Chapter 9: Prince of the Owls & Towers of Fire (Part 2)


They had been flying for awhile. For how long exactly, Throbb did not know. All he knew was that he was freezing, his wings were almost aching from the cold. Along with his fur and the fat on his body, it could only provide so much warmth. Vampyrum naturally had short fur in order to combat the heat back in the south. It wasn't grown to handle the cold. He out a breath through pursed lips as he looked ahead to Goth.

"Goth? How much longer until we reach the towers?" He asked, trying to ignore how cold he was feeling, "My wings feel more stiff then usual. Is it possible for them to get frozen? What if my wings actually do end up freezing? How am I going to be able to fly if that happens?"

"I do not know, Throbb," Goth replied with a slight growl in his tone, "How would you be able to fly? Perhaps, if you're so worried about what happens to yourself, why don't you just stay put and find your own way back home? That way I don't have to hear you complain the entire flight! You're not the only one that's cold!" He spat out the last words, making it very clear that his patience was beginning to run thin. The chubby Vampyrum fell silent for a few seconds. But he chose his next words carefully so as not to upset his sibling.

"I'm not complaining. I'm sorry. It's just that it's difficult finding food here. I'm not used to this winter weather, and...I hate to say it, but I'm starting to get hungry again. If I could, I would live off the bugs here if they didn't taste so...ugh, disgusting." At this, Goth suddenly let out a laugh like he was amused by his own suffering. But the red haired bat looked back at him with a grin.

"You do not have to worry about bugs, hermano, not where we are going. When we get to the towers of fire, we will have ourselves a buffet waiting for us. Many a Silverwing to dine on." He purred out, licking his lips to show just how eager he was to have a meal of bat meat.

But for Throbb himself, he wasn't as eager as Goth. He was conflicted. Sickened. He hated that the only other way to survive was to eat other bats. His stomach was still turning from what he had to do before. It was only due to him shutting out his other senses that he was able to eat that Brightwing. Otherwise, he would have likely thrown up the meat from the overwhelming sense of guilt and sickness. The thought of having to eat even more bats made him even sicker. But he had to remind himself strongly that, everything that he was doing, he was doing it all to survive. He wasn't evil. He wasn't without remorse. He only wanted to go back home.

He missed his parents and his older brother. Throbb could only pray that he and Goth would make it back to them soon.

"Throbb!" Goth's voice barked at him irritably, breaking the Vampyrum out of his thoughts, "I said we're here!" He turned back ahead of him as Throbb also got a look. And he was surprised by what he saw.

The towers of fire. Well, there was a lack of fire, but his keen hearing was picking up the constant buzz of something coming from the gigantic Human structure itself. Throbb looked at the two large towers and the other smaller ones grouped at the base of them. There was a small shed built not too far. He and Goth banked and glided down to it, setting down on the roof to scope out the area. Both of them sniffed the air diligently. Trying to pick up the scent of any other bats that could be around. Goth tore a small piece of the roof off, peering into the hole in case anyone was hiding inside.

Throbb couldn't smell anything. Either there was no colony around or perhaps his nose had become too cold to properly pick up any scents, but he was glad. Somewhat.

"It looks like dinner hasn't arrived yet," Goth softly spoke, "No matter. We will wait here patiently. They should come around soon enough. We'll head inside if it gets...colder then it already is." With that, he sat down with his arms crossed. Throbb just silently agreed and set himself down on the rough shingles.

He was growing anxious. He was hungry, yes, but he didn't want to have to eat another bat. But he didn't want to starve, either. Unknown to Goth, he was dearly praying for something else.

That Shade, Marina and Zak wouldn't arrive. If they hadn't already. Having to eat bat meat was one thing. But eating children? That was going too far.

Back with our trio...half an hour later...

They had reached it. Finally.

While there wasn't any flaming towers to be seen, Orestes had delivered what he had promised and brought them to where they needed to go. The power station. During the trip, the young owl was rather excited to share his knowledge on the different kinds of electric power the humans generated and how it was done. Zak had to admit that he was impressed with how well Orestes knew of it all. But, understandably, Shade was more worried about his colony and less interested in the 'science lesson'; as he put it. As much as it must've been interesting for him to learn all of this, he was more focused on wanting to get to the fire towers as quickly as possible.

But now, having finally arrived, the group perched atop of a tool shed right outside of the station. Looking around for any sign of the Silverwing colony. Zak stood nearby the owl prince, his keen eyes scanning the large structure.

"I'm not seeing anybody," He said softly, "I think that's a good thing. But what I'm worried about is if Goth and Throbb are somewhere nearby."

"Those giant bats you were talking about? How did they get here?" Orestes asked curiously but with a serious and an alert undertone.

"As far as I know, Goth said they were captured by the Humans and brought up here. Quite a ways from home, that's for sure."

"And Shade said they were...cannibals? Is that really true?" The owl questioned with slightly more fear in his voice.

"Yeah. Unfortunately, it's true." Zak sighed, thinking back to what Shade had told him of what Throbb had done. But he shook his head free of those thoughts, "Sorry, Orestes, but I'd rather not think about it right now. We just need to make absolutely sure that Shade's colony didn't come through here."

As the bat and owl continued looking around, Shade and Marina were further behind them, both investigating the immediate area in their own way. The Brightwing was looking over a hole that had been made in the roof, while the Silverwing had begun to sniff the air curiously. He quickly picked up a peculiar scent.

"Someone's been here," He quickly muttered, Marina briefly looking up at him as his nose twitched actively, trying to figure out the smell. It was strangely familiar yet foreign.

Marina glanced back into the opening of the roof, trying to see if she could spot anything inside. She saw a flicker of movement deep within but wondered if her eyes were playing tricks on her. She peered in closer, going against the feeling in her gut telling her not to do so. Despite her natural night vision, she still couldn't see very far without using her echo abilities.

But she could definitely hear something. Scratching, like claws on wood.

"Guys," Marina alerted her friends, "I think there's someone inside-," She yelped as her hand had broken off a piece of the roof shingle. The rest of the immediate section she and Shade were standing on began to shudder and creak. The Silverwing gasped and froze immediately. But what happened next he couldn't prevent as Zak and Orestes immediately fluttered over to check on them.

"Wait! Don't!" Shade called out too late as the Greywing already landed, the roof giving a frightening sound as it sagged even further, making the teen wobble uneasily on his feet.

"Oh crap! Orestes, wait!" Zak shuddered, but the owl had already moved in and landed next to them, the roof no longer able to handle the combined weight. With a terrifying crackling of wood, the group barely had time to scream as the section of gave away beneath them. There was only a second or more of being in the open air before the harsh reality of gravity, quite literally, hit them. The four individuals laid still for a moment, stunned and in pain from the impact of their short fall.

"Ow. That hurt." Zak half groaned and wheezed, having landed on his back, "You guys okay?"

Shade and Marina hissed out respectively from where they had landed, Orestes only giving out a dizzy groan in reply.

"Not...really." The Silverwing moaned.

"Ditto," Marina grunted, "Not feeling too great."

"That was quite the nasty fall indeed."

The additional deeper voice took them all by surprise. And a new sense of dread fell over the bats and the owl. While Orestes had no idea who the voice belonged to he had a good idea. But for Zak, Shade and Marina, the sound nearly made their fur stand on end. For the Greywing himself, the danger tingle had returned full force.

They turned their gazes up and locked eyes with none other then Goth. The Vampyrum was giving them a sinister stare, looking from Zak, then to the teenagers, before quickly stepping on Orestes' tail feathers to keep him from escaping. Goth merely licked his lips at the young owl. Throbb stood further back from where the group had fallen. The chubby male looked just as shocked as they were. Whether there was worry in those eyes or not Zak did not know. And neither he nor his friends were eager to find out if it was true emotion or just a facade.

"Now isn't this just a pleasant surprise?" Goth said in a warm but sinister tone, "Here Throbb and I were, waiting for your colony to show up, and what do we receive? A visit from three familiar faces and a gift? You really shouldn't have!" Neither of the bats could speak, having the knowledge of what Goth and Throbb really were. Shade, Marina and Orestes looked at the large bat fearfully, but Zak remained a little braver. Only for the sake of the other three. Truthfully, he was just as terrified being so close to a carnivorous cannibal bat. Goth focused back on the young owl, "How did you know that I love owl meat? Perhaps he will do as an appetizer before that colony of yours gets here."

Orestes' eyes widened fearfully. He tried backing away but Goth's foot prevented him from doing so. The tall Vampyrum was almost drooling in delight as he made a move towards him.

"No!"

Throbb's voice took everyone, even Goth, by surprise. He turned to his half brother, his face hardening at the interruption.

"What did you say?"

"I said no!" Throbb didn't back down, fixing his own hard glare right back at Goth, "I understand that we need to survive if we want to get home! I do! But there's no way in Zotz that I'm going to let you eat a child!"

"How would you know how young this owl is?" Goth snarled, becoming more distracted with the building argument, "It's food for us! That's all that matters!"

"They're no bigger then you are! I'm not going to stand by and let you-!"

"Let me? Let me?! You dare give orders to me, your future king, when we're already struggling to survive in this northern hell?!"

As the two males argued, Orestes' courage came back when he saw that the pair were totally distracted. He quickly glanced towards Zak, who himself was also slowly getting to his feet. The Greywing made a motion for the owl to wait, grabbing a small piece of broken wood to use as a makeshift club. He didn't dare take his eyes off of Goth but he made sure to signal to Shade and Marina to get ready to take off.

"I'm not giving you orders, I'm telling you there are lines I will not cross!" Throbb shot back, "Eating a child is one of them!"

"We. Need. To. Survive, Throbb! What do you not understand about that?!" Goth growled, beginning to become more and more frustated, so much so that he took his foot off of Orestes' tail feathers to better focus on his companion, "Do you want us to starve? Do you want us to be lost here for good? Or, no, maybe you'd rather we die due to your own precious morals?!"

Zak gave a firm nod to Orestes. As soon as he saw the signal, the owl steeled himself and quickly launched his head forward to bite at one of Goth's foot. And he made sure that his beak went into the Vampyrum's flesh hard. The large bat gave a scream of pain, instinctively trying to wrench his foot free rather then going to strike at Orestes, stumbling back the moment he was released. As soon as Goth appeared to be vulnerable, the Greywing prepared his own strike against the cannibal.

Throbb's immediately grew alarmed and rushed towards the young adult, "Goth, watch out! Zak, don't-!"

Before he could beg him not to hurt his brother, Zak managed to turn the club around and swung it horizontally, nailing the shorter carnivore directly on the head.

The young adult took himself by surprise from how hard he had actually hit Throbb, the Vampyrum barely giving a sound as he dropped to the floor with a thud. Except for the solid sound of wood connecting with someone's skull. He didn't stop to check if the larger bat was really out cold, but Goth was definitely still up and alert, albeit nursing the foot that Orestes had bitten. The red haired male let out a yell of pained rage before glaring at the group.

"Go!" Zak shouted, "We need to get out of here!"

Shade and the others didn't need to be told twice. They immediately took off through the enlarged hole in the roof, getting their bearings, before turning to head towards the station. They didn't get far before Orestes suddenly gasped.

"Shade! Is that your colony?" He asked in urgency, he and everyone else spotting what looked like hundreds of small specks heading towards the power station. A look of fearful worry washed over his face in an instant.

"No! They can't land here! If Goth sees them everyone will be in danger!"

"Wait, I might be able to help with that!" The owl quickly replied, "I'll see if I can't scare them away into passing this place! You guys need to try and get away from Goth!" Another enraged cry sounded far below them, the owl catching the view of the Vampyrum himself trying to get out of the roof, "And you'd better hurry!"

"Keep away from the station if you can, Orestes!" Zak called out to the owl, "It's too dangerous for you!"

With a quick nod, Orestes took off towards one of the towers right outside the station's perimeter. The three bats were left on their own to try and figure out a plan.

"What're we gonna do?" Marina, trying to keep as calm as she could, "Goth isn't going to leave us alone that easily!"

Zak frantically thought of various plans and ideas to try and outfox the Vampyrum. But taking their location into consideration, there were very few options. One was to head into the woods and hope that they could outmaneuver him until either the cannibal bat himself grew tired or they did, which would result in their imminent deaths. Option two was to head into the power station. It was gigantic, they had a lot of obstacles to fly through that could slow Goth down. But there was the heavy risk of getting themselves electrocuted if they weren't careful. The Greywing did not like either of those options.

But with Goth tearing away parts of the roof to escape? They had no other choice.

"I've got an idea, but you guys aren't gonna like it." Zak warned them, "We're going to have to fly right into the station. It's the only way we can try and slow him down. But be careful, don't get too close the cables there! Let's go!"

He dove down to gain speed before heading towards the station. Shade and Marina quickly followed, bracing themselves for the fight of their lives. Down below, Goth burst free from the roof and took off after them. Snarling but letting out a sadistic laugh. This was the first time he ever had prey who fought back. For him, this was going to be a hunt worth remembering. For the trio? It was going to be a fight they would never ever forget.

"Where are you going, muchachos? All I want is to have you for dinner!"

The taunt sent shivers down Shade's back, and it didn't help that Goth let out another bout of laughter that made the feeling even worse. He, Marina and Zak were in the metallic maze of the power station now, the equally frightening buzzing of the electricity going through the machines didn't help alleviate his fears. For now they were sticking together only for the sake of making sure that one and the other was safe. But it still posed a danger to them all. They banked, weaved, dove and rose through many of the metallic obstacles and paths in their way, but no matter what they tried they just couldn't shake the Vampyrum off their tails.

"This isn't working!" Marina gasped as she swooped underneath a metal beam and banked to her right to avoid another one as she pumped her wings, "If we stick together like this Goth's going to kill all of us!"

"But what're we supposed to do next?! If we're not careful enough flying through this place then the lightning will kill us anyways!" The Silverwing replied, panting hard as his wings burned from the exertion. But he knew Marina was right. They had to think of something else to get the cannibal off of their backs.
He saw Zak quickly scanning their surroundings, ducking below some piping before rejoining his friends, before his ears perked up.

"We need to split up!" He said, making the other two look at him in confusion, "It's the only way we can draw Goth's attention away from all three of us! I'll lure him away first while you two take separate paths! This place may be big, maybe not enough to get escape from him, but it's still enough to give us some distance!"

"What?! But what if-!" Shade began to protest but the Greywing cut him off.

"Just trust me, Shade! It's our only chance! Go! Now!" Zak then sharply to his left and headed deeper into the power station, but not before calling out to the pursuing Vampyrum, "Hey, Goth! Why settle for little snacks when you can have a more filling meal like me? C'mon!"

Shade and Marina could only watch as the Greywing kept flying, and to their dismay, Goth followed after him. But they kept flying. They needed to. Once they were sure Goth had disappeared, they turned to one another and gave a nod. Making a silent promise to find one another after this was all over. The two bats split up to find their own hiding spots inside the Human structure. When it was their chance, they would come out to distract Goth. But they could only pray that Zak would remain safe and alive.

'Shit! Shit shit shit shit shit! What the hell was I thinking?! This is Tree Haven all over again!'

Zak frantically weaved through and ducked under the various piping and support beams of the generators around him. Right behind him, Goth just growled and laughed gleefully as he remained in hot pursuit. He was kicking himself over and over for having put his life at risk yet again. Only this time he was up against somebody who was twice as fast and twice as strong as he was.
But the Greywing remembered that he would never had even suggested and done the idea in the first place if he didn't care about his friends. No way in hell was he going to let them be eaten by this heartless cannibal.

He just had to keep him distracted and chasing him. What better way then to tease and taunt him?

"Are you serious, Goth? Is that the best you can do? I'm right here! You gotta work for your meal!" He waited for a response, whether that was another round of evil laughter or a snarl of hunger. But there was nothing. Zak quickly and carefully glanced behind him, only to see if Goth was still following him.

But to his confusion and panic, he didn't see anyone. The larger bat had suddenly disappeared. Where did he go? When did he disappear?

The Greywing looked around himself, expecting the Vampyrum to appear anywhere at any given time. While he didn't see anyone, he didn't dare take the risk of being attacked while in the open air. He slowed himself down to a stop, landing onto the bare ground in a crossroad section of four massive generators. He anxiously scanned his surroundings, keeping his eyes peeled and his ears on high alert, waiting for any signs of Goth.

He could hear the quick whoosh of the male's wings. The occasional creak of metal. The high-pitched squeal of something being scratched, like claws on steel. The tingle was ever present, a sign that told Zak that he was in danger. He itched the back of his neck out of reflex, licking his dry lips as he kept looking. It was nerve-wracking trying to find where the Vampyrum would strike from.

All of a sudden the tingle intensified and his mind's eye went into overdrive. Again, like the first time he felt it, his pupils expanded as he froze on the spot.

Danger...

It was so odd feeling himself grow more aware then he was before. Everything else feeling like it was slowing down around him.

Danger...

His fur stood on end, the back of his neck tingling like mad and only there. As if his mind was trying to warn him that something was going to hit him there.

Danger...

His instincts told him to dodge to the right. But why that way? With the owl back near Tree Haven his mind just told him to jump out of the way. No specific direction given.

Danger!

Suddenly the images started flashing in his mind. He saw Goth, grinning face and all, rushing towards him from the back. He had one of his index claws extended, revealing it's razor-sharp point and swinging it forward.

At the last possible moment, it was like his entire body screamed at him to move as quickly as he could.

Without batting an eye he ducked and threw himself to his right side, just as Goth suddenly leapt at him from behind with his right claw extended. The sharp appendage had missed its intended mark by a mere inch, that being his neck. But not entirely. The Vampyrum's claw dug into his left shoulder, just between there and his elbow, easily cutting the flesh like a hot knife through butter and leaving a nasty gash. It strangely tingled first, but then it had morphed into a fiery crackle of pain as the Greywing grasped at his arm.

He felt a wet warmth seep from between his fingers and down the length of his arm. Gritting his teeth, the young adult had scrambled to his knees and shakily took his hand away from the wound. Blood. His palm was already soaked in it. He didn't dare look but he knew how deep it had to be for it to bleed that much.

"Awww, you moved." Goth whined mockingly, "Here I was hoping to catch you off guard and finish you in one simple strike. A quick death for your sake." Zak just gave a pained glare at the Vampyrum, catching a glimpse of him giving his claw a slow lick. Goth gave a soft noise of delight, no doubt having tasted the small amount of blood from the Greywing's wound.

"Then why don't you just eat me, huh? Finish me off and get it over with!" The young adult grimaced, then winced as his arm throbbed, "What're you waiting for? Do it!"

The Vampyrum smacked his lips daintily before flashing a look towards him. Zak's heart began to race and his look of defiance faltered as larger male moved closer and closer. Stopping only half a step in front of him. Then taking a knee to look much closer. The Greywing forced himself to maintain eye contact, despite the overwhelming urge to look away from the cannibal staring right back at him.
But the longer he stared the more frightening the moment felt, as if any second now the Vampyrum would suddenly open his jaws and bite down right on his face. But instead, Goth just gave a soft snort and a smirk.

"You're a brave one, I'll give you that. Most of my prey usually show great fear before I eat them. But you? You show very little." The male said thoughtfully, "I think I'll save you for dessert."

Zak blinked, "What?"

"What you said before is true, you do look much more filling then your little friends. But I do love a little chase and having an appetizer before my main course." Goth smiled cruelly before turning around and walking away, "I will say that it's noble of you to try and protect your friends. But I'll find them. And I'll make sure to enjoy their tender young meat before getting back to you. Adios for now!" The large bat cheered before taking off with a powerful flap of his large wings, heading back towards the center of the power station while laughing into the air.

"No! Wait!" The Greywing immediately tried going after him, but the new gash in his shoulder prevented him from going any further as it stung, "Dammit! Goth!"

The curse was both out of reflex from the pain but it was also out of frustrated fear. He didn't have time to nurse the wound. He had to find Shade and Marina before Goth did. If the Vampyrum found them first...he didn't want to think about what grisly fate they'd suffer before being eaten.

'C'mon, Zak. Fight through the pain. You can do it. Just ignore how much it stings and fly.' He pushed himself, taking his bloodstained hand away from his shoulder and spreading his wings, 'Fly. Do it now, fly!'

The gash burned and tingled but he ignored it and took a running start, pumping his wings to gain some air before finally becoming airborne. With the occasional strained grunt, the Greywing started towards where Shade was most likely to be. Marina? He didn't know where she was but he prayed that she was safe and well hidden.

Where was she supposed to hide? There was a lot of activity her ears were picking up, from the thunder crackling in the skies, the flashes of lightning that assaulted her vision, as well as the intense electrical humming she was picking up from the large cables and the odd machines around her. She only knew what they were thanks to Orestes' information from before they arrived. And thanks to Zak's warning before they separated she knew to stay clear of them. He didn't say why they had to avoid them but a feeling in her gut told her that that wouldn't be good for her.
All she could do was move from one spot to another, constantly looking around herself to make sure neither Goth or Throbb could sneak up on her. So far it seemed to be working. She didn't see any sign of the Vampyrums lurking nearby.

But she swore that she saw the shadow of something flying towards her every time there was a flash of lightning.

Marina was starting to get nervous. Each time she saw these mysterious shadows her heart would race. Her mouth grew dry. But she kept a look out. Maybe she was just seeing things. That had to be it. She just needed to keep moving and lure Goth away when necessary. Orestes must've figured out a way to divert Shade's colony by now.

The Brightwing was about to fly over to a new spot. That was until she felt a large hand grab her by the neck.

She couldn't make a noise from the shock and horror as she was roughly pulled back. Her blood ran cold when the grinning face of Goth met her gaze.

"Hola, senorita." He chuckled darkly, "Where are you off to in such a hurry? It's almost time for dinner, is it not?"

Marina could only stutter as she grasped desperately at the bronze band, barely able to get a word out from the intense terror going through her.

"Oh, I ran into your friend just a moment ago! Zak was his name, ci? I had a short but lovely chat with him." At this, Marina blinked and shuddered. She caught a peculiar metallic scent on the Vampyrum's hand that grasped her. And on his breath.

"Z-Zak? What did you do to him?" Hearing this, Goth's grin only grew before he lightly laughed.

"He's still alive, don't worry. I told him that I would save him for dessert. You and your little friend, Shade, however; are going to be my main meals. But not before I get a chance to...play with you." Marina's fear only grew at those words. Whatever he meant by that, she didn't want to know but was dreading it. The Vampyrum's gaze turned to something else. She could only try to figure out where he was looking, but it clicked when she followed where his eyes were looking.

He was staring at her band.

"You think these bands are something special. Does yours make you feel special, senorita?" He asked while delicately taking hold of her banded wrist to look at it more closely, "I wonder...will you still feel special even without it? Why don't we find out, eh?" Marina's eyes widened as she began to struggle desperately.

"Wai-Wait! What're you doing?!" She gasped, her squirming was in vain as Goth's grip around her neck was firm yet not enough to strangle her. No amount of struggling would release her, not even as the larger bat began to bring her wrist closer to his mouth, "No! No, stop!"

"Just hold still, niƱa, this will be over before you know it. Though I can't guarantee that this won't be painless." Goth cruelly grinned as he brought her closer, her left arm being grasped in his teeth.

'Where's Goth? Not only that, but where's Marina and Zak? I hope they're okay. He couldn't have caught them, did he? No, no, there's no way he found them. At least I hope not. But what if they were caught? And he's just waiting for me to show myself so he can eat me?'

Shade's mind was going crazy with anxious thoughts. He hadn't moved from his hiding spot ever since he and his friends had chosen to split up, having chosen what was probably one of the smaller electric towers to remain hidden in. He didn't hear the hum of the electric energy Orestes had described so it had to be safe for him to touch. It was also nearby some giant flat beams that kept the machines in place.

All the Silverwing could do was quickly scan about his surroundings, flinch at the occasional flash of lighting from the storm brewing above them, and pray to Nocturna that he wasn't going to get ambushed by the cannibal bat. He finally saw a flash of movement below him, making his heart pound fearfully. But the darker colours of the bat put him at ease almost instantly.

"Zak?" He whispered loud enough for the other male to hear, which he did as the Greywing slowed down and quickly looked around himself, "Zak! Up here!"

Finally he looked up and spotted Shade, an expression of relief washing over his face. The smaller male fluttered down and realized, to his shock, that Zak was nursing a horrible looking cut on his shoulder. Judging from the amount of blood having oozed down his arm and wing membrane, he had to have been cut deep.

"O-Oh gosh, what happened to-?" Shade shuddered out before being interrupted by the other male.

"Nevermind that, I'm okay. Marina, did you see her anywhere? By any chance did you see her?" Zak urgently asked, quickly glancing around themselves. When only an unsure shrug and shake of the head answered him, the Greywing winced and grasped his arm, "I tried to distract Goth, but he left me alone. Shade, he was looking for you guys!"

"Looking for us? Why would he-?" The Silverwing paused, processed the information, and then paled as realization filled his eyes, "Oh no."

Zak only gave short nod and went on to explain to him that they needed to try and find Marina to ensure she was safe. Shade was about to suggest an idea before a piercing sound suddenly assaulted their ears.

A scream.

It was short, lasting for only for two seconds before it had gone quiet. Both males stood frozen, faces filled with shock and fear from what they had just heard.

Was that Marina? Shade shook his head. No, it couldn't have been her. Could it? It just had to be the machines all around them. His ears were picking up a manner of noises. It just had to be his imagination, right? Several more seconds passed as they waited with bated breaths for any sign of movement. Or any sound that didn't belong to the Human machines humming around them.

"Shade. Shade!" Zak's voice got his attention, the older male was staring hard at something above and behind him. When he turned to look himself, the Silverwing's breath hitched in his throat.

Goth was perched on a pipe a few feet above them. His eyes almost seemed to glow, shining brighter when lightning flashed across the sky. He wore an eerie smile on his face as his wings and hair blew in the wind.

"Ah, there you are, mi amigos," The large carnivorous male purred deeply, "You know, I have to say, never before in my life have I had to work so hard to catch my meals. You two, plus your Brightwing friend? So much more interesting then most prey I've captured and eaten! I must congratulate you two on the effort! Also, Miss Marina, of course." He added with a mocking grin. Something that held something far more sinister then he was letting on. Shade swallowed before he summoned up whatever courage he still had.

"Where's Marina? What did you do to her?!"

"Shade, wait, we don't know if he actually found her," Zak tried to reason, though he too was dearly hoping the Brightwing hadn't already been discovered, "For all we know he could be trying to mess with us."

The Silverwing felt a slight rush of relief. Maybe his friend was right. Marina still had to be safe somewhere in the station. He was shaken out of his thoughts when Goth chortled heartily.

"I wouldn't be so sure of that! You see, I did find Marina and had a lovely little...chat with her." Both Shade and the Greywing blinked at this. But the Silverwing felt a sense of dread wash over him. What did Goth mean? What did he do to her?

"What did you do to her?!" He blurted out, his mind flowing out with his own voice. The Vampyrum only chuckled, only now did Shade notice that he had one hand hidden behind his back.

"Like I said, dear Shade, we had a chat. Although, I did ask her if her band really was special. Unfortunately," He took his hand out and looked at something grasped in it, "It seems like they weren't so special, after all. If they were supposed to be good luck or whatever it was...it didn't work for her."

The Vampyrum threw down whatever he was holding, the object giving a very light metallic clang as it hit the surface of the beam the two northerners stood on. It bounced a couple more times before it stopped and rocked softly where it sat. It had taken Shade a few seconds of studying the object to realize what it was.

Both he and Zak gave a collective gasp when they recognized the shining band. It had been scratched and slightly dented. Like it had been forcibly removed.

The pair noticed a smear of blood along the edge of it.

Shade remained staring at the band. Everything around him had gone quiet as his mind raced. Trying to discern the intruding thoughts that, quite possibly, Marina was indeed dead. Why else would Goth have her band? But he refused to believe that. There was no way she was gone!

He promised her he would introduce her to Frieda. To show her that the bands weren't as bad as she believed them to be. But now...Marina was gone.

Shade clenched his jaw and let out a small yet dangerous sounding growl. At that moment, he had no control over himself as he shot a glare at the Vampyrum. Without even batting an eye he suddenly lunged up towards the larger male. Goth himself wasn't expecting the move as he let out a noise of surprise, even flinching, as the small male instead sailed right by him.

Then quickly looking back and shouting in an angry and hoarse voice.

"You want me, Goth? Come on! Come and get me!"

The Vampyrum just glared after him before grinning toothily, "Very well, little amigo. If that is what you wish."

Goth spread his wings, preparing himself to take flight to his intended prey, while Shade quickly turned around to head back towards the more crowded spots of the power station. He needed a complicated flight path in order to slow the Vampyrum down and figure out a way to beat him.

But as he began to plan out his flight path through the metal structures, he suddenly heard Goth give a shout and seemed to be struggling with something. He glanced back and was shocked by the sight behind him.

Goth was wildly turning his body left and right, whipping his head side to side as if trying to look for something that clung to his back. No, not something. Someone. Then he heard that familiar voice shout loud and clear.

"You mess with my friends, you mess with me!"

Zak had his arms wrapped around Goth's neck, occasionally but easily ducking from side to side whenever Goth tried to focus on him. He yelled out again to the Silverwing, "Keep flying, Shade! You lead him and I'll try and keep him on track!"

Shade could only give the briefest of smiles before looking back ahead to focus on his flying, trusting the Greywing to do as he said.

It was time to take care of Goth.

"Get off of me, you damned brat!" Goth snarled as they sailed through the station, ducking and weaving by various metal obstacles whenever he could, "Get off!"

Zak didn't say anything as he held on for dear life. That was all he could do as they flew throughout the power station. The Vampyrum pulled off different manuevers to avoid whatever came ahead of him, each time the young adult strained and had to increase his hold to avoid being thrown off. He knew Goth was trying his hardest to do just that, so he had to try just as hard to stay stuck to him like glue.

Needless to say, it was one hell of a ride. It reminded him of the carnival rides that came through his hometown on a yearly basis. Only this was far more intense and terrifying. Goth had chased Shade upwards along one of the larger buildings, the Silverwing pulling off a rather slick move as he let himself go as high as possible before dropping back down, falling right past Goth and Zak. The Vampyrum only growled as he did the same thing, creating a rather dizzying experience for the Greywing as he flipped backwards and spiraled back towards the ground.

The chase continued as both Silverwing and Vampyrum zoomed through various spaces. Whether that was between generators, water pipes, support beams and so on.

Despite all of this he held on, gritting his teeth as he squeezed tighter to ensure he wouldn't be thrown off. That was if his own strength could hold and he didn't just lose his grip from tiring out.

Again, the Vampyrum growled as he flew wildly through the air, "You'd better get off of me, cabron! It will only end badly for you and your little Silverwing friend!"

"Not happening!" Zak growled right on back into the other's ear, "You're not going to hurt anymore of my friends! You hear me?!"

It had taken him a moment to realize that Goth wasn't even listening to him, the adult looking ahead as he began to close in on Shade. Despite being right behind his head, the Greywing could sense that the carnivore was opening his jaws to clamp down on the smaller bat's legs.

But, luckily, he was faster. Letting go for the briefest of moments he lifted an arm up into the air, clenching his fist tightly, and brought it down right onto Goth's head. The hit was hard enough to surprise the Vampyrum as he dropped altitude, but no doubt it was pissing him off more and more. The giant bat took his focus away from Shade and began to fly towards one of the large pipes that ran along the safety fence. He angled his body so that the young adult was facing the surface of the pipe itself.

With another powerful pump of his wings, the cannibal prepared to slam the Greywing into it. Forunately, luck was on the young adult's side and grabbed hold of Goth's mane before tugging hard in the opposite direction. He was hoping that maybe it would cause the big guy to perform a flip that would slam him into the pipe instead. But the resulting action worked out much better as it forced him to move away from the piping with a startled grunt.

Goth only responded with a roar of pure anger. A sound made much more terrifying from the thunder and lightning crackling above them.

Zak blinked. Looking and listening to the storm brewing overhead. Then to the towers and generators of the power station. There had to be something around that he and Shade could use to get rid of Goth. Something that would ensure he wouldn't hurt anyone ever again. His eyes scanned his surroundings frantically, knowing that the Silverwing wouldn't be able to keep flying for much longer, before his eyes fell upon the rest of the protective fence ahead of them.

Then the painful sound of metal scraping against metal filled his ears. The Greywing realized that it was Goth's band running along the top of one of the pipes. Scraping hard enough to create sparks. Then he looked back to the fence. There was two wires that ran along the top of it from one corner to the next.

It looked just big enough for someone small to glide through, as long as they avoided the wires. Another bolt of lightning striking the taller towers was a sure sign of what exactly needed to be avoided. The Greywing's brow hardened as he formulated a plan. He only hoped that Shade knew what to do.

"Shade!" He yelled out, the teen quickly and fearfully glancing back at him, before pointing towards the fence, "Over there!"

He knew Goth would see where he was gesturing to, but that was exactly what he wanted. It was dangerous. Risky. Potentially life threatening.

And it was the only idea he had.

Adjusting his position, Zak grasped Goth's mane this time, giving himself a better view and grip as the large bat kept trying to wriggle him off. Only now he wasn't trying as hard as his main focus was on Shade. It wasn't much farther to the fence. The closer they got, the more Zak started thinking of how far he, Shade and Marina had gotten on their journey.

But he thought about Marina more. About how despite her rough exterior she was actually a good person. She was spunky. She had her own style to define herself. And she was looking forward to meeting Frieda. All she wanted was to learn more about her band and what it meant for her and others like her. This Promise, as it was called. She wanted to know if there really was something good about them, instead of what her colony and others had believed. Whether or not they were actually a curse or a blessing.

But Goth had Marina's band. Damaged. Stained with her blood.

Zak's fur bristled and his eyes grew misty. She couldn't be dead. He couldn't accept that.

They were nearing the fence now. There was still something he could do to avenge the Brightwing. He gripped the fur of Goth's mane harder, carefully planting his feet into the Vampyrum's back. Shade was beginning to slow down but he kept up his speed.

"Giving up already, my friends?" Goth cackled loud enough for both smaller males to hear, "What a shame! This was just getting interesting!"

The Greywing didn't say anything, only looking ahead at the fence that was getting close and closer, only a few more wingbeats until they met it. He prepared himself, as did Shade as he picked up speed. The tingle came back yet again, this time giving an immediate picture of what was to come.

He saw a bolt of lightning hitting the fence and charging it up with heavy amounts of electricity.

The natural and powerful energy arcing through the wires along the fence.

Then it was gone. He knew exactly what he needed to do. Right at that moment, lightning struck yet again, hitting the fence further down from where the bats were flying into. Shade had taken a risky route and flew between the two wires, just barely making it in time as the electrical energy traveled along the fence. Goth, however, was going to try and play it safe and fly over it.

But the Greywing wasn't about to let him do it. He tensed up his legs and snarled one last time down at Goth's ear, "This is for Marina, you sonuva bitch!"

Then he kicked as hard as he could, launching himself into the air as the force caused the Vampyrum to dip further downward. What happened next...he wished he didn't have to see nor hear.

While Zak safely cleared the top of the fence, Goth made one last desperate effort to clear the wires the way Shade had done. But his size was his own undoing. He collided with the electrically charged obstacle, his band making first contact, allowing the lethal energy to flow into his body in a concentrated flow.

Goth let out a ragged and agonized scream as the electricity burned and scarred him in mere seconds. Amazingly he was still flying, somewhat, but he slowed down a considerable bit as his body was fried from the wrist up. Zak, having roughly landed on the other side, could only watch and listen to the Vampyrum's violent demise. It had lasted only for a few seconds before Goth's body, with a small explosion from the fence and his band, was sent flying off of it. His now smoking form trailing through the air and into the woods nearby.

The Greywing didn't move. Only looking where the body had landed. He had to be dead. There was no way any living being could survive getting electrocuted by lightning of all things. But his mind was telling him over and over to go and make sure. Forcing himself onto his feet, clutching his shoulder as it throbbed painfully, he slowly made his way to where the smoke was rising from. He didn't have to go too far, thankfully, but the closer he got the more he could smell the horrid stench of burnt fur and flesh.

Fighting the urge to gag, Zak moved in closer to where Goth lay, covering his nose to keep the smell out. But he hesitated when he saw one familiar claw sticking out into the air. And the bronze band that adorned it's wrist, itself now blackened and burned.

Make sure, his mind told him yet again. Just a few steps closer to confirm. Finally, the Greywing laid his eyes upon the corpse sprawled on the ground. He had to turn away for a moment the second he saw the condition Goth was left in. From his banded wrist, a mix of dark and light pink scarring zig-zagged up the Vampyrum's arm and crawled along to the side of his face. It was frozen in an expression of pure agony, and his once pristine fur was badly burned, even his long red hair had nearly been singed off completely.

It didn't look like he was breathing. Zak allowed himself to completely relax and release a breath he had been holding. That was it. Goth was gone.

He could hear small wingbeats coming and then the soft footsteps of someone moving in closer before a horrified gasp forced the Greywing to turn to the source.

Shade was staring at the burned corpse before turning away, taking deep breaths to steady himself. Zak could only step over to the Silverwing and place a hand onto his shoulder to try and comfort him. But he knew this was something neither of them could shake off so easily.

"We didn't have any other choice, Shade," He said softly, kneeling onto the ground as it began to rain, creating a somewhat soothing but somber air around them, "We did it to survive. We did it...did it for Marina."

The teen didn't turn to him right away, taking deep breaths to try and calm himself down. But at the mention of Marina the Silverwing immediately turned around and wrapped his arms around Zak's neck, burying his face into his shoulder. He didn't make any other sound except for a muffled sniffle, then a soft whimper. All the Greywing could do was bring a single arm up and held his friend closer, himself beginning to tear up from the reality that...Marina was gone.

Suddenly large wingbeats were coming towards them, frightening the two before they realized that it was Orestes. He too gave a sound from the sight, and the smell, but he kept his distance from the scene.

"Whoa. You did it. You guys did it!" He said, a slight smile forming on his beak, "I've got more good news, the Silverwings diverted their flight path away from the power station. I managed to scare them into changing directions. They're safe, Shade."

There was no response from the teen, though Zak gave a soft nod to show that he had heard the owl. But Orestes didn't seem to understand why the pair look so defeated and sad. Seeing the confusion, the Greywing swallowed and spoke in a soft voice.

"It's Marina," He steadily exhaled, "She...I think we lost her. Goth had her band and...dammit. She's gone, Orestes." The tears finally began to fall despite how calm he was struggling to keep his face. But only more confusion filled the young prince's face.

"But...she isn't gone." He replied, earning a look of sympathy from Zak and a more saddened gaze from Shade when he finally looked up at the owl. Orestes then crouched down ever so slightly, confusing the two males for a moment, before he stood up straight again and stepped aside. Orange wings and bright cream fur met the pair's gaze.

"M-Marina?" Shade whispered, slowly getting up from the Greywing's position as he stared at the female for a few seconds, "You...You're alive."

The Brightwing only gave a small pained smile, nursing her left wrist where her band used to sit before, and chuckled softly, "Of course I'm alive. Did you really think I was-Oof!"

Shade had suddenly rushed forward and wrapped his arms around her in a tight hug.

"W-We thought you were d-dead." He shuddered, "Goth, he...h-he had your band. It was scratched and w-we saw blood a-a-and we thought that...!"

"You thought he got to me." Marina replied promptly, receiving a nod in return. She gently eased Shade off of her so she could look him in the eye, "He almost did, really. But...that monster. He was making a game out of it. He took off my band and threw me aside, said that the first thing he was going to do was break you both down. He probably thought showing you my band would shock you enough to give up. And from what I can see? Clearly you didn't let him win."

It was Zak's turn as he stood up, walking up to the Brightwing and giving her a very relieved and tired smile, "No. We didn't. We got him. I'm just...I'm just glad to see you're alive, too. I almost believed that he killed you."

"Lucky for all of us, Goth won't be a problem anymore," She said, giving a brief hug to the Greywing out of relief, "I'm just glad to see you guys are still in one piece. Well, mostly in one piece."

The Greywing quickly looked at his shoulder and then to Marina's wrist, "Just a scratch. I'll be fine. At least now it's over."

"It's not over," Shade said somberly, looking at them both with a worried face, "Goth's gone, yeah. But my colony is still in danger. We need to find them before the owls do."

"Are you forgetting that I'm here?" Orestes cut in, "I've seen Goth and Throbb for myself now. If I can get back to General Brutus and relay what just happened here, maybe I can get him to lift the ban on bats. That way not just you guys, but also the Silverwings, can safely fly back to your winter roost with no more worries."

That was true. With his power and influence as prince of the owls, Orestes would no doubt be able to sway the General into finally seeing the truth. That giant bats truly do exist and how much of a danger they can pose. The trio all looked at the owl with a new sense of safety and relief. The Greywing perked up as something else came to mind.

"If you're able to convince him, tell the General to come to the Fire Towers. They'll find Goth's body. That should be proof enough to make him change his mind. Right?" Shade and Marina nodded in unison, as did Orestes. It was set. They finally had proof of their innocence. Maybe now they could finally finish their journey without anymore hitches.

After making sure that they would be okay on their own, Orestes had taken his leave, heading back in the direction of where General Brutus and his soldiers were stationed. The trio of friends had decided to get going as soon as they could, lest they risk running into Throbb and having to try and fight him off next. Despite the constant stinging pain in his shoulder, Zak managed to fly and keep pace with his friends.

Both had shared concern over his wound, but he insisted that he would be okay. His cut might've gotten some dirt in it but he could clean it later. For now, they had to move.

The Silverwings, as close as they had been a little while ago, would have gotten some distance ahead of them. And the Greywing swore to himself that he would get Shade and Marina to them. He was bound to get wounded more, but that was a sacrifice he was willing to make.

Back at the power station, Marina's band remained where it sat. Left there by choice. It's supposed aura of bad luck left behind with it.

Throbb's eyes felt heavy. Not only that, the side of his head ached something fierce. How long had he been out? All he remembered was trying to convince Goth not to eat a young owl. Then there was Shade, Marina and Zak.

The young ones! Were they alright? Where were they? Goth didn't kill them, did he?

The chubby Vampyrum looked around the shed and was surprised to find that he was alone. A storm happening right outside as a gentle rain shower tapped against the roof.

'Where did everyone go?' Throbb wondered to himself, hissing from the pain in his head as he stood up, 'Did they go outside?'

Taking careful steps he spread his wings and flew up towards the hole in the roof. He gave a shiver as the cold and wet air greeted him, already soaking into his fur as he took another look around. There was no sign of the three bats and the owl. But still no sign of Goth, either. Growing concerned he looked towards the Fire Towers, wondering if his brother was in there. But before he could make his way towards there his nose caught something.

A rather peculiar scent. And an unpleasant one, at that. His snout wrinkled from the odd stench, unable to place what it was. But he carefully sniffed the air to try and track its source. Nose twitching and nostrils flaring as he hovered on the spot. It was coming from the treeline outside of the towers. Throbb thought he could see the remains of smoke wafting from there.

Curiously he flew over to where the scent was coming from. It only got stronger the closer he got, but as he did there was something familiar about it. Landing nearby where he could smell the source, Throbb carefully crawled along the ground, feeling afraid of what he was going to find. He didn't know why. But with Goth's scent coming from the small ditch? He felt he had a right to be worried. Reaching the edge of the small shallow pit he peeked over.

His heart dropped. It was indeed Goth. But...he could just barely recognize him. His fur was burnt. He was badly scarred. What in Zotz name had happened to him?

"Goth? Goth!" Throbb gasped, frantically stepping down into the pit as he checked over his sibling, "Goth, what-? What happened?! G-Goth?"

He didn't receive any response from the larger male, "Ar-Are you alright? Hey. Hey!"

The more he stared at him, the more the shorter male began to realize something. He wasn't moving. He held a hand up to Goth's mouth and waited to feel the wind of his breath blowing against his open palm.

Nothing.

Throbb's eyes widened. His body stiffened. Horrible realization flooded into him as he stared at the disfigured body of his half sibling. His hands shot up to his mouth as a grief-stricken sound left his lips. Tears immediately began to well up in his eyes. It didn't take long for them to start flowing down his cheeks as his face turned into one of heart-wrenching loss.

'No. No! Please, Zotz, no! Not like this!' His mind screamed as he began to sob, reaching one hand to Goth's lifeless form but retreating, 'He can't be dead! How can he die?! We were supposed to go home together! We were supposed to survive together!'

Despite how harshly he had been treated by the taller Vampyrum, Throbb couldn't stop the good memories they shared together when they were pups. His first meeting with Niko and Goth. The many adventures they would pretend to have around their majestic pyramid home. A young Goth telling Throbb that he liked having another brother around, even though their parents weren't married. Then they got married a year after that. Even after his attitude and personality had suddenly changed, Niko was confident that Goth was just going through a phase and didn't mean anything that he said or did.

But what really broke Throbb was a promise he was asked to keep. A promise Niko himself had asked him on the day they were captured.

"Look, I know Goth has become a little more...abrasive, these past few years. But please, Throbb, he's my little brother. Your little brother, too. You're older then him by a year or two, right? All I'm asking is that you look after him while you're out hunting. These jungles can be a dangerous place if you're not careful, regardless if we Vampyrum are strong fighters and fast flyers. You be careful, too, hermano. I want you and Goth to be safe. I can't always be there physically but always know that I'll always be with you spiritually. No matter how near or far you two are. Promise me you'll keep Goth safe? That you'll remain by his side no matter what? Things will get better soon. I can promise you that."

"Alright, hermano mayor*. I promise. We'll see you at sundown."

"Niko...N-Niko...," Throbb whimpered, looking at Goth's body before placing his hands onto his still chest, "I'm sorry, Niko! I-I'm so...so sorry! I...I couldn't keep my promise! I-I couldn't...I couldn't keep him s-safe! Forgive me! Oh Zotz, please forgive me!"

All he could do was cry. Wracked with guilt for failing to protect his family. Failing both his brothers. What was he going to do? How could he go on without bringing Goth home?

What was he going to tell Niko and their parents?

He didn't know what to do.

He was alone


*Throbb is saying 'big brother' in Spanish

And here's part two! Took a little bit more work in this one due to the action scenes, was worried if I was doing too much or too little, but in the end I felt good and proud with it.

The next chapter will be delving into more of Zak's past and how he got to where he is now, in terms of why he was wandering the woods alone in the first place. The biggest hint being the argument with his parents mentioned a few times in previous chapters.

Hope you guys enjoy the read!