Gargoyles I, II, III: Dark Angel Alliance

by Rach Elle

  Quickly she ran to her door and opened it only slightly. She could hear his footsteps in the lobby as he ran for the staircase, cursing under his breath. She watched through the crack in the door as he ascended the stairs, reached her floor, and without missing a beat continued his ascent. He clearly wasn’t here for her.

  Her instincts kicked in as she slipped on her combat boots. She didn’t have time to tie them before rushing onto the third story platform and running to the spiral staircase.

  Rue had Sunders in her sights as he reached the top floor and pushed his way through the door onto the rooftop. She picked up her pace and reached it before the door closed. Slowly, she headed out into the cold, night air. She looked around and found a cinderblock on the ground nearby. She retrieved it and used it to prop the door open, thus preventing it from locking them out.

  She looked around, unable to see Sunders. A bright light emanated from the right; shining into the sky like a blue light special. She could hear commotion coming from that direction and began to head towards it. Shortly after, the image of Sunders Harper came into view. He was pulling on something. She positioned herself to get a better look and realized he was pulling a rope that was tied to a… oh my god. A young man was tied to a chair that was about to fall off the ledge. Sunders pulled as hard as he could but the weight was too much for him, dragging him further and further to the ledge. Rue picked up her feet to run and help him when suddenly a massive, winged creature beat her to it. She gasped violently as she backed into the shadows and pressed her body against the large generator.

  Her eyes were wide with shock and fear at the sight of the gargoyle. He was tall with shoulder length blonde hair. He latched onto the rope and pulled, his wings stretching backward from the strain. His tail whipped against the rooftop and his giant, dinosaur-like feet gripped into the surface. Together they pulled the boy to safety.

  Rue was stunned and speechless at what she’d just witnessed. She watched as Sunders untied the boy and they both turned and headed for the door. She panicked. She quickly retreated further into the shadows and ran around to the other side of the generator only to see more chaos and even more winged creatures. Her mouth dropped. A gargoyle with a large gut stared down Jessie Zane; the blonde Creator she’d met at United Financial.

  She looked down to see a glock that had been discarded in the shadows. She picked it up and checked its rounds; almost fully loaded. She tucked it into the waistband of her shorts and backed away, heading to the ladder that led to the top of the generator for servicing. She climbed the rusty, metal rungs to the top and crawled to the edge. The backside of the spotlight shielded her eyes from the brightness and allowed her the perfect view of the fight unfolding in front of her.

  She noticed Sunders Harper was tending to a young woman. He was untying her from a chair when suddenly the blonde Creator threw a grenade. The blast rocked her brain and muffled her hearing. Thankfully the spotlight protected her from any debris. She quickly regained her composure to see Jessie pull a gun on Sunders and the girl. Rue had to act fast. As Jessie’s finger tightened around the trigger, Rue aimed her gun and shot first. Her bullet crashed into Jessie’s gun and redirected her shot.

  Sunders and the girl tried to run away again when Jessie’s boyfriend pulled out his semi-automatic and aimed it at the duo. Rue re-aimed her gun again just as a screech pierced her ears. The man turned to see something and without blinking pulled his trigger and shot it. Rue tried to see what had just happened but the spotlight had blocked her view. The screeching stopped and the girl Sunders had his arm wrapped around looked as though she was about to cry.

  Rue couldn’t explain what happened next. She watched in awe as a dark cloud formed just above the hotel. The wind picked up and chilled her to the bone as the mass grew and darkened; thunder and lightning crashing within its sheer body. Suddenly Jessie’s boyfriend started to scream as he was being pulled toward the storm. He latched onto Jessie’s leg and she too cried for help. Rue gasped, inhaling the freezing air and stinging her lungs as the man and woman were suddenly vacuumed into the mass; disappearing into the void.

  Rue was suddenly frightened beyond comprehension. She crawled back toward the ladder and climbed down the old metal rungs as quickly as she could. Moments later she gathered her courage and was about to run back to the door when the girl and Sunders reemerged to watch the spectacle. Shit!

  She didn’t want Mr. Harper to see her there. She didn’t want him to think she’d followed him. She barely knew him. She didn’t know how long he’d been immersed in this world of gargoyles and she didn’t know how well he’d take to an outsider looking in. Instead she remained in the shadows behind the generator, wrapping her arms around her torso to shield herself from the cold.

  She could hear happenings on the other side of the rooftop. She heard screaming, explosions; something crashing through the spotlight and the sickening electrocution as a result.

  Finally, after what seemed like forever, the commotion stopped. The wind had dissipated and the chaos and hysteria had died down to rational conversation. Rue remained still, only able to catch a few words here and there. When the night air was finally still and quiet she peered around the generator and headed toward the clearing. Everyone was gone.

  She walked into the clearing, looking around in shock at all of the damage. A gaping hole from the grenade was only the beginning. There were craters everywhere, shards of glass covering the surface, and the stench of burning flesh filled her nose. She wondered where Sunders and those monsters had gone; but most of all she was thankful it was all over. One thing was for sure; her faith in Sunders Harper had been renewed. He was an accomplished Finder, even if the rest of the DAA didn’t think so. This was very good news. Maybe she would have some real progress to write home about after all.

  With a smile on her face she raced back to the door only to find it shut. She looked around for the cinderblock that had been propping it open and found it on the other side of the rooftop. She grabbed onto the handle and tried to open the door, but it had locked from the inside. She was stuck. Shit.

  4

  Junior entered the castle, having had just advised Tauggle to take the now recovering Zeff to his room. To his surprise, the Limrid actually listened to him. He crooked a brow at the thought of Tauggle. He hadn’t quite been able to figure him out. The creature knew of the prophecy and Awilda’s involvement. At first glance anyone would assume he had injected himself into their clan for the sole purpose of protecting the girl and seeing the prophecy through to fruition; but something about that theory didn’t sit right. Tauggle seemed to truly care for Awilda. He protected her – and the rest of them – earlier this evening. He followed her everywhere she went and Junior had a feeling it wasn’t just because she was his master.

  As he moved down the corridor, hearing the footfalls of the rest of the clan that followed behind, a small smile reached the corner of his lips. Awilda was right to free the Limrid. Tauggle had compassion for her and whenever the prophecy decided to rear its ugly head, an enamored Limrid should prove more than useful.

  Junior rounded the corner and entered the ballroom, his smile fading instantly. Across the marble expanse stood Kingsley, wearing a pair of jeans and a blue plaid shirt. He leaned on his cane for the support he didn’t need as he locked eyes with Junior.

  With a deep sigh Junior closed the distance between them. He could tell the rest of the clan had dispersed; some went upstairs, Bawli went to the kitchen, and Awilda and Sunders remained in the living room. He reached the old man and realized he was pissed.

  “Why didn’t you come get me?” Kingsley asked in a hushed whisper. “I came in here to talk to you and instead I find Dr. Crispin lying at the foot of the stairs. After I finally got him back to his room he starts mumbling something about Awilda being in danger and how you went to go rescue her.”

  “And I did rescue her; you’re welcome.”

  “That’s beside the point,” Kingsley snapped. “
I’m her shifter; you should have told me!”

  “That’s exactly why I didn’t,” Junior squared his shoulders and towered over the old man. He watched as Kingsley compensated by straightening his posture, removing all weight from the cane. “The last thing I needed was a shifter that was emotionally overwhelmed.”

  “Emotionally overwhelmed?” King sniffed.

  “Yes, you would die to protect Awilda; but let’s not forget the stunt you pulled at the park. I had no idea where your head was at and I couldn’t take the risk.”

  Kingsley’s eyes hardened, “Awilda has forgiven me, you know.”

  “I know”, Junior nodded. After a moment of silence he pinched the bridge of his nose, regretting his next words. “The thing is, King; you were right.”

  “What?”

  Junior took a deep breath, “About all of it.” He dropped his hand and looked into the old man’s eyes. “Awilda is the destroyer. That whole thing about the destroyer being a gargoyle; yeah, that’s not the case. I saw it with my own two eyes; there’s no denying it anymore.”

  Kingsley could feel his heart breaking as he listened to his friend speak. It wasn’t the words that saddened him, it was the way Junior said them. His voice was exhausted, distraught, and even this six-foot-six giant couldn’t stop it from quivering. He wanted to embrace his friend, but he knew Junior wasn’t exactly the touchy-feely type. Neither was he, for that matter. So instead he stood completely still, watching the torment in those piercing blue eyes.

  Finally, after what seemed like eternity of the two of them standing in silence, Kingsley spoke roughly, “I know.”

  Junior furrowed his brow, “What?”

  Kingsley took a deep breath, “It’s time you know the truth kid; I’ve always known Awilda was the destroyer. That whole speech I gave in the park about wanting to die before Elizabeth; well, that was very true, actually. But I made up the bit about the destroyer being a shifter.”

  “Why?”

  “I had to give you some explanation that would debunk the idea I’d worked so hard to put in your brain.”

  “I don’t understand,” Junior shook his head, feeling his body tensing with anxiety. “If you knew all along then why did you even save her in the first place?”

  Kingsley exhaled audibly, “Two reasons: One; I’m her shifter, it’s kind of what I do; and two; because God wanted me to.”

  Junior scratched his head, hoping the friction would somehow untangle the web of confusion he had in his brain. He tried to think of some intelligent question that would answer everything, but all he could manage to say was, “What?”

  “I’m a God-fearing man, Junior; you know this. I believe we are all to live according to His plan. I thought the good Lord gave me the destroyer as a Responsibility for a reason; to end the prophecy. I knew you were the savior and didn’t understand in the beginning why I needed to be involved, but after seeing the way you took to the girl I realized – I wasn’t supposed to protect her; I was supposed to orchestrate her death.” He watched as his friend clenched his jaw and stared at the floor, trying to process his words. He continued cautiously, “You’re much too kind-hearted for this burden, Junior. You don’t deserve the weight that has been dumped on your shoulders. But it’s yours, kid; I was just hoping to give you a helping hand. That’s all.”

  “You still didn’t answer my question; why did God want you to save her?”

  Kingsley slowly shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. “I don’t know. I had done everything I thought I was supposed to do. I had convinced you; I had put distance between us so that I wouldn’t be affected by your act. But then that Limrid of hers lured me to the park. There was no turning back then. It was a clear sign from our Lord and savior that her untimely end was not meant to be this way. So I stopped it. I am but a humble servant, after all.” His last words were laced with bitterness.

  Junior thought for a moment, “Why do you think it was God that brought you to the park?”

  Kingsley’s eyes popped in question, “What do you mean?”

  “Why would He allow you to go through all that trouble only to have you turn back at the last second?”

  Kingsley shrugged again, “The Lord works in mysterious ways.”

  “And the devil works in devious ones.” Junior looked into Kingsley’s aged eyes. He watched them harden at the realization of his implication.

  “The devil does not control me,” Kingsley’s voice was flat, “he is not welcome here; nor will he ever be.”

  “Who did you say brought you to that park again?”

  “The Limrid; Tauggle.”

  “And what is a Limrid by definition?”

  Kingsley could feel his heart plummeting into the pit of his stomach. In a low voice he answered, “A minion of Satan.”

  “So a satanic minion brought you to the park and yet you think it was God that was behind it?” He waited for Kingsley to respond. When the old man said nothing, he continued, “Face it, if there was a higher power at work, then you were played by the devil.”

  “And you’re not being played?”

  Junior narrowed his eyes, “What are you saying?”

  “Oh come on, you can’t really think it’s a coincidence that the girl you’ve fallen so desperately in love with just happens to be the prophesized destroyer. It’s like you said; devious ways.”

  “Actually, you’re both wrong.”

  Kingsley jumped at the sudden voice behind him. “Jesus,” he said as he whipped around to see Tauggle standing with his hands behind his back and a smile on his face. “You can’t just pop out of nowhere like that.”

  “You get used to it,” Junior said flatly. His eyes locked on the Limrid’s, “What do you mean we’re both wrong?”

  Tauggle walked toward them and joined their little powwow, “I’m sorry to tell you, but there was no divine intervention. I lured you to the park on my own volition.”

  Kingsley crooked a brow, “How can you be so sure?”

  “Believe me, I know,” Tauggle’s eyes dimmed, “I’ve been called upon to do my master’s bidding a time or two. It’s like this incisive itchy feeling that if you try to ignore it turns into a burning sensation. You know, like someone just threw boric acid on you.” He looked at the odd expressions the two shifters were giving. “Don’t tell me no one’s ever thrown boric acid on you before.”

  “Why the hell would anyone do that?” Kingsley scowled impatiently.

  Tauggle cocked his head to the side, “I can’t imagine, seeing as how you’re such a joy to be around.” He looked back to Junior, “My point is; neither God nor Satan intervened that night. To be honest, I don’t think they can.”

  “Why not?” Junior asked.

  “The prophecy was kind of like a verbal contract. It is set to happen every five-hundred years; no more, no less. You couldn’t have ended it that night if you truly wanted to. That’s why there’s a ward of protection on you.”

  Junior looked at the Limrid curiously.

  Tauggle continued, “Let’s face it savior, with all that you’ve been through; you should be dead by now. But you’re not. The ward extends to your Responsibility as well; for without her you wouldn’t exist. That’s probably why her cancer hasn’t taken her yet.” He stepped back as the eyes of the two shifters suddenly flashed to red. He held his hands up to calm them down. “Now, now,” he sang, “Let’s not go all half-cocked. I’m simply telling you what I know.”

  Junior’s red eyes faded back to blue. He stood in silence next to an aggravated Kingsley for only a moment before speaking, “The devil tried to kill me.” That brought Kingsley’s eyes back to brown and his attention to him. “On the rooftop; I would have died if it hadn’t been for Awilda.”

  Tauggle nodded, “Ah, yes, I was debriefed as we waited for Zeff’s operation to finish.”

  “How could he have killed me if I had a ward of protection?”

  “He couldn’t; he was just trying to throw his weight around a bit, I suppose
.”

  “Why?”

  “Well, see, there are two things you should know about old Lucifer. Number one; don’t call him Lucy for short. He hates that. And number two; to put it in a way you Americans can understand… he’s a dick.”

  Junior shook his head in confusion, “Then why did you try to save Awilda in the first place? If you knew I wouldn’t be able to kill her, I mean.”

  Tauggle shrugged, “Just because you couldn’t end her life didn’t mean you couldn’t try. The poor girl would have endured a lot of pain that night if you had actually slit her throat and she was alive to feel every second of it.

  “Also, to be honest,” he continued, “I couldn’t be completely sure that that night wasn’t the start of the prophecy. If it was, then I must say; it was the most lack-luster beginning I have ever seen. But then again, we’re living in different times now. Back then you could join an angry mob just about any night of the week. It wasn’t difficult to rally the troops for an all-out war. The beginning of the prophecy was big, boastful, and all encompassing. Now it could be just another excuse to complain on your computers. No one would flock to the scene because they’re all inside listening to their records and playing with their pinwheels; or whatever you humans do for fun nowadays.” Tauggle sighed, “Your race just isn’t as much fun anymore.” His ears perked at the sound of Awilda nearing the ballroom. He smiled, “I should really be going now, gentlemen; tata.” He disappeared.

  Kingsley whipped his head in all directions, looking for the Limrid. When it was clear he was gone for good he turned back to Junior, “That little shit gives me the creeps.”