Disclaimer: I don’t own Gargoyles. The nameless people are mine, though. I understand that some fans don’t consider The Goliath Chronicles as canon but I thought it brought a satisfying end to the series and so that is where this story takes place.
Chapter One- The Offer
Matt could hardly believe his ears and it was clear that his partner, Elisa, felt the same way. “Deputize the gargoyles, Captain?” Matt asked.
“Yes, if they want to,” Chavez said. “It is clear that they have always been protecting the city for some time; a fact that you’ve pointed out, Maza. However, what they’re doing is considered vigilante justice which is not acceptable. Their help is appreciated and deputizing them would be a way to show that we appreciate them and give them a legal reason for their activities.”
Matt nodded. “And as head of the Gargoyle Protection Force, I will bring the offer to them.”
“Of course, Bluestone. When you have an answer, contact me and we will arrange to make it official if they accept.”
“I know Broadway will jump at the offer,” Elisa said quietly as they walked through the station.
“That is not a surprise. Will the others accept?”
“If we explain the reasons why this is being offered, I think they will.”
Matt nodded thoughtfully as they got into Elisa’s car. It had been several months since the clan saved a train full of people from the Quarrymen. The Gargoyles Task Force had been changed to the Gargoyles Protection Force; instead of apprehending the clan, the Force was charged with protecting the gargoyles from any hostile acts against them. It was a relief to not have to conceal their whereabouts but he continued to do so. It was well known among their fellow officers that Elisa and Matt knew where the clan was but did not ask them as they respected the gargoyles’ right to privacy.
Matt felt almost confident that the clan would accept the captain’s idea. Granted, he did not know them as well as Elisa, but he could guess at how they would take the idea of being deputies.
Goliath was dedicated to protecting the humans as it was the gargoyle way. Their conduct to that duty was fine as most people were unaware of their existence. Now, however, a legal status would be preferable in order to continue protecting as they have. Yes, this reasoning would make sense to the leader.
Broadway would love to be deputized. He had worn a trench coat and hat when he helped Elisa with the Silver Falcon case. Elisa had also told him that Broadway loved detective movies but abhorred guns. When Matt asked why, Elisa admitted that she had foolishly left her gun in her holster when she took it off and Broadway accidentally shot her with it. Matt thought Broadway made a wise choice to be against guns.
Brooklyn and Lexington would likely follow their brother in being deputized as would Angela who shared Goliath’s view of humans. Hudson, though he stayed at the castle most of the time, would likely choose to follow the others in this offer. Bronx was not likely to be considered for the offer as he was most like a dog, but then again they did have canine officers. Well, we’ll soon find out, Matt thought as they pulled up to the Eyrie Building.
They arrived at the tallest tower in time to see cracks in Goliath’s stone form before the stone shattered and Goliath roared to the night. When he turned and saw who was waiting for him, he hopped down and embraced Elisa, not caring if anyone saw it. Of course, Matt didn’t mind.
“Goliath,” he said once the hug had passed. “Captain Chavez suggested deputizing the clan.”
“Why?” Goliath asked, sounding unsure and a touch suspicious.
“Look,” Elisa jumped in. “It is appreciated that you help protect the city, but it is viewed as vigilante justice which is not tolerated. But by being deputies, it gives you a legal status and reason to continue helping others.”
“We’ve never needed a reason to protect others before,” Goliath pointed out.
“That was because most people didn’t know you were here,” Matt said. “Now that they do know and the police want to help, well, keep you safe while protecting the public. As head of the Gargoyles Protection Force, I’m here to extend the captain’s offer and give her an answer.”
“Let us discuss it for a few minutes,” Goliath said. He glided off the tower to gather the clan and told them what Matt and Elisa had said.
“They have a point,” Broadway said. “Vigilante justice is not allowed and if we want to keep helping others, we need to do it the right way.”
“Aye, the lad’s got a point,” Hudson said. “Being deputized would also help make us a real part of the community.”
“Exactly,” Broadway said. “And I say, the sooner we do this, the better.” Broadway inwardly wondered if the clan would receive badges like Elisa and Matt had.
Goliath saw Angela, Brooklyn, and Lexington nodding at Broadway’s sentiment and said, “Then, we are agreed. We will be deputized.” He returned to where Elisa and Matt were and said to the latter, “We accept the offer.”
“Great. I’ll tell the captain after our shift is over.”
“Hey! Are we gonna have badges?” Broadway yelled up.
Elisa and Matt exchanged amused smiles. “Not a bad idea to me,” Matt said. “I’ll suggest that to the captain.”
Chavez raised an eyebrow. “That was quick,” she commented.
“They understood that what they were doing was technically wrong now that their existence has been revealed. Captain, gargoyles are just as smart as we are and some are more so.”
“I’m aware of that, Bluestone. I’m just impressed with how fast you got the message to them and how quickly they came to a decision.”
“Oh. Sorry, Captain.”
“Now,” Chavez leaned back in her chair. “The questions before us are when and where.”
“The clan prefers that it be done soon.”
“Would the night after tomorrow night be soon enough?”
“I believe so. I was wondering if it’s possible to issue badges to them.”
“That is why I asked for the night after tomorrow. I…will need their names, detective.”
“Of course.” Matt accepted a pen and paper from Chavez and wrote the names.
“Okay.” Chavez accepted the list. “I feel it would be best if this was done here, in my office.”
“I’m sure Elisa or I can persuade them to come here.”
“Good. On a different matter now. Flu season is fast approaching and I suggest you schedule an appointment to get a flu shot.”
“I’ll get right on that.” Matt knew that in a city like Manhattan, the flu could spread quickly and easily. He had no intention of catching the disease and missing work because he failed to protect himself. I’ll schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Chapter Two- Deputized
“Tomorrow night,” Goliath said the following evening before nodding. “Yes, that is fine.”
“Matt said that everything will take place in our captain’s office,” Elisa said. “And it’s probably best to come in from the clock tower.”
“Why?”
“It’s a quicker way to her office and some of our officers are showing mild flu symptoms.”
“They are? Yes, coming in from the tower would be best. But, what about you?”
“I’ll be wearing a face mask and I’m getting a flu shot tomorrow and so is Matt.”
Matt sat in the waiting room the next day, a mask on his face and hearing the coughs of other people: People who were sick from one illness or another. The room was spacious enough to allow those waiting to stay apart from each other.
A nurse entered, called a name, and two people left with her, a mother and her little girl, the latter coughing. Matt checked his watch. He had scheduled an appointment for two o’ clock and it now two-thirty. He sighed softly. Why do appointments never start on time?
Fifteen minutes later, Matt’s name was called. He entered the inner clinic and had his vitals taken before he was led to an exam room. He waited another ten minutes before a doctor entered with a clipboard. “Good afternoon, Mr. Bluestone. So, you’re here for a flu shot.”
“That’s right.” Matt rolled up his sleeve.
“Oh, that’s not necessary,” the doctor said. “A new alternative to the flu shot has been developed and passed out to select cities across the nation. Would you be interested?”
“What kind of alternative is it?”
“A pill. One that will not require a booster like the shot would. Its effectiveness will last an entire year.”
Matt could hardly believe his ears. A pill for the flu instead of a shot? One that would protect him for a year? “I’ll take the pill.”
“Very good.” The doctor filled a cup with water, handed it to Matt, and then reached into his coat pocket to take out a sealed packet. He tore the perforated edges and removed a white pill. He handed it to Matt. “Take this with the water and drink all of the water.”
Matt nodded as he popped the pill in his mouth and took a drink of water to swallow both it and the pill. He then drained the cup and put it in the trash can. “That’s it, then?”
“That’s all. You may have side effects over the next two days, the same as with the shot.”
“Thanks.” Matt pushed down his sleeve, donned his coat and hat, left the room, and the office. He headed to work close to sunset to meet up with Elisa at the front doors who wore a mask and was rubbing her upper left arm. “Was the shot that bad?” he asked.
“Only in that the nurse might have administered it a little too hard.”
“Ouch,” Matt said in sympathy. “Seems I got lucky. The doctor I saw told me about a pill alternative to the shot and offered me the opportunity to take it.”
“You are lucky,” she said.
“I’ll still might experience some side effects but I won’t need a booster and it’ll last a year.”
“Wish I had known about a pill version. I would have taken it instead.”
“I didn’t know until the doctor told me.” The detectives went inside as night fell and headed up to the damaged tower to wait for the clan and escort them to Chavez’s office.
Chavez rearranged the badges on her desk and tried to recall who was who. Elisa had given her descriptions of the clan and Chavez knew she would be able to identify Angela as she was the only female. The one called Goliath she would know as his image had been used to promote P.I.T. Elisa also said he’s the tallest so that will be easy. The one called Hudson will also be easy to identify as he is the oldest.
A knock came at her door and she rose to her feet. “Come in.”
The door opened and Elisa entered followed by the gargoyles. They stood at her desk in a line and waited for Chavez to begin. She gathered the badges that were in leather holders and strung on strong cord.
“This is a very special moment in this city’s history,” she began. “Tonight, I deputize you. You accept these badges, knowing that you will uphold the police motto of protect and serve. You are free to conduct yourselves as you have been.” She went down the line and put the cord around the necks of the clan. Once Bronx had received his badge, Chavez said, “Welcome to the force.” She gave a salute and the clan returned it.
“Oh, this is so cool,” Broadway said once back in the tower. He was admiring the badge he was wearing.
“Do we have to wear these all the time?” Goliath asked Elisa who had come up with them.
“Only when on patrol,” Elisa replied. “Maybe Xanatos can make a pegboard for you to hang them on when you don’t need them.”
“We’ll ask him when we return.”
&&&&
Demona answered the phone when it rang. “Report,” she said as this call was scheduled.
“The pill was administered, Ms. Destine.”
“No one questioned your presence?”
“No, ma’am. It was easy.”
“Who was given the pill?”
“A Matthew Bluestone.”
“Very well.” Demona hung up and a smirk graced her lips. That is perfect. The random test subject couldn’t be better. Demona was well familiar with Matt Bluestone as was everyone else in Manhattan. He had been made head of the Gargoyles Task Force when her kind’s existence was revealed to Manhattan and, ultimately, the world.
The revelation was both bad and good to her. It was bad as her kind could no longer be considered a figment of people’s imagination but good as it proved her contention that humans would never accept them. But then came the day when the clan saved a train full of people from death. The leader of the Quarrymen was arrested along with his followers who were in on the attack, the organization was disbanded, the gargoyles were hailed as heroes, and the Gargoyles Task Force was changed to the Gargoyles Protection Force with Detective Bluestone still in charge of it.
Matt was one of the few people to be the clan’s ally before the big reveal and since no one was aware of it, he was able to keep their whereabouts secret when they were being hunted.
He is head of the Protection Force which makes him perfect for the pill. By sunset of the second day, he will be like me: Human by day and a gargoyle at night. There will be side effects as the pill’s formula goes through his body, but he will attribute it to flu symptoms as he was told it was an alternative to the shot. Demona chuckled softly at her brilliant trick.
Chapter Three- Research
Goliath and the clan awoke to their first official night as members of the police. He turned to see only Elisa which confused him as Elisa had told him last night that Matt would see the clan tonight. “Where’s Bluestone?” he asked.
“At the station. He was complaining of a headache and muscles aches. He took some pain relievers and decided to do desk work in hope of relieving the pain.”
“Side effects of the flu pill?”
“It has to be. I had a headache and a little discomfort this morning, but it passed.
“Anyway, Matt asked me to deliver the improved communicators. No handhelds anymore.” Elisa held out a small box that held the same communicator she and Goliath often used while she was on duty and he followed her.
“Brooklyn will like that,” Goliath told her as he accepted the box.
“I don’t doubt it. Well, I’m gonna check on Matt and then start my shift.” Goliath gave her a kiss before gliding off to hand out the communicators and discuss patrol assignments.
Matt grimaced as he rubbed and massaged his upper left arm. His headache had eased but his sore muscles did not follow suite. I hope this stops at least by the time I go to sleep. It’s odd though. I never had muscle aches with past flu vaccines, but maybe the pill causes different effects than what I’ve had before. Well, next year, I’ll just get the shot.
“Matt?”
He looked up to see Elisa’s concerned face. “Hey, partner,” he said.
“Muscles still sore?”
“Yeah, but at least the headache’s eased up. Hopefully, it goes away completely. Did the clan like the communicators?”
“Yeah. I know Brooklyn will appreciate it. He wasn’t crazy about using walkie-talkies while Goliath got to use the smaller one I gave him a while ago.”
“When did you do that?”
“When we saw Coldstone for the first time.”
“That was over two years ago.”
“And yet it feels like a lifetime ago.” She smiled in soft nostalgia before snapping out of it. “I thought I’d check on you and then get to work.”
“Aside from the muscle aches which I’ve never had with a shot, couldn’t be better. Stay safe, partner.”
Elisa tossed off a salute and headed outside, her thoughts on Matt’s comment. Never had muscles aches with a flu shot. The pill could be producing effects different from a shot, but I’ve had different shots over the years and I’ve experienced the same effects from all of them.
Then, there’s the fact that I’ve never heard of a flu pill. If such a medical breakthrough had been achieved wouldn’t it have been announced to the public or at least to people who need such protection such as the elderly and those with weak immune systems? Elisa started her car and, as she pulled out onto the road, vowed to do some research on the Internet on flu vaccines when she got home.
Matt moaned softly as he shrugged off his coat and rubbed his shoulders. An intense throbbing sensation was felt there and it felt worse than the other aches. Yeah, definitely doing the shot next time. I understand that side effects are unpleasant, but I’ve never had such pain before…well actually I have had pain but not from a vaccine. Is it possible the pill wasn’t ready to be released to the public and I’m a lucky test case? The aches in his shoulders dulled enough for him to resume his work and the rest of his shift passed peacefully enough.
Demona gleefully examined her spy’s report on Matt’s condition. He reported how the young man seemed to have a headache and muscle aches. A headache is common enough. The muscle aches could be an indication of the larger muscles he’ll have at night as well as the ones he’ll need for his wings and tail.
His change tomorrow will happen after sunset. If he’s in public at that time, oh the panic and confusion that will cause. The confusion would come from the humans and Matt while the panic would come from just the humans. I wonder what he’ll look like. I will keep a lookout over the next few nights in order to find out.
It was too easy to get one of my own medical employees into that clinic. It took several months to develop that pill and, based on this report, it is working just as predicted. Oh, yes. Detective Bluestone was the perfect person to receive the pill. What could be better for the head of the Gargoyles Protection Force than to be half-gargoyle himself? Demona gave a low laugh at the thought.
Elisa smothered a yawn as her computer connected to the Internet. It had been a long night and she would really like to sleep, but suppose Matt’s life was at risk if the pill wasn’t a flu pill? What if it was something dangerous or deadly? The sooner I find out, the better
Elisa hopped onto a search engine and typed in ‘flu vaccines.’ She scanned the results and selected an official medical website. She looked through the site to the pages related to the flu. She found that, aside from a developmental nasal spray as a flu vaccine, the only way to guard against the flu was a shot.
She leaned back in her chair. Only a shot? No, that can’t be it. She clicked on other official sites and all said the same thing: The best way to protect yourself was a flu shot. A flu pill did not exist.
Elisa leaned back again and bit her lip. Her partner had swallowed a mysterious pill and showed symptoms of a flu shot’s side effects, but what was it doing, really? She pondered that as she went to get some rest, knowing Matt was asleep and he would need rest just as she did. I’ll call later and have him have Xanatos’ doctors look him over.
Matt moaned as he rubbed his temples before getting dressed. He wasn’t working tonight and, for that, he was grateful. He felt enough pain to find it hard to focus on anything else. The phone rang and he grimaced at the sound before he picked it up. “Hello?”
“Hi, Matt. How are you?”
“Lousy. My head is pounding and the pain makes it hard to focus,” he managed to say.
“Matt, I think Xanatos’ doctors should look you over. I checked medical websites and no flu pill exists.”
“No flu pill?” he repeated faintly. “Yeah, perhaps we should see Xanatos. If there’s a chance to stop whatever is happening, I’ll take it.”
“Good. I’ll swing by and pick you up.”
“Okay. See you soon.” Matt hung up and finished getting ready, his mind whirling with what he heard. The pill was not an alternative to the flu shot. He had been tricked into taking an unknown medication whose true purpose was not known.
How could I have been so stupid, so naïve? I should have questioned it, asked for papers on its effectiveness. Instead, I have an unknown substance in my body. I hope Xanatos can help. Matt moaned again and took some pain relievers.
Chapter Four- The Pill’s True Nature
Matt laid back on a medical table with sophisticated medical equipment scanning him. A blood sample had been drawn and rushed off to the lab. No one was sure of what they were looking for; aside from his aches, he seemed perfectly healthy.
It wasn’t until sunset that Xanatos and his top doctor came to him. “Well, detective, do you want the good news first or the bad news?” he quipped as the doctor turned off the equipment.
“Uh, the good news first,” he said as he sat up.
“Well, the pill is not lethal.”
“That is good. So, what’s the bad news?”
“The blood sample is showing that your DNA is in a state of flux,” the doctor said. “I can’t say why but it’s not hurting you.”
“I would call that very bad news,” Matt said as he got off the table.
“I do too,” the doctor said. “Your DNA should not be mutating like this.”
“Mutating?” Matt asked.
“It looks like there’s another DNA strand joining with your own. Like I said, it’s not hurting you, but it’s weird.”
“I can stay at the castle until tomorrow night in case something turns up,” Matt offered.
“That would be appreciated,” the doctor said.
Matt nodded before walking out, noticing that night had already fallen. He gained the open space of the courtyard and found Elisa and the clan there, the former going up to him. “Well? What did they say?”
“It’s not lethal which is good but it seems to be doing something to my DNA. The doctor said he saw another DNA strand joining with my own, but it’s not hurting me.”
Elisa noticed sweat beading Matt’s forehead and was wiping it off before pulling her hand back. “Matt, you feel like you’ve got a slight fever.”
Matt moaned and then doubled over. He felt warm all over and could feel pain enveloping his body. He then clutched his abdomen and screamed as his body burned and stretched. He could feel his bones snapping and reshaping themselves. He felt a weight on his back and his eyes flared white as the pain ended.
“Matt,” Elisa said in shocked amazement. “You’re a gargoyle.”
Matt staggered a little as he straightened up. He looked at his hands with its four fingers and soft gold skin color. He looked down further to see his clothes were tattered or ripped apart but he was still clothed. His shoes were hanging off his taloned feet and heel spurs. He then looked back to see the wings on his back. “Oh, boy,” he said softly. “Well, this explains the whole mutating DNA thing.”
“Who would do this?” Angela asked.
“Sevarius come to mind,” Elisa said. “This is the sort of thing he would do.”
“It could be him,” Matt said. “But would he bother to use a pill and use it on a random person? I was under the impression that he liked to watch the results of his work.”
“Bluestone’s right,” Goliath said. “Servarius does not usually let his victims wander free.”
“It could be Demona,” Brooklyn jumped in. “She would let her victims go after messing with them.”
“And if the doctors who gave me the pill was working for her, it would be easy for him to get into the clinic without arousing suspicion. In any case, I should head back inside and speak with Xanatos and the doctor.” Matta managed to turn and walk away without tripping over his feet or tail.
“I wonder if Bluestone was targeted or randomly chosen,” Goliath said.
“Good question,” Elisa said. “All Matt told me was that he was offered the pill.”
Angela looked in the direction of the city. She hadn’t had contact with Demona since the incident with the invisible human. Goliath had told her then that Demon does love her, she simply went about it in a conflicted way. She loves me, but it gets tangled in her hatred for humanity and Father. I could seek her out and ask if she’s responsible for Matt’s change. She wouldn’t lie to me about this; she just wouldn’t.
“Father, I’d like to ask Demona about the pill.”
“You should not go alone,” Goliath said.
“I know. Broadway can come with me, but I’d like to speak to her alone if we find her.”
Goliath nodded. “All right. You and Broadway can look for her and speak to her if you find her.”
Matt approached Xanatos’ office and raised his hand to knock but then Xanatos called, “Come in, Detective Bluestone.” Matt did so to find that Xanatos did not seem surprised aside from a raised eyebrow. “You saw the whole thing on your camera?” Matt asked in the manner of one who already knew the answer.
“Yes and the doctor is waiting to examine you and take another blood sample.” Xanatos rose and came around to lead Matt back to the infirmary. “I must say that you’ve adapted well to your legs.”
“Yeah. It feels a little strange, but it also feels natural. Do you have any thoughts on who did this?”
“I suspect Servarius or Demona. I also think you were randomly chosen.”
“We think it’s more likely that Demona did this and I agree with the random theory.”
Angela and Broadway glided over the city, the former looking constantly for Demona. She was desperate for answers, answers that only Demona could provide. They had checked the top floor of Nightstone but the entire building was dark save for the lights that lit the exterior. Angela then glided to the castle she had been to during that invisible human incident, but no sign of her.
“Where could she be?” she asked out loud as they continued to look.
“It is a big city with a lot of hiding places,” Broadway pointed out. “We may not find her tonight.”
“Maybe you’re right. I just wanted to give Matt the answers he and we want.”
“Xanatos’ doctors may come up with some of those answers. I mean, like, is Matt a gargoyle at night only? Is there a cure? You know, medical questions.”
“Those are important questions a doctor can answer,” Angela replied thoughtfully. “We’ll look a little bit longer before we head home.” She angled her wings to head off in a different direction.
Broadway followed her, preferring to head home. He did want to help Matt but getting answers from Demona didn’t sit right with him. The questions I mentioned are the most relevant ones and the doctor can answer them. The only question we could ask Demon is if she’s responsible for Matt’s change. We think she’s more likely than Servarius to do this, but only Demona can confirm it. Angela and he headed off in their new direction as they continued their search for Demona.
Chapter Five- Practice
Matt sat on the table as the doctor examined his body while a trainee was handling the blood analysis. Matt shivered slightly as he felt a light touch around and between his wings. The doctor made a small noise and made a notation on a clipboard. “Well, Mr. Bluestone, as near as I can tell, you really are a gargoyle.”
“Yeah, I already figured that out. The question I have is will I turn to stone at dawn or back to human?”
“Hopefully, the blood analysis will answer that and if not, the sun will definitely tell us.”
“Great,” Matt muttered. If I am a full gargoyle, I’ll be late for work tomorrow but I’m sure Elisa will tell Chavez what happened if she hasn’t already.
Chavez frowned as Elisa finished speaking. “A mysterious pill turned Bluestone into a gargoyle. No idea if this is a night only thing or not yet?”
“No, but Xanatos is having his top doctor working on those answers as he’s familiar with gargoyles, having brought them over from Scotland.”
“So, they are living at his castle?”
“I didn’t say that.”
Chavez smiled. “It makes sense for them to be there. I won’t tell anyone, Maza. They’re part of the force and they have a right to privacy as anyone else.”
“Thanks, Captain.”
“Back to Bluestone. If he is exactly like the others, he’ll need to report as soon as he wakes up. If not, he’ll come in when he’s supposed to.”
“I can give him the message.”
“Do it, Maza. Dismissed.”
Matt was repairing his clothing behind a curtain when Xanatos said, “I’ve got the analysis report.”
“I’m listening.” Matt trimmed the pant legs and tail hole before putting them on.
“First off, there is no cure.” He paused to let that sink in before adding, “Your DNA reveals that you are human and gargoyle with the former in daylight and the latter at night.”
“So, I’m like Demona which makes her more suspect.” Matt repaired his shirt and put it on.
“You’ve also gained a couple of abilities. You’ll be stronger in your human form and heal faster in both forms.”
“Stronger. As in gargoyle strong, right?”
“Right. Your healing factor could be bare minutes at the least; hours at the most. The doctor believes the healing factor occurs as you won’t be sleeping in stone in order to heal.”
“So, all in all, it’s not so bad.” Matt pushed the curtain aside.
“It would seem that way. I am sorry there’s no cure.”
“It’s not your fault. I was the one foolish enough to swallow that pill.”
Owen then entered the room and approached them. “Detective Bluestone, Detective Maza is on the phone. If you will come with me.”
“Sure.” Matt folded his wings before following Owen through the corridors and into Xanatos’ office. He picked up the phone. “Elisa?”
“Matt, I told Chavez about what happened and she’s made it clear that you are to report for duty, full gargoyle or not.”
“Well, it turns out that I am like Demona, so I’ll be there on time.”
“Like Demona? You mean, a gargoyle at night only?”
“That’s what I was told. There’s no cure so I’ll be this way the rest of my life. I was also told that I’ll be stronger in my human form and will heal faster in both forms.”
“I guess Demona is responsible for this, but why?”
“Good question. Hopefully, she’ll show herself soon and we can get an answer.”
“Well, I passed on Chavez’s message. So, I’ll see you later, Matt.”
Yeah. See you, partner.” Matt hung up and wandered outside, thinking of trying to glide; after all he had wings so he might as well use them. The courtyard was empty and he figured this was as good as any place to take to the air. He approached the edge and then backed away as he saw two winged figures coming in; when they drew closer, he saw it was Broadway and Angela.
The pair landed and Broadway gave him a friendly grin. “Hi, Matt. Any news?”
Matt nodded. “It seems that I’ll be human during the day and a gargoyle at night. I’ll be as strong as a gargoyle while I’m human and heal faster in both forms.”
“All that learned from a blood sample?” Angela marveled. “That’s amazing.”
“I know and I was just thinking of trying to glide.”
“We could help you. I mean, if you want us to,” Angela offered.
“I would love some help.”
“Any fear of heights?” asked Broadway. “Elisa kind of had that and it kept her from gliding before she got over it.”
“Wait. Elisa was a gargoyle once?”
“Yeah. Demona hired someone to steal a magical mirror for her so she could summon a fey who changed Elisa, though I doubt Demona wanted her as a gargoyle.”
“I doubt that too. In any case, the only fear of heights I have is falling and hitting the ground which a long way down from here.”
Angela smiled in amusement. “You won’t fall. Broadway and I will be here to catch you if you start to fall.”
“Then, let’s get started.” Matt went back to the edge, planted a foot on it, and pushed off, his wings unfurled and open to catch the currents. He wobbled in the air for a moment and moved from side to side until his teachers appeared beside him.
“Not a bad takeoff,” Broadway noted. “Try to keep your wings level; it’ll keep you from swaying.” He demonstrated and Matt copied him, giving him a stable flight path.
“Good. How about how to change direction?” Angela suggested.
“We will need to turn around,” Matt noted. “So, let’s do it.”
“Okay. Watch me.” Angela angled her body to the left, her wings doing the same automatically. She moved off to the left and then leveled out. Matt followed her example and he smiled as he moved to the left as well as the feel of the wind as his body cut through it.
“That was amazing,” he said.
“It was and you’re picking up on gliding quickly,” Angela said. “You’re a natural.”
Matt beamed at her praise as the gliding lessons continued. I am picking up on gliding quickly. That doesn’t mean I was meant to be a gargoyle; I’m just a natural at gliding which is interesting as I’ve never hang-glided before.
And maybe I should have. The view up here is breathtaking. I’ve been up this high when Goliath carried me, but it’s different now as I have my own wings. Demona’s motive for doing this still eludes me but I will approach her and get some answers.
Chapter Six- Motive
Matt glided for the tallest tower that Angela thought would be the perfect place to practice landing. Matt had asked her why she thought that and she had replied, “So you can practice a straight down glide from there to where the rest of us sleep.”
Matt drew closer to the tower, trying to gauge the distance and, when he was close, put his feet forward while braking with his wings. He touched down on the stones but then stumbled as he kept himself from falling on his face.
“Cool,” Broadway said. “You didn’t fall on your face or your tail like I did when learning to land.”
In short, not bad,” Matt said. He went to the edge and looked down at the next level down. “So, how is the straight glide down done?”
“Easy. You jump and use your wings kind of like a trailing parachute,” Broadway said.
Matt jumped onto a pedestal and then leaped down, his wings up and trailing as he landed easily on the floor below. He couldn’t help the grin on his face at his success. That was easy.
“Nice,” Angela said as she and Broadway landed. “And you’ll have more practice when on duty tomorrow.”
“I don’t doubt that. I don’t think I would fit comfortably in Elisa’s car. Speaking of duty, I imagine that’s not why you were out earlier.”
“No. We were looking for Demon to get some answers like if she’s responsible and why,” Angela said.
“I say that she is responsible, but her motive is a mystery right now. Don’t worry about looking for her. I can do that once Nightstone is open.”
Angela’s face perked up. “Right. That would be easier and it makes sense that you would be the one wanting answers.”
“And I’ll get them after I head home and change clothes. I’d leave now only I drove here and my apartment window is locked.”
“We could practice gliding some more,” Angela suggested.
“How about showing me some fighting moves? I know you use your tail and I’d like to know how to do that.”
“It’s not that hard,” Broadway said.
“What about using it to grab a weapon from someone?” Matt asked.
“Oh,” Broadway said. “Yeah, there’s that and using it to grab hold of someone or something. Okay, we’ll work on that.”
Hours later, Matt stood where the clan slept, watching them strike poses they would assume for the day. He licked his lips and braced himself for the pain he would feel when the sun came up.
The sun’s rays peeked over the horizon and the clan stiffened as they turned to stone and fell asleep. Matt looked at the clan for a moment before he doubled over and clutched his stomach as he groaned in pain. He felt his wings and tail vanish and his claws split into five fingers. He gave one final groan before it was over. Matt was human again.
Matt exhaled slowly before heading inside to gather his coat and hat and bid goodbye to Xanatos before heading down to his car where he had spare socks and shoes. He put them on and then drove home. Once home, he took a shower, put on fresh clothes, got some breakfast, and then drove to Nightstone, taking his time in all of these activities.
Nightstone appeared to be quite busy when he arrived. He entered and took the elevator to the top floor. When he got off, he went right up to the secretary. “I’m here to see Ms. Destine.”
“And you are?” he asked.
“Detective Matt Bluestone.”
“Oh! Go right in. Ms. Destine has been expecting you.”
I bet she has. He nodded, approached the door, and knocked. He heard Demona’s voice telling him to enter and he did so to see her seated at her desk.
“Detective,” she said pleasantly as she gestured to the chair opposite her. “Please, have a seat.”
Matt, as he closed the door, was tempted to remain standing but decided to humor Demona and besides, some common courtesy may prompt her to answer his questions. He sat as Demona folded her hands and placed them on the desk. “You did have that pill created, didn’t you?” he asked calmly.
“Yes,” she replied just as calmly. “Of all the humans who could have received it, you never crossed my mind. Then again, considering your position as head of the Gargoyles Protection Force, it’s fitting that you would get it.”
“Why did you have it created? What was your motive?” Matt kept his cool as it was getting Demona to answer him.
Her brow furrowed, clearly trying to frame her actions with words. “Almost two years ago, I hired a pair of thieves to steal a magic mirror called Tatiana’s Mirror. I summoned a fey called Puck with that mirror. My original purpose was to stop turning to stone.”
“Wait. Is that the same night Elisa became a gargoyle?”
Demona pursed her lips. “Yes. Puck twisted my request for his own amusement.” Her lips then flicked up. “You and all of Manhattan were briefly gargoyles that same night, though none of you remember that. In any event, Puck granted my original wish, but not in the way I had wanted. I was furious when I discovered what he had done, but a little while later, I began to re-assess the situation. I wasn’t turning to stone, no one was giving me a second look, and I used my human form to my advantage. I eventually started this company where I can plot the end of humanity. The point, detective, is that I have come to regard my human form the gift that it is. I had decided to share my kind of lifestyle with another and that is why I had the pill created.”
“You wanted to share it with a random person which turned out to be me?”
“Exactly. Tell me about last night. I want to hear about it.”
Now it was Matt’s turn to gather his thoughts. “It was painful as I’m sure you’re well aware of. My skin is a soft gold color, my wings and tail are similar to Goliath’s. I learned that there’s no cure and I have gained abilities of healing faster and being stronger in human form. I did get some gliding practice and learning combat moves. I still have my job. Tell me, Demona: You didn’t give any thought to how this ‘gift’ could disrupt the person’s life, am I right?”
“Correct. I did not. Make no mistake: I still hate humanity despite what I gained from it. If I could have all of humanity eliminated, I would do it.”
“The clan won’t let that happen. They will stop you.”
“I have no doubt of that. But consider this: I am immortal. There will come a day when you, your partner, and the clan will be gone and then I will succeed in my goal.”
Matt swallowed hard at this. He knew Demona was right in that he, Elisa, and the gargoyles would die at some point in the future but then he remembered Elisa telling him that Demona’s immortality was only because her life was tied to a man named Macbeth and only he could kill her which would kill him too. He would be around to stop her.
Matt rose from his chair. “Now that I know your motive, I will get some sleep and then go on duty.”
“Of course. Sleep well, detective,” Demona said as Matt left her office, smirking behind his back.
Chapter Seven- Aerial Patrol
“She wanted someone else to go through what she does, to share her lifestyle?” Elisa asked incredulously as they entered the station.
“That’s one way of putting it. Kind of a lame motive but clearly not to her.” Matt gave a small shrug. “I’m not going to dwell on it. The effects can’t be reversed so I’ll deal with the changes and do my job.” Matt clocked in as did Elisa and both reported to Chavez.
Chavez regarded Matt as he came in. He didn’t look any different than he did before and yet she knew he was different. Aside from being a gargoyle at night, he’s still human and a cop. He gives more creditability to having gargoyles on the force and speaking of which…
“Who’s on patrol tonight?” she asked.
“Brooklyn and Lexington,” Elisa replied.
Chavez nodded and then asked, “You’ll be up there as well, Bluestone?”
“Yes, Captain. I did some gliding practice last night and if I need some assistance, Brooklyn and Lexington will provide it.”
She gave another nod. “I find it difficult to believe both of your claims and would like actual proof.”
“I thought you would.” Matt unbuttoned his coat and removed it to reveal his modified clothes from last night before removing his shoes and socks. “It’s painful to change, but I’ll be all right,” he said before he doubled over and groaned as he felt himself change again. He resisted flaring his wings in the confined space but his eyes did glow before fading. He focused on Chavez who had leaned back in her chair, a bit taken aback by her officer’s transformation.
“You’ll go through this every night?” she finally asked.
Matt nodded. “And every sunrise which is also painful.”
“Changes of this nature makes that pain a part of it.”
“She’s right,” Matt said as they headed for the tower. Other officers did double takes as they passed, but Matt ignored them. “It is painful growing wings and a tail not to mention parts of your body taking on a different shape.”
“Losing those wings and tail would also hurt,” Elisa added.
“True, but at least the pain ends when the change does.” They reached the tower and Matt set his coat, hat, shoes, and socks behind some debris before accepting a communicator from Elisa. He went to the edge and jumped off, gliding up to where Brooklyn and Lexington were waiting for him. His takeoff was still a little shaky but his ascent was smooth. Elisa watched her partner glide off with the others and admitted that he did better than she did when it came to jumping into open air. She turned and headed back down into the station and to her car.
Matt followed his aerial partners, knowing that Brooklyn was in charge as he was the clan’s second-in-command. He was interested to see how the gargoyles did their part in keeping the people safe; that was what he was doing this time: Observing. At first, that’s what he did as Brooklyn and Lexington broke up muggings that occurred in alleyways. Most of the muggers carried weapons and Matt watched how effortlessly his partners disarmed the mugger before either knocking them out or they ran away screaming. The best part was when the person they saved thanked them.
“I’m impressed,” Matt said as they glided above the city. “I had no idea how you patrol.”
“Well, every patrol’s different,” Brooklyn said. “Sometimes we help out with burglaries and armed robberies. That was before the city learned of us.”
“Ah,” Matt said, now seeing why difficult situations in the past became easier all of a sudden. “There was a hostage situation almost two years ago that ended abruptly. I’m guessing the clan had something to do with it?”
“We did. Elisa told us about it before she headed off to it,” Lexington said.
As if on cue, there was a slight crackle on Matt’s com and Elisa’s voice said “Matt, we’ve got an armed robbery with hostages at the bank on Sixth Avenue. We could use some backup.”
Matt looked at the other two and they nodded having heard the call. “We’re on the way,” Matt responded. All three turned in the direction of Sixth Avenue.
Bullets rang out and the gargoyles dived behind the tellers’ counter. The employees were huddled under the far side of the counter and some gestured for them to join them. Matt knew they were scared and in fear of their lives; as a cop, he had vowed to protect and serve, the former becoming more important now that he was a gargoyle.
“Lex, protect them,” Brooklyn said. “Matt and I will handle the robbers.”
Lexington nodded and went to the employees to guard them while Brooklyn directed Matt to the other end of the counter silently. He nodded and crawled over on all fours before looking over at Brooklyn who was in the middle and peering over the counter. A shot rang out and Brooklyn ducked down.
More shots rang out and then Matt heard the clicks that indicated empty guns. He took a deep breath, slowly let it out, and then leaped over the counter with a roar. The sound stunned the robbers for a moment which was what Matt had intended.
He landed in the midst of the humans and shoved them aside as well as grab their guns from them. The robbers screamed in fear and Matt felt sure they would run out of the bank and into the police’s waiting arms.
He then heard a gunshot ring out and felt pain in his wing. Another shot and he hit the floor as pain went through his shoulder. Shoot. Someone had another loaded gun, he thought as he roared in pain. He heard Brooklyn roar in anger and saw him charge the men. Matt grunted as his injuries throbbed and he put a hand to his shoulder.
“Matt? Matt!”
He looked behind him to see Elisa come rushing over while other officers cuffed the robbers, checked on the hostages, or thanked the gargoyles for their help. “You’ve been shot!” she said in alarm.
“I’ll be fine,” he said, despite the pain in his shoulder.
“I don’t think so, detective,” Morgan said as he came over. “That’s a nasty shot to your shoulder. Come on. There’s an ambulance outside that can take care of that.” Elisa and he helped Matt up.
“Yeah, okay.” Matt glanced back at his wing as they walked and saw that it was healed. Oh, yes. I definitely heal faster.
The medics in the ambulance tended to Matt’s shoulder and commented on how well his injury was doing already. Morgan also looked impressed while Elisa and Matt shared knowing looks.
Matt was soon released and he went up a fire escape to meet Brooklyn and Lexington on the roof. “You okay?” Brooklyn asked.
“Yeah. The shoulder feels a lot better.”
“That healing ability is very impressive,” Lexington commented.
It is, Matt thought as they took to the air. And I wouldn’t have it if I hadn’t taken that pill. I find that I do like this hidden gift that I received. I will thank Demona by taking advantage of being half-gargoyle.
