Chapter 9

The first thing Lilian heard as she woke was the loud sound of talons going along the floor of the hall outside their room. She stood up a bit to see her one egg below her, unharmed. She looked to see her partner laying on the ground in what seemed to be an uncomfortable position. Something weird is going on outside. I think I should wake him to check it out. She moved from the nest to Cody. "Wake up, sweety." He just moved a bit in his sleep. She moved closer. "Cody, wake up." He rolled over to face her and mumbled in his sleep. "Five more minutes." She became slightly irritated. When she was standing over him, she leant in towards him. "Cody...WAKE UP!" This time he shot up and tripped on the chair he was sitting on last night as he screamed. He looked up and saw Lilian standing over him, laughing. "Why did you do that?" She fell on the floor, still laughing. "You should...have...seen...your face." He didn't look very amused. "So, why did you wake me? And I don't think it was for your humor." She finally stopped laughing to answer him. "There's something weird going on. It sounded as if everyone in the tree was moving outside our door. Can you check it out. I can't leave our child here." He smiled and hugged her before leaving. She watched as he left through the window. Come back soon.

Zeel stood on the platform overlooking the crowd massed in the meeting place. Everyone was huddled together. There was lots of murmuring. He turned around to see the newcomers he told to meet him here sitting behind him, looking very nervous. "If they do not accept you, then I will get them to trust in you. I will do what I can, but I cannot force them." They gave an understanding nod, hoping they will be accepted. Zeel turned to the crowd once more and walked forward. He raised his wings, signalling them to be silent. Everyone fell silent, and he lowered his wings. He opened his beak, preparing to speak. "My friends, colleagues and students. I have gathered you here because today, two newcomers have come. The reason why they are so special is by who they are." There was the sound of curious, excited whispers throughout the crowd. He turned to the newcomers and waved his wing in a motion calling him. They stood from their chairs and moved forward. They came to stand on either side of him, and when they came into view from the crowd, there were cries of shoc, fear and anger, then silence, for beside Zeel stood two of the criminals who worked for Kronos. Sapphire and Ghoul. Everyone was silent till one voice spoke, breaking the silence. "How dare you come here, expecting forgiveness." Everyone turned to see Jewel standing on a rock, making her more easier to see. "After all you did, you expect to come here. We don't want you." Ghoul spoke up, defending himself and Sapphire. "We were forced to. We had no choice."

"Everyone has a choice."

"He would have killed us. We were only slaves. We didn't join by freewill, if that's what you think. He found us and saw we were vulnerable and in need of aid. He took us in, only to use us for his own needs. We never wanted to hurt you, and are very sorry for all of your losses. But please, if you do not forgive us, then at least let us stay until we can fix our lives." Before Jewel could respond, she felt a tug on her wing and looked down to see her daughter Bia. "Mother, they speak the truth. I have seen their pain and suffering. Please forgive them. For me...for Dad." The last two words struck Jewel hard. He would want that. She looked over to them and sighed. "Then, since my daughter sees that you speak the truth, you may stay. But you must earn our trust." They were instantly surrounded by birds, being greeted and being asked questions. Zeel watched as all the birds swarmed them. At least, almost all of them. He watched as Cody left the crowd back to his room.

Lilian sat in th nest on the egg, awaiting her partner to return. She began getting impatient, since he had not returned yet. As she began to get up to search for him, she heard frantic flapping. She looked out the window, and moved in time to see a green object fly in past her, crashing on the floor. Before her laid Cody, with a mango for her. e recovered from the crash landing and stood to gaze at her. He became lost in her appearance, staring with lost eyes. She waved a wing in his face, getting his attention. "Hey my big boy. I see you brought some food for me. How kind." She grasped the mango from him and went to the egg, eating as she sat on it. "So, you looked like you have something urgent to report about what was happening." He shook himself from his trance, remembering what he had seen before. "Well, we have two newcomers. And please don't be upset." He braced in case she would yell as he told her their names.

Zeel sat in the chair behind his desk, discussing some things with Logan, when they heard a shriek. "WHAT!" Logan looked surprised because of who had caused it. He turned to Zeel, who was also in shock. "I thought she would take it well. But it seems that she didn't. Let's just hope that she doesn't-" Before he could finish, Lilian burst through the door."-come in here. Well, time for me to leave." He turned and bolted to the door, only to be grabbed by Lilian. "You aren't going anywhere but here. I have a discussion to speak to you two about." THey both gulped, seeing her anger. They saw Cody behind her, looking at her in fear. "Now, about these newcomers, shouldn't you have discussed it with me first, at least." Zeel shook his head, determined to convince her. "You can't say no anyway. You are overuled by everyone else. Even Jewel forgave them. You may as well." Seeing that her friend had already forgivne their enemies, she sighed in defeat. "I guess I can try to forgive them. I will start by getting to know them." She took off. Cody looked at the others and shrugged, then followed. Logan just sighed. "Women, huh? Always changing their minds so quickly. That is why I don't follow love no more." He rested his talons on the desk, and Zeel nodded, agreeing with him.

Ghoul couldn't believe how quickly the school's attitude changed towards them. At first, they were angered, but then, glad they were here. When they arrived, they were being yelled at. Now he was being hugged and greeted. But he knew he would not be loved. The closest one to him was Sapphire. They were like brother and sister. They were found together, and have always stayed together. They would never leave each others side. But he felt apart from her now. He watched as she was surrounded by other birds, mostly males, flirting with her. He felt the urge to dive in and protect her by attacking them, but he didn't want to ruin their relationship with the school. Besides, she knew how to protect herself against almost any danger. He felt a tap on his wing and turned to see a light-blue bird standing over him. "I don't believe we have been fully acquainted. My name is Jewel. My husband was-"

"Blu, yes, I know. And I am sorry for your loss. It is one of the things I wish I could reverse. But I do not say the same for that monster Kronos. He betrayed everyone, including his family. He was a traitor, and was too dangerous for him to be left behind." When he finished, he looked up to Jewel, who was saddened. "After seeig you change, I am starting to believe it was him." She explained how she saw a cloaked bird and how it apologized to Blu's grave. "I believe it was Kronos. Tell me, do you believe it is possible that, if he survived, to change?" Ghoul was baffled by the answer. "Maybe. It depends. Maybe he finally flet guilt for killing his brother, or it might be a trap. If it is him, stay away from him." He went over to Sapphire and left to see their room. Jewel thought she had hurt him, and started walking away. I need to know the truth. She left the garden and flew off to see Blu's parents, so she could get answers.