Chapter 31: The Last Confrontation

As the doors swung open, the light from the oil lamps they had unknowingly turned on flooded the room, illuminating the shocked faces of Otto Bulloney and Edna Nosedive. The two corrupt leaders sat in opulent chairs, surrounded by a sea of ill-gotten wealth. Otto's eyes narrowed, his snout tightening in anger as he saw Becky and her companions. Edna's feathers ruffled, and she let out a gasp of horror. They had been found out.

Baron stepped into the room, his eyes locked on Otto. The bull looked back, his usual smug expression replaced with a snarl. "You," he growled. "I knew you'd come for me."

Becky stepped forward, her eyes blazing with anger. "You've had this coming for a long time, Bulloney," she spat. "Let's end this."

Otto chuckled, his massive frame seeming to fill the room. "You think you can take me down, little bird?" he taunted. "Look around you. I own this town, and everyone in it."

Becky's gaze didn't waver. "Maybe you did," she said, "but not anymore." The rebels fanned out behind her, weapons drawn and ready. The room was tense, the air thick with the scent of fear and anticipation. "We're taking back what's rightfully ours, and there ain't nothing you can do to stop us."

Edna Nosedive, ever the crafty eagle, straightened in her chair, her sharp eyes gleaming with malice. "Oh, really?" she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "And what makes you think you can stand against me...against us?"

Otto Bulloney's smug expression faltered for a moment, and the room grew tense as Falcon took a step forward. "What alliance are you talking about?" he demanded, his eyes never leaving Edna's.

Edna leaned back in her chair, a sly smile spreading across her beak. "Why, the one with Judge Hooten, of course," she said, her eyes glinting. "He owes me a little... favor from our days in Avian City. And with him on our side, we've been untouchable."

Falcon's eyes narrowed at the mention of Judge Hooten's name. He had heard rumors of the judge's corruption but never dreamed he would be involved in their current predicament. "So that's how you've been evading justice," he murmured, his voice tight with anger. "But it won't last forever."

Edna's smile grew wider, a chilling sight to behold. "You're a smart one, McGriff," she said, her voice low and dangerous. "But you're too late. Judge Hooten has been in our pocket for years, and he'll do whatever it takes to keep us out of the noose."

Baron's feathers stood on end, his eyes flashing with anger. "No one's untouchable," he snarled. "And certainly not when they mess with my family."

Edna's smile grew even more wicked. "Ah, the prodigal son," she cooed. "You've grown into quite the little troublemaker, haven't you?"

Baron's grip on his gun tightened. "Don't call me that," he warned, his voice low and menacing.

Falcon stepped forward, his gaze unwavering. "You may have Judge Hooten now, but you won't for much longer," he said, his voice steady and calm. "We know your secrets, and we won't stop until justice is served."

Without warning, the sound of a latch unlocking echoed through the room. The door behind them swung open, and in stormed Mr. Whipcracker and Judge Hooten, their eyes wide with shock as they took in the scene before them. The rebels had come prepared for a fight, their numbers now swollen with hope and newfound courage. The tension in the room grew palpable, a storm brewing in the sudden silence.

Whipcracker's eyes darted around the room, taking in the rebels, Falcon, Becky, Melody, and the still form of Mayor Callahan slumped in his chair. "What is the meaning of this?" he bellowed, his voice crackling with outrage.

Baron stepped in front of Becky, his eyes never leaving Whipcracker. "We're here for the truth," he said, his voice steady. "Otto and Edna have been playing all of us, and it's time for it to end."

Whipcracker's eyes widened as he took in the scene before him. He recognized Baron instantly as the young buzzard who had arrived with Harmony, the one who had brought the special bag of oats. The same buzzard who had been the subject of so much speculation and gossip. "You," he said, his voice filled with accusation. "You're that delivery boy from the other day!"

Baron held his ground, not flinching at the accusation. "Yes," he said simply. "But today, I'm not just a delivery boy. Today, I'm here for justice."

Whipcracker sneered. "Justice?" He spat out the word like it was a piece of rotten meat. "You think you know anything about justice, you scavenger?"

Baron's eyes flashed. "We know enough to know that you're all corrupt," he retorted. "And we're not leaving until we expose the truth."

Whipcracker's smug look didn't falter. "Oh, I see," he said, stroking his chin with his whip. "The great heroes have come to save the day. How quaint." He turned to Judge Hooten, who was looking increasingly uncomfortable. "Well, Judge, it seems we have some explaining to do."

Mayor Callahan pushed himself to his feet, his eyes burning with a newfound determination. "You can explain all you want," he growled, "but it won't change the fact that you're all going to pay for what you've done."

Whipcracker's smile didn't waver. "Oh, I don't think so," he said, his whip cracking through the air for emphasis. "You see, Judge Hooten and I have an understanding. And with him in our corner, we can make sure that everything stays... in order."

Judge Hooten shifted uncomfortably, his beak opening and closing as he looked around the room. He hadn't been expecting this, the rebels and Falcon McGriff here in Otto's mansion, and certainly not with Becky Buzzard leading the charge. But he had made a deal, and he was a man of his word, no matter how much his conscience squawked at him. "Otto, perhaps it's time we reconsider our arrangement," Judge Hooten began, his voice trembling slightly. "This... this isn't what I signed up for."

Otto's eyes flashed dangerously. "You'll do what I say, Judge," he snarled. "Or I'll make sure you're the first one to swing from the gallows."

Judge Hooten's gaze flickered to the floor, then back up to meet Becky's. In that moment, Becky could see the fear and regret in his eyes. He knew the truth of the prophecy, and he knew he had made a grave mistake in siding with the Nosedives and Bulloney. "I... I can't," he stammered. "The prophecy... it's real. And Becky is..."

Whipcracker's smug look vanished, replaced by a snarl. "The prophecy?" he spat. "You've been feeding them nonsense, Hooten? You're supposed to be a man of the law, not some fortune-teller's lackey!"

Becky stepped forward, her feathers bristling. "I may not be this 'Wishford' you've all been whispering about," she said, her voice strong and clear. "But I am a mother, a wife, and a survivor. And I'll be darned if I let the likes of you continue to ruin our home!"

The rebels cheered, their spirits lifting at Becky's words. They had found their leader, their voice against tyranny. Otto and Edna exchanged a nervous glance, the first cracks in their confidence showing. Falcon nodded in approval, his belief in Becky growing stronger with every second that ticked by.

"You see, Mr. Whipcracker, Judge Hooten," Becky continued, her eyes blazing with a fierce determination that seemed to light up the very room. "Wishford or not, we stand for what's right. We won't let you and your kind prey on the innocent any longer." The room was alive with the murmurs of agreement, the rebels' wings flapping in anticipation. Baron watched Becky with admiration, his heart swelling with pride at her unyielding spirit. He knew then that she was the true hero of High Wind Gulch. "We may not have a fancy title," Becky went on, her voice rising above the din, "but we've got the will of the people, and that's more than any prophecy could ever give us."

The room grew silent, the weight of Becky's words hanging in the air like a storm cloud. Whipcracker's sneer twisted into a snarl. "You think you can win?" he spat. "You're just a bunch of birds with a chip on your shoulder!"

But it was Edna who broke the tension. Her hand shot to the pistol at her side, and before anyone could react, she had it pointed at Becky's chest. "I've had enough of this," she hissed.

Falcon's instincts took over, his hand moving swiftly to his holster. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a bullet hurtling towards Edna's gun, striking it just as she was about to pull the trigger. The weapon clattered to the floor, and with it, the room's tension shattered like a glass pane in a hurricane.

Baron's heart hammered in his chest, the world around him moving in slow motion. He watched as Falcon's bullet ricocheted off the wall, the sound echoing through the grand hall like the final nail in a coffin. Edna's eyes went wide, her beak dropping open in surprise. For a moment, she stood there, stunned, her wings frozen mid-flinch. Then, she lunged for the fallen gun, desperation giving her the speed of a rattlesnake. Falcon was faster. He closed the distance between them in a heartbeat, his wing catching her wrist and sending the weapon skittering across the polished wooden floor. The rebels erupted into a frenzied cheer, their cries of victory ringing in Baron's ears like the sweetest music he had ever heard. Becky stepped back, her breath coming in ragged gasps, her eyes never leaving Edna's. The eagle was defeated, her plan unraveled, and the prophecy of Wishford seemed to hang in the air like the promise of a new dawn.

Otto watched the scene unfold with a mix of shock and horror, his dreams of power slipping through his hooves like sand. He knew he had underestimated Becky, had underestimated all of them. His eyes darted to the door, the taste of freedom calling to him like a siren's song, but he was trapped. Trapped by his own greed and the actions of his desperate companion.

Edna's eyes were filled with a hatred so intense that it seemed to burn the very air around her. "You," she snarled at Becky, her black boots digging into the floor. "This is all your fault. If it weren't for you, my Edward would still be here, alive and leading us to victory!" She was being held back by Falcon who would not allow her near Becky.

Becky met her gaze, her own eyes filled with a mix of pity and resolve. "We're here to make sure no more good folks get hurt by yer greed. It was his doin's that brought 'bout his fall at the battle's end."

Edna's snarl grew louder, her talons flexing against the floor. "Lies!" she spat. "It was your kind, with your prophecies and your heroes, who brought us to this!"

Becky's gaze remained steady. "Your anger is misplaced, Edna," she said, her voice calm but firm. "Edward made his own choices, and so did you. We're all just trying to make the best of what we've got."

Edna's rage seemed to boil over. "You dare lecture me?" she shrieked. "You, the buzzard whore who stole everything from us?"

In that moment, Becky's calm demeanor shattered like a mirror hit by a sledgehammer. Years of pain and prejudice bubbled up to the surface, and she could feel her talons clench into fists at her sides. With a roar that seemed to come from the very depths of her soul, she threw herself at Edna, her feathers flapping like a tornado. The room fell silent as Becky's powerful punch connected with the eagle's face, sending her sprawling backwards. The sound of the impact was like a thunderclap in the stillness, leaving an imprint on the air that seemed to hang there, a silent testament to the fury of a mother defending her child's legacy.

The room exploded into chaos. Falcon and the rebels surged forward, weapons at the ready, while Otto tried desperately to flee. But he was too slow. The anger that had been festering in the hearts of the oppressed citizens of High Wind Gulch had finally found a target, and they were not going to let it slip away. The air was thick with the smell of fear and rage as feathers and fur flew in every direction, a cacophony of squawks, roars, and snarls filling the once-opulent hallway. The battle was fierce, a whirlwind of talons and claws, beaks and hooves, as the rebels fought to free their town from the tyranny that had gripped it for too long.

Baron's eyes never left Becky's, the two of them locked in a silent battle of wills. He knew she was holding back, not wanting to kill unless she had to. But the rage in her eyes was like nothing he had ever seen before, a fiery determination that seemed to burn away any doubt or hesitation. He knew that if it came down to it, she would do whatever she had to protect the prophecy and their future.

The fight was intense, a blur of feathers and fur as the rebels clashed with Otto's hired goons. Falcon fought with a ferocity that seemed almost supernatural, his every move calculated and precise. Harmony swooped through the air, her sharp beak and talons leaving a trail of fear in her wake. Melody sang a battle cry, her voice piercing the chaos and bolstering the spirits of the rebels. The prophecy had brought them together, and now it was time for them to fulfill their destinies.

Baron watched as Becky and Edna rolled across the floor, locked in a fierce struggle. Becky's punch had left a crimson blossom on Edna's cheek, a stark contrast against her pristine white feathers. The sight of Becky, so full of rage and power, shook something deep within him. He knew that she had endured so much, faced down so much prejudice and pain, and here she was, fighting for their future. It was a sight that would be etched into his memory for all time, a symbol of hope in a world that often seemed so bleak.

Edna managed to shove Becky off her and scramble to her feet, her eyes alight with a malicious glee. "You're just a buzzard," she spat, her voice thick with venom. "You don't deserve to live in our town, let alone be the one to bring us down."

Her hands wrapped around Becky's neck, squeezing tight. Becky's eyes bulged as she gasped for air, her feathers ruffling in panic. The sight was too much for Baron to bear. He had seen the pain and struggle his mother had endured his whole life, the way she and his family had been treated as less than because of their species. Now, as Edna tried to silence her forever, something within Baron snapped.

With a roar fueled by a lifetime of bottled anger, Baron launched himself at Edna, his powerful vulture body colliding with her. He wrapped his talons around her neck, mimicking her own lethal grip, and pulled her backward, tearing her away from Becky. The eagle woman squawked in surprise, her feathers fluttering wildly as she stumbled. Becky gasped for breath, her eyes watering, but she was alive. That was all that mattered to Baron.

The room seemed to shrink as all other sounds faded away, leaving only the harsh panting of Becky and the enraged grunts of Baron and Edna. Baron's heart pounded in his chest, a fiery rage coursing through his veins. He could feel every feather, every bit of the eagle's body weight against his own, and it only made him stronger, more determined to end this. "You'll never lay a claw on her again," he hissed through gritted teeth. "You horrible, evil, heartless creature!"

With a surge of strength born from love and anger, Baron yanked Edna's head back, exposing her neck to the air. She shrieked in surprise, her grip loosening slightly. It was all Becky needed. With a gasp for air, she clawed at Edna's talons, her eyes never leaving hers, filled with a mix of defiance and pain. "You can't win," Becky managed to croak out. "The prophecy... it's not just about bloodlines. It's about... heart."

Baron's eyes narrowed, his grip tightening as he felt Edna's pulse quicken under his talons. "You're right," he snarled, his voice low and filled with the promise of retribution. "My father had more heart in his little finger than you've got in your whole rotten carcass." He spat the words, his rage a living, breathing entity that seemed to fill the very air around them. "And Harmony's father," he continued, his voice rising, "was a hero, and your filthy evil son Edmund killed him!"

Edna's eyes widened, the fury in Baron's voice making her tremble. "You don't know what you're talking about," she choked out, her talons flailing wildly. But Baron's grip was like iron, unyielding and unforgiving. "Edmund did what he had to," she hissed. "What any self-respecting eagle would do to protect his family and his town!"

"Protect?" Baron's voice was a thunderous roar that seemed to shake the very walls of the mansion. "By killing the one person who taught us to ride and shoot better than anyone else? By killing the man who tried to save this town from the likes of you?" His eyes were aflame with the fury of a thousand suns, and Edna could see the truth reflected in them—she had gone too far.

With a snarl, she tried to twist free, her talons sinking into Baron's feathers as she writhed and fought against his iron grip. "You know nothing!" she spat. "Your kind is the scourge of this land!"

Baron's rage grew with every word, every struggling kick and flail from Edna. His eyes blazed with the fury of a thousand wrongs, his talons tightening around her throat. "You're wrong," he said, his voice low and menacing. "It's your kind that's the scourge. Your family has brought nothing but pain and suffering to everyone around you." His words were a knife, cutting deep into the very essence of her being. "You and Otto have taken everything from us, from the people of High Wind Gulch. And for what? Power? Money? Petty Revenge?"

Edna's eyes bulged, her breath coming in panicked gasps. She could feel the life draining from her, but she didn't care. All she could see was Becky, the buzzard bitch who had taken everything from her. "It should have been us," she rasped, her voice barely audible. "We were meant to rule!"

A volcanic eruption of fury within Baron burst, one that had been simmering beneath the surface for so long. "My family never asked for power," he roared, shaking her violently by the feathers. "They just wanted to live in peace! To be treated with the same respect as everyone else!" The words seemed to echo through the grand hall, resonating with the pain and anger of every creature who had ever been looked down upon because of who they were. "But your family," he spat, his grip tightening, "your family couldn't stand to see anyone else happy. So, you took it all away!"

Harmony, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears, stepped forward, her voice clear and strong despite the chaos around them. "Judge Hooten," she called out, her gaze finding the old owl who had been watching the scene unfold with a mix of shock and horror. "You've seen the truth. You've heard the words that have come out of Edna's own beak. Can you truly stand by and let them rule?"

Baron nodded in agreement, his voice joining hers in a powerful harmony. "It ain't just about us, Judge," he said, his words cutting through the din of battle like a knife. "We're talking about every creature in this town who's suffered under their rule. Everyone who's been bullied, who's been denied their rights, who's been looked down upon because they ain't from the high-class society who feel superior above all."

Harmony's eyes never left the judge's as she spoke, her voice filled with a passion that seemed to resonate in every corner of the room. "You taught us, Judge, that the law is for everyone," she said, her words a pleading melody. "Can you stand by and watch as it's twisted and used against the very people it's meant to protect?"

Baron's deep, rumbling voice joined hers, a bass note to her soprano. "We've seen the goodness in this town, Judge," he said, his grip on Edna's neck never wavering. "The folks here are kind, they're fair. They don't deserve to be ruled by those who would lie, cheat, and steal just to keep their claws on power."

Harmony's eyes shone with hope, her voice clear and steady. "The prophecy spoke of unity, of a time when all creatures would stand as one," she sang out. "But the Nosedives twisted it for their own gain. They used it to divide, to spread hate. And that ain't what our town is about."

Baron's gaze met hers, and their voices rose in unison, a powerful crescendo that echoed through the grand hall. "Judge Hooten," they called, their voices a blend of anger and hope. "You taught us about justice, about doing what's right even when it's hard. And now we're asking you to stand with us, to show this town that the prophecy is about love and unity, not power and greed!"

The judge's gaze flickered between them, his wise old eyes filled with a storm of emotions. For a moment, it seemed as if time itself had stopped, holding its breath as it waited for his reply. Then, with a deep sigh, Judge Hooten straightened his feathers and stepped forward, his voice a solemn bass that boomed through the room. "I've heard enough," he declared, his words a damning indictment of the Nosedives. "The prophecy was never meant to be a weapon, but a beacon of hope, a call to stand together against darkness!"

The room fell silent, the rebels' eyes wide with hope as they watched the judge's transformation. His words were a declaration of war against the corruption that had plagued High Wind Gulch for so long. Otto, realizing the tide had turned against him, made a desperate break for the door, his henchmen scrambling to follow. But Falcon McGriff was too quick for them. With a swift swipe of his wing, he blocked their path, his eyes cold and determined. "You ain't going nowhere," he growled.

Judge Hooten turned to face Otto, his once-steady voice now trembling with anger. "You've brought nothing but suffering to this town and every town you've been to," he accused, his eyes flashing with accusation. "Your lies, your greed, your thirst for power... it ends now."

Otto's eyes widened in shock, his face paling beneath his feathers. "What are you saying?" he stuttered, his bravado gone.

"You're right," Judge Hooten said, his voice now filled with a quiet determination that seemed to shake the very foundation of the mansion. "For too long, I've watched you manipulate the laws and the people of High Wind Gulch, before they renamed it Avian City. But I've had enough. I've been playing a part, biding my time, waiting for the moment when the prophecy would be clear. And now it is. The time has come to reveal the truth." He pulled a hidden scroll from his robes, the ancient parchment unfurling with a crackle. The room leaned in, all eyes on the symbol of justice that had guided their town for generations. "The prophecy speaks not of bloodlines or superiority," he read, his eyes gleaming with a fierce light. "It speaks of a unity that will rise from the ashes of despair, born of courage and compassion. With a dramatic flourish, the judge tore away a layer of the parchment, revealing a hidden message beneath. The rebels gasped as they recognized the seal of the Moo Mesa Council—an eagle clutching a scroll, with the words "For the greater good" emblazoned across it. "You see," Hooten continued, "I have been watching you, Otto, Edna, Edward and their son. I knew of your schemes, your bribes, your murders. I've gathered evidence, and now, it's time for the truth to come to light."

Baron's grip on Edna loosened slightly, his eyes flicking to the scroll in shock. The revelation was like a punch to the gut. All along, the man he had feared and revered had been working against him, waiting for the right moment to bring justice to their town. "But why?" he murmured, his voice thick with disbelief.

Judge Hooten's eyes grew sad. "Because, my dear boy," he said, his voice gentle, "sometimes, the most dangerous battles are the ones we fight from the shadows." He turned to the rebels, his gaze sweeping over the ragged group of creatures that had come together for a common cause. "The prophecy was never about one hero," he said, his voice gaining strength. "It was about all of us, standing together against the darkness that threatened to consume us. Even if we may never see someone by the name of Wishford for the next year or more, the unity he spoke of is here, now, in this very room." And maybe then, when the time is right for the name Wishford to appear to them, perhaps the rest of the prophecy would be fulfilled.

Otto's bravado returned, his voice sneering. "This isn't over," he spat, his eyes darting around the room as if looking for a way out. "We have allies, resources..."

Edna stepped forward, her feathers bristling with rage. "You may have the law on your side," she hissed, "but we have the might of the Nosedive name!"

Otto smirked, his eyes flicking to the balcony where a group of well-armed soldiers perched, ready to swoop down at his command. "We won't go quietly," he threatened, his voice a sinister whisper. "You've seen what we're capable of. You think you can just take us down?"

But before anyone could answer, a commotion erupted from outside the mansion's grand doors. The sound of footsteps grew louder, the clank of chains and the murmur of voices swelling into an unmistakable crescendo. The doors burst open, and a sea of feathered rebels flooded into the room, each one holding the gaze of a creature who had been wronged by the Nosedive family. The freed slaves from Otto's plantation, their eyes gleaming with a newfound hope and determination, had come to stand alongside Falcon McGriff's posse.

Otto's smirk faltered, his bravado slipping like sand through his feathers. Edna's eyes widened in horror as she took in the sight of the very creatures they had oppressed, now standing tall and unshackled. Mr. Whipcracker, the cougar overseer who had enforced their cruel regime, took a step back, his whip trembling in his hand.

The rebels surged forward, a wave of righteous fury. Falcon McGriff raised his wing, and the room grew silent as the rebels took their places beside him. Becky stepped out from the group, her eyes burning with determination. "You ain't never gonna hurt anyone again," she growled, her voice filled with a power that seemed to resonate in every corner of the room. "Not on my watch. And not under theirs." She referred to everyone around her.

The battle was swift and fierce, with the town's rebels and freed slaves fighting alongside Falcon's posse. The Nosedives' henchmen were no match for the unified front of High Wind Gulch. The air was filled with the sounds of clashing metal, feathers, and the roars of anger and triumph. Harmony's sharp eyes picked off snipers with her bow, her arrows flying straight and true, while Baron took down the guards with the same fierce moves, he had learned from Clarence. Falcon McGriff, his blade glinting in the moonlight, fought his way towards Otto, his steps measured and deliberate.

Edna, being one of the last living Nosedives watched in horror as their power crumbled around them. Their superiority complex shattered like the fine china scattered across the floor, trampled under the hooves of the very creatures they had looked down upon for so long. Otto, his once-regal bearing now that of a cornered predator, tried to rally his troops, but their hearts weren't in it anymore. They could see the truth of the prophecy playing out before them—it wasn't about bloodlines or power, but about unity and justice as Judge Hooten proved.

Seizing the moment of chaos, Edna took off down the hallways, her wings beating a desperate rhythm as she soared upwards, aiming for the mansion's highest point—the rooftop. She had to escape, had to live to see another day. But she had underestimated the bonds of friendship and the strength of righteous anger. Baron and Harmony, driven by a mix of rage and fear for Becky's safety, chased her throughout the mansion and up the stairs, their eyes never leaving hers.

Their pursuit led them to the mansion's zenith, the wind howling around them as they stepped onto the sloped, tiled roof. Edna's wings stretched wide, the moon casting stark shadows across her desperate features. Below them, the battle raged on, the clang of swords, guns, shotguns, whips, and the cries of the oppressed rising like a crescendo of freedom. Above, the stars twinkled coldly, indifferent to the drama unfolding below.

Baron and Harmony took off after her, their hearts pounding in their chests. Edna's talons gripped the tiles as she sprinted, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The prophecy had turned against her, her house of cards collapsing around her. Yet, she would not go down without a fight.

Baron's long strides ate up the distance, his wings spreading for balance as he approached Edna. Harmony got up beside him, her eyes never leaving the prize—the scroll that Edna clutched in her hand. They could feel the power of the prophecy pulsating through the paper, the truth of its words beating like a heart in their very souls. "You ain't getting away," Baron growled, his voice a mix of anger and grief for all that had been lost.

Edna, her once-regal composure now a distant memory, teetered on the brink of the roof, her wings beating a frantic tattoo against the air. Her eyes, wild and desperate, searched the horizon for any sign of salvation. But there was none to be found—only the cold, indifferent moon and the fiery glow of the battle raging below.

Baron, fueled by a mix of anger and grief, lunged forward, his powerful arms wrapping around Edna's waist. Harmony, right behind him, dove and snatched the scroll from the eagle's grasp, not caring how she somehow managed to snatch it from Judge Hooten. The prophecy fluttered in the wind, the words of unity and hope starkly at odds with the chaos that had been wrought by the Nosedive family. Edna squawked in protest, her sharp beak snapping dangerously close to Baron's face. But he held firm, his grip unyielding as he pulled her back from the edge. "You ain't leaving," he said through gritted teeth, his eyes burning into hers. "You're gonna face the consequences of your actions."

Her feathers ruffled in the wind, and she struggled against him, her eyes wild with fear. "Let me go, you... you vulture scum!" she spat, her voice laced with contempt. But Baron's eyes remained steadfast, the pain of his father's loss etched into every line of his face.

"SHUT UP AND STOP SQUIRMING!" he snapped, his grip tightening as he dragged her back towards the center of the rooftop. Harmony hovered nearby, the scroll clutched to her chest like a shield. The wind howled around them, as if echoing the cries of the town below.

Edna's eyes narrowed, and she spat, "You think you can just take this from me?" But her voice lacked conviction, the desperation in her tone betraying her fear.

Baron's eyes gleamed with a fierce determination that she had never seen before. "We're not taking anything," he corrected her. "We're setting it right."

Edna's wings flailed wildly, the wind catching her feathers as she tried to break free. But Baron's grasp was unyielding. He had grown strong in the harshness of Avian City, his spirit forged by the bullying and prejudice that had been his constant companions. Harmony hovered closer, her eyes never leaving the scroll in her talons, the symbol of their hope and the town's salvation. The rooftop was a dance floor of shadows and moonlight, the three of them locked in a desperate ballet of fate and destiny. Below, the sounds of battle grew distant, replaced by the rhythmic pounding of their hearts and the whistle of the wind. The prophecy fluttered in Harmony's grasp, its message of unity a stark contrast to the division Edna had sown.

"You're making a mistake," Edna hissed, her beak scratching at Baron's arms, causing him to let go. "Otto will never let this stand."

Baron's grip on her loosened, but he stepped closer, his face a mask of resolve. "Otto ain't in charge no more. The town has had enough of your tyranny."

With a fierce cry, Harmony swooped in, the scroll still clutched tightly to her chest. "You've lost, Edna," she shouted, her voice carrying over the wind. "The prophecy is clear. The future of Moo Mesa is in our hands—those who believe in justice and unity."

Baron, still reeling from the loss of his father and the revelations of the prophecy, found new strength in Harmony's words. He stepped back, allowing her to take the lead. Harmony's eyes blazed with a determination that was a mirror of Becky's when she had faced the same fate.

"Everything you thought to be true is all wrong," Harmony called out, her voice carrying over the chaos of the battle. "The prophecy ain't about you alone. It was about all of us." She held up the scroll, the parchment fluttering like a banner of freedom. "We're the ones who'll decide Moo Mesa's future."

Edna's eyes flickered with doubt for a moment, then rage consumed her once more. "You fools," she spat, "you know nothing of the power we hold!"

Harmony didn't flinch. She hovered closer to Baron, her grip on the scroll tight. "Your power ends now," she said, her voice steady and firm. "The prophecy is with us. The people of High Wind Gulch are united, and we demand justice."

Baron felt the strength of Harmony's words resonate in his soul. He straightened his posture, the weight of the prophecy's truth lifting him up. "Yeah," he said, his voice a low growl, "justice for all of us. For Clarence, for my Ma, ma Pa, for every creature in this town that you've hurt."

Edna's eyes flicked between the two of them, her desperation growing as she saw the conviction in their gazes. Harmony's hands tightened around the scroll, and she took a step closer to the edge of the roof. "You're making a mistake," she warned, her voice strained with effort. "Otto will come for you. He'll destroy everything you hold dear."

But Harmony was unfazed. "Otto's days are numbered," she said, her voice firm. "The folks o' High Wind Gulch are tough, and we stick together. We see the prophecy's truth, and we know that bein' united is our might."

The words had barely left her mouth when a cacophony of flapping wings and angry squawks filled the air. A flock of pigeons, former Nosedive allies turned by the prophecy's revelation, descended upon them. Edna's eyes grew wide with terror as the small, fierce birds dove at her, pecking and clawing. She stumbled backward, her talons slipping on the slick tiles. Baron watched in amazement as the flock of pigeons, once her loyal minions, now turned her escape into a nightmare. The pigeons were relentless, their tiny bodies a blur of feathers and beaks, tearing at Edna's clothes and skin. She swiped at them with her claws, but their sheer numbers overwhelmed her. With a final, desperate cry, she toppled backward, her wings beating wildly against the onslaught. The scroll slipped from her grasp and floated down to Baron, who caught it with surprising gentleness, as if it were made of glass. Harmony hovered protectively over it, her eyes never leaving Edna.

The sound of footsteps echoed across the rooftop, and Falcon McGriff emerged from the stairwell, his eyes scanning the chaos. He took in the scene—Baron with the prophecy, Edna on the ground, the flock of pigeons attacking her. His expression grew grim as he saw Kendrick, the rogue hawk who had been working with the rebels, standing at his side, his gaze fixed on the scroll.

"Stand down, Edna," Falcon said, his voice cutting through the din of battle below. "You're gonna face justice for your crimes."

Kendrick stepped forward, his eyes burning with a mix of anger and triumph. "The prophecy has chosen its heroes," he declared, pointing to the scroll in Baron's hands. "You and your kind will no longer oppress the innocent."

Edna, her feathers ruffled and her pride in tatters, glared up at them from the rooftop. The pigeons had ceased their attack, watching the unfolding scene with beady eyes. "You think this changes anything?" she hissed, her voice a raw scream of defeat.

Baron stepped closer, his eyes cold. "It changes everything," he said, his voice low and firm. "The town knows the truth. And with this," he held up the scroll, "we'll make sure it stays that way for as long as possible."

Edna lay on the rooftop, her once-pristine feathers now stained with the grime of defeat. Her eyes, once so full of pride and arrogance, were now clouded with anger and fear. She knew she was beaten, but she wasn't ready to give up just yet. With a snarl, she lunged for the scroll, her talons outstretched. But Falcon predicted this coming. He swooped down and pinned her to the ground, his powerful wings blocking her escape.

Kendrick stepped forward, his eyes gleaming with a fierce light. "Nice try, Edna," he said, his voice cold and final. "The town of Avian City has been set free. They know what you really are."

Falcon McGriff, his wings spread wide in a show of authority, nodded in agreement. "You're coming with us," he said firmly. "You'll stand trial for your crimes."

Edna struggled beneath his weight, her black boots scraping against the tiles of the roof. But Falcon was too strong, too determined. The wind picked up, carrying the distant sound of hoofbeats—the cavalry was approaching. The town below had rallied behind Becky and her allies, and now the law was coming to restore order.

Baron felt a strange mix of relief and anger as he watched Edna squirm beneath Falcon's hold. The prophecy had been right—his mother had been wrongly accused, and it was because of people like her that the town had suffered. He stepped closer, his voice low and threatening. "Might as well surrender Edna," he said, holding out the scroll like a weapon. "You've lost all your power to control everyone you've ever hated."

The sound of hoofbeats grew louder, the rhythmic thunder of justice approaching. Harmony looked over the edge of the roof, her eyes lighting up. "The cavalry," she murmured. "They're coming."

Falcon's grip tightened on Edna's arms as he spoke, his voice a calm command in the chaos. "Otto and Whipcracker have been taken down, and now it's your turn. You can either come quietly or we can do this the hard way."

Edna's eyes flicked from Falcon's unyielding gaze to the horizon, where a cloud of dust was rising, accompanied by the steady rhythm of approaching hooves. The cavalry was drawing near—the law that she and her husband had once manipulated was now coming for her. Her breath came in ragged gasps, the weight of her defeat settling heavily upon her.

The captain of the cavalry, a stoic stallion named Colonel Stronghoof, rode into the fray, a telegram clutched in his teeth. He dismounted with a clank of armor and handed the message to Falcon, who read it aloud for all to hear. "Judge Hooten confirms Otto Bulloney's crimes and demands his immediate arrest." The words echoed through the night, sending a ripple of shock and anger through the town of Windy Stone.

Baron's heart raced as Falcon continued reading. "And furthermore," the telegram stated, "evidence has been uncovered implicating Edna Nosedive in the conspiracy to frame Becky Buzzard. She is to stand trial alongside her husband." The crowd gasped as the scroll was unfurled, the prophecy's verses fluttering in the breeze, and the truth was laid bare for all to see. Falcon paused, looking up from the paper. His eyes met Baron's, and he spoke solemnly. "The cavalry hasn't been informed about Edward Nosedive's death," he said. "They think he's still alive, leading his corrupted troops in Avian City."

Baron felt a twinge of anger at the thought of the man who had caused so much pain to his mother, Becky. "He's dead," he spat. "Killed four years ago, at the end of the war."

Falcon's gaze remained steady on Edna, but he nodded in understanding. "I'm sorry, Baron," he said, "but the cavalry must know the full truth. Edward's reign of terror ended in Avian City. He didn't survive the battle." He told the Colonel.

Colonel Strong Hoof's eyes narrowed, the telegram fluttering in his grip. "Is this true?" he demanded, looking from Falcon to Baron.

Baron nodded, his jaw set. "It is," he said, his voice unwavering. "Edward is gone, and with him, his tyranny."

Colonel Stronghoof's eyes searched the sky, his mind racing with the implications of the prophecy's revelation. "Then it's true," he murmured. "The stars have chosen you to set things right." He turned to the cavalry, his voice booming over the rooftop. "Take Edna Nosedive into custody! She stands accused of high treason and conspiracy against the town of Avian City!"

The cavalry moved swiftly, surrounding Edna and securing her arms with thick ropes. She squirmed and snarled, but she was no match for the sheer number of horses and armored soldiers that now surrounded her. "This isn't over," she spat, her eyes full of malice as they were led away. "The prophecy is a lie!"

But the town's eyes had been opened, and the words of the scroll had resonated with everyone who heard them. The prophecy's truth had been revealed, and it was a truth that could not be unheard. The cavalry, having received Judge Hooten's message, had come prepared for a battle against the corruption that had infiltrated their very own town. As Otto and Whipcracker were dragged out of their hiding places, the townsfolk looked on with a mix of anger and disgust. The betrayal was palpable.

Baron watched as the cavalry secured the ropes around Otto's thick neck, the corrupted mayor's once proud stance now reduced to a quivering wreck. The power had shifted, and it was clear that the prophecy had spoken true. Harmony stood beside him, her hand on her bow, a look of steely determination etched into her features. They had come so far together, and now, finally, they were seeing the fruits of their labor.

Falcon turned to Becky, who had emerged from the shadows of the mansion, her eyes shining with a mix of pride and sadness. "Your husband was a great man," he said, his voice heavy with the weight of his words. "And he would be proud of the legacy you're fighting for." Becky nodded, her feathers ruffling slightly in the breeze. And he turned to Harmony, never forgetting what Clarence did for Avian City as the town sheriff. "Your father would be proud of the hawk you've become," Falcon told her, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his beak. Harmony's eyes watered, but she held her head high, her resolve unshaken.

The town of Avian City buzzed with the news of Otto's crimes and the prophecy's fulfillment. The corruption that had once been a dark undercurrent in the town's life was now out in the open, a festering wound that could no longer be ignored. The trial was swift, with the evidence provided by the telegram and Becky's own account of her imprisonment and the rescue mission. The townsfolk watched with bated breath as Otto, Edna, and Whipcracker were led into the makeshift courtroom, the very place where Otto and Edward Nosedive had once wielded his power with such malice.

It was finally over. The Nosedive family along with their followers and protectors had lost their power, meaning a new age of peace and unity had come to Avian City.

AN: Looks like Edna along with those who conspired with her have finally been brought to justice and will face more than just permanent banishment from Avian City, but possibly more than one life sentence for their horrible crimes. But that's not the complete end of this story as there will be a few more to wrap things up that will set up for the next story ahead involving Baron Buzzard that would start to predict him slowly about to become Boot Hill Buzzard in the future, but again I'm not going to say how it happens yet. The important thing for Baron, Harmony, and all their friends is to live in the present for now without worrying too much about the future ahead of them.