All characters appearing in Gargoyles and Gargoyles: The Goliath Chronicles are copyrighted to Buena Vista Television/The Walt Disney Company. I've taken the idea for the Unseelie Court from the TGS. No infringement of these copyrights is intended, and is not authorized by the copyright holder. All original characters are the property of SN.
Note: I'm disregarding the events of the "Goliath Chronicles", with the exception of "The Journey" because I do not wish to use the rest of the "Goliath Chronicles" as canon to my story. This story takes place two weeks after "Mopping Up".
Boredom
By SN/TVfan
Email: Sam_Nary
London
Arthur sat still from behind the wheel of the small car that Macbeth had purchased to help Arthur with his own work. Setting up the private investigative agency hadn't been too difficult for Arthur and Merlin to accomplish. Macbeth had even helped get the wording right so that people wouldn't be afraid to bring cases that might normally be found as 'strange' and 'unbelievable'. However, most of the cases that had come in so far had to deal with domestic issues as he was sent after spouses who were supposedly cheating on their husband or wife.
And that was one of the type of cases he was on now. He slowly snapped a few photographs as a middle aged man embraced and passionately kissed a woman at what the man hoped was a quiet corner. All the while, Arthur was disgusted and ashamed. He assumed that he would be involved more in work that might lead them toward finding out what 'Britain's greatest hour of need' would be, or at least solving some serious crime. Instead Arthur found himself following people for not being faithful. It made Arthur miserable. He had been the High King of all Britain at one time. Somehow this work seemed to be not only below him, but petty and intrusive. He felt like he was spying on people he had long ago sworn to protect. At times he sympathized with the clients that had contacted him, especially considering how his relationship with Queen Guinevere had ended, but Arthur still couldn't feel doing anything worthwhile by spying on people.
Once the man and woman turned and slowly disappeared inside one of the apartment building they were standing near, Arthur started his car and left the scene slowly. He would need to return to the mansion to develop the film in the camera, which he would later have to present to his client for this specific job. He hoped the others were having a more productive night.
The Mansion
Merlin sat tiredly lobbying over several texts, trying to find any sort of clue as to what might lead to a great calamity. Something that would require someone like Arthur to come to the rescue. So far he hadn't found much of anything. Of course helping Leo and Una continue their work to try and get their shop restarted and helping Arthur get his own job going did cut down on the time the Medieval wizard had to study his collection of old books, but they might help in the long run, and it did give him a break from endlessly flipping through pages.
"Any luck?" Leo asked as he came into Merlin's small study.
Merlin looked up to see the lion-like gargoyle was carrying a cup of tea with him, and was obviously taking a break from his own work.
"Not much," Merlin commented, "If any. Most of the texts that I've found have little connection to the 'Arthurian legend'. You wouldn't believe how many sorcerers besides Nostradamus knew about things before they happened."
"Wouldn't that help?" Leo asked curiously.
"It could," Merlin nodded, "But Nostradamus worked to find out the great evils of the world, or at least the times of greatest peril. There isn't enough in his work that relates to Britain's 'greatest hour of need'."
"Didn't he predict the Great Fire of London?" Leo asked.
"Yes, but remember Arthur was still in his enchanted sleep on Avalon, and I was not called to wake him," Merlin answered, "Much of what Nostradamus predicted that had a direct relation to Britain occurred before Detective Maza awakened Arthur on Avalon."
Merlin was silent for a moment before he continued.
"And that is the real problem," Merlin continued, "Arthur was to sleep until Britain's 'greatest hour of need'. While he slept, Oberon and Titania had both promised that when the time came, I would be called to Avalon to awaken Arthur. But since Detective Maza awakened Arthur early, that promise no longer matters, and it is imperative that we find out when this 'greatest hour of need' is."
"I thought you would already know that," Leo commented.
"All I know is the criteria to fulfill the prophesy," Merlin answered, "The exact date and what will be the action that creates Britain's 'greatest hour of need' is what I don't know. Which sometimes makes me wish that Detective Maza had let Arthur finish his sleep, so that I could be called when the time came."
"You don't have to be too hard on her for it," Leo said calmly.
"To be honest, I'm not," Merlin sighed, "She is female of great character, whether her species be gargoyle or human, and she did have a good reason for awakening Arthur at the time. I actually blame myself. I should have paid attention to the fact that Avalon was in direct danger when the Archmage attacked the island. I also should have noticed that my own spell had been broken to aide the island's defense. Detective Maza may have awakened him early, but there is a lot more that I could have done to help, either to defend the island or directly help Arthur after he awakened. But, I did nothing."
"You don't need to be so hard on yourself, either," Leo commented, "These things happen, and I'm sure we can get through it."
Merlin was silent for a moment.
"I hope so," Merlin nodded, "How goes your work at getting the shop ready?"
"Una and I checked over the old shop site," Leo answered, "They've already begun building a new shop there. We should be ready to start ordering inventory in about two weeks."
"That'll be good," Merlin said, "Many of the books that you and your mate stock might be helpful in discerning this prophesy. Especially if they have anything to do with the 'Arthurian legend'."
"Again, I must ask," Leo sighed, "Shouldn't you and Arthur be experts on that subject?"
"Much of the legend is either completely false or exaggerated," Merlin sighed, "And I was not the only wizard in Britain at the time that helped Arthur's court. There were others, which is left out in the legend. And I did not create the prophesy concerning Britain's 'greatest hour of need'. I only found it, and tried to get it to work so that fulfilling it would be easy. Another thing left out of the legend. Now I have failed in part of it, and can not fail in the other. I must discover what Britain's 'greatest hour of need' is, or the prophesy will fail."
"Remember that we will always help you," Leo answered.
"I know," Merlin smiled, "And I think it's time I took a break from this for tonight."
Merlin slowly shut the large book he had been studying, stood up, and stretched. Leo calmly followed the medieval wizard out.
Meanwhile on a balcony on the back of the mansion, the first group of gargoyles that had gone on patrol for the night had returned. Griff cloaked his wings around his shoulders, while Octavia tucked her wings against her back as they walked in. Gawain followed close behind them. It had been quiet since the final defeat of the Morrigan and the gargoyles had only been able to foil a few minor street crimes.
"Things have certainly calmed down since we've beaten Morrigan," Gawain commented.
"Hopefully they stay calm for awhile," Griff answered, "Arthur and Merlin have been worried to death over finding out this 'greatest hour of need' thing. The last thing we need are greater problems."
"I'm not complaining," Gawain said back quickly, "It's actually given Lancelot, Guinevere, and I some spare time to explore the city. It's very interesting, not New York, but still interesting."
"It's good that you and your brother and sister enjoy London," Griff chuckled, "You haven't been getting into any trouble, now, have you?"
"Of course not!" Gawain answered quickly.
The young Avalon gargoyle then turned and headed off into a different section of the mansion.
"Their enthusiasm for their new surroundings is quite admirable," Octavia commented, "I must be honest that neither Julia, nor myself, wished to leave Rome when we joined your clan, but it was something we had to do. And now…"
Octavia placed a hand on Griff's shoulder in a fairly friendly manner.
"…I do not regret that we did come here," Octavia continued, "You and your clan have been most helpful and I'm sure the knowledge of the Roman Order will live on."
"Uhh… thanks," Griff gulped somewhat nervously.
The two then continued quietly on their own way into the mansion.
Elsewhere
Jeremy Irons quietly walked into a fairly dark office in one of the main buildings of London's busy business district.
"You sent for me, sir?" Jeremy asked after shutting the door behind him.
"Yes," a man hidden in the shadows answered simply.
"What is it that you wish?" Jeremy asked.
"I trust you have received word that the master's ally has been defeated?" the man questioned.
"Madoc?" Jeremy said back, "Yes, I heard that through our sources, yes."
"Our information indicates that Arthur Pendragon and Macbeth of Scotland were involved in the final battle between the Seelie and Unseelie Fey," the man continued, "And have since returned here."
"What are your orders, sir?" Jeremy asked.
"Macbeth and Pendragon are threats to our society, Mr. Irons," the man answered, "Not direct threats. The Council does not believe they will attack us, but there are many things that we are involved in, that they may disapprove of. Your instructions for now are simply to observe Macbeth and Pendragon, Mr. Irons. Use any methods and technology you find necessary to obtain ANY information you can. You are also to inform me of any and all information you uncover."
"Yes, sir," Jeremy answered, "I assume this mission is to begin immediately?"
"It is," the man nodded.
"I'd best get going then," Jeremy answered, "I have work to do."
The man nodded and let Jeremy Irons leave his office. Once the door shut again, he calmly picked up his phone.
"Four, this Agent Anglo," the man spoke quietly, "Inform the Council that its orders are being carried out."
The Mansion
"So, how goes things with you?" Chloe asked as she sat on a couch in Macbeth's private study.
"Busy," Macbeth answered, "Teaching isn't an easy job by any means, and aiding you and the others in their patrols does add to the work that I need to do."
"I guess that means you're glad things have been going slow on 'crime' front since the Morrigan was defeated and you don't need to help us every night?" Chloe asked again.
"I guess so," Macbeth answered, "Although there are some nights where Arthur needs my help with his work or Merlin needs help with his research."
"Oh," Chloe looked down, "I can help with that."
"You would need to talk to Merlin about that," Macbeth replied, "And it's getting close to the time when he quits for the night. I'm not that far away, myself."
"Oh, I'm sorry," Chloe said quickly, "I'll leave if I'm keeping you up."
Macbeth shook his head. It was still obvious to immortal Scotsman that forest green female thought of him as more then a friend, and while Macbeth at first really didn't approve of it, he had gotten used to it. Part of him even liked Chloe in much same way. Macbeth chalked it up to a youthful persistence that most others lacked. He was also thankful that his present company was not opposed to the idea.
"It is alright," Macbeth answered.
Chloe was about to say more when they both heard Arthur walk by the door, mumbling about something to himself. Somewhat curious, Chloe immediately went to the door. "Is something wrong?" Chloe asked aloud before Arthur could turn the corner to head into his makeshift dark room.
"Oh, no," Arthur sighed, "Just the daily grind. Is Macbeth in? I could use help with the film."
"I am," Macbeth answered as he and Chloe came out and approached the Once and Future King.
Chloe left for a different room soon after, leaving the two former kings alone. Macbeth calmly followed Arthur into the dark room. Neither was an expert photographer, but having been alive and awake, both Macbeth and Merlin had picked up on the basics of the technology and the very basics on how to develop the film.
Macbeth quietly helped Arthur do the work he needed to do to develop the rolls of film.
"Work hasn't changed much, has it?" Macbeth asked as he eyed some of the photographs, barely making out the images.
"Yes," Arthur commented in a frustrated voice, "And it's driving me crazy."
"Remember it's a job," Macbeth commented.
"I feel like I'm spying on people," Arthur argued, "Not exactly chivalrous."
"There isn't many things in the modern world that fit into the old world of chivalry and adventure," Macbeth commented, "Also remember that the 'cases' you've been hired to deal with are dealing with people who are making some pretty bad choices."
"I'm not complaining about the fact that what I'm doing is important," Arthur sighed, "I just feel that some of this just seems like I'm trying to spy on people's private lives. I just don't feel that is right. I thought people would come to me with some crime report or at least something that might help us find out what Britain's 'greatest hour of need' would be."
"Some cases like that will probably come in," Macbeth said in an even handed voice, "No one is going to bring a beginner a tough case. You're just going to have to tough some of this stuff out."
"I know," Arthur nodded, "It just frustrates me and…"
"You need to gripe to someone?" Macbeth suggested.
"I suppose so," Arthur sighed, "What does 'gripe' mean?"
"Complain," Macbeth answered.
The two worked quietly for a few minutes before everything was finally set up and all they had to do was wait for the film to develop.
"Do you know how Merlin's coming along with his research?" Arthur asked.
"You're probably making more progress with your work then he is," Macbeth answered, "Much of what he's found that might qualify as Britain's 'greatest hour of need' has either already happened, or isn't believable."
Arthur sighed, "Maybe we've already faced it or it's already been faced."
"Or the prophesy is false," Macbeth added, "It's a possibility, but it would be wise to wait until Merlin can uncover the truth behind it. I'm no expert on these things."
Arthur nodded, "I know that. I think I will turn in for the night though. I can take care of the pictures tomorrow."
"And I have papers to grade," Macbeth nodded, and departed, Arthur heading for his room, Macbeth heading for his study.
The Next Day
The sun shone brightly as Jeremy Irons entered the same office that he had the previous night. His contact was still seated behind his desk, looking very authoritative.
"I have my first report ready," Jeremy announced.
The man smiled and took a folder-envelope from Jeremy.
"Excellent," the man replied, "I see your proficiency remains true to form."
Jeremy nodded.
"So what have you gathered so far?" the man asked.
"Pendragon is working as a 'private investigator' while Macbeth has returned to the teaching profession," Jeremy answered, "At least that is their official cover."
"You believe there is something more?" the man questioned.
Jeremy quickly nodded, "Our spy bugs discovered a lot of the conversations that were going on far away from a window. The wizard Merlin is researching into something called 'Britain's greatest hour of need' and many of the gargoyles were concerned with how 'quiet' the city has been since the defeat of someone they referred to as 'Morrigan'."
"They are still dwelling on the conflict they had with the master's former 'allies'," the man mused, "Interesting. Continue studying Merlin's and Pedragon's activities, use the spy bugs if you have to, but we must continue to get more information."
"Yes, sir," Jeremy nodded.
Once Jeremy left the room, the man once again picked up his phone.
"Report," ordered a firm voice on the other line.
"Pendragon and Macbeth intend to save Britain during its greatest hour of need," the man answered, "Which I believe is supposed to occur in one of the Mage's prophecies."
There were as firm sigh on the other end of the line.
"Four, I am going to request of the Mage's prophecies," the man said in a somewhat week voice, "If they are doing something that goes against those prophecies, we must do something to stop them."
"Yes," Four answered, "We must do something to stop them. The Council will get you your copy of the prophecies as soon as possible. It will be imperative that the at least Arthur is stopped prior to Britain's 'greatest hour of need'. Do you understand me?"
"Yes sir," the man nodded, "The Council's orders will be carried out."
"Good," was Four's reply.
London Suburban Home
Arthur carefully knocked on the door of the fairly small home. It had a second floor from what Arthur could see, but the building was also wedged between two other buildings of a similar design. The changes in architecture was one of the many things that always amazed him. He was about to knock again when he heard footsteps pounding on a wood floor coming from inside the home.
"I'm coming, I'm coming," a woman's voice repeated loudly.
Arthur stood patiently as the woman appeared at the door, and opened it.
"Hello Mrs. Trent…" Arthur began to say when the woman interrupted him.
"Oh! Mr. Dragon, come in, come in," Mrs. Trent said quickly and stepped backward letting Arthur walk in, "Jacob's gone for the day to work, so he shouldn't be interrupting anything."
Arthur nodded, guessing that was the only thing he could do, and spared a glance at Mrs. Trent. He sighed as she did so. She was middle aged and it was obvious that she had led a fairly difficult life. Juggling work and raising children had left her looking very tired and worn. It made what Arthur had to tell her all the more difficult.
"Did you find anything, Mr. Dragon?" Mrs. Trent asked as she offered Arthur a chair at her kitchen table.
Arthur looked down and produced a large folder from inside his coat. With a slightly shaking hand, he handed the folder to Mrs. Trent.
"I'm afraid I have, Mrs. Trent," Arthur said weakly, "I'm terribly sorry."
Mrs. Trent looked at the photographs for a moment and obviously looked like her heart was breaking. In the first photo, her husband was seen exiting his office building with a woman barely half his age. His arm was wrapped around the woman. The next showed him with the same woman standing at a street corner, near no spot where a taxi would stop to pick one of them up, and both of them were locked in a rather passionate looking kiss. The third and final picture showed them walking in an apartment building.
"I've… I've always… I've always suspected," Mrs. Trent sniffled, "But I didn't think it would be so… so…"
"Blatant?" Arthur offered.
"I suppose so," Mrs. Trent answered.
"I, uh, have some audio recordings of his conversations with the woman as well," Arthur commented weakly, "Do you want to hear them or…"
"No, I think I've heard enough," Mrs. Trent said back weakly.
"Again, I'm very sorry about all this," Arthur commented as he stood up to leave.
"It's not your fault," Mrs. Trent said back, "I just want to know why he's done this."
"Anyone would, Mrs. Trent," Arthur answered, "Nothing to be ashamed of."
"I'm not ashamed," Mrs. Trent replied, "Just heartbroken."
"Again," Arthur repeated, "I'm sorry all of this has happened."
"Thank you, Mr. Dragon," Mrs. Trent said weakly, "I suppose you'll want your payment now?"
Before Arthur could protest anything, Mrs. Trent left the room and returned a few moments later with her purse.
"It's not news a particularly wanted to hear, but you did a good job," Mrs. Trent said, trying to regain some of her own strength, "I have to pay you, considering the job you've done."
Mrs. Trent then reached into her purse and after a few minutes of rummaging produced the amount of money that Arthur and Merlin had agreed was doable for the advertisement they had made for Arthur's private investigative agency.
"There you go," Mrs. Trent said weakly, "Hopefully you get some cases that are 'better' then this one."
"I hope so too," Arthur sighed, "I think I should be leaving now."
Mrs. Trent nodded and slowly led Arthur back to the front door. Arthur tried to look as sympathetic as he could as he left.
Mansion, Later
"Well, I've completed my first case," Arthur sighed as he sat down in a large couch in the mansion's welcoming room.
"You've done well, Arthur," Merlin replied, "I know these things are hard, but they still happen and still have to be taken care of. You wouldn't want that woman to stay with someone who would only pretend to love her?"
"No," Arthur answered, "It still doesn't change the feeling that I'm spying on people, and it doesn't change old memories."
"You can not change the past, Arthur," Merlin cautioned, "Neither can I. What happened between you, Queen Guinevere, and Sir Lancelot is the past. Don't dwell on it."
"I know," Arthur sighed, "Sometimes I just wish things from the past wouldn't seem to replay themselves in the future."
"I know," Merlin nodded, "But remember, these things happen."
Elsewhere
The man known as 'Agent Anglo' was now on the phone with someone else, not the Councilmen known as 'Four'. This man, unlike Four, was nervous when speaking to him.
"Are you sure you want this done, sir?" the man asked over the phone, "Think of what it could and probably would do to any civilian that it comes across?"
"I know that full well," Agent Anglo growled back, "But remember, that if Pendragon saves Britain during its 'greatest hour of need', the master's prophecies will be thrown out of whack, and if one is made false, then we don't know how many more will naturally be false because the first one was."
"I understand that perfectly, sir," the man nervously answered, "But couldn't we find some way to deal with Pendragon that isn't so dangerous to the rest of the public?"
"Not with gargoyles and Macbeth helping him," Agent Anglo answered, "They would likely make most other methods impossible. You are to release the beast, is that understood?"
"Yes," the man replied nervously.
"For the Illuminati," Agent Anglo answered.
"For the Illuminati," the man repeated.
To be Continued…