Chapter 1 The Peace is Threatened
It had been fifteen years since Shadow and Maria had become the Lost king and queen. During this time, Silver and Mavok had gone on an epic adventure to rescue Blaze from a realm she had been trapped in within Northank. Because of this adventure Mavok, along with his brother, and Maria were able to save the entire Lost Region from a terrible future. Ever since Mavok's journey with Silver, the lives of everyone within the Lost Region had gone quite normally with very little excitement or danger. Not that anyone was complaining after a millennium of war. They were all very grateful for the hard fought peace, especially the Chao. Though, this peace was maintained at a great cost. For Mavok's adventure had caused much distress. Now, the humans of Earth had discovered Northank's existence and were searching desperately to find it. The only thing that was stopping them was Mavok and Zambrog's ability to change the location of the dimensional gate that led to Northank. However, both of the Wardens knew that they would not be able to keep up these tactics of evasion and deception. They were aware that action would eventually have to be taken in order to stop the humans from disrupting the natural development of the other dimensions within Northank.
Nearly two months after their coronation, Shadow and Maria had their first child, a girl named Sarah. She had yellow colored fur like her mother but had long black hair like Shadow's color as well as his red eyes. Within two more years they had a second child, a boy who they named Arawn after the original Lost king. He had black fur like Shadow's, but possessed orange stripes running through his quills and down his arms and legs. He also had Maria's deep blue eyes. Their children were very beautiful in their eyes. Shadow and Maria loved and cared for them more than anything; however, it was very difficult for them to spend any time with them since they had so many responsibilities as being the rulers of the Lost. Although, their lives were not as hectic or chaotic like Gothmog and Avari's life. They had spent the past fifteen years rebuilding his kingdom of Hesbeor, and with only three hundred of the original Hesbeorn returning to join him from Northank, it was very challenging to complete such an enormous task. They were also trying to raise two children of their own while rebuilding his kingdom so, least to say, Gothmog and Avari were very busy people. However, Mavok was there to help them through their struggle by caring for their children when they could not find the time to do so. Mavok had also been a great aid to them with rebuilding their city of Belearian. With all of the difficulties going on in Northank, he still did everything he could to help his old friends.
Gothmog and Avari's first child was a boy that they named Shadow after the Shadow who was the Lost king and had also saved Avari's life over saving the life of his own wife, Maria. Their son, Shadow, had light green fur much like Avari's and blue eyes like Gothmog's. He actually looked very much like Avari's brother, Arawn; however, they would soon find that their son had a certain characteristic that they were not aware of and would change his life forever. Their daughter was named Liseria after Avari's mother. She had yellow fur like Gothmog and long white hair like her mother.
Five years after Gothmog returned to the throne he had finally rebuilt Belearian and could focus more on raising his children, but he would still have to attend to the rest of his kingdom.
Now, their children are becoming teenagers and are beginning to realize the great responsibilities they are taking as the heirs to the thrones of two of the greatest powers not only within the Lost Region but within Northank itself...
Arawn walked through the forest south of Nathelien with his sister, Sarah. Arawn wore black steel armor that Zambrog had forged for him. It was very detailed and intricate, with several designs mostly relating to Northank. The armor was very cumbersome but was no problem for him since his enhanced strength from being a Lost follower made it feel as if the armor was simply a part of him. Arawn even wore a helmet that covered his quills in an attempt to make himself look older as he was only thirteen. His sister, Sarah was nearly fifteen, but looked more like she was eighteen. It upset Arawn greatly that his sister looked so much older than him. At times, she even looked older than their mother, Maria. Sarah wore a black leather top that showed her stomach with a short black dress as well as leather boots.
They often took walks like this to escape the crowded, loud streets of Nathelien. However, they were not alone as they were accompanied by a Lost follower named Keldor who had served as their guardian ever since they were born. He had green fur like most Lost followers, but his was a darker shade since he was quite old even for Lost followers who were immortal. He was nearly as old as the original Arawn and had served as his first commanding officer during his war against the Chao. Over the centuries he had spent in the Lost Region, Keldor had actually acquired the ability to control his emotions, something that no other Lost follower has ever had unless of course, you count the Maria from the future who was Mavok's wife.
After many miles of walking, Sarah finally became annoyed with his hounding of their travels and turned to face him.
"Keldor, is this really necessary? You don't have to treat us like we're helpless children!" Sarah yelled angrily.
She and her brother were both going through puberty of course. This was a very difficult time for any Lost follower even if they were only half Lost as this was the time when their emotions were most unstable.
"As I have told you many times before, Sarah. I swore an oath to your parents when you were born that I would watch over you during your childhood. I will not break my oath that I swore to my Lord and Lady, but even if I had not sworn an oath I would still look after you on my own time since the Lost is very grateful for both of your parents, and I often think of you two as my own children. Oh, and while we are discussing your parents, do they know that you are wearing such a provocative outfit, Sarah?" Keldor said frowning.
Sarah sighed and clenched her fists.
"Look, I'm sorry, Keldor. I didn't mean to offend you, but we're growing up. Don't you think it's time that we start making decisions for ourselves?" Sarah asked smiling obviously struggling to control her anger.
"Speak for yourself, sis! I know you might not, but I trust mom and dad's guidance. I think that it would be wise to heed them." Arawn said sternly.
"Arawn, your voice just cracked again. You sound like Uncle Silver." Sarah laughed.
"What? I don't sound like Uncle Silver!" Arawn yelled, outraged which only made his voice crack even more.
"Listen, Sarah. I understand that you are feeling that your parents are... holding you back in a sense, but I assure you that they only do it because they love and care for you very much. Believe me, I had the same issue with all three of my daughters, and my son. Youth your age tend to think that their parents do not agree with their best interests. This is false of course, but it is merely common nature for any Lost follower; especially since we mature so rapidly. After all, we were designed to be brutal warriors not proper children who obey their parents every whim. I would not know of course, since I was part of the first generation and had no parents... at least in this lifetime. I'm sure that I had parents in my previous lifetime, but I have no memory of my old life, only that I had one." Keldor explained.
"I thank you for your concern, Keldor, but since I have authority over you, I'm ordering that you return to Nathelien at once. We will be fine! Just, go home and relax." Sarah said smiling.
Keldor stared at her in shock.
"That would not be wise, Sarah, but you are correct that you both have authority over me. I will leave you, but know this. Do not go too far south and enter the Agmarians territory! They are still enemies of the Lost and will capture you if given the chance. Arawn, guard your sister. I trust you in this matter." Keldor said sternly.
"Wait! Don't leave, Keldor! I actually appreciate your company. You're much more interesting to talk to than Sarah." Arawn yelled as he ran after him.
Keldor turned around and looked down at Arawn.
"It's a pity that Zambrog made you such brilliant armor when you'll grow out of it soon. Nonetheless, your sister is correct on this matter. You both must eventually become adults and what better way is there to start the path to adulthood than with a journey on your own without guidance or protection? I'll be at the Kalcazra awaiting your return. Remember to stay out of the Agmarian's lands." Keldor said sadly as he placed his hand on Arawn's shoulder.
He then turned around and walked off without a word. Arawn stared back to Sarah.
"Good job, sis! What do you think mom and dad will say when they find out that we were by ourselves near the Agmarians' territory?" Arawn yelled angrily.
"Calm down, Arawn. If anyone gets in trouble for this it will be Keldor, not us. Besides, you only wanted Keldor around so you could spar with him since we both know how well your spars go with mom." Sarah laughed.
"Oh, come on, Sarah! Do you take our parents for fools? They will know that Keldor did not leave us willingly. Let's face it. You're getting grounded and I'm getting a week of duty without pay. Why do I let you drag me into your mischief? We're going back to Nathelien before you cause any more trouble." Arawn said angrily as he began to walk back toward Nathelien.
Sarah sighed and ran after him. She grabbed her brother and turned him around.
"I see, brother. You want to go back to that walled prison so you don't have to concern yourself with the rest of the world. We finally get a little bit of freedom and now you want to go back to Nathelien where you're practically bound in chains, having to be the model soldier since you're the heir to the throne. Listen, Arawn, you're not a soldier all of the time. You might enjoy it now, but eventually you'll want to do more with your life. Now, why don't you loosen that armor and have some fun?" Sarah whispered to him.
Arawn laughed.
"And I suppose that it isn't your duty to serve as a model lady for the other women in the Lost? If it is, I certainly couldn't tell." Arawn said smiling.
Sarah grunted in frustration.
"That's not the point, brother! The point is that we've been held within Nathelien or at least, within the land around it, all of our lives! Don't you want to see the rest of the world, or are you content with this little corner of it? There are even lands in the south that the Lost hasn't discovered! Just think of all the adventure that could be beyond our borders!" Sarah yelled angrily.
"Yeah, sounds really exciting. I'm going home now." Arawn said smiling.
He turned around and began to walk away.
"Fine! Go back to mom and dad! That'll be what you do your entire life any way! You're never going to grow up, Arawn!" Sarah yelled mockingly.
Arawn stopped and slowly turned to face his sister.
"I am no child, Sarah!" Arawn yelled slowly, making sure that she understood his words.
"Well, you're certainly acting like one! Why don't you come with me and then maybe I'll consider giving you my respect?" Sarah laughed.
"All right, you win, sis! I'll go with you, but you're going to regret it, I promise!" Arawn yelled angrily.
"Good! Follow me!" Sarah said happily.
Arawn joined his sister and the two of them walked through the forest for a few hours until the land began to grow barren and inhospitable.
"I think we should go back, Sarah. We are entering the Agmarians' lands. Keldor told us to never travel too far south. We should listen to him." Arawn said sternly.
"I suppose you're right, Arawn. Let's..." Sarah was cut off when five Agmarians jumped out of the dead trees around them.
Arawn immediately drew his sword. It was made from an orange metal alloy that Zambrog used to create some weapons within Northank.
The five Agmarians slowly surrounded them as they drew weapons of their own.
"Well, look what we have here! I believe that these children are the heirs to Arawn's throne! I'm sure that your parents would offer us a great reward for you both... perhaps even the crown! Our master would be very pleased to see you both!" One of them said laughing.
The others joined him in his laughter.
"Come to my sword you vile savages! I will show you the wrath of the Lost!" Arawn yelled as he stepped toward the Agmarian.
"Ha! Lost indeed to have wandered so far out here! Listen, boy, a warrior's strength is not determined by his apparel like you seem to think. No, a warrior's strength is determined by what's in his heart, and right now I sense nothing but fear in yours!" The Agmarian said amused.
Arawn smirked at him and disappeared.
"Ha! Coward!" One of the other Agmarians yelled.
Arawn suddenly appeared behind the Mobian and stabbed him through the back. Sarah then launched several Chaos spears at the other Agmarians sending them flying back. They jumped up and charged at Arawn. He prepared to brace for their attack when Keldor suddenly jumped out of the dead trees and burned the remaining four Agmarians to ashes using his Lost powers.
"What? Keldor, I had everything under control!" Arawn yelled angrily.
"Indeed you did. If only you could learn to control your mouth. Hurry, we must leave before more come." Keldor said sternly.
Sarah gritted her teeth in anger.
"Keldor, have you been following us this whole time? I told you to return to Nathelien, and you disobeyed me!" Sarah yelled as green fire ignited in her hands.
"You're welcome. Lesson learned? Now, let's get out of here! I imagine that my Lord and Lady will have much to say about this." Keldor said as he grabbed them both by their arms and ran off into the forest.
SHADOW AND SILVER THE HEDGEHOG ARE COPYRIGHT BY SEGA
First chapter in my new sequel to Redemption of the Lost called The Legacy of Arawn. Hope you enjoyed even though most of it was just explaining what was going on.