A/N: Okay, everyone…this is it…little over half a year ago, I had gotten an account on this site and five days later started this awesome story. Those seven months I had spent trying to complete this, while completing a few other oneshots and creating OCs for other to use, dueling writer's block, and left you guys waiting a whole month for these chapters…I got to say, I am impressed with how big and how loved this story had become. Let's give this wonderful fic a great ending, shall we?
I do not own Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole...if I did, this story would probably be its sequel.
bluecatcinema owns New Beginnings, Ruffled Feathers, Dark Feelings, and Worlds Apart.
Note: It is heavily recommended to read the abovementioned stories by bluecatcinema in order to understand parts of this story.
FeoranPride (a deviantartist) owns Nix, the grass owl, but TearfulFriend18 (Formerly Mic O'Malley) used it, so he deserved to be mentioned.
I own Samuel, the snowy owl, Skarmoris, the Sulawesi Masked Owl, and Biggs and Wedge, the barn owls, Alice, the Whiskered Screech Owl, LaRoche, the Elf Owl, and Pip, the Little Owl, as well as Harris Hawk the Red-Tailed Hawk, and Fatal the Golden Eagle, Zephyr the Barn Owl, Maurice the Sulawesi Masked Owl, as well as Nyra's parents, Solidor, another snowy owl. I also claim ownership of the Deathbringer, the hagsfiend.
Chapter Twenty-Five: Brotherhood
The sun was beginning to rise as Madame Plonk's goodlight song rang throughout the hollows, bidding all its denizens a sweet and pleasant dream for the light. Normally, her music was beautiful enough alone that it could lull anyone to sleep…but there were still a group of owls that were still awake…and for a good reason as well.
Kludd could not help but enjoy the company of his family, as well as the embrace of his little sister, who was nuzzling his abdomen. It was only about a half hour ago that he had finally broke free of his comatose state, only to be greeted with a warm embrace from his once-queen Nyra, along with his once-enemy and brother, Soren, and to receive a warm welcome from his family and the rest of the band. The half hour had been filled with telling him how frightened they were of losing him, as well as what had happened in the hours he had been out.
The scarred Tyto just smirked when he learned that Digger and Gylfie had finally accepted their feelings for each other and were finally in a relationship, and that Twilight actually began to pursue a relationship with Strix. He, along with the band, were all surprised but were enthralled when Soren told him of how he proposed to Otulissa and how she had said yes…and him deciding to hold their wedding a year later when Soren became of age for the optimal mating season. Kludd couldn't believe how much he had missed while he was in his state, but could not help but be happy…no, proud of his brother, unlike back at the Peaks, where he just hid his happiness. But in all this joy, he had realized the absence of one owl, an owl who he had owed great thanks and his life to…
"Where's Ezylryb?" Kludd asked, "He should be here as well."
"Hmm, he's probably with Alice." Soren suggested, still relishing the fact that his brother was alive, "In fact, I should go fetch him…"
"That won't be necessary, lad." A gruff voice chuckled.
The entire hollow jumped (Twilight hitting his head on the ceiling of the hollow), as they looked to the entrance of the hollow to find Ezylryb, with his trademark cocky grin on his beak…
"Sir…" Kludd began, not sure what to say.
Ezylryb approached the young lad and placed his starboard wing on the lad's shoulder, looking at him with a glance that spoke more than words. "You have no idea how glad I am to see you are up and about."
"Well, I wouldn't say 'about'." The scarred Tyto added, "It kinda hurts to move right now."
"Well, that's quite understandable."
The others quickly gazed at the entrance once more to see Alice, as she tried to inch her way in, given how crowded the hollow had become, "You were stabbed in the left part of your abdomen, nearly missing your heart and vital organs, not to mention you were wounded in many places. Due to that, you probably won't be flying for a few weeks."
"I see." Kludd replied, before lightly chuckling, "Well, at least flying is the last thing on my mind right now."
"Good." Ezylryb said, before adopting a stern look, "Because there are some other matters that must be attended to. Namely the fact that you are still considered a Pure One to them."
Kludd's expression immediately turned serious as the old owl said that; of course he of all owls would have forgotten that, he was in the Great Ga'Hoole Tree after all.
"But he isn't!" Noctus stepped up, defending his son, "He knew what he did was wrong, and he's willing to make up for it!"
"I know that, Noctus." Ezylryb nodded, "But I am not the one that needs convincing. The one Kludd has to talk to is the great owl himself…"
Soren was the next to speak, as he caught on what the Screech Owl was referring to, "Wait, you mean…"
"Yes, lad. In fact, while you were all having your reunion, I went and brought him to the infirmary to meet with him." The old owl explained.
"But, I don't understand, didn't you talk with him and the others?" Gylfie questioned, confused as to why the king himself would want to talk to the ex-king of the Pure Ones face to face.
"Yeah, I thought you said that you would take care of it!" Nyra reminded, a bit of annoyance shown in her beak.
"I did…but he insisted that he meets with the lad." Ezylryb defended, hiding his smirk at seeing Nyra back to her old self.
"That's right." Alice agreed, "In fact, he's waiting out there right now, so it would be best not to keep him waiting."
"Then why don't you bring him in?!" Twilight bellowed, before hitting his head on the ceiling again.
"Funny that you would ask that, Mr. Twilight."
Everyone suddenly jolted (Twilight hitting the ceiling for the third time, much to his chagrin) as at the entrance to the crowded hollow stood the tree's great monarch, in feathers of white, Boron, as he looked upon the group with an amused glance.
"Y-your majesty!" Everyone except the Screech Owls, Kludd and Nyra exclaimed.
"My apologies, but I was hoping to meet with the lad before it got any brighter." Boron apologized, "A king does need his rest, you know."
"Of course, sir." Ezylryb nodded in understanding, "I was just letting them know that you were coming before you came in."
"Still didn't change the fact that I hit my head three times." Twilight muttered, rubbing his head gingerly.
"Sorry to hear that, lad, but I am here strictly on business…namely to speak with the Tyto Alba they called Kludd." The snowy owl explained.
Kludd perked up when the snowy owl mentioned his name, and only gulped as he saw how much bigger he was compared to him. Why did Glaux have to gift them with the ability to swell up to twice their size when angered? (Note: I am not kidding, they apparently can do that. Read the books if you don't believe me) Nonetheless, he locked his brown eyes with his golden ones (only to shiver at the memories of a certain being that possessed eyes similar to those), waiting for him to say something.
"Before I continue, I would like to request that everyone vacate the room please." The elder owl requested.
"Of course, sir." Alice nodded before turning to everyone with an ordering glance, "Well, you heard the owl, step this way please."
Gylfie, Digger, and Twilight (who was a bit sheepish due to his outburst against Boron) gave each others unsure glances as they left the hollow, but not before giving a nod to Kludd.
Noctus and Marella were just as unsure, as they didn't want to leave their son's side so soon again, especially shortly after his awakening, but by the way the king was glancing at them, they had no choice but to comply. Marella gave a quiet 'come here' command to her daughter, who was hesitant at leaving her brother, but she complied, as she joined her mother as the group exited the hollow, soon followed by Mrs. P.
Soren, still a bit nervous being around Boron especially given what had transpired when they returned, was about to leave as well, along with Nyra (who, like Eglantine, was not happy at the thought of leaving Kludd), who didn't want to be around the leader of the group that loathed her entire existence…but Boron quickly added, "Except you two. I would prefer that you two stay in the hollow." The two barn owls shared looks of confusion as they returned to their original position near Kludd who was also puzzled by his request.
Ezylryb, seeing how everyone was accounted for, merely nodded to the three as he, along with Alice, who did the same, leaved the hollow, only Kludd, Soren, and Nyra left with the king, who stood solemnly silent. The three Tytos looked at each others quizzically, what could Boron possibly have to say to them? Was he here to punish him? To send them out? What purpose could he possibly have here right now?!
The questions were soon laid to rest as Boron began, "So…I take it that you are Kludd?"
Kludd, feeling slightly intimidated, answered, "In the feathers…what is it that you want?" He added, a bit curious.
"Kludd…" Soren scolded for his lack of manners in his address.
"No, it's alright, lad." Boron said with a wave of his wing, "…So I had heard from Lyze that you are no longer in command of the Pure Ones, despite your intentions of taking it back, and that you had fought Skarmoris by yourself…am I to assume that this is true?"
The scarred Tyto looked at him more confused, where was he going with this? "It is…although my brother joined me during the fight."
Boron gave a scrutinizing look as he took a step towards the three as to get a better view of him. It was habit that he, like other Guardians, examined others closely to see if they were telling the truth, and much to his surprise, his eyes showed no signs of deceit, confirming a part of what his old friend told him.
"Do you recall who I am, Kludd?" Boron asked.
Kludd gave a slight nod, "I have a pretty good idea. But why don't you clarify for me? I was never a stickler for names."
The snowy owl answered, "Very well, then. I am Boron, birthed in the Northern Kingdoms, king of the Great Ga'Hoole Tree on the Island of Hoole. Me and my mate, along with a select few, the Lyze of Keil included, decides the laws within the very tree you are resting in."
"I figured." Kludd merely chuckled…before quickly noticing how grim the king's expression turned, shutting him up.
"I had heard a great deal about you, Kludd Alba. You and Soren went branching one night without parental supervision, you pushed Soren off the branch, only to fall off yourself, endangered both his and your life, was taken by the St. Aeggies' patrols, was lulled into joining the Pure Ones' army by promise of power and recognition, inadvertently caused the death of a noble owl named Grimble, moon-blinked your younger sister…" Boron listed.
"Sir, Kludd is sorry for all of that!" Soren stepped up to defend him, "Please, if you should punish him, punish m-"
"Stand down, Soren." The snowy owl ordered coldly, prompting Soren to cower a bit, "As I was saying, you took part in the battle of St. Aegolius, attempted to murder your brother in the Beaks, resulting in that scar on your face." Kludd flinched, as he swore his scar hurt for a moment, "Then you have the audacity of reuniting with the Pure Ones and went on to become their leader. And a month or so later, you dare take a few of our own, and threaten their lives if Soren refused to settle this grudge you had against him, coming close to killing one of our own because of her interference…"
"Now wait a Glaux damn moment!" Nyra snarled, "All this happened a year ago! It is very pitiful to hold such a grudge against-"
"SILENCE!" Boron bellowed, growing peeved at the two's interruptions. Nyra wanted to say more, but Kludd merely gave her a look that told her to stand down, so she did so, still donning her glare. "Now, if I can continue without any further interruption, I would like to finish what I have to say!" He cleared his throat as he composed himself, "Fortunately, that were your only notable transgressions…but they prompted your brother to break his oath as a Guardian for he had lied, a crime despite its good intentions." Soren let out a shameful sigh as he brought it up, "And then…four nights earlier, you have the gall to come here to our home, created a hole in our main hall's ceiling!" Nyra was about to justify that Kludd was blinded by hail when that occurred, but Kludd stopped her, "And put five of our own's lives at risk to reclaim a kingdom in which you have failed in doing so…and in the end…" The snowy owl added, his tone growing fierce, his eyes burning brightly.
Kludd just winced, this was it, Boron was going to give it to them good. He knew that death was beneath them, but he had a bad feeling in his gizzard that what he would say next will result badly for the three of them…
"You have saved us all."
The three barn owls looked up in surprise as Boron's stern expression softens to that of sympathy.
"Your…er…highness," Kludd stuttered, quite shocked by how calm he become, "I don't think I followed…"
"It is quite simple, lad." Boron explained, "Ezylryb had told me everything you had done in your adventure, of how you saved Digger from the coils of an unruly serpent, battled with those low-life hawks, and ultimately how you came face to face with Skarmoris. Despite all your past crimes, you had rid this world of an owl who intended on taking countless lives with his…what you call it: Cannabis Regime? That in its own right was a lofty task."
"But what does that changed?" The scarred barn owl questioned, "It doesn't change the fact that I had done very awful things to all of you. Forgiveness is possibly the last thing I could ask of any of you." Soren and Nyra looked at him with pity
"You are probably correct." The snowy owl nodded, "But that doesn't mean that you are not worthy of it."
Kludd looked up at the snowy owl, confused, what does he mean?
"The parliament and I had taken deliberation in our decision as to what was to be done with you and Nyra. Half of us wanted you out of the tree. The others wanted to give you a second chance. It was a stalemate, I must admit…but eventually we had reached a verdict."
"Which is?" Kludd asked, unable to bear the suspense, as well as Soren and Nyra, who was also afraid of the fact that she would be separated from Kludd…
Boron smirked, "Well, lad, as far as any of us is concerned, it was a selfish owl known as Metalbeak that had committed those crimes, not a barn owl named Kludd. And as I see you now, my boy, you are of no threat to anyone except those who would threaten your family. Therefore, I see no reason as to why you could not stay here, especially when your wounds had healed."
Soren and Kludd let out a gasp and shared looks of disbelief. Was he serious? Boron was going to let the once-king of their enemies stay here? This was almost like a dream come true. Kludd himself could not believe it as well…but a thought enters his mind, regarding the other owl next to him…
"Sir…I am afraid I don't know what to say…" Kludd began, but then he step forth (wincing in pain as his wounds still ached), casting a glance at his fiancé, "But what of Nyra? I am thankful for your willingness to forgive me…but I cannot stay here…not without her." Nyra gave a silent gasp. He was willing to give up being with his brother to be with her once more, even after what all that happened to him because of her?
The snowy owl looked at him with sympathy however, as he chuckled, "Well, Nyra is a complete different matter, for she had committed many more crimes than you had done in your time as king, including the deaths of some of our men." Nyra flinched that time, knowing that all of that was true, "…But Lyze came to tell me how she had shown acts of valor and kindness in your adventure as well. Although I cannot excuse some of her crimes, I also cannot excuse the change of heart she had shown in the past few nights…and I find it uncouth of me to keep two lovers apart because of such a silly grudge. So, taken that Nyra learn to live by the ways of the tree, and within temporary probationary capacity, which I taken won't be difficult," He cast a somewhat stern yet amused glance at Nyra…who surprisingly agreed as she saw where this was going, "I think that she can roost here along with you."
Kludd and Nyra let out gasps of joy as they embraced each other once more, connecting their beaks once more as they did so. Soren watched this scene in joy as he turned to the king and mouthed 'thank you' to the king, filled with complete satisfaction that not only he would have his brother, but Kludd would have his beloved as well.
The king only nodded in response. Little did these three knew that Boron had every intention of letting the two stay here the moment Ezylryb had told him everything, despite his preliminary doubts…but there was one more matter that must be accounted for…an idea that would sound crazy to many Guardians and those who feared the Pure Ones, but possibly a good idea if put into action.
Soon after Kludd finished his embrace with his love, he turned to Boron as he said, "Thank you so much, sir! I promise you that we will be model citizens, I swear!"
"Oh don't thank me yet, lad, for I have a very important question I like to ask of both of you…" The old monarch stated.
"A question?" Nyra asked, a bit curious, "What kind of question?"
"Another simple answer, really...you see, Ezylryb had made quite a few convincing arguments in our meeting, and given how you performed brillant acts of heroism tonight...I would like to extend you two the honor of training under the tree's tuleage as honorary Guardians..."
The three barn owls, mostly Kludd and Nyra, gaped at what he just say, as the two spoke in unison, "You want us to what?!"
"You want them to what?!" Soren screeched after them, himself surprised.
"You heard me correct." Boron smirked, amused by the ex-Pure Ones' faces, "Ezylryb would be honored to have you trained to become, as he quoted, 'the best damn Guardians there ever was'...
Kludd was still stupefied, "But...me? Nyra? Guardians?"
"Why not? You two aren't really Pure Ones anymore, and if you two were to become Guardians, it will do you well to clear both your slates of all the burden your past crimes had caused." Boron explained, but as he noticed the still shocked look on their beaks, he continued, "But it is not mandatory, however. I will not lie, the path to becoming a Guardian is difficult, even more so for owls of your upbringing. I will not coax or force you into anything that will make you uncomfortable and all...but I truly believe it will do you both some good. The choice lies with you, Kludd...are you willing to take to the sky with us?"
The scarred Tyto's expression was blank, unsure of what to make of the snowy owl's offer...he was once again faced with a big decision that could have a major impact on his life...of course it is not of a great magnitude as the decision to either live or die back in the place he was, but still, it was of great difficulty. He gave a glance at Soren and Nyra, who were also wondering what he would choose, but the scarred Tyto was more focused on his fiancé, as her expression seemed to say 'I would follow you no matter the decision you make', warming his heart that his love was loyal to him as he was to her...but it made his decision no easier, unfortunately. As he given it consideration, it reminded him greatly of when he chose to become the Pure Ones' leader a year or so back...like the king said, it could give him a chance to repair the damage he and Nyra caused, and possibly redeem themselves...but would the other owls even consider giving them the chance? He could already feel the hate and mistrust that would be all around him and Nyra, from the other owls who aren't as forgiving as the others, including that urchin named LaRoche. Kludd resisted grimacing thinking of that horrid little owl.
But then again...what did they have to lose? His family had forgiven him and her, Gylfie and the others had let them into their group they called 'The Chaw of Chaws', and surely Ezylryb and Soren will be there every step of the way...and if they were to become Guardians...they could possibly find peace in themselves, laying all their demons to rest for good...and given how the Pure Ones was practically no more without Skarmoris, this was a chance to start over anew.
That thought in mind, Kludd looked at the snowy owl with a smirk, now completely confident in his answer, as he knew what it was he going to do...with Nyra, Soren, and everyone else by their side, the answer that issued from his beak became as clear as the full moon...
'A long time ago, before the time of the Lyze of Keil and Metalbeak, there was an evil owl known as...the Deathbringer, an owl whose heart whose colors matched the blackest nights, and whose eyes matched that of pure ominous gold. The owl was truly powerful, as he killed many owls with only his own two claws, and had terrorized the owl kingdoms. He killed anyone who stand in his path, may he or she be a Guardian or a Pure One, a grown owl or a owlet, it mattered not, as the owl, with feathers of eternal night and an army of the strongest yet ruthless owls, continue his conquest for supreme power.'
'This had caught the attention of the Guardians, as the evil owl made his way from the south, and for the second time in owl history, two owls of the Pure Ones alliance, a king and his queen, betrayed by the ones they once called soldiers, sought help of their enemies to defeat this darkness. Their plead was answered by being accompanied by a band of owls, consisted of a leader, a navigator, a tracker, and a warrior, one of whom was his brother, whose hate had grown from jealously and the need to be recognized by their father, and a legendary hero. At first, their alliance was shaky, but with the power of teamwork and friendship, and the reminder of whom they were fighting for, they had prevailed over obstacles of dangerous bogs, troublesome bandits, and a ominous fog, all to confront this evil. However, this new partnership had changed nothing, as despite all their efforts, the combined forces' power was not enough to stop the Deathbringer, for he had expected their arrival, and by evil means, he had toyed with the king's emotions, to a point where he turned him against his friends and his brother, even his queen, and it seemed that all hope was lost, as the king suffered pain, not of his body, but of his heart...'
'Then, as if a miracle sent by Glaux himself, the king's heart saw what he was doing was wrong...and he had finally found what his heart had desired. With a new goal set into his gizzard, he along with his brother, stood against the evil monster while the others flew to bring their loved ones to safety. These two owls were special, as the younger owl, a noble warrior of the Guardians, had the speed of the hummingbird and the cunning of a fox while the older owl, once the bold leader of the Pure Ones, had the strength and leadership of an eagle, together, they were an unstoppable force. They went to battle with this horrid beast as this words echoed within their minds, words that bear great inspiration, "It matters not whether you follow the path of light and order, or the path of darkness and dominance, it matters not whether you have the strength, the intelligence, or the courage, all that matters is that you follow your heart and dreams, as no matter how dark the path it leads you on, it will always guide you true."
'With those words in mind, the two brothers took to the sky as they confronted the monster and his insidious powers, and as if the words gave them strength, they were able to hold their own against this beast. Angered by the two brother's meddling, the three owls fought a long and brutal fight as the three owls exchanged blow after blow, but with the teamwork of the duo, they have managed to defeat the Deathbringer, and brought peace to the owl kingdoms...however, their victory was short-lived, as the Deathbringer, still living despite all his wounds, summoned the last of his strength and charged his blade at the younger brother. Then in a flash, as an act of great sacrifice…the older brother took his sword and pushed the younger brother out of the way as he took the blade to his body and with a final blow, he killed the Deathbringer. The monster was slain, but the older brother suffered a mortal wound from that stab, and…'
"Should I stop?"
"What?!" A group of owlets screeched as Soren asked that question. They were all in the library, as the owlets (Eglantine included) were listening intently to a new story that Soren had been telling about their adventure.
"Come on, Mr. Soren, we want to know what happen next!" A Barred Owl named Pete, an owlet that was actually rescued by Allomere along with Eglantine to serve as a pawn in luring the Guardians to the fleck trap, chirped. He was a little fluff ball like Eglantine, a bit unruly sometimes, but innocent nonetheless.
"Oh, no, I wouldn't want to give you all daymares." Soren chuckled, amused by their wanting to know more.
"But, Mr. Soren, we want to know what happened next! Did the older brother survive?" Another owlet questioned, visibly concerned.
Soren gave a warm smile, as he looked behind them, "Why don't you ask him yourself?"
The owlets looked at him oddly before turning around to see whom the raconteur was looking at, only to be surprised by the presence of the storyteller's brother, Kludd, who was giving quite a cocky smirk as he approached the owlets. His body was less bandaged then it was two weeks earlier, for most of his wounds healed, and it no longer hurt to walk around. He still couldn't fly, for his shoulder and abdomen was still injured, but it wouldn't be long before he could again.
Kludd only laughed as he said, "Well, thank you, brother, for the intro, but I think these owlets want to hear the rest of the story...the whole story."
Soren replied with a smile, "Very well, Kludd, be my guest!"
"Yeah, Mr. Kludd, tell us the rest of the story!" Another random owlet pleaded. It was safe to say that the owlets took kindly to the scarred Tyto.
The older brother just smiled at their enthusiasm, as he then indulged them...
'The older brother suffered a mortal wound from the stab...but with the valiant effort of his younger brother and the band, as well as his queen, the brother was taken back to the legendary tree of Ga'Hoole, where a wise nurse was able to cure him of his wounds. The older brother was sent into a deep slumber, of course, but with the voice of his parents, his loyal brother, and his lover...he was able to awake once more...'
"And?" Pete asked, obviously curious.
Kludd smirked, 'Well, the great king of Ga'Hoole, seeing how the king and queen, once filled with hate, had performed acts of heroism that night, and with help of the legendary hero and the young brother, the older brother and his beloved was given a second chance...and in that night, the two brothers were reunited after years of fierce jealously and hate, and they both found love with the most beautiful owls they had ever met. And as for the older brother and his soon-to-be mate...they became the eyes of the night, the silence within the wind, the talons through the fire, and the shield that guards the innocent, whom defend the weak and vanquish the evil...they became...Guardians. The End' He finished.
The owlets cheered at the end of the story, quite satisfied with the happy ending.
"Actually, Guardians-in-Training technically."
The scarred Tyto leapt as he turned to find Ezylryb, who was watching the scene with amusement. He had recovered quite nicely as well over the two weeks, and with help from Bubo, he had managed to repair his ruined metal talon, allowing him to walk probably once more.
"Ezylryb!" Soren exclaimed as he approached him along with Kludd, who was surprised to see the old owl as well, "What brings you here?"
"Oh, a couple of things really. But mostly, I wanted to see how you were faring, Kludd. That was quite a story you told, aside from the slight altercation in the end." The old owl mused.
"Well, sir, it's not like it will not be true. Me and Nyra are going to be beginning our training tomorrow." Kludd defended.
"Of course." The old owl laughed, "And what a day that will be. It looks like the chronicles will have to be amended once more!"
"Indeed it shall!" Soren nodded, giving a glance to his brother...but then, he noticed something under Ezylryb's wing, "Hey, sir, what do you have under your wing?"
"Oh, this?" Ezylryb gestured to the object jokingly, before smiling, "Let's say it is a very important book I would like both you and Kludd to see." As he then pulled it out and revealed it to the two brothers. Kludd and Soren stifled a gasp as they saw the title of the hardcover book:
'The Two Brothers of The North'
"The Two Brothers?" Soren asked, astounded, "How…where did you find this?"
"It was in Surtr's hollow when we were making our getaway. When I saw the name, I thought of you two, and figured that it would be best that it goes to you two, given how it had a great part in your life. That, and it had that letter…"
"You mean the one from Surtr?" Kludd questioned. Nyra indeed told him about the letter, and even showed it to him.
"Aye." Ezylryb nodded, "But I have reasons to believe that this copy is a very special one."
"How so?" The younger brother chimed, a bit curious.
"Well, the fact that it is very old and dusty, I think this book might be one of the first copies written about that fateful day. In fact, while I was cooped up in my hollow, waiting for my talon to be repaired, I took a quick look through it, and I found the names of the two brothers."
"Really?" The two brothers asked in unison, their curiosity now peaking, as Kludd requested, "Mind if we take a look?"
"Be my guest. I bookmarked the page for you." The Whiskered Screech Owl smiled as he handed the book to Kludd.
The barn owl, excited but careful, slowly open the ancient book to the said marked page, slightly coughing from the dust, and as he looked over the page…his eyes widened, and his beak gaped in shock.
"Kludd?! Are you alright?" Soren asked, noticing the paleness in his face.
Kludd did not answered his question directly, as he muttered, "No way…it cannot be…"
"Lad? Is everything alright? You looked like you seen a scroom." The old owl questioned, himself concerned with the scarred Tyto's change of expression.
The Tyto just looked at Ezylryb and his brother as he quickly explained, "I have to go and do something…"
He handed the book to Soren hastily and dashed out of the library, confusing the two Guardians.
"Huh…wonder what got into the boy…" Ezylryb muttered, not understanding his behavior.
Soren himself was wondering as well, as he then looked at the page that Kludd was reading…only to be met with the same shock as well, realizing what had perturbed his brother.
Not finding time to explain, Soren quickly passed the book to Ezylryb as he then said, "I'm sorry, sir, but could you watch the owlets for a moment? I have to do something as well." With that, the barn owl ran after his brother, leaving the Screech Owl utterly puzzled.
"Geez, him too?" The old Screech Owl grumbled, as he shook his head as he went to attend to the owlets, "Kids these days…always flying off to do something with no explanation whatsoever."
Kludd quickly ran through the winding halls of the trees up to one of the tree's higher, less-frequented branches, ignoring the confused and suspicious glances of the owls he passed. This glances were nothing new to him, as he didn't expect them to accept him just like that, and honestly, he found it much better than what it could have been, but that thought was not in his mind…no, his mind was focused on a completely different matter.
Soon, the barn owl ran outside to one of the tree's upper limbs, slowing down to a stop to catch his breath. As soon as he regained his expended oxygen, he took a quick glance around the branch as he started walking out, and soon started to call out…
"SAMUEL! SAMUEL! WHERE ARE YOU?!"
No replies came…instead, the sound of another owl approaching the branch ensued as Soren eventually arrived on the branch, much to Kludd's confusion.
"Soren? What are you doing up here?" The barn owl demanded.
"I could be asking you the same thing. You kinda took off on both of us." Soren explained.
"Well…you see…" Kludd replied, not sure how to tell his brother about the owl that he had been seen two weeks back, about the prophecy he made, and how he knew of all the happenings during those four nights. The thought of that sounded yoicks even in his head. Nonetheless, he answered with a sigh, "I am trying to meet with an owl I met two weeks back…a snowy owl, yay tall," Kludd gestured raising a wing above his head, "Has this weird grin on his face…"
"This owl you speak of…did he happen to claim that he possess the ability of starsight, by any chance?" Soren questioned, feeling that the owl he had met with the night Kludd and he reunited might be the same owl that he is looking for.
Kludd's eyes only widen in surprise as he then exclaimed, "Wait…you met Samuel?!"
The young brother nodded, "Yes. He came to me the night you and Nyra first arrived at the tree, told me that you were going to be coming, that you were going to need my help to defeat an evil that was greater than Metalbeak, Nyra, and you put together…he said that he knew you."
The scarred Tyto only became more surprised, not to mention confused, "That is yoicks…I met him that same night as well. Told me the very same things…but the funny thing was that he had this annoying habit of disappearing and reappearing, Nyra couldn't see him when I was following him (that is how I got here in the first place, you know), and I kept hearing his voice over and over…"
"Kludd." A sagely voice chimed.
"Just like that!" Kludd shouted, glad that someone just proved his point…before realizing that someone justproved his point. Soren and Kludd looked out to the end of the branch to have their sight greeted with the old yet wise figure of Samuel, the snowy owl starseer, the one responsible for the events that were set into motion, looking upon them with the same happy grin as he did before.
"Samuel!" Soren and Kludd exclaimed, quite surprised to see the old owl once more.
"Soren, Kludd, how nice it is to see you again." The old owl addressed with that chime in his voice.
Kludd's shock eventually turned into annoyance as he then snarled, "You have a lot of explaining to do!"
"Whatever do you mean, Kludd?" Samuel asked, his expression seemingly pretending to not know what he was talking about.
"Oh, please, Samuel, enough with the games! I know who you are, we saw the book!" Kludd exclaimed.
"Did you now?" The snowy owl questioned with a raised brow, "And who exactly am I, then?"
Soren stepped forth, as he knew the answer, still not believing it himself,
"You are none other than an owl from the legend...you're the young brother of the Two Brothers of the North!" He stated in a accusatory manner, although his dismeanor spoke none other than shock.
Kludd continued, "Not only that...your brother is the one who had died at the talons of the Deathbringer thirty years ago...and most shockingly...his name was...was..." He didn't finish for the name that was on his tongue was so much of a astoundment that he could not say it...
"...Go on..." Samuel requested, completely unfazed by the revelation that Soren had said, not denying it nor accepting it.
With those two words, the scarred Tyto continued... "Mine...your brother's name was Kludd, just like mine..." Saying those words seemed alien to him as much as the situation that he and his brother was in...they were faced with one of their two greatest heroes that had fought a great evil that they themselves defeated two weeks ago and that his brother's name was just like his...
Samuel, keeping his calm expression, then replied, "Indeed, lad...my brother's name was Kludd, just like your own, for your father, who had cherished the story almost as much as you two, named you after him when you hatched." Kludd and Soren suddenly looked at him with the familiar disbelieving looks from when they both met him before, as the old owl, who could read minds surprisingly, just smiled, "No, I am serious. Don't forget that I know everything about you two..."
"So...that means all that had happened in the story...all of it was true?" Soren asked, quite starstrucked that he was meeting with another legendary hero.
The snowy owl nodded, "Yes...it is true that thirty years ago that me and my brother had ventured from our home in the North upon hearing words about this menace they dubbed the Deathbringer, and it was us that had brought the two warring nations together to fight him and his army, influenced greatly by the Cannabis Regime..." Samuel's face turned to that of sadness and guilt, "And it was us that fought him...and it was my brother that sacrifice himself to save me..." Upon saying that, a tear fell from his eyes...
Soren and Kludd shared sorrowful glances as the young brother asked, "What happened to you...after that day? According to the story...you just disappeared..."
"Not exactly...but pretty close..." Samuel admitted, "You see, my brother was the only owl in my life that I had left, our parents died in the wars back in the North, and we always took care of each other, taught each other how to hunt, fly, and battle...and when he passed...I just fell apart...I could not carry on without him...I stopped eating...drinking...all I wanted to do was fly as far as I can away from the painful memories...and eventually, my wings just stop flapping...and I was no more..."
"No more?" Kludd asked, "Does that mean that you're a..."
"Scroom?" Samuel asked in a sad voice, as part of his body, if in response to the scarred Tyto's question, became transparent, "Yes...for the last twenty-nine years..."
Feeling a few of his questions answered, Kludd continued with another one, "But if you're dead...then why did you come to me and Soren that night?"
The old owl sighed as his sullen expression lightened to a somewhat glad one, "Because I wasn't finished yet...my brother came to me and told me that I was not ready to pass into the afterlife...that there would two young owlets much like us a little over a decade later, who would be torn apart by darkness and jealousy. So, instead of completely dying, I became one of Glaux's honorary starseers, for they had sensed my ability of starsight...much like yours, Soren..."
"Wait...Soren has starsight?!" Kludd exclaimed, as this was the first time he was hearing of this, he turned to his brother, who was just as surprised.
"You knew?!" The barn owl exclaimed, "But...but...why hadn't you told me?!" He stated indignantly.
"Oh come now, Soren, would you have believed me if I told you?" Samuel rebutted, amusement returning to his voice, "And to be fair, I was not for certain that your abilities were sound. But now, as I talk to you, I know for certain you have the gift passed down from generations to generations."
"But I don't understand...if you had starsight...why did you tell me I would continue down my path if I did not change if you could see the future?" Kludd wondered, his tone sounding like 'Why would you scare me like that?!'
"Well I couldn't simply tell you everything. Starsight can really go so far, but even then it cannot tell you of every bumps that you would encounter along the road. I said you could continue down your path to self-destruction if you did not look into your heart. I did not know if you would actually heed my advice or not. Besides, it is not healthy to rely on visions to decide your future. It is only you that have to take act...for sometimes, destiny is what you make it out to be." Samuel sagely explained, "And from what I saw that night...you had shown that you are above your darkness..."
Kludd flushed a little, rubbing the back of his head with his good wing, "I can't take all the credits...if it wasn't for my brother...I could have done something so awful..."
"But you didn't, and that in itself shows that both you had changed for the better...both of you." Samuel warmly smiled, "I had seen you both grow from little owlets just hatched out of their eggs into the owls I see before me today...and the fact you had defeated the great evil that threatened this world thirty years ago and restore your bonds as brothers...that makes you both worthy of carrying our titles as heroes. And I could not be prouder."
Soren and Kludd both beamed in pride as he said that. Even though it was perturbing that a scroom had been watching over them for so long, it gave them pride to be commended by a hero such as Samuel...but a question lingered in one of their minds...
"So what happens now?" Kludd asked.
Samuel gave another light laugh, "Well, given how you two are now together again, you reunited with your family, my presence is no longer required...so the time has come for me to say farewell and ascend to the reaches high beyond The Beyond..."
The two brothers withheld a gasp, as Soren quickly stammered, "But Samuel, what if something horrible happens and Kludd and I are separated again? What if we lose sight of our paths?"
But the snowy owl just smiled, "Oh that can never happen, Soren. I had seen the future, and as far as I can see...you two will remain together as brothers...but this newfound path you are on will be strifed with trials and tribulations as well as tragedy...but along with it, joy, love, and peace as a whole. As long as you two remain together, and with your familys and friends, as well as your hearts and dreams...you will always pull through. I'm sure of it."
Kludd and Soren shared glances at each other, as his words sank into both their minds...soon, a small smile grew on their beaks as Kludd then addressed him, "Samuel...thank you...thank you for intruding my chamber that night and telling me that prophecy...I know I was a bit harsh...but there is no words that I can say that explains how damn grateful I am to you. Because of you...I have my family back...Nyra...thank you, Samuel, thank you."
"And it wasn't for you, I would have never gotten my brother back." Soren stepped forth, wrapping his wing around him, "For that I am grateful."
Samuel only beamed with joy as he saw the two brothers...they reminded him so greatly of themselves at their age...he did not need starsight to see that their future was bright. Normally, he had intended on telling them of one important matter, a grave matter that would spell trouble for Ga'Hoole and the owl kingdoms once more...but why would he want to ruin their newfound peace? Surely if they could defeat a foe as lethal as the Deathbringer, the uprising darkness will surely quail to them...for now, all he could say, as his body began to glow with a holy light, surprising both Kludd and Soren...
"It is both of you I should be thanking...you two gave me hope...hope that light can live on, no matter how far in the darkness it had fallen...that any bonds, especially that between brothers, can be mended..." Samuel blinked as a tear fell, when suddenly he felt a wing tip on his shoulder...
The duo was surprised, gaping, once more as they saw another snowy owl appear behind Samuel, much taller than him, and his feathers more rugged...but the starseer himself was more surprised than either of them, as the old owl whispered...
"Kludd?"
The older snowy owl gave a smile much like his, and with pride, he said, "You did good, brother...real good. Let us go...father and mother are waiting for us..."
Samuel only let out another tear as he then looked back to the brothers and said, "Farewell, Kludd and Soren...may you two live a prosperous life with your soon-to-be beloved mates and with your family and friends...and always remember..." As he then gestured to his brother, who looked to the two Tytos, smiling as he knew what his brother was meaning...
"It matters not whether you follow the path of light and order, or the path of darkness and dominance, it matters not whether you have the strength, the intelligence, or the courage, all that matters is that you follow your heart and dreams, as no matter how dark the path it leads you on, it will always guide you true." The snowy owl named Kludd stated, citing his very words from thirty years ago.
With that, the two brothers, Samuel and Kludd, the legendary heroes who had slain the vicious hagsfiend, Deathbringer, spread their wings and in a flash of holy light, blinding the two young Tytos, they ascended from the mortal world for the last time, now together to spend the rest of their life in peace for which they deserve...
As soon as the light faded, the two Tytos looked at where the two snowy owls were, as Soren, quite astonished by the turns of events, not to mention sad, just whispered, "They're gone now..."
"Yes they are...but at least they are together now..." Kludd agreed, feeling a bit sad to say good bye to the owl who changed his life.
But he knew that the sadness would pass...Samuel fulfilled his part in the world by a great amount. He and his brother saved the owl kingdoms, and he himself, even past his death, restore their once-severed bonds, never giving up on either of them. It was only fair that he would get to enjoy Glaumora and make up for time lost with his brother...as for him, there was still much to be done. He had a long road ahead of him before either he or his beloved would achieve redemption, a long road...but hey, at least he will not go it alone...for he was Kludd, ex-soldier and king of the feared Pure Ones, son of Noctus and Marella, soon-to-be mate of a beautiful tyto named Nyra, friends to a group of loyal owls known as Gylfie, Digger, and Twilight, a new apprentice to the legendary Lyze of Keil, also known as Ezylryb...but more importantly, he was a brother to a young, kind, and innocent owlet named Eglantine and to a barn owl who had risen up to become a knight of which he dreamt of, brave, valiant, and true...
And honestly, unbelievable to himself actually, the only thing he cherished now, more than any crown or any kingdom now, was no more than the great sense of...
Brotherhood...
Credits
When you try your best, but you don't succeed...
Cast (In order of first dialogue)
Kludd/Metalbeak Alba - Ryan Kwanten
Servant - Lee Norris
When you get what you want, but not what you need...
Nix Voltaire - Jensen Ackles
Samuel - Randall Duk Kim
When you feel so tired, but you can't sleep...
Nyra 'Canner' Camille - Hellen Mirren
Maurice/Skarmoris - George Newbern
Stuck in reverse...
Jatt - Leigh Whannell
Jutt - Angus Sampson
And the tears come streaming down your face
Soren Alba - Jim Sturgess
Otulissa Emerilla - Abbie Cornish
When you lose something you can't replace
Gylfie Whitney - Emily Barclay
Digger Speo - David Wenham
When you love someone, but it goes to waste
Twilight Nebul - Anthony LaPaglia
Lyze of Keil/Ezylryb - Geoffrey Rush
Could it be worse?
Boron - Richard Roxburgh
Lights will guide you home...and ignite your bones...and I will try...to fix you
Horace Plithiver - Miranda Margoyles
Noctus Alba/Grimble - Hugo Weaving
Marella Alba - Essie Davis
And high up above or down below
LaRoche - Rob Riggle
Barran - Deborra-Lee Furness
When you're too in love to let it go
Pip - Matt Stone
Alice - Glenn Close
But if you never try you'll never know
Eglantine Alba - Adrienne DeFaria
Pure One Spy - Mark Hamill
Just what you're worth
The Echidna - Barry Otto
Lights will guide you home...and ignite your bones...and I will try...to fix you
Young Kludd - Zachary Gordon
Young Soren - Bradley Steven Perry
Young Nix - Frankie Muntz
Harris Hawk - Simon Baker
Tears stream...down your face...when you lose something you cannot replace
Fatal - Joel Segel
Dave - David Spade
Adam - Adam Sandler
Tears stream down your face...and I...
Strix Struma - Emma Thompson
Miranda Canner - Sela Ward
Young Nyra Canner - Emma Watson
Tears stream down your face...I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Zephyr - Donald Sutherland
Surtr/Metalbeak Camille - Joel Edgerton
Young Maurice - Lucas Gilbertsen
Tears stream down your face...and I...
Solidor - Liam Neeson
Madame Plonk - Maggie Smith
Bubo - Craig Ferguson
Lights will guide you home...
Aunt Finny - Cloris Leachman
Deathbringer - Chris Hemsworth
Wortmore - Ted Lewis
Uglamore - Byran Cranston
Stryker - Joe Mantegna
And ignite your bones...
Dewlap - Imelda Staunton
Lucius Canner - Matt McKenzie
And I will try to fix you...
Kludd (Samuel's brother) - Harrison Ford
Song played: Fix You by Coldplay
Created by: Shen's General
OCs created by: Shen's General
Written By: Shen's General with assistance from Synchronized Harmony
Editted By: Shen's General
Based on the movie directed by Zack Snyder and Warner Bros.
Based on the book series and characters written by Kathryn Lasky
Based on characters from Feoran Pride and TearfulFriend18
Based on stories written by bluecatcinema (with exception of Digging Deep, Siege of Ga'Hoole, and Sins of the Father)
Special thanks goes to...
Master Crane
Charlie B. Barkin
Humphrey Loves Kate
Crazybird101
TearfulFriend18 (Formerly known as Mic O'Malley)
Elete12
Synchronized Harmony
LydeaBlaze
Vegeta12345
GodzillaFan2012
sonicfighter21354
aldovas
FtDLulz
jjhatter
sailor-starlight101
X1Mobius
And thanks to all the other less-frequent reviewers and guests, and to all (who hadn't already been mentioned) who had fave and followed this story.
Meanwhile, back at a certain ravine within the territory of the Pure Ones, two avians make their way into the main hall of their hidden hideout, a scruffed-up red-tailed hawk and a golden eagle with a less swollen bump on his noggin...
"HELLO!" Harris called, "Is anyone there?!"
No one replied, much to the hawk's chagrin.
"Unbelievable...you lose one fight against a group of bloody owls and forced from your home for two days and eveyrone flies the coop! Am I right, Fatal?" Harris bitterly remarked.
"I am handsome...I am strong...I am Fatal..." The eagle panted, quite exhausted by the trek they had made up to their home.
"Well, that certainly puts a kink in our plan, doesn't it?" The hawk growled, "Now we are all by lonely-"
A loud metallic clank echoed throughtout the hollow halls of the ravine, causing both hawk and eagle to jump in fear, as Fatal cowers behind Harris...only for the red-tailed hawk to realize that his 'strongman' was expecting him to protect them.
"Wait a damn minute! This isn't right!" Harris shouted, "Get your tailfeathers back in front!"
Frightened by his leader's command, the giant eagle steps in front of him...but that did not change anything, as a dark voice echoed...
"I'm afraid it doesn't matter either way, Harris..."
Both Harris and Fatal jumped again as the leader demanded, "WHO SAID THAT?!"
No answer was made...but sounds of battle claws tapping against the floor of the hideout ensued...when suddenly, Fatal, going completely yeep (which would be considered impossible, as he was not an owl), was blindsided by two giant blurs into a darkened part of the hideout, as soon sounds of an eagle getting wrestled down by two bumbling pairs of talons echoed along with it. Harris was immediately horrified as he looked towards where Fatal was sent, but his attention was completely diverted towards the metal clanking...as soon, the moon shine reflected off a uniquely-designed helm...
"No...no...no...not you...anyone but you..." Harris stammered, as he slowly backed away, unfortunately tripping backwards, but continuing to back away from the dark being.
"But yes, Harris...it is I...your worst nightmare..." The being explained, as a part of his body was soon revealed in the moonlight, showing off the colors of his brown and orange feathers, as well as his fiery orange eye...
But as soon as Harris saw this, his fear immediately was replaced with confusion and annoyance as he said, "Wait a minute...you are not Skarmoris! Who the flying fuck are you?!"
The grass owl let out a dark chuckle, "Names are of no importance right now...what is important now is that I have a business proposition for you..."
"What makes you think I would help your kind?!" The red-tailed hawk spat.
"Quite simple, really..." He smarmed, as he gave a nod, prompting more glints of silver helms to shine in the moonlight, causing the hawk to gulp in fear, "I am in need of more soldiers...and you are in need of power...but together...we all lust for one thing...and if you join me...we shall receive that..."
"Oh?" Harris asked, his fear replaced with intrigue and suspicion, "And what pray tell would that be?"
Nix's sole eye and his ominous crown of power gleamed with fury...
"Vengeance..."
TO BE CONTINUED...
A/N: Well...it is hard to believe but...I HAD FINISHED MY FIRST MAJOR PROJECT ON FANFICTION! (Cheers and applause ensues) And just in time for spring break! I just want to say with a few closing words how fun it was to write this. It was hard, no doubt, but the rewards was aplenty, especially all the reviews and compliments I got from you guys! Again, I had to make quite a few adjustments, but I think I am completely satisfied with the ending. As I look back on my first few chapters of this fic, I could only look in shock of how poor my writing style was in comparison to what it is today. Like Elete12 had said in his review last chapter, I had really improved over the months. And for those who were wondering how Samuel fit into all of this...now you know...and yes, I named his older brother after Kludd (or according to Samuel, he was named after him). And for those who were wondering (namely sonicfighter21354), Kludd and Samuel were the ones that wrote that plaque back in chapter 13. But for those sad with the fic now ending...the story is far from over, for coming soon to the archive, to serve as a sequel to the hit fanfic 'Between Brothers' and the second installment in the Pure Redemption Saga...Me and My Shadow. But I should warn you, this fic will be darker than Between Brothers and will probably be rated M for blood/gore and possibly a mating scene. So...if you have anymore things to say about this fic past your reviews, I do have a forum (at the top of the screen, you can't miss it) named Pure Redemption Saga Discussion. Also, I will be working on my Kung Fu Panda chapterfic named Second Chance. Also, while waiting for my next LotG fic, I suggest you read other fics on this site, such as bluecatcinema's LotG series, Tearful Friend's Skies of Darkness and Blazing Inferno, as well as Crazybird101's new LotG fic, Behind The Crimson Eyes, and check out all the other authors mentioned in my special thanks list. So...for the last time for now...READ AND REVIEW! AND MAY I SEE YOU ON THE NEXT FANFIC! To top this off, I found this quote from my dear friend, LydeaBlaze, which is very fitting for this story...
"The only thing that is stronger than anything else is the bond between siblings, especially between siblings, whether it be two sisters or two brothers…"
- LydeaBlaze (fellow author, great artist, even greater friend)
Artworks are truly appreciated and would compliment this fic nicely.