Enter Macbeth
December 27th, 1994
It's been over a month since Elisa and Liam were accidentally shot by Broadway and both were healing very well. In fact, Liam healed at a much higher rate than anyone expected. Within a week, he could walk without the need of crutches and a cast on his foot. This left everyone baffled. Elisa, though, needed crutches.
And ever since he was fully healed, Liam has been wondering about the occasional odd thing he's noticed. Like he remembered that sense of familiarity that he had when he was gifted the amulet he's wearing on his birthday over a year ago. Then there's the fact that he threw that one brick at that robot when Xanatos and Demona revealed their true colours. It smashed its head in like he was stronger than he normally was and now the fact that he healed faster than normal. He even pointed all this out to Griff, who was just as perplexed as he was.
Tonight proved to be actually peaceful for once. No business with Xanatos, no sudden appearances from Demona and no criminal activities that warrant the gargoyles' attention.
This meant they all had the night all to themselves.
With Broadway, he was in the kitchen, cooking some food as he wanted to see if he was any good as a chef.
Hudson was still watching TV on his recliner, this time watching Donald Duck messing around, while Bronx was chomping on a bone.
In the Great Hall, Lexington and Brooklyn were playing cards. Lexington showed his hand, which made Brooklyn mutter in annoyance as he lost for the umpteenith time.
Elsewhere, Goliath was reading a book in the library, something he did when he had free time.
In a courtyard that had grass in it, both Griff and Liam laid on the grass, having a picnic all to themselves, stargazing.
The two boyfriends were congratulated by the rest of the clan when they found out and Liam's parents were informed, expressing how happy they were to know that they're finally together, having seen how close they were when they were in London.
Of course, the two were yet to have their first date as they wanted it to be something special, and they've yet to figure out what it would be.
"Any suggestions for our first date?" Griff asked as he ate a whole strawberry. Even now, they're discussing ideas.
"I have an idea or two. But don't expect me to tell you. I'd want it to be a surprise." Liam replied, taking a sip of peach flavoured water.
"Good, because I just got an idea and I know for sure that you'll love it." Griff grinned before he kissed Liam on the cheek.
Liam grinned before cuddling up to Griff, wrapping an arm and leg over his boyfriend. Even after all this time, he still feels giddy when he refers to Griff as his boyfriend. Naturally, it made him think about the next step after that: being mates. He didn't know when that would be, but all he knew was that whenever they're ready, it'll be the happiest day of their lives.
"What are you thinking about?" Griff asked, noticing that he was deep in thought.
"Just the idea of us being mates in the future." Liam replied, which made Griff blush, though he smiled, liking the idea.
"I know that I'll look forward to that day, whenever that comes." He said, stroking Liam's hair as they looked up at the stars.
January 3rd, 1995
Both Liam and Elisa, who was still on crutches arrived at the Eyrie Building very anxious, tomorrow will be the day that Xanatos finally gets released and this was their last chance to convince Goliath that they had to leave the castle.
"Let's just hope that we're able to convince him this time." Elisa said as they rode up the elevator.
"We'll have to do it in front of the whole clan, once they understand the danger they're in once Xanatos is released, they'll have to make Goliath see reason." Liam pointed out.
"You're right." Elisa nodded before she decided to change the subject. "So, have you and Griff figured out your first date yet?"
"We did, finally." Liam let out a sigh of relief. "We both have decided to do four things for our first date, two of which I've decided, the other two, Griff decided. That way, we're both surprised."
"That sounds fun. It really is nice seeing you and Griff together. You two are just so compatible it's not even funny." Elisa said.
"Thanks. My parents informed me earlier today that they told Leo and Una about our relationship and they wished us their best." Liam replied.
"Still hard to believe that there's a whole clan thriving in London." Elisa shook her head as they reached the castle and walked out of the elevator.
"Well, I'm sure there's other gargoyles around the world. Heck, I wouldn't be surprised if there's one in Paris, based in Notre Dame." Liam pointed out, remembering the Hunchback of Notre Dame book.
The pair made their way up to the tower where the gargoyles were situated and were shocked to see a middle aged grey haired man wearing all black there already as the sun was about to set.
"Oi! Who are you and what are you doing here?" Liam shouted at the man, who turned to face them.
"I'd hate to spoil the surprise by telling you." The man said with a Scottish accent, bowing his head to them.
"Yeah, well, we hate surprises." Elisa said as she pulled out her badge and Liam reached for his gun, ready to pull it out just in case. "Now answer Liam's question, who are you?"
"I'm called Macbeth." The man introduced himself, shocking Liam in particular.
"There is no way you're Macbeth. He's supposed to be dead, according to Shakespeare's play." He said.
"Why don't we step inside and discuss this." Elisa then suggested, putting her badge away.
"You two protect no secrets. I know all about these creatures." Macbeth said, gesturing to the gargoyles.
This made Liam and Elisa share a worried look, knowing that this guy was here for not so good reasons. And this just may be yet another reason for Goliath to listen to them.
The sun finally set over the horizon and the stone on the gargoyles started cracking before splintering apart, the gargoyles stretching and yawning.
Macbeth grinned at this, which didn't go unnoticed by Liam.
"Uh… guys, who's your friend?" Lexington asked when he and the gargoyles noticed Macbeth.
"You okay, Elisa? Is this guy bothering you two?" Broadway then asked as he and Hudson stepped forward, Bronx also growling at Macbeth.
"I'm here to offer an invitation. Leave this draughty castle and be guests in my home." Macbeth proposed.
"I'm afraid we must refuse." Goliath replied.
"And I'm afraid I must insist." Macbeth said, opening his coat up to reveal weapons strapped to his legs. Elisa and Liam stepped away and joined the Gargoyles with the latter pulling his gun out. "I've not stooped so low to attack you while you slept. But now…."
"I don't like your attitude. I think you better leave." Broadway warned him, but when he reached for him, Macbeth grabbed his wrist and threw him at Hudson, the two falling over the ledge and landing on the ground below.
Macbeth then threw some balls to the ground, which released smoke, causing everyone to cough and choke, even blind them, whereas Macbeth pulled out some goggles that allowed him to see through the smoke.
Bronx attacked him from behind, but Macbeth dodged him.
Lexington rubbed his eyes and opened them to see Bronx, who ran into him.
Macbeth pulled out a gun and fired, shooting out an electrical net that wrapped around Lexington and Bronx, shocking them until they were unconscious.
Both Liam and Elisa had their guns out and they, Griff and Goliath, kept their eyes open for Macbeth among the smoke until the gargoyles saw him.
They launched at him, but Macbeth jumped high above them and kicked Brooklyn in the back and they both descended from the tower, Brooklyn hitting his head, while Macbeth landed on his feet.
He then fired another electrical net at Brooklyn as he stood, knocking him out.
Elisa went for the stairs while Griff got onto Griff's back as he and Goliath jumped down from the tower.
Macbeth fired at the tower behind them, causing an explosion that knocked them outward and caused them to crash land.
Liam spun and aimed his gun at Macbeth, who kicked it out of his hand and then kicked both Griff and Goliath in their backs, sending the latter into a circuit breaker, electrocuting him.
Liam went for his gun as he saw Owen step out and walked to Macbeth.
"Mr. Macbeth, Mr. Xanatos hired you to fumigate his castle, not destroy it." He told the man, who took his goggles off.
"Quite right. We'll continue this elsewhere." The Scotsman replied before Owen walked off and he pulled out a controller, which he used to grab Brooklyn with an aerial ship.
He then ran as Goliath got back up, but was too weak to do anything.
Macbeth then grabbed Lexington and Bronx with his ship, using Lexington like he was a platform.
Goliath now ran and launched himself at Macbeth's vehicle and tried to smash open the glass around the cockpit, but Macbeth made his ship form an electric current, shocking Goliath, making fall back to the castle where everyone else gathered back up.
"See what just happened, Goliath? One man was able to take on all of us. What does that tell you about your current situation?" Liam pointed out to Goliath.
"I don't want to hear anymore." Goliath snarled.
"You're not safe here." Elisa retorted.
"No! You don't understand. We've lost our clan, our world, our time! This castle is all we have leff. We will not abandon it." Goliath insisted.
"It's just a castle! It is no longer your home! Besides, what will happen if Xanatos sends another whacko to attack you during the day? We won't be able to defend you!" Liam tried to get through Goliath's thick skull, but he just won't listen.
"I'm going to find them." He said as he walked over to Griff, Hudson and Broadway. "And you three are going to stay here and protect our home."
He then jumped onto a wall and climbed his way up it to glide off and find the others.
"Why won't he listen to us?" Elisa shook her head in frustration. "It's obvious that you can't stay here."
"Exactly. Xanatos is going to be released tomorrow and he'll do whatever to make sure you don't steal his home from him." Griff added.
"I think you three are right." Broadway said, being able to understand the points they're making.
"What you three say makes sense." Hudson then said as Goliath reached the tower and glided off. "But… Goliath is our leader. I cannot go against his wishes."
"Hudson, your loyalty is to be admired, but you of all people must know that we're right." Liam pointed out.
"Besides, he told you 'protect our home'." Elisa then said, placing a hand on Hudson's.
"Aye, that he did."
"Hudson… we all know that this isn't your home anymore." She argued as Broadway, Griff and Liam placed hands on Hudson.
"Also, since when has a castle been more important than the safety of your clan?" Griff pointed out.
Hudson sighed as he knew that they were right, especially Griff's last point. Stone and wood shouldn't matter more than keeping the clan safe from harm.
"Firstly, let's get the Grimorum and keep it out of Xanatos' hands." Liam said and they all entered the castle to grab the book before they leave.
"Goliath isn't going to like this." Hudson said.
"He doesn't have to like it." Elisa told him.
"He just needs to be forced to realise he has no choice." Liam added.
"They're right. We're sitting dorks here." Broadway agreed with them.
"It's sitting ducks, Broadway." Griff chuckled.
They then reached double doors, which Hudson opened and they headed straight for the Grimorum, where Owen intercepted them.
"I'm afraid I can't allow this. This book is the property of Mr. Xanatos." Owen told them with his out to Hudson.
"And who's going to stop us? You?" Hudson mocked as he shoved the arm aside.
Owen glared at him as he put his glasses away.
"Indeed." He then said, grabbing Hudson's arm and kicking his leg, knocking him off his feet and landing on his back.
Owen then pulled out a gun and aimed it at Broadway.
"You're trespassing." He said before Elisa threw one of her crutches at the gun, knocking it out of Owen's hand as Liam pulled his out and aimed it at Owen.
Then Broadway grabbed Owen and threw him far before crushing the gun with his hand.
Griff then pulled the glass off the podium and grabbed the Grimorum.
"We're leaving, Mr. Burnett." Liam said, still aiming his gun at Owen while Broadway handed Elisa the crutch she threw and Griff the Grimorum to Hudson. "Give Xanatos a personal message from me: keep away from the gargoyles and do not try to coerce them into working for him ever again."
The five then left Owen and went back outside and made their way to the building where Hudson decided to have a name.
They waited there for an hour or two before they saw Goliath with Brooklyn, Lexington and Bronx (being carried by the two) in the air, heading for the Eyrie Building.
"Goliath!" Broadway called out to him.
The four turned sharply and landed on the building.
"What are you doing here? Why aren't you guarding our home?" Goliath shouted, demanding an explanation.
"Because that castle isn't your home anymore." Liam sternly told him.
"What?" Goliath bellowed as he walked right up to Liam and Elisa.
"We've found you a new home." Elisa replied, neither her or Liam being scared by Goliath's fury.
"How dare you! I told you that castle is our home." Goliath snarled.
"No, Goliath!" Broadway stood between him and the pair. "They're right! It's suicide to stay there!"
"Lad. They're right, you know. It's just a place of stone and wood. Griff himself said that a castle shouldn't be more important than our lives. And home is more than that, Goliath. Home is the six of us. Wherever we can be together and safe. That's our home." Hudson said, finally making Goliath realise that he had no other choice, which made him roar in absolute frustration before he turned to look at the castle.
"Come, Goliath. Let's be going." Hudson then told him.
"Give me one minute." Goliath replied before he glided back to the castle, clearly to give one last word to Owen.
Once he came back, everyone made their way to the clocktower above the police station.
Upon entering, it was clear that it hadn't been operating for many years as Lexington looked at the gears.
"I'll, uh… I'll bet I could get this thing working again." He said.
"Why would you want to?" Brooklyn asked as Hudson walked up to the pair.
"It's not so bad. There's a place right over there for a television." He said, pointing to a particular spot.
"This may not be up to par for now, but with a kitchen, a table or two, some rugs and a sofa, this'll be a good home for you guys." Liam said as he and Elisa stood on some stairs, looking up at Goliath, who was on a walkway right up to one of the clocks.
"Yes. As long as we're together… it's home." He said.
All the gargoyles went outside and got into position as the sun was rising, frozen into statues.
It was a new day. A day that starts a new time for the gargoyles.
A shorter chapter, but I couldn't figure out a reason for why Liam and/or Griff would be kidnapped by Macbeth or would join Goliath in saving the others that made sense.
Anyway, look forward to the next chapter where it'll be Liam and Griff's first date as boyfriends.