Quirky Reads

Asexual. She/Her. In my 20s.

[quirkyreads]

Another Dispatch Idea

So we hear from Blonde Blazer herself in the beginning of the game when she telling Robert about SDN she says to Robert “Most of our dispatchers are former heroes”.

So spoilers ahead. In the final act when Red Ring invade SDN Torrance Branch the other dispatchers were taken hostage.

I would have loved it if something like this had happened.

Galen: Guys I hear several vehicles coming our way.

Robert: Shit do we need to evacuate everyone.

One Dispatcher who is pulling a katana from under the desk.

Another set of Dispatch who is loading several guns.

A group of dispatchers who are heading out of the bathroom after a magical girl transformation.

Galen: I think we’re gonna have to call an ambulance. But not for us.

I think that would have been cool to see. Cause we saw something similar in Justice League Unlimited

But anyways they had a brief scene where the Watchtower is under attack and one of the attackers gets to where the civilian workers are hiding and all of them just decided to just take them. I thought it would be cool if Dispatch had something similar since Blazer herself says that a lot of their dispatchers are former heroes themselves.

[quirkyreads]

Dispatch Theory

So I have a theory of the Robertson Family within Dispatch. My theory involves the childhood of Robert ‘Robbie’ Robertson.

My theory is that Robbie wasn’t raised by Bobbie for a good portion of his life.

So let the theory ramble commence.

So we know in game that Robert ‘Bobbie’ Robertson was Mecha Man the first. The mad man decided that he was going to make a mech and become a superhero.

This ‘regular’ man made this bad boy that can take damage and has arm cannons. I’m willing to bet that if some villain heard about this some wouldn’t try to get him on their side.

I’m kind of imagining Bobbie have a type of Batman/Talia romance with some villainess. Which then made Robbie. I feel that villain mom would have kept Robbie a secret as long as she could. And I’m imagining her as more of a fighter. Because we can see in the Dispatch Comics Robbie was taught to throw hands.

Example 1- Scroll further.

I don’t know if Mecha Man Prime was a fighter, I don’t know if he did a lot of fighting outside the suit, well at least the level that Robbie and Robert did. But I think it would be neat if the combat skills came from Mom’s side of the family.

But anyway I could see villain mom handing custody over to Bobbie if it was Robbie’s best chance. I’m imagining Robbie have a similar backstory to Damian Wayne. And I could see Bobbie trying to steer Robbie to a better path. By helping people, serving the community, standing up for the people, showing them that you can still make an impact even when you have no powers. However as we know

Bobbie died suddenly and I’m pretty sure Robbie took that hard and makes sense when you think about it in game since Robbie made a new suit, made a superhero team that according to multiple sources did usher in a era of peace in Torrence. Also why he named his own son Robert, and also pushed him to give his life for the Mecha Man legacy.

Also makes it sad if it true that both Robert and Robbie didn’t know their fathers all that well.

[quirkyreads]

Hey I am working on the idea I posted a few weeks back. The title is called Code 11-9-4. He’s a snippet of the story.

The Baby Kaiju was about as tall as Punch-Up, they had dark blue scales on their skin, what was causing the mayhem was the fact they could shoot plasma blasts. Well they were attempting it, all that was happening was they would light up but wouldn’t really go anywhere.

“Aw man…that’s a baby.” Golem spoke as he made his way over to the kaiju. People then moved out of his way. If anything they were more scared of him than the kaiju.

Golem approaches the baby Kaiju, the little one makes eye contact with Golem and instantly lifts its arms towards Golem.

“I know what I need to do.” Golem states as he makes his way towards the Baby Kaiju.

“I’m a dad now.” Golem finishes as he grabs the Kaiju.

“Uh what?” Robert questioned.

[quirkyreads]

So something that has grab a hold of me and won’t let go involves dispatch. So in the game Golem can adopt a baby kaiju. Now I’m just think there is a whole procedure involving that. Like this for example:

Golem: Oh shit, that’s a baby. I know what to do.

Grabs baby.

Golem: I’m a dad now.

Robert: Is this allowed?

Galen who overheard it: We got a code 11-9-4.

Because Dispatch is based off of comics and we all know that a lot of superheroes have taken in a kid(s). I figure SDN would have a procedure in place for when a hero encounters a kid and now wants to adopt said kid.

I might make this a story.

[dirtycombatboots]

Thinking about role reversal Flambert

Villain Robert, who was raised by Shroud as a weapon against Mecha-Man, Shroud's ex husband and Robert's father. He is gifted the mantle after he succeeded.

Hero Flambae, a role model of the American Dream. A man who turned his destructive potential and inherently villainous powers into a way to protect the innocent.

Flambae, dragging his ex by his ear into SDN: You will get into Phoenix Program, or I'm not cooking for you anymore

[quirkyreads]

So does Robert becomes a dispatcher?

Or a darker more angst twist Flambae ends up critically injured during a fight, like for example getting a severe puncture lung that can’t be saved so they remove the lung and Flambae can no longer generate that much fire due to being down a lung and can breathe that much oxygen. Now he’s the dispatcher.

[dirtycombatboots]

Hey new branch idea! What if it reverse birth order of the kids? Like there several branches where Robert has Rose or Adel while he and Flambae are divorced, what if instead of Rose or Adel coming into their lives during divorce it’s CJ coming into Robert’s life?

Hear me out Robert has been divorced and doing it alone for a few years now when a call comes in that a UFO landed while he’s out on patrol and in it is a baby alien (CJ which I think Robert would name him Chase and later gets called CJ when he meets Chase/Track Star) and Robert is hit with paternal instincts like a train and now Robert is a single parent to an alien boy.

He does less Mecha Man duties but still gets blown up, CJ is placed with his namesake Chase until Robert wakes up and joins SDN.

When Flambae meets up with his estranged ex-husband he is panicking because CJ his? Or better yet if CJ looks like Phenomaman he’s thinks that Robert was his side piece and is mad because his (ex) husband deserves more than being a side piece. He’s now trying to show Robert he’s changed but now he has to win CJ’s approval.

Adopt alien baby, get back with husband, have Dahlia as firstborn and almost die, somehow convince husband to have more kids

[quirkyreads]

In this branch, Dahlia could have had more precautions since they could have seen the horns and tail. Meanwhile with Rose’s normal human appearance they could have underestimated her arrival and nearly burn Robert alive during birth/labor. Sorry for the gruesome details.

[quirkyreads]

The Time Dancer and The Shrine Maiden Chapter 9. Finally finished it. I think I'm just going to post the Links now because it is easier and also it's gonna have more elements of gore and body horror at some point. Not now but if you read the previous chapters you know.

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[quirkyreads]

The Time Dancer and The Shrine Maiden Chapter 8: Fathers and Daughters

Silkworm Shrine, 951

Utsuki woke up to the sound of singing. She laid still as she realized who was singing.

The Twins.

The same mysterious twin children that were with her when Kureha died.

Why are they back?

Her thoughts were interrupted as she heard thumping from Kureha’s room. Then she heard the door slide open. Utsuki quickly got up from the bed and cracked open her screen door to see into the hall.

She saw her sister, Kureha stumbling. She also heard her sister groaning. But it wasn’t a normal groan, it sounded different that made her stand on edge.

She opened the door and made her way to her sister.

“Kureha.” Utsuki started as she grabbed her sister's hand.

Crack!

It echoed through the hall the two sisters were in. Utsuki was on the ground. A red mark covered her left cheek. Utsuki turned towards her sister and her appearance scared her.

Her pale skin was even paler, she had a gray tint to her skin and her eyes had dark circles around them. Her mouth was opened as she just continuously groaned and she began stalking towards her.

“Kureha!” Utsuki exclaimed as she began to scoot away from her sister as she continued stalking towards her.

Loud fast footsteps could be heard. A door opened and their father, Doman rushed in. Her father whipped out one of his spell cards. The card glowed briefly before the spell was cast by throwing it at her sister.

Fumon

It was a spell that encases an enemy in silk. As expected a whirlwind exploded from the paper spell and silk formed, encasing her sister. Binding her limbs together to where she can’t move. She fell over, but was alive since she could hear her unnatural groaning.

Her father walked over to where Kureha fell and scooped up his silk encased daughter.

“Utsuki, go back to your room.” Doman ordered as he left Utsuki alone in the hall.

Scotland 997, Wyvern Castle

“I thought this area wasn’t safe anymore.” Brooklyn commented from the wagon as he saw the castle.

“There hasn’t been an attack since the vikings.” Mary commented solemnly.

“What about this Constantine guy? You guys said that he wanted Princess Katharine and this was her castle, could he have people watching?” Brooklyn questioned.

“As of late Constantine has been focusing on scouting where Kenneth and Maol Calvin are at. Since those two have strong claims to the throne and other clan heads may want them to rule than Constantine.” Finella informed the time displaced gargoyle.

“How strong are their claims?” Brooklyn inquired.

“Moal Clavin was the son of the late King Kenneth.” Mary informed Brooklyn.

“Wait…didn’t you say Kenneth had a strong claim to the throne?” Brooklyn asked, confused over Kenneth being dead but also having a claim to the throne?

“The late King Kenneth was King Kenneth the Second. This Kenneth is a cousin of the King and is trying to become King Kenneth the Third.” Finella cut in as the horse and wagon stopped at the castle.

It was strange being back here. It didn’t feel like home, it felt like a tomb. The empty castle that once was teeming with life both human and gargoyle. Now it just held the remains of his clan both shattered and intact. 

Brooklyn made his way up to where he used to roost. He got to the landing and the sight that greeted him was Goliath’s stone back. He then went closer to the edge, and he saw Lexington, Hudson, Broadway and himself also stuck in stone. 

He’s honestly shocked that the castle is this quiet. He honestly expected Demona to be here. After all, she wanted the castle for herself. Why wasn’t she here?

“That statue looks like you.” Finella commented, pulling Brooklyn out of his thoughts.

“That is me. Magus cursed us when he thought Princess Katharine died.” He corrected her.

“So your time travel story is true?” Finella questioned.

“Why would you follow me if you thought I was lying?” Brooklyn shot back.

“You’re our best chance of survival.” Finella stated.

Brooklyn looked at Finella.

“Aren’t you a noble lady?” Brooklyn inquired.

“What does that have to do with anything?” Finella shot back.

“Well why are you on the run from Constantine? You know Latin when a majority of people in this time can’t even read. You were clearly educated and the only people who can afford that are the nobles. You said that the Heads of Clans have other contenders for the throne? Does your family support Constantine?” Brooklyn pressed on trying to get to the bottom of this.

“My family has remained neutral in this.” Finella shot back.

“Then why are you out here? Shouldn’t you be holed up in a castle?” Brooklyn asked.

“And put my family on the line? If Constantine finds out where I am he’ll lay siege to my family’s home.” Finella countered back.

“And you being on the run really helping them?” Brooklyn questioned.

“I don’t know, but if they find out where I am, trouble could happen.” Finella stated.

Silkworm Shrine 951

Next Morning

“Father, may I come in?” Utsuki asked outside the screen door.

“Yes.” Was heard from behind the door.

Utsuki took in her father’s study. He was sitting on the floor while paperwork and measuring instruments strewn the table he sat at. However with her father’s usual instruments she saw metal spikes.

The same metal spikes that were inside the tree. The same tree that her father told her sealed a dangerous power. However there seemed to be more spikes present?

I found out that there is more than just one sacred tree, there is another, however there has been no silkworms in it for centuries. With just a handful of silkworms we could get the tree ready for Kureha.

That memory crossed her mind. There was another tree. But why would her father unseal both trees?

“Are those spikes from our tree?” Utsuki asked.

Doman looked shocked that Utsuki brought that up. 

“Yes.” He answered.

“There seems to be more spikes than I thought. Did you have more commissioned?” Utsuki pressed further.

“No. Remember when I had you prepare some silkworms, there were more iron spikes inside that tree as well.”

“Why did you unseal it? You always told me and Kureha to never remove the spikes within the tree.” Utsuki surveyed.

It’s necessary for Kureha’s recovery.” Doman informed his youngest.

“Kureha seemed to be at full strength since she smacked me to the ground.” Utsuki replied curtly.

“Yes her strength seems to be back for now but there have been reports of that strength quickly fading.” Doman responded.

“Do the reports say anything about patients attacking their loved ones?” Utsuki questioned.

“Yes. Those receiving treatment may attack due to confusion. Don’t take it personally, Utsuki. Soon Kureha will be a new person.” Doman informed her.

“What about those twins?” Utsuki pressed.

“What about the twins?” Doman asked.

“I heard them singing last night.” Utsuki answered.

“Did Kureha move when they started singing?” Doman demanded.

“Yes. How did you know?” Utsuki pressed.

Doman gritted his teeth and the brush pen in his hand looked like it was about ready to snap.

“Rest assured Utsuki, once Kureha is recovered. The twins will be dealt with. Now run along, since Kureha is still recovering you’ll need to do her duties as well.” Doman commanded.

Utsuki knew that tone well. It left no room for an argument.

“Yes. Father.” She said as she bowed to him.

“Utsuki one more thing.” Doman began as he pulled out a box from under his desk. He rose with the strange mysterious wooden box in hand and gave it to Utsuki.

Utsuki took a hold of the box, she felt it for a bit before she lifted the top off. Inside the box was a large sheathed knife, it reminded her of a hori hori that she would use in gardening.

“I had this knife commissioned for you. If Kureha attacks you again just use this to get away from her.” Doman stated.

“I thought you were trying to help Kureha.” Utsuki murmured as she held the knife.

“I am working on that but we can’t deny that she’s dangerous right now. I’m not saying to kill her, but just in case she attacks you again, defend yourself just long enough to run away from her. Understand?” Doman spoke to his youngest.

Scotland 997

Constantine’s Camp

“Sir, Cuncar of Angus has arrived.” The scarred youth called Gillcomegain announced.

“Thanks my lad. Cuncar, how are you?” Constantine greeted.

“Tell your squire to leave now.” Angus commanded.

Gillcomegain glared at the aging blonde noble man for daring to talk to the King that way.

“Gillcomegain take your leave.” Constantine ordered.

“But-“

“Are you questioning your king?” Constantine challenged.

“No sir.” The scarred squire said through gritted teeth as he made his way out of the tent.

“How did you find out?” Cuncar interrogated.

“Find out what?” Constantine asked smugly.

“You know damn well.” Cuncar counter back.

“Finella told me. After all, I am the father.” Constantine answered.

“Now you're interested in him? I thought you were too busy trying to marry Princess Katharine?” Cuncar continued.

“A marriage to Katharine would strengthen my claim to the throne and would halter Maol Calvin.” Constantine informed Cuncar.

“And what of my grandson and daughter? I noticed you didn’t include them in your plans.” He questioned through clenched teeth.

“I would have ensured my son became king. After all, his grandfather is a powerful man.” Constantine spoke.

“But not powerful enough to think about marrying my daughter.” Cuncar countered.

A heavy pause set through the tent.

“Did you know why Katharine never married?” Constantine asked.

“Afterall she was the niece of the previous king, her father had his own holdings as well. So why wouldn’t someone want to marry her?” Constantine continued.

“Where are you going with this?” Cuncar spoke out with an unamused look on his face. Constantine had a brief look of irradiation on his face before he composed himself once again.

“Katherine can’t bear children.” Constantine informed the man.

“That is a strong allegation with no evidence to suggest otherwise.” Cuncar informed the King.

“There were concerning rumors of Katharne’s servants that their lady never received her monthly.” Constantine suggested.

“So what is your plan… marry Katharine and hope that Moal Calvin and you unite to defeat Kenneth? I noticed nothing said about Finella or Iagan.” Cuncar inquired about Constantine's plans.

“What respectable man wants a barren woman? Not the first time that a husband brought in his illegitimate heir and made him heir because his wife failed to have a child. Afterall she babied those Gargoyle Eggs I’m sure she’ll open her heart to a child that didn’t come from her.’” Constantine mused.

“That doesn’t mean she’ll love my grandson. Also what happens if you do find Katharine and she does bear you a son, what would happen to my grandson?” Cuncar argued back.

“You seem to care an awful lot about him.” Constantine spoke.

“Someone has to since both his parents don’t seem to.” Cuncar shouted in fury.

“If we make ourselves allies, my son will have both parents in his life.” Constantine spoke to the enraged Cuncar.

“So you’ll marry my daughter or will you dump both her and Iagan when another chance of power comes your way?” Cuncar argued.

Constantine had to bite his tongue. He knew that he would be met with hostility with Cuncar when he mentioned Iagan, his son, was the best kept secret. He won’t deny having relations with Finella, however it was strange how Iagan came to be. Most women knew they were pregnant when they missed their bleeding cycles, but as far as Finella said she never missed hers, also when they tend to grow as the child grows within them, Finella never showed any physical changes. He honestly thought that she was bluffing when she went back to her family’s castle for her mother’s funeral that she had given birth.

However it was a long shot he wrote to Cuncar mainly to see if Finella was telling the truth. Well he knows that it is.

“Is Iagan with you?” Constantine asked.

“Why? So you can put a bounty on him like you did with his mother?” Cuncar argued back.

“Can’t a father see his child?”

“You tell me, can I see mine?”

“Depends will you help me?” Constantine asked.

“I won’t help you with this war, I’ll help you locate my daughter if you tell me why you put a bounty on her.” Cuncar offered.

“Magus was seen with Finella. He was in possession of a book that my own court mage is interested in.”

“So you put a bounty on not only my daughter, but also a widowed mother and her eight year old son, over a book.” Cuncar spoke.

“Finella and that widowed mother were last seen with Magus. Also just yesterday I received a field report that your daughter used that book to summon a demon to escape from a crowd.”

“How do you know she summoned a demon?”

Constantine then went to the table in the tent and pulled the field report and handed it to Cuncar.

“Read it for yourself. It says that once she threatened a crowd of people by summoning a demon and once she did a red skinned winged demon emerge from flames summoned right above her.” Constantine informed Cuncar.

Cuncar looked concerned.

“Listen, if you help me locate your daughter and she hands over the book, she’ll go free.” Constantine offered Cuncar.

“What of Iagan? Or if you win this war what will happen to both Finella and Iagan?” Cuncar questioned.

“How about we focus on finding Finella and we could all discuss the next steps moving forward at a later date.” Constantine spoke to Cuncar.

“Sir!” Gillcomegain cut through the tent.

“What is it?” Constantine shouted at the boy.

“The scouts have reports of Finella, Mary and the demon earlier being spotted heading towards Castle Wyvern.” Gillcomegain informed the men.

“I’ll go.” Cuncar announced as he was making his way out of the tent.

“What?” Constantine asked as the middle aged man made his exit.

“You said if you got your book back my daughter would go free. She doesn’t trust you for good reasons. She may listen to me. But once you get your book back you leave my family and lands alone.” Cuncar stated as he exited the tent.

None of the men saw the hooded figure listening in.

Castle Wyvern

Finella and Mary were at a courtyard with a fire going when Brooklyn came back from his exploration inside the castle.

“Did you see anyone?” Mary asked him.

“No.” Brooklyn answered.

“Who would take refuge in this castle besides us?” Finella asked.

“Demona.” He answered solemnly.

“Whose Demona?” Mary asked Brooklyn.

“She was Golaith’s second in command.” Brooklyn stated.

“Oh she was the one with the blue skin and the red hair. But… I thought she was shattered like the rest of you and I thought your clan didn’t believe in names.” Mary asked.

“Well she gets her name by Macbeth… have any of you heard of him?” Brooklyn asked the two.

“No. So wait, do you not have a name?” Finella responded to Brooklyn’s question.

“Oh… when we wake up in the future, we decide on new names to signal our new lives.” Brooklyn answered.

“So what is your name?” Mary asked.

“Brooklyn.” He answered.

“But what about this Demona character?” Finella asked.

“She planned the attack on Castle Wyvern with Hakon and the Captain of the guard.” Brooklyn grimly informed the two. Finella took the information in but Mary was shocked.

“But…Hakon he…” Mary began but didn’t know how to finish the sentence.

“Yeah…” Brooklyn spoke, after all they both were there and they saw the aftermath. 

His clan full of nameless fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters all shattered. He couldn’t help but think about Coldstone, Coldfire and Coldsteel. How they and the rest of their clan never did a wind ceremony for them, how they never reached the afterlife, from what he could gather they were just here, stuck in limbo is the best way he could describe it. But then…why was only Coldstone put together? He remembers the aftermath when there were several shattered remains of other gargoyles, but why did Demona and Xanathos ressurected just him.

“Did you spot her anywhere?” Finella asked, pulling Brooklyn from his thoughts.

“No.” Brooklyn answered.

“How dangerous is this Demona?” Finella inquired, irritation lingered in her voice since her question wasn’t answered the first time.

“Remember earlier when I mentioned breaking a magical pact with the Fae that made someone immortal?” Brooklyn asked.

The women stared at him in disbelief.

“Please tell me you’re jesting.” Mary pleaded with the time displaced gargoyle.

“Her deal with the Fae tied her to a human named Macbeth. Unless they kill each other they’re immortal.” Brooklyn informed the two.

“Do you have any other information about this Macbeth?” Finella pressed.

“Uhh he becomes King of Scotland.” Brooklyn answered the two humans before him.

The two even looked more confused. The two of them have been in this civil war for two years now and this is the first time these two have heard of this Macbeth character.

However this isn’t the first contender for the throne trying to ally with the gargoyles. Kenneth had been looking for some gargoyles to ally with him. However he hasn’t had much luck finding them since Constantine has been hunting them down. But Macbeth…they have never heard of this man before and apparently he is immortal along with Demona by making a deal with fairies.

“Do you guys hear that?” Brooklyn asked as he heard a horse and wagon. He broke from the group, scaled a wall and sure enough he saw what he heard.

“What is it? Is it Demona?” Mary shouted from the ground.

“No!” Brooklyn hollered back down to the ladies.

By this rate both of them had made their way up the stairs to join Brooklyn on the wall’s edge.

“Oh no.” Finella spoke in a grave tone.

“Is that Constantine?” Brooklyn asked.

“No it’s my father.” Finella answered.

951 Silkworm Shrine

Kureha felt sore when she woke up. Everything just throbbed, her head heard and her muscles ached.

A knocking was heard at the door.

“Kureha.” Her father’s voice broke through.

“Yes?” She asked.

“May I come in? I have something that I need to discuss with you.” He spoke through the wood.

“Yes.” Kureha answered as she tried to get out of bed. She couldn’t. She didn’t have the strength. Meanwhile while she was struggling to rise from her bed, her father had opened the door and dragged in a wicker chest.

“What?” Kureha questioned as she saw her father drag a chest that could fit a human being in.

“You know that you were in an accident.” Doman began as he dragged the wickered chest in the room.

“Yes.” Kureha answered but with no confidence. She has been told that she was in an accident but the details are fuzzy.

She remembers the day Utsuki was upset that she couldn’t find the Sengeroku pieces for the new game their father bought them. Father wanted to focus on his work so ordered them out of the shrine. She remembers being near the tree but anything after that is just blank. She gets flashes of Utsuki screaming but other than that. Nothing.

“I’ve already let Utsuki know what is going to happen.”

“What is happening?” Kureha asked.

“Your accident…you were gravely injured.” Doman began carefully picking out his words.

“But with these wicker chests, you’ll be a new person.” Doman continued.

“How do these chests help?” Kureha inquired as she eyed it.

“You know that I’ve had you and Utsuki take care of the mulberry tree and the silkworms that inhabit it?”

“Yes.” 

“These silkworms can go through a special ritual that can bring back those who were gravely injured.”

“Father did I die?” Kureha asked.

Wyvern Castle, Scotland 997

“What have you been up to?” The man that had been identified as Lady Finella’s father.

The father glared at his daughter as he took in the strange company.

“Father-“ Lady Finella began but was interrupted by her father.

“You have a bounty on your head, and rumors that you're using a magic book and consorting with demons!” Her father continued to yell as he gestured towards Brooklyn.

“I’m a gargoyle!” Brooklyn shouted from the sidelines.

Everyone paused to glare at Brooklyn.

“How would you like it if I went around calling you all demons when you know gargoyles exist?” Brooklyn argued.

“So your kind just appears out of flames!” Cuncar shot back.

“Father, how did you find us?” Finella pressed, trying to keep this conversation on track and not waste time arguing.

“Constantine’s scout saw you. He wanted to come here, so I insisted it was me instead.” Cuncar informed the group.

“Why are you with Constantine?” Brooklyn questioned.

“I was summoned by him. He also wanted to see Iagan.” Cuncar informed the group.

“What!” Finella exclaimed in shock.

“Whose Iagan?” Brooklyn whispered to Mary who just shrugged her shoulders in confusion.

“Baba!” A small voice exclaimed from the covered wagon. A small boy with dirty blonde hair, who looked to be no older than two peered over an opening in the cover wagon.

“Why would you bring him with you?!” Finella exclaimed as she made her way to the child.

Unfortunately the child then made himself smaller and pulled away from Finella.

“King Constantine ordered me to bring him. You don’t deny the king’s orders without serious consequences.” Cuncar gravely informed his daughter.

“Why does he want him now!? He’s been around for two years.” Finella screamed to no one in particular.

“His plan is to use the book to find out where Katharine is and marry her.” Cuncar told his daughter.

“But why bring Iagan into this… he’s a baby, my baby.” Finella murmured.

Mary and Brooklyn looked at each other both shocked at the revelation.

“Because Constantine believes that Katharine can’t have any children, he thinks that he can get Katharine to raise Iagan.” Cuncar informed Finella.

“That bastard.” Finella cursed.

“Watch your tongue. Iagan is at that age where he mirrors adults.” Cuncar warned her.

“Don’t tell me you agreed to his plan.” Finella muttered.

“No, but Finella, if you give him the book, he said that he would pardon you.” Cuncar informed the group.

“Do you believe him?” Finella asked her father.

“I trust that bastard as far as I can throw him. I know that the moment that I turn my back, he will put a sword in it. However, he has dangerous information.” Cuncar informed the group.

“If he gets a hold of the Grimorum, he’ll be even more dangerous.” Brooklyn cut in.

“What are you suggesting then, beast?” Cuncar injected.

Brooklyn growled at the beast comment.

“My lord, the gargoyle knows first hand the danger that book possesses." Mary spoke.

“What danger?” Cuncar inquired towards Mary.

“Back when Prince Malcom ruled over Castle Wyvern the Archmage was almost successful in taking over the castle.” Mary informed Cuncar.

“You worked in the castle at the time?” Cuncar questioned Mary.

“No sir. But during the Archmage’s magical uprising my village was attacked. This gargoyle, Brooklyn as he goes by, his clan was heavily involved in stopping him.” Mary explained.

“I heard that another mage stopped the Archmage.” Cuncar stated.

“AHK-“ Brooklyn screamed out as a fire struck him square in the chest as he fell to the ground clutching the flaming arrow. 

Everyone quickly turned to see Valor with a bow made of fire.

“The Grimorum now!” Valor hollered as he got ready to fire another.

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[quirkyreads]

The Time Dancer and The Shrine Maiden Chapter 7: Conspirators and Letters

Dear Ashiya no Doman

I hope this finds you in good fortune, I and several others need your prayers. A few nights ago several monks mentioned noises below the Temple that is near the manor. Even a few servants have mentioned noises as well. We’ve even had a few animal sightings that are not usual as well. We would like you to arrive swiftly to deal with these issues.

Sincerely, Lord Fujiwara.

Doman sighed as he set the summons down. It was not the first time he had been to the estate. It made for a steady income. However, what he had planned was going to be risky. He needed to get the other Mulberry Tree ready for rituals and with that he would need to move some of the Silkworms from his own tree to there. That wouldn’t be a problem. The main problem would be maintaining said Silkworms. He would need someone there to make sure that the silkworms are being fed. 

Either way…he’s going to need to start something.

“Utsuki!” He hollered.

He heard footsteps of his youngest child approaching the doors.

“Yes, Father.” Utsuki responded meekly.

“I need you to prepare some silkworms for travel.” Doman commanded.

Confusion spread across Utsuki’s face.

“The ones from our tree?” She asked.

“Yes.” Doman confirmed.

“But Father, why would you take the silkworms from our tree?” Utsuki questioned.

“Not all of them. We only need a handful.” Doman clarified.

“For what?” Utsuki asked.

“For Kureha.” Doman spoke.

“How could the silkworms help her? ” Utsuki pestered.

“I found out that there is more than just one sacred tree, there is another, however there has been no silkworms in it for centuries. With just a handful of silkworms we could get the tree ready for Kureha.” Doman explained.

“But how do the silkworms help her?” Utsuki reiterated again.

“There are special silkworms that will make Kureha better than ever.” Doman assured her.

"But how will they make Kureha better?" Utsuki insisted not satisfied with her father's responses that didn't answer her question.

Doman was getting visibly frustrated with his youngest. He didn't have time for this.

"I'm trying to fix your mistake, that caused Kureha death, are you going to be of help or not." Doman yelled at his youngest.

Utsuki frozen. Her eyes widen and Doman could see the tears welling in her dark brown eyes. She looked down and nodded her head in compliance.

"Yes, Father." She agreed meekly as she chocked back her tears.

Scotland 997

“Have you seen the field report!” A man came storming in a military tent as he saw King Constantine shaving his head.

“Brother Valor, good to see you.” Constantine greeted.

“This is not the time for greetings.” Valor countered.

“Now what field report have you so worked up?” Constantine asked as he noticed his court mage is cagier than usual. Probably has something to do with Finella and the book that the Court Mage, Magus used.

“Lady Finella was spotted with the book in a village not far from here.” Valor informed him.

“How are we sure that it’s actually her and that it’s actually the Magus’s book?” Constantine questioned.

He noticed that Valor was extremely interested in the book, ever since Valor asked to be put into his regimen. From what answers he could get from Valor of the book’s contents all he was able to get is that it had valuable information within, even some that could reveal Katharine’s location.

“The report stated that Finella and the peasant named, Mary, were spotted in a village not far from our location. A mob crowded them and Lady Finella threatened to summon a demon with the Grimorum Acanorum. It is then stated that a ball of flames opened up above her and a winged red skinned demon came out.” Valor read off to Constantine.

“She summoned a demon? Can that book do that?” Constantine questioned his mage.

“There is no telling what a woman scorned will do with that book.” Valor replied.

Constantine paused for a moment. Contemplating what’s to be done. Then his face lit up with an idea.

“You’re right what a woman scorned wouldn’t do. However… what mother wouldn’t do for her child?” Constantine spoke.

“The only child that could be used as a bargaining chip was that peasant woman’s son, Tom, who you said you saw on the night of King Kenneth’s murder. Who is also missing with Princess Katharine and Magus.” Valor all but yelled at him.

“Who said I was talking about Tom?” Constantine replied briefly, enjoying the look of confusion on Valor’s face.

Constantine then made his way to his writing desk.

Fujiwara Manor, Mulberry Tree, 951

Doman spotted the second Mulberry Tree. It was different from his own at his estate. With his tree teaming with life, the one at this estate however was bare. There was no silk, no cocoons, no silkworms.

However what his tree and this one had in common was the iron stakes inside it. Long ago when these trees first sprouted up his line made the demon suppressing spikes made of cold iron to trap them. Removing them is easy enough at most he would just need pliers that he has in a shed along with other tools that he and his family use. He could easily sneak by the unknown underground route that is within the temple.

But the challenging thing was the silkworms.

The silkworms that he has at his tree need to be constantly fed, someone has to be there maintaining them. Right now Utsuki was doing that along with her daily chores, and taking care of Kureha.

He can’t maintain the silkworms down here, he needs to help perfect the ritual which involves maintaining the bodies, the cocoons, and making sure things stay unknown until it can’t be stopped.

What he needs is someone who is already in the manor, someone who will feed the silkworms and then they can multiply.

Doman heard a rustle. He looked and saw a young serving boy.

He could work with this.

“Is there anything else your Master requests of me?” Doman called out to the young serving boy.

The boy shook his head.

“Can you speak?” Doman asked the young boy.

“Yes.” He replied meekly.

“Do you have a name?” Doman questioned the young boy.

“Miyoshimaru.” He responded.

“Why are you staring at the tree?” Miyoshimaru asked.

“This tree is the same as mine at home.” Doman answered.

“Oh.” Miyoshimaru replied.

“I wonder if it will have the same power as it?” Doman informed Miyoshimaru.

“Power?” Miyoshimaru questioned.

“Yes, my tree at my Shrine has Silkworms like these.” Doman paused as he revealed a silkworm in his hand.

“By feeding them the leaves from the tree they grow, make enchanted silk, and multiply.” Doman finished.

Miyoshimaru looked amazed by this.

“However I could never find out for myself since I have my own tree to maintain.” Doman complained to Miyoshimaru.

“Sir, I could do it!” Miyoshimaru exclaimed.

“Are you certain? It is quite the task.” Doman countered.

“I’m up for it and I could get help for this as well.” Miyoshimaru spoke gleefully.

“Alright, if you're up for the task.” Doman stated before placing some silkworms and some mulberry leaves in Miyoshimaru’s hands.

“Thank you. I won’t let you down sir.” Miyoshimaru replied as he bowed before Doman.

Scotland 997

Dear Cuncar of Angus,

I hope this letter finds you in good health. I have received word of your daughter, Lady Finella’s whereabouts. If you could arrive at my camp in a timely order along with her son, Iagan. I believe she needs guidance from her family. Should you not arrive in a timely manner, I will come myself.

Sincerely, Your King Constantine.

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[quirkyreads]

The Time Dancer and The Shrine Maiden Chapter 6: Dreams and Demons?

“Kureha!” A voice screamed in the back of her mind. Dark brown eyes shot open. Kureha let out gasp of air as she took in her surroundings.

“Utsuki!” Kureha shouted in response as she recognized the voice that shouted at her.

She was at the bottom of the cliff that was near the mulberry tree that her family’s shrine was dedicated to. As she got to her feet she noticed a heap near the base to the cliff. It looked to be the rope ladder that is used as a shortcut. Why was it down here? Also why was it so foggy down here?

“Greetings Kureha.” Two voices in unison spoke. Kureha whipped her head around and saw twins standing on a ledge.

“Who are you?” Kureha asked hesitantly. Where did these twins come from?

“Who we are is not important for now. What is important is you.” They spoke.

“Why am I important?” Kureha questioned.

“You, Kureha, the maiden of our shrine are going through something incredible.” One of the mysterious twins spoke.

“What do you mean?” Kureha questioned not liking the vagueness that they were giving her.

“Your fall will bring in a new age.” The other one continued.

“My fall?” Kureha’s eyes widened at what the twins were implying.

“Don’t you remember. You were on the cliff.” One spoke up.

That’s when it hit Kureha. She was on the cliff, she was hanging on a rope ladder. Utsuki was holding it and then she heard her screaming her name.

Then…she dropped. She remembers falling, she remembers the sharp crack sound that echoed through her head when she landed.

“What do you mean by my fall will bring a new age?” Kureha pressed, she fell but she was fine…right?

“Oh look, she’s remembering now.” The one of the twins spoke in almost a teasing tone. Like one would use on a child discovering something new.

“Now come now, you must know that during the resurrection process is an endeavor to endure.” the other twin chided the other. 

“How did I die?!” Kureha questioned the volume of her voice raising.

The twins just stared at her unamused by her screaming. They looked at her like she was a child having a screaming fit.

“Kureha, our dear child, you still have much to go through. It isn’t done.” One of the twins spoke again.

“But what do you mean by ‘it’ not being done? And why do you two still call me a child?” Kureha questioned.

“Kureha you have only gone through the first cycle of this.” One stated. Again keeping their answers vague.

“The first cycle?” Kureha questioned.

“You still have eight more to go through. Once you have completed all the cycles you will be a new.” The other one continued.

“Well you have successfully merged with the silkworms. You’ll need to keep merging with something bigger each time before the ritual will be complete.” The twins answered.

“What do you mean by this ritual?” Kureha questioned. 

“Listen to your body, it will let you know. Trust your instincts, especially with those close to you.” The twins informed her.

“Those close to me?” Kureha repeated. What did those twins mean by that? What could her father or Utsuki have to do with this? Her father was in his study at the shrine? Utsuki was with her at the cliffside and was holding the ladder but she would never-

“Oh. You're returning.” The twin spoke interrupted her thoughts.

“What?” She asked as she took in her surroundings. Has it been this foggy or was this recent?

“You're returning to the waking world, we’ll see you again, but remember who was with you when you fell.” The twins spoke as fog overtook them. 

“Wait! Wait! What do you mean?” Kureha screamed as she ran towards the direction the twins came from. Suddenly it felt like she was falling again. Panic filled her and then suddenly she jolted awake. She opened her eyes and she was in her room. She rose from her bed and turned and saw Utsuki in the room with her. She also looked startled, but her nose and eyes were red. 

“Utsuki? What happened?” Kureha questioned instead of getting an answer to her question Utsuki wrapped her arms around her, pulling her close.

“I-I’m so sorry!” Utsuki gasped out as she buried herself into Kureha.

Kureha wrapped her arms around Utsuki, in an effort to calm her down. It was sweet that her sister was worried for her, it doesn’t surprise her the slightest, Utsuki has always been the more sensitive one. Though a thought did plague her mind.

What did Utsuki have to be sorry for?

Scotland 997

“Get them!” One shouted.

“Seize them!” Another yelled.

“They probably murdered Princess Katharine along with King Kenneth!” One accused.

Were the shouts amongst the crowd of people that gathered around two women and their wagon. The two women being Mary and Lady Finella, Mary who was trying to get the horse they owned under control as he was getting spooked by the mob. Finally Lady Finella rose on the wagon holding the Grimorum Arcanorum.

“Stay back!” She exclaimed, drawing the crowd towards her.

“Don’t make me use this demonic book! For I will summon one of the many demons and have him destroy you all!” Finella shouted to the mob trying to scare them away.

“Get her before she summons one!” One exclaimed and the crowd began to swarm them until a burst of flames overhead.

The mob drew their attention towards the light and from the light was a combination of a roar and a scream.  To the crowd’s horror a red winged being was thrown from the flames. Landing face first in what was thankfully mud.

“Hurry! Leave before that witch summons an army of them!” One shouted in the crowd that caused everyone to disperse in screams.

Once the area was cleared, the two ladies looked at the summoned demon who was currently coughing up mud.

“Did I just summon a demon!?” Finella screamed as she looked at the Grimorum.

“Wait…I know you!” Mary exclaimed with shock at recognizing a face from where she last saw it being turned to stone.

“How do you know him?!” Finella, shocked at her travel companion for the last two years, appears to know this mysterious demon.

“What?” Brooklyn coughed out as he finished coughing up the majority of mud he consumed as he looked towards the two women. He didn’t know who the blonde woman was but the one who was wearing a wimple did ring some bells.

“It’s me, Mary, you were playing with my son, Tom, the night where...” Mary began explaining awkwardly because they now both know what night she is referring to. The night before the massacre at Castle Wyvern, Mary's attack unintentionally saved his life along with the others because they were sent away to the Rookery as punishment for fighting with the humans.

“Oh yeah. It’s you. You’re Tom’s mom.” Brooklyn confirmed remembering that night.

“You are a part of the eggs’ clan.” Finella stated in realization as she began putting the clues together.

“But… I thought Magus turned ya into stone?” Mary questioned.

“Oh he did, we don’t come out of that stone sleep for about a thousand years give or take.” Brooklyn confirmed.

The women just stared at Brooklyn with confused glances trying to make sense of what he was saying.

“It’s a long story.” Brooklyn groaned as he brought his hand to his face.

“Then please start explaining.” Finella asked as she still clutched the book towards her chest.

“Okay… where to start…well… Mary’s right, Magus did curse me and the rest of my clan into an eternal stone sleep where we would only wake when the castle rose above the clouds.” Brooklyn began.

“So the castle has risen above the clouds?” Mary inquired.

“No! At least not yet.” Brooklyn tried to answer.

“What do you mean by not yet?” Mary questioned.

“The castle won’t rise above the clouds for another thousand years.” Brooklyn answered.

“If the castle won’t rise again for another thousand years then how are you here? Did I summon you?” Finella began panicking as she stared at the book.

“No, you did not summon me. Phoenix just dropped me here.” Brooklyn said as he was trying to keep Finella from panicking.

“Whose Phoenix?” Mary questioned.

“Uh, a giant fire bird that can time travel.” Brooklyn answered both women shot him side glances.

“Alright.” Mary said as she was trying to comprehend what Brooklyn’s answer to her question of who was Phoenix.

“Why did this Phoenix bring you to us?” Finella questioned.

“Basically Phoenix is angry at the Third Race for what it did to them and wants to cripple their power.” Brooklyn answered.

“May you please elaborate?” Finella asked, still confused.

“So long ago there was a war within the Third Race. During that war they captured and put Phoenix in a talisman. Well they want revenge, so they asked me to help them out with that.” Brooklyn explained more thoroughly answering some of the ladies' questions.

“How do you plan on doing that?” Mary asked.

Brooklyn paused. He had absolutely no idea. Hell he never expected to be here of all places. He never expected to go back to his homeland. He certainly never expected to see someone from his time again. He looked towards the two ladies. Mary, he recognized but he didn’t really know the blonde haired woman. He looked at what she was holding in her hands.

The Grimorium Acanorum.

The lady in blue was clutching it to her chest.

“Maybe for that.” Brooklyn stated as he gestured towards Finella more specifically the magic book she was holding.

“Why would you need this?” Finella questioned as she clutched the book even tighter to her chest.

“Because it’s one of the Three Keys of Power.” Brooklyn explained but like everything else that he was saying it just left them even more confused.

He needs that book but he doesn’t think that Finella would give it up that easily.

“Look in the future the book gets destroyed. There could still be valuable information inside it.” Brooklyn hurriedly explained.

“What information do you need?” Finella almost screamed at him.

“How to break a deal with the Third Race that makes you immortal.” Brooklyn answered.

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[quirkyreads]

The Time Dancer and The Shrine Maiden Chapter 5: Meetings

Entertainment Room 

Bronx whines from his spot on the floor. Which motivates Hudson to rise from the recliner, stretching his body from being in a sedentary position for a while.

“Alright, boy, let's take a break and let you outside, hm.” Hudson spoke as he finished stretching. As he and Bronx left the room, he then saw Lexington approach him.

“Alright lad, a deal’s a deal. I’ll take Bronx out and you lads could have fun with your games.” Hudson started.

Lexington looked confused.

“Have you seen Brooklyn then?” Lexington asked since he just went up to the battlement to catch Brooklyn so he could peel Hudson from the recliner and take the T.V for a while. However when he got up to the battlement he saw no one up there.

“No. I thought you were getting the lad?” Hudson answered.

“He wasn’t up there.” Lexington responded with a disappointed tone.

That was strange. Brooklyn, when he arrives back from patrol, usually hangs around the area to meet up with his rockery brothers and Angela, unless he had other plans. However that didn’t make sense since from Lexington stated that Brooklyn and him were gonna play games on the television, in that case he would have come here.

Unless…

He knew that Goliath and Brooklyn have not been getting along for sometime now. Tensions have been building between the two for a while now. It wasn’t as bad as before but maybe tonight it got to the two of them and it resulted in Goliath sending Brooklyn away while he could focus on the matter at hand. Brooklyn is probably hiding away somewhere and will hopefully come back before sunrise. Hudson is now just kicking himself over this, he knew that Brooklyn and Goliath had been on the rocks for a while now and while Goliath is the leader and has primary father duties over the Trio and Angela… still maybe he should have gone with them.

His thoughts however were interrupted by Bronx barking and making his way up to the perch. Lexington and Hudson quickly followed the garbeast. When they got there they saw Elisa and Goliath there.

“Did everything go alright? Was there any trouble with the mission?” Hudson inquired.

“No.” Goliath answered looking ashamed.

“Where’s Brooklyn?” Lexington asked with worry on his face.

“He’s not here?” Goliath questioned with concern on his face.

“The lad was here earlier, we saw him through the window.” Hudson answered.

Hudson then looked at Goliath.

“Lad what happened tonight?”

“During our stakeout the thief ring did appear, Brooklyn was on their trail but lost them. I became frustrated with him and it led to a fight.” Goliath admitted.

“What happened during this fight?” Hudson inquired, his tone low.

“Brooklyn brought up how I was treating him and the boys over Angela.” Goliath admitted.

“What do you mean how you’ve been treating us over Angela?” Lexington questioned.

Goliath then turned to face the smallest one of the clan.

“Lexington, I haven’t been a good father towards you or your brothers.” Goliath began.

“What?” Lexington exclaimed, shocked at what Goliath had been saying, not that it wasn’t something that he picked up on but that it was being acknowledged. 

Goliath kneeled down closer to Lexington’s level.

“Lexington, when was the last time you and I talked? Not about missions, patrol schedules or any of that. When did I ask you about how you're doing? When did I last ask about your latest projects? Lexington I’ve been neglecting you and your brothers and giving Angela a lot of attention. It’s not far to you or your brothers. Lexington, can you forgive me?” Goliath pleaded as he made eye contact with the tech savvy gargoyle.

Lexington was misty eyed at Goliath’s confession and apology. He just figured that they were just going through a rough patch with their sudden arrival back from Avalon, Angela’s arrival, then how one thing kept happening after one and another like fighting Oberon from stealing Alex, the Turf War involving Brod and Tony Dracon, Demona. It was a lot he just viewed as that they haven’t had the chance to reconnect.

“Yeah.” Lexington answered.

The relief on Goliath’s face was immediate.

“Come on lads. Let’s see if Brooklyn’s in the library, I know Broadway and Angela are.” Hudson informed the group.

Scarab Corporation, Meeting Room

Davis Xanatos was sitting at the head of an oval shaped table until he heard two footsteps approaching his way, one sounded like your typical office worker and the other sounded mechanical. Sure enough his suspicions were confirmed when a door opened from above and there stood Owen and Coldsteel.

“Glad you could join us for this meeting, Coldsteel.” David greeted as he rose from his seat to greet the robotic gargoyle.

“I was told that there would be something for me if I agreed to come and meet you. So what do you want?” Coldsteel questioned.

“Right down to business, I see.” David stated as he casually leaned on the table.

“Well when you agreed to help my Rookery Sister resurrected us you did put in a program that would eventually destroy the soul inside to use as you please. However, you did give me a new body as Goliath’s payment for saving your son. So I am curious what I would receive as an award.” Coldsteel stated as he crossed his arms.

“Well I’ll make it short and sweet for you.” David stated as a screen in the room came on. On the screen was an image of a ruined building on top of a mountain.

“This is a shrine is located on the mountain top in Kyoto, Japan, it has many names but for simplicity sake let’s call it the Silkworm Temple. It was rumored to have unlocked the secrets of immortality, and says that it has knowledge to bring back the dead, however it was abandoned somewhere around 951.” David continued.

“Why has it been abandoned for so long?” Coldsteel questioned.

“The family that owned and ranned the temple either died or disappeared.” Owen cut in.

“Died or disappeared?” Coldsteel questioned, his tone wanting more information.

“The temple was owned and runned by an onmyoji that went by Ashiya no Doman, his daughters Kureha and Utsuki were shrine maidens at the temple.” Owen explained.

“What’s an onmyoji?”  Coldsteel asked.

“Onmyoji has many translations, but the basis is that they practiced Onmyodo, and that practice involved a spiritual system that studied divination, nature and magic.” Owen answered.

“So a magic user like the Archmage?” Coldsteel questioned.

“Theoretically. Not all practitioners had magical abilities.” Owen spoke.

“But did he?” Coldsteel pressed.

“Yes. There were reports of him performing magic, and he taught his daughters and his disciples.” Owen answered.

“What happened to his daughters and disciples?”

“During an incident at a noble family’s estate, the Fujiwara Clan, Doman was called and reports later say that he summoned his disciples to help in the manor. Some reports also state that his daughter, Kureha was spotted at the manor as well.” Owen stated.

Coldsteel took in the information and noticed how Owen confirmed the fate of one daughter but not both.

“What of his other daughter? You only mentioned one of them.” Coldsteel informed the two men before him.

“There are conflicting reports of what happened to his younger daughter, Utsuki. But what we can confirm is that she was taken a couple of days before the Fujiwara Incident.” Owen responded.

“Taken?” Coldsteel questioned further.

“Keep in mind this occurred during Medieval Times in Japan. So it’s not fully clear what exactly took her.” Owen cautioned the robotic gargoyle.

“Reports stated that a week before the Fujiwara Incident, Utsuki was taken from her home by a ‘flamed winged Tengu’. They’re were many eyewitness testimonies. In fact after her disappearance high officials then ordered a curfew for any women in Heian-Kyoto to be at home before sundown.” Owen answered in his usual monotone despite the… information that was just revealed.

“What is a tengu?” Was all that Coldsteel said as he’s trying to comprehend what Owen just said.

“Tengu is from Japanese folklore, they have many forms but for the most part they are depicted as having a humanoid form and having wings. They can be protectors or bringers of mischief.” Owen once again explained.

“Why would the Tengu take her?” Coldsteel inquired.

“You seemed awfully focused on this.” David commented.

“With this mission I want all the information that I can get. Who knows my rookery sister managed to survive for over a thousand years, maybe this Utsuki managed the same with that Tengu.” Coldsteel shot back. Coldsteel then nodded his head to wordlessly let Owen continue with the information.

“It’s unclear why it happened, Utsuki’s father Aishiya no Doman was known to have enemies especially within the Abe Clan. Some say that one could have sent one to take Utsuki. However there were rumors that Aishiya no Doman may have promised his daughter to the Tengu as his bride in exchange for power.” Owen answered.

“What makes you say that?”

“Well after Utsuki’s disappearance the incident at the Fujiwara happened. None of the Aishiya clan was spotted again. Some say that Doman was also taken by the Tengu as well.”

“What was the incident at Fujiwara Manor?” He asked curiously.

“Records are not fully clear as to what happened. Some say a plague outbreak, others say it was a massacre.” Owen answered.

Coldsteel shot a look at Owen, questioning information that he received. A plague outbreak versus a massacre, sure both could cost lives but how the two come to be is very different. However if a plague outbreak was bad enough, things did have to change if it was bad enough. He remembers when news of an outbreak would happen businesses would shut down and people wouldn’t even go near a sick person, even after they passed, and instead of burying the body, they may even burn it. He wonders if that happened at the Fujiwara manor? A nasty outbreak of a disease that leads to people killing a suspected infected person? Well not like it really matters after all it’s not like this disease can show up again unless?

“Do I need to investigate the manor?” Coldsteel asked.

“No need to, during the incident at the Fujiwara Manor it caught on fire and burned down. The only place that I really need you to look into is the shrine.” David assures the robotic gargoyle.

He had his doubts about this whole operation. There was something more to this story, that’s how it always was with magic users. Images of the Archmage and Magus come to mind, both hiding away with their magic books, lurking in the shadows, plotting. He was not ashamed to admit that he was jealous of a certain red haired rookery sister of his being able to study magic for a time.

“Why haven’t you looked into this? Why call on me?” Coldsteel asked.

“Because it has been blocked off by the public, and for some reason no one can get in, people have tried to get in without permission like paranormal investigators, historians to name a few but for some reason they can’t even get over the gate. I figure you might have a chance since you're not human.” David answered.

“What’s my reward for helping you?” Coldsteel inquired.

“I shut off the tracker in your body. After all, it would slow down Coldfire and Coldstone from tracking you for a while. Might buy you some time with whatever plans you have in the works.” David Xanatos answered.

Coldsteel smiled at that. So that’s how they’ve been on his tail for a while now and why he just got a moment of peace.

“Alright. So when do I leave for this shrine?” Coldsteel agreed.

Library, Wyvern Castle

Angela and Broadway who were both getting close with one another quickly separated as they heard heavy footsteps approaching the library. The footsteps eventually revealed who they belonged to.

Goliath.

Broadway was nervous. He’s never been really scared of Goliath before but that was before Angela came into the picture. Everyone in the clan knew how protective he was of her and well…

“Angela, do you mind leaving for a minute? I need to talk to Broadway.” Goliath asked her.

Angela was also nervous. She never really talked to her father about courting and she wasn’t sure if he was okay with it. She’s seen on shows how human fathers absolutely hated it when their daughters began dating… he wouldn’t be like that right?

“Um… yeah. That’s fine. Broadway I’ll be outside the library.” Angela assured the two of them as she made her exit, closing the doors behind her. Things were at an awkward silence after Angela closed the doors to the Library.

“Goliath… is everything okay?” Broadway asked hesitantly.

“No. It’s not.” Goliath answered solemnly.

Broadway stomach dropped. Is Goliath here to tell him that he doesn’t want Angela and him together! Does he think he’s gonna hurt her?

“Goliath…it just happened-” Broadway began to explain but was cut off.

“Broadway this shouldn’t have happened.” Goliath interject. Tears welled up in Broadway’s eyes. Goliath saw the tears in the teal gargoyle's face and much like with Lexington he knelt down to be closer to his level.

“Broadway… I am so sorry.” Goliath began apologising.

“Wh-what do you mean it shouldn’t have happened?” Broadway demanded as he stuttered and began shaking. Goliath just looked more heartbroken.

“Broadway the fault does not lie not with you but me.” Goliath began. Broadway was trying to swallow his tears. This was it, Goliath saying how he doesn’t approve of him to be Angela’s mate.

“All this time, I’ve claimed we're a family, but we’re not.” Goliath admitted.

“What?” Broadway question, not expecting this way that this discussion was going to go. Where’s the ‘I don't approve of you dating my daughter?’ 

“When I came back from Avalon, I didn’t bother reconnecting with you or your brothers. I used to tutor you on how to read but now… I don’t even know what you’re reading. All I asked about is patrols, field reports. I haven’t been giving you, Lexington or Brooklyn the attention you deserve. Broadway… I am so sorry.” Goliath concluded. Broadway put a hand on his own chest relieved that it wasn’t that conversation, but Broadway did ponder with what Goliath was saying. Yeah he noticed that Goliath did put a lot of effort into being there for Angela and less on him and his brothers. But it’s not like Broadway was putting in the effort either, so it’s not all on Goliath. However a question did plague his mind, why was Goliath addressing this now?

“Uh… why are you bringing this up?” Broadway asked.

“Brooklyn and I got into a fight. In it he brought up how I was treating you three.” Goliath admitted looking down.

“How’s Brooklyn doing?” Broadway asked.

“I haven’t seen him since our fight.” Goliath answered with worry in his voice. Since Lexington, Hudson said that they saw Brooklyn flying through the window but they haven’t seen him since. And Broadway also hasn’t seen him…

Where is Brooklyn?

Scarab Corporation, Launch Pad

Coldsteel, David Xanatos and Owen Burnett made their way up to the launch pad where a familiar hulking figure to two out of the three were there.

Coyote.

“Who is this?” Coldsteel questioned as he saw the hulking robot that had half of Xanats’s face on it.

“Colsteel, this is Coyote. Coyote, Coldsteel.” David introduced.

“Why is it here?” Coldsteel questioned.

“Coldsteel you didn’t think I would let you do this mission on your own, now did you?” David spoke.

To others it seemed like David wanted this mission to go well that he supplied backup but everyone knew the real reason. Coyote was there to keep Coldsteel in line.

“You think of me incapable?” Coldsteel asked.

“A little backup never hurted anyone.” David stated.

“Greetings Coldsteel.” The robot greeted the robotic gargoyle.

“Will Coyote be able to keep up with me?” Coldsteel questioned.

“Coyote has gone toe to toe with Goliath and won.” David informed the robotic gargoyle.

Coldsteel eyes widen at that information. This hunk of metal managed to win in a fight against Goliath? Well it is certainly bigger than Goliath so it could overpower him. However Goliath didn’t just rely on pure strength, he was also good at switching tactics when he didn’t want to hurt an opponent, some examples is when he managed to convince his rookery brother to attack Goliath when he managed to convince him that Goliath was stealing his lover, or another one was when Mentor first stepped down as leader and another rookery sister challenged him for title of Clan Leader. That fight was brutal but in the end Goliath won.

Now Coyote has Coldsteel on guard. It was one thing to face Goliath one on one because this body has advantages that his previous bodies didn’t. His first body wasn’t as strong, not to his beloved liking, it didn’t have the muscle she liked. Brooklyn’s body was even worse, it was scrawny like his but the fighting that his body just couldn’t perform was pathetic. Goliath must have been desperate if he picked Brooklyn as his second.

“Well Coyote it seems we shall be working together.” Coldsteel commented.

Wyvern Castle

After the apology to Broadway, everyone began searching the castle for the red skinned gargoyle. However people began panicking when the last hour of moonlight was fading.

“Okay. We’ve combed the castle and he’s not here.” Elisa started mainly to gather the attention of the Manhattan Clan.

 “This isn’t like Brooklyn…” Goliath began but trailed off.

Brooklyn isn’t one to disobey orders. He may protest orders but he will follow them. Did something happen on his way back home? But that doesn’t make sense since Bronx, Hudson and Lexington saw Brooklyn through a window coming here. Did he go out for a quick glide to calm his mind before the rest returned? If so then why hasn’t he returned?

“Should we fly out and search for him?” Angela suggested.

“I wouldn’t recommend that, lass.” Hudson began.

“Sunrise is arriving soon.”Hudson informed the clan. And the entirety of the clan turned and saw the sky lighting up with the sun’s approach.

“I agree with Hudson.” Elisa supported.

Angela looked conflicted.

“I don’t like it when our clan is out there with the Quarrymen around.” Angela stated.

Everyone winced at that. Before it was fine to perch on a building and no one was the wiser however with the Quarrymen about and people terrified of Gargoyles… they all shuddered to think what could happen to Brooklyn.

“Look Brooklyn is smart enough to hide out of sight for the day. He probably just went out for a glide and just lost track of time.” Elisa assured them. As they all hesitantly took their positions to rest for the day.

“Brooklyn…where did you go?” Elisa asked herself.

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[quirkyreads]

The Time Dancer and the Shrine Maiden Chapter 4: The Space In Between

Brooklyn lowered his arms. And took in his surroundings. He was able to tell one thing.

He wasn’t in New York anymore.

He took a deep breath and unlike the smell of New York he was met with a staleness in the air. As if no one had been here for a while.

He took in the area he was in and he was walking what appeared to be a crystal walkway. He looked at the area and it looked like a constant moving red galaxy. There were several shapes just suspended around. The shapes were just pure black and they looked to be around his size.

He looked at the ground he was on which looked like a crystal pathway providing him support and not falling into the galaxy surface below him. Along the crystal pathways looked to be archways and columns that held lanterns. Each step he took around lit up into a cool light.

“Scree!” 

The flaming bird was back.

He saw it fly then-

“Clang” The sound echoed throughout the area as the bird landed on an golden arch.

“Greetings, Brooklyn.” The flaming entity spoke. 

Its voice freaked Brooklyn out. It sounded like there were multiple voices all speaking at the same time. With the Phoenix staying still Brooklyn was able to make out more of its appearance. The large cosmic bird was massive with six wings, the center of its chest was a white flame that faded into blue, then yellow, orange and then the outer part of its body was red.

“Why am I here? What even is here?” Brooklyn shouted to the flaming entity as he looked the flaming bird right in its glowing white eyes.

“I need your aid.” Phoenix stated.

“What?!” Brooklyn shouted.

“I need your aid.” They  once repeated.

Brooklyn just stood there. Why did this flaming time traveling bird need his help?

“Wait! Hold on! Who are you? Where are we?” Brooklyn yelled.

“I am Phoenix.” The flaming entity responded calmly as opposed to Brooklyn’s panicked tone.

“As to where you are, you are in the in between.” They continued on while Brooklyn continued to stand there in shock.

“Wait, what?” Brooklyn spoke as he was trying to process this reality that he was in.

“What?” Phoenix questioned.

“Why do you need my help?”

“Because I need someone to go in the timestream.”

“Wait… you’re the Phoenix of the Phoenix Gate? Can’t you do it?”

“And risk myself getting trapped in a talisman again? Never. Again. ” Phoenix roared and after saying never their eyes began to glow bright white. Similar to how a male gargoyle enters the feral state. It had a great effect of intimidating one's opponent and the Phoenix was making great use of that.

“Why me?”

“You have potential Brooklyn.” Phoenix said.

Brooklyn hated it when the Phoenix said his name. It felt like something was tightening around him and that he was being cornered.

“What potential?”

“Out of all of your clan you show the most capability to adjust to your surroundings and make quick decisions in times of crises.” The Phoenix praised.

Brooklyn who at once would love praise was now terrified. Why was this cosmic time traveling bird that was once the Phoenix Gate wanted him out of all the people in the world? There was more than what was being said. However he needed to tread carefully after all Phoenix just took him out of New York and into wherever or maybe whenever he was in.

“Well…” Brooklyn began steeling himself to talk with Phoenix.

“I appreciate the compliments but…”

“But?” The Phoenix looked down on Brooklyn.

“I don’t think you just picked me because I’m good at coming up with stuff on the fly. There’s something else isn’t there?” Brooklyn questioned.

“Are you questioning me?” Phoenix began lighting up, flames getting brighter and bigger.

“I’m asking questions.” Brookly spoke up as he clenched his fists towards his sides as he steeled himself. 

“If we're gonna be working together, I need to know what’s going on. There’s more that’s going on. If you're really The Phoenix that was The Phoenix Gate you have access to other leaders in history. So why is it that you picked me out of all of them?” Brooklyn exclaimed, his voice trying to be neutral, trying to hide his fear and frustrations.

The Phoenix stood up straight. Their eyes glared at Brooklyn. Brooklyn still had his fist clench to his side, and still maintaining eye contact, not submitting down to this cosmic entity.

“You and I share similar enemies.” Phoenix began as they looked away from Brooklyn.

Brooklyn's face then became one of confusion, trying to recall what enemies he faced that could piss off a giant, time-traveling, flaming bird?

“Could you do me a favor and narrow that down?” Brooklyn suggested.

The Phoenix pulled from what Brooklyn could gather an “are you serious” face.

“The Third Race.” The Phoenix answered.

Brooklyn was not expecting that answer. He knows that the people of the Third Race are dangerous, he can count how many times he had to deal with them, the most infamous is when Oberon was gonna kidnap Xanatos son and take him to Avalon for his wife, Titania. He remembers living statues coming to fight him and also how Oberon nearly suffocated him and Angela to death. He would very much like to ot have a repeat of that. What makes them think that he could just take on a member of The Third Race, Oberon’s Children? Also-

“Why do you hate Oberon’s Children?”

The Phoenix whipped their head around Brooklyn, their entire body lighting up.

“You try not to hold a grudge against an entire race that shoved your body into a talisman during their little war. A talisman that held you captive for nearly two thousand years! And you had to watch as your own body , your own power was exchanged like some trinket, as people began using you for their own needs. Forgetting that I was an actual being with a mind of my own. ”  

Phoenix steeled themselves towards Brooklyn.

“Afterall you seemed to have a similar experience when the servant Puck put Coldsteel in your body.” Phoenix shot at Brooklyn.

Brooklyn faltered at that, why bring that night up? He so badly just wanted to forget that night. His fist was clenching even harder at his sides, he looked away from Phoenix, his eyes going back to the crystal pathway that he was on.

“Let’s not forget that the Third Race was also responsible for Demona’s immortality.” Phoenix commented.

“Yeah and so what? Goliath said that we can’t change the past, once done is done right? So what’s the point?” Brooklyn shouted back at Phoenix, his anger taking more control of him than his fear.

“But we can still limit her power with the events of the current timeline.” Phoenix hinted at.

Brooklyn balked at that. He turned to face Phoenix once again.

“What do you mean?” He hesitantly asked.

“How do you think David Xanatos got a hold of the previous three keys of power? Do you think Demona would have let Xanatos, a human, have the Grimorum Arcanorum, after Magus put the remaining members of her clan into an eternal stone sleep?” Phoenix iterated to Brooklyn.

Okay Phoenix has a point there. If Demona had it, she would have never let it out of her grasp. Only whatever higher powers knew what Demona would have done if she had the book earlier? Would she have tried to break the spell or added to her arsenal of ways to destroy or enslave humans? 

“So the plan is what? I go back to the past and grab the book and hand it to Xanatos?” Brooklyn questioned.

“More or less.”  

“Also why are you interested in Demona?” Brooklyn inquired. He doesn’t know why Phoenix is interested in stopping Demona. What could she have done to them?

“Surprisingly I don’t hold too much of a grudge on her; however she and Macbeth are tools for the Third Race.”

“What do you mean?”

“The start of Goliath’s journey, his time away from you and your clan was because Macbeth and Demona were attacking your clan on Avalon. They were not in control of what they did at the time.”

“Uh… yeah no new information there.” Brooklyn piped up.

Of course Demona wasn’t in control because she would never hurt Angela. Her real daughter. Her only child. Not that the rest of them matter to her. He thought bitterly.

“But what you don’t know is how they obtained immortality.” Phoenix shot back, not amused by Brooklyn’s comments.

“Well, do you?”

“Yes. Afterall Demona always carried a piece of me with her at all times. Including when she made the deal.” Phoenix informed Brooklyn.

His eyes widened at that. Phoenix was there?

“So what about the deal? What’s done is done. The only way Demona dies is if Macbeth gets lucky and kills her and it’s been around 900 years, so safe to say she’s still gonna be kicking.” Brooklyn shot back.

“The deal was never finished though.” Phoenix stated. That caused Brooklyn to halt in place.

“What do you mean that the deal was never finished?” Brooklyn inquired.

“The terms of the spell were as follows. Across the mists of space and time, we pose this covenant sublime, Macbeth his youth doth offer here, to make this one a force to fear, while she with claw and fang doth swear sweet death his foes to bring. By their acceptance are they co signed unto each other’s fate designed, forever and eternal bound, and each other’s pain resound.”

Brooklyn paused after what Phoenix reiterated the deal Demona made centuries ago.

“So what does that mean?” He questioned trying to grasp at what Phoenix was implying.

“Macbeth spared Duncan’s son Canmore. Canmore then rose an army against Macbeth for allying himself with Gargoyles. Demona overheard Macbeth talking with his son and father-in-law of whether or not they should force the Gargoyles out. Demona then allied herself with Cadmore in spite of his claim of slaughtering all the Gargoyles in England. Macbeth held up his end of the bargain, he gave up his youth, she did not, she allied herself with his enemy, Cadmore.” Phoenix explained.

“The deal was never completed? Then how is it that both of them are still here?” Brooklyn questioned.

“They’re tools for the Third Race to use as they please.” Phoenix answered.

“Why would the Third Race use them? Don’t they already have plenty of other tools at their disposal?”

“Not quite. During Oberon’s reign he made it so that the Third Race can’t directly interfere with mortals. That’s why they have Demona and Macbeth because despite that deal they were once mortal and therefore don’t fall under Oberon’s law.” Phoenix explained.

“So because they don’t fall under Oberon’s law they’re able to get away with anything?”

“Yes.” 

“How am I supposed to end a magical pact?”

“Maybe you need instructions from a certain book that was foolishly eaten by a mad Archmage.”

“Could it have that?” Brooklyn asked. There have been times where he did look through the Grimorium however… ever since Demona convinced him to use that mind control spell on Goliath…he couldn’t stomach it.

“If not, it could have something similar to it.”

“So the plan is what? I go back into the past get the Grimorum, learn magic, make sure Demona doesn’t get a hold of anymore gargoyle remains to make more ‘Coldstones’, give the book to David Xanatos so that way he can buy our castle and break our curse, and somehow in the process figure out how to break the magically deal that made Demona immortal.” Brooklyn iterated.

“For now, yes.”

“What do you mean by 'for now’?” He hollered in frustration. For an all powerful cosmic time travelling bird it makes a lot of demands.

“What’s the saying only time will tell?” Phoenix stated.

Brooklyn pause at that. Time Traveling, he was going to be hopping through time and space, trying to figure out ways to limit Demona’s power in the future, and maybe figure out how to severe the deal, which honestly would benefit a lot of people. Also somehow get the Grimorum to David Xanatos without screwing himself over.

Then there was the matter of what Phoenix just said. They feel something is off but don’t know what it is. But he has a feeling that it can’t be good, especially if it involves time travel, there’s no telling what could happen. Is this how Goliath, Elisa and Bronx felt like when they were whisked away to Avalon to save their Clan’s eggs? That if you don’t do it many people will get hurt?

“Alright, let’s get on with it.” Brooklyn reluctantly agreed.

“Excellent.” Phoenix responded with as they launched themselves from their perch, flames which were once dim now glowed brightly as Phoenix charged at Brooklyn, in a flash of flames Brooklyn was once again gone.

The Phoenix was alone after sending Brooklyn off. Then they lowered their body and their body was dimming. This powerful cosmic entity only had one thing going through its mind.

What’s happening to me!?

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[quirkyreads]

The Time Dancer and Shrine Maiden Chapter 3: Alone

Brooklyn’s breath was quickening. He quickly launched himself from the castle and back into the open air of the night, thoughts running around a million miles in his head.

Why didn’t they just tell me? Did they just like me making an idiot of myself?

Do they think I’m like Coldsteel?

The thought entered Brooklyn and he seized up from that. Thankfully he managed a landing, a rough landing, but a landing nonetheless.

He remembers that night no matter how much he wants to forget it. He remembers Angela and Broadway offering up their bodies and in a stupid attempt, whether to show bravery or to impress Angela, he can’t remember, he ended up offering and what did he get in return? The third soul in that deal specifically the one that wanted to kill them all and take Coldfire as his bride.

He remembers being put into the passenger side of his own body, he remembers Coldsteel parading around in his body, trying to convince Coldstone and Coldfire to stay in his friends bodies.

Come on now Brooklyn? Is it? You were vying for Angela’s attention. With me in control we’ll both get what we want. Once we get rid of our respective Brothers, I’ll get my beloved, and so will you. Sure you might not have a traditional experience courting her, but I’m sure you’ll feel and enjoy the physical side of things.

Brooklyn gagged when he remembered that. He wanted a mate but not like that. He wanted someone to be with him, someone to love and take care of. What Coldsteel wanted was NOT that. Taking advantage of someone, removing their choice in what they wanted, it made his skin crawl.

Did Broadway and Angela think of him like that? Did they think that he wouldn’t respect their choice to be together? Yeah he was down that she chose Broadway but did they think of him like Coldsteel who would kill his own rookery brothers just so he could get with his rookery sister?

When did they think so lowly of him?

Heian-kyo, Mulberry Shrine.

“Father, is Kureha going to be okay?” Utsuki asked. As Doman entered the living quarters of the shrine carrying Kureha.

“It’ll take time, but hopefully everything will work out.” Doman answered.

“Is there anything I can do to help?” Utsuki asked. Eyes and nose still red from the tears from earlier.

“Just keep an eye on Kureha. Make sure she doesn’t overexert herself. And if she’s craving anything let me know.” Doman infomed Utsuki.

“Craving?” Utsuki questioned.

“With her treatments she’ll be craving unusual things. If she tells you any of them, let me know.” Doman ordered.

“Of course, Father.” Utsuki agreed. She still looked upset. Worry was on her face.

“What happened on the cliff was not your fault, Utsuki. It was an accident.” Doman said as he began carrying his eldest to her quarters.

“But it wasn’t. Those twins on the cliff were with me. Why were they even there?” Utsuki spoke out loud. Tears starting to well up in her eyes as she recounts today on the cliff. Struggling to make sense of it. How did they even make their way up there with that large wicker basket? Without anyone noticing?

Doman just stared at Utsuki. No emotions were shown on his face.

“Utsuki, just focus on Kureha. Leave the twins to me.” Doman assured her.

Utsuki looked down, not sure of her father’s words.

“Father, those twins, they’re not normal children are they?” Utsuki stated more than asked.

“You’re correct. There is an imbalance, but rest assured they will be dealt with swiftly.”

“And Kureha?” Utsuki asked.

“I’m going to do everything in my power to make sure Kureha is alright. In fact she’ll be better than ever once she’s given treatment.” Doman assured his youngest daughter.

“Maybe I could help. Maybe you could show me how to do Kureha’s treatments?” Utsuki offered.

“No!” Doman shouted and startled Utsuki.

“The treatments Kureha will be going through are delicate and could easily go wrong. Just keep an eye on her and let me know if anything is strange. Alright?” 

“Yes Father.” Utsuki solemnly agreed as she lowered her head and Doman then placed Kureha in her room.

Manhattan 

As Brooklyn was trying to calm himself down he noticed something in the sky. Along the crescent moon in the sky it looked to be a shooting star.

Man, what I wouldn’t give for a wish right now. Maybe better luck? Brooklyn thought amusingly. However whatever amusing thoughts occurred were cut short when said shooting star ended up going right at him.

“What the-” Brooklyn shouted as he ducked for cover.

“Ting! Ting! Ting!”

Was heard as what fell from the sky bounced before landing. Brooklyn then looked at what fell from the sky.

He noticed it was made of metal, had a blue background and the front was a bird encased in gold.

The Phoenix Gate.

Brooklyn had seen it enough times to know it. Goliath had gotten it from Demona after the Xanatos’s wedding. But Goliath told everyone that he threw it into the time stream so that way no one else would get it.

So the question is why is it here? Brooklyn then walked over to the fallen relic. It was still smoking from its descent. Brooklyn then went over to take the relic back to the clan, because there is no way in hell he’s leaving a time traveling relic by itself for anyone to grab.

He was shocked that instead of holding the relic in his hand, it soon disintegrated and flames appeared. Brooklyn shield his eyes and once he got the initial brightness out he stared.

A giant flaming bird. In the inner core of the flaming beast was white, and a rainbow of colors on the outside. If Brooklyn wasn’t scared out of his mind he would think this is pretty cool.

“Greetings my dancer.” The phoenix greeted before launching itself at Brooklyn.

In an instant the crimson gargoyle and the giant flaming bird were both gone.

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[quirkyreads]

The Time Dancer and The Shrine Maiden Chapter 2: The Catalyst

Castle Wyvern, Eyrie Building, New York

Library 

“Thanks for pausing for me.” Broadway stated as he entered the library holding two steaming cups.

Angela smiled at him.

“Well how could I go on without my favorite reading partner? Besides, it was a needed break from all the tension.” Angela responded as she held the book titled Dracula.

“Yeah I mean, the last thing that was written in his diary is now how he’s gonna attempt to scale the walls of the castle like that Dracula guy? And instead of following that up we’re now going with Mina and her friend Lucy.” Broadway spouted.

“I feel bad for her, she doesn't know what her fiance is going through. I hope she and him reunite.” Angela commented.

“I really like how even in the beginning of the story he was always thinking of her, he was writing down recipes that she would enjoy and taking the time to describe his surroundings for her.” Broadway commented trying to lighten the mood.

“I like how Johnatan sent a shorthand letter, cause Dracula wouldn’t catch on but hopefully Mina will. She must be smart, observant and brilliant.”.

“Ah, let’s continue with the reading lesson shall we?” She said as she continued where they both left off.

“Yeah.” Broadway agreed as he gently grabbed Angela’s hand. She returned the grip and leaned onto him.

Entertainment Room

“Does this guy have no survival instincts?” Lexington commented

“Aye it seems so.” Hudson agreed as they watched the movie on the screen.

“Jeez this is uncomfortable to watch.” Lexington further commented as he sees the “hero” Jonathan Harker basically being held by his neck, while Count Dracula is shaving him.

“Well lad, it is a horror film. If it makes you uncomfortable you could always leave.” Hudson countered.

“Are you sure cause so far it’s been far more drama than horror.” Lexington countered.

“Ah if you complain about the film so much then why don’t you go? I’ve got quite the film connoisseur with me.” Hudson expressed as he gestured to Bronx, who was gnawing on a bone and more interested in said bone than the film.

“Oh he’s a connoisseur all right.” Lexington commented with a smile.

“Besides you agreed that once Brooklyn got back with Goliath you said that you would let us have the TV for the rest of the night.” Lexington noted.

“Bah I don’t understand your games. That Evil Resident game you lads play, don’t you live them.” Hudson voiced.

“Resident Evil.” Lexington corrected.

“Bah.” Hudson sighed in his recliner.

Before either of them could make any further comments on either the film or the game Bronx’s head lifted up and a bark sounded. From the window a shadow had appeared, in the shape of a certain red gargoyle.

“Well lad looks like your partner in crime is back.” Hudson stated as Lexington moved to go catch his rookery brother.

The Perch

Brooklyn ran his hands through his hair.

“Shit.” He muttered.

Goliath’s probably gonna pick a new second in command after how tonight went. A leader is supposed to stay focused and have control over his emotions, and tonight he did the exact opposite of that. He botched up the mission so badly he probably wouldn’t blame him.

Tears once again welled up in Brooklyn’s eyes.

“Come on. Get it together.” Brooklyn chanted to himself in an effort to pull himself together.

He then wandered into the castle. Not paying attention to where he was going.

New York,

“Why do I have the feeling that we’re not looking for clues?” Goliath inquired.

“I think we need to talk about Brooklyn.” Elisa stated.

“Alright.” Goliath agreed.

“Is everything okay? And Goliath, be honest with me.” Elisa pried.

“I don’t know.” Goliath confessed.

When he came back from Avalon he was happy to be reunited with his boys and Hudson but he won’t deny that he enjoyed his time away. With Elisa and Angela he could focus on just them and what little adventure their travels brought them. However, since coming home he has to now juggle patrols of the city, dealing with all the enemies that they made, and now the world knowing their existence. It was a lot but he hoped that if he had Brooklyn by his side he could share more of the duties.

Afterall in his absence Brooklyn had improved greatly. Before he had left he found an unsure second-in-command. However when he returned he found a leader, he kept the clan together and safe while in his absence. He not only continued their duties of patrolling the streets, but built allies with the Labyrinth Clan, solving Arthurian Prophecies with King Arthur and Griff and so much more. He thought he could give Brooklyn more duties, but he didn’t mean to push him away.

“Well you seem to be hard on Brooklyn.” Elisa stated.

“I have been. Brooklyn is by far out of our clan to be the best leader. With our revelation to the world and the rise of the Quarrymen. I wanted Brooklyn to take on more leadership roles.” He answered.

“Does Brooklyn know about this?” Elisa inquired.

Goliath was silent as he realized that the communication between him and the Trio was strained. He’s been focusing on missions, patrols, Angela and Elisa that he’s been neglecting his boys. Before he left he was tutoring Broadway with reading, listening on Lexington as he was tinkering with modern technology, Brooklyn asking him questions on second-in-command duties. However when he came back he never went back to them. He was reconnecting with Hudson, but he just left his boys on his own. They talked about missions and patrols but that was it, Goliath doesn’t know what’s Lexinton’s latest project? What book Broadway has picked up on? When was the last conversation that he had with Brooklyn that hadn’t led to him criticizing him? How could he leave his boys behind?

“Goliath?” Elisa asked, concerned because Goliath hadn’t said a word in a bit. Goliath’s eyes shot back to her.

“Elisa, I really need to talk to the Trio.” Goliath responded.

951, Mulberry Shrine, Underground Lab, Heian-kyo.

“What did you do?!” Doman demanded as he yelled at the twins. As he finished sealing the wicker chest that held Kurhea’s body.

“We did as we promised. We got you the perfect vessel to give you power.”

“You did not say you would use my own child!” Doman screamed at the two.

Doman was enraged. He kept his daughters up here in the shrine for their protection and now these twins gave him his promised power by ending his daughter’s life!?

“Will she be alright?” Doman asked as he stared at the chest that held his firstborn. Remembering all the failed experiments, ones that emerged too soon, ones that didn’t emerge at all, they didn’t tell him that they were going to use Kureha in this? Will it truly work or did he not only sign himself to doom but also his children?

“For now.” They answered.

“What do you mean by that?” He demanded.

“You know as well as we do Doman. She’s gonna have to go through this nine times.” One stated.

“And each time, she’ll need something bigger to merge with.” The second one continued.

Doman grimaces. He knew this he found out a long ago, when he began experimenting with the silkworms. He also knows that eventually she’ll need to use humans to merge with.

That’s where the problem lies. If she merges with another human, they might fight for control of her body. Unless… his previous trials showed that regular people that have gone through it are often reduced to basic instincts. Which could give Kureha a chance, a chance to be the dominant person in her body. But the question is where he could get them?

New York, Castle Wyvern, Library

“Aw. She chose Arthur.” Broadway coos at the passage that showed how Lucy chose Arthur and his writing to her dear friend Mina about it.

“Why do you like that Lucy had chosen Arthur?” Angela inquired.

“Uh…” Broadway stuttered, unsure if he should answer.

“I’m just asking, there is no right or wrong answer. I just wanted to know your thoughts” Angela assured him. She wanted to know why Broadway was happy about it. She honestly thought he might have gone for the adventuring cowboy Quincy Morris, so she is curious as to why he likes that Lucy chose Arthur.

“Well in Lucy’s letters she mentions how she has a deep emotional connection with Arthur. And while she likes the other two guys, their connection helped her choose.” Broadway stated.

“I also liked how in the story, none of them are bad guys. But yet they all respect each other enough to let Lucy choose.” Broadway continues. Thinking about the whole courting Angela thing started, how he and his brothers were fighting over her until she put her foot down and stopped forcing courting and just let it happen naturally.

Then there was the whole Cold Trio Incident. Where he and Angela had the souls of two lovers in their bodies. He is more than willing to do it for a night, there was that panic he had when Coldstone and Coldfire were contemplating staying in his and Angela’s bodies.

“Aw.” Angela cooed in response with Broadway’s sweet but simple answer.

She then pecked Broadway on the cheek, and then leaned into him. Broadway in return wrapped his arm around her as the two began to settle into the loveseat in the library.

Unaware that the sight was taken in by a certain red gargoyle, who quickly turned away and began back tracking down the hallway and heading back into the open sky.

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[quirkyreads]

The Time Dancer and the Shrine Maiden

Chapter One: Decaying Bonds

New York City, September 4th, 1996

“Brooklyn, do you read me over” came a crackling over the walkie.

“Hear you Eliza. Over.” Brooklyn responded as he was stationed over his post.

“Great. Just hang on tight. We’ll radio you in if we see something.” Eliza's crackly reply came through.

Well at least the walkie works. When he had gotten told of a steak out of a thief ring and was just going to be him, Eliza and Goliath. He was hoping that this would be some one on one leadership training. However all that seemed to happen was direct order of where to go and when to react. Goliath seemed to take no inputs from him, which makes sense for the others but he was The Second in Command, his input should matter.

Which granted Goliath was one of his fathers so it maybe was a challenge to go from taking care of your kids to actually listening to what they have to say on the field but even then…

It seemed that ever since he had returned from his Avalon World Tour it seems to not be on him or his brothers but Angela.

Angela

Another person plaguing his thoughts. She seemed to gravitate towards Broadway especially after the incident involving Coldstone, Coldfire and Coldsteel. But he likes to think that he still has some of a chance. He knows that Angela misses the gardens of Avalon…maybe he could bring her a bouquet of roses, maybe shyly present it to her…

He could imagine it. She says how beautiful they are and he brings up how they don’t compare to her own beauty…

“Brooklyn? Brooklyn! Brooklyn! Where are you?!” Goliath’s voice barked over the walkie. Which in turn nearly caused Brooklyn to fall off his perch.

“Huh? Oh? Uh! Right here!” Brooklyn responded.

“PAY. ATTENTION.” Goliath commanded. “A white panel truck will pass your position soon; you’ve got to stick with them!” Goliath added.

Brooklyn’s eyes snapped up. “Oh great…” He began as he saw the very same white panel truck driving by. “Off to a great start.” He concluded as he saw the truck heading further from him.

Japan, Heian-kyo, Underground Cavern 951- April 11th

In a cavern, a ripping noise can be heard. In the underground there is a cocoon made of silk. Out falls a humanoid. It moans and groans before it dies and then disappears in vapors leaving nothing behind. Nothing. Not even a body.

“Too soon. Again.” A man complains. He holds his sleeve as he takes a brush to ink to write the results down. The man keeping the records of his “experiments” had a long thin mustache and matching long goatee. His hair was also long and dark, however it was pulled back into kanmuri, and he was wearing a red sokutai.

“You haven’t found the right test subject have you, Doma Hoshi?” A small voice asks behind him.

Then Hoshi turns around. Shocked by what he sees. Two children identical to one another.

“Who are you? And how do you know my name?” He demanded his hand drawing to where he keeps his spell cards

“We are the manifestation of the trees your shrine is dedicated to. Why wouldn’t we know the true name of the high priest of our shrine? Or would you prefer us to use the name you chose, Doman Ashiya?”  One of the mysterious children answers.

“Doman Ashiya for addressing me. There is only one tree at my home.” He states but even he was unsure. How could these mysterious children know his true name but get the amount of trees at his shrine wrong? Unless-

“Yes, one here but also at the temple that is also near the Fujiwara residence.” The other one states.

Well that confirmed it. The Mulberry tree at the Fujiwara Manor that’s just below his shrine on the mountain is the same one at his residence.

“Surely you must have had some idea. After all, this underground chamber goes all the way from your shrine to that temple.”

“Why are you here? Why now?” He asks.

“Not many have gone so far as you have Doman.” One responds.

“Most stop but not you. You just keep going.” The second one continued.

“The question now is… how far are you willing to go?” One asks.

“As far as I’m able.” He answers.

“Why?” The twins asked at the same time.

Doman thought about his wife. The lovely woman that gave him his two darling daughters, Kureha and Utsuki. Utsuki who was the quiet, sweet, shy girl, and Kureha who was braver and not afraid of confrontation. They were expecting a third child but… they came too soon. She was never the same after that, her body never recovered.

He was an onmyoji, he was one of the most powerful in the court, he could come up with something… in the end it was all for naught. She died. When he saw her next she looked like she was sleeping. Perhaps she could be awakened. After all there were whispers of the shrine he made his home. Tales of the mulberry tree that could raise the dead. He began experimenting, trying anything to get her back.

Until she arrived at court.

Abe No Seimei.

The Fox Child. A child between the kitsune and a simple man. It was obvious the moment she walked into court. Although people addressed her as him he knew what she really was. Honestly he at first didn’t care. Then rumors of what he was doing were being leaked by her. He then challenged her, he knew that fox magic was powerful but he didn’t expect her to change his oranges into rats.

He had to leave but he vowed to destroy her. He set his plans back but he will win, he’ll conquer death and also Abe No Seimei.

“My main plan is to defeat my rival.” Doman answered truthfully.

“Why?” The twins asked.

“Abe No Seimei has bested me for far too long. I will not be out done by the likes of them.” Douman responded.

“So you believe that if you can complete the Kuon ritual… you will have bested her.”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“There's a record of one not ever being fully completed. If I can master that…I could beat her and make her my puppet.” Doman answered.

The twin looked at each other, then at Doman. One held out their hands.

“We will gladly help you, Lord Doman.” The stated. Doman looked shocked.

“Why?”

“We both share an enemy. Seimei has bested you for too long, and they are a threat to us.” One stated.

“Oh how many spirits and demons have been lost to them.” The other one proclaimed and then the first one held out their hand towards Doman.

 Doman reciprocated and as the hands closed together in agreement, then Doman’s eyes widened.

“Ah-” He shouted as he held his hand that made the agreement. He could see a cut had been made to his hand.

“What was that for?” He demanded as he held his wounded hand closer to himself.

“You’ve done your research into our ritual. Now we need to do our own research for the right subject for the ritual.” They simply stated.

“Afterall Doman, you're not like others that have attempted this ritual before. You’re actually smart enough to test the ritual before doing it yourself.” They said as they walked off. Doman began to walk after them, however when the twins turned the corner and Doman made the same turn… they were gone.

Manhattan, New York 1996

Brooklyn’s wing strained against the wind as he was weaving in and out of bridge supports.

He finally managed to latch his talons on the white van. However instead of grabbling on the moving vehicle the claws just drag through the vehicle’s exterior, cutting through it.

“Crud! No!” Brooklyn shouted as he helplessly dragged on the side of the van. He was desperately curling his hands on the vehicle in an attempt to slow or even stop his momentum.

All in vain because he made his way to the taillight and-

Wham!

“Hu-gh-“ Brooklyn wheezed as he slammed full force into a bridge support. He began wheezing and gasping as he tried to catch his breath. Trapped on the wet street as he was still trying to get air into his body that was knocked out when he landed.

He heard Elisa’s car come up to him and heard her getting out of the car and through the stars in his vision he could see her making her way towards him. However a figure came down between the two of them.

Goliath.

Now he wasn’t expecting a coddling but he was hoping an “are you okay?” At least but instead all he got when he looked up at his leader was a scowl.

He hissed as he rose up from the asphalt, brushing some debris off him.

“What were you doing when I called?!” Goliath barked out.

I-I thought I saw something, okay? I-I was only away a few seconds!” Brooklyn defended as he was wiping debris off himself.

“Are you hurt?” Elisa began but was interrupted by an angry Goliath.

“This theft ring isn’t a game, Brooklyn!” Goliath rattled off in a growl “These madmen kill people, every day they are on the streets, someone could die!” Goliath continued.

“I don’t need a lecture! Stop treating me like a hatchling!” Brooklyn shouted in frustration.

“I’ll stop treating you like a hatchling when you stop acting like one.” Goliath stated.

Brooklyn whipped around in an instant.

“WHAT DID YOU SAY!!” He shouted and it reverberated against the abandoned buildings.

“Do you think this is the way a leader behaves?” Goliath responded, not budging at all to Brooklyn’s outburst.

“I don’t know you never seem to teach me anything! Ever since you came back from Avalon, you seemed to be more interested in Elisa, or Angela. But what about the rest of us!” He just exclaimed in frustration.

Silence over took the trio on the streets. Goliath had a concerned look on his face as did Elisa’s but neither of them were saying anything which caused Brooklyn’s frustration to bubble up and then it boiled over.

“You were gone for six months! We looked for you everywhere! There wasn’t a street we didn’t look down for you on. Hell we-we looked for you in the Labyrinth! We even confronted Xanatos for you!” He spilled out each word gaining a stutter due to frustration.

“Di-did you even miss us? Did you even want to come back?!” He continued. As he began to choke up.

“Yes!” Goliath and Elisa both shouted. Both reeling from the shock of Brooklyn’s outburst.

Elisa took charge. She knew that they needed to separate now before things got out of hand and they both did something that they regret.

“Brooklyn, why don’t you head back to the castle. Goliath and I will see if this gang left any clues behind and we’ll meet you later.” Elisa commanded.

“But-“ Brooklyn began

“Brooklyn. Do as Elisa says. Go back to the castle. We’ll meet you later.” Goliath agreed with a low tone.

Brooklyn turned away and began his trek to the castle.

Japan, Heian-kyo, Mulberry Shrine- May 11th, 951

On a cliffside of the Mulberry Tree Shrine is a young woman, dressed in a red and black kimono, is holding down a rope ladder.

“Kureha! Please hurry!” She shouts down to another lady. Instead of wearing a kimono she was wearing a hakue tucked into a red hibakama and over her shoulders was a red haori.

“Just a second, Utsuki!” Kureha shouts back as she pauses on the rope ladder, perhaps trying to secure her grip on the journey upwards.

“Please! Hang on!” She exclaims as she’s trying to secure herself.

Utsuki holds down the rope ladder, just focusing on securing it and giving her sister, Kureha a chance to reunite with her.

“Let’s have some fun!” two voices speaking simultaneously behind her. Utsuki whips around and sees two kids that look identical to each other. They were leaning over her.

Her thoughts were going a million miles a minute. Like who were these mysterious twins? How did they get here? The shock was enough for her to loosen her grip and the rope was loosening. Utsuki was frantically grabbing it and trying to hold on.

But it was all for naught. As the rope ladder fell and Kureha let out a scream.

“Kureha!” Utsuki wailed. Tears formed in her eyes as she looked down at the bottom of the cliff and saw her sister lying there, not moving.

“Kureha! Wake up! Wake up! Please!” Utsuki screamed in desperation as she leaned over the cliff.

“Do you want to bring her back?” The twins once again said at the same time.

“Do you really want to bring her back?” They asked and this time gestured to a wickered chest that was behind them.

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

[quirkyreads]

Story I'm writing...

Hey, so I finally got the courage to post my writing on archive of our own. But I figured I post them here as well. The story is called 'The Time Dancer and The Shrine Maiden.

What is it some may ask? Well it's a crossover between Gargoyles cartoon and Kuon the survival horror game from 2003. Both are cult classics and my brain is extremely weird and thought these two franchises could work together.

[yagamimi-aka-mimi-deactivated20]

tweet

Something like this would be so colossally helpful. I'm sick and tired of trying to research specific clothing from any given culture and being met with either racist stereotypical costumes worn by yt people or ai generated garbage nonsense, and trying to be hyper specific with searches yields fuck all. Like I generally just cannot trust the legitimacy of most search results at this point. It's extremely frustrating. If there are good resources for this then they're buried deep under all the other bullshit, and idk where to start looking.

[ama-kitkat123]

>:)c

May I present to you, nationalclothing.org?

It doesn't have everything, but it's still my first source when researching traditional clothing from other cultures.

[penanatomy-studies]

There's also this resource on historical fashion: Claire’s Historical Fashion Reference & Resources

[zheida]

another addition as far as physical media goes there is the encyclopedia of national dress (that i still need to buy myself bc this kind of thing is super important to my sort of fantasy designing) but yes i do agree i wish there was EVEN MORE documentation on this

[iascus]

Reblogging to spread awareness

[my-art-tutorial-blog]

the goldmine folks