Chapter 26 Freedom and Goodbye Never means forever

I shook him a little and he didn't move. I tried again but no response.

"Shade?" I shook him more but he didn't move or moaned. I begin to worry and scared of him not moving. No he can't be dead! He can't!

"Shade! Wake up!" I cried shaking him more. "Please wake up!" I felt my tears streaked down my face and I rested his head on my lap. I glance up and saw all the animals have their head down and saw Ariel tears running down her face seeing her son not moving. She flew up to me and landed by me and has her hand on my shoulder.

"Ariel, this is all my fault. I didn't mean all this to happen." She hugs me a little with tears on her face.

"This isn't your fault. You tried to save him. He knows you tried." She whispers closing her eyes. I glance down at Shade with tears on my face.

"Shade, ever since I save you from that trap was the best thing that ever happened to me." I wipe some tears with my finger. "My life was change when I first met you. You made my adventures so epic and amazing that you made my eyes opened of all things I never seen." I hug his head smelling his pine scent.

"You're the most amazing friend any humans could ever have." I cried softly and grab his hand and giving it squeeze for him. I cried more letting all my tears out as I buried my face in his mane. Then I felt my hand being squeeze in response and I glance at my hand. I saw my hand was squeezed by him and I look at him. He slowly opened his eyes and smiled.

"You're the most amazing friend any bats could ever have." He replied. I felt my heart leap with joy and I hug him.

"Shade! You're alright!" I cried happily. He embraces me tightly not wanting me to let go. Ariel beamed with joy and she hugs her son.

"Shade!" She holds him tightly. I glance all others with smile on my face.

"Everyone look! He's alright!" I wipe my tears off as all the bats flew over to us with joyful and landed by us while Orestes landed by his father grinning his beak. Shade and I glance at Brutus with first time in my life not seeing him serious and command but happy and relief since my adventure and I have to admit he looks like Orestes when he's happy.

"Thanks." I said.

"No thank you, lawbreaker's friend." He replied smiling his beak. Shade and I glance at each other smiling while Marina flew to us and place her hand on his shoulder.

"Whoo! Alright!" Chinook shouted happily while Sam and Jacques grins while Sam sniffs.

"Dude, why are you crying? Shade's alive.

"I know, I'm just so happy. I promised myself I wouldn't cry but I lied." He cried while Jacques patted his shoulder. "Does anyone have any tissues?" Suddenly we saw owls' soldiers coming in carrying something in their talons. When they landed in front of Brutus I realized it was Throbb. He has his head down while the two owl soldiers hold his wings with serious on their face.

"Sir, we captured this murder." One owl announced and Brutus face is now serious and command as I remember.

"So, you're one of the murders that killed my kinds and the pigeons." Throbb still has his head down not looking at him.

"What you got to say for yourself?" He asked. Throbb glance up at him and I saw a hint pity as I did before when he spare our lives.

"Yes, I have something to say. My brother and I were doing this for our energy to go south of our jungle. I have a wife thinking I was dead after the humans took me out of my jungle. That's the reason I need to get home so I can see her face again and see my kids." I also didn't know he has kids which make Goth an uncle to his kids. Brutus sighed closing his eyes.

"A pity story of yours. But we have no other choice but bring to justice of your crime..."

"I wasn't finished what I'm saying!" Throbb snapped making Brutus silence. He huffed while ruffing his feathers.

"Then what else you have to say?" With that Throbb glance at me.

"Ashley?" He asked. I gasp and look at Shade and at Throbb. He encourages me to come to him as I begin to walk to him. Shade grabs my arm not wanting me to go to him. I place my hand on his telling him it's alright. He lets go of me as I walk slowly. The owls let go of him as I came up feeling my heart pounding. He still has that pity in them making him not look dangerous or bloodthirsty making me feel comfortable a little. He grabs something from his foot and it was my necklace that Goth threw in the forest. I gasp as he smiles.

"I believe this belongs to you." I grab my necklace from him not saying anything.

"Since Goth said something about the powers the necklaces gives I hope this can help you get home." He added. I glance at him holding my necklace and look at me friends for a second which everyone have surprised on their face. I glance at Throbb again and smiled. I leap to him and hug him burying my face in his mane. He was shock and stunned at first and then he sighed and return my embrace.

"Thank you. You do have a heart." I whisper softly. He broke our embrace while he holds me smiling.
"I don't want you to suffer the same fate as we did. Your family is waiting for you and I hope you can forgive what my brother and I did since we came here." I response by embracing him again.

"I forgive you but I think you need to tell that to the others." Throbb and I glance at everyone and he heavy sighed.

"Could all of you forgive me for what my brother and I did causing this war?" We waited for Brutus response as he sighed.

"Please Brutus before you say anything; look into your heart, what is saying to you?" I asked while Throbb lets go of me. He thought for a moment and then he opens his eyes looking serious making Throbb feel nervous.

"Like I say before, I will not be impulated for any emotions on any crimes but since the murder is begging for forgiveness his name is clear." I sighed and smiled looking at Throbb who was relief. I took his hand and we both went up to the rest of silverwings. Some of the silverwings were nervous as we came up but they saw me calm and it made them feel comfortable.

"But on one condition; from this days forward you will not murder anymore birds and beast up north." Throbb nodded.

"Yes I promised, I swore my god." He promised placing his hand on his heart. Brutus sighed and smile.

"I want everyone come to the meeting." He turned to Sam and Jacques. "Two of you can report this message to Ursa and King Romulus to come to the meeting." Both of them looked at each other and then at Brutus smiling.

"Yes sir!" They both solute and they rushed in the woods. Brutus chuckled a little and glance at Frieda.

"Frieda brings all the silverwings from their hibernaculum; they are also welcome to this meeting." Frieda looked surprised looking at us for a second and then she smiles nodding at Brutus. An hour later all the silverwings roosted on branch while the owls sitting under them. Throbb was roosted with Shade, Marina, Ariel and Frieda while I was on ground. Ursa and King Romulus were at my side with their rats and black komode bear sitting and standing. Sam and Jacques were sitting on Ursa back as we all waited for what the meeting is about.

"It has been said that a good leader can admit to they been wrong." Brutus begins making Ursa's eyes lit up.

"I've been wrong about the silverwings" He glance at the silverwings while Frieda smiles at Shade, Marina, and Ariel.

"Wrong about my son." He added smiling at his son while Orestes smiled blushing.

"And so very wrong about Shade and Ashley." He finished sighing closing his eyes. He opened his eyes glancing at me.

"Ashley, please step forward." I did as I step a little.

"Long ago all bats were banished to the darkness for not taking side, today they took a side." He beamed raising his wings. He then glances at me with smile on his beak.

"You Ashley taught me a valuable lesson that I should've listen; every living creatures of sky and land should have freedom of choices they make and reason to fight or not of doing what is best and defend their people. You have given earn of all bats the right to fly at night or at day." He finished smiling closing his eyes. All the bats and beasts cheered as I glance around smiling. I glance at Shade and his friends who were beaming while Throbb smiles crossing his arms. I laughed as Shade flew down at me and hug.

"Let's celebrate with music!" Jacques declared as he jams his guitar while Sam uses a two stick to strum the log. All the animals begin dancing around while Shade and I dance around laughing. Then we switch as I dance with Chinook while Shade dances with Marina in the sky. All the silverwings flew up in the sky dancing with their mate as the owls dance as well in the sky. Then Throbb flew down and tap Chinook's shoulder.

"Don't mind if I have this dance with her?" Chinook nodded as he flew up with Breeze as they dance in the sky with the others. Throbb grab me in his arm as we begin dancing along with the music.

"My brother was right about you, you are an angel without wings." I blushed a little as we danced more.

"Is my brother alive?" He asked. I didn't say a word having my head down remembering trying to help him but didn't see him since the huge ice almost crashed Shade and I.

"I don't know if he's alive or not." I replied. "I tried to help him even of what he did is wrong." I knew he cares for his brother in law a lot no matter how Goth treated him badly. He heavy sighed as we stopped dancing.

"I know my brother is toughed and can handle anything even the lightning can't stops his heart." He chuckled a little remembering the towers of fire. Then Shade, Marina and Orestes landed by us.

"Ashley there something we want to do since we can go out in day." Shade said smiling.

"What's that?" I asked. Orestes smiled and told me to go on his back. I did as I was told as all four of us soared in the blue sky. I cling on Orestes mane as I glance around. I forgot how the sky was so light blue with white clouds attached to them. I grin of missing the day so much since I sleep during days with my friends. I love feeling the sun warmth on my hair and skin and Shade flew in the clouds laughing while Marina did the same. I laughed with them as I touched the clouds with my hands. I glance down and saw all green pine trees and grass greener. The lake and snow glittered like tiny crystals from the sun shining ray. Shade and Marina flew by me smiling.

"Your right Ash, the sun can give out more colors for the world." Shade beamed. Then Throbb flew up by us.

"If I can make confess amigos, if I cannot eat anyone up north what can I eat then to get some energy for south?" He asked. All four of us were in silence of thoughts of his asking. It was a really good question and their nothing for him to eat. He can eat some bugs but I know he craves for meat like all carnivores. Then my eyes lit up of idea pop my head.

"Come on guys were going to grab some sushi for our friend." I smiled. All four of them were puzzled of my idea and told them to go by the lake. All four of us landed by the lake as all the animals came over to see what we're doing. I asked if Brutus can get one of his owls to grab a fish from the lake. He ordered Atlas to hunt the fish for us and not a minute later Atlas caught a loudmouth bass that is huge. He dropped the fish in front of Throbb while the fish bounce up and down trying to get to water. Throbb looked at me puzzled and at the fish.

"What is this?" He spoke out finally and I glance at him dumbly.

"It's a fish." I replied. He glances at the fish and laugh a little.

"That's a fish looks like here in north? In south we have fishes that are huge that can eat a bat in one gulp." He shudders. "I never go near the river in afraid one of the huge fish swallow me in one gulp when I was a pup." I chuckled and pushed the fish with my foot towards him.

"Well here in north these fish can grow to this side but their harmless and eat only bugs that fly over the lake. Go on try some. It's good." Throbb looked at us for a second and at the fish. He gulps a little and bends down grabbing the fish in his claws. He bites the fish's gills hard making the fish not moving. He pulls out a chunk of meat from the fish having the blood on his muzzle as he begins chewing. We waited for his response as he swallowed the meat. He winched after he swallowed and glance at us.

"Well it's a little slimy and scaly but other than that..." We held our breath.

"IT'S DELICIOUS!" He begins eating more of the fish while all of us sighed in relief and smiled. Some silverwings winched of how Throbb eats and some flew away not wanting to have their kids see this. After he finished his meal the owl taught him how to hunt using his foot to catch the fish when the fish comes out of the water for bugs. After he finished his meal he sighed happily patted his stomach.

"I should've thought of that long ago." He belches a little. "This is way better than bats. I'm already full and not to have complain about eating anymore and have all my energy heading home." I giggle s a little and then when he said about home I have my thoughts of my home and my family. Frieda flew and landed by me placing her hand on her shoulder.

"I know you're thinking about your family." I turned and look at her.

"Can you really help me?" I asked wanting to know if she can. She smiled and grabs my amulet.

"I heard stories of this amulet giving its powers to its wearers but I thought I would never see it in real life." She chuckled a little. "I believe this amulet can help you get home." I looked at my necklace for a second and then I realized I could've used it to go home and didn't know. But if I did then I wouldn't help Shade and Marina reach Hibernaculum and not have an amazing adventure. A question came to me since the beginning my adventures and I glance at Frieda.

"Frieda, do you remember when you told me why you let me stay? What do you mean of great things I can do?" She laughs a little and smiles.

"You still didn't figure out since on your adventure?" I shook my head smirking a little.

"Take a look around and remember your past adventure." I glance around of all animals and then at Ursa, Shade, and the rest of my friends with hope and joy on their face. I tried to remember of my past adventure by looking at my friends and then it hit me. Ever since I came here on this adventure I have touched everyone life we encounter and give them hope again. Is that a reason my God wants me here? To give everyone hope again? Shade flew down and landed by my side.

"I have given everyone hoped of problems they face and make their life better." I said while Frieda nodded smiling. I turned and looked at Shade.

"It all started with you when I told about the sun and bats rights giving you hope for all bats." Shade smiles and embrace me. I return his embrace and we let go.

"Thanks for telling us about the sun." I smiled while Frieda clears her throat. I turned to look at Frieda waiting for what she needs.

"I believe it's time." She spoke softly and I knew what she means. I glance all my friends and Marina, Chinook, and Orestes landed by us with sad on their face.

"We're going to miss you." Marina spoke as both of us hug. "Thanks for helping me believe of humans do." I smiled a little trying to hide my tears.

"Have safe trip home." Chinook added as he hugs me. Orestes picks me up in his wings and hugs me while I wrapped my arms around his neck.

"Don't forget about us." He spoke with a hint of crying. He put me down and Jacques and Sam came over and we did group hug.

"No matter where you go you will always be music with us." Jacques spoke while Sam tries not to cry.

"Please come back when you can." He cried a little and I smiled.

"I'll try to come back and see all of you again." I replied. I looked at Frieda and hug her while she chuckles returning my embrace.

"Thank you for everything." I spoke softly. She broke our embrace and smiled.

"No thank you for giving all bats freedom of right choice." I smiled and Throbb came over to us with soft expression. I glance at him and then at Brutus.

"Brutus, please make sure the owls give him enough fish to eat for his energy going south of his home." Brutus nodded.

"You have my honor." He promised. Then I turned and hug him.

"Have a safe trip home." I said.

"You two." He replied and I let go of him and saw Shade glancing at me with tears in his eyes. He rushed towards me and we both hug tightly and I tried not to cry.

"Ashley I will never forget you and the adventures we had." I broke our embrace and smiled with tears with joy.

"Like I told you; I'll try to come back and goodbye never always means forever." He smiled back and we embrace for last time.

"I love you Shade." I whisper softy. He heavy sighed and we let go our embrace.

"I love you too." He replied smiling. I heavy sighed and made my way to the lake. I felt my necklace glows and warm on my neck as I touched my amulet. I step in the lake that can almost reach my leg. I turned and glance all my friends and looked at Shade for last time. He smiles warmly and I smiled back closing my eyes thinking of home. I felt the water circling around me embracing as I felt the water on my face making me gasp for air. A second later I felt the sun on my face and smell the campfire. I slowly opened my eyes and saw the blue sky with white clouds. I sat up and realized I'm wearing my sweatpants and blue sweater when I meet Shade. Was it all a dream? I thought wondering.

"Ashley!" I turned and saw my dad with puzzled look looking tired.

"What are you doing out here sleeping and why are you all wet?" I notice I was wet from my traveling but I didn't care. I got up and rushed to him giving him my bear hug.

"Daddy Daddy. I miss you so much!" I cried while hugging him. He laughs as he return my embrace.

"What's gotta in you? We had been here since yesterday and you're missing me already?" He asked. I looked at him puzzled.

"Wait, we were here since yesterday. You didn't know I was gone?" He looked at me funny.

"No I haven't known you were gone but I found you sleeping by the lake. Were you sleepwalking?" He asked. I laughed a little and told him what happened of my huge adventure of meeting Shade and rest of characters from the book. He looked confused after I told him and then laughs while he hugs me.

"You have such an imagination but I think you reading that book too much." I sighed as I return his embrace.

"Yeah I guess so." I agreed a little.

"Now go dry yourself so we can go fishing on boat." I nodded and went to my tent to get dry clothes on. Before I did I went to my dad's tent and grab the note I made for him and ripe it to pieces putting it in my pocket to find trash later. As I took off my clothes I realized I still have my diamond amulet around my neck and notices a hole in my white shirt. It wasn't all a dream. It was real. I smiled and looked at the Silverwing book. I pick it up and looked at cover of the book of two bats flying above the city. I touched Shade softly tracing along his wing.

"Thank you Shade, for protecting me and being my guardian angel." I hug the book close to my chest crying softly. Then I begin to have my thoughts on Goth. He might survive the waterfall incident but I'm not sure he did. And Bathsheba, I never saw her since she handed me to Luger trying to get rid of me. I don't know and don't care. I remember she took off in the woods after what she did and doesn't want to involve with fighting. Good riddance for her. I put on my warm clothes on and went outside where my dad was waiting for me. We got on the boat and went out to the middle of the lake and starting to catch Bass.

"Hey Ashley look!" I looked up and saw bats flying. I gasp and smiled.

"Why are they flying day now?" He asked puzzled.

"I don't know, maybe they have free to choose to go out in day." He chuckled as we continue to catch some Bass. The next day we were finishing packing getting ready to go home. We double check everything to see if we had everything pack and not forget any. I climb in the car feeling tired already. It's probably my lack of sleep during my adventure and only slept in days. As my dad started the car he notices my tired.

"Hey are you okay, you look worn out." I shook my head and yawned.

"I'm just tired." I replied grabbing out my IPod touch. "If I sleep long can you tell me were almost home. My dad nodded smiling as I put my headphones in my ear and turned on I'm wide awake by Katy Perry and slowly shut my eyes and slept dreaming of my friends and having amazing adventure flying in daylight. I mostly dream of Shade

Author's Note: The End! I hope all you enjoy my story. I really enjoy writing this story and couldn't believe I finished it! It feels like yesterday I started to write this and now I finished it today. I want to thank everyone who put this as their favorite and review. Thank you Thank you so much! I have some reviews of asking if I'm going to do a sequel for this and some idea advise. I'm going to do a sequel for this and it will be based a little on Sunwing. I already got some ideas while I was writing this story and it's going to be called Dawning Day for now. I'm still not sure what my title should be called but I'm still thinking. It's going to be a while when I updated because I need to read some silverwings books to get some idea of characters and background. I don't owe any Silverwing Characters except OC's. Enjoy and please review for this last chapter but no flames. Thank you all again for reviews and adding as favorites! Ps. Shade and Ashley love each other as friends or siblings not in romantic way!