A:N Just a little warning, It may get a little bit more descriptive than you might like or maybe not. Just be warned mentions of blood and attack. Thank you for reading

After telling Destiny everything and a few tears, Bartok found that Alyx was right, he did indeed feel better. Destiny held him close.

"It's okay. I know you're scared, Mommy's here. I will always be here. It's going to take some getting used to but we'll be just fine." Destiny promised hoping she would be able to keep it. No one knew what kind of measures Cathal would take. Alyx had reassured her that nothing could get past Mstislav his giant bird friend without his say so. In time they would feel more at ease with each other. T

he first few days after the long talk between mother and son passed by with uncertainty and fear. As Bartok's injuries healed, he became increasingly more out going. Wanting to once again see play outside something that Destiny wouldn't allow. Instead he stayed indoors and learned from Alyx how to take care of himself in an accident until he could get help. What kinds of herbs could be used as medicine and how to bandage a wound.

Bartok soon learned many things and often helped Alyx with his patients, while Destiny worked in the house, making dinner and providing a clean environment for them. The three bats formed a family and although Bartok missed his father and often thought about him, he became content with Alyx and often visited Mstislav. At first the bird was cold toward Bartok, fixing its piercing black eyes on him whenever Alyx would ask Bartok to take a snack to him. Mstislav would snap it up sharply, causing the small bat to recoil, in surprise. Then he would laugh cruelly at the reaction.

"that's not very nice you know," Bartok said glaring angrily. He was quickly growing tired of the bird's games.

Another menacing laugh. "foolish creature," Mstislav said turning on him, his face inches from Bartok's own."I never claimed to be nice, nor did I invite you to converse with me, be gone. Or I shall make you my next snack." Mstislav turned away and no more was said between them. Bartok walked back into the living quarters mumbling.

This continued to be the case until one spring day when the enormous bird flew off to feel the sun once more on his back and the breeze blow past him in flight.

Bartok grew more with each passing day becoming more like his father, Destiny was proud of her son but remained very protective. Though they were so far hidden from Cathal, many dangers lurked outside. Bartok had also developed the habit of sneaking out to see the outside world which he longed to be part of. He sat at the top of the tree looking out at the lush green grass and the newly newly opening flowers. He was enjoying the silence and the warmth when he heard the familiar but terrified call from the surrounding forest. Panicked Bartok looked around but no sign of Mstislav and so he shook it off and sat back.

Suddenly the sound returned and Bartok looked down to the ground and saw Mstislav hopping around frightfully, a sight that Bartok was not at all used to. The bird dragged his wing behind him and it was only then that Bartok saw the fox chasing after him and knew he had to do something. He just didn't know what.

'Think, Find something to distract the beast." he looked around finding nothing he spread his wings and allowed himself to glide down until he was right next to the the bird.

Mstislav was surprised but did not greet the small bat warmly.

"What are you doing here, you must be out of your mind small one." He panted as the chase continued

"I need you to listen to me, start toward home and I'll get it to come after me, then you'll have time to get inside." Bartok though not fond of him couldn't sit back and allow the fox to harm Alyx's friend.

"Be gone little one I don't need you to help me. I can look after mysel-" Bartok pushed his head down just as the fox sprang on them narrowly missing. It was then that Bartok took his chance.

"Get inside, I'll get him away from here." Stunned The great bird did as he was told and sure enough the fox turned on the bat. Bartok flew further into the woods as fast as his wings could carry him hoping that he would be fast enough. He flew until he could no longer stay in the air and had no choice but to run on foot. finally they came to a thicket Bartok looked around frantically. He found a small opening that looked something like a small cave in the middle of a large rock. He decided that this place was his best option and ran for it.

Just before he reached it however the fox was upon him biting at him and clawing. Bartok felt the monster's teeth sink into his shoulder and cried out in pain which only made his assailant bite down harder growling as it did so.

Bartok clawed back trying to free himself but it was useless. Out of the corner of his eyes he could see the crimson liquid as it flowed from him and darkness began to take over.

As his eyes closed, Bartok heard the faint roar which seemed to come from a distance.

He had never heard anything like it in his life. It sounded fierce, as though it came from a large animal.

Bartok's last thought before slipping into the darkness was of his mother and though he didn't regret that he had saved Mstislav, part of him wished he had listened to his mother.