Guardians and Community Unite (Guardian Leaders)

[MORDECAI DIETRICH]

Mordecai had spent his fair share of time in the community and around the world, educating hundreds of thousands of people on various topics. He considered himself a worldly man, familiar and comfortable with many different walks of life. It was his comfort around the human race that got him start considering the benefits of letting the humans know the secret of Scriptor Bay. Everyone knew the legends, but what if they were to find the legends were true? How much good could they offer? People with the capability to turn into beasts that could aid search teams. People who could scale walls to aid those in burning buildings. People who were able to fly in search and rescue without the expense of machines? People who could become invisible to safely guard areas. The public had a right to know they existed and the Guardians should have the option to come forward and allow their abilities for good. They were Guardians and it was time they acted as such. Yes, their initial role was to guard the tree, but the tree was dormant and content in the midst of the bustling city. This was Mordecai's dream.

He gathered the leaders and some of the council below to meet at the City Hall to discuss this proposition. He wanted to open it for discussion, see if he could get his fellow leaders on board. Surely he would be able to sway most if not all. City Hall was the perfect meeting place. The meeting rooms were large and sound proof and it was late enough in the day that the building would be empty. He had reserved the room and waited slowly for it to fill with those in attendance. "Good evening, Callum." He greeted the younger Avisaille who gave him a gently smile and nod. "Good evening, sir." He said back in his soft voice.

When the room had come together he stood. "Ladies and gentlemen." He greeted, his dark, aged hands holding the edge of the table as he looked around, his chin held high. "Thank you all for coming this evening. It is always an honor to be among friends." He started, having always considered his fellow leaders to be friends. They all fought the same fight, and though he didn't often agree with each species politics, he respected their rights to control their people in whatever method they deemed fit.

"I'm sure you are all curious as to why I brought you here this evening, so I won't waste your time and rattle on. My dear friends, I think the time has come to step out from the shadows and into the light, be it even the sun or the moons light." His eyes fell on Robert and his lips curled up gently at the corners. "We have hidden among the people of this city for too long. Our gifts have been put to waste! There is so much good that can come of the gifts we were born with. Why would we be here if not to better this world in some way? Hiding among the inhabitants is almost an insult to the paths we were set on! We should be out there in plain sight; helping and guiding." He pleaded, his dark, caring eyes meeting every single one in the room. "I come to you in the hopes that perhaps we can agree that it's time for a new era. Time to stop hiding and to embrace who we are. We need to come forward! We need to guide and guard as we were brought here to do. I ask you now, brothers and sisters, to stand by me in this endeavor."

[ROBERT SNOW]

Robert was not a fan of meeting with the other guardian leaders. He saw the other races as beneath Gargoyles. How could Gargoyles not be considered superior with their strength, speed, and much extended life span? Not to mention the other benefits that came with being a Gargoyle. Who needed sunlight when you had so much power in the moonlight? As his cohort arrived, he nodded to each of them. His second-in-command, Peter, was the first to arrive of his group, and he was surprised to see Eponine arrive shortly thereafter. Eponine had caught his attention in recent events with a certain ring, and he wanted someone fearless and clear-headed to be his secretary at the meeting, whatever the message might be here. “Good evening, sirs.” Her voice was cool, professional, as she nodded her head and took a seat beside Peter. Robert gave her a nod in return. Last to arrive was Penelope, the head of the Gargoyle Council, an old woman with a sugary sweet appearance and a heart as hard as the stone she transformed to. In her younger years, Penelope had been impressive, but she was on her last legs and losing her edge; she had been for years. She took a seat on the other side of Robert, refusing to sit next to Eponien who had made her look a fool in recent events.

They sat in cool silence as other leaders and their cohorts filed into the room. His eyes rested on the ridiculous face of the Blurr leader, Gert Periwinkle. Robert found it amusing that the man could never hold his menacing gaze. Periwinkle glanced back and away from him several times, finally able to distract himself when a young redhead walked in and took a seat beside him, chatting animatedly. It wasn’t as entertaining when he could easily ignore Robert. He turned his gaze away and waited patiently for the arrival of the other groups. At last everyone arrived and Mordecai got to his feet. Robert gave the old Avisaille his undivided attention. He actually had respect for this man; hated his warm and fuzzy demeanor, but respected him for his leadership ability. “Ladies and gentlemen. Thank you all for coming this evening. It is always an honor to be among friends.” Spare me the pleasantries. Robert wanted Mordecai to get to the point.

"I'm sure you are all curious as to why I brought you here this evening, so I won't waste your time and rattle on. My dear friends, I think the time has come to step out from the shadows and into the light, be it the sun or the moon’s light." The smile Mordecai gave him was returned politely, but it wasn’t a genuine smile. More than anything, Robert felt he was surprised. Was Mordecai saying what he thought he was? He was. Mordecai was proposing they reveal themselves to humans. Reveal themselves…for decades they had remained hidden, but Robert couldn’t help seeing the appeal in finally proclaiming their existence. Gargoyles could put their strengths to good use. So many more avenues would open for them in terms of employment, and their existence only at night would no longer be questioned. But he could see the drawbacks of this plan as well. If humans knew of Gargoyles, if they feared them…they were vulnerable during the day. Some Gargoyles would see this as an opportunity to commit crime without severe retribution for doing so. Revealing their existence to humans would no longer be a threat, and neither would the price to pay.

His eyes roamed to the faces of his companions. The Gargoyles were by far the least physically expressive in their surprise, but that didn’t stop their eyes from going wide and looking to each other for answers. Peter, Penelope, and Eponine were looking to him for an answer to Mordecai’s proposal. He would give them one. Robert got to his feet, looking to Mordecai with his cool blue eyes. “Mordecai, I am inclined to agree that hiding our existence is indeed an insult to our purpose for being here. Our strengths have been put to waste,” he began in his deep, commanding voice. “But please consider, while there is plenty of good we guardians can do with widespread knowledge of our abilities, there is wrong that can be done as well. Humans may fear our existence and our abilities more than they embrace them, and their presence in this city far outweighs our own. Our safety could be in jeopardy with this proposal. Is it wiser to reveal our existence to better help the humans we were brought here to protect, or would it be wiser to remain concealed and preserve our safety? If we are going to agree to this proposal, there needs to be stipulations for our safety. Life would be easier for all of us if we could tell humans what we are and not hide ‘in the shadows,’ as you put it, and I want nothing more than to embrace the idea wholeheartedly, but I will not risk the safety of my kind to better serve humans.”

Robert took his seat once more, glancing around at the other species, and studying Mordecai’s face for his reaction. If safety couldn’t be guaranteed, then would Mordecai do this on his own? No, he wasn’t a rogue. But Robert couldn’t deny the benefits of his plan.

[GERTIE PERIWINKLE]

Oh boy. Let's do this! You can do it. You're the man. You. Are. The. Man. The Leader man! Yeah.. that sounds about right!

Gertie smiled at his reflection in the bathroom mirror satisfied with the internal pep talk he gave himself and then leaned in, his eyes noticing a spot on the collar of his white and blue striped polo shirt. He licked his thumb and index fingers and pinched the fabric in between to try and rub it out just to find out that it was actually just a piece of lint. His head tipped back and his mouth opened in a muted laugh as if he were a mime. But truth be told he just didn't want to make any noise in the men's restroom, worried that someone might actually be in there with him or open the door and see him. He rubbed his fingers together and the piece of lint fell into the sink. Satisfied with his appearance he slapped his palms against his legs and gave a little bow to the mirror as if he was dismissing himself from... himself. He'd worn a polo shirt and dockers to the meeting tonight. He didn't like that the meetings took place after the sun went down but you couldn't have a leader meeting without the gargoyles, right? And the gargoyles couldn't come out until the sun went down. Bummer! Actually, Gertie was glad they couldn't come out until the sun went down. By that time he was usually in doors safe and sound with a nightcap.

He stepped out of the restroom and looked around, watching everyone getting ready for the meeting that Mordecai had called together. The blurr leader made his way over to his usual seat at the head of the Blurr section. One thing that always happened was each species sat where their respective leaders were. It was orderly and neat and for someone like Gertie he appreciated it. There was one time he saw one of his kind sitting with the Avisailles, and although he was all for interacting with the others and found them to all be friends, he was kind of OCD and it just felt wrong. So he asked the blurr to move over to their side so that he wasn't left staring at them with a weird look on his face.

Once seated he looked down to a blue pen in front of him and moved it so that it was parallel to the door. Sometimes his little quirks could be difficult but he dealt with them as they came.

And when he sat down who did he see leering at him? None other than Robert Snow, the Gargoyle leader. For some reason that man just did not like Gertie. Did he breathe on him wrong? Bump into him? Sneeze on him? Gertie had no idea why Robert didn't like him but he also never asked. He figured the man had his reasons and whatever they were they were his to have. What was Gertie to do, tell him who to like? Psh no! Just then Maxine came over and sat beside him and his train of thought was broken as he engaged into a conversation with her. He enjoyed the girl's company and she was always in a good mood! She was going to go far for sure.

The chatter died down shortly thereafter though when Mordecai stood up and began to greet the room. And then it was right down to business. The Avisaille leader began to explain why the meeting was called, informing them that he thought it was time for them to be revealed to the humans. That they should come out of hiding. Gertie felt his face fall and turn white at the thought. He didn't see the appeal of coming out to the world at all. The world was filled with people who liked to stick things that were deemed out of the ordinary under microscopes and dissect them. He liked his organs right where they are thank you very much.

When Mordecai was done talking the Gargoyle leader, Robert, was the next one to stand up and speak. And he seemed to be swayed by the thought of it but he also didn't entirely agree. Robert looked out for his own kind and didn't think about the greater good, the safety of everyone. Then again Gertie knew that his kind was always number one. It was the Blurrs that he thought about when it came to making decisions. When Robert finished his piece, the Blurr didn't bother to stand up the way that Robert and Mordecai did. He could have, but he was always a little less formal.

He stayed seated and piped up in his soft voice, "I-I don't really think that's a great idea." He also wasn't one for long speeches the way the other two were. He was more of a 'hey that's dandy' kind of guy. "I-I-I think that if we tell the world that we're real they're going to take advantage of that. They won't come over and shake our hands like we're they're friends. No they're going to haul us off to the loony bin. Or put us under a microscope."

Gertied didn't like this idea at all and he shook his head adamantly from side to side. "Nope. I don't like it. I don't like it at all." He mumbled in a high voice and didn't look at anyone but instead looked up at the ceiling. He might have been a little.. quirky, but he got the job done.

[TABITHA LIVINGSTON]

"Thank you, Milo." Tabitha said curtly to the young man who handed her a notepad as she got into the room. She gave him a kind smile that was faked so convincingly that only she knew it hadn't been genuine. Years of practice. She liked Milo, though. He was good little assistant and he would do fine on the council at some point when he grew up some. For now he was young and wiley like the rest of her kind were in their youth. She was interested in this meeting and sat patiently talking with Elizabeth, her vice president. It seemed as though the Therianthropes were the only species progressive enough to choose a woman as their chain of command. It didn't surprise her, really. She was the youngest leader in the room though she looked to be one of the oldest. Old fashioned, pig headed fools. But she wouldn't judge them in their stupidity. Just because she was right didn't mean they were necessarily wrong, but of course the were. Perhaps they would all be further along if more women were in charge, and Elizabeth seemed to agree.

Mordecai called the meeting to order and she watched him curiosity. His ideas were foolhardy and poorly thought out. Did he not understand the human condition? She blamed his age; a man that old had surely fallen off his rocker.

"Humans may fear our existence and our abilities more than they embrace them, and their presence in this city far outweighs our own. Our safety could be in jeopardy with this proposal. Is it wiser to reveal our existence to better help the humans we were brought here to protect, or would it be wiser to remain concealed and preserve our safety?" Good old Snow, taking the words from her mouth though she was certain that he could be swayed easily enough, and his kind had nothing to loose. It was no easy feat killing a gargoyle, or capturing one even.

"I-I don't really think that's a great idea."

Tabitha rolled her eyes as the Blurr spoke. Gertie had a fine mind, but couldn't they have found a less bumbling man to take such a strong position? He represented them, for God's sake! "We'll be here all day if he keeps up like this.." She whispered to the woman beside her who snorted a laugh of agreement.

"Though your heart, as always, is in the right place, I have to agree with the others, Mort. You give the humans too much credit and what you fail to see is that not all of us have a safety net. My kind aren't physically stronger than most average humans. We can't sprout wings and fly off or hide in plain sight. We can shift our bodies but that at times makes us far more vulnerable. They will without a doubt abuse our abilities and set laws for us. How long until they realize the physical differences. We can't even say that it's optional. It's only a matter of time until they begin testing people for Guardian qualities and they will study us, put us on exam tables, keep us against our will. It's a novel idea that is better in theory and should be put to rest here and now. No good could come of this." Her mind was made up and there was no swaying her otherwise. She was a stubborn old moose!

"Perhaps we go about your little endeavor another way. Set up better ways to aid the humans without their knowing our presence. Encourage our kind to enroll themselves in livelihoods where they could make the most of their talents. For instance I know of two men who serve in the Scriptor Bay police force and use their keen canine noses to help catch criminals. Don't you think this is a safer way to take this sort of task on?" She suggested, hoping to get him more on board with that.

Plus, Tabitha enjoyed coming up with the master plans.

[MORDECAI DIETRICH]

Mordecai stood firm as the others voiced their opinions. Of course they had valid points, each and every one of them, and of course he expected push back. Change was never simply granted, but he had put a lot of time and thought into this idea. "I see where you all are coming from." He said his voice ever kind and confident. "I have done a great deal of thinking about all of this and I agree that there will be some who would like to take advantage of who and what we are. It's human nature and most of us have been around long enough to truly see how cruel they can be, but there is a great deal of kindness and equality. There will be push back at first. Fear and terror as there is with every new, foreign thing introduced but they are not as simple as we assume they are. We will work with those in charge, their leaders, and introduce ourselves slowly. We will obtain their aid in keeping our privacy and rights. No one will be forced to say who they are." He explained but Mordecai knew his words weren't convincing enough.

"Callum?" Mordecaise said, addressing the man directly below him without looking at him, his arms still folded comfortably over his body.

"Yes, sir?" The white haired man at Mordecai's side answered, looking up to his leader and friend. Callum very obviously held a great deal of respect and reverence for the distinguished man who stood before him.

"How many people know, or knew, what you are. Humans." He asked, kind, gentle eyes moving to the man who looked down at his lap, considering the question.

"Five, sir." He said after a beat, his voice low and timid, obviously not liking being on the spot like this.

Mordecai nodded deeply, his eyes sliding shut. "And were they all people you considered dear friends?" He asked, knowing the answer already.

"No, sir." Callum answered softly, trying not to shift in his seat. "Some were people who caught me with my wings out." She answered, seeing where Mordecai was going with this.

"Has any harm ever come to you for revealing yourself?" His eyes slid open and Callum shook his head.

"No, sir." He said softly.

"My friends, I have been seen with my wings out by dozens over the years. In my travels mostly, when I felt it would be safest. There are a select few in this city who I have shared my secret as I'm most certain you have all done as well, yet we all stand here today; healthy, in one piece, leading our people to greatness." His voice was ever confident and collected, calm and kind. "I'm not saying this will be easy, and I'm not saying it should be done overnight. It's something that will take many years to implement. We start small. We work with leaders, plant some of our own kind among them, let them get swayed and comfortable over time. It will be a slow process but a rewarding one for everyone. Perhaps there are some who might be willing to give themselves to science. Our bodies and minds can be beneficial to all! In the mean time I must agree with Miss Livingston. We should encourage our numbers to get involved where they can aid the most efficiently. It's a step in the right direction; a direction that can lead to peace and harmony. We are doing ourselves a great injustice hiding away on the full moon and flying only on bitter, rainy days.

"I don't expect you all to jump on board immediately. Certainly the council leaders should bring this information to their people first, but I would like to encourage the Avisaille population to reach out, to get involved, to confide in their fellow man. It's the dawn of a new day, and I would like for my people to spread their wings and truly enjoy it."

[ROBERT SNOW]

Robert bit back his snarl as the Blurr stumbled on his two cents. Of course he didn’t think this was good idea. He was a coward like the rest of his kind. When becoming invisible was your greatest asset, what better to do with it than run away from a fight? No doubt there were those who abused that power and used it for something other than running away, but they were few and far between. Could the Blurrs pick no one better to lead them than a stuttering coward? He glared at the man as he spoke, his disdain written clearly on his face.

At least Tabitha spoke with some intelligence. Both brought up valid points, of course; the Guardians would certainly be tested for their genetic make-up. They were exciting new experiments for the world, but that was much more a concern for the other species, not for Gargoyles. A Gargoyle would be a fool to be captured by humans for testing, in which case that Gargoyle would deserve whatever they got. But Gargoyles had one weakness, and that was daylight. All humans needed to do to single them out was to discard the real gargoyles in the city, and then destroy any others they came across during the day. Robert believed they were probably the most threatening species of all the Guardians, and had the most to fear in terms of retribution.

Mordecai then use Callum to prove a point: humans were not as bad as the Guardians painted them to be. They were lucky to be around for how many humans they had revealed themselves to. But of course they didn’t see retribution! Robert scoffed at the whole exchange between them. It made him angry to hear the naïveté in Mordecai’s voice. He also wasn’t keen on his kind ingratiating with humans, but he was aware it was expected of Guardians of this city. Gargoyles kept to their own, for the most part; it came with roaming only at night. He didn’t see how Gargoyles could come to a slow revelation, but then perhaps they would be the most clandestine of all the Guardians left in the city.

When Mordecai finished speaking, Robert began once more. “No offense, Mordecai, but of course your kind would not see much retribution in your revelation. We live in a world where everyone has heard of angels, beautiful, humanoid creatures with birdlike wings. Christians will flock to the Avisailles and worship the ground they stand on. My kind, when we reveal ourselves, is almost always received with fear and loathing. There is a reason Gargoyles keep mostly to themselves. I think Therianthropes may also meet this sort of resistance, though it depends entirely on the form they take during mutare.” His eyes shifted to Tabitha as he spoke. With a sigh, he looked back to Mordecai. “I have to say, however, that a slow revelation may be a fair compromise. We, as Guardians, deserve a clear way to protect the humans we were sent here to defend. If a safe route to revelation can be achieved, then I fully support this plan.” Perhaps more job opportunities for his people could be reached if humans made provisions for those who could only come alive after dusk. There was little for Gargoyles to lose in this plan if safety could be guaranteed.

[GERTIE PERIWINKLE]

Gertie thought everyone had a good idea but he didn't necessarily agree with them all. Blurrs didn't have a hard time finding reasonable career paths because they were out during the day. Most of them, because of their sweet and playful nature, had jobs in education or were secretaries or any position that would put them around people for the most part. They didn't have to hide the way that the other species did, they blended into the crowds so to speak.

Tabitha and Robert both made their points known, Robert's a little more harsh than Tabitha's. Each species had something different and unique that they could potentially gain or lose from this. Mordecai thought it would be a good idea to put their kinds in high places and slowly gain the trust of humans. Only problem was it was difficult to do when humans aged quicker than they and the whole idea just didn't sit well with Gertie.

"We all have our issues," he spoke up, tapping the tips of his fingers together in front of him that sent a tingling sensation into his hands. It was neat! "The Therians could be caged up." Gertied looked over at Tabitha when he said it and gestured in her direction with his hand, obviously he stopped tapping his fingers together. "The Avisaille have their wings and brittle bones, humans find out about that they could use it and hurt you in ways so you will never fly again." He looked at Mordecai and then at the other Avisailles when he spoke of them. His voice was mostly on the softer side and he was definitely the quietest when it came to talking. But these were all points that needed to be considered.

"The Gargoyles.. " Gertie didn't look at Robert. In fact he wouldn't even look in his direction and instead looked towards the floor, at the walls, around the room.. everywhere but at Robert. "They can't defend themselves during the day. What if the humans decide to destroy all the statues in the city in hopes that its a gargoyle?" He asked and felt his palms get a little clammy still not looking at Robert.

"And what about us. If they find out what we can do then nobody will trust us. Nobody wants someone they can't see." He knew that some of the Blurrs got along well with humans, but they could be the perfect spies. They could sneak unnoticed.

"You're talking about years of hard work. What about those who will be prey to the humans? Do we just say 'oh sorry about that, but this is for a greater cause.. later.' I don't think that would go over well." He shook his head and then looked up to see if anyone was still actually listening to him.

[TABITHA LIVINGSTON]

Tabitha frowned a little as Robert spoke. He made such excellent points but destroyed them when he mentioned that perhaps this ludicrous goal was attainable. Therians had the most to lose in this little union Mordecai was calling for, but of course none of the other species would care about that. Yes, they were the ones that could his the easiest among the humans but if known they had the worst defenses. A simple moose tranquilizer and she was done for. Gargoyles were strong, Blurrs could hide and Avisaille.. well as far as she was concerned the Jesus freaks would be bowing at their feet. They would be idolized from the moment they took their damn harnesses off and showed those feathered appendages! She was growing angry with this meeting and wanted to make it perfectly clear that this was not something she would now, or ever, agree to. Slow or not, she wouldn't put her kind in danger because of some feather brained idea!

"Gertie is right." She said, hating that she was agreeing with the mousy little man. "It's too much work and the payoff isn't substantial enough to potentially but hundreds of lives at risk. Like us, there will be some with good intentions who will embrace what you seek, but there will be many who see us as monstrosities. It is impossible to insure anyone's safety. Are we failing in the roles in which we were set? Perhaps. Perhaps we could be doing more to guard the city's inhabitants and I would be open to more suggestions on that matter but I'm putting my foot down, Mordecai. Your plan is poorly thought out and doesn't have all the species best interests in mind. If you would like to subject your kind to that, then so be it. Perhaps Mr. Snow and yourself can get together and work out a plan for the Gargoyle's and Avisaille's, but make it be known there are only two species. I think Mr. Periwinkle has made it clear, though meekly, that he's not interested in putting his people's lives at risk."

She was cool and confident as she spoke, her face hard and her jawline tense. "I will not stand in the way of this venture, but I will not support it either. You can count the Therianthropes out." She said it with finality, making it clear she wouldn't budge, and she wouldn't. When Tabitha made up her mind about something, it stayed made up. She had no interest in revising things because she considered herself an intelligent woman and judging by her status in her community, others saw her the same way. She had no reason to ever second guess herself. It was easy enough for the Therians to hide in plain site, and she intended to keep it that way.

[MORDECAI DIETRICH]

Each leader took their turn to speak, some more passionately than others. Mordecai always found it so interesting the way the leaders perfectly mirrored their people. Robert was firm, harsh and rigid. Gertie kind, soft spoken and gentle. Tabitha straight forward, unyielding, and stubborn. Then there was he who saw the good in all and was, perhaps, a bit naive. Yes, he saw things with a broader range of knowledge than the others, but that, perhaps, was his flaw. He had seen so many other cultures that he assumed all humans would be as kind and understanding as their neighbors from other countries when it simply wasn't the case.

As they spoke he became increasingly disappointed. He had hoped his fellow leaders would embrace this opportunity and work together as a group than as four separate species, but it seemed they saw themselves as individuals, which he supposed made sense as well. He frowned and nodded as each point was made, considering Tabitha's newest proposition. "I respect your decision's." He said softly, wondering if perhaps in time Gertie and Tabatha could be swayed when they see the positive outcome of he and Robert setting forth on this adventure together.

He sighed and nodded. "I would have liked to go in on this as the family we are, but I do see your concerns, and there is little I can do or say that will change the way you see things. You see them for a reason, and I need to respect that, however I would like to perhaps work with you on ways to put your people in positions where they can aid people with their talents." He suggested before he turned to Robert, his old, wise eyes twinkling in the fluorescent lights of the board room. "And what do you think, Robert?" He asked. It would be up to he and Robert to bring the legends to life. "Would you join me in this endeavor?"

[ROBERT SNOW]

Robert forced himself to pay attention as Periwinkle spoke once more, and to his surprise he brought up pretty good points. There were dangers for all of the guardians should their existence be revealed. He was amused that the man refused to look at Robert when he spoke of Gargoyles. But as usual, he missed the bigger picture. He was afraid of this endeavor because it would take years to complete? Because there would be sacrifices to make? Every worthy cause took time and sacrifices. Robert could see the appeal in this plan. He wouldn’t have to explain his presence in City Hall after nightfall any longer. For the Avisaille, in several years time, they would be able to discard the harnesses he was sure were painful to wear on a daily basis. Therianthropes could roam their yards at the full moon. And Blurrs…he had to admit, there was a lot of use for their nifty little ability if they could grow the backbones to do dangerous work. But of course, Tabitha showed the same reluctance as Periwinkle. It was more than reluctance, even; it was flat out resistance. Short-sighted cowards, in his opinion.

“I respect your decisions.” Robert’s eyes turned back to Mordecai as he spoke up once more. “I would have liked to go in on this as the family we are…” He resisted the powerful urge to roll his eyes. They were no family. All of them were much too different to be a family. None of them could understand what it was like to be a Gargoyle, to lose half of your every day just for the power of incredible speed and strength, power which none of them asked for. But Robert could not understand what it was like to be anything else, either; he supposed a large part of that was because he did not know what it was like to walk in the sunlight. How could he understand them without that ability? Mordecai did not give up the idea that the others could still aid humans by placing their kind in helpful positions. He was persistent to say the least.

“And what do you think, Robert?” He held Mordecai’s kind gaze with his own icy one. Robert respected Mordecai for never fearing him. “Would you join me in this endeavor?” He let a trace of a smile appear on his lips as he paused. Should he let his people remain closeted as they always had been, maintaining their own politics and own lives in the shadows? No. Gargoyles deserved better than that. He let his eyes wander momentarily to Periwinkle and Tabitha. “No great cause can be achieved without time and sacrifices. I believe Gargoyles have the patience and the courage to work towards our revelation.” He let his gaze linger on the Blurr and Therianthrope before bringing his eyes back to Mordecai. “As much as I am loath to leave our friends the Blurrs and the Therianthropes behind…I will join you, Mordecai,” he assured, his deep voice coming over any whispers that may have arisen at his words. He felt his cohort’s eyes on him, but he held Mordecai’s stare. “Humans will know there are guardians of the day and the dusk. They need to know of no others as long as Blurrs and Therianthropes would choose to live in secrecy. Gargoyles will do what they can to protect the identities of those two species and also to protect Avisailles from any danger they may face. Of course, I can make no guarantees, but we will do what we can.” Robert did not enjoy looking out for anyone but his own, but he knew that would have to bend somewhat if Gargoyles were going to come out of this revelation relatively unscathed. Perhaps years down the road Gargoyles could ease off protecting others and look out more for their own again, but not now.

[GERTIE PERIWINKLE]

The whole topic of revealing themselves was just unsettling and from the sound of it Mordecai and Robert were going to go ahead and speak for their entire species and come out to the public. But Robert said something that surprised Gertie, the gargoyle leader said that he was willing to protect the secret of the Blurrs and Therianthropes. That was satisfying enough for him. He was glad that Tabitha was agreeing with him as well. She was a smart woman and he always thought so. He always thought that Mordecai was the most like him, but now he was realizing that their beliefs and goals were different.

The thought of being revealed left a sour taste in his mouth but he didn't say anything right away. He just fidgeted a bit in silence, letting his thoughts tumble around one another and going over all the consequences of the actions of these two leaders.

"A-As long as we're kept out of this then I have no problem with your plan. It's your plan it's your species it's.. well it's reckless but that's just me." He said and didn't look at anyone but just around in general. He was more so talking to himself since he was sure their minds were already made up. "I don't think people are ready for us. I think they're going to brand you like cattle- pardon the saying-" he looked over to Tabitha as if he expected her to be offended. He didn't know with that woman! He didn't know with any of them! Was there someone who shifted into a cattle there right then? How was he suppose to know?! "-b-but they're going to number you and keep tabs on you. That's all I'm saying. On this matter. I'm out." He made a light karate chop with his hand through the air as if he were slicing something in half. The topic. That's what he was slicing in half.

[TABITHA LIVINGSTON]

Mordecai was finally getting the message and Tabitha was glad for it. She didn't need to say it another time; this was not happening. She wasn't interested in putting her kind in danger for no reason. She would certainly encourage them to make better use of their abilities, but their secret was to remain just that; a secret. If Robert wanted to go ahead and jump on board, Tabitha was fine by it. She respected his choice as a leader. The Gargoyles had little to lose, really. What, someone could push them off a building? Easy fix; find a hiding place to turn in. It was common sense.

“No great cause can be achieved without time and sacrifices. I believe Gargoyles have the patience and the courage to work towards our revelation.” She caught his eyes and felt her nostrils flare up with anger. How dare he judge her on her decision to keep the Therianthropes safe! Was it really such a crazy notion to not want to put them in harms way? What good would come of them stepping out of the shadows? She still didn't see the point, but she offered Robert a firm look of disgust, raising her nose in the air as she looked down on him. Self righteous prick. It was clear in her cold gaze that she not only didn't like him, but wasn't afraid of him i the slightest.

"I don't think people are ready for us. I think they're going to brand you like cattle- pardon the saying-" Gertie, the bumbling fool on her side, was now looking at her curiously. Should she be offended because he said cattle. She swallowed the urge to roll her eyes, wanting nothing more than to leave this little party.

"I wish you both the best on your venture out of the shadows. Perhaps in time, when I see that no harm will come to the people under me, I will reconsider but until that time I appreciate your discretion." She sat up straighter. "Now if there's nothing left to discuss that concerns me, I believe I have a family to attend to, gentlemen."

[MORDECAI DIETRICH]

“As much as I am loath to leave our friends the Blurrs and the Therianthropes behind…I will join you, Mordecai,” There was a gentle smile creasing his rich, weathered face. "Thank you, friend." He said smoothly, glad he had such a strong species to back him up. “Humans will know there are guardians of the day and the dusk. They need to know of no others as long as Blurrs and Therianthropes would choose to live in secrecy. Gargoyles will do what they can to protect the identities of those two species and also to protect Avisailles from any danger they may face. Of course, I can make no guarantees, but we will do what we can.”

He was more than elated at this opportunity. It would be a long road, one that would take a long time to plan and journey down, but he was confident that the outcome would be more than what the could hope for, and soon the Therianthropes and Blurrs would see they, too, can step into the light.

"I appreciate your help on this endeavor immensely." He said to Robert before turning to the other two. "I assure you your privacy will remain intact. Thank you for hearing me out. I hope in the future you might reconsider, but we will certainly cross that bridge when we come to it." He said to the others warmly, making it clear that he held no ill feelings towards them for not siding with him. Disappointment, perhaps, but no ill feelings.

"Now if there's nothing left to discuss that concerns me, I believe I have a family to attend to, gentlemen."

He smiled warmly at her and nodded. "Please, I've kept you all from your families long enough. Robert, I will be in touch soon in regards to starting our plans. Please, enjoy the rest of your evenings, everyone and also bring the word to the councils. Everyone, even the Therianthropes and Blurrs should know what's in the months to come. This is a very exciting time! Thank you."

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