Author : Wild-Melody

Disclaimer : Um, another one? You know it all already so I'm gonna cop out and not do it…other than saying that the ducks themselves belong to Disney, but Nightshade, Windracer, Wind Dancer, and the rest of them belong to me…ha, they're all mine. Mine you hear? All mine! Ok, that's over with, I feel better now.

Rating : Um, nothing major…no fighting really, not a lot of swearing, so it's pretty clean this time around.

Warning : same as the rating, this chapter is pretty clean.

Please review, I love reading them…I get all warm and fuzzy inside, oh sorry that's the alcohol taking effect. Wait, I don't drink, never mind.

Chapter 4 : The History of Nightshade

Mallory collapsed on the grassy ground near her car, it's bright blue paint gleaming dully in the pale moonlight. It's just not possible, she thought, looking up at the duck that was holding her so tenderly, just like a mother would her babe. Or is it? She hesitantly reached a hand up to touch the other female's face.

Windracer turned her face towards Mallory's hand. It's very much possible, the thought gently caressed her mind. I know what you've been told of my death, and I also know that you blame yourself for it too. Her mind-thoughts were like a gentle spring breeze through Mal's mind. It was not your fault and there is no reason for you to blame yourself for it. You were not even born when I passed away, at least not yet.

Mal looked up at her mother, curiously. But how is this possible? You are supposed to be dead, aren't you? I mean it is true, you did die right?

Windracer laughed and smiled down at her only child, she then sat down next to the younger female. It's part of your heritage Mallory, part of who you are. All magick-users of Puckworld can communicate this way, all those living and dead. The smile faded and the older duck appeared sad and tired. Yes, I am dead, she said, her voice carrying a note of remorse with it. I'm the spirit of the duck I once use to be…she paused in her thoughts. I died giving birth to you but never truly passed onto the next life because I knew I would be needed here again, sometime. I knew you would be needing my help. But not even in my wildest imaginings had I ever thought that it would be Nightshade that you would be needing help with.

Mal's heart froze at the mere mention of the evil sorcerer' name. Nightshade. Her body shuddered convulsively. What do you know of him? What can you tell me about him? Why is he so interested in me?

Windracer smiled, So many questions for such a young duck? I can answer all of your questions as long as you have the time. She looked thoughtfully at her daughter. Do you have time for a long story? I'll tell you everything that you want to know.

I'm not enthused about going back to the pond, not after what I did to Wildwing, Mallory thought sadly. They'll probably shoot first and ask questions later…

It was unfocused magick Mallory, Windracer said, embracing her daughter once more when it appeared the young duck would brake down in tears. It was not your fault, Mal was about to protest when Windracer put a finger to her beak. Shh, let me tell you the story of Nightshade and your ancestors, it may explain a lot for you.

Nightshade came from a very powerful and wealthy family. He was spoiled, and was not use to the word no. He wanted for nothing, whatever it was he wanted was gotten by any means, whether it was by money or magick.

All except for one thing, your great grandmother, Skysong Swanfeather. Nightshade met her at one of the Covent meetings and fell in love with her almost instantly. Skysong wanted nothing to do with him though, but Nightshade was not use to being told no.

Skysong was the daughter of a very powerful sorcerer and sorceress, the likes of have never been seen on Puckworld since…perhaps until now. Magick runs strong through our family, I'm only sorry I wasn't there to oversee your training. Windracer looked down at her daughter, You were never trained at all, were you? Not even in the basics? Mallory just shook her head. I think your father was scared of it, of what you might become…your father was not of the magick caste.

Mallory smiled, I kind of figured that one out. How did you and dad meet anyways? You two seem so much like opposites.

We were, my parents weren't happy that I married outside of the magick line, but I loved your father dearly. I know he married a woman who was…no, forget it, back to the story about Nightshade.

Anyways, he wanted her like he'd never wanted anything else before on Puckworld. He had to have her, by any means possible. Skysong refused him, she'd already promised herself to another, Darkskies Magickfeather. They were already planning their wedding and their future together.

Nightshade became obsessed with Skysong, he began to follow her all over the place. Rumors began that he was delving dangerously close into the forbidden arts of the Magiusi, the evil side of our magick.

Magiusi? Mallory asked, a confused look on her face.

Yes, Magius is what we call our form of magic. Magiusi is someone who uses it, someone who is prone to be magickly gifted or inherited to it, like you are. Mallory nodded her head in understanding. Anyways, Nightshade was delving dangerously into the evil side of Magius, his parents tried talking to him about it. He wouldn't listen, and about a week later we found them murdered in their own house, in their very own bedroom. Someone had killed them while they slept.

Mallory gasped in dismay and Windracer closed her eyes like she was in pain. Nightshade was always suspected of the crime, but it couldn't ever be proven. Skysong married Darkskies a few months later and no sooner had the happy occasion occurred then Nightshade disappeared.

A year later your grand mother Wind Dancer was born. Nightshade reappeared shortly after the birth. He didn't come along though, he brought with him a group of Dark Magiusi, they called themselves the Delkta-Triad.

A terrible fight ensued after that, Nightshade and his followers were banished to the Dark Realm, where they have been imprisoned until now, when someone has apparently left Nightshade out.

Mallory looked out towards the ocean, the bright moon reflecting off of the surface there. A deep sigh escaped from deep with her soul.

One last thing Mallory, Nightshade swore he would gain revenge on our family. He would one day return and take the child that would be Skysong's twin for his bride. Windracer sighed, tightening her grip on her daughter's shoulders. He meant you my child. You are the spitting image of your great grand mother. You are her twin, the one he spoke of.

Mallory's eyes widened with shock. That just can't be!