Chapter 29: Live and Let Dragon

The family had soon all gathered in the front yard of Fablehaven, where they stood before Zavarok. Standing nearby and watching, but keeping their distance were the dragons, Stargleam, Windshear, Newel, Doren and the reindeer.

"I'm not so sure about this," said Zavarok. "Now that we're really going to go through with it all. Are the fairies sure that they can handle this?"

"I'm afraid that I cannot answer that question for you, Zavarok," said Grandma. "You'll need to ask them once they return."

"They will definitely try," said Grandpa.

"I don't even understand why someone else would sacrifice themselves for the benefit of others," said Zavarok. "I'm only going through with it because I feel that I would be no worse off doing so. But the fairies who gave up their lives to empower the instruments. Or the demons who did the same for the relics. What were their motives?"

"Wish I knew," said Seth.

"What are the fairies going to do with Zavarok?" asked Ingrid.

"Ideally," said Warren, "they're going to try to transfer his life force into the Pyruby. "This sort of thing worked before with the Drakesoul, so we're hoping that the fairies can replicate what they did with that, even though this whole thing involves demons."

"And if it doesn't work," said Zavarok, "I'll be no worse off than if I hadn't agreed to this at all."

"Well, you probably won't die from this," said Warren. "That fire demon that was in the Pyruby seemed to be alive and well. Even though he destroyed my own home. Thank you very much. And I myself endured being contained within the Drakesoul."

"Warren," said Ingrid. "Since you've actually been through this whole thing before, what was it like? Being inside an instrument?"

"I can't remember a thing. Not until I was forced out. It was probably a similar experience to when I was catatonic. I have no real recollection of what happened, or the passage of time. I can only go by what others have told me."

"But, without outside help, you were unable to escape from the Drakesoul under you own power, yes?" asked Zavarok.

Warren nodded. "At least for me. With this Pyruby belonging to a different kettle of fish from the Drakesoul, your experience may be a lot different than mine was."

"What if it's scary?" asked Kendra. "I mean, what seemed like nothing to Warren within the Drakesoul might be another story with the Pyruby."

"I don't care," said Zavarok, shaking his head. "And I do not want to think about it. Having second thoughts might make me change my mind. And I can't let myself back down from this."

"It doesn't have to be this way," said Kendra. "Maybe we could shrink you down so you're not so large, or have you transformed into a smaller creature."

"I have a human form," said Zavarok. "But nothing will change what I am. A demon. And demons cannot change what they are on the inside."

"Are you sure they can't change?" asked Ingrid.

"Demons are, more or less, the opposite of angels," said Grandpa. "Changing their nature is downright impossible. They'd sooner die."

Seth closed his eyes. Being a shadow charmer, he was concerned over what Zavarok had just said. Despite not being a demon, what if it meant that he could never escape his association with darkness? What if the influence would only get stronger and eventually overpower him? Seth shook his head in disbelief, trying not to think about his predicament any further.

"Well I'm no angel, even though I'm technically a demon," said Zavarok.

"Part demon," said Kendra. "And thankfully, you don't have the heart of one."

"A lot of good that's done me. I mean, I'm grateful that I'm not a true demon all the same. But at the same time, it's isolated me from finding acceptance, whether it be among demons or dragons."

"I don't want to be the one to say this," said Seth. "But, it feels like you're kind of... giving up."

"Nobody is expected to excel at everything they attempt," said Mrs. Sorenson. "And I'm sure that Zavarok has made plenty of effort throughout his life."

"This might just be the most viable solution that Zavarok even has," said Grandma.

"I'm just not very happy with my life," said Zavarok. "And had it not been for you guys, I would probably still be a drifting spirit, being of no use to anybody."

"There they are," said Bracken, whose voice was heard approaching from the direction of the naiad's pond.

Everybody turned towards where the voice had come from. Flying towards the group were Bracken, Bright and Clover, who were also being accompanied by Bravia, Brook, Opal and Tiara.

"It's him," said Tiara, as the fairy angels all flew down towards the group and came in for a landing.

"Zavarok," said Brook, as she looked up at Zavarok. "Long time, no see. It's still hard to believe that this dragon is also part demon."

"Girls," said Bright, "be nice. Zavarok's had a hard enough time as it is. Let's try not to ruin things for him any further."

"Doesn't bother me too much," said Zavarok. "I'm more than used to this sort of treatment. By my standards, they're treating me rather well."

"We understand," said Opal, as she and her peers nodded in unison.

"So, what are we going to do?" asked Seth.

Bracken clasped his hands together. "Well, last time, when we did this sort of thing, we had to do it at two ends. Namely, the North and South Poles of the Earth. In theory, we may be able to replicate that experience. Or... we may not."

"So, you're saying we need to go to the North and South Poles?" asked Zavarok.

"Easier done than said," said Warren. "Since this is a been-there-done-that situation, we can split up into two groups. One will go with Zavarok to one pole, while the other will go to the other pole with the Pyruby."

"Okay," said Ingrid. "So, when should we go?"

"Provided you're all prepared, now's as good a time as any," said Grandma. "We made sure to bring your winter gear with us so you can change right here and now."

Dale directed everybody's attention over to a wooden cart, where several jackets, along with other articles of winter clothing, were all sitting in a pile. The group member sall took turns grabbing their belongings from the pile, then proceeded to slip on various jackets, boots, hats, scarves, gloves and earmuffs.

Wearing such an excessive amount of clothing, Seth couldn't help but feel overheated in all of the gear he had donned. It was currently June in New England! He was bound to start sweating any minute now.

"Let's get this over with, so that we can get out of here," said Warren, as he loosened his toque away from his forehead.

"Right," said Bracken. "Bravia and Brook, you two and I will go to the South Pole with the Pyruby. The rest of you will go to the North Pole with Zavarok."

"Okay," said Warren, as he held out the Translocator. "Let's do this."

Bracken, Bravia and Brook all placed their hand upon the Translocator. Warren then twisted it, and the four of them suddenly disappeared. A moment later, Warren returned by himself.

"Well, the first group is all ready," said Warren. "We'll be communicating with Bracken through his magical coin."

"Understood," said Kendra, thinking about Bracken's coin, which she usually kept in her pocket wherever she went.

"If everybody else is ready, we can get going."

Kendra, Seth, Ingrid, Bright, Clover, Tiara and Opal all placed their hands on the Translocator. Lastly, Zavarok reached forward with a massive claw, and placed the tip of one of his fingernails on the surface of the artifact. With so many hands making contact with the device at once, Warren cautiously twisted the Translocator one more time.

Suddenly, the surroundings for Fablehaven melted away, revealing the barren wasteland of the North Pole as the group suddenly emerged in the frozen tundra, standing upon a vast, icy surface.

"So, this is really the North Pole?" asked Tiara.

"Where is the exact location of the North Pole from where we are now?" asked Ingrid.

"Look down at your feet," said Warren. "Because you're standing on it right now."

"What do we do from here?" asked Zavarok, gazing around at his frozen surroundings.

"We'll need to communicate with the other group to coordinate everything," said Bright. "Kendra, may I borrow your coin so that I can speak to Bracken?"

"Sure," said Kendra, as she slipped a hand into her pocket, then pulled out Bracken's coin, which she in turned offered to Bright.

"Thanks," said Bright, accepting the coin. "Okay, Bracken," she said, speaking into the coin. "How exactly did we go about doing this the last time?"

"We just need to position the Pyruby and Zavarok on the points of the poles," came Bracken's voice through the coin. "We've got the Pyruby set down in position. You just need to get Zavarok to stand exactly on the North Pole."

"Understood," said Clover.

Warren took a moment to study the ground, then ran over to a nearby spot. "This should be pretty good. Zavarok, I want to you come over and stand exactly where I'm standing right now."

"Okay," said Zavarok.

Warren proceeded to run away from where he had momentarily stood, while the enormous dragon took a small step to where Warren had been. Soon Zavarok was standing on that very spot, perched up on his hind legs.

"Zavarok appears to be in position," said Bright.

"Good," said Bracken. "We're all ready on this end. If your side is all good to go, we can get things underway."

At this point, Seth could only feel his heart beating furiously and more furiously with every thump. He knew what was coming now, and the feeling did not bode well for him.

"Okay," said Clover, "Bright, Tiara, Opal. The four of us need to stand around Zavarok at different points."

"I'll stay here with the others," said Bright.

"Understood," said Opal, as she, Clover and Tiara all flew off towards different positions around Zavarok. As she had flown to the dragon's other side, it was impossible for anybody to see Tiara from this point.

"Now what?" asked Ingrid.

"Well, now that everything is in position," said Bright, "all that needs to be done now is for both teams to recite their incantations. If this works according to plan, then Zavarok's body and soul will supposedly be infused within the Pyruby.

"And, that will be the end of it, correct?" asked Zavarok.

Seth nodded. "Yeah. I guess this is goodbye, then."

"Don't feel sad for me," said Zavarok. "This is what I want. Doing this will put me at ease. It will make me happy."

"I know," said Seth.

"Look, ever since you folks helped me out all those months ago, I haven't done anything with you since. But even so, I'm still willing to go ahead with this. It's the least I can do to repay you all for your help."

"Zavarok, you don't owe us anything," said Bright. "Helping others can be its own reward."

"Which is why I'm willing to go through with this, regardless of price I'll pay," said Zavarok.

Warren nodded. "I suppose that makes you a true hero after all."

"Guess there's no point in holding out any further. Goodbye to all of you!"

Everybody cried out their goodbyes to Zavarok. Even through the coin, Kendra and Seth could hear the fairies on the other end all bidding the demonic dragon their farewells.

"Wait!" said Seth, as he dashed up towards the front of Zavarok's body. He then stared up at the immense dragon's head, who in turn was looking down at him.

Seth gazed into Zavarok's eyes. It was hard to believe that Navarog, the dragon who had given everybody so much trouble, and brought along so much danger in the past, looked exactly like the dragon who was standing directly in front of Seth. The resemblance was uncanny. But none of that mattered. For it did not matter so much as to what one looked like. Or even if one was a partial demon. What mattered was that Zavarok was not in line with evil. He was a good creature. He had a heart.

"What is it, Seth?" asked Zavarok.

"Seth, get back!" exclaimed Bright. "We can't perform the procedure with you so close to Zavarok!"

"Give him a moment," said Kendra, eyeing her brother.

"There's not very many creatures... or people out there, who are in line with darkness, yet still posses a heart. You're one. And I'm one."

"I know," said Zavarok.

"Well, it's just that, I could relate to you. I've seen the world from your perspective. I understand you first hand. I could relate with you, even though we lived on opposite sides of the planet. And now, knowing that you'll be gone, I'm only going to feel a little lonelier. Who else is there? The Sphinx?"

At this point, Seth could feel a tear dripping down his chilly cheek.

"I'm just glad that at least the world has you," said Zavarok. "But do me a favor."

"Name it."

"Whatever you've done to come this far... keep it up."

"Oh..." said Seth, as he attempted to hug Zavarok, but was unable to clasp his arms around any part of the dragon's large body. "Goodbye, Zavarok!"

Suddenly, Zavarok reached down with his claw and held it forward, as though he was offering a handshake. Even though the claw was larger than Seth's entire body, Seth nevertheless grasped onto Zavarok's fingers and hugged them firmly.

Next, Zavarok lowered his other claw and proceeded to pat Seth on his backside with the tips of his fingers. To Seth's surprise, Zavarok's patting proved to be very gentle for someone his size.

"Goodbye, Seth," said Zavarok. "Goodbye, to all of you!"

"I wish there were more... nice dragons out there like you. Not like those other dragons who were at Balauridge."

"I tried to befriend them, but I had zero success. But if dragons can grow up in a similar manner to Skyfrost and Firesquall, perhaps there is some hope after all."

"Zavarok," said Bright. "Are you ready?"

Zavarok nodded. "Ready."

"Okay," said Bright. "Fairies, it's time for us to do our thing."

Bright proceeded to produce a parchment, then turned to face Zavarok. As she turned her attention to the parchment, Bright started chanting in a bizarre tongue, one that neither Kendra nor Seth were able to interpret.

In addition to Bright, Kendra and Seth were able to hear Clover, Tiara and Opal all chanting the same words from their respective positions. Likewise, it was also possible to hear chanting emitting from the coin that Bright had on her person.

After a minute or so of chanting had gone on, Zavarok's body suddenly started to emit a vibrant red glow.

"What's happening?" gasped Zavarok, who was startled to discover that his entire body was now glowing uncontrollably, so he attempted to examine himself.

"You need to stay still," exclaimed Warren. "Trust me, I've been through this!"

Not saying another word, Zavarok ceased moving around any further and opted to remain still, while the fairies' chanting continued.

Shortly thereafter, a giant pillar of red light surrounded Zavarok completely, pulsating from the ice and shooting all the way up into the sky.

"What's going on?" asked Ingrid.

"Did it work?" asked Seth. "Is he... gone?"

"Zavarok!" shouted Ingrid. "Are you still there?"

There was no response. Instead, the pillar of light that had surrounded Zavarok soon faded, revealing that the dragon was nowhere to be found.

"What happened? Did it work?"

"I believe so," said Bright, as Clover, Tiara and Opal all flew back towards the group. She then held up her coin. "Zavarok appears to be gone. How are things down at the South Pole?"

"Things seem to be A-Okay," replied Bracken. "We're picking up an energy force from the Pyruby. Seems like everything went through okay."

"Is that it?" asked Ingrid.

The rest of the group nodded in response.

"So Zavarok's..."

"In the Pyruby," said Seth, finishing Ingrid's sentence. "That's it. He's gone."

"I really hope this was worth it," said Kendra. "Not just for us, but for Zavarok as well."

"Well, there's not really any turning back now," said Clover.

"Guess we might as well get back to Fablehaven," said Warren. "Though it was cool to get to see what I first experienced as a spectator."

Warren held out the Translocator and everybody proceeded to touch it. In an instant, the group found themselves being transported back to the yard at Fablehaven.

"Okay," said Warren. "I'm going to go down to Antarctica to pick up the other group. Be back in a flash."

With no one else holding onto the artifact, Warren then twisted it and vanished before everybody eyes.

Now that they were back at Fablehaven, everybody proceeded to remove their excess winter gear, save for their boots, for they did not have their shoes nearby.

Without any warning, Warren returned via the Translocator, bringing with him Bracken, Bravia and Brook. Bracken was holding the Pyruby in his hand.

"Well," said Bracken, as he and the other fairies magically changed from the winter gear they were wearing to their regular attire, "it looks like the mission was a success."

"A success," said Seth. "But one that came at a high price."

"Does the Pyruby actually work again?" asked Kendra.

"It better," said Warren. "After all we just went through."

"Why don't you give it a shot then, Warren?" asked Bravia. Bracken nodded, then presented the relic to Warren.

"Here goes," said Warren, accepting the Pyruby from Bracken. Aiming the relic away from everybody, he proceeded to blast a small stream of fire from the Pyruby, which shot up into the air.

"Well, at least we got it working again," said Opal.

"Yeah, but we owe Zavarok for this," said Seth. "And I don't think we'll ever be able to repay him."