DISCLAIMER: Jonny Quest and the Quest Team are owned by Hanna-Barbera, Inc. and are used here without permission. Gargoyles and all related characters are copyright to Buena Vista Television and Disney, and are also used here without permission. Amethyst Szelle, Wrath and all other unrecognizable characters are my creations and are copyright to me (my apologies if they are similar to other characters I'm not aware of). No money is being made from this story.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I'm really hoping this works. . .oh the things I don't think of while I'm at work, instead of work that is. . .and I've got a good feeling about it. This story comes from a concept I have for a Gargoyles Fanfic (and eventually I'll write that, too). Any number in parenthesis ( ) denotes a footnote and can be read at the end of that particular chapter.
MYTHS AND LEGENDS (Part One)
By lil'nix
As the month of November drew to a close, winter hit Manhattan with a vengeance. Temperatures dropped to below freezing. The days grew shorter as the nights dragged on. Snow had already begun to fall, covering the magnificent City Island in its iridescent beauty. Unlike what most people thought, the residents of Manhattan enjoyed the coming of winter.
Amethyst Szell was no exception. The coming of winter meant the coming of Christmas. And with Christmas came shopping!
Amethyst moved swiftly among the crowds of people gathered along Broadway. The petite 16-year-old squeezed her way into a nearby cafe called Harry's. She dropped her shopping bags to the floor in relief. She sat down at the nearest booth, when she heard someone call her name.
"Hey, Mysti!"
Amethyst scanned the room. The cafe wasn't the largest in Manhattan. It took only a moment for her eyes to settle upon the smiling face of Dexter Lee. He was sitting with two other guys Amethyst recognized as Ramsey Johnson and Justin Tate. They were all juniors at her high school.
She was only a sophomore.
Dexter waved her over to their table, but noticed the number of bags she had with her. Amethyst shrugged at him with a smile. Within a minute, the three boys joined Amethyst at her table.
She regarded them more closely as they sat down. Ramsey, with his short blond hair, glowing blue eyes and athletic build, was the star uarterback. Justin, with his dark hair, green eyes and slim build, was the junior class president. They sat in the booth seat across from her.
Dexter, or Dex as Amethyst liked to call him, sat in the booth seat next to her. His bright red hair was easy to spot in a crowd. He was the junior class clown - or better yet, the school clown. He was always trying to play practical jokes on the other students.
Amethyst always thought it was strange the way these three men were inseparable. Who would think that the class jock, the class prep, and the class clown would be best friends? On the outside, they were as different as could be.
But they shared a little secret -- one that no one in school would have guessed. Ramsey was able to shoot tiny beams of energy from his fingers. Justin could form icicles and control the cold. Dexter could change into any object or person of his choice. The television called them mutants - outcasts to society. New York seemed to have a lot of them these days.(1)
It was no wonder these three boys stuck together.
Amethyst knew their secret because they knew hers. She was the product of a genetic lunatic's twisted genius - the half-breed spawn of a gargoyle and a human. She had been blessed with the human characteristics of her parents. Her twin had not been so fortunate. Jeremiah, or Wrath as he now preferred to be called, inherited the gargoyle characteristics of their parents. He had disappeared several years ago. (2)
"What brings you guys into the city?" Amethyst smiled at them.
"What else," Dex said with an equally large grin. "Justin's new wheels!"
"My parents finally caved in," Justin explained when Amethyst stared at him in disbelief. He blushed slightly. "I've been trying for months to convince them that I need a car."
"Cool," Mysti smiled at Justin. "You'll have to take me for a ride later."
Dex took a large sip of his hot chocolate. He made an audible slurping noise and sighed. The others chuckled.
"So how's your science fair project coming, Dex?" Mysti elbowed him in the arm.
"It's been qualified for the Eastern Regional Science Fair," Dex said proudly, sticking his chest out as he spoke.
"Isn't that the science fair sponsored by David Xanatos, and includes projects from all over the East Coast?" Ramsey asked with shock.
"Yep," Dex said, loudly sipping his hot chocolate. "It's one of 50 entries from all over the East Coast." He smiled his usual cocky grin. "The winning entry gets to be displayed at next year's World's Fair in Tokyo, Japan."
"Cool," Mysti said with a smile.
"You know what else I heard?" Justin said. When he got no answer he continued, "The famous Dr. Quest will be making a speech at the event."
Dex looked at his friends in earnest. "THE Dr. Quest?!"
Justin nodded.
"I can't believe it!" Dex squealed.
Amethyst, Ramsey and Justin laughed as Dex started dancing around the cafe. Dex was a huge science nerd, and there was rarely a moment when he didn't mention the name Quest. Dr. Quest, even though he didn't know it, was Dex's mentor. His friends knew he'd jump at the chance to meet him in person.
Amethyst was eager to meet him in person, too. At Dex's insistence, she had followed his research in genetics for several months. She often wondered what he'd make of her.
"Dex, for crying out loud!" Ramsey said with a chuckle. "Will you sit down?"
Dex literally bounced back to the booth and plopped into his seat. His lopsided smile was still plastered to his face. The other patrons of the cafe were smiling and giggling at Dex's showmanship.
"I can't believe it!" he squealed again.
"Believe it," Justin said with a smile. "He's opening the Fair with a speech at a gala banquet in the Eyrie Building."
Amethyst blinked several times. "The Eyrie Building? Why there?"
The boys looked at her oddly.
"You don't know about it?" Justin asked.
Ramsey said, "You live there, Mysti. You must've heard something?"
Amethyst shook her head. "Not a thing."
Dex continuously looked at each of his friends as they spoke. Then he offered, "What about your friends? They might know something."
Amethyst thought about it. Her friends might know about the event, but it was highly unlikely, especially if it involved David Xanatos. She shook her head again.
"I don't think so," she said. "One of them would have said something for sure."
Dex shrugged. "If and when you find out, do me a favor and get me a ticket for the banquet." He got down on his knees in front of the booth. "Please! I would be so totally in your debt and it would mean so much!"
"I don't think you have to worry about it, Dex. According to the article I read in this morning's paper, everyone involved in the Science Fair is invited," Justin said.
"Yes!" Dex exclaimed and took his seat again. "Can I get a round of cappuccinos over here, Harry? My treat! This will be so totally cool!"
*J*Q**G* *J*Q**G*
"This is going to be so totally boring," Jonny Quest said to his friends Hadji and Jessie. They sat side by side in the Dragonfly as it began it's descent onto a runway at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
"Where's your sense of adventure, Jonny?" Jessie Bannon asked, nudging Jonny in the shoulder with her elbow. "I thought you liked New York City."
"Not after what happened here the last time," Jonny commented dryly, looking out the nearby window and down at the city. (3)
"I very much doubt that there will be any more loose tigers, my friend," Hadji said. He looked over Jessie to stare at his friend and brother.
"And I'll have to agree with Hadji, son," Dr. Quest said from the co-pilot's chair of the Dragonfly. "This will be a more peaceful outing, I promise."
"Hang on folks, we're touching down," Race Bannon called from the Dragonfly's pilot seat.
The tires screeched loudly when they first hit the asphalt at JFK, but the noise died quickly as the Dragonfly slowed to a complete stop, just in front of hanger number twelve.
Several cars pulled up to the hanger as the passengers of the Dragonfly exited. One of them, a large, black limousine, pulled up right in front of the hanger doors. A well-dressed man emerged from the limousine. His dark hair was cut short but a few strands tried to cover his eyes. He smiled his usual smile - a smile most of his competitors called the "grin of death" - as he made his way toward the Dragonfly.
"Dr. Quest and family, I presume," the well-dressed gentleman said.
"That's correct," Dr. Quest said with a smile as he walked forward to greet the man.
"I'm David Xanatos," Xanatos introduced himself. "I'm pleased you could make it for the Eastern Regional Science Fair. I trust your flight was pleasant. You made good time. I thought I was going to be early."
Dr. Quest shook Xanatos' proffered hand.
"Much better than expected." Dr. Quest turned towards his family and friends who had gathered only a few feet away. "Allow me to introduce my family. My body guard and closest friend, Race Bannon."
Xanatos examined the tall, white-haired man. He was well built, certainly stronger than Xanatos himself. He looked like he had a military upbringing. His handshake only confirmed Xanatos' thoughts.
"A pleasure, Mr. Bannon," Xanatos said.
Dr. Quest next indicated the three teenagers. "This is my son, Jonny, my adopted son, Hadji, and Race's daughter, Jessie."
All three teens nodded as they were introduced. Xanatos stepped forward to shake hands and examine each one. They looked like any other ordinary teenager. Jonny's handshake was strong like Race's and Xanatos assumed that was primarily from his contact with the burly bodyguard. Hadji's handshake was not as strong, but just as confident. Xanatos sensed a real power within the boy, and his demeanor was total control.
*Impressive,* Xanatos thought.
Next was Jessie. Her handshake was also like Race's, but more feminine. She too was cool and confident like the others and her smile was enough to light up a dark room.
"Jessie?" Xanatos said with a smile as he shook her hand. "You're entered in the Science Fair, aren't you?"
Jessie was pleasantly surprised by the businessman's question. She nodded vigorously.
"Yes, I am."
"Well, I wish you the best of luck. Your proposal was most interesting. I can't wait to see your project."
"Thank you," Jessie said, light red coloring flushing her cheeks.
Hadji and Jonny looked at each other. There was something strange about Mr. Xanatos. He was hiding something . . . but what?
"Allow me to introduce my colleagues." Xanatos turned toward the cars parked at the hanger entrance. A red-haired woman stood beside the limousine holding a small child. Beside her was a ridged-looking, blond-haired gentleman. "My wife, Fox. My son, Alexander, and my personal assistant, Owen Burnette."
"A pleasure," Dr. Quest said, nodding.
"Well, I'm sure you are all tired from your trip," Xanatos said with a smile. "If you're finished unloading, my drivers and I can take you to the Eyrie Building.
"Great," Race said with an unusual smile. "I could use a nap."
"So could I," Dr. Quest said.
"Splendid," Xanatos said. His hand motioned several people forward. They gathered up the Quest's luggage and packed it into their vehicles. "And perhaps when the sun sets we could get together to discuss the science fair?"
"Wonderful," Dr. Quest said. "Shall we?"
*J*Q**G* *J*Q**G*
The sun was slowly getting lower in the sky as the local church bells rang the hour of six.
Amethyst struggled with her packages as she made her way towards the elevator in the lobby of the Eyrie Building.
*It was nice of Justin to give me a ride home, but I wish he would have insisted on helping me with my things. Why did I say I could do this by myself?*
The elevator finally reached the lobby and three teenagers - a red-haired girl, a blond boy the reminded Mysti of Ramsey, and an Indian boy with a turban -- stepped out. Amethyst didn't recogniize them, but they seemed like nice kids. They were chatting happily as they came toward her, obviously on their way out. One of them took notice of Mysti struggling with her things.
"Hey, you need some help?"
Amethyst looked up from her bags and saw the blond-haired boy coming towards her. Amethyst smiled gratefully.
"Yes, thanks."
"You live here?" the blond asked picking up two of the larger shopping bags.
"Yep."
"Slammin!" the blond said with a broad smile. "My friends and I are staying here for the Science Fair." When they reached the elevator, he sat her bags down and extended a hand. "I'm Jonny Quest."
*Quest?!* Amethyst thought. She smiled politely and accepted his hand. "I'm Amethyst Szelle. I'm the ward of Mr. Xanatos."
"Nice to meet you," Jonny said. Jonny waved his two friends over from their waiting spot by the front doors. "These are my friends Jessie Bannon and Hadji Singh."
"Hi," Amethyst said happily. She shook first Jessie's hand, then Hadji's.
"We're on our way into town," Jonny said still smiling. "Would you like to come with us?"
Amethyst quickly shook her head. "I'm afraid I can't. I have another appointment. Where did you guys plan on going exactly?"
The three friends looked at each other and shrugged.
"I guess it's a unanimous 'I don't know.' Any suggestions?" Jonny asked.
"Well, there's a free concert at Madison Square Garden starting in an hour. Plus there are plenty of places to hang out in the Village. If you do go into the Village, go to Harry's. It's a small cafe, but very popular. They have great food and the cappuccino is heaven," Amethyst said.
"Great! Thanks," Jonny said smiling and waving as he and friends walked towards the front doors. "See you later."
Amethyst waved goodbye then turned her attention to her packages. She heaved a sigh and pressed the up button on the elevator. Amethyst quickly stacked her bags inside and pressed "70" on the control panel. She sighed as the elevator doors closed and began to move. A quick glance at her watch told her she would make it in just enough time to see her friends.
*Quest?* Amethyst thought again, smiling to herself. *I didn't know Dr. Quest had a son. Seems like a good enough guy. Sure is cute!*
It took several minutes until the elevator stopped on the 70th floor. Amethyst heaved another sigh as she moved her bags back out into the hall and trudged towards a second elevator. She crammed herself inside and pressed the number "150." After another several minutes, the elevator stopped on the 150th floor. She rummaged inside her purse for her key card and stuck it into the private elevator control panel.
"Welcome home, Amethyst," a computer simulated voice said.
"Yeah, right," Amethyst replied, gathering her things into the elevator once more. She pressed the "C" button on the control panel and the elevator doors closed. After a moment the elevator lurched upward towards the top most part of the Eyrie Building, Castle Wyvern.
The castle was a 9th century stone structure. Originally built in Scotland, it was torn down centuries later and brought back to New York by industrialist David Xanatos. Amethyst had always found the castle intriguing. It was where her friends were hatched.
Technically her friends were more than just her friends - they were her family.
The elevator stopped with a jerk and the doors opened. Quickly, she grabbed her bags and headed for her room. She put the bags inside the door and changed from her skirt and sweater into blue jeans and an Arizona sweatshirt. Running from her room, she hurried to the main parapet of the castle.
In the old days, the main parapet was a wide-open space used mainly for defense maneuvers in the event of an enemy attack. Now it was used as a resting-place for New York's newest inhabitants.
The Gargoyles.
The sun was nearly below the horizon of the city. Amethyst looked on in anticipation, as the sky above the castle grew darker. The wind started to pick up, blowing her dark brown hair around her face like a mane. She pulled her hands into the sleeves of her sweatshirt and hugged herself tightly.
As the last rays of sunlight died over the Hudson River, the stone gargoyles began to crack. The cracking noise boomed like thunder as the creatures awoke from their daily slumber.
Lexington, the smallest of the clan and most technologically smart, was the first to wake up. He turned from the ledge, on which he slept, and greeted the young girl.
"Hi, Mysti," Lexington said.
Beside him, the Gargoyle dog Bronx had awakened. He leaped from his spot on the parapet and charged at Amethyst, successfully knocking her down and licking her face.
"Okay, okay, boy! It's good to see you too!"
Amethyst smiled as two more of the clan woke up. Brooklyn, Goliath's chosen second-in-command, and Broadway, the arguably largest of the group, turned from the ledge with broad smiles.
"Evening, Mysti," Brooklyn said.
"Hi, Mysti," Broadway echoed Lexington. "I'm starving."
Amethyst giggled as she stood up from underneath Bronx. Broadway was always hungry.
Finally the last of the clan awoke. Goliath, leader of the clan, howled into the night as he was finally freed from his stone prison. Angela, Goliath's daughter to Demona from the 9th century, growled as her stone casing fell to the streets below. She hopped from her resting-place beside Brooklyn.
"Hey, sis," Angela said with a smile.
Goliath also stepped down from his perch on the center of the parapet.
"Good evening, Amethyst," Goliath said with a smile. "This is becoming quite a habit, is it not?"
"I suppose," Amethyst said with a smile.
*Elisa's smile,* Goliath thought with a sad smile of his own.
"Besides, with Elisa on vacation, someone has to greet you when you wake up," Amethyst said.
"I wouldn't have it any other way," Goliath told her, his smile brightening. "And speaking of Elisa, has she called like she promised?"
Amethyst shook her head. "She's probably waiting till she knows you're awake. There is a time difference between here and Hawaii, you know."
Goliath nodded in return. With a sweep of his arm, he gathered Amethyst to his side and together, they made their way inside the castle. The other Gargoyles had gone their separate ways. Lexington immediately went to his internet link-up and began typing furiously. Hudson sat himself in his usual chair and turned on the TV. Bronx settled at Hudson's feet and went back to sleep. Broadway was undoubtedly in the kitchen fixing himself a snack. Brooklyn and Angela were making the first patrol of the evening around the city.
As Goliath and Amethyst entered the main hall, Amethyst said, "Wait here. I have something for you," and ran from the room.
Goliath complied and waited patiently. He smiled as Amethyst came back into the room with a small package. She offered it to him.
"My friend, Malinda, insisted that I get this done while we were it town today," Amethyst said. "I was gonna wait until Christmas, but three weeks is too long to wait. Open it."
Goliath tore the wrapping with a single motion of his little finger. Inside the wrapping was a glass frame. Inside the frame was a picture of Amethyst. She was dressed in a fancy blouse with her hair and make-up all done up.
Goliath smiled at the picture. Amethyst had grown up so much since she had joined his clan. It was difficult for him to accept her at first - the product of a bonding he could only dream about. But over time - a matter of days really - Amethyst had won his heart, much the same as Angela did. Goliath couldn't imagine life now without Amethyst.
"Do you like it?" Amethyst asked.
"I will treasure it always," Goliath smiled down at her. Amethyst smiled in return.
Before Goliath could say more, he heard voices coming towards them. One he recognized as Xanatos. The others were new. They were talking frantically and jovially. As the doors to the main hall began to open, Goliath swept Amethyst into his arms and ran into a nearby passageway.
"This castle is simply amazing, Mr. Xanatos," said one of the new voices.
"Thank you, Dr. Quest, but please, call me David."
"You paid to have it brought here from Scotland?" said a second new voice.
"Stone by stone, Mr. Bannon."
"And the tapestries? The furniture?" Dr. Quest asked.
"Fine copies of the originals," Xanatos said. "A few of the tapestries are new, true, but not too dissimilar from ones found in that time period."
"Fascinating," Dr. Quest said. Mr. Bannon whistled his agreement.
Goliath looked down at Amethyst. His eyes were glowing, and that usual meant he was angry. She knew Goliath's past with Xanatos was an uneasy one, but that was no reason to be angry now. And the guests hadn't done anything wrong. So what was bothering him?
"Let me show you the view of the city." Xanatos led his two companions out of the main hall. He stopped briefly to look back as Goliath and Amethyst came out from their hiding place. Xanatos only smiled and turned to follow his friends.
"Do you know who they were?" Goliath asked Amethyst. "What are they doing in the castle?"
Amethyst laid a calming hand on Goliath's arm and the glow in his eyes dimmed to their natural state.
"They're guests," Amethyst said with a reassuring smile. "They're here because of a Science Fair that Xanatos is sponsoring."
Goliath nodded grimly. "Lexington mentioned a 'science fair' several nights ago." He paused. "Come. Let's see how Brooklyn and Angela are fairing in their scouting."
*J*Q**G* *J*Q**G*
Jonny, Jessie and Hadji sat huddled together in a corner booth at Harry's. How small the place was, and how crowded it had been when they got there surprised them. Amethyst had been right, it was a popular place.
And the cappuccino was delicious.
"If you drink another glass, you're going to be wired for the next week!" Jessie laughed, nudging Jonny in the arm with her elbow as the waitress - a very pretty dark-haired girl - sat a third cup of java in front of him. She placed a glass of Diet Coke in front of Jessie, and a second glass of water next to Hadji.
"Can I get you anything else?" the woman asked politely.
"No thanks," Hadji had spoken for them.
"Holler if you need anything."
Jonny and Jessie stifled a giggle when the waitress winked at Hadji before walking over to another booth.
Hadji only smiled.
"Okay, Jess," Jonny said after taking a large sip of his drink. "Are you gonna tell us what you did for the science fair?"
"Yes," Hadji chimed in. "You've been keeping it a secret for almost a year now. It must be interesting."
Jessie sipped her Diet Coke and smiled. She shook her head.
"Oh no, I told you before it was a surprise. You have to wait a few more days."
"Come on, Jess," Jonny said. "Give."
Jessie shook her head again. Jonny gave her one of his pitiful puppy looks and she rolled her eyes at him.
"No. It's a secret. You've waited this long. What's a few more days?" Jessie said.
Jonny shrugged and gulped down the last of his cappuccino. His thoughts turned from Jessie's science project to the girl he'd met at the Eyrie Building. He wasn't sure why, but he wasn't going to complain.
"I think I can manage," Jonny said absently, a smile passing his lips.
Hadji looked at his friend curiously.
"A while ago you thought the whole idea of being here was pointless. What has changed your mind?"
Jessie grinned, knowing the answer. "Let me guess. . .brunette. . .about 5'5". . .glowing eyes. . .just let me know if I'm getting close."
Jonny slapped Jessie playfully in the arm. "Oh stop it. It is not."
But the smile never left Jonny's face.
"Excuse me," a loud voice interrupted. "But aren't you the boys that spotted the Manhattan Maneater last year?"
The three teens nearly jumped out of their seats. They looked up to see a young man smiling at them. He looked no older than sixteen, with thick white hair and warm brown eyes. He was dressed in a green sweater and khaki Dockers, a black leather jacket over is right arm.
"Yeah, that's us," Jonny said with a smile.
"Thought so," the guy said with a nod. "I read all about it in the papers. That was really something."
*Great,* Jessie thought. *As if Jonny's ego wasn't big enough.*
"Nothing out of the ordinary for us," Jonny said with a smile. "Do it all the time."
Jessie and Hadji looked at each other and rolled their eyes.
The man looked skeptical, but still smiled. "So what brings you to Manhattan this time? The Gargoyles?"
The three teens looked at each other, then back at the man.
"Gargoyles?" they said in unison.
The man's smile faded slightly. "Aye. They appeared several years ago, but no one believed in them until strange things started happening a few months ago. Now they're public knowledge. Lots of people come to Manhattan now to hunt them."
"Are they dangerous?" Jonny asked, a hint of interest shining in his eyes.
The man smiled. "I've never had a problem with them, but there are those who claim to have seen them up close. If you ask me, they're just one more scapegoat for humanity to blame their problems on."
Hadji made a mental note of that point, and nodded.
"Where do they live?" Jessie asked
The young man shrugged. "No one really knows. There are no neon signs pointing to the Gargoyles Tavern or anything like that. Here and there I suppose. They only come out at night."
"What do they do during the day?" Jonny asked.
"I can't answer that one," the young man said with a smile. "I don't know."
"Who else could we talk to about these gargoyles?" Hadji asked curiously.
"Everyone who's met one claims to be an expert," the man said. "But if you really want to know more, then I suggest talking to David Xanatos."
Silence.
"Did I say something wrong?" the man asked.
"No," Jessie said hurriedly. She smiled sweetly at him. "Thanks for the information."
"It's definitely worth checking out," Hadji said.
"Another great adventure," Jonny said with a mischievous smile.
"I'm glad I could help," the man said. "But I've taken enough of your time. Maybe I'll see you around the Village."
"You bet," Jessie said.
The man turned to leave when Jonny stood up from his seat and yelled, "You didn't tell us your name."
The entire cafe seemed to grow silent as the man answered, "Jeremy. Jeremy Destine."
Then he was gone.
END PART ONE
--------------------
(1) For more on Amethyst's friends and their powers, read the upcoming Gargoyles/X-Men story by me of course. ^_^
(2) Amethyst's and Wrath's stories are told in detail in the upcoming story "Experimental Conditions."
(3) The Quest gang had some fun in the Manhattan jungle in the season one
episode "Manhattan Maneater." What do you mean you haven't seen it?!
Go watch it! (After you've finished this story, of course. ^_^)