The Talons seemed to multiply by the minute, appearing from nowhere. Some emerged from underground tunnels, some from the moon's shadows, and others from inside buildings. Buckleberry was quickly overrun, their numbers swelling to hundreds.

Orion was surrounded by Talons, who moved in groups from shadow to shadow, attacking at random. It seemed they had some form of magic or unique power, for their movements were unnatural. Shadows pooled at their feet, similar to my powers, allowing them to blend into the darkness and disappear. Flares lit up throughout Buckleberry, creating even more shadows and turning the battlefield to their advantage. One moment they were in front of you, and the next, they dived into the shadows and emerged elsewhere. They fought fast and briefly, inflicting small hits and cuts before vanishing and attacking again, making them incredibly frustrating to fight.

While Orion struggled on the ground, my time in the air was no easier. Shadows that faintly coated my body served as portals for the Talons; they would emerge from the shadows on my body, slash at me with their knives, and disappear again. The more wounds they inflicted, the more the shadows healed me, and the more Talons there seemed to be.

"Hey, brat! Would you mind taking the fight elsewhere!? Those giant wings of yours are creating even more shadows!" Orion screamed furiously at me. I couldn't blame him; I was flying above him, and my wings weren't exactly small.

"Sorry!" I apologized, fighting off the Talons that relentlessly emerged from my body.

This was a fight I couldn't win with old tricks. As long as my wings were out, the shadows would coat my body. While they gave me strength, they also made me vulnerable. I had to win this fight without relying too much on my avian powers and embrace the human spirit my father once had. With that resolve, I retracted my wings and began fighting on the ground alongside Orion.

This fighting style was new to me; without the wings atop my back and shadows under my feet, I felt bare and vulnerable. Still, I retained my superhuman strength and quick reflexes. Hopefully, that would be enough.

The most vulnerable points were where our shadows pointed, demanding extra attention, though we couldn't completely disregard other sides. If only we had six eyes, the fight might be easier, but we had only four. Wait, that's it!

"Orion, you'll be my eyes, and I'll be yours!" I exclaimed proudly.

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"I'll be what now?" he responded, confused.

"If we fight only for ourselves, we'll be vulnerable to attacks from our blind spots! If we fight together, back to back, we might have a chance!" I explained.

"Four eyes are better than two!" Orion finally understood. "Nice thinking, kid!"

With that, we joined our backs and fought as one. Though I had to keep some distance; the electricity coating his arms burned my back each time we touched.

"Ugh, be careful where you swing those cannons!" I yelled in pain as Orion swung his fists left and right like a madman. Each time he swung, his elbows would hit the back of my head. I was fighting both the Talons and Orion at the same time.

"Sorry! I've never been much of a team player!" he exclaimed with a smile.

"Neither have I!" I retorted.

As the fight dragged on, I struggled without my powers. My knuckles were bruised and bloody, and my breath grew heavy. Glancing over my shoulder, I saw Orion faring better than me; each of his hits was a deadly blow to a Talon, thanks to the lightning coursing through his arms. I excelled in aerial combat, where my fists were far more deadlier. My incredible speeds granted me momentum in the air, leading to devastating hits. On the ground, my strength alone determined the power of my punches. If I survived tonight, some ground training would be necessary.

A Talon emerged from Orion's shadow on my right side while I was preoccupied with one in front of me. With a silent, swift movement, he jumped onto my back, his legs restraining my arms, and pressed a dagger against my throat.

"Return to silence!" hissed the Talon as the blade began to cut into my throat.

"Orion, move!" I screamed, warning him to get as far from me as possible, and he did.

I summoned my wings, and shadows enveloped my entire body, devouring the assassin before he could take my life.

Just as I narrowly escaped a gruesome fate, death loomed around the corner, yet again. Numerous Talons emerged from the shadows coating my body, their daggers slashing through my flesh. One struck dangerously close to my heart, sending me crashing to my knees. My vision blurred, and the faint rhythm of my weakening heartbeat drowned out the world around me. The pain radiated from my chest as green, pulsating veins extended throughout my body. I could feel my life slipping away.

Is this it? Is my life over just as it began? No, I cannot let that happen!

Summoning the last remnants of my strength, I forced myself to my feet. Orion screamed something while running toward me, but his words were lost in the haze. He seemed worried; I wondered why he wore such a concerned expression.

A warm sensation overwhelmed me as I glanced down to find a dozen Talons surrounding me, their daggers embedded deep in my back and chest.

"Return to silence!" they chanted in unison. Clarity briefly returned before blood spewed from my mouth. I collapsed, and my mind faded into nothingness.

In that void, I was born anew.

I found myself in a grand hall with an empty throne before me, made of shadows and petrified figures clinging to the seat. Below, even more petrified men climbed atop one another, reaching for the throne but frozen in place.

"Take what's rightfully yours..." a shadowy whisper urged. Compelled, I stepped forward and sat on the throne.