Chapter 32

If You Dance With the Devil-


Borsen Stonetail trusted his dreams. Back at Redwall abbey, they dictated his behaviour more than other beasts may have guessed.

If he didn't dream or it was something mundane, he was fine.

If he had a certain nightmare again, then he took caution. Given how he had them almost every night, it meant that Borsen was constantly on edge.

Finally, if he has those dreams, leave the abbey immediately. Preferably for a few days, if not more. He did not want to get kicked out of a place that offered free food, water, and shelter, no matter how much he wanted to turn those dreams into reality.

But he wasn't at the abbey anymore. He could do anything he wanted. It wasn't as if dreams could hurt him. At least, not physically. Yes, some dreams were terrible, but these… These felt so good.

He saw a fox pleading for mercy as he swung an axe down over and over.

A mouse tied against a tree, their face clouded with anguish as they realised Borsen held full control over their life.

Screams howling through the sky as an inferno raged all around him.

A ferret howling for help as he cut off their fingers one by one.

The sound of scrambling as a rat tried to do anything to live. Not that it mattered. Borsen had all the power.

Hiding underneath a table as he heard bodies fall around him. He couldn't check who they were lest he became like them.

Tying a noose around a rat's neck and forcing him to do whatever he said.

A weasel begging for their life, saying everything they could to convince Borsen not to kill them. Unfortunately for the rat, Borsen made the final decision.

Shutting his eyes as he realised there was nothing he could do to save himself. The only thing he could do was wait for somebeast to save him. Despite everything he had done, everything was out of his control…

Control…

Borsen's face twitched as he felt a familiar primal rage boiling inside him. Growling, he brought his paw up to his face and gnawed on his finger, shivering as blood ran down his wrist. The rage subsided, replaced with a dull feeling of satisfaction.

He was in control. He was finally in control. He pulled his trembling paw away from his face and saw the blood trickling down his palm. Borsen clenched his fist, smearing the blood all around his fingers. If there was one good thing about Mossflower and Redwall Abbey, it was that they genuinely didn't care about vermin so they didn't take much notice when bodies started piling up. But now, nothing could stop him. There was no abbot to exile him if he was caught. There was no reason to act 'normal'. Any sense of morality died long ago. He was free. There was nothing to stop him from indulging in his bloodlust.

Well, except for one thing.

Borsen drew his paw away as he thought of Durkfor. He wiped his bloodied palm against his shorts and growled. Wonder how Durk would react if he saw me like this? He thought. The otter suddenly felt aware of how cold he felt and he folded his arms across his chest to counteract it. For a moment, his mind was calm.

To his left, Borsen saw Tiviko Polonuk asleep on the cot and that bloodlust bubbled up again. The otter licked his lips as he scratched his bicep. Now wasn't the time to think about Durkfor. There was only one reason he was here. His gaze moved mechanically towards the staircase. Farshawn Iriswind and Kallius Placent were still upstairs. One of them was okay, and the other one was infuriating. She represented everything that Borsen hated about Redwall Abbey.

A ravenous growl rumbled in his throat as he stood up and ambled towards the door, his expression twisted with genuine rage.

… Will Durk find their bodies eventually?

Borsen shook his head. Durkfor had nothing to do with this. He looked inside his bag. He still had his hunting knife. He pulled it out and pressed the tip against his palm, revelling in the warmth that spread through his body.

Before he could walk up the stairs, something broke him out of his fugue.

"Hey!" A voice roared from outside. Tiviko's head rose from his pillow. Borsen scowled.

"I know you're in the tower!" The voice called again. "Come on out!" Borsen raised a brow. Whoever was making that noise sounded familiar.

Tiviko shook his head and grumbled. "What are they doing? Who is it?"

Borsen shrugged. Tiviko begrudgingly got up and grabbed the bow that he stashed under his cot. "Borsen, don't come outside until I tell you to. Whoever this is might have a plan, and they're targeting us." Tiviko squeezed past Borsen up the stairs and into the kitchen. "I swear to God, if this is something stupid and just a waste of time, I won't stop you if you want to-"

Tiviko froze once he reached the window. He stared blankly into the field as the voice called out once more. "Wildcat, where is Borsen?"

The otter looked over, realising who it was. "Is that Art?"

Tiviko didn't answer. Borsen tilted his head curiously. For the first time since they had crashed, Borsen saw a flicker of fear cross the wildcat's face. "Borsen, don't come up here."

"Why?" He asked angrily. Stomping up, he shoved Tiviko to the floor and looked out the window. His eyes grew wide.

There were three prisoners at the far end of the field. Art Swiftpaw, Midwyng Coeptigo, and…

"Durk?" Borsen whimpered.

Durkfor Ventultro stood between Art and Midwyng. The hare's tunic was covered in cuts, blood soaking his shirt red. His paws were tied behind his back with the chain attached to his collar. Art's habit cord gagged the hare's mouth shut. Durkfor stared up at the window with a pleading, panicked look in his eyes. The hare screamed, voice muffled by the cord. "Borsen, help me, please!"

"Durkfor!" Borsen howled.


Farshawn Iriswind jumped at Borsen's scream. She ran towards the window and immediately backed away. "Arthur, what are you doing?"

Kallius Placent turned, face contorted with worry. "What is going on outside?"

"Arthur's a traitor, that's what's going on. Oh dear Martin, he's cut Durkfor!"

"What?" Kallius rushed towards the window. Sure enough, there was Art pressing a sickle against the hare's throat. Art and the bat from earlier moved Durkfor forward, closer to the tower. Kallius felt her blood run cold. What was he doing? How would this solve anything? Art, why?!

"Oh dear Martin." Farshawn trembled. "Borsen's going to be so mad. He's going to kill all of us!"

"No, he won't." Kallius waved a paw towards Farshawn. "Maybe this will turn out alright."

Farshawn grimaced. "Will it?"

Art's screaming continued from outside. Kallius nodded hesitantly at Farshawn as both of them moved towards the window. Although the squirrel's words were dripping with venom, he trembled like a dibbun reliving a nightmare. "Come on, Art," Kallius murmured, "What would propel you to do this?"


Midwyng's body felt oddly light. In one way or another, it was all going to end very soon. Either they were going to get slaughtered, watch Art die and be left helpless once more, or succeed and be led to Redwall Abbey. Honestly, Midwyng wasn't sure which outcome they preferred the most. The bat let out a heavy sigh and looked at Durkfor. The hare's eyes were darting around like a cornered animal, trembling on account of the sickle curving around his throat. Behind Durkfor was Art. Midwyng stared blankly at the squirrel who was quivering violently, refusing to look over at his bloodstained handiwork.

Art gulped, took in a shuddering breath, and glared up at the window. "You see this, Borsen?" He roared. "Here's that damn hare you love so much! If you want to slaughter the beasts that we love, we'll take somebeast you love with us!"

Midwyng turned back towards the tower. That was their cue. They put on an exaggerated grin and repeated what Art told him to say earlier, "We hold all of the power right now, so I'll just get this out of the way and mention that if you get too close or shoot one of us down, the other one will cut the hare's throat, understand, stand, stand?" As if to prove their point, Midwyng opened their mouth and ran their tongue across their fangs. They looked back to Art for approval, but the squirrel was just muttering to himself.

Through the kitchen window, Midwyng could see Borsen and Tiviko. Tiviko's face bore a look of contempt while Borsen's was terrified. Tiviko hesitantly raised his bow. Borsen's head snapped towards the wildcat and released a guttural roar as he slammed Tiviko against the wall with a heavy paw and shoved his hunting knife below his neck with the other.

"Don't ye dare move or else ye'll suffer much more than Thaddeus did. Aye?"

"Dear God," Tiviko muttered contemptuously. "I promise. Let go of me!" Tiviko struggled against the otter, but Borsen's paws held him in place like molten iron.

Borsen growled in the wildcat's face for a moment before throwing him to the floor like a ragdoll. Tiviko's eyes were wide with disgust and a tiny bit of fear as he left his bow where he dropped it and backed away. Borsen turned back towards the window and yelled, "Durkfor! Are ye alright?"

The hare glanced at his captives for any sympathy, but there was none to be found. Still, he looked up at Borsen and nodded. "I'm fine, Borsen! Don't do anythin', please."

Borsen growled and whimpered as he stared at the three prisoners. He knew Durkfor well, and he could tell this wasn't an act. Durkfor was genuinely scared for his life. "What do ye want, Art?" He yelled.

Art stiffened up and motioned towards Midwyng. "What do you think? Let all of us go, or we'll cut him open. Alternatively, we can just wait here and watch him bleed to death."

If looks could kill, Borsen's glare definitely would have. Tiviko got up and whispered something in Borsen's ear. Art noticed and demanded, "Borsen, get outside! Wildcat, stay by the window."

Tiviko groaned. Borsen turned to him and clamped a paw around one of his fingers. "Make a move, and I'll crush ye. Aye?"

"You don't need to-"

"No talkin' back. Do ye understand?"

Tiviko looked down at Borden's massive paws and slowly nodded. "Yes."

Borsen shoved Tiviko to the side and headed down the stairs.

Midwyng tilted their head in surprise. Huh. Borsen really did care about Durkfor this much. They turned to Art. He was shaking more than before, even more so when Borsen removed the barricade and exited the tower.

For a moment, everybeast was held in a standoff, neither making any moves. "So," Art began, "I know you have some pull over what happens, Borsen. Get the wildcat to send us home, or we'll kill Durkfor. Those are your two options."

"What the hell makes ye think ye can do this?" Borsen snarled. He instinctively took a step closer only to stop when Midwyng brought a claw against Durkfor's throat. He growled with frustration, bringing his paw up to his mouth and gnawing on his finger until he drew blood. "What is wrong with ye-?"

"What's wrong with us? WHAT'S WRONG WITH US?!" Art screamed, cutting slightly into Durkfor's neck and causing the hare to squirm. "You're out here trying to massacre everyone and you have the gall to say we're in the wrong? Who the hell do you think you are? Do you want me to kill him right now? Because I'll slit his damn throat if you keep blathering!"

Dear lord Art, calm down, Midwyng thought.

"Let him go!" Borsen pleaded.

"Oh, now you care about other beasts' lives. As long as it's your god damned hare. Do you know what it's like to watch someone you love die? Do you?! How about I give you a taste of what it's like?!"

"Ye better not!" Borsen snarled. "If ye want to hurt me so badly, why don't ye go fer me yerself instead of relying on Durk, huh? Coward!"

"I'm not a damned coward!" Art screamed.

"Oh, are ye now?"

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Ye know exactly what I mean," Borsen spat, "What happened the day the librarian died, huh? The two of ye left the abbey. One of ye returned unharmed, and the other fighting fer his life. I bet ye ran or hid, didn't ye?"

"Shut up!"

"And who decided to run away in the middle of his funeral?"

"Shut up, damn you! I said I was sorry!" Art howled. The sickle began to slip in his shaking paws. Midwyng took notice and pressed their claw deeper into Durkfor's neck.

"Okay, that's enough, otter, otter, otter," Midwyng said with a grin. "I know what you're trying to do, do, do. You're just trying to get a reaction out of us, but guess what? Unfortunately for you, there's two of us here and nothing you can say or do will hurt me, me, me." They made eye contact with Art and motioned towards the sickle. Art readjusted his grip. "Keep up whatever you're trying to do, otter, and I'll tear your hare's throat out, out, out. I don't even know him, so don't expect me to care if he dies or not, not, not."

That got Borsen to stop talking. Midwyng grimaced as they looked over and saw Art holding back tears. "Art, don't let him get to you, you, you."

Art took a few deep breaths and muttered to himself. He wiped his face on his shoulder and stared dead ahead at Borsen. Midwyng smiled. "Nice. So, otter, what's your next move, move, move?"


"Oh my God, why is this even working?" Tiviko mumbled as he buried his face in a paw. "If it was literally any other beast, this would already be over. Why does it have to be Arthur and Borsen?"

Tiviko's ears twitched as Art started to scream. Again. A frustrated snarl escaped his throat as he kicked a nearby chair. "Why are you two so caught up in this? What is wrong with all of you?"

If there was one good thing about the situation, it was that Borsen and Art seemed to be in a standoff. Tiviko snorted. He didn't believe for a second that Art would actually kill Durkfor, but Borsen didn't want to take the risk. Are you kidding me, Borsen? How are you currently less dangerous than the depressive teenager and the borderline suicidal bat who can't even stand on their own? You're literally a sadist who knows how to prolong torture, do you not see how none of Arthur's cuts are remotely fatal? Dangerous, maybe, but it'll take hours for him to bleed out. Please tell me you aren't planning on entertaining this excuse of a negotiation for that long.

Tiviko scowled as he grabbed his bow from the floor, hiding it from the window. "Damn you, Borsen. You do not care about Durkfor that much." Gazing into the field, Tiviko felt a strange pang of hesitance as he stared at the bloodied hare, but it faded quickly. He licked a finger and stuck it out the window. There was a fair amount of wind, which wasn't surprising given the storm. No matter. He shot in worse conditions before.

He narrowed his eyes. Art was still focused on Borsen while Midwyng alternated looking between the two. Good enough. Tiviko picked up an arrow from his quiver, nocked it, and pulled back as far as he could. He needed to be quick. The bat can't see me under any circumstances.

Taking a deep breath, Tiviko steadied himself and held the bow up to the window. As he did so, a sudden, almost explosive surge of anger rushed inside of him as Art and Borsen continued to argue.

What is wrong with all of you? I don't understand any of you at all. Borsen, Durkfor, why do you two care about each other this much? You two actually disgust me.

Borsen, what does it matter if Durkfor means so much to you? Just charge the two holding him hostage. They are out in the open, and you get to quench that bloodlust that dominates your entire life. Why are you going to such lengths to keep him safe? You have cared for nothing else other than your own damn whims except when it comes to that hare of yours! Why do you owe him anything? He doesn't help you! In fact, why have you behaved at that abbey just for him? Do you love emotional pain too? Or are you just a moron who can't see that loving this hare is bound to destroy both of you?

Durkfor, why do you still love that otter so much? He's trying to kill your friends, and you're still turning a blind eye! He's causing you so much pain, yet you refuse to break away from him. Stop clinging to him! Stop clinging to each other! At least the squirrelmaid is smart because she keeps trying to kill me. You were alone in a room with me and you decided to do nothing. Why? I… I had my guard down around you. Of all beasts, you did that. Why didn't you take advantage of that?

And you two, Arthur and Midwyng. I have written your files. I have studied you two longer than you know. Who are you to think that you can do anything? Do you really think you can pull this off? Did you honestly think this would work? I know what you two are. You two are just a bunch of scared kids who have deluded themselves into thinking they have the power to save everyone.

Arthur, you're just desperately working for something because you think your dead mentor would have wanted you to. Why are you craving a dead beast's approval this badly? He's dead. His opinion doesn't matter. You're just wallowing in a pit you've dug for yourself ever since you decided to focus solely on becoming a warrior. You could've had friends, you could've had anybody that would listen to your stupid history lessons, but you instead decided to ignore everyone else and look where it got you. Great use of all that training only to lead to this sorry excuse of a negotiation.

Midwyng, you're just a lost kid with no purpose in life, desperately clinging to the first beast to give you any kind of pity, no matter how manipulative it is. Why do you think Arthur chose you for this? You sneer at those who hurt you in the past but are still held back by their opinions and actions. Get a hold of yourself. They're not around you anymore. Sure, convince yourself that you're worthless. It makes my job slightly easier, at least. If you were genuinely trying and had your brace, I would be terrified of you. You had a beast willing to help, but you didn't accept it. Who do you think made your brace? Do you even remember her name?

And you know what the worst part is? It's not just you four, no. Everybody here has these chains that pull them back, but you four, yours dominates you, and it's pathetic. Even if I had never come, you would all still be prisoners shackled to the hells you have fueled. You will stay enslaved and get dragged down over and over again.

Just. Let. Go.


Midwyng's eyes widened. They glanced up and saw Tiviko's bow aimed right at them.

Before they could act, they felt pain. A burning sensation exploded in their body as they collapsed to the ground with an arrow buried in their stomach. Art, Durkfor, and Borsen froze. The squirrel's body quivered with terror. Midwyng sputtered, groaning with agony as they lifted their head.

Midwyng looked past Art and saw Borsen raising his paw in the air. Midwyng didn't know what he was doing but it couldn't be good. They lurched forward with a pained snarl, latching onto Art's ankle and dragging him to the ground just as Borsen's knife flew through the air.

Art sat up, staring at Midwyng in horror. Midwyng turned and rasped, "Art, watch out!"

The squirrel spun around. Borsen was charging at him. Art grabbed his sickle and rolled to his footpaws as Borsen's paw rushed past his face. The otter roared, swinging wildly with fury burning in his eyes. Art ducked and twisted away from each attack, but Midwyng knew he wouldn't last long.

Midwyng pulled themselves over to Durkfor and placed their paws on Durkfor's binds. The hare's eyes were wide with panic. They heard a sharp yelp in Art's direction. Midwyng's gaze hardened as they untangled the chains holding Durkfor's wrists together. "Help," they rasped.

Durkfor hissed as he pushed himself to his footpaws. A few metres away, he saw Borsen snarling like a monster as he lashed at Art. Art rolled under a swing and sliced Borsen's leg, but it only served to enrage the otter. Borsen threw himself onto Art, pinning the squirrel beneath him on the grass.

Durkfor shrieked, "Borsen, stop!"

Borsen paused for a moment, glancing towards Durkfor.

That was enough time for Art as he caught Borsen by surprise with a bite to the wrist. Borsen snarled and punched Art in the temple. He raised his claws and swung them down on-

Borsen froze as he felt paws wrap around his arm. He turned. Durkfor was grabbing him with a pleading look. Borsen's rage started to fade, replaced with one of worry. "Durk?"

Durkfor nodded. Then he screamed. "Everyone, run! Borsen's at the tower, run as far as ya can! NOW!"

Borsen's eyes widened before looking at the grass. Art had gotten up and ran away. His lips curled back in a snarl as he yanked his arm. "Durk, let go!"

But the hare kept strong. "No! I don't want'cha to hurt 'em!"

"Durkfor! Let go, please!" He pulled again, but Durkfor knew he wasn't using his full strength.

"Borsen, stop, please, don't hurt 'em!"

The otter yanked his wrist out of the hare's grasp but Durkfor immediately tackled Borsen to the grass. "Run!" he screamed again, "Everybody run!"


Tiviko's face twisted with disgust as he quickly nocked another arrow. "Sure, try to run. See how far that gets you." He raised his arms, levelling his bow towards the two prisoners attempting to leave the field. Art was helping Midwyng get away.

Tiviko grunted as he was shoved forward, releasing the arrow harmlessly into the grass and losing his grip on the bow. Another shove and he was pushed halfway out the window. He instinctively kicked back, getting a yelp in response. He pulled out his dagger and turned. Farshawn was on the floor while Kallius stood by the armoury stairs.

Farshawn screamed as the wildcat pounced. Tiviko's knife met the floor instead as Kallius pulled Farshawn out of the way. Thinking quickly, Farshawn grabbed an arrow from Tiviko's quiver and jammed it into his side. Tiviko grunted and lashed out, slicing into Farshawn's habit.

"Go, go!" Kallius screamed, pulling Farshawn with her as she ran.

"Oh no you won't!" Tiviko snarled, grabbing Farshawn's chains and yanking both to the floor.

Kallius pushed herself up and saw Tiviko dragging Farshawn closer. Thinking quickly, the hogmaid grabbed a chair and jabbed the leg into Tiviko's temple, knocking the wildcat prone. Kallius pulled Farshawn up and the two darted down the stairs. Tiviko stood up with a growl and flexed his wrist, fingering the dagger in his paws. These weren't the best circumstances to throw, but it'd do.

Farshawn was about halfway down the steps when there was a searing pain in her bicep. She yelped, stumbled, and tripped down the stairs, taking Kallius with her. Farshawn groaned with pain and looked up. She was near the cot, but where was the cleaver? Wasn't it down here?

Kallius turned. Tiviko was right behind them. He grabbed Farshawn's hood, but the squirrelmaid wouldn't give up and kicked him in the ankle. "Kallius, go! I'll meet you outside!"

"What?" Kallius stepped forward but retreated when Tiviko unsheathed his claws and hooked Farshawn's back.

"Go!" Farshawn screamed.

Without waiting any further, Kallius turned and ran out the door, finally leaving the tower for the first time in over 24 hours.

But knowing that she just left behind her best friend made her wish she didn't leave.


"Please, dear Martin, Midwyng, get up, please!"

They heard somebeast pleading, but for the life of them, they couldn't open their eyes. They didn't want to. They knew Art was crying.

As the adrenaline started to fade, everything began to burn, especially the lower half of their body. Midwyng breathed quickly as they rolled into a ball and turned away from Art.

"Midwyng, I'm sorry, this was stupid, please get up."

Midwyng laughed sardonically. "When have I ever been-" They were cut off as a wave of pain jolted through their body. The pain was so intense they opened their eyes and clutched their stomach harder. Now, they could see that they were lying underneath the treeline with the squirrel hunched over them, tears pouring down his face like a river.

"Stop, not again, don't do this again, please, why is this happening? I'm so sorry, I didn't mean for you to get hurt."

Some part of what Art said felt weird to Midwyng. Again? What do you… Oh. You're not thinking about me right now, are you?

… Somehow, I think that makes everything easier.

Midwyng turned towards Art and glared into his eyes. "Art, leave."

"Why?" He croaked. "I don't want you to be alone."

Midwyng flinched. No, there was no way Art cared about them this much to stay here. They forced a wry grin. "Like you care."

"I do," Art whimpered, "Why did you have to-"

"Shut up right now," Midwyng growled, grimacing as they shifted slightly to see better. "I can't do much. You can. Help those beasts over there, not me."

"You're dying because of me, I'm not leaving you out here to bleed. I don't want you to die after I dragged you into this, I'm so sorry!"

Midwyng wasn't disputing that. If they got down to it, it really was Art's fault they were here.

But at the same time… I don't know.

In the back of their mind, Midwyng felt like they should say something, but what? What were they supposed to say? They never had to say goodbyes, and no one said goodbye to them. "Art. I'm dead. I've been dead ever since I had a collar around my neck. Just go. I wouldn't hate you if you did."

Art wiped his face and shivered. He opened his mouth to speak but was cut off by a scream from behind. Glancing down one final time, Art shook and said, "I'm so sorry. Goodbye."

Midwyng scowled. A flood of guilt immediately washed over them as they watched Art stand up. Shaking their head, Midwyng spoke. "Bye."

Art picked up his sickle and ran towards the tower, glancing back at the bat for the last time.


Borsen shoved Durkfor off with a growl before looking around. Where did Art and the bat go? He paused as his gaze landed on a certain beast. Well, it wasn't Art, but this was so much better.

As Kallius was halfway across the field, she made eye contact with Borsen. Her face contorted with fear. Borsen let out a snarl and dashed towards her. Kallius screamed and ran away. Footpaws pounded madly against the grass as she fled to the trees.

Borsen's snarls grew louder. He was getting closer. She yelped as she stumbled over a set of bushes. A crashing sound followed right after. Kallius glanced behind her and she saw Borsen right on her tail.

The otter's paw shot forward, latching onto Kallius's forearm and wrenching her backwards. As she turned, she got a look into Borsen's bloodshot eyes. His pupils were dilated and his eyes were wide open, gleaming with insanity. This is it.

Borsen grabbed Kallius' arm with both paws and opened his mouth. Kallius shut her eyes. She screamed as she heard a thud and felt herself get thrown to the ground. When she opened her eyes, she found that she wasn't even injured. Kallius quickly spun in Borsen's direction and saw the massive otter down on all fours. On top of him was a mountain hare with his arms wrapped around Borsen's neck like a vice. Borsen let loose a ragged snarl as he thrashed around in the hare's grip.

Ahlrath Palaechia growled as Borsen elbowed his chest and twisted out of his hold. Behind him, Toran Firepool hugged his arms around his body, shaking with fear. The mountain hare said, "Toran, hide."

"But what about-"

"But nothing. Go!" Ahlrath commanded, not taking his eyes off Borsen.

Kallius and Toran made eye contact for a few moments before Toran left the area. Kallius fled as well.

Borsen eyed the fleeing hedgehog and was about to give chase when Ahlrath tackled him to the ground. "Ye ain't goin' nowhere," the mountain hare growled.

Borsen struggled under Ahlrath's hold and giggled. "Tough hare, aren't ye?" For the moment, catching Art and Kallius just dropped on his list of priorities. He didn't know who this beast was, but he could tell this hare would give him a hell of a fight.

Bloodlust bubbled up inside the otter, surfacing as a roar as he bucked Ahlrath off of him and stood up. Grinning, he eagerly raised his fists and charged at the large hare.


"Durkfor, where's Borsen?" Art asked the hare, who was slumped against the tower.

Durkfor eyed Art nervously. "Um, I don't know."

Art scowled as Durkfor's ears twitched downwards. "If you know, tell me."

"Why?"

"Are you still on his side, even with what just happened? Do you want me to cut you again?" Art snarled, swinging the sickle threateningly.

"No!"

"Then where the hell did he go?"

"I won't tell ya, I know you're gonna try t'hurt him!"

"Damn right I'm going to hurt him, why can't you see that I'm trying to-"

Art was cut off when Durkfor suddenly tackled him. Art was about to bite the hare when he heard Tiviko exclaim, "Durkfor, get out of the way!"

Durkfor grimaced and yelled back, "Why do we all haveta hurt each other?"

"You delusional-! Ok. Are you three seasons old? Someone is going to get hurt regardless," Tiviko answered. "Step away from Arthur."

"Or what?"

Tiviko pondered for a moment before answering, "Believe me, hare, it's not that hard to understand what Borsen cares about and prioritises. Do you realise how easy it is to hurt somebeast who lives like him? I may not be able to hurt him physically, but I sure can hurt him emotionally. Step away from the squirrel."

"You're bluffin'," Durkfor accused.

"And do you really want to find out? After this is all over, you are going home. Borsen agrees. That means that there is nothing you can do to help him anymore. Sure, while you're here, nothing bad will happen. But once you're gone, he's bound to me. Do you really want to cross me?"

Durkfor glanced towards Art. The squirrel shook his head and hissed, "You damn traitor, you better not do what he asks for a bastard otter who'd be better in the Dark Forest than here."

A familiar stab of anger pierced his heart as Durkfor looked at the squirrel. Art's eyes were cold. There was no friendliness in them whatsoever.

And that brief moment of anger was enough to make Durkfor stand up.

"Durkfor!" Art snarled.

Tiviko let loose an arrow. If it wasn't for Art's oversized habit obscuring his legs, there'd be an arrow sticking out of his calf. Art used what time he was given to run towards the tower. The scream he heard came from there, he knew it.

But before he could enter, Durkfor grabbed his arm and threw him away from the tower. "Art, just get outta here," he snapped.

"There's someone in there!"

Durkfor ignored Art and blocked Tiviko's view. "You're gonna get killed. I'll deal wit' it."

"Like hell you will! You're helping him more than us!"

By this point, Tiviko had nocked another arrow and was aiming it at Durkfor. A slight smile crossed the hare's face. "Art, I won't cover ya if ya go to the tower. You'll die if ya try. Ya have t'run."

Art growled with frustration as he looked past Durkfor. Up in the tower was the beast who trapped them all here, Midwyng's killer, and Borsen's captain. Yet, here Durkfor was, preventing him from taking revenge. "Durkfor, you bastard. You better not stop covering me."

Durkfor backed away, inching Art closer to the treeline. "I won't."

The entire time they were heading towards the forest, Tiviko never let his gaze leave the pair. Art peeked out from behind Durkfor again. The wildcat's bow wasn't aimed at his face. The squirrel's throat tightened as he eyed Tiviko.

Again. It's happening again. Damn you Durkfor, why didn't you let me go?


The two beasts met in a flurry of fists and claws as they snarled like madbeasts. Ahlrath swung at Borsen's head, only for the otter to duck and tackle him to the floor with glee. From there, they wrestled and thrashed on the grass. Fists shot out, bloodying their faces. Neither of them expected the other to be so strong, but for Borsen, that made him so much happier.

Ahlrath growled as Borsen raked his chest with claws. He elbowed the otter's chest and threw him off. Borsen scrambled to his footpaws, circling Ahlrath like a rabid animal before lunging. Ahlrath jumped to the side, barely avoiding Borsen's attack.

In a practised motion, Ahlrath leapt on Borsen's back. The otter roared as he crumpled to the ground. Wasting no time, Ahlrath started pinning Borsen's limbs to the floor. Before he could finish, he felt Borsen's heavy tail curl around his leg and swing him off. Normally, Ahlrath would've been glad to face an equal opponent, but not when Borsen wanted to kill him.

Before Ahlrath could get up, Borsen threw himself onto Ahlrath. Up close, Ahlrath could see the otter's face was practically euphoric, even as Ahlrath sliced his chest with his claws.

Blood spilled onto the dirt as claws lashed out. Although it felt like hours, they fought for less than a minute before Ahlrath punched Borsen's kidney, causing the otter to double over. At this rate, both of them would go down, but Ahlrath couldn't afford that. He needed to live and end this fast, lest Tiviko came or something happened to Toran.

With what little time he was given by Borsen recovering, however, Ahlrath raised a brow. Why wasn't Borsen biting him? If he really wanted to win, a sea otter's bite is powerful enough to incapacitate.

Borsen stumbled up, and that's when Ahlrath thought of an easy solution. Borsen wanted to fight, Ahlrath didn't, and Toran and Kallius already hid. So he ran.

But as he did, everything started to burn. He winced. Borsen really did a number on him. He looked down with his one unswollen eye. Blood was trickling out of Borsen's claw wounds. He was damn lucky the otter wasn't trying his hardest to kill him.

He heard a snarl from behind and he turned. Borsen had gotten up and was going after him. Ahlrath grinned. Borsen wasn't in the best shape either after the fight, but if there was one difference between mountain hares and sea otters, it was that hares run a lot faster.

Borsen's abilities were hindered, which was good for everybeast, but Ahlrath felt that burning again and felt a bit of fear trickle with the blood. He wasn't supposed to get hurt. Borsen managed to do that. He shook the worry out of his head and steeled his gaze. He needed to find Toran.


After shutting the closet door, Tiviko went to his cot and lay down. All things considered, that exchange went better than expected.

He couldn't hear Borsen or Ahlrath anymore, so the field was blanketed in silence. Arthur and Kallius may have gotten away, but with the amount of beasts that came to the tower, that was to be expected.

Tiviko looked up as he heard the door open. Borsen stumbled in with a giddy smile on his face. Tiviko ignored the scratches and bruises covering his body and stood up. "Had a good time?"

"Aye, it was amazing."

Tiviko nodded with faux understanding. "Alright. More importantly, did you finish him off, or did he get away?"

"He got away," Borsen said with a slight giggle, "Didn't mean fer him to do so, but I'll see him later, I promise."

"Wonderful." Tiviko scowled at the otter's behaviour but otherwise didn't comment.

"Y'know," Borsen began, walking closer to Tiviko, "I think I told ye before I left to not do anything, aye?"

"Yes, you did say that," Tiviko responded as he backed away slowly.

Borsen's grin somehow grew wider as he lunged forward and pinned Tiviko to the wall. "So, explain why ye shot when I told ye not to."

Tiviko took a deep breath. Borsen was in real high spirits right now, though he couldn't tell if that was a good thing. "Borsen, think about it. Arthur's desperate, but not enough to actually kill somebeast he'd known for seasons. Especially since Durkfor's been nice to him in the past. If I shot Art, Midwyng- the bat, would've killed your hare without hesitation. Do you understand?"

Borsen cocked his head. "I guess so. But I don't like how ye took that risk."

"Hey, you got your fight, didn't you?"

"Aye." Borsen chuckled.

Tiviko sighed. "Besides. I've got something else for you. Look in the closet." Borsen raised a brow before letting go of Tiviko and walking to the closet. When he opened the door, his face lit up with glee.

"Beautiful," the otter murmured. "Before I get to this, though, I need ye to do somethin'."

"What is it?" Tiviko asked cautiously.

Borsen eyed the wildcat accusingly before chuckling. "Grab yer bandages. I need to get someone outside."


Even before they came to the island, Midwyng thought a lot about how they were going to die, to the point where they were sure that when it happened, they'd be prepared.

They were wrong.

This isn't right.

They shouldn't be here.

None of this should have happened to anybody.

As they lay beneath the trees, they looked up at the sky. Dark, cloudy, yet with a strange expanse that felt like it could swallow the bat whole at any minute.

It was a strange thing to take note of, but Midwyng wanted to go up there badly.

Internally, they chastised themselves for being born with a defective wing. "What use is a bat that can't fly?" They heard it so many times.

But the past day or so made them reconsider. Was it them, or everyone else? Were the other bats right to ostracise them for it? Midwyng didn't know. They'd need more than just a day with Art to fully figure that out.

Midwyng felt a strange sense of regret as they thought of the squirrel. I wasn't that useless, was I? Even without my brace? At the very least, I think I helped you. I helped those other two a bit, too… Art, were you serious about wanting to help me leave, or were you just saying that so I'd help you? I don't know, but I do know that I felt… I don't know. Even if it was a lie, it felt real to me.

Nobeast cared about a bat that couldn't fly… but was that really true, or was that just what everyone else told them?

Art, what would've happened if I actually ended up going to the abbey with you? Could I have found something that I could do?

If they succeeded and left the island, maybe they would've had time to figure out everything, but they didn't. They were just going to be another body to add to the pile.

I don't know. I really don't know, but Art… thanks. It was nice while it lasted.

Their eyes stayed affixed to the sky even as they glazed over.

One more down, 13 to go. Less than an hour later, another one would fall.