[** Two days later **]

Mephiles and Eclipse were taking a slow walk in the forest, enjoying each others company and relaxing. Mephiles' belly was big and he constantly patted it. Eclipse was telling him how was his first birth. It was rough, but both of them made it and so will Mephiles with his child. He could tell he is nervous from the labor.

"Don't worry, Moriana is experienced midwife, she helped me to deliver all my children." Eclipse patted his shoulder.

"I know, but I still can't help to be nervous." He slightly sighed,

"It will be just fine."

They walked a bit more before Mephiles felt a kick. It startled him as it was a quite powerful blow and the child continued to kick him more and more. He yapped with the pain and he had to sit down. Eclipse tried to help the unborn child to calm down by talking at it and touching the belly. It finally stopped after a minute or two.

"Are you okay?" asked the thief.

Mephiles nodded, letting out a long gasp. "Yeah, it's better. It never did it like this."

"Yeah, let's return." Eclipse helped him to stand when Crystallian slightly dug his claws into him and silently whispered: "Someone is here," his voice felt like a slight growl.

Darkling listened to the silent forest and he noticed a nearby presence. He hoped it's just a forest animal, but given Mephiles' shining eyes, it was not likely. Eclipse quickly thought about everything Lancelot said in the past month, but apart the captured thieves there wasn't supposed to be any criminal in the area.

Suddenly a big body flew down in front of them. Eclipse jerked. It was Darkling just like him. He had only one big quill, he was probably taller than him and his hands could actually transform into wings. His tail was as well adapted for flying. Eclipse watched him, unsure what to do.

"Cre... gal?" he asked vaguely remembering one name.

"Yes, it's me," he answered, coming closer. "I'm here to take you home."

"A home?" Eclipse backed down a bit.

"Yes, you are a herm. I can tell by your smell. How did you escape the eye of our Lord?" He scratched his head. "Whatever, I'll just take you back."

"No!" barked Eclipse. "I'll stay here! I don't want to return!"

"Well, then I'll make you!" he growled, transforming his arms into a pair of crimson wings and soared into the air.

"Mephiles, go hide," whispered Eclipse, running away from him, before the dark knight could protest.

He wanted to follow his friend, but the baby decided he needed a big kick from inside. He cried in pain, falling to his knees. "Not now... I have to warm him... there is one more..." He slowly stood up, walking in Eclipse's direction.

[** Eclipse's position **]

He looked over his shoulder while jumping over a log. The other Darkling was still behind him and to thief's annoyance, he had no problem avoiding the trees. He hoped they may slow him down or even knock out.

Cregal suddenly quickly flapped his wings towards him and a big shock wave hit the ground. Eclipse was tossed on the ground, he curled up protecting his stomach, while he rolled on the ground.

Eclipse stood up as he was only bruised, but not seriously hurt. The flying Darkling shouted: "Give it up! Come with me! This place is no home for you!" He landed.

"No, I won't!" He assumed fighting pose.

"Agh," he barked. "Why are you so stubborn?" Cregal flew up and Eclipse threw a stone toward him. He snorted, clenching his teeth while avoiding it with ease. "Was that supposed to hit---aghh!!" he shouted when Eclipse's fist greeted his face. Once Eclipse threw the stone, Cregal stopped momentary paying him an attention and the clever thief used it to climb a tree, closing the gap and landing surprising attack.

"No," Eclipse smirked upon his landing. "This was," he had a smug smile. Even after years taking care of his family his fighting ability didn't dull.

Cregal was quickly getting on his feet, but Eclipse pinned him down on the stomach, grabbing his hand and pressing his face against the dirt. The flying Darkling froze once he felt his wing is pulled. "No, stop! Don't pluck it!" he begged him.

"Only if you promise me to never come back!" he increased the pull giving his words bigger value.

"I promise! Please, let my wing go!"

"Fine," Eclipse jumped back gaining safe distance. "But if I see you again I'll make a roasted chicken fest from you!" he threatened.

Cregal shivered and slowly got up, wiping the dirt off his face. Eclipse suddenly heard a breaking branch behind him and the moment he turned back, his body was hit with sparking ball. He shrieked, feeling his body going numb and his vision turning black.