Defenders of the Night (C), BTAS [Crossover]

[Bleu Unicorn]

After talking with some friends about the series Gargoyles, I had the insane idea to start a fanfic. (I'm impulsive like that.) So, while this is definitely still very much unfinished and still quite crude, I figured I'd post it and force myself to write it. Props to Borg4of3 for this incredibly interesting idea and to whom I dedicate this to (and blame for). And a warm thanks for everyone that hasn't left me alone and bugged me to death to post something! Too many people to list here, unfortunately, but you all know who you are -- and I'm sure you won't stop.

Anyhoo, 'nuff of my ramblings...on with the fic.

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Note: Batman and all related characters are owned by Warner Bros. and DC Comics. Gargoyles and all related characters are the property of Walt Disney and Buena Vista Telivision. They are used respectfully and without permission.

Rating: C

The story takes place during BTAS continuity (so sorry no Nightwing :D) and, for those familiar with Gargoyles, during the "World Tour" (the episodes following the "Avalon" arc).

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Chapter One

Four silhouetted figures traveled up Gotham Harbor, cloaked in the shadows of the early evening sky. Avalon had been kind this time around, its enchanted magic cursing them with barely a day on the water before reaching their destination. Of the four, only one stood astride the long, ornate boat. Methodically he rowed, his large muscles rippling slightly from the strain. They reached the shoreline, disembarking one at a time and together they pulled the skiff into the safe concealment of a nearby alley. Cautiously, they walked the dark streets. Concealed in the shadows, they were safe from the scrutiny of passersby, but all of them knew their purpose. Avalon had sent them to this new place for a reason, though still yet unclear.

A streetlight illuminated the other end of the block, casting eerie shadows along the dilapidated buildings that surrounded them. A young woman’s scream pierced the quiet air, sending all four on alert. Without a moment’s hesitation, they ran to find the potential victim.

Around the corner, the unfortunate punk met his match. From nowhere, three pairs of glowing eyes appeared. He heard growling. And then a mighty roar as he was lifted off the ground. His last conscious memory was of being flung through the air like a rag doll across the street. Then the world went black. He woke up hours later, at Gotham City Police Department where—to his shock—his story was laughed at. But, he knew the truth. He had seen them. Whatever they were.

~~=*=~~=*=~~=*=~~

Bruce Wayne walked down the massive stone steps, scattering bats with every step. Downstairs, his butler Alfred dutifully dusted one of the vast weapons’ cases. He paused at the threshold of the cave, allowing his eyes to adjust to the dim lighting. On silent feet, he descended the last flight of stairs, crossing the expanse of the Batcave to the vault room. There he quickly changed into his suit, feeling rushed as if sensing the need for his presence on the streets of Gotham.

He emerged, pulling the cowl over his head, then fastened his gauntlets to each wrist. “Alfred, any news?”

“Not particularly, sir. Though, there was a reported ‘monster sighting’ in Crime Alley.”

Batman smiled thinly. “Amusing,” he replied. “When does Dick arrive?”

“About four minutes ago.” Both men turned towards the voice’s speaker. Dick Grayson skipped down the few remaining stairs, a wide grin plastered on his face. “Spring break, isn’t it great, Bruce?” Dick asked, walking to the vault, reemerging shortly after dressed in his Robin costume.

With barely a good-bye, the two hopped into the Batmobile and sped out of the Cave. “Alfred says it’s been quiet lately.” Robin commented, breaking the silence of the Batmobile.

“That’s the time to be the most diligent,” Batman replied tersely.

Robin nodded his agreement, turning to face forward. The Batmobile raced along the streets of Gotham, the engine softly humming. Robin saw them first. Overhead two large shadows rolled along the top of the large, long car. He blinked and strained his eyes to make out what he had seen, while, Batman abruptly halted the vehicle causing the two to lurch forward against their respective seatbelts. They glanced at each other in unison, both carrying mirrored expressions.

“What was that?” Robin finally asked his face full of shock.

“I’m not sure.”

“You don’t think?” Robin inquired, lifting a dark brow at his mentor.

“No,” was the quick reply. Batman was not one to believe in the impossible or illogical. If there were monsters in Gotham City, there was a rational and intelligent reason behind it. However, the uncertainty of the true culprit gave him no solace. Pushing aside his own fear—if one could call it that—he revved up the engine and steered the Batmobile back onto the street. Robin leaned back in his seat, silently wondering what was running through Batman’s mind.

Batman pressed a button, opening the communication’s link with the Batcave, “Alfred, tell me about these ‘monsters.’”

“Apparently they—whatever they are—broke up a potential mugging. When the assailant finally regained consciousness, he immediately began a story about some huge purple beast.”

“Purple?” Robin guffawed, “Taking design lessons from the Joker?”

“Did the victim have any input?” Batman asked, ignoring Robin’s laughter to the right of him.

“She ran off before the attack, according to her statement.”

Batman grunted. “Alfred, was their any mention of specific features?”

There was a pause while Alfred quickly scanned the report, “The only thing the man remembered was that whatever it was, it was a light purple color and quite large.”

“Was it just the one?”

“I couldn’t say, sir.”

“Thank you, Alfred. Batman out.” He depressed the button again, closing the link, never taking his eyes off the road.

“But there were two shadows—“

“I know, Robin.” Batman interrupted.

“Do you think—“

“Definitely.”

“Glad we got that straightened out.” Robin quipped, facing forward once again, his arms crossed over his chest. Batman turned into an alley off to the left. He cut the engine and removed his seatbelt as the canopy slowly moved forward. Simultaneously the two crime-fighters jumped out of the Batmobile and with the touch of a single button on Batman’s belt, the canopy retracted and the vehicle shifted into lockdown mode. Batman took out a jump-line, shooting it above his head, Robin mirroring his every move. They reached the top of the building in mere seconds, scanning the streets below as they walked along the rooftops.

Batman caught sight of it first, a young woman being dragged into an alleyway, fighting in vain to free herself from the viselike grip. He took off running and with a flying leap landed on the next roof, Robin only a few steps behind him. In record time, they reached the alley. The young woman’s eyes grew even larger with fright at the sight of Batman, but with her attacker’s hand pressed firmly over her mouth, she had little ability to react. The man, to his credit was oblivious to the presence of the Dynamic Duo, preoccupied with pilfering the poor woman’s purse. Batman took a few steps closer, standing slightly behind the man. He softly tapped the thief on the shoulder, patiently waiting for a response.

“Hey, what’cha—“ The man started to rant, turning to face the source of the tap. The shock wore off quickly and he dropped the purse. He threw a punch at Batman, who deftly avoided it and the next dozen or so that followed. Growing tired of the game, Batman snuck in an attack of his own. Batman caught a punch in his hand, squeezing the other man’s hand painfully then elbowed him sharply in the gut, sending him sprawling on the ground and gasping for air. The woman, slightly disheveled from her attack, stared on in complete disbelief, opening and closing her mouth. Robin walked up between the two, bent down and gathered her few belongings, scattered across the alley floor, while Batman cuffed the attacker, suspending him from a nearby fire escape with a length of rope.

The woman, shocked tremendously snatched her purse from Robin without a word and ran off towards the street.

“What? No ‘thank you,’” Robin mumbled, grinning slightly. He glanced back at Batman, who was examining a pile of crumbled brick and rock, or so it appeared. “I’m missing something, aren’t I?”

“Look at these bricks, Robin.” Batman stated and Robin walked over, bending down to examine closer. Batman tapped the side of the building and Robin’s mouth fell open. Imbedded in the brick and mortar was a claw mark approximately a foot long and several inches deep.

“Whoa,” Robin breathed, mesmerized by the sight.

“This pile of brick rubble here is what used to be where that mark is.” Batman said, taking a few choice pieces and placing them in a small plastic bag, which he then inserted into a compartment in his utility belt.

“What could possibly be that strong?” Robin asked, running a gloved hand through his tousled hair.

“I’m not sure, Robin.” He replied over his shoulder, walking back to the Batmobile. Robin trotted off behind him and he would later swear that from the shadows, at the far end of the alley came the sound of a deep growl.

They patrolled the rest of Gotham in silence and it did not go unnoticed how tame the city seemed. Finally, on the brink of Robin’s boredom, they returned to the Cave.

~~=*=~~=*=~~=*=~~

“Are you nuts?” Elisa Maza raged, pacing back and forth across the width of the alley. She stopped, turning to face the unlit alley, pushing her long, dark hair over her shoulder, “This is crazy and you know it. It’s dangerous and dumb. How do we even know we can trust him?”

“Because he has the same ideals that we do, Elisa.” From the shadows, he took a step forward bathing him in the pale moonlight and tucked his dark purple wings around his shoulders. He was called Goliath and to look upon him one instantly understood how he acquired such a name. He was a massive eight feet tall with broad, hulking shoulders, arms and legs so muscular they appeared chiseled out of granite itself and ending with humongous hands and feet, tipped with claws so strong they could break into stone itself. In his birthplace of Scotland, some 1,000 years ago, he was feared for his size and strength. Among his kind, he was revered as a brave warrior and leader.

“You’re talking about a potential madman!” Elisa replied hotly. “You saw what he did to that thug! He hung him from a fire escape! And you think he’s going to keep your secret?” She glanced behind the mammoth beast, silently asking for input from the other two. When no reply came, she continued, “Besides, how do you know you’re safe here? We don’t even know where we are.”

“Avalon sent us to fulfill some task and until we figure out that task, we must find shelter.”

“Father,” a female voice spoke up and into the light emerged another creature, Angela. “Perhaps Elisa is right. We know nothing of this place.”

Before anyone could comment further, the third and final beast bounded into the dim light, not wanting to be alone in the shadows. Unlike the two lavender-colored creatures, this one was a greenish-blue. He padded over to Goliath on all fours. Bronx’s differences did not end there; he had no wings, but rather sported three massive spikes on his slightly rounded back. He obediently sat at Goliath’s feet, wagging his small tail like an excited puppy dog.

Goliath huffed out a breath. “Do we have a better suggestion?” He asked, crossing his arms across his chest.

“I’ve contemplated a lobotomy,” Elisa mumbled under her breath. Louder, she replied, “No.”

“Well then I suggest we find this Bat Man.” Goliath drawled slowly. He turned back into the alley and jumped onto the side of the building, digging his claws into the hard, cold concrete and climbed to the roof. Bronx scampered after him, racing up to his master, leaving Angela and Elisa alone on the ground.

“Sometimes I wonder if part of his body doesn’t stay rock hard, even at night.” Elisa muttered, hopping onto the female beast’s back, as she slowly clawed her way up to Goliath. When they reached the roof, Elisa jumped off Angela’s back and walked up to where Goliath stood at the edge of the roof.

“Dawn is coming and we will need to sleep.” He intoned, his deep voice rumbling softly. Elisa nodded her agreement and without a moment’s hesitation was lifted into his arms as he leaped off the side of the building, extending his large wings.

Angela dutifully followed, carting Bronx along. “You need to go on a diet, boy.” She joked, catching an updraft that lifted her to her father’s level. “Where exactly are we going?”

“There,” Goliath replied. Angela followed his gaze and marveled at the impressive structure that was the Gotham Clock Tower.

[Kylewayne]

Finaly! I was hoping for a Gargoyle/Batman crossover from a long time ago and someone actually did one! Yay! *does a happy dance* I mean Gargoyles and Batty are alike^^ They are both creatures of the night :D
So far I love the story Bleu :) I can't wait for Goliath to meet Batman and vice versa^^ I just hope their first meeting isn't a pleasant one :D

Please don't make eliza fall in love with Batman..... :rolleyes:

One more thing^^ when is part two coming? *duck*

[Borg4of3]

Woohoo! I love it! And as I read on, you make me realize how much the two series have in common. And Batman, before he even meets Goliath, is a 'tad' scared :p - nice touch!:D My only problem is that Elisa is either a bit off character, or just in a really pissy mood. Unless she was freaked out by Batman, which would kinda make sense :p

Great start to what is sure to be a great fanfic! Can't wait to find out what other characters you've chosen to feature!

[AceOfKnaves]

Love the story Bleu! I haven't thought about the Gargoyles in some time, but I used to follow their stories years ago. Can't wait for the next part hon!

Woo Hoo!!! :D

[Calico]

Yes, yes, YES! So worth the wait (but don't make it a habit, 'kay :D ). This was such a good read, I mean really amazing. I just wish I'd watched more Gargoyles. *Bops Bleu* You should have told me about it sooner! Just kidding hon! I love it, I really do. *hugs!*

[Fish]

Awesome Bleu!
I am looking forward to the next chapter or rather episode as I like both series and have the voices and pictures ready in my head when reading :)

Keep it flowin'!

<>< F I S H ><>

[Bird Boy]

Well, I gotta say this is the first Fan Fic I've ever read... (what? it's true)..and it was absolutely awesome! :)

*waits for Part 2*

-BB

[Joker85]

Great story bleu! All my gargoyles memories are coming back to me now. I mean, I had even forgotten their names. Can't wait to read chapter 2!

PS: the last line was cool! :D

[Bleu Unicorn]

Thank you all so much. The praise warms my heart. It's not a secret that I'm rather an overly insecure writer. So putting this out there so soon after writing it really is nerve-wracking for me. Knowing that it impresses you all really makes it worth it. For the record, don't expect chapters to appear this quickly. With mid-terms starting this week, I'm very strapped for time.

Borg, all I'm saying is, watch and see. All shall be explained -- and in typical Gargoyles style to boot! (Just 'cause I can, too.) And KW, don't worry. Anyhoo, on with the ficcy.

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Chapter Two

Goliath flew on ahead of his young daughter, landing gracefully on the balcony of the clock tower and gently lowered Elisa back to the ground. “One thing I’ll never get tired of,” she commented, ducking out of the way when Angela all but threw Bronx onto the ground beside her.

Tucking her feet in and arching her wings the young creature landed expertly on the railing, clamping the claws of her feet around it to sustain balance. Bronx jumped up, shook from head to rump and scampered around the small balcony, sniffing every inch of it.

“It’s very beautiful,” Angela stated slowly, turning to gaze below her at the city. “It’s so...big.”

Elisa nodded, “Looks a lot like home.” She shivered slightly and tucked her hands in the pockets of her leather jacket.

“You miss it, don’t you?” Angela asked and Elisa nodded, a small smile crept across her face. “I understand.” She replied solemnly as the first light of dawn struck her.

Elisa glanced to her left at Goliath, standing serenely at the railing his large hands clasped around it. Bronx lay curled at his feet. Even in sleep, Elisa thought, gargoyles were still a sight to behold. She turned her gaze back to Angela, sad features now frozen in cold stone. Brushing her fingers along the girl’s cheek, Elisa whispered, “I know you do.”

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Batman sat at the Batcomputer, silently staring at the text scrolling across the screen. He had been analyzing the pieces of brick for hours and had little to show for it. Every test came up negative. There were no traces of anything foreign in the brick. There was no known creature that was strong enough to cause marks that deep as far as he knew. He glanced at the photograph he had taken, running a gloved finger across the length of the mark. The computer had compared it to every known claw scrape and nothing had matched.

Alfred walked up from behind, glanced down at the picture and grinned. “I’d hate to imagine the damage the owner of those claws could do to someone in a fight.”

Batman nodded, “Leave a common street mugger unconscious on the ground for hours.”

“Hey, Bruce, look what I just found!” Dick exclaimed, jogging up to join the others. “I found this old news report about gargoyles in Manhattan.”

Alfred glanced over his shoulder, skimming the short article. “I remember this, there was never a confirmed sighting, but the report said that there were sightings of them flying in the sky.”

“As I recall, they were robots. Correct, Alfred?” Batman asked, pulling back his cowl to wipe the sweat from his brow with a damp cloth. Alfred nodded.

“Do you think a robot was what this guy saw?” Dick asked incredulously, handing the sheaf of papers to Alfred, who meticulously straightened them out, before filing them away again.

Bruce didn’t answer, instead, he pulled the cowl back over his head and walked over to the Batmobile. Without a word, he jumped in, closed the canopy and sped out of the cave. Dick frowned, clenching his hands into tight fists. Alfred walked up behind him, but before the butler could utter a word, Dick stormed off upstairs to the manor. Alfred closed his eyes, softly clucking his tongue. Some things just would never change, he thought with a small sigh.

Batman drove straight to the GCPD, reaching it in barely three minutes, a record even for himself. On silent feet, he exited the vehicle. He reached the ledge outside Jim Gordon’s office easily, more out of habit than true skill after all these years. Without making a sound, he opened one of the windows and entered the office. Gordon sat in his chair, his back to Batman, reading an open file on his desk.

“Jim?” Batman asked softly.

Gordon gave a start, strewing papers about his desk. “Sometimes I think my heart can’t take entrances like that.” He muttered but a smile crossed his features. Batman was one of the people he most respected in Gotham City, even if his identity remained a complete mystery to the Commissioner. He ran a hand through his graying hair. “I trust you’ve heard about the...” he trailed off at Batman’s almost imperceptible nod and shoved a file folder towards the dark-clad figure, standing just far enough from the desk to stay cloaked in the shadows of the dimly lit office.

Batman picked up the file, slowly flipping through the pages. “What do you make of it?” Gordon asked after a few moments of silence.

“It’s dangerous to be a common thief,” Batman replied, exiting the way he came before Gordon could formulate a comeback. He narrowed his eyes, peering at the open window.

“I hate it when he does that.”

~~=*=~~=*=~~=*=~~

Elisa walked down Main Street, taking in the sights and sounds of Gotham City. She stopped outside of a small convenience store, reading the various sale ads and help wanted signs. She walked inside, relishing in the smell of fresh baked goods. Hunger was becoming a feeling she was growing too accustomed to. She wandered aimlessly around the small store, pulling various items off shelves. Thirty minutes later, she was again walking down Main Street, eating a bagel and carrying a paper shopping bag.

She stopped again when she reached the GCPD, sitting down on a nearby bench. A twinge of guilt tugged at her heart at the thought of her partner, Matt Bluestone who was back home in Manhattan. She had wanted to call and fill him in on the details. But what to say? Hey Matt, guess what? We found the rest of the clan, alive and well, living on an enchanted island with elves and other fairy tale creatures? No, she couldn’t tell him, she hardly believed it herself. There were times, infrequent though they were that she wished wholeheartedly she had never discovered the gargoyles. That her curiosity had not gotten the better of her and she could live in denial. It was selfish and she knew it, but after all of the tasks Avalon had thrown at her the desire to be home again and with her family was stronger than ever.

Matt was just one in a long list of people who had no idea where she was, or what she was doing. She longed to pick up a phone and pour out the whole story, bit by bit. She had caught herself once, starting to dial her mother, just to say hello. Instead, she had chickened out, convincing herself that Avalon’s quest was indefinite and it was best not to get anyone’s hopes up. Least of all herself.

She had to protect them, too. It wasn’t just her secret to keep, after all. Goliath, Angela and Bronx and all the others needed to be kept safe. Part of her, deep down wanted them to be hers and hers alone, too. Hadn’t she said as much to Matt when he had found out about them.

She let out a long sigh, resting her chin on her fist. There were other dreams and wishes, too and possibly, they were just as selfish. As much as she tried to deny it, the truth was there in front of her. They both tried to hide it from each other—even themselves. Nevertheless, since finding their way to Avalon, she had noticed the growing change between her and Goliath more than ever before. They shared a deep friendship and respect for each other and a trust like none other that she had ever experienced. There was more, in her gut she knew it, how far that ran was sometimes more complicated than she wanted to imagine.

“Miss?” The deep male voice jolted Elisa back to reality with a sudden start. She looked up, staring into the most clear blue eyes she had ever seen. “I think you dropped this, though I’m afraid its mate met an untimely demise.” He said, holding out a chocolate chip muffin to her.

“Huh?” She asked slightly dumbfounded.

He pointed to her left and she matched his gaze to where a group of pigeons busily tore into the small brown muffin. Laughing, she said, “I wonder if they ate the plastic wrapping as well.” Grinning, she glanced back at the man. “Thank you, I’m sure my friends will be glad I didn’t loose all of their breakfast.”

“Not a problem at all, Miss—“

“Elisa’s fine.” She finished for him, standing up and gathering her belongings. “I probably should get going. Places to go and all. Thank you again, Mr—“

“Bruce. And you’re quite welcome, Elisa.” He said, smiling down at her. “Care if I walk you to your car?”

“Uh, thanks, but I’ll be fine.” She replied quickly, too quickly. She graced him with a smile and a small wave, turned on her heel and walked away leaving Bruce standing in the middle of the sidewalk staring after her.

~~=*=~~=*=~~=*=~~

Bruce stared after Elisa as she brusquely walked away. He scratched his chin, deep in thought. It was plainly obvious she was troubled by something. He had seen her sitting on the bench when he had walked out of the GCPD—after changing from his Batman suit, now safely stowed in the Batmobile. He had stood by the bench silently for almost ten minutes without her even giving him a second’s notice before he had finally said something to her. His gut told him that she was hiding something.

He shut his eyes, took a deep breath and pushed the thoughts out of his mind. He had a job to get to. He was already late. Not that his being late ever mattered before. Anyway, why did her problems matter to him? He brought his fingertips to his temples and rubbed gently, turned and walked to his car, waiting a few feet from him.

The drive to Wayne Enterprises was both uneventful and nerve-racking. The traffic was maddeningly terrible and someone had plowed into his rear fender. Luckily, they had not left even a scratch on the vintage Studebaker’s chrome finish. It was definitely turning into “one of those days” and it was no secret that Bruce was in a foul mood.

He stopped outside of his office, took a calming breath and smoothed out his features. Bruce Wayne was many things publicly, but hostile and angry were not among them. He pushed open the door and flashed a smile to all the executives patiently sitting at the conference table set up in his office. He took his place at the far end of the table, seated beside his company’s vice president Lucius Fox. The board meeting started and Bruce played his roll of bored businessman to perfection, giving himself an internal pat-on-the-back at Lucius’s face when he pulled a portable video game system out of his suit and started playing with it.

After the meeting adjourned, Bruce readied himself for the stern lecture he would get from Lucius. Outwardly he appeared completely aloof, unbothered by his immature actions during the meeting; internally, he mentally ran through the issues that still needed to be touched upon.

“Bruce?” Lucius asked after a length of silence. Bruce looked down at his hands and Lucius couldn’t help but think of a scolded child. He mentally rolled his eyes and continued, “Is there a reason that the board meeting was such a snore to you?”

Bruce forced a grin across his face and looked up, “Naw, Lucius, it was a ton of fun. I got a high score in Tetris.”

Lucius forced himself not to bang his head into the wall. Talking to Bruce was sometimes more than he could handle. “Bruce—“

“Hold that thought,” Bruce interjected, jumping up from his chair. “I’m starving; I think I’ll go get some lunch.” He walked across the room, waving over his shoulder and disappeared out the door. Lucius groaned and collapsed into one of the chairs.

~~=*=~~=*=~~=*=~~

She stood by the railing, arms casually hung over the side, staring down at the street some one-hundred-eighty feet below her. The sun dipped lower and lower into the horizon and the cool breeze blew several strands of her dark hair across her face. She turned around; wrapping her arms around her to keep the chill away just as the first cracks formed along Goliath’s sleeping body. With a loud roar, he broke free of his stone skin, stretching his body and blinking back the glow his eyes formed each time he woke. Simultaneously Angela and Bronx rose from their slumber, each shaking off remnants of their shed skin.

“I brought breakfast,” Elisa announced, picking up two bags of groceries. Bronx’s ears perked up at the word and he ran over to her, sniffing at the bags.

“Did you sleep?” Goliath asked, looking down at her, eyes full of concern.

She nodded, “A few hours.” She handed Goliath one of the bags and pulled a large leg of lamb from the other bag, which she handed to an expectant Bronx. She helped herself to one of the sandwiches then handed the bag to Angela. They ate in relative silence, watching Bronx tear into the hunk of lamb and annihilate the bone.

~~=*=~~=*=~~=*=~~

The clock tower was a normal part of Batman’s nightly patrol. It had become the last place he stopped before heading back to the Batcave. Half a block before reaching the stately building, he noticed the group standing on the balcony.

[Kylewayne]

How can eliza not see a cute hunk next to her! Ok Ok...I'm chill :D Love the continuation. I just fell a bit sorry for Eliza :( She has so many responsabilities hanging over her head.
finaly batman woke up to check the clock tower :D

All I have to say now is MORE! MORE MORE!
Yes, I'm demanding but can you blame me if I want more of the story^^
*hug*

[redDragon]

One word. More. :D Can't wait for you to post more! It's the makings of a great story.

[Joker85]

I know you have midterms or something this week, but after those are over...You must post more! :D This is great so far bleu! It's bringing all kinds of Gargoyle memories back to me! Can't wait for the next chapter! :)

[Borg4of3]

“Naw, Luscius, it was a ton of fun. I got a high score in Tetris.” :D

Bruce was sooo.... Bruce-like! He was more Bruce Wayne than he'd ever been in BTAS :p Another good set-up chapter, defining the 'daytime' characters of Bruce and Elisa, as well as subtly introducting some intriguing plot elements (wondering about those robot gargoyles, hehe). And it seems like all the characters are getting ready to finally meet each other! Wooo!

[Bird Boy]

Awesome! That was almost better than part one...aw heck, it WAS better...

That Tetris line..LOL..that was great. Eagerly waiting the next part.. :)

-BB

[AceOfKnaves]

Love this part as well Bleu! This is turning out to be a good story!!! I'm with the crowd, MORE MORE MORE!!!

[I_am_scifi]

Originally posted by Selena Kyle
Love this part as well Bleu! This is turning out to be a good story!!! I'm with the crowd, MORE MORE MORE!!!

More indeed! I'm loving this cross-over, and can't wait for the next part! It's been too long since I've read somethign about the Gargoyles, and BleuUnicorn, you certainly do them justice. Their personalities are captured just right, as are Batman/Bruce, Robin/Dick, and Alfred. I'm eagerly awaiting part 3. Keep it up man!

~I_am_scifi
"SPOON!!!"

[Bleu Unicorn]

Again, thank you all for the compliments and comments. You've all got my heartfelt gratitude. I'm pleased you all enjoy this so much. It's been fun writing it -- and I_am_scifi it's good to know that I've gotten everyone pegged so well. Actually out of all of them, Angela seems to be the hardest for me. She changes so much in the series, that it was hard to pick a point and develop her from there.

So, here it is, the moment everyone has been hounding me about, the "meeting" between Batman and Goliath. I wasn't sure how I wanted it to play out, and in a way it sort of took on a life of its own. Bit shorter than my other chapters, but I think you'll survive. Enjoy!

~~=*=~~=*=~~=*=~~

Chapter Three

Batman stopped short, squinting at the shadows standing on the clock tower’s balcony. He pulled out a small pair of binoculars from a compartment on his utility belt and brought them to his eyes. His breath caught in his throat as he focused onto the largest of the four, standing with his back to the clock face, arms crossed across his chest. He stared at the beast, for several moments before training the binoculars on the others. With a grim face, he lowered the binoculars.

“Elisa?” He asked aloud to himself. He peered through the lenses again, focusing on the back of her head.

Without shifting his gaze, he replaced the binoculars back into their compartment on his belt, removed a grapple and shot it across the street. Five minutes later, he was perched on the ledge of a building across from and several feet above the clock tower.

~~=*=~~=*=~~=*=~~

Angela sat perched on the railing of the balcony, gazing down at the city below and listening to the argument going on behind her. Part of her wanted to join in and voice her opinion, but instead the young gargoyle remained quiet. More times than she could count, Goliath had shot her down from her position. Putting her in her place, reminding her that while she was one of his kind, she still had much to learn of “the gargoyle way.”

The gargoyle way indeed, she silently seethed. She had learned from Anton Sevarius that she was Goliath's daughter. And it was Elisa, not Goliath, who had told her that Demona was her mother. These facts, coupled with the wall he forced between the two, had caused her loneliness such that she had never experienced before. “Hatchlings belong to the whole clan,” Goliath had told her, repeatedly, as if the whole clan were standing there with him. She had left thirty-five of her gargoyle brothers and sisters back on Avalon, along with three humans she had come to think of as parents. She had hoped to find her place in the world, learn from Goliath, and meet the rest of her clan.

“I don’t understand, how does all that prove anything, Goliath?” Elisa’s outraged voice pulled Angela back to the present.

“We cannot just sit and wait. And I see no one else capable of helping us in this endeavor.” Goliath tersely replied. He stood with his arms crossed tightly over his chest, almost glowering down at Elisa.

Elisa sighed and lowered her gaze to the ground. Pushing her hair out of her face, she glanced back to Goliath, saying, “I still think it’s a stupid idea. We just don’t know enough about him.”

Goliath huffed out a breath, but before he was able to comment farther, Angela let out a shocked gasp. “What?“ he all but roared at her.

“Someone is watching us,” she stated matter-of-factly, pointing a talon towards a building across the street.

Elisa walked to the banister, straining her eyes to see what the girl was referring to. “I don’t—“ she started to say, before Goliath shushed her with a raised hand. They stood watching the shadows, motionless. Without any warning, Goliath jumped off the balcony, spreading his wings and flying across the street, Angela mere inches behind him. Elisa and Bronx glanced at each other before racing to the opposite side of the tower and running down the fire escape.

The sudden movement of the gargoyles did not go unnoticed by the Dark Knight, who quickly moved to higher ground. Goliath and Angela landed in front of Batman, mere moments after he reached the building’s roof and he instinctively took a defensive stance, backing away slowly. Goliath watched Batman ready a weapon of some sort.

“Easy, nice and easy,” Batman breathed quietly, more to himself than to the two gargoyles before him.

Goliath grinned, taking a step forward and tucking his wings around his shoulders. “I would prefer it if you refrained from speaking to us like common pets.” Goliath intoned, still grinning. Batman had come to them; he should have known that would happen.

“So, you can talk,” Batman said, keeping his face blank he slowly circled the two beasts, a batarang readied in his hand still concealed by his long cape. “That mugger you attacked,” he said, glancing sideways at the female, “ended up having twenty-seven stitches to repair the cut on his face. Not to mention all of his other injuries.”

“We never—“ Angela started to say, clamping her hands into fists, her wings flaring out around her. She stopped short, noticing the black object Batman whipped into the air at her. Reflexively she caught it in one hand, turning it over in her hands. She was examining the small, metal weapon when it exploded in a burst of white light, blinding her. Smoke billowed from the small explosion and filled the young girl’s throat.

“No!” Goliath roared, as Angela coughed and tried in vain to fan the smoke away. He turned back to Batman who was charging at him with a body slam. Goliath readied himself for the blow, digging his claws into the hard concrete of the building’s roof and stayed unmovable when Batman slammed into his chest. Changing tactics, Batman wrapped his arms around the giant creature’s waist, trying to pivot the gargoyle’s weight enough to rock the animal onto the ground, a technique that had worked many times before on Killer Croc and Bane. The lavender beast was smarter than Batman had given him credit, as he stayed firmly on his feet. Batman released his grip, moving backwards in a back handspring landing on the balls of his feet.

“I grow tired of this,” Goliath said with quiet determination, as Batman threw a punch at him. He expertly avoided it and made a grab for Batman’s cape, lifting the man off the ground and bringing him level with his glowing eyes. “Enough,” he said menacingly before dropping Batman to the ground.

“Father...Goliath...” Angela called out wearily, then passed out from the smoke. Goliath ran over to her, gathering her into his arms and casting a fearsome glance at Batman.

“What have you done to her?” Goliath asked warily, standing to his full height.

With a loud growl, Bronx charged Batman, knocking him to the ground. Batman recovered quickly, throwing the gargoyle-beast off him with ease. Bronx landed in a heap a few feet away with a loud groan. Batman pushed himself back to his feet, staring eye-to-eye with Elisa poised above Bronx’s prone body, gun held firmly between her hands.

“Stay back!“ She shouted, as a batarang whizzed by her knocking the sleek black gun to the ground. She shook her wrist, trying to ease the pain and took a step forward, holding her hands in front of her palms up. “You’ve got it all wrong,” she said, taking another tentative step towards Batman.

Seeing an opening, Goliath jumped up, wrapping his long tail around Batman. Batman grunted, fighting against the tightening grasp held over him. Guilt and rage churned inside Goliath and he fought to maintain control as he slowly crept towards the building’s edge.

“What did we do to you that you find the need to attack us this way?” Goliath growled, unwrapping his tail from around Batman and instead digging his sharp claws into his shoulders, ripping easily through the leather and Kevlar of his costume. “We came to you in need of help and instead you—“

“Goliath! No!” Elisa shouted, racing to catch up with him. “You don’t want to do this.” She pleaded, imploring him with brown eyes full of fear.

Goliath shook his head, blinking back the angry, white glow in his eyes. He released his grip on Batman, who landed in a rather unceremonious heap on the ground. Goliath slumped to the ground, covering his face with his hands as Elisa stood by him, her hand gently resting on one tense shoulder.

Batman quietly padded away, kneeling down by Angela. With two fingers, he tested her pulse and from his belt, he brought out a small hypo spray, which he injected into the girl’s arm. She reacted to the antidote immediately, blinking her eyes and stretching. Shakily, she stood up and looked between Batman and Goliath, still eyeing each other with contempt.

[Kylewayne]

BRAVO! I loved it!
They finally met!
It was a fight worthy of Batman and Goliath...just what Batman would do and goliath in a situation like that. You have a nice grasp of all characters Blue^^
I simply enjoyed reading this chapter full of action.
More! more!...next week? :D

*hugs*

[Nightwing]

Awesome!! Simply awesome! But that's how I'd describe the first part, since the quality of the chapters has increased as the story has gone on!! A Gargoyles/BatmanTAS teamup is so weird yet perfect it just HAD to be done. And no one knows Gargoyles better than you, Bleu, so there aint no one better for the job! Excellent excellent work!!

[AceOfKnaves]

:eek:

Nice way to get to know someone! :D
This one is GREAT Bleu. More action, and the short ;) , awaited Goliath-Batman meeting. YAY! Can't wait for more!!!

[James]

I'll be honest, I'm not a Gargoyles fan - simply never been in the right time and place on the right bat channel. However, I the story is easy to pick up. I'm now tracing back through it after giving it a cursory scan and finding myself confortable with grammer, style and narrative I'll venture further into your world. Professionally written, and that's no ego stroking. Elegant and smooth.
:)

[Joker85]

Great chapter bleu! Great meeting between Batman and Goliath. You are really making me wish I hadn't recorded over some of my old Gargoyle tapes! Can't wait for more. :)

[Borg4of3]

The infamous standard of the crossover - the inevitable fight between the two protagonists despite being on the same side. On one side, the whole deal is kinda crappy that it 'has' to happen. On the other hand, its the most anticipated and, sometimes, the most fun :p

And you definately did this critical scene justice! Once again, fighting brought on by miscommunication and misunderstanding - common themes in Gargoyles - and a heckuva fight that really showed that you do NOT want to piss a Gargoyle off, especially the finest warrior of them all. As a Bat fan, I'm a bit unhappy Bats had to learn the hard way :p, but he's one who, tragically, usually does... and once he does... *grin*

Dead on character (which is bad for the Bat:p), and a great new chapter!

[Batgirl_2005]

Wow. I hadn't checked this story out at first (sorry :() because I have only watched a teeny bit of gragoyles and figured I'd be really lost. But I'm glad I did tonight. It's really amazing. I love your writing. Can't wait for the next part.

[M'ral]

Bleu, this is awesome!!! To this day the Gargoyles remain very high on my "favorite characters of all time" list, and I've missed them for so long...now, to see them in the same story as Batman, who heads that list...THANK YOU!!!!!!!! :D

Seriously, your writing is superb. The characters are dead-on, the situations and emotions presented are believable, there's action, drama, suspense, even a little humor...you just can't get any better than this.

To put it bluntly, this story rocks! Keep it coming! :)

[Fish]

Am I wierd or do others in here enjoy seing Batman get beat up?
I always get this ticklish feeling in my stomache when it happens...is that wrong of me :p
I LOVE your story Bleu - Can't wait until the next chapter is up :)

<>< F I S H ><>

[I_am_scifi]

Originally posted by Fish
Am I wierd or do others in here enjoy seing Batman get beat up?
I always get this ticklish feeling in my stomache when it happens...is that wrong of me :p
I LOVE your story Bleu - Can't wait until the next chapter is up :)

<>< F I S H ><>

It is interesting how Goliath was able to deafeat the Dark Knight so easily. I see it happening though. Keep it coming Bleu, you've got me hooked.

~I_am_scifi
"SPOON!!!"

[Panther]

I cannot even BEGIN to tell you how nostalgic this story is making me!!!!!!!!!!! I absolulty loved the show 'Gargoyles' (especially all the cool rewrites of Shakespeasres stuff ;)) and I'm so amazed at how well your blending it in with Batman. I love this story! :D More please!

P.S. Awesome avator Bleu! Desdemona rocks!!

[Bleu Unicorn]

[wakes up from her own stone-hibernation] Ahem, so heyo there! Anyone still reading, save Calico. I apologize profusely that it has taken me, uhm, literally months to add something here. And for the length in time, this isn't much (I'm working on Chapter Five, though). I've had an insane amount of stuff going on, which I won't bore you with - those that talk to me regularly know anyway - plus I've had a serious case of writer's block, in that I haven't had a creative impulse in a good long while.

Hopefully I can finish Chapter Five sometime in the coming week (I'll be on vacation), so forgive the lapse and shortness.

And again, much thanks for the lavish praise - I'm blushing, really. Seriously enough I'm glad that you all think of this so highly, I hope I can keep doing it justice. Oh, and Panther, I agree about the use of Shakespeare and such - and Des does rock!

~~=*=~~=*=~~=*=~~

Chapter Four

Angela stood silent for a few moments, taking in the sight before her. Batman and Goliath continued to eye each other with barely hidden disdain for each other; while Elisa was now standing by Bronx’s side, coaxing him gently awake.

The sound of a grapple hitting its mark caused all five heads to turn sharply. “Hey, what’d I miss?” Robin asked, a smile playing at the corners of his mouth as he gracefully landed a few feet from Batman.

Batman opened his mouth to speak, turning to indicate the gargoyles. But to his astonishment they had all but vanished. He let out a gruff sigh and leaped off the side of the building, shooting a line to slow his decent.

“Yeah, thanks, that really cleared everything up,” Robin muttered under his breath.

~~=*=~~=*=~~=*=~~

Once there were gargoyles in every corner of the world and while habits may have differed slightly from region to region, most lived in and above a “rookery” in clans. These rookeries were generally natural or gargoyle-made tunnels in the sides of a cliff or tall mountain, as gargoyles like to be in high, naturally protected areas. Females would lay their eggs, hiding them in these tunnels. The clan would spend their nights foraging for food and protecting both their homes and the precious eggs hidden within; while, their days spent in a type of hibernating sleep.

During the daytime hibernation, gargoyles are in a deep coma-like sleep. They cannot be awakened prematurely. They are unaware of what is taking place around them. Gargoyles do not age while in hibernation mode. Thus they mature and age about half as fast as a human being and tend to live about twice as long. During this stone hibernation, gargoyles will also undergo a regenerative process that can heal minor wounds. As stone, they are also protected from casual damage, but they are not invulnerable....

When the Iron Age of man arrived, this stone transformation that had once protected them became a liability. Men could safely seek out gargoyles during the day and easily decimate entire clans. The race of gargoyles nearly perished. But their saving grace was the fact that men feared each other far more than they feared gargoyles. At some point in history, a man and gargoyle made a pact. This man would build his keep atop a gargoyle rookery and during the day he and his archers would keep the clan safe while they slept. And at night, the gargoyles would return the favor, by protecting his home from invaders....

“Would you care for a cup of tea, Master Bruce?” Alfred’s melodious voice asked from behind him, penetrating Batman’s concentration.

“Hmm? Oh, yes thank you, Alfred,” he answered distractedly, still pouring over the various texts strewn about in front of him.

“Have you learned anything about our new friend?” Alfred asked, glancing down at a picture of a stone gargoyle, presumably sleeping. “Intriguing,” he murmured, deftly pouring a cup of tea without even watching his movements.

“Some of it,” Batman replied, pulling the cowl from his head. “Though, most of it is rather vague and boring. In fact, other than some small information about gargoyle biology and habitation from the Middle Ages, I don’t know any more than I did four hours ago.”

“You know that they are gargoyles,” Dick supplied, walking briskly over to the Batcomputer to join them.

“True,” Bruce replied wryly, “which raises more questions than it answers.” Facing the computer again, he brought up the results of an analysis he had run earlier. “This is the piece of brick I took from the claw mark.” He paused, “And there is no trace of DNA anywhere.”

“So?” Dick asked.

“So, according to everything I’ve read, gargoyles are living, breathing animals—complete with beating hearts and flowing blood—“

“Which means there’s something else out there?” Dick finished with a frown.

Bruce nodded gravely, “I believe so.”

~~=*=~~=*=~~=*=~~

From the side of the building, Goliath watched the pair swing down to the ground, waiting patiently as they got in their vehicle and drove off. Nodding to Angela, they climbed back to the roof.

“Ok, mind explaining all that to me?” Elisa asked, hopping lightly off Angela’s back. “I thought you wanted to find him and instead you end up battling him and then hiding!”

Goliath smiled slightly, “We found out what we needed.”

Elisa blinked at him, “That he lives up to his insane reputation that every newspaper in the City has for him.”

Goliath chuckled softly, “No.” He waved a clawed hand, indicating the city around them, “We found out why we’re here.”

“To fight Batman?” Angela asked incredulously.

“Not Batman,” Goliath answered in a gruff, low voice, “Xanatos.”

[Calico]

*bounces*

Weeeeeeeeeeeee!! Bleu updated her story!! :D

*ahem*

Short but sweet. The research was cool. And now we have the inclusion of Xanatos...intriguing.


As always looking forward to more! :)

[Bird Boy]

Well that was short. You big tease :p

But, like Calico said--Short, but sweet! Really lookin' forward to more, and when it's all done I'm gonna print it out and save it for reading later on.. :bosko:

-BB

[Bleu Unicorn]

Well, I know at least I still have two people still reading. Hehe. Glad you enjoyed it guys. And BB, I'm flattered, really.

As promised, Chapter Five is far longer. Comments are always welcome. Read and enjoy!

~~=*=~~=*=~~=*=~~

Chapter Five

“Come again?” Elisa asked, starring blankly at Goliath.

“Who?” Angela asked simultaneously, mirroring Elisa’s expression. “How do you know that, Fa—“ she asked, stopping abruptly at the sharp glance from Goliath, inwardly chastising herself for her slip-of-the-tongue.

“Batman said there was a mugger that was attacked. He accused us of attacking him.” Goliath answered and Angela nodded slowly.

“But we—“ Angela began.

“No, we didn’t. Someone else did.” Goliath interrupted, crossing his muscled arms across his chest. “When we saw Batman in the alley last night he examined a claw mark on the side of the building. It was there before we arrived.”

Elisa nodded, understanding immediately, “Xanatos’s robots.”

“I suspect as much, though there are still many unanswered questions.” Goliath said turning to face Gotham spread out below him.

~~=*=~~=*=~~=*=~~

Bleary-eyed and sore, Bruce fell into bed with a groan. Both Alfred and Dick had gone to sleep hours earlier, but Bruce had remained down in the Batcave pouring over the various books and clippings he had gathered on gargoyles. He couldn’t help but be relieved when they had left him alone. They both were eager to hear about his confrontation with the three gargoyles and were probably hurt at his cryptic and evasive answers. He couldn’t bring himself to tell them how miserably he had handled things. He never acted irrationally and without planning every detail, he silently reprimanded himself, pondering how he would have planned a meeting with three creatures he had always assumed were nothing but old legend and myth.

Bruce grimaced and turned onto his side to look out the large floor-to-ceiling window near his bed. The sun was already up and he found himself wondering where Elisa and the gargoyles had decided to sleep for the day. Had they returned to the Clock Tower, or had they found a new perch to rest on? What would Elisa do during the day? Where would she sleep?

Why had they all just run off?

With a jolt his thoughts turned onto a completely different path and he bolted upright. The something, or someone else, they knew what or who it was. That was why they had taken off so abruptly.

Cursing to himself, he tossed off the blankets and hurriedly threw on a robe and sprinted out of the bedroom.

~~=*=~~=*=~~=*=~~

Angela clawed her way across the building’s side, glancing intently through every window, a wistful expression on her face. Humans were such fascinating creatures, she thought. They collect, save and treasure everything. And such amazing things at that, she mused as she climbed to the roof to join Goliath and her friends, passing over the large concrete letters that spelled out Gotham City Natural History Museum.

“Whoever lives here has a great amount of possessions.” She announced when she had reached the roof.

Elisa grinned at her. “It’s a museum, Angela, not a person’s home,” she replied.

“A—what?”

Goliath chuckled softly and Elisa continued patiently, “The things in there are kept because they are important parts of history. They may have made an impact on how we lived our lives or just something interesting on an aesthetic scale. And because of that they are in this building so that people can see now these artifacts of the past.” Angela listened raptly, her head tilted to the side and Elisa felt an odd sense of déjà vu, remembering a conversation very much like this one she had had with Goliath when they had first met.

“The sun is rising,” Goliath stated matter-of-factly, halting any further explanation. No sooner had the words left his mouth, than the sun peeked over the horizon and Elisa watched in awe as his body slowly turned to stone, starting at his clawed feet and crawling slowly up his large body.

“I wonder if that will ever get old,” she said with a wry smile, and plopped to the ground at Goliath’s feet.

~~=*=~~=*=~~=*=~~

Bruce sat at the long dining room table, a cup of coffee in his left hand. Alfred stood silently next to him, methodically refilling the cup every few moments as if on autopilot. Spread across several feet of the table was every newspaper in Gotham City with an issue out before noon. Bruce was busily pursuing The Daily Squealer when Dick wandered downstairs, bleary-eyed and disheveled. He glanced from the table to a tidy pile of discarded papers at Bruce’s feet. He yawned and fell into a chair on Alfred’s left side. Without a word, the butler filled another coffee cup and handed it to Dick, who had already begun to pour over the newspapers as well.

Dick leafed through the rest of the paper he had picked up, seeing nothing of interest. Flipping it closed, he glanced at the front page again and almost fell out of his chair. Mouth agape, he gestured at the picture spread beneath a huge headline.

Bruce leaned over the table and groaned at the article. “Goliath,” he said softly, picking up the paper and speed-reading the article. Without a word he rose from his seat, knocking over the neat pile of papers on the floor much to Alfred’s chagrin. He heaved a sigh and bent to pick up the strewn newspapers.

“I guess we won’t be doing any papier mâchè after all,” he muttered softly, as Dick excused himself from the table. Still holding his breakfast plate in his hand, he scampered after Bruce, effortlessly avoiding the papers littering the floor.

Bruce was already sitting at the Batcomputer, when Dick had reached the threshold of the cave. Various books, newspaper clippings and other sources of text lay scattered about in front of him. “Certainly an interesting creature, wouldn’t you say, Dick?” Bruce asked as Dick walked towards him. “According to this,” he tapped a passage in one of the books, “they can’t fly.” Dick raised an eyebrow and Bruce continued, “They glide on air currents.”

“Have you found anything on these particular gargoyles?” Dick asked, gulping down his last bite of pancake.

“Nothing specific. Supposedly the race died out sometime after the Middle Ages. And other than the few tabloid sightings in Manhattan, there has been absolutely nothing.”

“So they were seen in Manhattan?”

“Probably,” Bruce replied absently, replaying the events of the previous night in his mind. With a sweep of his arm, he knocked the books and papers off the computer into a heap on the floor and started typing rapidly on the keyboard. “Elisa had a gun.” He stated directly, as he pulled up records of gun purchases in New York City for the last five years. Before long he had found not only the records of her gun but, among other things, her employment file at the NYPD, which was soon plastered across the mammoth computer screen.

“Eliza Maza,” Dick declared, reading through her file. “She’s a detective for the NYPD. Seems law enforcement runs in the family, both her brother and father were on the force. Dad’s retired and her brother left to do private security. She’s got a stellar record.”

“She was shot last year…with her own gun,” Bruce finished, looking up the details of the incident. “Odd.”

“Shot with her own gun and the only identifiable fingerprints on it were hers.” Dick scratched his head, missing the “oddness” of the file.

Bruce pointed to the last line of the report, “’Victim refuses to give a clear statement as to the events of the shooting. No charges filed.’”

“She’s never given up who the perp was,” Dick murmured. “What do you make of that, Bruce?”

“I’m not sure.”

~~=*=~~=*=~~=*=~~

“Thanks again, Sabrina,” Bruce said cheerfully, holding a file folder in his hand.

“Sure thing, Mister Warren,” she replied, grinning ear-to-ear.

“Wayne,” Bruce corrected.

“Where?” asked the petite redhead, glancing behind her. “I told my boyfriend he couldn’t come in here. I swear, Mister Warren.”

Bruce cleared his throat, “Bruce is fine, Sabrina.”

“Oh, ok, Mister Warren.” Sabrina giggled and flounced out of the office, much to Bruce’s relief. He collapsed into his chair, pinching the ridge of his nose where the beginnings of a sinus headache threatened. He wasn’t sure what was worse, the fact that he had the most flighty secretary in the Tri-state Area, or that there was an unknown wacko masquerading as a gargoyle on the loose in Gotham City, not to mention three real gargoyles as well. He opened the file and let out a long sigh, deciding that at this moment he couldn’t imagine anything more horrible than another minute working with Sabrina. Instead of copying the information about the bids for the new high-powered telescope WayneTech was developing, she had given him a folder of blank paper. No, not blank, he corrected himself; some of the paper had faint black lines from the toner in the copier on it.

A sharp knock on the door pulled Bruce from his dilemma. Sabrina’s fate would have to be decided later. Lucky her, Bruce silently fumed.

“Yes?” He asked and waited for the person on the other side of the double doors to enter. A moment later, Lucius strode into his office and he was lost in matters of stock quotes, mergers and other responsibilities of running Wayne Enterprises.

After a few hours of relentless business, Lucius had finally reached the end of his demanding list of necessary tasks. Bruce leaned back in his chair, folding his hands on his desk. “Lucius, there’s just one more thing,” Bruce said flatly, a frown creasing his brow.

Lucius raised a hand, “Actually, before you say that, I’ve been meaning to talk to you about—“ Bruce suppressed a groan as Lucius rushed on “—your new secretary has to go. Not only is she a horrible secretary in every way, she can’t seem to remember my name!” He finished, looking relieved to have gotten that off his chest. “Anyway, you were saying?”

“That I think it’s time to let Sabrina go,” Bruce laughed. “And on that note, I have another matter to deal with.” He said, getting up from his desk and heading for the door.

“Oh, and I almost forgot,” Bruce said, pulling something out of his jacket pocket and tossing it to Lucius. “See if you can beat my score, ok? I need something to work towards in the next board meeting.”

~~=*=~~=*=~~=*=~~

Alfred was waiting patiently downstairs in the main lobby, when Bruce exited the elevator and together they walked to his car.

“Master Dick believes he has found the gargoyle trio,” Alfred informed him, once they were safely in the car.

“Was Elisa with them?” Bruce asked, tugging off his tie. He’d never liked ties; they always felt like a noose around his neck.

“Yes, sir, I believe that’s how Master Dick recognized them,” Alfred joked lightly; waiting just a beat for any sign that Bruce might have found the remark funny. When no response was given, he continued, “They’ve perched themselves atop the Gotham Natural History Museum.”

“Good. How long till sunset?”

~~=*=~~=*=~~=*=~~

Elisa woke with a start feeling the small, thin remnants of stone gargoyle skin fall on her. Deftly she rolled away from the trio and leaped to her feet, just barely avoiding Goliath’s involuntary stretch, which could have easily knocked her off the side of the roof.

“Good thing I’m a light sleeper,” she said sarcastically, shaking the tiny pieces of stone out of her hair only to get showered with slobbery licks from Bronx. “Glad to see you too, boy,” she laughed.

“Do you generally sleep in such exposed places?” A deep voice asked from the shadows and Elisa had to swallow back a yelp of surprise. Bronx barred his teeth, growling deep in his throat, as Angela took a tentative step towards the edge of the building. A sharp glance from Goliath was more than adequate to subdue the gargoyle-beast and he obediently sat, tongue lolling out of the side of his mouth.

Angela was not so simply controlled, though. Bracing herself on the edge of the roof, she spread her wings and lunged at the source of the voice, eyes blazing a deep red. Batman stepped effortlessly out of the way and watched with a blank face as the gargoyle skidded to a stop, and on light feet turned around to retry her attack.

“Angela!” Goliath rumbled, stopping the young female mere inches from Batman’s reach. “If he had come to attack us, he had more than enough opportunity while we slept.” He said, glancing down at Elisa with a comical grin, who dutifully turned a bright shade of pink.

“I’m not here to fight. I never was—“

“You attacked us first,” Angela interjected, hardly masking her hurt and loathing.

Batman opened his mouth, but Elisa cut him off, “So, why are you here?”

“This,” he replied, pulling out a newspaper clipping and holding it up so they all could see it. Goliath’s mouth fell open at the sight, his face drained of all color. In his hand, Batman held the morning’s copy of The Gotham Herald sporting the headline: “Gargoyle Accused of Brutal Beating.”

[AceOfKnaves]

Wow! You posted! And what great parts, too!!!
You really should add story more often, hon. ;)


~Selena~