"Quick Step" by Llewelyn narf3@hotmail.com Disclaimer: Gragoyles does not belong to me. They belong to Disney and Buena Vista Television. Highlander belongs to Rysher. There, that's done. I would like to thank my editor, Kahreen, for going through my first story and giving me a title. You rock sista'. As for the clan, thank you all for your support and encouragement. This is the first of an on-going saga, so stay tuned for more to come. Please email with any and all comments. On with the story. Enjoy. The full moon shove brightly over New York City adding to the light given off by the massive billboards and signs. Everywhere there was movement. The activity of the big city never stopped, as did its residents... and its protectors. High atop the roof of a tower of stone and glass sat a crimson creature watching over the city. "Quiet night," Brooklyn said to himself, staring down at the activity below. Suddenly a high pitched scream pierced through the night getting his full attention. "Should have saw that coming." He dove off the building, his gargoyle nature kicking in, and glided toward the scream. * * * * "Please, leave us alone." begged the young girl as she found herself and her companion cornered in the alley. One of their larger presueors grabbed and held her in a tight grip. "Sure, we'll leave you alone, just as soon as we're done," replied the thug. "Don't touch her," the girl's date cried out and charged at their aslatients. Another one of the thugs threw him against the rough brick wall and held a gun to his head. "Now, don't try to be a hero, kid. Someone might get hurt." A red blur suddenly flew at the thug, knocking the gun from his hand. The criminals stared at their attacker as he stood before them like a menacing demon. The girl passed out at the sight of her rescuer and her date froze in terror. "It's one of those monsters!" cried the lead thug. "Get it!" The muggers began to surround the beaked gargoyle, forgetting about their previous appointment for the moment. "Lets see, there are one-two-three, four of you and one of me. Oh what I'm I going to do?" Brooklyn mockingly said to the thugs. "Oh wait a minute! I'm a gargoyle! That was important and I forgot!" Two of the thugs charged at the gargoyle, but he effortlessly knocked their heads together. "Guys, do we really have to go through with this? It's the same thing every time. We fight a little while, you punch me, I punch you, I kick your sorry butts and leave you for the boys-in- blue to throw you in jail. Why don't we just skip all that and go straight to the jail part?" Brooklyn suggested. "Fat chance, freak!" replied the lead thug as he pulled a knife from his coat. "Freak?!" cried the gargoyle, outraged. He pounced on the thug, avoiding the swings from the knife, knocking him unconscious. "No amount of money is worth this," mumbled a thug as he started to run. Brooklyn reached out and grabbed the last thug by the neck, holding him in the air. "I think you might want to consider a career change, don't you?" he inquired. The thug nodded his head the best he could in the gargoyle's grip and then preceded to faint as his eyes glowed white. "Good boy." said Brooklyn shaking his head and dropping the thug. " The guy has a metal rod pierced in his tongue and I'm the freak? Go fig." The young woman began to stir behind him. "Are you okay?" he asked as he moved to help her up. "Stay away from her!" someone shouted behind Brooklyn. He whirled around to see the young man pointing a gun at him. Suddenly, the entire world went black on Brooklyn. * * * * Colors began to come back into the world as Brooklyn sat up slowly. His head felt like he had fought the Quarrymen, the Children of Oberon and the Pack single-handedly. He rubbed the bit of dry blood off himself, looking for the wound and finding none. Smooth Brook, real smooth, he thought to himself rubbing his aching head as he scanned alley with no sight of the thugs or the couple, Not only do the bad guys get away, but also the victims get a KO off you. Goliath is going to looove this! * * * * High above the alley a dark figure watched the antics that had played out below. He looked at the rising gargoyle through a pair of binoculars.... and chuckled to himself. "Perfect" * * * * "Where could he be?" asked Angela to the gargoyles and one human gathered around the parapets, "It's nearly sunrise." "Don't you worry, lass," reassured Hudson, "Brooklyn's perfectly able to take care of himself. See, here he comes now." "Sorry I'm late, guy," said the crimson gargoyle as he landed on the parapets, "I ran into a little trouble with some of New York's less than fine citizens." "Nothing serious, I hope?" questioned Goliath. "Not at all, other than the fact that after I had thrashed the thugs, the victims decide to show their deepest gratitude by bashing my head in." Lexington and Broadway let out a small chuckle, but were stopped short by Goliath's glare. "I'm just glad no one was injured...," said Goliath as the conversation was cut short by the rising sun. "Sleep well, guys." said Elisa Maza as she turned to leave in order get some much needed sleep, but was stopped by the ever rigid Owen Burnett. "Detective Bluestone is on the phone for you, Ms. Maza," stated Owen handing the phone to her. "Uh...thanks. What's up Matt?" Elisa said into the phone. "Elisa, we have a guy down here at the station wailing about how he knows where there's a dead gargoyle," replied Matt. "What?!" "He says that his girlfriend and him were jumped by some thugs when a gargoyle attacked the thugs and then went for the girl, but one of the thugs shot him. I don't think he's making it up. Are all the guys present and accounted for?" "Everyone's fine, Matt, although Brooklyn ran into a little trouble, but he's definitely not dead." "Maybe you should come down here anyway." "I'll be right there, bye Matt," said Elisa closing the phone. "Looks like I won't be hitting the sack after all. Big surprise." * * * * The sun set quickly below the New York horizon giving the gargoyles the signal to burst from their stone slumber. Goliath gave out the plans for the night that left Lex and Brooklyn off patrol. "Hey Lex, what do you want to do to....," asked Brooklyn but stopped in mid-sentence as he noticed his rookery brother had already wandered off to the computer. "Alone again, story of my life," complained the crimson gargoyle. "So here you are by yourself, talking to yourself. Starting to get like Elisa, Brook." Suddenly movement on a nearby rooftop caught his eye. It looks like it has...wings?! thought Brooklyn as he leaped off the parapets and glided to the building. * * * * Elisa heard the gentle tap on the window of her apartment and went to let Goliath inside. "Hi, big guy," greeted Elisa "Glad you had some time to drop by." "I'm never too busy to see you, Elisa" replied Goliath. The two stared into each other's eyes a moment before Elisa averted hers. "Anyway, I got a call from Matt this morning about the mugging Brooklyn stopped" "What about it?" "I went to the scene and found a bullet lounged in the wall," Elisa said. "I got the lab boys running some tests on it." "But Brooklyn said that no shots were fired in the struggle." "Not in the struggle at least." said someone as the couple turned to see Matt standing in the doorway. "I let myself in." "The victim, believe it or not, came to the station saying a gargoyle was killed after it attacked his girlfriend." he continued. "I believe Brooklyn would know if he was injured or not," countered Goliath. "Of course, but he was knocked out for a bit and we don't really know what happened," added Elisa. "Are you suggesting that my second in command was shot, point blank mind you, and then got up half an hour later and glided home. Gargoyles do not heal that well, Bluestone." "It's just a theory, and besides, stranger things have happened," said Matt "Take for instance..." "Thanks Matt, but we really don't have time for your conspiracy theories. Maybe later." said Elisa as she turned to Goliath. "Why don't we go talk to Brooklyn? See if we can get any more information?" "Very well, I'll meet you at the castle." answered Goliath as he headed to take off. "See you there," said Elisa as she headed for her car. "So... you want me to lock up after you?" Matt called out to the empty room. * * * * Brooklyn landed softly on the rooftop and grabbed his skull as a dull headache came to him. He suddenly saw the dark figure run through an open door. The gargoyle followed the stranger, forgetting about his head for a moment, down a flight of stairs and into a dimly lighted loft. Even with his keen night vision he could only see a few feet in front of him. "Talon? Maggie? Demona?" Brooklyn asked peering into the darkness. "Not quite," said a deep voice as the door slammed behind the crimson gargoyle. He whirled around to be face to face with the figure, blocking the exit. We was tall for a human and wore a long black cape which Brooklyn had mistaken for wings. The human had jet-black hair and a stern face. "My name is Donato and it would seem you are dead," the stranger introduced simply in a slight Spanish accent as he pulled a rapier from his back. "Well, this is really creative!" Brooklyn sincerely said. "The Quarrymen send a mercenary Spanish reject from Monty Python and the Holy Grail to do their dirty work." "No Quarryman has sent me, beast," replied Donato "I come to benefit myself. I've come for your head." The Spaniard started coming toward the gargoyle, sword raised, ready to do battle. "I'm sort of attached to it at the moment." replied Brooklyn as he leaped from the blow. He slashed his tail like a whip, knocking the deadly blade from Donato's hand. The gargoyle took the opportunity to pounce on the unarmed human. The foe saw him coming and rolled on his back as Brooklyn came, throwing the crimson gargoyle, head first, into the wall. Brooklyn tried to get to his taloned feet but was too disoriented as the world swam around him. * * * * Back at the castle, Goliath approached Lexington as he typed away at his computer. "Lexington, have you seen Brooklyn? I need to speak with him." inquired the clan leader. Lex suddenly snapped back to reality. "I haven't seen him sense we woke up. Maybe he took off somewhere," replied the webbed winged gargoyle. "I hope he hasn't gotten himself in any more trouble," wondered Goliath. * * * * Donato rose to his feet, taking up his fallen sword, heading for what would be the final blow. "You put up a good fight, young one, although not as good as I hoped, but oh well." The sword rose, the metal gleaming in the dim light, but suddenly Donato looked up from his would-be victim in confusion. A crash came and glass flew as a winged figure charged through the nearby window. With his moment of glory interrupted, Donato pointed his sword at the winged intruder. "You can not interfere, beast," he said angrily. "My fight is with the young one. It is against the rules." "I hardly see how you can even apply this type of battle to the rules," said the deep voiced intruder from the shadows. The loud wail of sirens began to come from the street below. "You called the police?!" Donato charged furiously. "I have my methods," the new foe simply replied. "This isn't over!" threatened the Spaniard as he headed for the fire escape. "He's mine! I'll have his head and yours!" "How very original," commented Brooklyn as he staggered to his feet behind the new gargoyle. "Come on, kid, " he said as he helped the red gargoyle to his feet. "We don't want the police to find us here." "Who are you? Brooklyn asked wearily. "There will be time for questions later. Come on." The stranger headed for the window and took off into the night. Brooklyn reluctantly followed. * * * * The two gargoyles landed on a nearby rooftop. Brooklyn than got his first good look at his savior. He was nearly seven feet tall with dark grey skin. He had long raven hair that was tied behind his back. Jutting out of his head were two ram like horns. The clothing he wore was a more modern version of a loincloth with a leather strap that went across his chest. He also wore a metal armband with a small stone embedded in it. Brooklyn than noticed the broadsword at the gargoyle's side. "I'd hate to be repetitive, but who are you?" asked Brooklyn. "And while I'm at it, why did the caped crusader attack me, what rules were you talking about and WHAT IS WITH THE SWORDS?!" "We have a lot to talk about young one." replied the grey gargoyle. "I suppose I should start with myself. My name is Culloden. And to explain the rest I guess you can say you have just been recruited for a very selective "club." "Yeah,... I have no idea what you are talking about," said the crimson gargoyle. "Tell me, lad..." started Culloden before he was interrupted. "The name's Brooklyn" "Yes, Brooklyn," continued Culloden. "Have you been in any accidents lately, been knocked unconscious?" "Maybe. What's it to you?" Brooklyn defensibly replied. "Were you, by any chance, shot?" "What! No, no...of course not. I mean...you think I would know." "You're doubting your judgment. Were you or weren't you?" "What is this, twenty questions? Just because the last thing I saw before I blacked out was the oh so polite victim holding a gun at me doesn't mean anything. If I was shot I wouldn't be here right now!" "Or would you?" questioned Culloden. "Will you just get to the point so I can go on with my life!" "Very well," he said, remaining calm even after Brooklyn's hostile attitude. "Donate and I, though part of a different species, are of the same race." Culloden noticed Brooklyn's confused stare and continued. "I am over 1,200 years old. We can not die, we are immortal." "Ok....and you mean we as in you and Senor Donate." said Brooklyn. "Yes and no, Brooklyn. I don't know how to put this gently, but... you are immortal." * * * * Meanwhile, Donate paced angrily across his current home. The dark loft had a small table and chair, a bed, and little else. I can't believe this! the Spaniard thought. I had the beast's quickening in my hand when that Scottish bat shows up! Everything was perfect right down to having those petty thieves attack those people. Gargoyles, stupid animals, they stick to each other as if glued! Suddenly an evil smirk came to Donate's face. He sat down and, chuckling to himself, began to sharpen his sword. * * * * "I'm what?!" Brooklyn gasped. "You are an immortal," said Culloden slowly as if the crimson gargoyle didn't understand. "And you're nuts," said the beaked gargoyle. "I mean, it's great to meet a new garg and all, but it helps if they're not a lunatic. If you don't mind I think I'll go back to reality land. See you around." Brooklyn turned to leave, but Culloden pulled his sword out in a flash and swiped it across Brooklyn's arm. It left a long gash across his appendage. The beaked gargoyle let out a tremendous roar of rage. "Why did you do that?!" he roared, as he held his now injured arm. "Its hours till sunrise!" Brooklyn stared down at his arm and watched as the wound slowly closed and healed until only the blood was left. "What..how...how did this happen?" the gargoyle mumbled in disbelief. "Why is the sky blue? Why does the sun turn us to stone? It just is." answered Culloden. Brooklyn lowered he head and getting down on his hunches in shock of the news sinking in. The grey gargoyle came up behind him, putting his hand on Brooklyn's shoulder in support. "There is a lot you need to know. I'll teach you about want we are, what the rules are." "What's the catch?" asked Brooklyn looking up. "The catch? The catch is that there is one way we can die. If someone cuts off our head, if it is an immortal than he will get your Quickening. All your power and knowledge will be his." "That explains the swords and Donate wanting my head," said Brooklyn rubbing his neck. "You will have to learn to fight with a sword, and there are certain rules we have to follow..." "Like what?" asked the crimson gargoyle. "We're are safe on holy ground. No immortal would dare slay another there. We can sense when another one of our kind is near. That's what the headaches you've probably had are. There is also a bit of difference between are immortality and humans. We are at somewhat of a disadvantage in the Game due to turning to stone. An immortal gains no Quickening if he takes your head during the day..." said Culloden. "Should I be taking notes?" interrupted Brooklyn. "Since we have this disadvantage, we do not stop aging the moment we are killed," he continued, ignoring his pupil's outburst. "We grow until our prime than the aging process stops altogether." "The clan's never going to believe all this," said the beaked gargoyle. Culloden turned and stared Brooklyn right in the eye. "You can not tell your clan. Mortals can not know that we even exist." "But they're my clan. I'm the second-in-command. I can't just start running around slaying people without them asking questions?" argued Brooklyn. "It would be better if you left. For yours and their sakes." "I'm not leaving," he said. "Very well, then you will need to come to get training from me a least...," said Culloden. "What if I don't want to be involved in this Game? What if I don't want to kill people?" "You don't have a choice. Donate will come keep coming for you until he has your head." "What's so great about my head?" "Donate plays to win. He probably set you up to get killed so he could take your Quickening before you even knew what you were. The time of the Gathering is upon us. The immortals shall fight until only one is left. That one will have the combined Quickening of every immortal that ever lived. He will have enough power to rule the Earth for eternity. It's the greatest rule we live by: there can be only one. So you see, Brooklyn, you have no choice but to get involved." "I have perfect control over my own life! See I choose to leave right now! That is if you can control yourself for two seconds and keep from swinging that over size knife at me!" said the red gargoyle in a huff has he opened his wings and prepared to take off. "Don't call me, I'll call you." He leaped from the rooftop and started home. "You can not ignore this, Brooklyn!" called Culloden. "It's your destiny!" He lowered and shook his head in disappointment as the red gargoyle sailed farther and farther away. * * * * Brooklyn landed in the courtyard of the castle. He suddenly noticed the dried blood from the vanishing wound on his arm. He walked to the bathroom, locked the door, and began washing the blood off, as if he could wash the memories from that night away. All of a sudden, there was a knock on the bathroom door. "Hey Brooklyn, are you in there?" asked Broadway. "No," came the red gargoyle's reply. "Goliath's been looking for you all night. He and Elisa really want to talk to you." "I'll be right there," sighed Brooklyn. He walked down the hall to find Goliath and Elisa waiting for him in the gargoyles' living chamber. "What's up guys?" he asked cheerfully, attempting to hide all traces of that night's occurrences. "Where have you been?" asked Goliath. "I thought I saw something, another gargoyle, but it turned out to be nothing." "Brooklyn, we need to talk to you about the mugging last night." "Okay..," said Brooklyn worriedly. "Were there any guns fired at all?" asked Elisa. "Not that I know of. I was helping the girl up and the next thing I know I wake up to a deserted alley. I was out cold for at least half an hour." "Are you sure?" questioned Goliath. "What is this, the third degree?!" Brooklyn replied defensibly. "I told you what happen, so what's the big deal?" "The girl's date came to the station today saying a gargoyle was killed in the struggle. Since you were the only one involved in anything last night, we assumed he was talking about you. He took us to the scene. We found a bullet in the alley wall, Brooklyn." said Elisa. "The guy was probably just looking for some sort of sick glory. Besides, that gun could have been fired before I even showed up." "I suppose, but.." started Elisa. "I told you what happen, Elisa. There isn't anymore to say about it. So, if you don't mind, I think I'll go relax a little. I've had a busy couple of nights." The red gargoyle left the room quickly, obviously wanting to get away from the detective and clan leader's questions. "I've never seen Brooklyn get so mad over nothing," stated Elisa. "He's hiding something." Goliath folded his arms across his massive chest and let out a slight growl. "Yes, and I intend to find out what," Goliath responded. * * * * In a dark corner of the library, Brooklyn sat. His head swam with thoughts of his immortality. He wanted to tell the clan, but he couldn't. How could he possibly explain anything like that to them? And then there was Donate. Brooklyn didn't want anything like this. He didn't want to fight to the death for some prize. But how could he ignore it? All these thoughts and questions ran through his head. Brooklyn slammed his fists upon the ground in total frustration. The blow caused a large book to fall from a nearby shelf and opened as it hit the floor. The gargoyle looked down at the opened book to see a picture of an ancient broadsword. In a surge of anger, Brooklyn picked up the book and flung it across the room, letting out a deafening roar. The volume hit the wall as the library door slowly opened and Angela stepped in. She picked up the thick book from the floor and walked over to the distressed gargoyle. "I think you dropped this," the lavender gargoyle said smiling as she held the book out. "Uh, thank," replied Brooklyn taking the book from her. He half-heartedly flipped through it, then placed the book back on the shelf. "Is everything ok, Brooklyn?" asked Angela concerned. "Just peachy," mumbled the brick red gargoyle, looking out the nearby window, eluding the female. "What?" "I said every things fine, Angela. Really, I've just had a rough couple of nights." "When you feel like talking about it, I'll be here," she said. Brooklyn turned toward Angela, his hazel eyes looked into her lavender face as if he could pierce her very soul. "I.I have to go. Broadway's waiting for me," Angela said uncomfortably as she turned away from him. She got up and proceeded to depart from the room, her thick brown hair swinging as she shut the door behind her. "So I'm I," whispered Brooklyn, once again looking out into the night. * * * * The first rays of the sun threatened to rear their heads above the horizon as Elisa and the gargoyles gathered on the parapets, minus one. Broadway helped Angela up on her perch as Hudson and Bronx came from their endless hours of television. Hudson glanced around and noticed their missing clan member. "It would seem Brooklyn is making it a habit of being late," said the older gargoyle. Brooklyn then appeared from around the corner, waiting as late as possible to join the others, as if avoiding the clan would stop the questions. "I'm right here, Hudson," said the crimson gargoyle. The troubled gargoyle leaped upon his perch just as the sun rose. * * * * The gargoyles awoke with their usual glass shattering roars to the night. As Brooklyn was heading down to get some much-needed nourishment he heard the call of his name. "Brooklyn, this arrived for you earlier today," said Owen holding out a small white envelope. "Thanks," replied the white-haired gargoyle as he took the letter and headed off to read it in private. Written very neatly was: Cloisters, tomorrow night, midnight. If you value the lives of your clan, you will come. Donate Brooklyn crushed the paper in his hand and tucked it into his belt. He sighed heavily knowing what he had to do. Brooklyn ran toward the parapets, preparing to take off, when Goliath's mighty voice froze him in his tracks. "And exactly where are you going?" asked Goliath, sounding more like a stubborn father, rather than a clan leader. "I was just going for a little glide," responded the younger gargoyle. "I believe you have patrol tonight with Lexington." "But, Goliath, I can't.I...I," started Brooklyn. "I'll take the lad's place on patrol," interrupted Hudson as he appeared on the parapets. "Let him have his time off tonight, besides your only young once. Right lad?" he asked looking directly at Brooklyn. "Uh.yeah.only once," said Brooklyn meeting Hudson's stare nervously. "Very well, you may go, but I expect you on patrol for the next two nights," said Goliath. "Thanks," replied Brooklyn, leaping from the parapets and gliding into the night. "Don't worry, Goliath," assured Hudson, as they went into the castle. "He'll tell us when he feels the time's right." * * * * Brooklyn let the air currents carry him to the same rooftop where he had meet the immortals. The gargoyle found Culloden leaning against a wall, as if he was waiting for him. "I'm glad you decided to come back," greeted the grey gargoyle. "I didn't know where else to go. Here." said Brooklyn handing the crumbled paper to Culloden. "I just can't let the clan get involved." Culloden glanced over the note and handed it back. "I'm afraid they are already neck deep in this. You can't protect them. Even if Donate is defeated, what about the next immortal, and the next. They won't stop coming." "I need to learn how to fight them and I need you to teach me. If I'm going to get slaughtered tomorrow I at least want to put up a good fight," said Brooklyn, ignoring Culloden's comment. "Very well, let's go to my castle. We do not have much time till you're date." Culloden leaped off the roof, opening his wings. Brooklyn wondered exactly want he had gotten himself into, and followed the immortal gargoyle. * * * * The gargoyles landed at an abandoned warehouse near the harbor. It was a dark, dreary dwelling that was in desperate need of a decorator. The paint was peeling from the walls and rust was building on the doors. "Some castle," commented Brooklyn, looking about the place. Culloden undid the lock and opened the heavy iron door. "It isn't Buckingham Palace, but it serves my purposes," the grey gargoyle said, leading Brooklyn into the warehouse. The inside didn't look much better. While Brooklyn examined the place, Culloden went to a large chest in the back of the vast room. "You know, with a little paint, some wallpaper, a throw rug or two, this place couldn't be half-bad," joked the beaked gargoyle. "Here lad," Brooklyn spun around to see Culloden holding two rather nasty looking broadswords. "Catch." He grey gargoyle suddenly hurled a sword at Brooklyn. The younger immortal jumped away just in time as the sword landed, hilt in the ground, only inches away. "Are you nuts!" asked Brooklyn angrily, as he got off the ground. "I really don't see how I'm suppose to stay alive if you keep trying to kill me every five minutes! "Always be prepared, young one," responded Culloden. "An immortal could come after your head any time. Besides, you would have healed." "And slicing me open is suppose to teach me all that?" "Well, you're not about to forget it, are you?" Brooklyn stood angerly with his arms folded across his chest, his stare answering Culloden. "All right, let's get started, shall we?" the older immortal said as he held his broadsword. Brooklyn pulled the other sword out of the ground and held it firmly in his hands. "At least you know how to hold it," jested Culloden. "I was born in the Middle Ages. I think I can hold a sword," said Brooklyn sarcastically. "Yes, but can you use it?" "Are we just going to trade insults back and forth all night or are we going to work?" Brooklyn inquired. A broad grin spread upon Culloden's face. He suddenly charged the younger gargoyle, his sword swinging. Brooklyn successfully blocked, but the grey gargoyle spun his sword around, knocking the younger's from his hand. Brooklyn abruptly found himself weaponless, with Culloden's blade at his throat. "Shall we try that again?" smiled the immortal. Brooklyn only nodded as best he could. * * * * "See anything, Hudson?" asked Lexington as they glided low, patrolling the city. "Not one peep, lad," answered the older gargoyle as he scanned the streets for trouble. "Brooklyn's been acting weird the past few days," Lex said out of the blue, looking to Hudson. "I know something's wrong, but he just keeps to himself constantly." "Brooklyn is the kind who faces his demons alone " he replied simply. A call suddenly rang out through the darkness. "Help! Somebody,please!" said the faint scream of a man. "It's coming from that roof top!" Hudson said. "Come on!" The two dove and landed at the origin of the plead. "Hello, is anybody here?" Lex called out. "It's much too quiet," said Hudson softly. Suddenly a small metal ball fell in front of the gargoyles. Smoke began to pour from the sphere. "It's a trap!" called out Hudson as the smoke began to cloud around them, making it impossible to see. "You are so very right my old friend," said a sinister voice. "The years haven't been good to you, have they?" "That voice." mumbled Hudson. "What do you want?" Lexington called out into the smoke. "I'm just here to give your clan a little message," said the voice with a light Spanish accent, as the smoke began to slowly clear. "Which is?" asked the green-yellow gargoyle. The smoke dispersed and the voice soon had a face. "This," said the figure as he revealed to be holding a gun. The gun went off, firing a net around Lexington. Electricity filled the net as the small gargoyle roared. His eyes rolled in his head as he passed out. Hudson charged their attacker, meeting him head on, pushing and shoving, clearly over taking the human. The glow from the angry gargoyle's eyes illuminated the human's face. Hudson suddenly jumped back in shock as he got his first good look at the attacker. "No.it can't be,"mumbled the gargoyle. "But it is, old one," replied the human, now free from the gargoyle's grip. He began laughing as he stepped closer and closer to the ledge. "I don't know how you're here, but I'll make sure you never return again," said Hudson as he drew his sword. The human only laughed. "My name is Donate. Remember it well." The man suddenly jumped from the ledge, falling like a brick to the ground below. Hudson ran to the side and watched in disbelief as the human fell and collided with the concrete below. The brown gargoyle pulled the net off of Lexington and picked him up, preparing to go home. "That's the last we'll see of him, lad," he said to the unconscious gargoyle. "I hope." * * * * Culloden and Brooklyn breathed heavily as they took a break from their sparring. "I don't think I've hit the ground that much in.forever," said Brooklyn. "The way you fight, I would think you would be use to hitting the ground," replied Culloden smiling. "He he, it is too laugh," said Brooklyn rolling his eyes. "My fighting skills are just fine, thank you very much." "Maybe against mortals, but you're never gone up against immortals." "Actually, there is this one gargoyle who has a permanent case of PMS. And then there's that Scottish king and those fey." "Well, you've been around," chuckled the immortal. "Speaking of around, how in the world did you know senor psychopath was after my head?" asked Brooklyn. "I've been following him for a few months, waiting for the right time to strike, but he has eluded me every time I caught him. I found him again as he was headed to.relieve you of your head. I followed and showed up just in time." "What did he do to you?" "He only destroyed the only family I had," answered Culloden sadly. * * * * 1120 AD The grey gargoyle glided through the night, his sword at his side, the wind flowing through his black hair. He carried a deer, newly killed. Landing at the opening of a cave, a female gargoyle came to meet him. She was a smaller gargoyle, about 5'6, with dark green skin. Her sandy blond hair reflected the light of the moon. "Welcome back my love," she greeted smiling. "I see you have brought us a feast." "The hunt was good, My Moonlight," he replied. Two other male gargoyles came out of thecave, welcoming the new arrival. "Good eve to you leader," greeted a yellowish male, as he helped carry the deer to be prepared. "Let's go for a walk before diner," asked the female. "I am sure your wings are tired." "Shall, we?" said the grey one smiling, holding out his hand. The female took it and placed her head on his shoulder as they strolled. "Tis a beautiful night," said the female. "Not as beautiful as you are, My Moonlight," he said taking his hand and stroking the side of her face. "We live a good life, do we not?" inquired the female. "Aye, are numbers are few, but tis good," answered her mate. Suddenly, he lifted his head and glanced into the night. "What is it my love?" asked the green female, a distressed look appearing on her face. "Go back home, quickly," ordered the male. "Why, what is wrong?" "As your leader I order you to return," the male demanded. "And as your second, I demand to know what tis going on." "Please, just for once in ye' life, listen to me," he pleaded. "Very well, . I shall see you at home," she said, as she began to run. "My Moonlight," he called out to her. "I love you." "As do I you," said the female as she stopped, and smiled at him. She began to quickly run again. "What do ye' want?" called out the grey gargoyle to no one. "That was very touching," came a voice from behind some boulders. "Almost made me weep." The figure came out into the open with his sword drawn. The gargoyle drew his as well. "Let me introduce myself. I am Donate. And that makes you my next quickening," said the human smiling wickedly. "I do not believe so," replied the gargoyle. "I shall prove to be a difficult adversary." "I was afraid of that," said the human rolling his eyes. Without warning he charged the gargoyle, sword raised. The gargoyle easily blocked the attack. Their swords collided again and again in an effort to injure the other. Donate abruptly found an opening and sliced the gargoyle across his chest. The gargoyle jumped back, holding the wound, as it already began to heal. The two rivals began to circle each other. The gargoyle charged suddenly and cut the unprepared human across the leg. They backed away from one another again. "It seems we are evenly matched," said the human immortal as he held his injured leg. "What a pity. I'll just have to resort to more drastic measures." "What are you babbling about human?" "You will see," laughed the man, as the first rays of the sun appeared on the horizon. The last thing the gargoyle heard as he turned to stone was the baneful laughter. * * * * The grey gargoyle awoke with a roar as the sun disappeared. Still gripping his sword, he looked about for the human. Suddenly, the immortal's words from the night before came to him. The gargoyle got down on all fours and made a mad dash for home. The first thing he saw as he entered the cave was a pile of rubble. He looked about the cave in shock, seeing nothing but the stone debris of his clan. Kneeling at the pile of rumble, he saw the shattered face of his love, frozen forever in stone. "No.not My Moonlight. NOOOOOOOO!" his deafening roar rang out through the night as rain began to fall. * * * * "He destroyed.all of them," said Brooklyn, more of a statement than a question. "Donate hurt me the only way he could, by taking away everything that was dear to me. my family," replied Culloden. "I couldn't protect them and neither can you." "I better get out of here. The clan's going to worried about me. Um.same place, same time, tomorrow night?" The grey gargoyle nodded his answer. "Hey Cull!" called Brooklyn smiling. "Don't worry. I don't plan to let anyone take my head easily." * * * * Brooklyn landed in the courtyard of the castle to see the other gargoyles crowded around an unconscious Lexington. "What happen?" asked Brooklyn, concerned. "We were attacked by a human named Donate," answered Hudson. "He set a trap and nearly killed Lexington." The web-winged gargoyle began to stir and slowly opened his eyes. "Oh, my head," said Lex. "You okay, buddy?" asked Broadway. "I'll be fine if you can just stop the castle from spinning." "If he can make a joke, he's fine," said Angela smiling. "We have to find out why this human attacked you," ordered Goliath. "Easier said than done, lad," replied Hudson. "The human jumped off the building right after he attacked us. He won't be answering anything again." "I guess we won't have to worry about him anymore," Broadway said brightly. "Yeah. I guess not," answered Brooklyn, a worried look appearing on his beaked face as the sun rose and the gargoyles turned to stone. * * * * "Didn't have a good night did ya' fella," a doctor chuckled as he examined the body in the dim light of the morgue. Suddenly, the eyes of the dead man opened wide. The doctor made a gasp and fell to floor unconscious. The corpse rose from the table and chuckled to himself lightly. "I love when that happens," Donate laughed as he pulled on the doctor's lab coat. "You mortals are so entertaining." * * * * Brooklyn awoke from his stone slumber along with the rest of his clan. Thoughts of immortality and the battle to come rang through his head. He looked about the younger generation of his clan as they talked among themselves, sighing, wondering if this would be the last time he would ever see them. Shaking the thoughts from his head, he went to join them. "Goliath," called Elisa as she came up the steps to the parapets. "What is it, Elisa," answered the clan leader, noticing the worried look on her face. "We got the tests results back from the lab. The bullet we took from the wall contained an unknown blood sample." "What exactly does that mean?" "It means that Brooklyn's been lying to us. There were shots fired in that alley and they went through him," said Elisa. "I believe we should speak to him. again," Goliath said with a slight growl in his voice. As if on queue, Brooklyn appeared on the parapets from around the corner. "Hey Elisa, what's u. uh oh," started the crimson gargoyle, but stopped short as he noticed the looks the human and the leader were giving him. "What did I do now?" "It would seem you have some explaining to do," answered Goliath. "Brooklyn, why did you lie about the mugging?" asked Elisa. "What.What do you mean?" responded the beaked gargoyle. "Why did you lie about what happen in that alley?" Goliath inquired. "So maybe I stretched the truth a little." started Brooklyn, thinking quickly. "Okay, here's the truth. It really doesn't matter now anyway. During the fight I had a near hit with a bullet. That Donate guy was the one who pulled the trigger. He threatened to kill me after I stopped the mugging. He said that if I let the clan get involved he would butcher all of you. I believed him and I wasn't about to risk all of your lives. That's where I've been at night, trying to find Donate. I'm sorry I lied to you, but I wasn't going to give him a reason to hurt the clan." "It's okay, Brooklyn," said Elisa. "But you should have told the clan." "Normally I would be furious," Goliath said. Brooklyn tensed up preparing for the lecture. "But you had the good of the clan at heart, so you are forgiven. Just make sure it does not happen again." "No prob!" said Brooklyn. "Well I guess I'll go off on patrol." "Shouldn't someone go with you," asked Elisa. "Just remember what happen last time you went off on your own." "I'm a big gargoyle," answered Brooklyn smiling. "I buckle my own loincloth and everything." "Just, please, be careful," said Goliath. "Hey Mom, Dad, you know me!" grinned the crimson gargoyle. "Oh, Goliath, if I didn't tell you before.thanks. for everything." And with that, Brooklyn took to the air. "What do you suppose that was all about?" asked Elisa, watching the gargoyle sail away. "I haven't the slightest idea," Goliath answered. * * * * Brooklyn sensed the presence of an immortal as soon as he landed outside the warehouse. Just as he was about to knock on the rusted doors, they opened. "I'm glad you decided to show up," said Culloden, sword in hand. "I was beginning to wonder if our Spanish friend decided to take your head a little early." "Sorry Yoda, I had to say my good-byes, so to speak," the younger immortal replied. "By the way, they found out I got shot and Donate attack some of my clan last night and then did a kamakazi off the building. I guess he wanted to give me a message. Not to worry though, I made up some story about Donate being involved in the mugging." Culloden only rummaged through a trunk absentmindedly. "Are you even listening to me?" asked Brooklyn. "What do ye want me to say?" said Culloden angrily, jumping up in Brooklyn's face. "That I told you so? Will that do? You may think this is some sort of grand game, but this is life and death we're talking about. I'm not sure you can even grasp the concept of what you are and what you are fighting for. Even if you survive this battle tonight and go back to your clan what are you going to tell them? Are you just going to hide it from them for a few decades, until they notice you are not aging? And then want? Are you going to make up some stupid story then? Well are you?" "I don't know!" yelled Brooklyn. "I don't know! I haven't been doing this immortal thing for a millenium like you! I'm sort of new at it!" "Well you have better get used to it fast because it is not going to just go away." "What does it matter anyway? By the way you talk I'm just going to get slaughtered anyway," said Brooklyn, sitting on the ground in total frustration. "Not if I can help it," answered as he picked up something from a trunk. "Here, I want you to have this." In his hand he held want looked like the very short handle of a katana. "You're giving me half a sword?" asked Brooklyn. "Not quite," replied the grey gargoyle as he pushed something on the side of the handle. Suddenly the handle became longer and a blade came out. "Whoa," said the stunned gargoyle. "Where did you get that?" "It was a gift from a friend," said Culloden smiling. "And it is a lot easier to hide in a loincloth." "Wow. thanks, Cull," said the crimson gargoyle standing and taking the sword. "If I can't beat that Spanish pansy I might as well impress him." "Aye, might as well," said the immortal chuckling. "Brooklyn?" "Yea," he answered, still admiring the sword. "I'm sorry." "For what?" Brooklyn asked looking up. "For this," said Culloden as he pierced his sword into Brooklyn's chest. The crimson gargoyle only gasped a little and fell to the floor. "This is my fight, lad," the grey immortal said, pulling the sword out. "Don't worry, you will heal. I just hope it takes a couple of hours." * * * * Culloden landed in the Cloisters, sword draw, looking about for the immortal human. The feeling of his presence came suddenly, as Donate came from out of the shadows as usual. "Where is the young one?" asked the human angrily. "My fight is with him, not you." "No, you challenged him," answered Culloden. "But our fight has gone on far too long." "I will ask one more time. Where is he?" "I killed him and took the Quickening myself," the gargoyle replied. Donate only laughed in response, his sword shining in the moonlight. "If you do not believe me look at my blade," said Culloden, holding up the bloody sword. "He knew he had no chance against you, so he let me have his head rather than let you have it." "Very well, beast," answered Donate, his laughter stopping. "I will have your power and his in one stroke." "My name is Culloden. It will be the last thing you hear before I send you to hell." With that, the two immortals charged at each other, they're battle cries ringing through the night. * * * * Brooklyn rose suddenly from the ground as live burst back into his body. He held his throbbing head for at least the hundredth time in three nights. "Man, dying is not the most pleasant of experiences," said the gargoyle to himself. Looking about, he noticed the room was missing something. his teacher. "Oh no.you didn't," commented Brooklyn as he took up his newly acquired sword and fled from the room. * * * * The two enemies swung and thrusted at each other, blocking and doing little damage except for a few quickly healing slices here and there. Donate and Culloden were on the brink of exhaustion from hours of battle. "It is about time we ended this," said Donate as his sword locked with his adversary's. "Agreed," Culloden replied, his eyes flashing white. The human abruptly pulled a gun from his coat, pointing it at the gargoyle. "You can not do this," said immortal gargoyle. "This is totally against the rules." "I never cared much about the rules. I play to win, nothing else matters." "You will pay for this. You will not go unpunished," replied Culloden, any trace of fear absent from his face. "Yeah, whatever you say, beast," answered Donate, pulling the trigger quickly, putting round after round into the gargoyle. He then placed the gun back into his coat. Smiling wickedly, the human took his sword and quickly separated Culloden's head from his body. Electricity rose from the corpse and went into Donate. The lighting flowed around him, and through him as he screamed. Brooklyn arrived just in time to see the last bit of lighting flash from one to the other. "No." he whispered, seeing who was still standing. The crimson gargoyle drew his sword and charged at the human, his eyes glowing and a deafening roar coming from his throat. "It is too soon," said the weary Donate as the gargoyle came toward him. "It is too soon after the Quickening. It is against the rules." The human raised his sword with all the strength he had left barely blocking the gargoyle's attack. "Like I care," replied Brooklyn. "Besides I don't see how this type of battle can even be applied to the rules and. I play to win!" The crimson immortal swung his sword, knocking the weakened human's from his hand. The katana was quickly only inches away from the human's tender throat. Complete and utter terror filled his eyes. "Please, do not kill me, Brooklyn," pleaded Donate. "Give me one good reason not to," asked the gargoyle. "Because you are not like me. You are not a killer. You have never killed anyone in your life and you will not do it now." The glow in Brooklyn's eyes softened as he heard this. "If you let me go I will never step foot in this city again," said Donate as he placed his hand slowly behind his back. "Your clan will be safe, as will you. No immortal will dare come here after I tell how you defeated the great Donate. You won't have to fight ever again." Brooklyn looked distant as he was considering this. Suddenly Donate pulled the gun out and pointed it at the gargoyle, laughing. In one quick swipe, Brooklyn cut straight through the human's neck. The head of his enemy fell and the body followed. The gargoyle stepped back as the cloud of energy began to build around the corpse. Lighting flew from Donate into Brooklyn. It seemed to touch every cell of his body, every inch of his soul. The power flowed through him as he reached into the air, dropping his sword. And as quickly as it started it was over. Brooklyn breathed heavily as every part of his body felt weary and heavy . He pulled himself to his feet and picked up his katana. He walked slowly over to the body of his teacher,. his friend. "For you, Cull," said Brooklyn as a single tear ran down his face. "For you." * * * * Somehow Brooklyn made it back to the warehouse. He looked about the near empty room and saw the large chest. The gargoyle opened the container slowly and saw an envelope labeled with his name. Opening it he read: Brooklyn, If you are reading this it means that I am gone and you somehow defeated Donate. Do not feel sad for me, lad. If there is any justice in the world I am with my clan and my love. Everything I own now belongs to you. Guard these things well. Do not forget anything I taught you in that short time. Being as stubborn as you are, I realize you will stay with you're clan but if you decide to finish your training, I want you to see a friend of mine, a Duncan Macleod of Seacover. He will teach you everything you need to know. He is hard as hell, but trustworthy and loyal. Don't lose your head. Good luck, my friend, Culloden Brooklyn tucked the letter, in his loincloth next to the katana, planning to put it in a safe place when he returned to the castle. He locked the chest and the warehouse door before climbing to the roof, wondering where he was going to tell the clan he had been all night. He stopped for a moment and looked into the stars. "Goodbye, Cull," said Brooklyn. "I'll never forget you,. no matter how hard I try." He grinned and took off into the night.