DISCLAIMER: Jonny Quest and the Quest Team are owned by Hanna-Barbera, Inc./Turner Entertainment and are used without permission. Gargoyles and all related characters are the property of Buena Vista Television and Walt Disney, also used here without permission. Amethyst Szelle, Wrath, and all other unrecognizable characters are my creations. This is a story by a fan for other fans. No money is being made.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Part three in all its glory. Remember, any number in parenthesis ( ) denotes a footnote and can be read at the end of the chapter. Comments, questions and concerns can be directed to [email protected]. ENJOY!
MYTH AND LEGENDS (Part Three)
by lil'nix
Amethyst greeted her gargoyle family just before sunrise, as had become habit the past few days. She stood in the cool, early morning air, wearing only a pair of shorts and an old, baggy t-shirt. As the others took their places, she approached Goliath.
"Elisa called last night," Amethyst said with a forced smile. It wasn't at total lie. She had been the one to call Elisa at her hotel. She needed to talk with someone about what happened with Demona and Thailog. She didn't want Elisa to run back to New York, but she did need her opinion on a few things. And she had gotten them.
"How is she enjoying her vacation?" Goliath asked, smiling as well.
"She says it's almost too relaxing. Not enough to keep her busy, but plenty of time to rest. She misses everyone, and told me to remind you that she'll only be gone for another three days."
Goliath chuckled, a sound Amethyst had not heard since Elisa left for Hawaii. "Good, then. We shall be ready for her return." Amethyst nodded. He turned away for a moment until he realized Amethyst hadn't moved. "Is something wrong?"
Amethyst shook her head quickly. "No. Oh, no. It's just that I won't be able to greet you when you wake up. Xanatos is having a dinner for the science fair participants tonight, here in the building."
"You are not a participant in the science fair," Goliath stated, a bit confused.
"No, but I am - in the public's eye - the ward of David Xanatos. It would only be proper for me to attend. Not to mention good publicity for Xanatos himself."
Goliath sighed and nodded. He was not proud of the situation he had placed his daughter in with Xanatos. It was the only way he knew of to keep her safe and she had grown very well adjusted. And with Elisa gone, he had grown accustomed to seeing Amethyst when he awoke. It was a strange feeling, knowing that she wouldn't be there to greet him tonight.
"Very well," Goliath said. "I will see you later this evening then?"
Amethyst smiled. "You bet." She paused, her smile turning to a frown. She whispered only for him to hear, "Look, about earlier, back there with Demona and Thailog. I'm sorry I acted like such a brat. It's just that -"
Goliath placed a large hand on her shoulder. He smiled down at her. "It is only natural," he whispered back. "He is your brother, and I do not want you to stop caring. When the time is right, he will seek us out or we will find him. But now is not that time."
Amethyst nodded. She was touched by Goliath's words, but she knew he couldn't understand how badly this was tearing at her. She looked at her watch.
"Well, I need to get cleaned up and dressed before breakfast." She smiled again. "I'll see you tonight. Around eleven."
Goliath nodded and turned toward the city as the sun began to rise above the horizon.
*J*Q**G* *J*Q**G* *J*Q**G*
"I'm glad you could join us for breakfast, Dr. Quest, Mr. Bannon," Amethyst said.
Benton Quest smiled and dabbed at his bottom lip with a napkin. "I never pass up a good meal, especially in a place as fascinating as this, Ms. Szelle."
The girl blushed a light shade of pink. "Mysti, please."
Race Bannon sat back in his chair and stared at his empty plate. "A good meal, Benton? This was downright terrific."
"Yeah, dad," Jonny said. "Mrs. Evans couldn't compare to this."
"Just don't tell her that, Jonny," Benton said with a smile.
"Mrs. Evans is our housekeeper," Jessie explained at Mysti's confused look.
Mysti nodded and smiled at Jessie. "I'm sure our cook would appreciate your kind words, Mr. Bannon."
"Call me Race," he told her with a smile. Mysti blushed again.
After everyone had finished eating and the table had been cleared, Mysti gave a brief run-down of her plans for the tour. "I figured we could start with the castle, since we're already here. Then we'll move down through the building and I thought maybe lunch at Planet Hollywood or the Hard Rock Café. I'm open to any suggestions."
The group assured her that her plans were fine. Smiling, Amethyst led them through the castle passageways and to the Great Hall. She knew Xanatos had shown this part of the castle to Dr. Quest and Race, but she acted as if she had no clue.
"This is the Great Hall, the center point of the castle. All the sections join here."
Benton and Race were silent through her short history lesson of the castle in general. Jonny, Jessie and Hadji were busy taking in the decor. The tapestries especially captured Jessie's interest. Jonny's eyes were drawn to the suits of armor that lined most of the hallways. Hadji asked questions from time to time about various things.
Eventually the group made their way to the top of the castle and walked out onto the parapet. Amethyst knew what would gain their attention then.
"Fascinating," said Dr. Quest.
"Would you look at that," Race said with a whistle.
Jonny, Jessie and Hadji were immediately aghast. Six statues sat very close to the edges of the castle, overlooking the city. Demonic beings cast in stone.
Gargoyles!
"These are what make this castle so special," Amethyst explained with a smile. "These gargoyles are fabled to be the protectors of this castle. They date back to the late 10th century."
"Astounding!" Benton Quest exclaimed. "The craftsmanship is flawless. Perfect replicas, I'd wager."
Amethyst giggled. "Actually, Dr. Quest, these are the original statues from Scotland."
Benton Quest was even more intrigued by Amethyst's words. He stepped closer to the ledge to examine the statues more fully.
Jonny nudged Jessie in the ribs to get her attention. Jessie's green eyes met Jonny's blue ones and the message was completely understood. This was almost too coincidental.
"Mysti, what about those gargoyle tales everyone keeps talking about?" Jonny asked.
Mysti smiled innocently at Jonny and his friends. "There have always been urban myths about such creatures." She shrugged. "But after Mr. Xanatos brought the castle back from Scotland, I suppose it gave the locals some kind of physical basis for their stories."
"Myths always have some real basis in fact," Hadji said matter-of-factly.
"That's right," Dr. Quest said with a small nod. "Although myths like these don't often come to life."
*Oh, if only you knew.* Amethyst giggled again. "I'm sure a scientific legend such as yourself could figure it out, Dr. Quest."
Benton nodded again and raised a hand to his chin. "Definitely an interesting project...." His voice trailed off as he withdrew into his thoughts.
Race smiled and shook his head. After all his time with Dr. Quest and his family, Race thought he had the doc figured out. "C'mon kids, there's plenty more to see in here and I'm anxious to go out and see some more of this city."
Benton shook himself free of his thoughts and nodded again. "I agree." He smiled. "Please, Mysti, lead the way."
*J*Q**G* *J*Q**G* *J*Q**G*
David Xanatos turned away from the viewing monitor as it blinked off, and the wall behind him began to close. His wife, Fox, was sitting not too far away on the floor playing with their son, Alexander. Xanatos' assistant, Owen, stood at attention on the other side of the desk
"It would appear that your assumption was correct, Mr. Xanatos," Owen said.
David nodded and leaned forward on his desk, his hands clasped in front of him. "So it would appear. Nothing ceases to amaze Dr. Quest."
"But the kids looked rather skeptical, don't you think?" Owen asked.
"If Jeremy did his job, they ought to be," Fox spoke up from the floor. She embraced her son and stood with him. Alexander gurgled happily.
"Now, it's only a matter of time," David said with a smile.
Owen was silent for a moment, then asked, "How do you think Amethyst will react to your plan, sir?"
David's eyes narrowed slightly and he let out a sigh. "We'll find out tonight."
*J*Q**G* *J*Q**G* *J*Q**G*
The day passed by all too quickly. By five o'clock, cars and people alike lined the streets by the Eyrie Building for the evening's festivities. Xanatos greeted the science fair officials first.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen," he welcomed the five member committee.
"It looks like this year's fair is bound to be an astounding success," one of the gentlemen said.
"Yes," chimed in one the female committee members. "The entries are very impressive. I'm anxious to meet some of these brilliant young minds."
Xanatos smiled. "And so you shall." He ushered them into the main dining area set up for the occasion. Tables were already beginning to fill up quickly as guests continued to pour in from all around. Xanatos seated the committee members at their table, made some light conversation, then excused himself. Fox and Alexander were already seated at the main table with several of the Fair's previous award winners, he noticed. But where was Mysti?
Meanwhile, Dr. Quest stood in the doorway to the main dining hall. He fiddled with his tie as he took in all the excitement. The affair wasn't a very formal one, but one look around the dining hall and Benton thought he stepped into a high school homecoming dance. He had attended many dinners and exhibitions, but this was unlike anything he'd seen before. The number of people in the room easily doubled the participation of the Prague Convention of several weeks ago. He hadn't expected to see such a showing of support or participation.
"Slammin'!" Jonny exclaimed from beside his father. It had taken some convincing, but Benton finally got him to put on a tie as well, which he also fiddled with for a moment. He then pulled at the sleeves of his black dinner jacket and turned his head toward Jessie. "Look at all the people, Jess."
"Yeah," Jessie whispered. She stood on the opposite side of her father, next to Hadji. It had taken forever for her to pick out something to wear. She had even brought 3 dresses to choose from, but none of them seemed appropriate. After careful consideration, she opted for a navy blue skirt and jacket number her mother had bought her in Paris.
"I knew the fair was big, but I didn't think it was bigger than the World's Fair," Race said with a smile. While the other male members of the Quest Team chose to wear ties, Race left his collar button open under his dinner jacket. "Looks like some good competition, Ponchita."
Jessie simply nodded. She didn't want to admit it, but she was feeling a little nervous.
"I do hope you're not going to stand there all evening."
Jonny, Jessie and Hadji turned around and smiled.
"Hi, Jeremy," Jessie said with a small wave of her hand.
"Greetings my friend," Hadji said with a nod.
"Great to see you again," Jonny said.
Benton and Race looked at each other. The four children carried on for a little while, then Jonny introduced their new friend.
"Dad, Race, this is Jeremy. We met him at the café last night. He's the one who told us about the gargoyles."
Jeremy smiled and shook Benton's and Race's hands in turn. "I must say that it is a pleasure to meet you Dr. Quest." Jeremy's smile widened. "I've been following your research for a while now."
Benton smiled in return. "I'm happy to hear it. Not too many students your age find science appealing."
"Oh I'm very much into science, Dr. Quest," Jeremy answered. "I'm working part- time for my mother's company as an engineering apprentice. I'd like to get into bio-chemicals in college."
"A very good choice." Dr. Quest nodded. "A very new and exciting field."
"Thank you," Jeremy said. "Now please excuse me. I'm representing my mother's company this evening. She's one of the top financial contributors of the fair."
"Maybe we can catch you after dinner," Jessie said happily.
Jeremy smiled at her. Jessie didn't catch it at first, but there was something ... sinister ... behind his smile. "I'd like that, but I'm not sure if I'll have the time. These things can run very late. And knowing David Xanatos, it could go on for days."
*J*Q**G* *J*Q**G* *J*Q**G*
"Dex, will you stop fidgeting. He's a very nice man. He won't bite you."
Dex looked over at Amethyst and smiled nervously. "I know. It's just ... to be in the presence of such greatness! It's a real honor."
"Believe me," Amethyst smiled warmly at her friend. She fixed his tie one last time before they entered the dinning hall. "The pleasure will be all his."
"Aren't you two ready yet?" Justin asked with a wry smile. He was leaning against the wall in his gray suit, arms crossed in mock impatience.
Dex stuck out his chest and said, "Perfection takes time."
Justin stepped away from the wall and clasped a hand on Dex's shoulder. "In that case," he replied. "We may be here all night."
Amethyst giggled. She turned away from Dex and admired her own reflection. The dress she wore was a bit too form fitting for her taste - she had let Fox pick it out afterall - but the dark blue silk tapered at the waist and flared out at the hips. It was all in one piece, the skirt stopping just above the knee. She tugged at the scarf around her neck, pulling it to a suitable angle. Nodding to herself in the mirror she turned back to her friends.
Dex eyed Justin suspiciously. "I still don't understand how you got to be here. You're not a contestant."
Amethyst came up on the other side of Dex and placed a hand on his other shoulder. "I invited him."
Dex's eyes immediately bugged out of his head. "You INVITED him?!" Regaining some composure, he asked slyly, "Something going on I should know about? Come on you guys, give. What aren't you sharing with the Dex-meister? You know you can tell me." He rubbed his hands together, formulating a plan of some kind. "Oh won't Ramsey be jealous."
Amethyst slapped Dex playfully on the shoulder and stepped back. "There is NOTHING going on between us. He's here as a friend."
"Yeah," Justin said, punching him lightly on the arm and smiling. "You're not the only one who wants to meet the esteemed Dr. Quest, ya know."
Dex tried to dodge his friends' abuse. He raised his hands in surrender. "Okay, okay. I'll take your word for it."
"Attention. May I have your attention please," David Xanatos' voice drifted out into the hallway from the dining hall. "We would like to begin shortly, so it would be appreciated if everyone would take their seats."
"Guess the meeting will have to wait," Dex said sadly. But in a matter of seconds he was smiling again. "How would you like to see the faces of all the people I'm going to beat in this contest, fair lady." Dex bowed and offered his arm to Amethyst.
"My lady, if I may," Justin joked and offered her his arm as well.
"I would be delighted," Amethyst replied with a smile. She took their proffered arms. Grinning wickedly she said, "Let's go see how much damage we can do."
Together, they walked into the dining hall, smiling and laughing.
*J*Q**G* *J*Q**G* *J*Q**G*
Jonny watched David Xanatos walk away from the podium and toward one of the main entrances. Two young men were standing there, both dressed to impress. The young woman between them smiled as David approached them. David kissed the young woman on the forehead and shook the hands of the fellows with her.
*Is that Mysti?* his mind asked. "Slammin'," he mumbled with a broad smile, only to get poked in the ribs.
Jessie giggled at Jonny's stunned expression. "Quit daydreamin', Jonny," she whispered with a smile. "We need to find our seats."
"Over here, kids," Race's voice cut through the noisy crowd and Jonny and Jessie walked over to join him.
At the same time, Mysti bid a small farewell to her two friends and followed Xanatos back to the main table. She bumped into Jonny and Jessie about half way.
"So what do you guys think? Not over doing it, is he?" Mysti asked with a bright smile.
"Overdoing it would be an understatement," Jonny said, smiling sheepishly.
"It's absolutely wonderful!" Jessie exclaimed. "I can't wait to see some of the other science projects."
Amethyst nodded. "It's a real competition this year." She glanced back to see that Justin and Dex had found their seats and were waving unceremoniously at her. She rolled her eyes.
"Mysti, we're about ready to begin," Xanatos said. He nodded towards the main table where the Master of Ceremonies was preparing to speak.
"You guys better find your seats. I'll see you after dinner," Amethyst said, turning to go. "Oh and Jonny?"
Jonny caught himself staring at Mysti. Embarrassed he blushed lightly. "Yeah?"
"Save me a dance." With that, she took off.
Jessie giggled poking Jonny on the shoulder. "Yeah, that dance card will fill up real quick too."
"Not funny, Jess." Jonny ran a hand through his blond mop, giving Jessie the "look of death".
"Kids!" Race waved to them.
Jonny and Jessie smiled, heading for their table.
"Looks like it could be rough, Jess." He looked at her with his best puppy dog eyes. "Sure you don't want to tell me about your project? Pleeeeaaasssse."
Jessie giggled. "You'll only have to wait another hour, so no."
Race stood as the kids approached their table. He pulled Jessie's chair out for her.
"Looks like an exciting evening," he said with a smile. It was Jessie's turn to blush.
Jonny and Jessie sat side by side at the table between Race and Dr. Quest. After a moment's silence, Jessie whispered, "So what do you think, Jonny? Think we'll see any gargoyles tonight?"
Jonny smiled as the crowd applauded the introduction of the Master of Ceremonies.
"It's a science fair, Jess, not a costume contest." His grin turned mischievous. "But...you never know."
*J*Q**G* *J*Q**G* *J*Q**G*
Amethyst walked quickly toward her seat at the main table as the Master of Ceremonies took his place in front of the podium. Fox smiled at her and waved for her to hurry. Alexander, mocking his mother, did the same.
On her way up to the raised platform, she ran into a young gentleman. He was standing with a small group of businessmen, no doubt associates of David Xanatos. She hit him hard enough to knock both of them off balance. They grabbed each other's arms to steady themselves.
"I'm sorry. I wasn't watching where I was going." Mysti quickly apologized.
"Geez, Jeremy. Hitting on the ward of Xanatos?" One of the businessmen joked.
*Jeremy?!* Surprised, Amethyst looked up to find a pair of equally surprised dark eyes staring back. *Oh my God!* Mysti stepped back for a closer look. Dark eyes, hidden by dark hair just like Jeremy's. But there was one distinct difference.
Jeremy was, by no mistake, a gargoyle. This young man was human.
Still. . . .
Jeremy smiled down at Mysti. But the smile was only an act. He could see her mind working behind those dark blue eyes. Did she know? Did she suspect? Should I tell her? No, he told himself, all that would have to wait.
But. . . .
They'd been separated for nearly 4 years. He knew he'd see her this evening, but he wasn't quite prepared for the onslaught of memories she brought back to mind. Anger, hatred, love, fear and everything else he could remember from that night all came out in a single word.
"Mysti." He said it so softly. The smile faded slightly as he regained control of his senses. "I'm sorry, it was my fault. I shouldn't be blocking the way."
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Eastern Regional Science Fair Banquet," the Master of Ceremonies announced. "We are greatly honored to have so many creative and bright young people with us today."
"Excuse me," Mysti quickly excused herself. Eyes lowered, she made her way to her seat.
Jeremy stepped aside, allowing her to pass. His eyes never left her until she sat down next to Alexander. The boy squealed happily, drawing several giggles from the crowd. Amethyst allowed the little boy to climb into her lap, tussling his hair.
*Just one big happy family,* Jeremy thought, a look of disgust briefly passed his face as he turned away. *Damn you, Xanatos.*
Dinner passed with little incident and much conversation. As dessert was being served, the Master of Ceremonies took his place behind the podium again.
"Well, now that you're all well fed, I believe it's time to introduce this year's science fair officials." A small round of applause went around the room. "Please welcome Mr. Harold Thymes, Miss Geraldine Segwick, Mr. Patrick Hennings, Mr. Thomas Allen, and Mrs. Linda Nobel." Each official stood as his or her name was called. "These five people have the difficult task of deciding this year's winner."
Another round of applause. The officials returned to their seats, and their desserts.
"I am also happy to introduce this year's science fair beneficiaries, Mr. David Xanatos." David stood and took his bows as the applause grew louder. "And representing Destine Industries (1), Mr. Jeremy Destine."
Jeremy stood from his seat on the floor. He turned from side to side, waving politely. He glared at Xanatos as he returned to his seat. Xanatos nodded back with a knowing smile. Jeremy stole a short glance at Amethyst and was shocked to find her staring back at him.
Upon hearing his name, Amethyst's eyes immediately went to the young man on the floor. The same man she bumped into on her way up to the main table. Destine? There was something very familiar about that name. He still reminded her of her brother Jeremy, but it seemed impossible.
"Now," said the Master of Ceremonies. "It is my greatest pleasure to introduce to you one of the most brilliant men in the world of science. A gentleman who has made a number of fascinating discoveries: from botany to physics, and into the depths of para-psychology. Ladies and gentlemen, I am honored to present Dr. Benton Quest."
Benton Quest stood from his seat, a brief smile and a nod directed to the Master of Ceremonies. There was much applause as he walked up to the podium.
Amethyst winced as she heard whistling from the back of the room. Dex, undoubtedly. She saw Justing grab for his hand and pin it to the table.
"Thank you." Dr. Quest continued as the applause subsided. "I am honored to be among some of the brightest young minds of our time. Science is a tool for discovery, and there are many wonders just waiting out there to be discovered...."
Jonny sat back in his seat, eyes wondering around the room. He had heard his father's speech a number of times before coming to New York. Nothing like being a guinea pig. Bored, he leaned over the table and whispered to Jessie, "How long before they get to the projects, Jess?"
Jessie wrinkled her nose at him and answered, "Just wait." Then she leaned closer and asked him, "When do you think the gargoyles will show up?"
Jonny looked at his watch. "Soon maybe. It's already dark."
"Hey, kids," Race said quietly, yet forcefully. Hadji smiled, his attention to the doctor's speech wavering only slightly.
Jonny and Jessie smiled at each other. Jessie returned her attention to the speech while Jonny's eyes continued to roam around the dining hall.
-----------------
FOOTNOTES:
(1) Due to her existence as a human by day, Demona started her own company. I'm not sure if I got the name right in this story. It's been a while since I've seen it mentioned on the show. My apologies.