Ataria woke to find herself tied to the bark of Tree Haven by weeds. She had no idea how or why she was here. As her eyes opened a little more, she saw almost the entire Silverwing colony, staring at her as if they'd just seen the horrific thing ever. They looked like they were scared of her.

"What…what's going on?" Ataria managed to say.

"How long were you going to keep this a secret?" Lucretia asked her.

"Keep what a secret?" Ataria asked back.

"You were the one who killed those Silverwings all along. We took you in, and this is how you repay us!" a Silverwing shouted.

"What…me? What are you talking about? I didn't kill anyone!" Ataria shouted back.

"We know it was you. We saw you as that thing, and then when you became you again. Don't try to play dome with us, it won't work." Lucretia told her.

"But, honestly…this is impossible!" Ataria shouted.

"What are you really?" Lucretia asked her.

"I'm a Moonwing; honestly."

"No more!" Lucretia yelled as she grabbed Ataria by the throat, pulling her in close to her. "Because of you, our colony has lost several of our loved ones. You've killed many of us, and have caused us a major amount of suffering. I will not stand for this! This is a horrible deed you have committed. Now, you must listen closely; you will tell us everything you know, or I'm afraid you will need to be severely punished!"

Ataria became truly afraid. Tears started strolling down her neck. "But I have no idea what you mean. I don't know what you are talking about. It wasn't me; I can't even remember what happened recently. Really, I don't understand. Why are you doing this to me? Shade! Marina! Chinook! Why's this happening to me?" Ataria couldn't control herself. Her sobbing only got worse.

"Why?" Ataria heard Chinook's voice over others.

Ataria saw Chinook fly right in front of her. He was crying. He couldn't even look at her in the eye.

"Why? How could you do this?" Chinook asked her.

"Chinook. What are they saying? I just don't understand any of this. Why are you crying?" she gently asked him.

"You… have hurt me in a way you'll never know." Chinook said, and flew off.

"Chinook!" Ataria yelled. She began to cry even worse. Confused, she cried and cried until everyone left her alone. She cried herself to sleep.

"Mom. We need to talk." Shade told Ariel as they were about to roost for sleep.

"Can this wait until tomorrow? I know it's been a rough past few hours, but try to get some sleep." Ariel replied.

"This can't wait. I need to know something."

"O.k. fine."

They roosted on top of Tree Haven, where no one could here them.

"What is it?" Ariel asked Shade.

"Who is Cama Zotz.?"

Ariel paused for a moment. "Someone you'll be told about when you're older."

"I need to know now. When I first met Goth, he would always talk about a god named Zotz. I think I recall him with Goth back at Jungle. That presence that I just couldn't shake off."

"Why do you need to know?"

"Ataria mentioned something about him. She said she was confronted by him. He told her to wipe out all who didn't worship him. She refused, and fainted but then woke up back at some completely different place."

"Told her to wipe everyone out? What are you getting at?"

"Well. Mom…I'm not saying I believe this, I'm only saying this but…what if she doesn't really know what she is? What if she's cursed?"

Ariel seemed to consider this. "Shade, I know you were friends with her, and that you're trying to back her up; she's just too dangerous though."

"Mom. Think about it. She only seems to transform at night when the full moon is out; when the sun comes out, she transforms back to herself. Maybe we can somehow help her. You're an elder, I know there are things you are hiding from me, but if you a way to help Ataria, you need to do it."

Ariel seemed to digest this. "You're right; I do need to hide things from you, but only for the colony's benefit. I might be able to help her, but you can't tell anyone of this, do you understand? Not even Marina."

"I do."

"Good. I'll talk to the elders; we'll see what we can do."

"Mom, before you go… does Cama Zotz really exist?"

Ariel seemed like she wouldn't say anything; then, "Yes dear. He does, I'm afraid."

"Who is he?"

"Let's just say this; you don't want to ever find him. He's evil, and he is a god, a rotten one."

End of Chapter 10