving each other smiling glances. But Grace's were often accompanied by a sad apologetic look. After Brooklyn and Angela had told her what her brother had done to the Quarrymen yesterday she had not been upset, not even really surprised but frustrated and irritated. Grace would not be a problem, she seemed like a pleasant person who would certainly be able to fit into a gargoyle clan. Quirky whims like the obvious deep faith would surely fade into the background after a few months with others of her kind. Hopefully.

Before they left the church, Grace had turned around, blown out the candle in front of the statue she had prayed in front of, even crossing herself in front of the figure and thanking it as if it were alive, at which Angela Goliath and Brooklyn had exchanged confused glances.

But her brother Dante - she had confirmed every single point of the character's description - was another matter. From his sister's reaction it was obvious that this was not the first, maybe not even the dozenth time he had seriously injured people. Goliath as well as Brooklyn tolerated deadly force in the battle to protect the lives of weaker persons and ONLY if there was no other way (and there was actually ALWAYS another way). But they did not need a second Demona or a second Thailog in their midst.

They first had to ask the whole clan if someone like this Dante could be amnestied after his violent act and how he could rehabilitate himself in this case. They could not expose themselves to such a risk in the tense situation in which Gargoyles were currently living in Manhattan. But it seemed clear that if Dante was not accepted into the clan, Grace would not stay either.

As Grace kept up with them as they soared up and it became inevitable to see where they were heading, Grace made a startled noise.

"Luca's guidebook says the castle there on top of the building has automatic gun systems. We're not supposed to go that close."

Goliath and Angela exchanged amused glances and even Brooklyn chuckled.

He flew closer to the new female Gargoyle, whose skin color was slightly more saturated than his own.

"The security system will recognize us. And since you're in our company, you have nothing to worry about, Grace."

"This is our home. Our Wywern Castle," Goliath said, casting a warm glance at the masonry, its numerous courtyards and green spaces bathed in the soft light of artificial outdoor lighting.

"Yours? Your castle?" Grace looked straight ahead, wide-eyed as if taking in the whole building, and especially its crown, with a whole new look.

"Where did you used to rest. You and your brother?" Goliath asked.

"In front of the entrance to our father's house. Most of his visitors thought we were decorations."

"Pretty pompous decorations " Brooklyn commented, probably not seeing Grace give him an unsettled look.

She would have to be very careful what she said. She hoped she would make a good impression. It would take a small miracle to erase the miserable impression Dante had made without ever having met a gargoyle.

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Nashville stepped out of the clan's kitchen with his muffin (with which he would totally spoil his appetite before the actual meal!) when he heard distant voices. It was just after midnight so it couldn't be human visitors from Xanatos, yet he heard Goliath's voice echoing through the hallways and it made him too curious. While he was passing two levels he noticed that Goliath seemed to be in the castle tour guide mode.

"- when our former human allies used to dine and celebrate here. There were no window panes back then, and gargoyles of the clan could watch from above as even damsels of the castle and other highborns forgot all their status arrogance after an excess of ale and mead."

"I wish I could have been there. And this person- Signor Xanatos- lets you go everywhere?" asked a female voice with a strong Italian accent.

"At night everywhere except his offices and private rooms- we had problems with each other in the past. But currently he behaves ... decently," his father's voice now said, and Goliath chimed in there again.

"After the birth of his child, he seems anxious to leave his rogue existence behind." Since Goliath's bass voice sounded anything but upset, the visitor had to be pleasant and welcome, which meant that Nashville was also allowed to take a look at this strange woman - whatever the reason was that Goliath let a human into the castle. That's why Nash just walked into the hall. Saw his father, Angela and Goliath standing in the room. And at the edge of his field of vision, someone moved. Someone with wings.

Nashville's muffin fell out of his hand, when he saw the fiery red Gargoyle woman who was turning away from one of the magnificent antique tapestries. Her eyes met his - and for a moment she was as wide-eyed as he must have been.

"That's Nashville. My son," Brooklyn said, beckoning Nashville to join their group, who came to them without taking his eyes off the strange gargoyle. This gargoyle - this female - he had never seen before. She wore almost human clothing, a pair of too-wide ripped jeans and a gray bikini top that wasn't skimpy but that still didn't leave much to the imagination. She stepped towards the other gargoyles unsteadily again, raised a bright red hand with dark claws in front of her full lips and spoke almost reverently.

"Oh, Santa Maria. Your ... Son."

Nashville gulped down the last remnant of the muffin - very loudly, he thought to himself - as the beautiful female placed a hand on his cheek and stroked it as if he were a precious treasure. Tears shone in her eyes. "Oh Signor Brooklyn, he looks SO handsome. You must be very proud of him."

"An eternal source of joy," Brooklyn muttered dryly, and Angela nudged him roughly for his ambiguous tone. But Brooklyn smiled at Nashville.

"Gnash-as you can see, we found one of the new gargoyles. This one is Grace from Italy."

"It's so nice to meet you, Nashville. You - you remind me a little of Dante when he was little. He was so sweet and kind."

Nashville took his eyes off her for a moment. His relatives looked at him, his father gesturing for him to say something in greeting. He looked at Grace again, cleared his throat and stuttered in the language he was still unfamiliar with.

"Buon- buonasera signora Grace. È un - piacere co-conoscerla."

There were gasps from all directions, but the expression on the face of the new gargoyle framed by black full hair was the most stunned. Whereas after a second the bewilderment dissolved in an explosion of enthusiasm.

"Dios Mio, you even speak Italian! Fantastico. Mi hai deliziato!"

Nashville wanted to say that he couldn't say anything yet except greetings but he didn't get the chance. With strength uncharacteristic even for a female gargoyle, the foreign woman embraced him, whereby he noticed - VERY intensely noticed - that she had a full bosom. A primeval crow-like caw came from his throat in sheer shock and surprise, and the fact that Grace pressed kisses to his left and right cheek immediately afterward didn't make it any better. Nashville managed to stumble back and found himself between his father and Angela. He didn't care if he got teased about it later but right now he felt most comfortable- and safe- between the adult wings.

"Yeah, sorry Gnash, we should have given you a heads up. She likes to hug and kiss when she's happy. Must be an Italian thing," muttered his father uncomfortably.

"You're all red, Nash!" laughed Angela, putting her wing over him like he was a hatchling, and even Goliath chortled in amusement.

Grace gave him an affectionately rapturous look with a gentle smile. Nashville instantly remembered that the clan was supposed to be on the lookout for a strange gargoyle tonight.

"But- you're not the one who hurt the humans," Nash croaked, his mouth dry as dust, and Grace's unhappy expression briefly captivated him more than her breasts as she rose and folded her wings sadly into a cape.

"No. That ... was Dante for sure. My brother. He-he was attacked yesterday and said he fought off the Quarrymen. But I didn't know he was-". Her despondent expression, with her nose wrinkled and two small horns emblazoned on it, became instantly angry. Her eyes glowed red. "Oh, when I meet him later, I'm going to read him the riot act like I haven't in years! He lied to me. At least he didn't say anything about how badly he hurt them. I'm so sorry that caused a lot of problems for you all."

Goliath stepped up to her and put his hands on her shoulders. She was taller than Angela but still had to look up to him like almost every human and gargoyle.

"What's done is done, Grace. But you'll understand that we need to interrogate Dante personally about the case. We can't tolerate a Gargoyle in our Protectorate who might not be able to control himself and hurt people on a regular basis."

Everyone saw the blood drain from her face, she bit her full lower lip, wanting to say something but not getting the chance because the elevator made a ringing sound. Just a second, a twitch went through the three gargoyles already resident here. One second instinct to hide and always assess unforeseen events only from a safe distance. But already from the elevator Lexington's lively voice could be heard.

"- transported brick by brick from Scotland and the security system is quite nifty even if I still have to put my personal stamp on some things."

The elevator doors opened and behind Lexington and Macbeth, who in brown pants and white shirt was obviously impersonating his alter ego Macduff, stood a big bald thug who looked like trouble. Brooklyn growled where Goliath first opened his mouth inquiringly and Lex also started to say something, hands raised in appeasement. But no one got anywhere because Grace rushed forward.

"Luca!" she shouted, beaming with joy, and a smile also spread on the face of the human that had previously looked like a gawking tourist. He pushed past the immortal and the wiry gargoyle and opened his arms, but was lifted up by Grace and squeezed hard.

"Luca! You're here!"

"And you're here," the human gasped and, probably realizing she was about to crush him, Grace let go. "Why didn't you call me?" they both asked in unison, laughing at their contemporaneous thought and perhaps at the fact that neither of them had thought of doing so. Macduff and Lexington exchanged glances with the other gargoyles, there were shoulder shrugs and other gestures that conveyed the absurdity of the situation.

"Luca look! Three other gargoyles have found me in the church." Obviously overjoyed, forgetting the other passengers on the elevator, she pulled Luca into the great hall.

"This here is Goliath! He's the leader of this clan. Did you know that gargoyle families are called clans?"

"Only recently," Luca said but was already interrupted again by a completely thrilled Grace. "And look, this is Angela! Isn't he name appropriate? Isn't she wonderful? I finally have another girl to talk to! And him. He is Brooklyn. He's Goliath's second-in-command. And best of all-!" She leaned down a bit, trying to coax Nashville out from behind Goliath's wing.

"And this is Nashville," she whispered as if he were a squirrel who would come closer if she were quieter. "A gargoyle child. We found a gargoyle child. Isn't he precious?"

"Yes," Luca agreed, taking a deep breath. He didn't seem the least bit bothered by the crowd of alien beings, smiling at everyone else in a somewhat apologetic way.

"Good evening, I'm Luca De Santis. I helped Grace come to America. If I had known that all she had to do was go to church to find others, I would have accompanied her. But I found my way here through P.I.T."

He extended his hand first to Angela, then to Brooklyn, and finally to Goliath. All three intent on gentleness, shook his in a human way, probably relieved that he was probably less inclined to kiss. Luca then tapped Grace and gestured for her to turn around. Macbeth and Lexington had shaken off their bewilderment at the reunion of the unusual Italian duo and were now standing behind them. And where Macbeth looked quite cool and confident, Lexington, like Nash before, was standing a little mouth agape even as he smiled.

"This is Professor Macduff and Lexington."

"Oh! You survived!" purred Grace in the very tone she had just used for Nashville and before she could pounce on him to cuddle and smooch the green gargoyle in most Italian auntie fashion, Luca held her back.

"He's all grown up," he whispered almost silently, and Grace's expression wavered for just a moment and then was affectionate and kind in another way.

"You're an adult," she repeated, and Lexington puffed good-naturedly and held out his hand to her.

"Glad someone notices" he said with a neat amount of self-irony that people who often hear the same thing because of physical peculiarities have to adopt in order not to become malicious or depressed.

Grace did not shake his hand but bent down, pulled him to her and pressed a kiss to his left and right. Lexington stumbled back with reddened ears, his eyes even bigger than usual, and everyone was amused by this except Luca, who looked sad though he smiled. Grace rose gracefully as befitted her name and now gave Macduff much more civilized kisses and a greeting befitting his age, which he accepted with the same dignity befitting his age.

Brooklyn leaned toward Angela.

"Oh boy, lips will be glowing by the end of the evening when the rest of the clan arrives," he murmured as he heard the two-way crackle in Goliath's ear and his came to life because another team had opened a general channel for all to hear. Grace, too, could be seen twitching her pointed ears in which earrings glinted.

"Guys?" Broadway's voice was audible.

"Yeah?"

"We got the gray, scarred gargoyle."

"You got him?!" exclaimed Brooklyn, giving Luca and Grace a serious look, who returned it.

"Did you have to overpower him? Do you want us to come and help you to-?"

The Second in Command didn't even know how to finish the sentence. The look on the Italian's face showed that she could hear every word.

But Broadway replied in the negative.

"He's coming along voluntarily. He wants to meet all of us, but we don't know what's going to happen. Should we circle Manhattan with him until all the teams are at the castle, or should we meet somewhere else that he doesn't know our home base?"

Goliath and Brooklyn exchanged glances, then Goliath held the two-way to his lips (he still hadn't grasped that it wasn't necessary if there was no interference).

"No, come to the castle. There are enough of us around if there's going to be problems. We'll be waiting for you in the outermost courtyard."

After the intercom was silent again, Goliath cleared his throat and turned to the two Italians. "Apparently there's about to be a family reunion. What a coincidence. Let's go to the castle courtyard."

"What did I miss now? Why the stress?" asked Lexington, and Grace took over the talking, for which they were all grateful because they didn't know how explicitly to bring it up without offending her. But they needn't have worried about that. "My brother Dante - l'idiota! -has badly injured some Quarrymen yesterday and now not only have we made a heap of trouble for you before we met you but he has made himself an enemy of the state without knowing it! Signor Goliath?" Grace stepped up to him and she seemed visibly uncomfortable with what she was about to address.

"Don't worry, Grace. If he is not hostile we will not be either. And please, drop the Signor. Just Goliath is enough."

"Thank you. But- regarding hostility. I need a newspaper."

"A newspaper?"

Briefly, the gargoyles exchanged glances. Luca and Grace winced as a voice came out of nowhere.

"Do her this favor, Goliath. I'm dying to see where this ends up. May I suggest The Times?"

"What, who's that?" asked Luca, befuddled, scanning the ceiling for any speakers or cameras but seeing none.

Brooklyn sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "That- was our uhh- the human lord of the castle. Who I'm sure will be here any minute because he suspects an interesting show. You guys get to do the introductions. I'll get Bronx and Fu Dog to back up in case there are any problems. I'll meet you outside."

"An eternal source of joy", - the original sound of MY father -..-

Thanks for reading, Q.T.