CHAPTER NINE
The first few rays of sunlight began to rise upon the horizon painting the sky a soft mixture of orangey-red and scarlet over the summit of Sugar Loaf Mountain. A cold breeze haunted the air, sweeping across the rocky outcrops forming the base of the mountain which glowed a soft pale red as it basked in the morning light. This would be a dawn of unspeakable evil as today would mark the occasion of Marco's return to Brazil. The Dark Robed Society would be at full force with their newest member and finally, they could strike out against their respected targets and achieve their revenge. Amber and Roger sat with their patience growing thin as they awaited the arrival of their glorious leader. Amber tapped her talon against the ground as she placed a wing upon the side of her cheek. Her beak curled into a bored pout which reflected her less than enthusiastic mood. Her eyes peered off into the horizon, admiring the first few rays of the morning sunlight.
"You know, I used to enjoy the dawn." She admitted, "Back when my life used to be simple, and I wasn't looking for revenge." Her eyes narrowed as she lowered her head. "I haven't seen any action in three months. I'm beginning to think joining you was nothing more than a mistake. I'm bored."
Roger rolled his eyes as he listened to the droning voice of the Spix Macaw girl. His focus remained glued upon the horizon. The horizon glowed a soft red which only darkened as the minutes passed by like mere seconds. The wind swept through his feathers sending a cold chill down his spine. He did not bother to answer his female companion instead he simply let her rant and rave. He did not mind, in fact, he found it quite humorous.
"Relax, Amber," he sighed after a few moments. "Everything will work out just fine, I promise. We will soon have all the action we can ever possibly want and then some. You might even run into Jewel sooner or later and then you will get to have your revenge and we all know you want that, now, don't we?"
"Do you really think he'll show back up?" Amber asked, arching a curious eye to her Scarlet Macaw companion, and nudging him with her wing.
Roger glared out towards the horizon as he became lost within the beauty of the morning. Even though he cared for very little other than himself, he longed for moments like this. It filled him with a lust for the beauty that is life. The warm glow of the sun surged across his body, illuminating the bright scarlet red of his feathers and the faint glimmer within his eyes. His beak curled as he pondered the girl's question for quite some time. Deep down, he knew the answer.
"Without a doubt, he'll be here. He hates the whole Spix Macaw species more than anything and he would not dare miss an opportunity which could bring about their very destruction."
Amber raised a wing straight to her neck, gulping as she imagined the meaning behind Roger's words. Even though she knew what he meant, a single solitary question continued to burn within her mind. Recovering her composure and straightening her body, her eyes narrowed as she addressed her companion.
"You do realize that I am a Spix Macaw, don't you? Just what exactly does their very destruction indicate for me and my chances of survival? I swear to God, if you are not on the level and are planning on betraying me, I will make sure that I take you down with me, do you understand?"
Roger nodded his head and turned away; his scheming eyes glistened in the sunlight. His beak curled into a wicked smile.
"Relax," he groaned, rolling his eyes before allowing them to narrow into dangerous slits of vengeful fury. "You will be just fine. You and our newest friend will be the only two Spix Macaws left upon the entire planet. You should consider yourself thankful that I saved you that night or you would not be so lucky. You would have just ended up like the rest of them… you would be nothing more than a cow in line for the slaughter."
"Now that is interesting,"
Both macaws jumped as they became completely startled by the sound of a cold cruel voice breaking into their conversation. Roger turned around to spot a marmoset standing with his back slouched against the broad trunk of a small tree. With a wicked smile planted upon his face, he kept a watchful eye upon the pair of birds. Without wasting another moment, he leaped through the air and landed next to the female macaw and winked a single eye at her.
"So, you two are planning to wipe out a whole species right off the face of the planet, eh? Perhaps we could work together and make it two species. I have an old enemy I want to have murdered. Perhaps you have heard of him, he is after all the corrupt king of the marmosets, Mauro and his high council."
Roger spit with disgust, folding his wings tight against his body. His eyes narrowed as he stared with a complete lack of interest in the newcomer. "Yeah, I have heard of him, so what? I have no interest in killing fools who hold no actual physical strength and instead only care about their own greed. I only enjoy killing worthy challenges. Why should I even consider this a valid option?"
"Because of this."
The marmoset grinned lifting his arm into view and revealing a bright glowing purple mark that burned bright against his fur. As the mark revealed itself, Roger's and Amber's marks began to glow brightly in unison. The marmoset glared down and let his smile widen.
"What do you have to say now big guy? I don't know what this mark is and I don't care what it is, but if all three of us have one then perhaps we should work together. I want King Mauro dead, and I am sure the two of you want your own desires granted. We can work together to make our goals a reality."
"Exactly," Marco's voice broke into the conversation drawing the attention of every creature present. Beside him, a damaged looking Spix Macaw stood tall. His bloodshot eyes glistened as he took in the sights of the environment around him. His breathing hardened as he struggled and panted every breath he took. At his waist, several canisters of jarred substances held fastened to him by a long and thick strand of rope which acted as a belt. The hawk took a step forward, admiring the entire group of assembled creatures.
"You all have come to this place as members of my new society. As of today, you all have only one purpose in life and that is to kill as many creatures as you possibly can. We will show the world to fear us as we take on the roles of a mercenary fighting force… we will kill millions of creatures. Now, Roger, Amber, Jollo, and Jose, let's get moving. The sooner we get to civilization, the sooner we can have some fun."
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As the sun continued to rise higher into the sky creating a scorching heat to surge across the city and jungle landscapes of Rio de Janeiro, Marco led his assembled group of fighters to the edge of the city. Standing to attention to the group, his eyes narrowed as he began to address the whole group in a commanding and no-nonsense tone. His face darkened reflecting his foul mood which drew the assembled variety of creatures into a state of all seriousness. None dared to question him for they knew just what he could be capable of. His eyes reflected that of a dangerous, confident, and unpredictable warrior and killer. Folding his wings together, he completed the role of a commanding officer.
"Alright men, this is it, listen to me and do exactly what I say. We are about to meet a very important individual here and he will lead us into our first battle. Keep your mouths shut and let me do all the talking. If I hear even one peep or sound from anyone, that creature will be gutted like a pig, do you all understand?"
Every member of the Dark Robed Society nodded their heads with complete understanding. They dared not question the seriousness of the hawk's instructions. However, a deep curiosity brewed within their minds. As Marco turned away, Amber leaned in and whispered into Roger's ear.
"What's going on? Just who exactly are we meeting here anyways?" she asked, growing a little concerned. "I hope we aren't getting another member of our little group. Doesn't Marco think we have enough fighters, we have Jose and monkeys are known to have incredible aerial attacking power, then there's that Jollo guy, those canisters of his look pretty dangerous, and then there's you Roger and me. I think we're good in terms of raw power."
Roger's eyes shifted towards the Spix Macaw. He shook his head and rolled his eyes.
"Are you really that stupid, Amber? We're obviously meeting someone who is going to hire us. A general to one of the many factions who rule over the city and jungle. Every single species wants to further their own individual control over the jungle and are going to use us to achieve those goals. Of course, what they don't know is that we plan to slaughter everyone, whoever we're loyal to today, we may go up against as enemies tomorrow. The only thing we're looking for is the thrill of the kill, nothing more, nothing less, we will prove to everyone that we are the strongest group of creatures to ever exist. Now shut up or Marco will slaughter us both."
Amber closed her beak and straightened her posture. Her eyes peered out curiously as a Military Macaw emerged from the trees. His bright green feathers blended in with the greenery of the jungle providing a perfect camouflage and cover for his approach. Marco shifted his talons as he watched the green macaw step closer and stop before him. His beak curled as he addressed the assembled creatures.
"My master has asked me to hire you to be the advance party to attack a settlement of Scarlet Macaws five miles north of here. If you are as good as you claim, you should have no problems. We expect perfect results and for you to drive those scum from this sector."
"But of course," Marco nodded his head. "But first you must meet our asking price. I am sure you know what that is, don't you?"
The Military Macaw nodded his head. "Yes, my master has your payment in full. Ten thousand Brazilian Reals collected directly from humans. However, you will not be compensated until we see your skills in action."
Marco cracked a smile and bowed towards the Military Macaw. "Then you have bought yourself our services. Your enemies will no longer be in your sector by the end of the night, you have my word."