Chapter 11

When Kludd arrived at the fortress the next evening, Purge's blood washed off of his face, there was a great deal of commotion surrounding Purge's death. "Do you think it might have been his son's scroom?" A Barn Owl soldier named Screecher whispered, frightened.

"Nonsense!" Stryker boomed. "Scroom's can't kill other owls. Besides, Bloodstar told us it was rogues who attacked our dear Purge."

"I heard," said a Grass Owl named Lionface, "that Purge's old mate, Aaralyn, went mad when she learned of her son's death and flew to Ambala to kill Purge herself."

"Why would she be mad?" countered a Masked Owl named Crimsonclaw. "Doesn't she have a new mate in the Shadow Forest?"

"New mate." Replied Lionface. "Not new son."

Kludd, however, took no part in the gossip and flew on to the new chamber he shared with Banshee and Blaze, only to find that Blaze was missing. Banshee then turned towards Kludd. "Shortly after you left to talk to the High Tyto, Blaze began searching for a nest. We later learned the reason why; she now had an egg that she laid as soon as she found the nest. I had offered to take care of it with her, but she told me she was giving the egg up. She was worried that, if it grew up here, it would someday meet it's father, and if it was anything like Garth…" Banshee shuddered, and Kludd knew exactly what he meant; if the chick was anything like Garth and Purge was still around, it wouldn't stand a chance. "She told me of a pair of eagles in Ambala who took care of her after her parents died, Streak and Zan. She told me that the egg would have a better chance with them than it would with the Pure Ones, and that she would bring it to them. She just left for Ambala a few minutes ago."

No sooner had Banshee said that than Blaze returned, obvious hurt in her eyes. "It is done." She said, her voice sounding slightly broken. "The chick will hatch and grow up surrounded by all the love it deserves." And with that, she walked on, her head held high, while Kludd flew off. If there was anyone who could make him feel better after all the chaos that was surrounding him, it was Nyra.

"I want you to kill the High Tyto." Nyra said almost as soon as Kludd approached her. Kludd had wanted to talk to her about everything that had happened over the past few weeks; however, when he heard this, he could barely believe his ear slits. His eyes widened in shock.

"You heard me." Nyra replied, her eyes glittering like polished river stones. "You are young and a skilled fighter; your training proved that more than anything. High Tyto Agamemnon has grown old and weak; he is slowly losing his youth and with it, his sanity." She then leaned into Kludd's ear slit and whispered, "Surely he won't be much of a problem for you after your work on Purge."

Kludd's bottom beak almost hit the floor at this. He looked at Nyra, surprised. "Yes, I knew that it was you who killed Purge. I was among those sent to find the body as soon as the High Tyto got the news; I could easily recognize your claw marks." A hard glare entered her black eyes. "I knew Purge from back when he was still called Logan. Him and I were in the same chamber, but I did not have the same friendship with him that you had with Garth. I hated Purge with all my gizzard; he called me "moonface" and would make the most inappropriate remarks imaginable, all while combing the Agamemnon's primaries. Eventually, Purge became jealous of me after I rose higher than him in rank, and after Agamemnon's previous mate Leonie died, Ag treated me no better than Purge did. I hated them both, so I was quite glad to see that you had the gall grot to do what I should've done a long time ago."

Kludd thought about this for a while. Nyra had a point; who had stood by when Purge had murdered Garth? Who had disqualified an entire class based on the harmless actions of one? Who had done nothing to stop Purge when he had force – mated Blaze? The more he thought about it, the hotter his rage burned inside his gizzard, and the clearer his answer became.

Kludd looked Nyra dead in the eye. "I will not let you down, my love." He said, his eyes a promise of loyalty and devotion. "But before we can begin planning this, there is something I must do; something I should've done a long time ago." And with that, Kludd flew back towards his chamber. It was time his friends knew the truth.

When Kludd returned to his chamber that day, he told Blaze and Banshee everything – how he had met Nyra while she was on a recruiting mission, how Ag and Nyra had invited him to join after his First Flight ceremony, how he snuck out each and every evening to join them, his love affair with Nyra – something that, until now, lay only with him and Garth – how he had pushed his brother from the nest for his Special, and how he had killed Purge to avenge both Garth and Blaze. Finally, in breathtaking detail, he had told them how Nyra wanted him to kill the High Tyto and to take his place. For a long time afterwards, there was only silence. Then, at last, Banshee spoke up.

"Kludd," he began, shocking Kludd by using his real name, "when I first came here, I was weak and alone. My parents had been killed by rogues, and I was on my last pair of wings when a patrol found me and brought me here. I then learned of all the amazing things the Pure Ones did and I felt ashamed of my own past, so I made up my own story and told everyone I was a fierce warrior. Blaze, of course," he said, churring, "or should I say Cedar, saw through me right away, but I digress." At this remark, Blaze churred. It felt good to hear her old name after everything that had happened.

"When I met you guys, I was scared, desperate, and angry; but soon, all of that disappeared, because with you guys, I felt like I had a home again. Kludd, you became the big brother I never had; you showed me how to truly be fierce and brave. Cedar," he said, gesturing to a now smiling Blaze, "you broke down each and every one of my walls; most of them by force, but eventually, all you had to do was touch, and they'd crumble. And Garth", he sighed, lowering his head, "Garth showed me what it meant to smile, to still be happy even when the odds are against you. I'd give both my wings for any of you guys, and I'll say it to anyone who asks." Blaze then let out a churr. "What I think Pigwidgeon means to say," she chirped, a flash of her old self showing, "is that, if this is what you truly want, then we'll stand by you down to the bitter end." She then wrapped her wings around Kludd, followed by Banshee, and Kludd felt like he was going to cry. "Thank you." he replied, moved by their devotion. "And I promise you both, no matter what happens, that as the family I wish I had, I shall do the same for the both of you." For a moment, there was silence. Then Banshee spoke up again.

"You know, Blaze," he said, "I never thought I'd say this, but it feels good to hear you say my old name." And with that, the three friends churred raucously into the night.

A/N: OMG, I can't believe this fic is almost over! *cries like hell* This has been such an amazing journey for me and the support I have gotten for this fic is unbelievable. Each and every character feels like my baby, and now I know how parents feel when a child becomes grown up and leaves the nest (pardon the pun)! Seriously though, I'm gonna miss writing this thing, but after this, I will get to work on the spinoff starring Cedar (aka Blaze) and her chick, who I've decided will be a girl (speaking of which, I would love to hear name suggestions). As always, show some love and review!

Disclaimer: I do not own Guardians of Ga'Hoole; full credit goes to Kathryn Lasky.