Gone Batty: The Beginning

"I think God, in creating man, somewhat overestimated his ability."

― Oscar Wilde

Chapter 5: Nocturna's Gift and Zotz's Heir

Seraphina sat in a cushion of assortment of flowers with her legs tucked underneath her. The cave was even more glorious than before as the walls were adorned in crystal. They were polished so perfectly that they could rival countless mirrors. The crystals had a magical glow to them, that made the cave as bright as Seraphina wished.

A couple of silverwings fussed over her, combing her long midnight black hair until it glistened. They cleaned her fur and smoothed out any fluff and tangles that they could find. Seraphina hummed to herself as one of the silverwings polished her claws with a leaf.

"You are going to be the fairest bat in all of the forest," one of the servants gushed as she combed Seraphina's hair. "All of the young males will be fighting for your attention."

"Hmm…" Seraphina only hummed in reply for she was only half-listening. Instead her thoughts were on the humans. She wondered what it would be like to examine them up close. To see how they lived and learn how all their amazing inventions worked. She wondered what the world would look like if she was just as tall. To freely stroll the streets and learn about their culture.

"Yes, I know a couple of handsome young bats who have been asking me to introduce them to you. Would you like to know who they are?"

"Not really…" Seraphina said truthfully.

The servants gasped, as if she had said something outrageous.

The one who was polishing her claws placed a hand over Seraphina's. "But why? Tonight you will finally be of marriageable age. It's like... the grandest dream that any lady could have!"

"Perhaps she already has her eye on someone. She has been hanging around that Shadow boy a lot." The servant who was looking through the flowers spoke up.

Seraphina snapped out of her daze and turned her head to stare at the servant girl. "What? Shadow?! Ew! No! He's my best friend. I could never see him like that!" She cringed at the thought.

"Or perhaps you prefer the older type, like that greenwing?" Another shrugged. "You get along quite well, though personally I'd advise that you stick to someone of our breeding…"

"That's even worse!" Seraphina began to laugh. "Sage is like an uncle to me and it shouldn't matter if he's a silverwing or not-"

"I'm not saying that it matters, but… have you seen those e-a-r-s?" Blossom said in a hushed whisper. "If they were any longer, they could be used as a second pair of wings!"

The rest of the servants began to giggle.

"Imagine what the children would look like!"

Seraphina rolled her eyes. "Alright, simmer down. No one is allowed to poke fun at his ears but me."

"Very well, Princess. But surely you have thought about the type of guy you would like to marry?"

"Yes, tell us! What's your type?"

"Hmm…" Seraphina looked down at her lap as they continued to groom her. This wasn't exactly something she gave any thought to. "I'm not sure. Perhaps… someone who is daring. Someone who loves adventure just as much as I do. Someone who I can relate to, talk to…" Seraphina looked up at a nearby crystal, seeing her own lovely reflection looking back at her. "Someone who would love me for me, rather than for what I am. If he was to look at me, I would like him to see just Seraphina and not Princess Seraphina, daughter of the 'moon and stars' or any such nonsense." For that instant, Seraphina couldn't help but think that her reflection looked rather lonesome… like a poor damsel yearning for love.

Seraphina quickly brought her hands to her face and clapped her palms to her cheeks a couple times, squeezing her eyes shut. Ugh, what was she thinking about? All this talk of 'love' was starting to make her crazy. Now she was seeing things. She had more important things to think about rather than some potential mate.

"Sounds like good qualities for a mate to have," came a brand new voice. "Though I never expected you to be into that sort of mushy stuff."

Seraphina turned her head towards the entrance to her chamber and saw a brightwing with peach-colored hair, smiling at her. Seraphina immediately stood up and exclaimed happily, "River!" Much to the servants' dismay, the princess flew into River's outstretched brown wings and gave her a big hug. "You came!"

River laughed as Seraphina nuzzled her face into her scarlet mane and returned the hug. "Of course I came! It's your coming-of-age ceremony. I wouldn't miss it for the world!"

"Princess, we haven't finished getting you ready!" One of the silverwings protested as the two good friends pulled away from their hug.

"Oh, don't you worry your pretty little heads over it, I can take it over from here." River wrapped an arm around Seraphina's shoulders as she led her back to the bed of flowers. "Now shoo! Skedaddle. You'll never get anything done with the way you're all gossiping like a brood of fussy hens!" The brightwing began to push the servants out of the chamber, who were unwilling but did not dare to fight back. Once they were gone, River turned back to Seraphina and smirked, "So, talking about love now, are we?"

Seraphina groaned, "Oh don't you start too, River. I have more important things to worry about."

"Yeah, such as?" River sat down behind Seraphina and began to braid her hair.

"Such as getting permission to leave Nocturnal Valley and joining the migration to hibernaculum. You know, things that actually matter? I want to see the world, River. I don't know a thing about what's out there..."

River nodded as she adorned Seraphina's braid with tiny crystals, making her hair give the illusion that it had stars woven into her strands. "Well, if there's any better time for you to get permission, it is tonight. I don't think your mother would refuse."

"That's what I'm hoping," Seraphina said hopefully. "Say, have you bumped into Shadow on your way here?"

"Actually, yeah. I have." River admitted while the small freckles under her green eyes seemed to grow a little bit redder. "Do you think he missed me while I was away?"

"Uhhh…yeah! I'm sure he did." Seraphina said cheerfully, though she honestly wasn't sure if it was the truth or not. Shadow never really spoke on the subject, even when Seraphina did. Then again, he never seemed to be interested in talking about girls. He became rather shy and awkward around them, including River. "He's never told me otherwise."

"I see," River said softly, a small smile on her face.

"Wait a minute… do you like Shadow?" Seraphina turned her head to stare up at River with wide eyes.

"Huh?" River suddenly looked a lot redder than she was now.

"Oh my stars! You totally do!" Seraphina covered her giggles with her hands.

"Alright, so what if I do?" River huffed and turned Seraphina's head to look straight ahead again. "He's strong and brave, not to mention a royal guard."

Seraphina smiled brightly as River continued to adorn her hair, "I'm not saying it's a bad thing. I think that the two of you would look cute together."

"Really? You think so?" River asked hopefully.

"Yes, I just said so!" Seraphina laughed. "You're both outgoing and fun. I think it would be a smart match."

River looked uncertain, "Even if I'm a brightwing and he's a silverwing?"

"So what? I'm half mortal. Does anyone care about that?"

The brightwing smiled, "You are the daughter of Nocturna. No one would say anything against you. But my colony isn't really fond of the idea of interbreeding with other kinds of colonies. The last bat who did that was Calliope Brightwing, and she was banished for mating with a graywing."

"Well, I bet she was happier for it," Seraphina said after a moment of thought. "Imagine, being forced to marry someone you didn't love. My dad ran away from all of that." She looked down at her hands and added, "I would have done the same thing."

"I guess you are right. We only get one life to live." River finished Seraphina's hair and beamed, "There. Now you are all primed, pretty and prepared for the party."

"Nice alliteration."

"Thanks!"

Meanwhile in the deepest darkest part of the Underworld, Cama Zotz had his own reason for celebration. Before him stood a gollum made out of red clay. The dark god smiled. Tonight was the night.

Demons circled them, chanting and bowing over and over, including Phoenix, Cabrakan, Zipacna and Karma.

Cama Zotz's eyes flared red and the clay doll burst into flames.

The demons began to chant louder and louder, their eyes rolling to the back of their heads as some of them swayed back and forth while others bowed.

"Flesh of earth and heart of fire, give me the heir that I desire," Cama Zotz recited as his eyes continued to glow. He spread open his wings and the flames rose higher. The clay began to harden, darken and crack. "Flesh of earth and heart of fire, give me the heir that I desire!"

Yellow light seeped from the cracks and the gollum burst open in a sudden explosion. The demons stopped their chanting and looked curiously at the being that appeared from inside. It was a full grown vampyrum. He was kneeling on the ground, his arms outstretched before him and palms pressing down on the soil. He had long spiky black hair which trailed down his back and his eyes were closed as if he were still sleeping. His body shone brightly in the dying fire light. Sparks floated around him and sizzled when they came in contact with his dark amber wings but he did not flinch at their touch. He merely breathed evenly and slowly.

"Ooh, he's hot," Karma's voice whispered from somewhere in the crowd.

Cama Zotz walked closer to his son until he towered over him. "Aktun Zotz, wake."

Molten gold eyes opened at the command.

"Rise, my son."

Aktun obeyed, albeit slowly and groggily for he was still coming to his own senses. He stood up and looked up at his father.

Cama Zotz admired his handiwork as he circled Aktun. "Good, very good. In fact, you have turned out better than I had expected."

Aktun didn't say anything and his face was blank like a mask despite the growing pain inside him. He reacted more like a trained soldier than someone who was just born into the world. He stood straight and still, looking straight ahead into the darkness of the underworld. He was tall and very strongly built. There wasn't a vampyrum alive who was as physically perfect as him, though that was how Cama Zotz had intended him to be.

The god stopped before Aktun and asked, "Aktun. Do you know who I am?"

"You are Cama Zotz, my father," the vampyrum answered clearly.

"And do you know why I created you?"

Aktun didn't seem to have an answer for that. He looked at all the demons who were watching them as if trying to find a clue in their presence. He didn't find it. Aktun looked back up at the god. "No, father."

So Cama Zotz explained, "I created you because I am in need of an heir. I may be immortal but my immortality stems from the beliefs of mortals. If I lose their beliefs then I shall lose my godhood."

"So you created me to take over your position if the time comes," Aktun guessed.

The demons laughed at that, causing Aktun to frown in confusion.

Even Cama Zotz looked amused, "No. I created you so such a time never comes." He put a hand around his son's shoulders and they began to walk. "You will spread my legacy in the world above. Remind the earthly citizens who their loyalties should belong to. I give you complete power to rule over the bats in the living world. Reign terror over their hearts. Anyone who wishes to defy me can be sent straight down here to Xibalba as slaves for the rest of eternity."

Aktun listened carefully to every single word as he was led through the crowd of demons who parted for them. "But who would want to defy you?"

"My sister, Nocturna. There are some colonies who would rather turn to her guidance than my own. More and more of them are choosing her side. I cannot have that."

"So… what you are saying is-"

"Turn the tide," Cama Zotz smirked evilly. "Make those who worship my sister lose faith in her. Once she is weakened enough, I shall take over the rest. Nocturna lives in the north in a secluded area that is protected by a powerful enchantment. Neither I nor my demons can enter through it. You, however- are neither myself nor a demon. It might be difficult for you to find her lair without some help, but I'm quite certain that you'll find a way."

Aktun bowed his head deeply before Zotz. "I shall not fail you, father."

Zotz patted Aktun roughly on the back, "I am happy to hear it, boy. Do me proud. My demons are at your disposal. They will serve you with as much devotion as they serve me."

At his words, the demons all bowed down low to show their loyalty.

"Now, the night is young. Why don't you go outside and raise hell? Feast to your heart's content. I'm sure you must be starving."

Aktun pressed a hand to his stomach, realizing that the pain that he had been feeling all this time was in fact hunger.

"Take Phoenix with you too. She is my most trusted soldier." Cama Zotz motioned towards one of his demons. "I believe there is much that she can teach you."

Aktun watched as a she-demon rose from the crowd and approached them both. She was stunningly beautiful. Her hair was as dark as a raven's wing and her eyes were red as blood. Her wings were dark maroon and her fur was the color of volcanic ash. It was clear that she lived up to her namesake. She bowed to Aktun respectfully and smiled alluringly from beneath her dark lashes.

"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Aktun Zotz. I am looking forward to hunting with you."

"As am I," Aktun nodded to her, unable to look away.

Cama Zotz looked between the two of them and grinned. "Very good. I trust that you both will have a grand time. You may go."

Aktun and Phoenix both bowed to their god before taking off into the air. Taking this as their cue, more demons followed after them, a dark cavalry of wings ready to follow the commands of their new young lord. They flew up, up, and up through the deep crevices of the earth cavern walls and up towards the light of the moon that shone above.

Zotz's villainous laughter echoed through the underworld's chambers behind them.

The full moon was high in the sky and it was almost time for Seraphina to make her debut at her coming-of-age ceremony. Seraphina tried to keep her breathing even as she began to feel her nerves come undone. She didn't have stage fright nor did she mind the attention for she was used to it by now. What made her nervous was asking her mother the very question that she has been dying to ask.

River had left her to join the party outside so she was alone with her thoughts.

Seraphina's hand clutched over her heart as she tried to keep herself calm. 'You've got this, Sera. Tonight is the night. I'm going to ask her. I am an adult now so she can't say no.' She closed her eyes and took in a deep breath and let it out. "I can do this. I'm going to ask her."

"Ask me what?"

Seraphina's eyes popped open and she twirled around, her glistening braid whipping around behind her. "Mother!"

Nocturna stood in the entrance with a warm smile and opened up her wings in expectation. Seraphina eagerly rushed over and was caught in the loving embrace of her dear mother. "Oh my little star. Let me take a good look at you." Nocturna held Seraphina an arm's length away as she admired her daughter. She gave an adoring noise in her throat and placed a hand over her heart. "Seraphina, darling. You look absolutely stunning! I can hardly believe you are already so grown up. I don't think I have ever seen time fly by so quickly."

Seraphina beamed at the goddess of the night and leaned her face into Nocturna's hand as it caressed her cheek.

Nocturna's eyes twinkled like stars. "If only your father could see you now. He would be so proud."

Seraphina placed a hand over her mother's and said longingly, "I wish I got to meet him."

"Me too, little star. Me too." Nocturna kissed Seraphina's forehead. "Are you excited for your debut?"

"I suppose I am, but mother- I was hoping that I could ask you something?" Seraphina decided to cut to the chase. "I am of age and there is something that I really want. Something that I have been yearning for, for a very long time actually…"

"You can ask me later, sweetheart," Nocturna said with a smile. "The entire world is waiting to see you. It would be rude to make them wait for much longer."

"Oh. Right, okay." Seraphina's heart fell slightly but she quickly covered it up with a smile. 'No big deal. I can ask her later. Royal duties come first.'

"I'll go ahead first and announce you." Nocturna couldn't help but give her daughter another kiss on the cheek. "I am so proud of you!"

Seraphina smiled as her mother left the room. She looked at her reflection in the precious stones in the wall once more. She nodded to herself with determination. Tonight was her night and nothing was going to go wrong.

River found Shadow hanging out with Sage and roosted next to him. "Hi Shadow, it's been a while!"

Shadow's eyes bulged and he began to choke on the moth that he was in the middle of eating. Sage had to hit him a couple times on the back to help him breathe again. "R-River?" he rasped while wiping his mouth with his wing.

"Yeah, it's me. Hi." She smiled at him.

"Oh uh…" Shadow looked over at Sage who gave him a 'what are you looking at me for?' look. He turned back to River and forced on a smile, "hi. I didn't realize you were in the neighborhood."

River raised a cynical eyebrow, "Really? I did say that my colony was going to come to the celebration."

"Oh, right! So you did." Shadow nodded, his smile slightly twitching at the corners. He had completely forgotten.

Sage rolled his eyes at Shadow's awkward response. The poor boy was hopeless when it came to females aside from Seraphina. 'I worry for his future sometimes…'

"The last time I saw you, you were hoping to try out for the royal guard. Any progress?" River asked eagerly.

The talk of his career instantly seemed to brighten Shadow's mood because his body relaxed and River's presence now became a welcomed one. "Yeah, actually. I'm being officially trained as a guard. Within the year, I'll be a full-fledged guard- just you wait and see!" He cockily jabbed himself with his thumb.

"That's amazing, Shadow! I always knew that you had it in you." River genuinely complimented him.

"Yeah, well…" Shadow rubbed his nose with his finger, "I guess I was born for the part. I am a strong flyer and a decent fighter. Sera was always there to cheer me on. If it wasn't for her, I probably wouldn't have made it this far."

"Oh… that's… great…" River's smile faltered. Why did everytime they had a chance to talk, Shadow always had to bring Seraphina up into the conversation? But it was her best friend's party, so River guessed that it was inevitable. "Um, I'm working hard to achieve my dream too."

"Cool," Shadow said. "What are you aiming to be again? A tinker?"

"A healer…" River corrected him with an annoyed frown.

"Right, right." Shadow nodded but did not look at all interested, which caused River to sigh and cross her arms angrily.

Sage was half-tempted to smack Shadow for his tactless behavior, but decided to instead include himself in the dying conversation. "Hey, River- have you been grooming yourself lately? Your fur looks especially lustrous."

River greatly appreciated the compliment because she puffed out her mane proudly. "I have! Thank you for noticing, Sage."

"It's hard not to notice." The greenwing made a point to glare at Shadow who merely stuffed his face with the rest of his moth and chewed loudly. "Considering I've known you both since you were pups."

Shadow burped loudly.

"And one of you hasn't changed at all…"

Shadow looked affronted by that comment. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Sage didn't get a chance to answer because suddenly everything became quiet. Nocturna had appeared and all the bat colonies were at attention, eager to hear what she had to say.

Nocturna shone brighter than usual that night- her happiness emanating from her in waves. "My dear friends, thank you so much for coming tonight to celebrate my daughter's coming-of-age. It delights me to see how much she is loved by you all. It is one of the few occasions when bats of all different types from all different sides of the globe come together in harmony."

It was true. There were so many different kinds of bats gathered together that it was quite fantastical. From silverwings to brightwings and goldwings to bloodwings. Everyone was there… save for one certain species of bat.

"And with great pleasure, I present to you Princess Seraphina Starwing, the demigoddess of the night!" Nocturna outstretched her glittering wing and moved out of the way to reveal her daughter.

Shadow's mouth dropped open and his ears were standing straight on his head in rapt attention. "She's… so beautiful."

Everyone else shared Shadow's awe. Seraphina walked into the moonlight, the crystals in her hair shining like the stars in the night sky. Her fur seemed to glow in the moon in a way that no other could imitate aside from Nocturna.

Cheers erupted as the bats welcomed their princess, shouting their congratulations and their blessings. Those who were roosting in the blossoming trees threw petals at her, making it look like winter snow.

Seraphina blushed and laughed as she reached out her hands to catch the flower petals and twirled a couple times in a dance-like motion. She spotted her friends in their tree and waved eagerly to them.

Sage and River waved back happily while Shadow just stared at her- at least until Sage elbowed him and he finally waved back.

The princess giggled at that and turned to look at her mother who was smiling fondly at her. Nocturna approached Seraphina, holding something in her hands. "Seraphina, you are now of age and therefore I wish to give you this." The goddess held out a magical necklace and Seraphina gasped, recognizing the crescent moon encrusting the night-like gem. Her mother always kept it at her side, not allowing Seraphina to play with it.

Her own shocked face was reflected in the gem.

"With this, you will always have a part of me with you," Nocturna told her amazed daughter. "No matter where you are or where you will go, I shall protect you with all my might." The goddess spread the silver chain over her daughter's head and allowed the amulet to fall gently in place over Seraphina's chest.

Seraphina took the gem in her hand, turning it slightly. The stars in the dark blue gem sparkled merrily at her. The girl looked up at her mother, hardly believing what she was hearing. "You mean-..."

Nocturna smiled knowingly at Seraphina and nodded. "I know how much you wish to venture out into the world, and as much as it pains me as a mother, I must allow you to spread your wings and leave the nest if that is what you wish."

"Mother…" Seraphina breathed as tears of joy came to her eyes. "Oh mother!" She leapt up to hug Nocturna, burying her face in her mother's fur. "Thank you so much, mother! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

There was a loud applause as Nocturna and Seraphina hugged each other tightly. It truly was the most wonderful night that Seraphina could hope for. So wonderful that she was frightened that it might be a dream. She gave herself a pinch and grinned when it hurt.

The party began. Bats of different colors danced with each other in the night sky like butterflies.

"Go on, have fun." Nocturna whispered to her and pushed her daughter towards the cheering forest. "It's your night."

Seraphina beamed and eagerly flew towards her friends who raced to meet her half way.

Nocturna watched with a smile but her smile slowly faded as she looked up at the moon. While it glowed brightly and as joyfully as her daughter, she couldn't help but feel that something was off that night. Something new had appeared in the world and Nocturna did not know if it was good or bad.

A/N: Here is another chapter. I hope you enjoyed it!

DamzelKnight - I'm so happy to hear that you are loving the characters so far! And yes, Cama Zotz is a creep. Lol!

Kurama The Platinum Zoroark - Whether Shadow is Shade's ancestor or his past life, I shall leave it to your interpretation. He is similar in some aspects, but he is also quite different as you will see in this chapter and later on. He is his own person just as Seraphina is different from Melody in certain ways. I like to put some parallels in both Melody's and Sera's life to show that they attract similar friends and enemies. History does after all- love to repeat itself. ^^

SyfyGuy2 - Once again, it's always such a joy to see you comment. :) Yes, I'm having it be suggested that Sage knows everything by this point. Nocturna might be reclusive in the beginning, but isolation isn't healthy for a growing child. Even Nocturna is aware of that. Loki had most certainly spoken about his best friend at some point, so Nocturna would trust Sage. And yes, I purposefully made Sera different from Melody. :) And I do go off the idea that the soul develops with each life it lives. Sera is a brand new soul who has come into existence and therefore is more naive and foolish in comparison to Melody. As for Shadow and River being the past life of Shade and Marina… I am leaving that up to the reader's interpretation. I wanted to show that Sera and Melody happen to attract a similar crowd of friends because...well… they are one and the same. But that doesn't mean that their relationships are going to go in the same direction. *WINK*

ladyblaziken 2 - Hahaha! It's not uncommon for gods in many cultures to have incestial relationships. Just look at the Greeks!

Carlisle Fan 22 - You're welcome! :) I hope this chapter answered your question.