Chapter 9 The Siege of Thrandyl (part three)
Caradhras looked out upon the massive host of the dead that lay before Thrandyl.
"There must be nearly twenty thousand!" Caradhras exclaimed.
His nephew, Nandian approached astride his horse.
"My king, now is not the time to falter! We may only number six thousand, but we must fight now or else the world shall fall to the Necromancer!" He said rashly.
Caradhras nodded slowly.
"We shall show Agumar the wrath of the Chao! And with Dyrnwyn on our side what foe dare stand against us! Ride now to avenge our kin and our people!" Caradhras shouted as he charged on his horse.
The army of Chao riders followed him shouting as they rode closer to Agumar's host of the dead and Agmarians. His entire army abandoned the city of Thrandyl and prepared to combat the threat that fervently rushed toward them. Agumar could not believe his misfortune. He had expected Dr. Eggman to have destroyed Rathadur, but now they had arrived to bring justice upon Northank. Agumar turned around to see Maria charging at him with Dyrnwyn. He barely drew his sword in time to block the attack, but the force of the assault sent Agumar flying backwards across the ground. His staff fell from his hands, but he still managed to hold his sword. Maria then jumped into the air and brought Dyrnwyn down upon Agumar. He quickly rolled to the side to evade the blow but Maria did not hesitate to swing at him again. Agumar brought his sword up to block the attack, but Maria swung with such power that the blade shattered. Dyrnwyn then slashed deeply into Agumar's shoulder. He screamed in pain and kicked Maria off of him. At this time many of the wights had discovered their master's peril and ran to aid him. This however left a very large opening for the Chao of Rathadur and they soon collided into Agumar's army with devastating ferocity. Now, Shadow along with the Chaos Chao charged at the wights that approached Maria. Agumar quickly grabbed his staff and withdrew himself into the mass of wights, still gripping his shoulder. Shadow approached Maria baring Falathlorn's sword. Together they charged into the army of wights followed by the Chaos Chao. Many of the wights began running from Dyrnwyn, but it did not stop Maria from bringing a swift end to their second lives. She leaped into the air and spun around, decapitating five wights at once. Shadow burned through two other wights with Falathlorn's sword of fire. The Chao all took flight and charged at the dead with spears and swords. They soon engaged them in combat. Maria locked blades with an Agmarian who had a great rage in his eyes. At first she thought he was A Lost follower, but realized that he did not possess the strength of one. Maria shoved him back and thrust Dyrnwyn into his abdomen. However, he did not seem phased by this and continued to fight. Maria was amazed by his resilience. Though she did not want to, Maria decapitated him for she could see no other way to kill him.
It is strange that these beings are half Lost and yet Dyrnwyn could not kill him with one fatal blow. I believe Agumar has used some vile necromancy upon these poor people. After all I couldn't see why they would fight with him; especially since the Chao did nothing to their kind. Maria thought as she hewed a wight in half.
Eventually the Chaos Chao fought through Agumar's army until they met their brothers of Rathadur. Maria and Shadow soon found Caradhras still atop his horse.
"Ah, Maria! It is a pleasure to see you upon the battlefield! And Shadow it is encouraging to see you here as well, safe from your journey!" Caradhras said happily.
"It is good to see you as well, Caradhras! I cannot fully express my gratitude for your aid. This battle would not be going well without you and your Chao." Maria said smiling.
"We could not sit back and watch as the world fell apart around us!" Caradhras said raising his sword to his chest.
Suddenly a blast of dark energy soared through the air and struck Caradhras in the back. He fell off of his horse and Shadow caught him. Agumar then approached with his staff in his hand, glowing with dark energy. He had removed his helmet and was smiling wildly at Maria.
"Oops! Did I do that? I was aiming for you, but I suppose the life of this feeble Chao will have to suffice." He said with mock pity.
Shadow laid Caradhras on the ground. As far as he knew, the Chao was still alive, but he did not know for how long. Caradhras began blinking rapidly and painfully moaning. Shadow was unaware of what sorcery Agumar had used on Caradhras, but he knew that it could not be good. Shadow drew his sword and charged at Agumar with Maria. Agumar sent a wave of dark energy at the two of them. Maria jumped over it while Shadow rolled under it. The dark energy then hit Caradhras's horse which caused it to gallop away in fear. Agumar then jabbed his staff into the ground. A large crevice opened in the ground and a fiery serpent emerged from its depths. The serpent was around twenty-four meters long and one meter wide. It was completely composed of fire except for its scaly eyes which were bright-red rubies.
"This is my pet, Celphalius. I have fed it naught but wood the last millennium and as you can imagine it deeply hungers for flesh!" Agumar said laughing.
Celphalius lunged at Shadow, but he calmly jumped into the air and launched a Chaos spear at the snake. The spear of energy struck Celphalius and caused a large explosion, but this only enraged the monster. Maria tried to ignore the serpent and attack Agumar, but Celphalius swatted her away with it's massive tail. The fire of its tail burned Maria, but she managed to not scream. Shadow helped Maria to her feet.
"How can we going defeat this thing? It is impervious to any of our physical attacks." Shadow asked as he evaded Celphalius.
Maria looked out at the Great River.
"I have an idea, Shadow. We have to lure it to the river and trick it into falling into the water." Maria said as she began to run off with Celphalius in hot pursuit.
"I honestly believe it will be smart enough to stay away from the river, but I suppose it's worth trying." Shadow said when he caught up with her.
They charged through Agumar's army, slashing away at any foes who dared face them. However, many of the wights ran out of their way when they saw Celphalius chasing them. The serpent knocked away both Chao and wight alike. It cared not for Agumar or his plan it only wished to satisfy its own hunger. Eventually Shadow and Maria came to the Great River. They quickly jumped in and swam across to the other side. When they reached the far bank of the river. They looked back and saw Celphalius hissing at them with passionate hatred. The serpent then burrowed deep underground and emerged on their side of the river.
"So much for that..." Shadow said as he gripped his sword.
Maria charged at Celphalius with Dyrnwyn. The serpent quickly wrapped its body around Maria and began to squeeze. The serpent immediately recoiled in pain as the water Maria was drenched with began to cause the serpent to steam. Maria's arms and sides were burned very badly, but she did her best to ignore them. Celphalius, it its pain lunged at Shadow as he ran to Maria. Shadow quickly jumped out of the way and the serpent lunged directly into the river. The river immediately erupted into a mass of steam. When the steam had cleared the serpent was gone. However, the Chaos Chao would eventually find Celphalius's ruby eyes and put them on display in Thrandyl.
"Maria, are you hurt?" Shadow asked as he stared at burnt arms and sides were the metal of her armor had been heated to such high temperatures that it began to weld together and realized what a stupid question that was.
"Of course I'm hurt, Shadow! But I will still manage to fight... somehow." Maria said painfully as she grimaced at her arms. She was relieved when she found that the heat had not morphed Dyrnwyn.
"No you are not! Maria, you are in no condition to fight! Now, we have to get this armor off of you before it melds into your skin." Shadow said blushing somewhat.
Maria nodded and braced herself for the pain it would bring. Shadow swiftly jerked the armor off of Maria which made a terrible ripping sound. Maria let out a short yelp as the metal armor ripped out patches of her fur and skin in some places. Shadow gasped as he saw that her entire body was marred with blistering red scars. Maria looked down at herself in horror.
"Oh, Shadow, don't look at me!" Maria said as she attempted to cover herself with her arms.
"You look great, Maria. I'm just so sorry that this had to happen to you. It should have been me instead." Shadow said beginning to cry.
Shadow looked down at Falathlorn's necklace that he had received from him. Falathlorn had told him that it could heal any injury, but only once. Because of this, Shadow was planning to save it for a life-or-death situation if one ever arose.
"Shadow, I really don't care as long as you still think I'm attractive. That was really all I was worried about. The pain will eventually pass, but I'm afraid that these scars will never heal." Maria said managing to smile amidst her obvious suffering.
"I am glad to hear that, Maria. You must know that your physical appearance doesn't really matter to me. I love for who you are and not what you are." Shadow said smiling.
"Thank you, Shadow! You don't understand what a relief that is!" Maria said happily as she hugged him.
Shadow was surprised by how hot she was. Though, the heat made him very comfortable after swimming in the icy waters of the Great River. Shadow hugged her back, trying to avoid touching any areas that were burned or where her skin had been ripped off. He could not find any so he just put his arms around her head.
"Maria, you really should stay here while I return to the battle. I don't want you to suffer any more because of me, but I promise you that Agumar will pay for what he did to you!" Shadow said as he began to swim back across the river.
"Shadow, are you crazy," Maria said as she grabbed his shoulder, "The Chao need me now more than ever. They need Dyrnwyn as well. I have to continue fighting, despite my affliction."
"That won't be necessary. I believe I will simply take your life right now instead!" Agumar yelled as he approached the far bank of the river with a rather angry expression.
"I can't believe you killed Celphalius! I suppose it is worth some consolation that he left you with something to remember him by." Agumar said smiling at Maria.
Shadow realized that Maria was still nude and became increasingly angry with Agumar.
"You stay away from her, wretch!" Shadow growled as he drew his sword.
"That hurts me, Shadow. You really thought that I would want your wife? Who do you think I am, Mavok? Of course I would enjoy watching her die a slow and painful death along with you, but right now I just want you both dead so you will stop interfering with my plans! But before I kill you, I must thank you both for killing Arawn for me. I could not have conquered the world without you." Agumar said as he began to swim across the river.
Shadow jumped completely across the river and kicked Agumar in the face causing him to fall over.
"You're welcome." Shadow said smiling.
Agumar flipped backwards to evade a blow from Shadow's sword. He then regained his footing and drew the hilt of his sword, Soulless, which still possessed a small fragment of the blade. Agumar charged at Shadow, but was knocked away by Maria who had also dove through the air and dealt a blow with such force that it rent his armor. She was not surprised to see that Agumar's blood was black and not red.
"I suppose I'll give you something to remember me by." Maria said smiling.
Agumar managed to stand up. He gripped his wound for it burned fiercely from Dyrnwyn's power that had entered his body.
"I greatly despise those who try to be the hero when they are obviously not very good at it. I give credit to Thadur and Gothmog. They were worthy of wielding Dyrnwyn, but you! You are no more a hero than I am! After all, you were created for an evil purpose, but have just been resenting the reality of it. What would you be right now if Dyrnwyn hadn't chosen you? You would either already be dead or serving Arawn like all of his other worthless followers. Ha! Lost indeed, they are! Though, I must give you credit, Shadow for not falling into Arawn's trap. Of course, the only reason he reincarnated Maria was to get you to join him, but you didn't and for that I am proud of you. The only mistake you made was not killing this witch when you had the chance and on top of that you married her! We could have been partners if you hadn't made such a foolish decision, but who am I to question love, a power beyond my comprehension. For I have never known such an emotion, nor do I ever wish to for I now see what weakness it carries with it." Agumar said coldly and yet with some sadness.
"Are you finished, Agumar? We aren't going to applaud your speech if that's what you were waiting for." Shadow said laughing.
"No, Shadow, he's right. I really am an evil person." Maria said shamefully.
Agumar grinned at himself for his plan was working.
"What? Maria, in the last few months I've known you as a Mobian or Lost follower if that's what you want to call it, evil was the last word I thought to describe you with. Sure you tried to kill me that one time, but I understand that you had no choice in the matter since Arawn had possessed you." Shadow said as he placed his hands on her shoulders.
"Thanks, Shadow, but I really was created for evil intentions; therefore, am I not destined to commit evil deeds?" Maria said shamefully.
"Don't say that, Maria," Shadow yelled becoming frustrated with her, "Arawn may have given you this new body so that you would serve him, but that was not why you were originally created! Even if you don't remember your old self, I do... or I mostly do, and trust in me, you were not created with an evil or unpleasant design! Sure Arawn may have given you some... distasteful traits and attributes, but you are still a hero to the world, though it may not recognize it. Ask any of the Chao, Maria. Are you not a hero to them? Ask Arawn himself! You corrected his life and put him on the right path. And most importantly, you are a hero to me, Maria!"
"Oh, thank you, Shadow! I don't know why I questioned my own nature. It was quite foolish of me." Maria said and then kissed Shadow.
"Please, can I just kill you two before I throw up?" Agumar said frustrated.
Maria lunged at him and attempted to deal a blow to his ribs, but Agumar conjured a shield of dark energy to block the attack. He did not even think of attempting to parry it with his staff for he knew that she would easily destroy it and then he would be practically unarmed. Maria swung at the shield with such force that she staggered backwards. Agumar then took the opportunity to punch Maria in one of her burned areas. Maria dropped Dyrnwyn and gripped her burn which seared with pain. Agumar attempted to grab Dyrnwyn, but the sword burned his hand intensely. Shadow then realized that he had to do something. He would have done something earlier, but he was very distracted by Maria's kiss. Shadow charged at Agumar at swung at him with all of his might. Agumar barely managed to conjure a shield of dark energy that blocked his attack. Shadow then realized that Maria was in no condition to fight, and that he would have to face Agumar alone. Shadow did not know what emotion gripped at his heart, but for some reason he grabbed Dyrnwyn by the hilt. He was surprised to see that the sword did not burn him as it did Agumar. After all it did not choose him to be its wielder. Shadow suddenly began to feel a pleasant sensation that swept through his whole body once he gripped Dyrnwyn. It was a feeling of great peace and comfort. It renewed his vigor and restored his confidence. It was a feeling that made him forget all of the pain and worries of the world and enter a world of benevolence and security. He then realized that he was in no such world when Agumar shot a ray of dark energy from his staff. Shadow was barely able to block the attack with Dyrnwyn.
I wonder if this is how Maria feels all of the time? If so, I'm quite jealous of her. It is a very pleasant feeling. Shadow thought.
Agumar was taken aback when Shadow was able to wield Dyrnwyn, but it did not stop his attack. Agumar tried to keep Shadow away from him since he knew that he would not be able to fight hand-to-hand with Shadow since he only had the hilt of his sword with a shard of the blade. He was aware that he would be no match for Shadow who now wielded Dyrnwyn in his left hand and Falathlorn's sword in his right. Shadow became increasingly annoyed with Agumar's tactic to keep using necromancy so that he could not approach him. Eventually Shadow found an opening and charged at Agumar who simply summoned another shield of dark energy. The force from his impact caused Shadow to fly backwards and drop both of his swords. Agumar lifted his staff at Shadow and prepared to cast another curse.
"It looks like I won, Shadow! Any last words before you die?" Agumar said smiling wildly.
"No, Maria, stop!" Shadow yelled as Maria ran toward him.
Agumar quickly unleashed the dark energy from his staff. Shadow saw Maria attempt to run between him and the curse out of the corner of his eye. He quickly ran forward and tackled Maria to the ground, but it was too late. Agumar's curse had already struck her. Maria immediately felt a great sense of weakness spread throughout her body. It was not a physical weakness, but a weakness of her spirit and her will.
"Why did you do that, Maria?" Shadow asked outraged by her heroic actions.
"I wasn't going to just stand by and let you die." Maria said weakly.
"You mean so much more to this world than I do! It was foolish of you to sacrifice yourself for me!" Shadow said beginning to cry.
"Please, Shadow, you know that would have done the same for me." Maria said as she wiped a tear from his eye.
"Of course I would have sacrificed myself for you, but I would not have you do the same for me!" Shadow said sadly.
Shadow looked up at Agumar in rage.
"What did you do to her?" Shadow yelled trying to hold back his tears.
"You will soon see." Agumar laughed and then disappeared in cloud of darkness.
"Coward! Show yourself if you dare and I will make certain that Maria will be the last to experience your vile sorcery!" Shadow yelled with fury.
He looked down at Falathlorn's necklace and then back to Maria who was now shivering in his arms. Shadow was not aware of the necromancy Agumar had used or if it was fatal. He did not even know if the necklace could heal such an ailment. Shadow took Dyrnwyn and its sheath and handed it to Maria. Shadow took his own sword and fastened it to his belt. Shadow was relieved to see that the presence of Dyrnwyn seemed to give Maria some reprieve from her curse, but it did not fade. Shadow was ignorant when it came to sorcery and dark magic, but he knew that he had to get Maria back to Thrandyl where Thadur could examine her and hopefully find a cure. For some reason a feeling in the back of Shadow's mind was telling him not to use the necklace. He did not know why or even if it was his own thought, but he decided to listen to it.
"Don't worry, Maria. Everything will be fine. I will carry you back to Thrandyl. I'm sure Thadur will know what to do about this." Shadow assured Maria as he picked her up in his arms and began to run back to Thrandyl.
"I trust that you will know what to do, Shadow." Maria said as she laid her head against his chest.
Shadow grimaced at her words.
I wish I could trust myself, Maria. Shadow thought.
Earlier that day Avari awoke and found herself still laying on top of Gothmog. He looked at her and smiled.
"Good morning, Avari! Did you sleep well?" Gothmog said cheerfully.
"Good morning, sweetheart! Yes, I did sleep very well! It was the most enjoyable sleep I've had!" Avari said as she hugged Gothmog.
"Really? Enlighten me, please." Gothmog said becoming somewhat upset.
Avari did not understand why he was suddenly so displeased with her.
"Well, I just greatly enjoyed sleeping with you for the first time!" Avari said smiling.
"Is that all? You didn't happen to have such an enjoyable slumber because you were reading my mind did you?" Gothmog asked frowning.
Avari was stunned that Gothmog had found out that she had been reading his mind.
"Well... perhaps a little." Avari said ashamed unable to look at Gothmog.
Gothmog got up which caused Avari to fall off of him. He then would some ways away and began shaking his head.
"I'm sorry, Gothmog. I didn't mean to offend. I promise you that my intentions were good!" Avari said as she walked over to him.
"I did not even think to question your reasons for doing so, Avari. I simply want to keep my memories to myself. I could tell by the way you were acting last night that you had been reading my mind. Please listen, Avari, my past is filled with nothing but pain and sorrow! I do not wish for you to know my suffering for it will only dishearten you and cause you much grief." Gothmog said angrily.
"Sweetheart, that's what I'm here for. I want to help you forget your pain and anguish." Avari said calmly as she gripped his hand.
Gothmog looked down at Avari's hand and Mavok's ring on her finger.
"I wish to be left alone!" Gothmog yelled as he jerked his arm away from Avari and began to walk off.
"Gothmog, you won't be relived from your past suffering if you just keep it to yourself and brood upon it!" Avari yelled at him.
Gothmog looked back at her with tears in his eyes.
"You simply do not understand, Avari. I am sorry." Gothmog said and then continued to walk away.
Avari ran to him.
"No, sweetheart, I do understand. I saw some of your past and witnessed your suffering. I only want to help by relieving you from it. Please, that is all I wish to do. I understand that your memories are filled with pain and sorrow, but I want to remove that. I simply want to heal your spirit and mend your heart so that you will know no pain, but will sing with joy." Avari said as she leaned her head against his chest and hugged him.
Gothmog looked down at Avari and smiled. He could not help himself but to cry.
"Avari, you already have." Gothmog said and then kissed her.
He did not want to leave. Gothmog wanted to forget the rest of the world and stay there with Avari for all eternity, but he knew that he could not. Gothmog withdrew himself from Avari and began to walk northwestward to Thrandyl.
"Please, Gothmog, can't we wait a little while before we leave? I just want to stay here with you!" Avari begged him.
"I am sorry, Avari, but we must help our friends. But I promise you that after the war is over we will have all the time in the world together."
Avari sighed.
"Alright, Gothmog, we can leave." She said disappointed.
Gothmog then picked Avari up in his arms and began to run off with her. Avari was surprised by his sudden display of affection, but it filled her heart with joy. She wrapped her arms around Gothmog's neck and leaned her head against his chest. Gothmog looked down at Avari and kissed her on the forehead. As Gothmog ran to Thrandyl, Avari and he began conversing with each other.
"Gothmog, I've been wondering. Why is that you began using a bow when you were so proficient with wielding Dyrnwyn?"
Gothmog was surprised at her question.
"I started using the bow after I was cursed because most of my enemies would run away from me and so the bow and arrow made it much easier for me to fight." Gothmog said somewhat embarrassed.
"Oh, of course! You must understand, Gothmog, I forget that you are cursed quite often." Avari said laughing.
"You're probably the only one." Gothmog said smiling.
Avari stared up at the sky in deep thought about Gothmog. She wondered what his old kingdom must have been like. Avari deeply wished that she could have done something to prevent all that had happened to Gothmog, but Arawn wouldn't even tell her about the war or of anything outside the walls of Nathelien. She hoped that someday, after they were married, the two of them could restore Gothmog's old kingdom to its former glory.
"Gothmog, what was your old kingdom like?" Avari asked.
Gothmog was somewhat stunned at the question.
"Well, Avari, I can't quite remember everything, but I do remember my capital city of Belearian and the Amroth Sea above everything else. Belearian was constructed on a cliff that overlooked the Amroth Sea. I remember waking up, when I could sleep, and looking out over the sea. It was very beautiful, though, not as beautiful as you are of course, Avari. I do wish that I could of spent all of my days without my curse with you. Perhaps if you had been with me then, I would not have entered Northank in search of your brother. However, there is the fact that I would eventually die if I had not been cursed, and trust me, Avari, I would much rather spend an eternity like this with you than spend a few short years as my normal self. As for my people, we were all very humble, putting others above ourselves. However, we did have many strict laws where you could be exiled if you happened to brake any of them. I suppose that's why the Agmarians hate me so much. You see most of the people we exiled would go off and marry Lost followers since they weren't allowed back into my kingdom. I believe that they must have taught their children to hate me. That is actually the main reason I did not except the Agmarians into my kingdom, their parents were all Lost followers and Hesbeor exiles, and I did not want to risk a revolution or civil war."
"It sounds amazing, Gothmog, and I think you did the right thing with the Agmarians. If you allowed them into your kingdom they would just seek political power and want a Lost king of their own. I can clearly see your reasoning for keeping them out."
They did not speak for some time until they entered Xeros.
"Gothmog, this might sound like an odd question, but what is your favorite color?"
Gothmog was surprised by Avari's question. He thought about saying green simply because it was the color of Avari's fur, but he had grown sick of the color green ever since the first time he looked at himself in a puddle of his own tears after being cursed. Gothmog finally decided to go with the color blue since it was the color of the Amroth Sea and also Avari's eyes.
"I enjoy the color blue. What is your preference, Avari?"
She thought for a while. Avari was about to say green as well, but she tired of the color after living in Nathelien for a thousand years. She noticed that Gothmog's eyes were sickly yellow shade, but they obviously weren't always that color and had changed to that after he was cursed. Gothmog's eyes weren't exactly the most pleasant thing to look at, but she enjoyed them nonetheless.
"I believe I prefer yellow, Gothmog." She finally decided.
Gothmog sighed.
"My fur color was yellow before I was cursed. I only wish you could seen me during my glory days and not know me as I am now." Gothmog said sadly.
"I love you just the way you are, sweetheart. I don't love you for what you used to be," Avari said laughing, "And I actually have seen depictions of you prior to your curse in my books. Of course, they cannot compare to the real you."
"Thank you, Avari. Once again your love has renewed my self esteem and restored my confidence." Gothmog said smiling.
"You know, Gothmog, I could do a lot my love if you would allow it." Avari said stroking his face with her hand.
Gothmog stopped running and dropped Avari on the ground. He then continued running without her. Avari laughed and began to chase after him. Eventually she caught up with him.
"Was that another one of your sexual insinuations?" Gothmog asked still somewhat confused.
"Yes it was, Gothmog." Avari said smiling at him.
"Good, I was just making sure that I had made the right decision to drop you, and I did." Gothmog said frowning.
Avari acted like she was annoyed with Gothmog, but she really did appreciate his constant resentment to her seduction because it showed that Gothmog respected her.
"I believe we are nearing Thrandyl." Gothmog said looking out over the horizon.
Eventually a large mountain came into view where they could see the city of Thrandyl at its base. Gothmog and Avari stared in terror at the massive army of the dead; however, they were quite surprised at how well the Chao were doing in the battle, but they were still immensely outnumbered.
"Agumar is in that mindless rabble somewhere, laughing and mutilating these poor Chao. Prepare yourself for battle, Avari! We must spare this world of Agumar's influence and rid this land of his wicked sorcery!"
"Oh, I've been ready for quite some time, Gothmog!" Avari said excited.
Gothmog looked at Avari questionably.
"I know what you're thinking, Gothmog. I wasn't insinuating anything sexual." Avari said rolling her eyes.
"Oh, that actually didn't cross my mind Avari. I was simply questioning Agumar's awful fashion." Gothmog said pointing to Agumar who was standing on the peak of a hill overlooking the battlefield.
Agumar was oblivious to their presence as he stood twirling his staff in his hand, whistling a jolly tune. Avari laughed at Agumar's armor. It was very excessive looked much too large on him. The cape was what made the outfit so awkward looking. It was very long to where it dragged the ground behind him. Gothmog noticed a small stitching on the cape that read:
This looks much better on me.
-Mavok
Gothmog could not help but laugh with Avari. Agumar still did not notice them which made the situation even more hysterical. Gothmog coughed loudly in order to get his attention. Seeing that this was ineffective, Gothmog tossed a rock that hit Agumar in the side of the head.
"Ouch! How dare you strike me, worthless dog!" Agumar shouted rubbing his head.
He then turned and saw Gothmog and Avari and least to say, he was very surprised to see them.
"Gothmog! What are you doing here? And um... who are you again?" Agumar said obviously afraid of Gothmog, mostly from the curse, but also Agumar had a general fear of him.
"My name is Avari! Don't you remember me? I used to like you before you betrayed us and I discovered what a terrible person you are!" Avari said outraged.
"Oh yes! Of course, your Arawn's sister! Tell me what are you doing running around with... that?" Agumar said disgusted.
"He is my betrothed and you will soon be begging for mercy for what you did to him!" Avari yelled bracing the Flame of Balar.
Surprisingly Agumar fell to the ground laughing uncontrollably.
"You certainly have a terrible taste for men, Avari! First you like me and now you are going to willingly going to marry Gothmog? Who's next, Mavok? Why, I'd rather die than spend an eternity with that beast!" Agumar said as he attempted to control his laughter.
"That can be arranged." Gothmog threatened as he gripped his bow and set an arrow.
Agumar's mood quickly changed to one of fear and utter seriousness.
"As you can obviously tell, Gothmog, I do not wish to fight you, but if you insist I will arrange a quick death for you." Agumar said as he gripped his staff.
Gothmog noticed rends in Agumar's armor at his shoulder and waist. He also saw that his sword had been shattered.
"I see you have already seen battle. I must applaud you for your courage. I hadn't expected you to make a single stroke with that sword of yours." Gothmog said laughing.
"You'd be surprised at the feats I have achieved today, my old friend. I just recently killed Maria." Agumar said proudly.
"Sure, Agumar, the last time you killed Maria she destroyed the Black Tower in Northank." Gothmog said rolling his eyes.
"Well... I didn't exactly kill her, but she might as well be dead." Agumar said embarrassed.
"Oh, I should have known you wouldn't have the courage to immediately kill her since you would have to face Shadow's wrath and besides. It's not like you could best her anyway. Dyrnwyn chose her for a reason you know." Gothmog said mockingly.
"Can you two stop talking so we can get this over with?" Avari said annoyed.
"Be silent, foolish girl! We're having a conversation!" Agumar yelled shrilly.
"No, Avari's right, Agumar. We need to finish this now. This chapter is getting too long already." Gothmog said as he prepared to launch an arrow.
"Wait, What did you say? I think you might have just broken the fourth wall, Gothmog!" Agumar yelled.
Gothmog launched three arrows in rapid succession. Agumar calmly conjured a shield of dark energy that caught the arrows. He however was not expecting Avari to launch an inferno of white-hot flame from the end of her weapon. The fire struck Agumar in the chest and sent him flying backwards. He looked down at his chest to see his black steel armor glowing with incandescence.
"No! Mavok warned me that my outfit was overzealous! I should have just stuck with my robes. Now I know how Maria felt. Oh well, at least I removed my helmet or else I'd be in serious trouble." Agumar said painfully.
Avari charged at Agumar. Agumar laughed and conjured another shield of dark energy. Avari was, however, prepared for this and used the Flame of Balar to pole-vault over Agumar's shield and kick him on the forehead. Agumar yelled in pain and was dazed by her sudden strike. Gothmog took the opportunity to launch another arrow. The arrow hit Agumar's side with such force that it passed straight through him.
"Well... that was quite a shot." Agumar said as he fell to his knees and began using his necromancy to seal the wound just like he had done to the wounds he had received from Dyrnwyn. Avari quickly twirled around and slammed Agumar in the head with the bottom of her weapon. Agumar fell over and could feel a great ringing throughout his head.
"Great, you just gave me a concussion!" Agumar said covering his ears.
Unfortunately, Avari was too late and Agumar's wound had already healed. Agumar launched a burst of dark energy at Gothmog, but he evaded it by standing still since Agumar was quite disoriented from Avari's brutality. Gothmog laughed and charged at Agumar with his sword. Now Gothmog was having to hold both Gothmog and Avari back with naught but his staff and shard of his sword. Eventually Avari found an opening. She knocked Agumar's staff out of his hand with the end of her weapon. She then spun around and ran Agumar through with the spear head of the Flame of Balar. Avari then slung the Flame of Balar around which caused Agumar to fly off of it's head and roll across the ground. Agumar quickly tried to heal his massive wound with his necromancy, but found that he could not heal it fast enough without his staff. Finally, Agumar gave up and decided that he would die. Gothmog repeatedly looked back and forth between Avari and Agumar's crumpled form in disbelief.
"Wow, Avari! I didn't know that you had it in you to kill such a foe! You never cease to impress me!" Gothmog said clasping Avari on the shoulder.
Avari looked down at the blade of the Flame of Balar and saw Agumar's black blood that coated it.
"I cannot believe what I have done, Gothmog! I am sorry, but I know that there has to be good within him somewhere!" Avari said as she dropped the Flame of Balar and ran toward Agumar who lay on the ground still breathing.
"Avari, don't!" Gothmog yelled as he chased after her.
Agumar smiled to himself and gripped the hilt of his sword, Soulless. As Avari approached him, the Necromancer swung the sword at Avari. The small shard on the hilt tore through Avari's armor and serrated her flesh.
Avari gasped and fell backwards. Gothmog caught her and slowly laid her on the ground. She looked up at Gothmog and began to cry. Gothmog was shocked to see Avari bleed. He never imagined something like that happening since she was so quiet and peaceful.
"I'm sorry, Gothmog." Avari whispered shakily.
Gothmog gripped Avari's hand and began to weep greatly. Agumar looked at Gothmog and smiled.
"Hmm... Let's place a wager on how long you can live without Avari, shall we? Two? Three days?" Agumar said laughing but coughing up blood at the same time.
Gothmog calmly took his sword and decapitated Agumar. However Agumar's body did not remain. It evaporated into a black vapor until it vanished from sight.
"Better than you deserved, wretch." Gothmog muttered to himself.
He looked at Agumar's armor which still remained on the ground. He took his cloak and wrapped it around Avari's waist to attempt to stop the bleeding. He then picked Avari up and began to carry her to Thrandyl. Chaos soared around Gothmog as he passed through the battlefield, but he paid it no heed. The wights were running in fear of the Chao now that their master had been slain and most of the Agmarians were fighting the wights as well in an attempt to escape. The Chao did not yell with joy or cry any shouts of victory. They stood and fought solemnly for they had all recently witnessed Shadow carrying Maria into Thrandyl. Caradhras had also recently died from Agumar's sorcery and many Chao of Rathadur now surrounded Nandian as he embraced the body of his uncle and lamented. Many Chaos Chao looked at Gothmog and backed away from him in fear. Only a few noticed the crown upon his head and realized just who he was. The Chao also noticed that Avari was draped in Agumar's cloak and understood that they had been the ones who slew Agumar. The Chao did not exalt him in any manner nor did they praise or laud him. They simply bowed their heads out of reverence as he passed by. As Gothmog walked through the streets of Thrandyl, the sun set, but to Gothmog the sun was setting upon his life and would never rise again. Gothmog began to weep as hope for Avari left him. She tried to console him, but nothing could comfort Gothmog now. He carried Avari to a garden within Thrandyl where several Chao stood surrounding Shadow who was speaking with what looked like two Chao spirits. Gothmog soon realized one of them to be Falathlorn as he remembered him from his past and the training he had received from the Chao. Falathlorn looked at Gothmog with much astonishment on his face.
"Gothmog, you're alive! That's more than I can say! I can't believe you're here! I..." Falathlorn stopped speaking when he saw that Gothmog was carrying Avari who did not look well. The other Chao looked at Gothmog and immediately parted so that he could proceed. Gothmog looked behind Shadow and saw Maria lying on a stone table covered with bandages. He also saw Dyrnwyn laid beside her. Shadow did not acknowledge Gothmog or Avari for he was listening intently to the words of the other Chao spirit who Gothmog immediately recognized as Thadur when he heard him talk.
"Thou can do nothing to help thy wife. I am sorry, Shadow, but Agumar has afflicted Maria with the most vile of all thy necromancy. Thou did not physically wound her, but used a curse that will slowly destroy thy soul." Thadur said shaking his head.
"I understand, Thadur, but you see, Falathlorn gave me this necklace that will..." Shadow stopped speaking when he noticed Gothmog entering the garden carrying Avari. Shadow then fell to his knees and began to cry.
"I now realize what happened, Thadur! When I wielded Dyrnwyn it told me not to immediately use the necklace to heal Maria because the sword is going to test me! It wants me to decide if I will use it to save Maria or her!" Shadow said barely able to get the words out.
Gothmog carried Avari to a second stone table next to Maria and laid her on top of it. Maria looked at Avari and began to weep for she knew Avari from Northank when they destroyed the Black Tower together. Avari looked at Maria and began to cry as well.
"Do not worry, Shadow! Avari has only suffered a blade wound. I am certain that the Chao could use some other method to heal her." Gothmog said placing a hand on Shadow's shoulder.
Shadow shuttered and backed away from Gothmog out of fear.
"Was Avari wounded by Agumar's blade, Soulless?" Falathlorn asked.
"Yes, she was." Gothmog said becoming scared.
"Then I am afraid that is not so, Gothmog. Even the smallest wound from that blade will slowly drain the life from its victim. I am sorry, Gothmog, but Shadow is correct. Either Dyrnwyn or Dyrnwyn's Creator is going to test Shadow and see if he will save his wife or someone he doesn't even know." Falathlorn said sadly.
Gothmog fell to his knees in front of Avari and gripped her hand.
"I am sorry, Avari! I have failed you and I have failed Arawn! I promised him that I would protect you, but I failed! I can do nothing to protect those that I love! I failed my people and now I have failed you! I cannot bear it, Avari, I cannot go on without you! You are all that I live for, Avari, you were the only reason I did not kill myself after I was cursed! Avari, if you die, I would much rather kill myself so that we can be united again! Avari, I love you so very much, but I could not save you, I am sorry!" Gothmog cried with such sorrow that it cannot be described with words.
Avari looked up at Gothmog and placed her hand on his face.
"No, Gothmog, you did not fail me. I understand that you will miss me when I am gone and I will miss you as well, but I don't want you to kill yourself simply because I have to pass on. Gothmog, you killed Agumar and will be known as a hero! You saved the world from utter destruction; what does my death matter compared to the lives of everyone on this Earth?"
"Do you want to know what you life means to me, Avari? I will tell you! You are the kindest person I know upon this world or that I will ever know! Your- your smile overwhelms me with joy! Your mere presence gives me the strength to face each passing day! Your laughter gives me the will to cope with what I have become! Because you love me, I am able to love myself! Your love... Avari, your love saves my soul from the fires of Hell!" Gothmog yelled at the top of his lungs.
Avari stared at Gothmog in disbelief.
"Gothmog, you know that's not true. My love does nothing for your soul." Avari said shaking her head.
Gothmog tugged on his quills in frustration.
"Did I not tell you that you would not understand when you read my mind? Agumar did not stop with just cursing me, Avari. He... he took my soul just like he will Maria's if Shadow doesn't save her soon! Except Maria's soul will be utterly destroyed unlike mine. I cannot explain how but he did and I've tried everything possible to get it back, but I cannot! There is no hope for me, Avari, but Zambrog told me that if I could find love, my soul would be saved!" Gothmog shouted as tears ran down his face.
"My dear, Gothmog, Zambrog did not mean any physical love that thou is able to find upon thy Earth today! He meant thy love of Christ!" Thadur said trying to hold back his laughter.
"What? I do not understand..." Gothmog said confused.
"Hmm... it surprises me that Zambrog did not further explain it to thou. Zambrog and Mavok were the two most devout Christians I knew. In fact, I believe that Zambrog owns the only Bible in thy entire region! However, I am afraid that it could have been destroyed when thy Black Tower fell. You will have to have Zambrog or Mavok explain it to thou, Gothmog for I am unfamiliar with the Scriptures." Thadur said sadly.
This did little to comfort Gothmog. He knelt by Avari and grasped her hand again.
"But you see, Avari, you are the world to me! I would much rather have the world fall around me and still be with you than to live in a world without you!"
Avari couldn't help but to kiss Gothmog.
Shadow looked down at his necklace and up at Maria who was smiling at Shadow with admiration.
"I'm sorry, Maria, but I can't do it! I've fought so hard and struggled so much in my life hoping that one day we would be together again and just when my dreams come true I have to let you go again! It's not fair!" Shadow yelled.
Avari stopped kissing Gothmog and looked at Shadow as if he were crazy.
"What are you saying Shadow? She is you wife! You don't even know me! Not only that but Dyrnwyn chose her! Maria has divine favor, and what am I but some spoiled little girl who helped kill a necromancer? I'm Arawn's sister, for Northank's sake! These Chao probably despise me with ever fiber of their being!" Avari yelled.
Maria looked at Avari and shook her head.
"Actually, there is something you must know, Shadow and something you all must know." Maria began shamefully.
"Don't tell them, Maria!" Avari yelled beginning to cry even more than she already was.
"When I killed Arawn, Dyrnwyn was destroyed and it did not choose me a second time. Dyrnwyn chose Avari, but Avari gave the sword to me because she thought herself to not be worthy of wielding it." Maria said smiling.
All of the Chaos Chao gasped including Thadur. Avari covered her face with her hands and began to sob.
Shadow looked at Maria and shrugged. He didn't really care if Maria had been wielding Dyrnwyn against its will. The fact did not change his feelings for her.
"Maria, why did thou do this? Thou went against the will of Dyrnwyn and against all that thy people stand for!" Thadur said outraged.
"Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time." Maria said quietly as she looked down at her hands ashamed.
Thadur was about to say something rash, but his brother stopped him.
"I wouldn't be complaining if I were you, brother! If Maria had not been wielding Dyrnwyn we would not have won this war and our people would be suffering greatly at the hands of our enemies!" Falathlorn said angrily.
"Thou cannot question the will of Dyrnwyn! If Dyrnwyn had stayed with Avari, the war could have been won sooner... lives could have been saved!" Thadur yelled at his brother through gritted teeth.
Falathlorn shook his head.
"Why is it that you cannot open your mind, brother? Do you think that Dyrnwyn opposed Maria? Would not Dyrnwyn have resented her hand if it had? You're always saying that we should honor someone simply because they wield Dyrnwyn, but is it not their deeds that earn our respect? So what if Dyrnwyn chose Avari instead of Maria? Maria is a hero and has done amazing things for this world! Does she not deserve our honor for what she has accomplished? Unless, I suppose you no longer honor heroes and only honor those who display a shiny sword!" Falathlorn said smiling at Maria.
Thadur clenched his fists and seethed with anger.
"I now see why thou was exiled! If thou will not uphold thy traditions then thou may leave thy sight and never return!" Thadur yelled, his voice echoing throughout Thrandyl.
Falathlorn laughed and began to walk away.
"You have changed, brother, and not for the better. You are no different from Halbathrawn if you will not show reverence to heroes." Falathlorn looked back at the four Mobians who were all weeping greatly. "I am sorry, Shadow. I am sorry, Maria. I am sorry, Avari. And I am deeply sorry, Gothmog for what has happened to you all. Fate is cruel, I am one to have experienced it, but those who place others before themselves should be lauded... in my opinion." Falathlorn said and then disappeared.
Everyone looked at Thadur expecting a response. Thadur looked around at all the faces staring at him. The Chao king said nothing, but disappeared never to be seen again in his spirit state.
Know all of the Chao converted their attention to Shadow. Shadow looked down at his necklace and then back to Maria. She nodded and smiled at Shadow. Shadow nodded as well but could not manage even the slightest smile. He approached Avari and looked at her wound.
"Don't Shadow! She is your wife!" Avari shouted weakly over her tears.
Shadow looked up at Gothmog.
"Don't look at me, Shadow! As much as I love Avari and I know I would not be able to live without her, I will not have your fear over me influence your decision!"
Shadow looked back at Avari's wound. He placed his hand on Falathlorn's necklace. The light from the pendant was transferred into Shadow's hand. He then placed his hand on Avari's wound and it immediately healed. Avari then turned her face away from Shadow and cried uncontrollably. Gothmog too, could not bear to look at Shadow or Maria and turned away from them out of guilt. Shadow then knelt beside Maria just as Gothmog had to Avari. Maria smiled at Shadow and began to cry.
"I'm so proud of you, Shadow." She whispered.
"But, I didn't save you." Shadow tried to say over the lump in his throat.
"I don't care about that, Shadow. You've grown so much since I knew you on the Ark. You have become a man Shadow, and it has been my privilege to be with you this past year. I know you will miss me Shadow and I will miss you too, but we will never actually be apart and you know that." Maria said wiping the tears from his eyes.
"Maria... I don't know what to say other than I love you. Maria, you have made my life the most enjoyable I am sure anyone has ever lived. Thank you, Maria... thank you!" Shadow said and then kissed her.
"I love you." Maria whispered into his ear.
Maria then closed her eyes and was silent. She did not die physically for her heart still beat and she remained breathing, but she was simply gone. Her soul had been destroyed just as Thadur said it would.
"Maria..." Shadow murmured.
Maria made no response, but simply laid before Shadow as if she were asleep. Shadow placed his head on Maria's stomach and began to lament. Gothmog bowed before Shadow.
"Please, Shadow, I will serve you for the rest of my life in order to repay you for sacrificing Maria to save Avari!" Gothmog said unable to control his tears.
Shadow would have told Gothmog that that wasn't necessary, but Shadow had gripped Dyrnwyn by the hilt and it burned him with such ferocity that Shadow feared to open his mouth for he believed he would not be able to stop screaming. He threw Dyrnwyn across the garden. Shadow then carried Maria over to a fountain where he jabbed his hand into the cool water. When Shadow pulled his hand out of the water, it glowed with the same light that it had when he touched Falathlorn's necklace. Shadow touched his hand to Maria's forehead and white fire suddenly rained from the sky and engulfed the two of them. Gothmog ran to Shadow, but could not approach any closer for fear of being consumed by the fire. Avari followed him and gazed at the fiery gale in horror.
"What's happening, Gothmog?" Avari asked hugging him.
"I believe that we are about to witness a miracle." Gothmog said smiling.
Suddenly the fire dispersed to reveal Maria, alive and well with no burns or scars, hugging and kissing Shadow. Maria was nude of course, but Avari did not care. She was too overjoyed to see her again. Avari pushed Shadow into the fountain and hugged Maria herself.
"Oh, Maria! We thought you were gone! I cannot explain how relieved I am to see you again!" Avari yelled with joy.
Gothmog laughed and pulled Shadow out of the fountain who was now soaked. Shadow was obviously displeased at being separated from Maria, but he couldn't help but laugh as well. The Chao all shouted with joy, but quickly left for they wanted to leave Shadow and Maria alone; however, Avari did not. Shadow drew Falathlorn's sword and began using the flames to dry himself. Gothmog patted him on the back which frightened Shadow somewhat but he did not care. He was too happy that Maria was back to display any fear.
"I suppose Dyrnwyn rewarded you for making the selfless decision to save Avari instead of Maria. I Cannot fully express my gratitude for what you did, Shadow! I must admit that I doubt I would have been able to do the same for Maria if I were in your position. Though, I suppose Avari would have forced me to." Gothmog said laughing.
"Thank you, Gothmog, but it really seemed like I had no choice but to save Avari after what you said to her. I Believed that I had suffered greatly in my life, but I see that you have suffered much greater than I have and I am sorry for what happened to you. Agumar really was an evil fiend. I commend you for slaying him." Shadow said smiling.
"Thank you for your condolences Shadow, and as for Agumar, it was really Avari who killed him. Avari actually received her wound when she tried to help Agumar! Avari is a vary gentle soul. She always has faith in people and believes that there is good in them." Gothmog said smiling.
"Wow! She sounds like Maria before she became a Lost Follower." Shadow said laughing.
Gothmog laughed with him and clasped his shoulder.
"So, when are you and Avari getting married?" Shadow asked delighted.
"Oh, I suppose we will very soon. She is quite... eager." Gothmog said trying to find the right word to describe her.
"I understand, Gothmog. I never really enjoyed sex that much either. I feel that there are better ways to express love, but Maria does not share that opinion. I always tell her that I feel as though I am taking advantage of her, but she refuses to listen to me." Shadow said shaking his head.
Maria then grabbed Shadow's arm and pulled him away.
"Come here, Shadow!" Maria said happily.
"See what I mean?" Shadow said to Gothmog as he was dragged away by Maria's superior strength.
Avari ran up to Gothmog.
"This reminds me, sweetheart. Shouldn't we get married soon now that the war is over? Soon being right now!" Avari said as she hugged Gothmog.
"Wouldn't you rather have a more formal wedding, Avari?" Gothmog asked uncomfortably.
"Why don't we get married now and then have a real wedding later?" Avari suggested.
"Well I suppose we could if you really want to." Gothmog said frowning.
Avari ran to Shadow and Maria.
"Um... Shadow, Gothmog and I want to get married could you wed us?" Avari asked politely.
After much struggling Shadow managed to throw Maria off of him.
"I would be happy to!" Shadow said as he got up.
Maria obviously wasn't happy, but she knew that Gothmog and Avari deserved to be married after all they had been through. Shadow took Avari and Gothmog and gathered them in front of a cherry blossom tree. Gothmog and Avari grasped hands and stared into each other's eyes. Shadow stood behind them.
"Do you, Gothmog, king of the Hesbeorn, take Avari to be your loving wife?" Shadow asked looking at Gothmog.
"I do." Gothmog said with all the sincerity in his heart.
"And do you, Avari-"
"I do!" Avari said not allowing Shadow to finish his sentence.
"Oh, well... then you may kiss your bride." Shadow finished.
Gothmog kissed Avari and they were married. It was an amazing kiss for Gothmog because it signified that he and Avari would be together forever and that nothing could take them apart.
Gothmog then leaned up against the cherry blossom tree and allowed Avari to finally express her love to him. Though, he did not mind for he truly loved her and it was simply something people in love did. He also thought that Avari deserved to do so after all she had been through that day and he of course wanted to express his love to Avari as well. So he decided to relax and simply enjoy the rest of the night they had together.
SHADOW WAS THE ONLY CHARACTER IN THIS CHAPTER COPYRIGHT BY SEGA
Pretty cool chapter would write more but want to go to bed.