Chapter 38: Junkyard Chase
I cling on to Marina's feet right when we're able to catch up with the others and saw Shade quickly flown beside us. Right after he got to us he spoke panting.
"What about the others?" She only gives him a sad expression with a hint of shaking her head. He sighs sadly, understanding and glances down at me but my head was hung, was unable to look at him. I heard him gasped as I can tell he saw one of my wounded legs being covered in warm blood.
"What happened?!" That caused the commotion with other banded bats and saw my leg. I grip on Marina's feet when they begin to ask me with a worry concern tone.
"My lady are you okay?!"
"How did it happened?"
"Nocturna can you heal yourself?"
"You have to! You're our only hope..!" I couldn't take this anymore of their talk I let out my agony scream.
"SHUT UP ALL OF YOU!"
"Ash!" I heard Shade breathed but Marina hushed him, understanding why I was upset. All of us continue our way through the snowy weather and those mind of Goth killing Sirocco and other bats still glued in my mind. I.. I can't make those horrible memory go away. It was the most terrible experience I ever encounter and what is worse is him dragging me to his homeland so I can become his mate. I understand the real reason why he's making all this happened. This is all for Zotz! All because of me, having myself be the small size of a bat!
When we finally are away from the cabin long enough all of us stopped to rest on top of the mountain. As Marina lands me gently on the ground I fall on my knees.
"Ashlie, tell me what happened." Shade was beside me but I didn't answer him. Instead, I look at my hand where Goth used to force me to press on Sirocco's wound and I still have his dry blood. I felt my tears coming and in corner of my eyes, Marina was on the other side, putting her golden wing around me.
"I..I saw Goth taking everyone's life," I manage to speak through my cry lump throat. "It was awful." Shade eyes lit up and look at Marina in horror and again she'd give him a sad nod.
"What happened to our leader..my lady?" Betty asked softly. I shut my eyes, can't find any words about his death.
I can only whisper. "He's with Nocturna," I heard everyone gasped for I can tell they finally understand I'm not her.
"Y-your not our goddess?" One banded bat stammered. In corner of my eyes, I saw Shade look at them dumbly but I spoke out before he can say anything with more tears stream down my cold cheek.
"I'm so sorry. I know many of you have hopes she'll come back but today is not her time to come. Sirocco was a fool to make you all believe that I was the one." I grip my amulet and force myself to finished. "And I broke all of your hopes, I didn't mean it to happen. I can't even.."I cover my mouth to stop myself and more tears fall on my lap. I couldn't bear to perk my head up as I hear everyone was silent. But the quiet moment was over a second when I hiss in pain and grip my wounded leg.
"Did Goth did this to you?" Shade asked and I can tell by his tone he almost wanted to snarl.
"Yes, he did I rescued her when he attacked her," Marina answered for me. When he heard this he showed his anger but then she added. "And he said to her he wants to make her his, I don't understand. Ash, what does he mean?"
I bite my lips and answered shakingly, with my stomach sicken. "He's planning on stealing me away to his homeland and make me his mate." Marina gasped as Shade has his eyes widen. The other banded bats were shocked as well of this news.
"But why?" The greenwing asked.
"He thinks this is what Zotz wanted, his dark god. I answered." H-he says if I marry him I'll bring more people to worship him," I cover my forehead in agony with my one mitten.
"I don't want this, I don't want to marry that bloodthirsty monster. He can't make me!"
"Ash," I felt someone grab my mitten and make it lower and saw Shade looking at me seriously. "I won't let him take you, that will not happen."
"Make that we," Marina added, and has a reassuring smile on her face. "If he tries to take you he has to go through us." I look at both of them see they are willing to protect me from him. I didn't know what to say because I honestly don't want them to go through this for me. What if they'll get killed? They're my only friends I have on this journey and I'll be devastated if Goth will...no! I stop thinking this negative, instead, I give them a small soft smile.
"Thank you, both of you." They both hugged me in their wings as I was in the middle, hugging them. In seconds later I winch in pain, almost forgot my leg hurting. Three of us let go and I look down at my leg and sigh sharply. First, it was burned and now it got all scratched up. Biting my lips I ripped part of my coat to make bandages to stop my bleeding.
"Your bag, its back at the cabin," Marina spoke and I almost cursed myself of leaving it behind, again. But I didn't care now, it was useless now and I don't have any healing herb that can help with my scatch.
"Its-its fine." I ripped part of my coat fabric and dabbed some blood off. When I see my scratch I was thankful they didn't deepen but it'll leaved terrible scars. I then wrapped it around like a bandage to stop the bleed.
"Is there anything we can do to help?" I stopped to hear Betty speaking, I look over and saw her instead of looking upset as I was expecting she gazes at me with sympathy along with the other banded bats.
I blinked in confusion. "Wait all of you are not angry at me?"
"Why would we?" She asked. "We understand and we're the one who should apologize.
"For what?" I asked, still not getting this.
"For not making you feel welcomed as yourself," The other banded bat spoke out. "Our leader was aggressive with this promise that we didn't dare to ask him if you were..her." I was surprised that they think that way as I let Betty finished.
"And we were blinded by this much light promise we got too overjoyed to see you as human coming to our colony and we thought you could've been Nocturna, coming in our life," She looked over at other banded bats and many look ashamed. Then Betty asked softly.
"Ashlie, can you ever forgive us? We didn't mean to hurt your hope of believing our colony is the place you wanted to be accepted."
I glance at all the banded bats in shock. I can't believe they want my forgiveness? After what I said earlier and breaking their expectation from me. I glance over at my two friends, as if I wanted their opinion Marina was the one that encourages me to accept this and Shade only sighed but agreeing with her.
I close my eyes, despite feeling my heart hurt, I can't stay mad at them any longer and I'll be a terrible person for not accepting their apology. I look over at Betty and said softly.
"As long as many of you forgive me I'll forgive in return Betty,"
"Please," The red brightwing smiled. "Call me Penelope from now on."
"So you saying you were the human?" Penelope blinked in surprised right after Shade told her everything.
"It was an echoprojection just like Sirocco," He replied.
"Better than Sirocco," Marina winked at him and I chuckled while Shade smiles at her. The other brightwing looked at each of us and then the whole banded colony.
"I guess we'll all be migrating together," Shade looked at Marina and I and we all had the same thought about them coming with us. I was the first to speak.
"I don't think that's a good idea."
"Trust me, you don't want to fly with us," Shade added.
"But why?" Penelope asked.
"We're kind of fugitive Betty.."Marina stops herself and corrected her name. "I mean Penelope." The other brightwing chuckled.
"We understand,"
"We have a friend, Ursa the komode bear," Shade smiled. "Look for her in the valley she'll find you a safe place for winter."
"Try looking for her in the eastern valley, that's where the beast is heading," I added.
Penelope nods in gratitude. "Thank you three, I wish there's something I can do to repay you,"
"Well there is one thing," Shade said. "Have you ever flown into the wolf's ear?" The brightwing laugh softly and use her thumb claw to point over at the opening where we all see a mountain in the distance, as it was form a shape of wolf ears. My friends and I were surprised by what the wolf ear looks like we couldn't help to laugh it out.
Thank god we don't need to fly through an actual wolf.
After we said our goodbyes we continue on our journey through winter as we fly past the wolf's ear. About a few minutes of quiet Shade looked over at Marina and asked.
"You think my echoprojection is better than Sirocco?"
"It convinces the banded bats did they?" Marina replied.
"Not all of them," Shade sighed heavily. I look over at him and see him doubt himself for trying to save many. I decide to cheer him up and said.
"Shade I saw your echoprojection, is that what it looks like?"
"You did?" He looked at me puzzled. "You never have seen one on our migration?"
I shook my head but smiled. "No, but now I did. But I want to make sure, can you do your echolocation? Just a small one." He smiled back and was about to hum before he can we all heard something jingling in the distance. We all look over and gasped sharply and fly down quickly and hide underneath a large rock.
I took a peek as Shade and Marina did with him above me as her underneath. When we see where the sound came from we have a horror look. Goth and Throbb were flying and on their wings, they have many silver bands on their wings looking like they have jewelry on them. They were the bands that Goth and Throbb murdered! And they used them as some sick of trophies. Marina looked down at her own silver band and it refected her shock face.
I was shaken with fear and I silently pray to God for them losing their life. We stood silent when Goth landed on the top of the rock we're hiding and I can see his tip wings and claws.
"Are you sure this was their scent?" We heard Throbb asked. Then we heard Goth inhale while the silver bands still jingle with the wind. He let out a long sigh.
"Oh yes, all that. There is no doubt." I cover my cold hand, trying not to make a sound and we cuddle to try blending in the shadow. Feeling like minutes go by, he jumps to fly while Throbb groaned and follows him. We all sighed in relief and watch the two giant bats fly over towards the foggy forest. We calm our breath for a few couple minutes and Marina look at Shade and me.
"As long as that noise stays ahead of us," She panted. "We know where they are,"
"Wait we're going to follow them?" I swallowed. "That sounds like a bad idea,"
"Ash we need to go through this path, my sound map says this," Shade answered. "In the meantime, we have to find food," He lifts to fly. Marina flies up and took my both hands in hers and we all fly over toward the forest. When Shade talks about food my stomach begins to growl slowly. I completely forgot I was hungry while holding on Marina's feet. Guessing my fear clouded my mind I didn't think of wanting some meal. I hope we really do find some.
We continue to fly on through the woods and the fog there was very thick that we can't see anything ahead. Luckily the giant bat's jingle sound was heard in the distance.
It's Goth's band again, they're way ahead." Marina said.
"Nice tracking Marina," Shade smiled at her and chuckles. "They're not so smart after all."
"But we still need to be careful," I reminded him. "They do have a strong scent of smell we need to keep at a distance." All of a sudden we went the other way when we heard the jingles again. but it was behind us and then it stops. We rested on a short bark tree and waited for the sound again but everything was silent. A bad feeling was crawling in me as we glance at our surroundings.
"They're not flying," Shade swallowed. He looks over and used his echolocation three times and I can hear three trees bounce back. When the wind blows on us the sound of jingles returned and it was...right over us? I looked up fast and my face drained. Marina covers her mouth, gasping when she saw the silver bands on the tree branch. They know we're following them!
Panicking my friends lift themselves up and Shade grabs my shoulder without hesitating and flies fast out of the forest. He panted heavily and managed to land me at the end of the woods. When Marina lands beside me I saw a shadow pass us I jump in fright, almost crash on Shade. But was only a large leave blowing and he reassured me while catching his breath.
"Relax Ash its just another leaf." Then we heard something heavy flapping which was not another one.
"That's not the leaf. Those are wings, a really bing wings." Marina hissed. Thinking it was the giant bats I bolted and they followed. We all cramped in a small hollow tree and hide. It was an owl solider that pass through our hiding. When it was safe to come out Marina grabbed me with her hand and without hesitation, we quickly went the other way.
Soon we stop to rest on a branch and there was a junkyard and a city nearby and I was sitting on a branch while my legs dangle. With my one mitten gone I have to use my underarm to keep my bare hand warm much as I can. I shivered while I heard Shade licks his lips.
"I'm starving! Let's go grab some bugs,"
"What?" I perk up and he points at where the bugs were and saw many mosquitoes flying underneath the lampost. Marina hummed and glance out at the opening.
"I don't know Shade, it's not very safe,"
I almost nodded, seeing her point. "The place is very opened. You saw the owl and who knows where Goth and Throbb are. They might be somewhere out there planning to ambush us." Shade however only roll his eyes.
"Come on guys, with that much stuff there's plenty of places to hide." He spread his wings and took off before Marina and I could stop him. She glances at me, sighing as I did the same. She lifts herself to grab my hands and we both follow Shade into the junkyard. While he was feasting on many mosquitos Marina only caught a few due she was carrying me.
"This place is creepy," She swallowed. I looked down and see some junk stuff on the ground and I almost gasp in startled when I saw some monster, I blinked and it was only metal pieces and I steady my heartbeat.
"I don't blame you, Marina, I like the junkyard better when its daytime,"
Then she looked over at him. "Shade lets find a spot for a safe place, in case if owls and giant bats arrived we can hide there." We all went through the junkyard as I was holding on Marina's foot and we finally found one that looks safe. It was an old damage car and we went inside. Honestly to me, it doesn't look safe at all. There were many holes in that car that we can easily be spotted. But I didn't argue because I was getting weak with hunger.
Marina dropped me on a cushion before joining with Shade to roost. My friends took a good look at their surroundings.
"Does it feel safe?" He asked. Marina hummed and look around.
"Maybe,"
I felt my stomach growl loudly I groaned and sat, gripping my tummy. "Dammit I'm so hungry I can eat a horse."
"You human eat horses?" Shade blinked. I groaned and shook my head.
"Its just expression, but really I'm starving."
"When we go through the city we can find some food you humans eat," Marina said after she saw how fragile I'm becoming. "And maybe some new clothing for you to stay warm." I only nodded in response and look ahead. All of sudden I saw a shadow pass through I yelped.
"Guys did you see that?!"
"What?" Marina asked. I point my finger and they look at where I was looking. Then another shadow passes us, making us gasped in fright.
"W-what do you think it is?" Shade quivered.
Marina shook her head and spread her wings out. "I'm not going wait to find out." She swooped down and grabbed my shoulders and we fly out of the car and Shade followed. About a couple minutes of flying Marina put me down on the top of the wooden box. We panted heavily and then we made another startle jump when we heard a small bell sound.
We look up and saw Throbb is playing with the bike's bell. Three of us froze our spot when he turned to us and let out a dark chuckled.
'Hola," He greeted.
"Shit," I gasped and out of nowhere Goth's hand broke out and grabbed Shade and Marina's feet.
"Hola." He grins and jerks them hard, causing them to scream.
"SHADE MARINA!" I yelled and gasped when Throbb came close I jump away before he can grab me. I look down and saw Goth was trying to use his teeth to catch them.
"Come here human!" Throbb snarled, about to snatch my arm. I dodged from his attack and grab a small piece of wood that was broken off and smack his face hard. He yelps in pain, giving me time to get off the wood plank. When I jump off the ground I saw my friends bolted out from the box and the two giant bats begin to chase them in air.
I run to rescue my friends while having my small wood piece as a weapon. Trying to use my strength to run faster I cant catch them up that I lost them. I stop and panted heavily and look around up in the sky for them in desperate. To my luck, I heard something crashing I run to where it was, only caring for my friend's life.
When I reach there I saw the motorcycle mirror glass broken and my friends and the giant bats were nowhere. I was catching my breath and look up at the sky to find them.
"Shade! Marina! Where are you?!" I cried. "Sha...AHHHHH!" I was taken by someone that made me drop my wood piece and the owner covers my mouth with his hand to prevent my yelling.
"Shh quiet senorita," Goth purred in my ear. My face paled and I struggle and scream in his hand to get out but he grips me tightly. He smirked to see me trying to escaped he tsks.
"Look at you, all struggling to get free." He mocked. "Your cuter than the banded bats I've murdered." My heart almost stopped when he mentions them. When he sees I stop struggle he smiles darkly and whispers.
"You want to know how I killed them, senorita?" I muffed screaming shaking my head.
"Goth let her go!" We heard Marina shouted. He and I look up and saw my friends on the top of the massive junk pile. With the giant bat distracted I manage to get my mouth barley free and bite his hand hard. He howls in pain, letting me go and I bolted over to them and climb up. Goth let out a growl and went after me and my feet slipped, making it impossible for me to climb.
"Shade Marina help me!" I cried. I saw Shade flying down fast. As Goth was about to grab me the silverwing let out a snarl and use his thumb claw to swipe his face, giving him a bad scratch on his cheek. The giant bat hissed in pain and Shade help me up. I turn my head and saw Goth giving Shade the dangerous look with his small blood dripping from his fur.
"Come on!" Marina pulls me up and we slide down on the other side. We landed on the ground and Shade put me inside the can.
"No matter what happens don't let them see you," He hissed. I breathed heavily and watch them fly up and hide inside a giant pipe. The rain came pouring down and lighting came along. I cover my ears when thunder sound roared and in corner of my eyes, I saw Goth and Throbb sneaking at the bottom of the pipe.
No!" I came out of my hiding but it was too late, they climb up to where my friends are at and try to get them. They knew it already and saw them fly out of their hiding and Goth almost got them, but his brother in law crash into him. Shade and Marina fly back in the pipe and went through the other side. I look around frantically to find anything that can help us. I notice a bar handle entrance that leads down to the sewer.
I rush over and use my hand to pull it open. When I finally got it opened I wave my hand out to get their attention.
"Guys down here!" They spotted me and raced down to where I was and we slide in the sewer. I saw Goth charging down at us and I shut it fast right before he can reach us. He came so fast, growling it made me fall on my back. I try to crawl away but Goth reaches his hand through the bar and grabbed my hair. I screamed when he pulls me up and he uses his other hand to grab my arm.
"Little incretes!" He snarled while trying to pull me out. "When I.! Before he can say more we heard Throbb scream and fell from the pipes and crashed hard on Goth, knocking him out cold. I was released and crawl away fast to Shade and Marina. We breathed heavily as we watch Goth's arm going limp.
Then Shade smiled mischevious and went over to it. Decides to be playful he made the giant bat's arm and made into a warm greeting.
"Aw so sorry mi amigo!" He spoke in his Spanish accent and we all got a good laugh on his joke. Our laugh came short when someone grasps us from the shadow and one knocked my back head.
"Crap," I moaned before passing out.
Author's Note: Another chapter for you all! Good lord, I'm so sorry this took a long time to upload so sorry to keep you all waiting! D'8 Well I hope you like where this is going but if not don't read and review! I don't own any silverwing characters except OC's. Enjoy! :D