Chapter 10 The Matter of Mavok
Mavok sat down on Arawn's throne in Nathelien. He had just been informed of Agumar's death and was quite jubilant. Not only was he delighted by Agumar's death, but he would also become the Warden of Northank soon and would then use his powers to conquer the world.
"Agumar, You pitiful fool! You survived all this time just to be killed by Arawn's little sister! How shameful!" Mavok laughed to himself.
Zambrog, the Barrow Lord then entered the throne room.
"She almost did you in, brother." Zambrog said using quite a disgusted tone on the word brother.
"Ah, Zammy! I suppose you have approached me to congratulate me on my accomplishments?" Mavok said smiling.
"Far from it! And what have you accomplished other than having your ego grow even larger than it already is?" Zambrog said angrily.
"Well, if you must know, I did knit a very nice potholder during the siege of Thrandyl." Mavok said as he displayed a black potholder.
"Enough of this, brother! I have come to challenge you for the throne of Northank!" Zambrog yelled pointing at Mavok.
"What? You want to have a knitting contest?" Mavok said confused.
Zambrog then became very angry which pleased Mavok. Zambrog drew his sword and calmly began walking toward his brother. Zambrog's sword was of very odd design. The blade was crafted of shimmering crystal which was very sharp and jagged at the edge, and the hilt was bright steel.
"Ah, wasn't that the first weapon you ever crafted, brother? It pleases me to know that my skills in the smithing of blades far exceeds yours. I crafted this weapon for the special occasion of when I would become the Warden of Northank once again." Mavok said proudly as he brandished his own sword.
The blade was long and black forged of steel that looked to be mixed with obsidian which made the sword extremely sharp. The hilt of the sword was encrusted with small amethysts surrounding a large ruby much like the stone in Agumar's staff. The entire sword was at least twice the size of Zambrog's.
"I like your sword, Mavok. It goes well with your personality. It is black like your heart and sharp like your tongue." Zambrog said frowning with disgust.
"Thank you, brother. I like yours too. It always me to look at my own reflection." Mavok said proudly as he smiled at Zambrog's crystal sword.
Zambrog began to attack his brother but he paused for he still loved Mavok despite his evil actions.
"Listen to me, brother! We don't have to fight! If you would simply repent of your dark ways we could both be wardens of Northank and start over just like we were in the past!" Zambrog pleaded.
Mavok's expression suddenly became very serious and solemn, an expression he hardly ever had.
"The past? You know nothing of this world, brother. I have seen the future and it is bleak and dark. The people of this world are corrupt and selfish. They deserve no less than death." Mavok said menacingly.
"You speak as if you are not one of them, Mavok. You have become more corrupt than most, but I promise you that your life will be spared if you repent from you wicked conduct. You were not always as you are now, brother. I remember when you were a kind and gentle soul. What happened to you? What made you into the beast that you have become?" Zambrog said outstretching his skeletal hand.
Mavok then did something Zambrog had not seen him do in thousands of years: he cried. Mavok shook away his emotions and glared at his brother with intense hatred.
"That is of no concern of yours and I don't give a damn for your mercy!" Mavok yelled as he charged at Zambrog.
Mavok jumped into the air and swung his sword down upon his brother. Zambrog calmly stepped aside and evaded the strike. Mavok swung again, this time aiming for his brother's exposed spine. The Barrow Lord forcefully parried the attack which caused Mavok to falter. Zambrog had a clear opportunity to attack his brother, but he did not take it and Mavok took note of this.
"You won't overcome me fighting like that, brother! The fate of the world rests within your hands and you are willing to place your foolish love for me over that?" Mavok said angrily.
"You told me yourself, brother, that this world was damned. Why should you care about the fate of the world and why should I?" Zambrog asked not showing any emotion.
"You are very amusing, brother." Mavok laughed.
Mavok then lunged at Zambrog, but the blade passed between two of his ribs and did no harm. Mavok then unleashed what looked like a black flame from his hand. Zambrog ducked just in time as the fire passed over his head and scorched his helmet. The flame then struck Arawn's throne and caused it to explode. Rubble flew in several directions. The right arm of the throne stuck Mavok in the side of his head, but it did naught but infuriate him.
"Arawn will be displeased." Zambrog scolded.
"Arawn's as dead as you are." Mavok mumbled to himself.
He then whirled through the air and slashed at Zambrog with fiery rage. While Mavok was in midair Zambrog threw his sword which plunged deep into his back. Mavok fell to the ground and dropped his sword. Zambrog offered to help his brother up, making sure to retrieve his sword first. Mavok grabbed his own sword and swung at his brother's outstretched arm. Zambrog quickly parried the blow and stepped backwards. Mavok eventually stood up. For some reason his wound was not healing as fast as he would have liked. Mavok stared at his brother with a savage glare. He really did look like a wild animal, with his long, greasy, black hair falling over his face and his unkempt beard stretching across it. It was sad for Zambrog to see his brother in such a state. After all, they had grown up together and he remembered him being a kind and cheerful young man who was always looking for opportunities to help others.
"I can see the sorrow in your eyes, brother. You regret the path you have chosen, but see yourself to be beyond healing. Trust in me, Mavok, everyone makes wrong decisions and you can easily be redeemed. Just ask Arawn." Zambrog said smiling.
"Save your pity for yourself!" Mavok yelled as he charged at Zambrog.
Zambrog locked swords with his brother. He stared into Mavok's savage eyes and could not help but feel sorry for him. Mavok then shoved his brother back.
"I suggest you get more aggressive, brother, It is not very fun to fight an enemy that won't fight back." Mavok said smiling.
"Fun? Is that all you care about, brother? And how can you call me your enemy? I am only trying to help you!" Zambrog yelled outraged.
"If you wish to help me why don't you leave me be and stop interfering with my plans?" Mavok asked angrily.
"No, brother, I won't do that because I love you." Zambrog said sadly.
"Then prepare to die... again!" Mavok yelled savagely.
Zambrog stood calmly as his brother ran toward him and felt that he would cry if he were not simply a skeleton.
Avari awoke and looked up at Gothmog, now her husband. Gothmog looked down at Avari with tears in his eyes.
"Avari, my wife, my love, my joy, my strength, my courage, my pride, my hope, my peace, my healer, my hero, my comforter, my passion, I love you. I can find no other words to say but I love you with all my fervor and will." Gothmog said with all the sincerity within his heart.
Avari kissed Gothmog and began to cry. He wiped away Avari's tears and embraced her. Avari laid her head on his shoulder and kissed his neck.
"I don't know what to say, sweetheart. I would tell you that I love you as well, but it wouldn't mean much." Avari said blushing.
"Avari, you can't be serious! Your love means everything to me! I thought I told you that last night." Gothmog said confused.
Avari laughed.
"Okay then. I love you, Gothmog with all my spirit and strength." Avari said smiling.
The two of them laid together for quite some time. Gothmog closed his eyes and smiled as if he were asleep, but he was simply enjoying the peace and serenity of being with Avari. Finally Avari spoke.
"See, sweetheart, that wasn't so bad, was it?" Avari asked blushing.
"Hmm?" Gothmog asked confused.
"You know... having sex with me?" Avari whispered.
Gothmog laughed for a very long time.
"Not so bad? Avari, it was... it was amazing! I've never had a more enjoyable time in my life, especially after I was cursed! I must say that I never thought of it this way, but it made me feel complete and I could really feel that you loved me, not as if I couldn't tell before it was just different I suppose. I only hope that you still understand that I respect you." Gothmog said happily.
"Really, sweetheart? That means so much to me! And Gothmog, you respect me more than my own brother! Oh, just so you know, Gothmog, I greatly enjoyed it as well." Avari said laughing.
"Thank you Avari! I am relieved to know that you still respect me." Gothmog sighed.
"Good, then I hope you won't mind knowing that I was reading yours while we were making love." Avari said happily.
"What? Why did you do that, Avari?" Gothmog asked trying to be angry but he couldn't.
"I just wanted to know what you were thinking and I really enjoy hearing your thoughts. They let me know how much you love me." Avari said smiling.
"Well... I would enjoy it if you didn't read my memories for they will only bring you grief, but if you insist and doing so brings you joy then I suppose I'm fine with it." Gothmog said smiling.
"Oh thank you, sweetheart! Now, I won't feel so guilty when I read your mind." Avari said happily.
"I wasn't thinking of anything derogatory last night, was I? I can't quite remember what I was thinking." Gothmog asked rolling his eyes.
"No, of course you weren't! Sure, you were only thinking about me, but I found none of them offensive." Avari assured him.
"That's a relief. Thank you Avari. I could not live with myself if I ever hurt your feelings." Gothmog said smiling.
Avari looked at Gothmog and then down at herself.
"Sweetheart, we could continue making love if you would like to. I certainly would." Avari whispered to him.
"Well, I didn't sleep, Avari, so to me, it never felt as though we had stopped. But I would greatly enjoy it." Gothmog said laughing.
Avari began to kiss him, but then stopped.
"Wait, Gothmog. Where did Shadow and Maria go?" Avari asked looking around.
"Oh, they went to a funeral for the Chao king of Rathadur. I believe he was slain by Agumar." Gothmog said sadly.
"What? Then shouldn't we go too?" Avari asked.
"We could have gone but I didn't want to wake you, and Shadow told me that we didn't have to go." Gothmog said somewhat embarrassed.
"Alright then, sweetheart. I suppose we can stay here." Avari said smiling.
The funeral for king Caradhras was not as sorrowful as you might think. Of course there was weeping especially from Nandian, but most of the Chao were more interested in Shadow and Maria. They were very intrigued by Shadow's decision to save Avari instead of Maria, his wife. They also asked Maria many questions concerning what it had been like to die. They did not appreciate being asked so many questions but they did their best to answer their queries.
"You want to know what it was like to die? Um... which time?" Maria said confused.
"I don't know what made me decide to save Avari. I just thought it was the right thing to do." Shadow said annoyed.
Shadow pushed his way through the crowd until he saw Silver, Knuckles, Amy, and Cream all standing in a corner of the throne room away from the rest of the Chao. He made his way to them and greeted them happily.
"It is a pleasure to see you again, friends." Shadow said smiling.
He noticed that Knuckles and Silver were both wearing general seals of the like that Caradhras had given him.
"Shadow, we can't believe what you did! We are all very proud of you!" Silver said with wonder in his eyes.
"Shadow, what you did was beyond amazement! I don't believe that I could have made the same decision if I faced the same choice." Knuckles said clasping Shadow's right shoulder.
"Yes, Shadow we are all astounded by what you did! You probably didn't see us, but we were there. It was so romantic and yet so sad." Amy said solemnly.
"Where is that necklace, Shadow? Did you lose it?" Cream asked.
"No, I gave it to Maria, Cream. I did not want to wear it and have it remind me of that position I was in." Shadow said sadly.
"Yes, it does look much better on her than it did you, Shadow." Silver said laughing.
Shadow laughed as well.
"Thank you, everyone, but it really wasn't anything special." Shadow said rubbing the back of his head.
Maria eventually found them and shoved Knuckles off of Shadow which he did not appreciate.
"Talk about aggressive." Knuckles mumbled as he stood up.
"Can we leave, Shadow? I grow tired of this constant harassment." Maria asked wearily.
"I suppose we could if that is what you wish." Shadow said frowning not really wanting to leave his friends.
As they began to leave, Nandian approached.
"Wait, you two, I have something I must say!" Nandian shouted as he ran toward them.
They turned and looked at the Chao who now wore Caradhras's crown.
"In my uncle's dying breath, he wanted the two of you to know how proud he was to fight by your side. He also wanted to express his regrets that he will not be able to see your coronation when you are both crowned king and queen of the Lost and that he thought there was no one else on this world who deserved the position more than you two." Nandian said smiling.
"Thank you, Nandian. We will miss your uncle deeply." Shadow said kneeling down to the Chao.
"I suppose you will now be king of Rathadur, Nandian." Maria said happily.
"Yes, for the time being. Soon the Chao will be reunited into one kingdom ruled by Lighthrawn as we were in the days before Thadur was killed." Nandian said with great relief for he did not want to be king.
"I see. Does that mean that Agumar's curse will soon be removed from Rathadur and you will all become Chaos Chao as you once were?" Shadow asked.
"Yes we soon will, but the curse can only be removed by the next warden of Northank." The Chao said solemnly.
"And who might that be?" Maria asked puzzled.
"I suppose Zambrog and Mavok will rule Northank for they were the ones who created it." Nandian said shrugging.
"If that is all you have to say, Nandian, I believe we are going to leave." Shadow said smiling.
"Yes, that is fine. Goodbye friends and heroes!" Nandian said happily.
Shadow and Maria said goodbye to their friends and left. Maria looked down at her dress and realized that she was missing Dyrnwyn.
"Oops! Shadow, I believe I left Dyrnwyn." Maria said embarrassed.
"That's fine, Maria, I don't think you will need it anymore." Shadow said smiling.
"I guess you're right, Shadow and it's not like I deserved it anyway." Maria said happily.
Maria then reached into her dress pocket and found the letter Arawn had sent her. She still hadn't read it and thought that it would be useless to read it now that the war was over. Though, she was inquisitive and wanted to know what he had written her. Maria opened the letter and began reading it.
"Oh no, Shadow! It looks like I will need Dyrnwyn again." Maria said regretfully.
She handed Shadow the letter and he read it as well. Arawn wrote as follows:
Dear Maria, my hero, (Shadow did not appreciate this).
Assuming you have received this letter, I must first express how sorry I am for causing you and your husband so much grief. I understand that it will be difficult to forgive me and I will also understand if you do not do so. But now I must move to a more serious topic. I believe we both realize that I will not be returning to the world of the living. I have decided to even leave Northank and pass beyond the confines of this world. Please, do not make any attempt to return me to life using that wretched emerald. I have recently discovered that Agumar fooled me when he made it for me. It turns out that not only did he place a part of my soul in it, but her also placed a part of his own soul in it. This way, if the Emerald was ever used to reincarnate me, Agumar could put his soul into my body and posses me much like I did you nearly a year ago and made you fight Shadow. There is another matter I must attend to and that is the matter of Mavok. I imagine that you have no idea as to who this Mavok is, but I will simply say that he was the one who made Agumar evil; thus, making him even more wicked than both Agumar and me combined. Assuming that you have defeated Agumar, which I know you can, now you must assault Mavok who, by my reckoning, should be in Nathelien. You must go to Nathelien and defeat Mavok before he can muster another army of the dead and conquer this world. Goodbye and farewell! I would tell you good luck but I believe you can make your own luck.
Your king,
Arawn
Shadow handed the letter back to Maria.
"Hmm... how disappointing." He said frowning.
"I suppose we should tell Lighthrawn about this. I do not know if this Mavok will have already summoned an army of the dead or not, but I do not want to risk the lives of the Chao either." Maria said sadly.
Shadow and Maria found Lighthrawn standing upon the wall of the city.
"Hmm... the Agmarians still occupy Cyrshold. If we could seize it from them we could then... ah! If it isn't the heroes of the day!" Lighthrawn said smiling at Maria and Shadow.
"Thank you Lighthrawn, but we were not the ones who killed Agumar." Shadow said confused.
"What? You weren't? Judging by how everyone was talking about the events last night I just assumed that you had. But if you didn't then who did?" Lighthrawn said confused.
"Gothmog and Avari were the ones who slew Agumar." Shadow said smiling.
Lighthrawn then began to laugh uncontrollably.
"The fallen king brought an end to the Necromancer? You can't be serious, Shadow! Gothmog was the largest failure this world has known with the exception of perhaps Falathlorn! And he has fallen indeed if he has fallen in love with the Will Breaker's sister!" Lighthrawn said barely able to control his laughter.
"Excuse me?" Gothmog said frowning as he and Avari approached Shadow and Maria.
Lighthrawn immediately stopped laughing.
"Oh, Gothmog! It is a... pleasure to see you. I commend you for your victory over the Necromancer!" Lighthrawn said as he backed away from Gothmog shaking.
"You Chao certainly know how to mistreat Dyrnwyn's chosen!" Avari said angrily.
Gothmog then held out Dyrnwyn to Maria.
"You forgot this, Maria." He said smiling.
Maria did not look at the sword but kept her eyes fixed upon Gothmog as she shuttered with fear. Gothmog sighed.
"Please take it, Maria. Dyrnwyn does naught for me save rekindle painful memories." Gothmog said trying to sound as nice as possible.
Seeing that Maria would not take Dyrnwyn, Gothmog handed it to Avari and walked away. Avari then approached Maria and returned Dyrnwyn to her. She hesitantly took it and placed it in her sheath. Maria shook her head.
"Avari can you tell Gothmog how sorry I am. I did not mean to offend him. He's just very... scary. I know it's not his fault but I cannot help myself but be frightened by his presence." Maria said shamefully.
"I'm sure he will understand, Maria. But you have no reason to fear him. He is actually a very kind and gentle soul." Avari said smiling.
"Oh please! Gothmog does not even possess a soul and we have every reason to fear him! Do not corrupt our minds with your lies, witch!" Lighthrawn yelled crossing his arms.
Unfortunately for him, Gothmog was not out of earshot and heard what the Chao king said. Gothmog stomped back over to them with quite an intimidating expression.
"I can take you insulting me for I have reasons to deserve them, but Avari! No, do not speak of her in such a way for you do not know her as I do! She is the kindest and nicest soul on this world for she judges people by who they are and not what they are as you Chao are all too accustomed to doing!" Gothmog said as he knelt down to where he and Lighthrawn were eye-to-eye.
Avari jerked Gothmog away from Lighthrawn. Gothmog looked at Avari and his anger disappeared.
"It's fine, sweetheart. I really don't care if he insults me. The Chao are just very stereotypical of the Lost." Avari whispered to him.
Gothmog looked at Lighthrawn.
"I will forgive you this one time, but see to it that you do not do so again." Gothmog said threateningly.
"I-I won't." Lighthrawn said shaking.
There was a long uncomfortable silence as Gothmog stared at Lighthrawn.
"Well, now that that's settled we should focus on what to do with Mavok!" Maria said trying to brake the awkward moment.
"Mavok! Do not speak of his name! He is a wretched fool beyond disgrace!" Gothmog shouted furiously.
"Ah, so you know of him! That will give us an advantage." Shadow said happily.
"Yes, we know of him, but oh, how we wish we didn't." Avari said depressed.
"Really? My father always spoke highly of Mavok saying that he was a kind and cheerful person?" Lighthrawn said confused.
"Your father also went insane and tried to kill me." Shadow said laughing.
"If you are going to kill Mavok I will gladly aid you. He is a cruel person who cares for no one but himself!" Gothmog said angrily.
"Hmm... I was hoping that we could stop fighting, but I will go with you simply because I want to teach Mavok a lesson and he greatly mistreated Gothmog." Avari said frowning.
"Your aid will be greatly appreciated, but we still have one problem. The Agmarians have retreated across the river and will not allow us passage into Nathelien. We will have to deal with them first before we can focus on Mavok." Lighthrawn said regrettably.
"Curse those vile Agmarians! I should have destroyed them when I had the chance! The breeding of Mobians with Lost followers disgusts me!" Gothmog yelled in frustration.
Shadow and Maria looked at him questionably and somewhat offended.
"Oh, it doesn't all the time! It depends on the couple of course!" Gothmog said shamefully.
Shadow and Maria laughed happily.
"I agree, Gothmog. I shall assemble what remains of our army and we will retake Cyrshold. From there we will march to Nathelien where the four of you can deal with Mavok." Lighthrawn explained.
"Four of you? Don't forget me!" A voice said from behind Lighthrawn.
Gothmog and Avari immediately smiled with joy to see Thaurlach approach.
"Who are you and what are you doing here?" Lighthrawn asked annoyed.
"Who am I? I am Thaurlach son of Thadur. As to why I am here, this is my city is it not?" Thaurlach said obviously.
Lighthrawn laughed deeply.
"Please, you can't be serious! Thadur's son was killed a thousand years ago! What proof do you have?" Lighthrawn said angrily.
Thaurlach motioned to Maria. She tossed Dyrnwyn to him. When Thaurlach caught the sword it blazed with fire and illuminated the entire city which drew the attention of hundreds of Chao. Lighthrawn stared at him in wonder.
"I should not have questioned it. I saw you during the battle outside Thrandyl. I took note of your fighting style and it resembled how my father described Thadur." Lighthrawn said shamefully.
Thaurlach tossed Dyrnwyn back to Maria. She caught the sword and sheathed it.
"Once we defeat Mavok I will gladly give the crown to you! I would not think of keeping Thadur's heir from the throne!" Lighthrawn said gratefully.
Thaurlach nodded and thanked him. Avari smiled and hugged Thaurlach. Gothmog actually hugged him as well; however, Thaurlach did not seem very fond of this.
"I will go now and assemble the army. I suggest you all prepare for battle." Lighthrawn said as he walked away.
Avari and Gothmog returned to the garden in Thrandyl and retrieved their weapons. Thaurlach went with them.
"You two have changed a great deal. Gothmog, I can actually sense that you are happy and Avari you are much stronger and more courageous than I remember." Thaurlach said inquisitively.
"Our love for each other has changed our personalities." Gothmog said smiling at Avari.
"I see..." Thaurlach said, obviously aware that they were not telling him the whole story.
The three of them left and met with Shadow and Maria at the gate of Thrandyl or what remained of it. Lighthrawn soon came to them.
"I have assembled the army," he said, "We are prepared to move out whenever you are."
Maria looked at him puzzled.
"You are not leading the Chao?" She asked.
"No, it seems that we all believe that Dyrnwyn's chosen should lead us to victory." Lighthrawn said looking down at the ground.
"But I am no leader! I cannot lead an army by myself!" Maria said nervously.
"I was not referring to you alone, Maria. I was referring to all three of you: Maria, Avari... and the fallen king." Lighthrawn said uncomfortably.
Gothmog smiled and drew his sword. He raised it into the air so that the sunlight gleamed off of it. Gothmog looked back at all the Chao gathered behind him. He shook his head with sorrow and began to speak.
"I am no man experienced in speech or embellished words, but I once lead a people like you all. And though my people are no more, we have been marked down in history. I am aware that you all... or almost all of you fear me as if I were an enemy, but I assure you that Arawn feared me even before I received my curse! I may seem like a monster to you, but I was once a humble warrior of the light and I still strive to be one today! I realize that the Chao and the Lost have fought for centuries upon centuries when I only battled them for merely three short years. But now I ask you to put aside your differences and forgive the Lost for what they have done. I was able to do so and they took everything from me! They destroyed my kingdom, slaughtered my people, and murdered everyone that I loved. Yet, I was able to forgive them despite the cruelty I had endured. I also do not understand why Dyrnwyn chose me. In my opinion, I was as unworthy of wielding Dyrnwyn as Agumar was, but for some reason it did indeed choose me. Though, I do not wish to lead you simply because I wielded a sword that possesses divine properties; I want to be chosen as your leader because I have your trust and if I do not have your trust then I do not want to be your leader."
The Chao all stared at Gothmog with admiration. Many of them had never even seen him before, but they all agreed that he was someone they could follow, someone worthy of being a king, someone worthy of wielding Dyrnwyn. Maria and Avari looked at each other embarrassed. They knew that they could not make a speech that would even amount to his and so they remained silent. Maria would have offered Dyrnwyn to Gothmog, but she knew that he would not accept it. Gothmog said nothing and solemnly walked out of Thrandyl. Avari followed next to him with Shadow and Maria behind them. Thaurlach flew after them followed by Lighthrawn and the rest of the Chao army. Avari looked at Gothmog and smiled.
"You really are the most wonderful person I know." Avari said beginning to cry.
"Thank you, Avari, but I do not deserve your praise. I do what I can to stop the forces of darkness. There is nothing greater that I can offer." Gothmog said staring at the ground.
"You just keep telling yourself that, sweetheart. Some day when your kingdom is restored and we are living happily together, you will realize that you are much more than what you believe yourself to be. You mean the world to me, Gothmog and I promise you that I will heal your heart from your grief and suffering until you are unknown to it." Avari said as she hugged him.
"Avari, you healed my heart the day I met you." Gothmog said with tears in his eyes.
Avari leaned her head on his shoulder and they walked on.
"I wish we could be more like that." Maria said frowning.
"Please, Maria, do you not think that you mean the world to me as well?" Shadow said putting his arm around her.
"Of course, Shadow, I am aware of the sincerity of your feelings and I couldn't imagine living in a world without you." Maria said and then kissed him.
Shadow smiled and realized just how fortunate he was to be with Maria again. Eventually the Chao army arrived at Cyrshold where they drove the Agmarians from their city. It was a rather brief battle and not worthy of in-depth description, but least to say, Maria did most of the fighting as seeing Dyrnwyn demoralized their foes. After the Chao had reclaimed Cyrshold they traveled around the mountains surrounding Nathelien. For some strange reason they met no challenge upon their journey. The Chao concluded that Gothmog must have frightened the Agmarians away. After many long hours of travel they approached the Kalcazra. Nandian ran up to Lighthrawn with a worried expression.
"I do not like this. I believe we are walking into a trap." Nandian whispered.
"Perhaps, but we are ready for anything that lies beyond that gate." Lighthrawn said smiling.
The host of Chao remained a ways away from the gate while Gothmog, Avari, Shadow, and Maria approached it.
"Mavok of Northank, we have come to see to your end and to relive this world from your wicked influence! Now show your cowardly face so that you may die at least with some honor!" Gothmog shouted.
Surprisingly there was no response.
"Hmm... it is not like Mavok to be inhospitable." Avari said confused.
All of a sudden a massive army of Agmarians appeared out of the darkness and surrounded the Chao army to where they were pushed back against the gate. Immediately the Chao clashed with the Agmarians in a furious battle, but the Chao had Dyrnwyn with them and this was more than enough to give them the will to defeat any enemy that opposed them.
Avari then used the Flame of Balar to burn a large hole in the Kalcazra. Gothmog looked back at Lighthrawn who was ordering the Chao to form their positions.
"Lighthrawn! You and Nandian must lead the Chao in battle while Shadow, Maria, Thaurlach, Avari, and I enter Nathelien and deal with Mavok!" Gothmog shouted over the battle raging around them.
"Do not worry, king! We will defeat these foul wretches! These beasts cannot stand against our wrath!" Nandian shouted as he ran an Agmarian through with his blade.
The five of them jumped through the hole Avari had made in the Kalcazra. They traveled down the streets of Nathelien, led by Avari. Eventually they came to the Morgul Tower which was strangely unguarded.
"Odd... there were guards everywhere when I left. I suppose that the dead had to return to Northank once Agumar was killed." Thaurlach said confused.
"I believe you are correct, Thaurlach. I am relieved to know that the dead will no longer walk for it is wicked beyond comprehension." Gothmog said shaking his head.
Maria again looked at Gothmog with a puzzled expression.
"Oh, I am sorry, Maria! I am being very untactful today and I often forget that you are a Lost follower since you act so normal... compared to the rest of them. In fact, your physical appearance would suggest that you are one of my people, the Hesbeorn, and would have relation to the Lost." Gothmog said quickly, stumbling over his words.
Maria laughed loudly.
"It's fine, Gothmog, and sometimes I wish I could have been reincarnated as a regular Mobian instead of a Lost follower. Though, I do enjoy being immortal like Shadow so that I can live with him forever." Maria said as she hugged Shadow.
"Really? That is how I feel about my curse. Of course I do not enjoy bearing it, but it grants me immortality so that I will never have to leave Avari; besides, I would have never even met her if I hadn't received my curse." Gothmog said as he put his arm around Avari.
Avari smiled and kissed him.
"I'm so jealous of you all! The first thing I'm doing when I become king is get a wife!" Thaurlach said annoyed.
They all laughed and continued into the Morgul Tower. The five of them walked up the long staircase and down the corridor that led to the throne room.
"There is something you must know about Mavok before we encounter him," Gothmog said urgently as they approached the throne room, "Aside from being the most wretched scum of the Earth, he also derives his power from the anger of his foes. He will try his best to enrage us with his insults and mockeries, but you must not allow him to do so for he will easily destroy us all."
"It will be difficult for me to fight without using my anger, but I will do my best to control my emotions." Maria said frowning.
"It is very difficult to do so. And Maria I must warn you that he will no doubt say something offensive involving your marriage with Shadow. He enjoys mocking the relationships of others probably because no one has ever loved him." Avari said crossing her arms in frustration.
Shadow walked up to Gothmog.
"You two seem to have experience with such a foe. What did he ever say to you and Avari? I wish to know what to expect." Shadow asked nervously.
"Oh, mostly cruel and rude things. He might question Maria's sexual morality or convince you that she never loved you. He will most likely also make some terrible joke about Maria wielding Dyrnwyn and being a Lost follower." Gothmog said sadly.
"I see..." Shadow said rolling his eyes.
Gothmog opened the large door of the throne room and the five of them slowly entered. To their surprise Mavok was already fighting Zambrog and it looked like he had been for quite some time. He was currently in a sword lock with his brother until he saw them. Zambrog looked at them and shook his head.
"None of you should have come. This is my battle." Zambrog said sadly.
Mavok knocked his brother away and walked toward them smiling. He suddenly stopped and looked at Maria with a puzzled expression.
"Aren't you a bit too young and beautiful to be wielding Dyrnwyn? You know, honey, I could use my powers to turn you back into a human and then you could leave Shadow and be with me. Trust me, you would have a lot more fun with me than you will with this mope little fellow." Mavok said as he ran up to Maria and tickled her chin.
Gothmog and Avari tried to attack Mavok before Shadow or Maria could but they were too late. Shadow had already begun glowing red with rage. He charged at Mavok and attempted to punch his face with more ferocity than Maria had ever seen. Mavok chuckled to himself and grabbed Shadow's fist. He then proceeded to swing Shadow around and launch him toward the ceiling. He impacted it with such force that large chunks of stone fell before he himself plummeted to the ground. Zambrog jumped through the air and caught him.
"Ultimate life form indeed!" Mavok said sarcastically, but quite amused.
"You're disgusting! And even if I were a human again, I wouldn't leave Shadow!" Maria yelled as she ran at Mavok with Dyrnwyn.
"Oh, you're one of those people." Mavok said frowning.
Maria jumped through the air and swung at Mavok's neck. He caught Dyrnwyn by the blade and punched Maria in the stomach which caused her to fly backwards. Gothmog quickly ran and caught Maria before she could slam into the wall. He laid her on the ground.
"Are you injured?" Gothmog asked nervously.
"I-I'm fine." Maria stammered since she was obviously afraid of Gothmog.
Gothmog helped her up and glared at Mavok.
"You must forgive me Maria, but this thing, extremely lowered my expectations for Dyrnwyn. I also thought that you had to be an ugly, old wretch to wield it." Mavok said smiling at Gothmog.
Mavok grabbed Dyrnwyn by the hilt and wielded it in his left hand along with the sword he had made. Of course Dyrnwyn burned his hand ferociously, but he ignored it. Compared to Mavok, Dyrnwyn looked like a small dagger since it was sized to be wielded by a Mobian.
"You'll regret that, scum." Gothmog threatened as he drew his bow and set an arrow.
"Hmm... I since that you and Avari have recently made love. Tell me, what disease do you think you will catch first and what will your children think of you when they discover that you passed down your curse to them? Oh, or does the curse even allow you to have children?" Mavok asked interested.
"Please, spare me your vindictive humor, Mavok." Gothmog said laughing.
Suddenly Mavok squinted with pain as a small sword emerged from his throat. Thaurlach had snuck around while he was talking and stabbed him. Gothmog then shot three arrows in rapid succession. The arrows flew through the air and pierced his chest. Avari then launched a burst of white fire at Mavok which burned through his armor and seared his flesh. Mavok then dropped Dyrnwyn which Maria quickly retrieved. He ripped Thaurlach's sword from his throat and hurled it through the air at the Chao. The projectile smashed into the wall less than an inch from Thaurlach's face. Maria then lacerated Mavok's hamstring with Dyrnwyn. He grunted and kicked Maria back with little effort. Mavok pulled the arrows out of his chest and threw them at Avari as if he were throwing darts at a dartboard. Gothmog jumped in front of her and the arrows plunged into his back with sickening thumps. Avari grimaced with pain and attempted to help Gothmog but he simply shrugged and wrenched the arrows from his back without expression. Due to the curse, they did little but frustrate him. Though Gothmog deeply desired to turn Mavok into a pincushion he knew that his arrows would do little to harm him. He drew his sword and charged at Mavok with Avari. Zambrog also attacked him after tending to Shadow. Shadow would have joined in the attack, but he was having trouble staying conscious. Mavok knocked Gothmog and Avari back with a wave of his hand and turned to face his brother.
"You have all been most amusing guests, but I am afraid that you have overstayed your welcome." Mavok said sadly.
Mavok then held out his hand and the Northank Stone appeared within his palm.
"Don't, brother! You know well what will happen if you destroy the cornerstone of Northank! All Hell will break loose... literally!" Zambrog shouted as he backed away.
"Of course I know that! I created the Northank Stone did I not? I have grown tired of watching over Northank and have decided that it would be better if I destroyed it and unleashed all of the evil contained within it into the real world." Mavok said leisurely as if it was something that happened every day.
Maria jumped at Mavok and stabbed Dyrnwyn into his side. He roared in pain and dropped the Northank Stone. Zambrog dove and grabbed it. He then caused the stone to disappear. Mavok grabbed Dyrnwyn and yanked it out of his side.
"Let me show you why this sword was forged!" Mavok yelled.
He then attempted to slash at Maria with it, but the sword sent a shocking pain through his arm and caused it to go numb.
"That was impressive." Maria said smiling up at Mavok.
He dropped Dyrnwyn and charged at his brother.
"What did you do with the Northank Stone?" Mavok yelled with rage.
"It is gone now. I sent it somewhere you will never go to." Zambrog said as he drew his sword.
"A barber shop?" Mavok suggested tilting his head in confusion.
Zambrog laughed.
"No, but that would have been a good idea." He said smiling.
Mavok continued to charge at his brother. Zambrog then jumped out of the way just as Mavok crashed through one of the large windows in the throne room. Mavok quickly grabbed the ledge of the window with both hands causing him to drop his sword which plummeted to the ground. He tried to pull himself up, but could not muster the strength for the Dyrnwyn wounds were refusing to heal and he still had no feeling in his left arm.
"Quick, brother, grab my hand!" Zambrog yelled leaning over the side.
Mavok grabbed his brother's hand, but pulled him over the side as well. Zambrog expected this and quickly grabbed Mavok's leg. Mavok attempted to shake him off but to no avail.
No one else was willing to help Mavok except Avari for she still believed that there was good in him.
"Take my hand, Mavok!" She shouted reaching for him.
"I would, sugar, but someone or something, rather, already has!" Mavok said laughing.
Avari gasped, offended. She looked down at Zambrog with pity.
"I'm sorry, Zambrog. You always were one of my best friends! I wish there was something I could do to help you!" Avari said desperately.
"It is fine, Avari. I appreciate your forgiveness. I too know that there is still good within my brother's heart." Zambrog said smiling.
"You never learn, brother!" Mavok laughed.
"I never learn? Are you mad, brother?" Zambrog asked outraged.
"Yes, yes I am." Mavok said smiling.
Zambrog shook his head.
"Can you not see the evil you have caused, brother? We were tasked with protecting this world by creating Northank and now look at what you have become! You have caused pain and misery to all upon this world and have cost thousands their lives! It was your duty to destroy the darkness, not join with it and allow it to corrupt your mind! How could you allow your immorality to grow so fierce? What would our mother and father say? What would your wife say? What would what would your daughter say? What would your Father say?" Zambrog yelled with sorrow.
Mavok suddenly remembered his family. He saw his parents reading the Bible to him and remembered all of the versus they made him memorize. He saw his brother's smiling face (the living version of course) and remembered all the great times they had together growing up. He then realized how much he loved his brother for he had always been there for him. Mavok then remembered his wedding and marrying his wife. He loved her deeply and it pained him to remember how she had left him. But above all he remembered the day his daughter was born. It was the happiest day of his life, the day he become a father. He had promised his daughter that he would always be there for her and he became ashamed at the thought of what she would say to him now.
Mavok looked down at his brother in silence for a long time. Suddenly his face became horror-stricken.
"Zambrog, I-I Can't hold on any longer! I'm slipping!"
"What? Brother, no! You have more physical strength than anyone I know! Please, Father, spare the life of my brother so that he may right his wrongs and I promise I will do all that I can to honor you!" Zambrog prayed.
Mavok paused.
"Hey Zammy... just kidding!" Mavok said smiling.
Zambrog looked up at his brother and they both began laughing uncontrollably. When Mavok stopped laughing he looked down at his brother and smiled, though this was a different smile than what he usually had upon his face. It was not a smile of madness or wickedness or even that of cruel humor as he was accustomed to. It was a smile of sincere peace and happiness. Mavok put face into the bend of his elbow and began to cry.
"You are right, brother! I cannot believe what I have done, but when my daughter was killed I began to hate the world and I began to hate my Father! Now, I see what a monster I have become and that she would hate to see me like this! Please forgive me, brother! I now repent from my sin! I cannot bear the guilt any longer!" Mavok yelled in grief.
Zambrog looked up at his brother and smiled.
"Of course I forgive you, Mavok! I always had faith in you!" Zambrog said happily.
Mavok shook his head in anguish. He suddenly felt the feeling return in his arm. He grabbed his brother by the wrist and suddenly a great light shone down from the sky on both of them. The light became so intense that he had to look away from his brother. When it had dispersed Mavok looked down at his brother and saw him whole and alive just as he was before Agumar had killed him. Zambrog looked much like Mavok of course. He was tall and stout with refined features. His skin was pale like Mavok's, but he looked a bit younger than him since Mavok was the older brother. Zambrog had blue eyes and long black hair, but not as long as Mavok's. He also did not have a beard like him either, but possessed a moustache and a trimmed goatee. Now, Zambrog wore white steel armor over laced with gold and a golden cape which was the complete opposite of Mavok's black steel armor.
Zambrog gasped as air filled his lungs. It had been over a thousand years since he had last drawn breath. Zambrog laughed and began to cry.
"Brother, I'm alive! I can't believe it, I'm actually alive!" Zambrog shouted.
"Yes, and you're much heavier!" Mavok grunted.
"Um... guys, they need help!" Avari shouted.
She looked at Gothmog who did not move but simply fiddled with his bow. She then turned to Maria who was kneeling next to Shadow with her hand on his forehead. Neither of them even acknowledged her. She then turned to Thaurlach who was staring at the ground as if trying to avert her eyes. Avari stared in disbelief at them all; especially Gothmog.
"You mean that none of you are going to help them? I can't lift them on my own!" Avari shouted angrily.
"I will not forgive Mavok! Just look at what he did to Shadow! And he hit on me! He is beyond wicked!" Maria yelled angrily.
Avari shook her head.
"Thaurlach, Mavok has done nothing wrong to you! You can forgive him can't you?" Avari pleaded.
Thaurlach looked up at her and frowned.
"Mavok turned Agumar evil and therefore, is responsible for all the misery in my life: the death of my parents, my uncle, and the death of thousands of Chao. You do not understand Avari. Agumar stole me from my home and raised me, that is something beyond torture." Thaurlach said beginning to cry.
Avari turned to Gothmog.
"Sweetheart, surely you will forgive him! You were able to forgive the Lost for destroying your people! You even joined us! Surely you can forgive Mavok for what he did to you!" Avari said clasping his arm.
Gothmog put his hand to his forehead and sighed.
"Avari, if it weren't for Mavok, the Lost would have never been created and we would have all lived normal, happy lives. I would have never been cursed, Thaurlach would have been raised by his true parents, and I suppose Shadow and Maria could have... well I guess they wouldn't be very happy since Maria would have never returned as a Mobian. Besides, this could all just be a charade. Mavok could just be trying to fool us into saving his life and then he just fight us again." Gothmog said stumbling over his words.
"If it weren't for Mavok you would have never met me!" Avari said through gritted teeth as she squeezed his arm.
"Yes, of course! Alright I will save him for you, Avari." Gothmog said surprised that he had forgotten that very important fact.
He and Avari then grabbed Mavok's other arm that he wasn't using to hold Zambrog and pulled them up. Mavok kneeled down and hugged Avari which Gothmog did not appreciate at all. He started to shove Mavok away, but Zambrog stopped him.
"Oh, bless you, Avari! I am so sorry for all that I said to offend you and Gothmog! I wish you both endless happiness for the rest of eternity!" Mavok said as cried into Avari's shoulder.
Avari was obviously very surprised by this, but hugged him back.
"It's fine, Mavok. I forgive you." She consoled him.
Mavok then hesitantly hugged Gothmog as well though Gothmog would not hug him back.
"And Gothmog, I am deeply sorry for all that I did to you! I realize that it is might fault that you were cursed and that your kingdom fell! Please, I will do anything I can to help restore it and I will even take away your curse and return your soul!" Mavok yelled in grief.
Gothmog laughed and decided to hug him back.
"If you had told me that a week ago, Mavok, I would have immediately said yes, but now that Avari and I have recognized our true love for each other I would rather keep my curse in order to stay immortal. I should actually be thanking you for without it I would have never met Avari." Gothmog admitted.
"What? No, you don't understand! I could take away your curse and then make you immortal as your normal self! Oh, and the incident with your soul, I could fix that too of course!" Mavok said smiling.
Gothmog looked at Avari.
"Would you be okay with this?" Gothmog asked her.
Avari laughed.
"Are you kidding, sweetheart? Of course I would be okay with that! I would love that actually! Of course, I never did fear you like everyone else, but I want you to be happy more than anything!" Avari said as if Gothmog were crazy.
Gothmog paused.
"I... I don't know, Mavok. This curse has made me who I am, but I do not want my own children to fear and hate me. So, yes, I would greatly appreciate it if you would take away my curse." Gothmog said smiling.
Mavok jumped into the air and executed a perfect back flip.
"Thank you, Gothmog! I am overjoyed to know that I can do even such a small thing to help account for my actions toward you!" Mavok said delighted.
Mavok touched his hand to Gothmog's chest and suddenly, in a flash of light Gothmog was his normal self again. His fur changed to its original yellow color and his eyes returned to their deep blue shade. Gothmog looked down at himself in amazement and began to cry. He could feel his soul return to him as well, but he really didn't feel all that different. Avari had restored him to his original self when she told Gothmog that she loved him. Gothmog hugged and kissed Avari out of joy. She too began to cry as well as Zambrog and Thaurlach. They had been with Gothmog through all of his years. They too had witnessed his suffering and could not help but be overjoyed to see him return to his original self. Gothmog ran to Mavok and hugged him as well.
"See! I told you I would remove your curse if you helped me kill Agumar!" Mavok said laughing as he grabbed Gothmog and spun him around in circles like a small child.
Gothmog then hugged Zambrog, Thaurlach, Maria, and Shadow. Well, he just wanted to hug everyone, really. Gothmog was so happy to see that they did not fear him when he hugged them all. He then picked up Avari and ran around the throne room with her. Avari laughed and threw her arms around his neck.
"Sweetheart, I cannot express how happy I am that you have been restored to your old self! I must say that you were the last person on the world who deserved that curse!" Avari said with great excitement.
She then kissed him for quite a long time. Mavok walked over to Thaurlach who was standing in a corner by himself.
"There isn't much I can do to heal your sorrows, Thaurlach, but I can give you my blessing." Mavok said sadly.
"Keep your blessing, I do not want it nor do I have any need of it!" Thaurlach said angrily.
"Ha! You sound just like your father!" Mavok said laughing.
"You don't have to do anything for me, Mavok. I will forgive you nonetheless for it truly wasn't your fault that my family all died. Besides, I would not be here if it weren't for you, Mavok. Because if you had never made Agumar evil the Lost would have never been created and there would have been no war; thus, my uncle, Falathlorn would have married my mother instead of Thadur." Thaurlach said smiling.
"Well, that's a petty excuse to thank me, but I will give you my blessing nonetheless." Mavok said happily.
Mavok then uncomfortably walked over to Shadow and Maria.
"I realize that I have offended you both greatly but I will do my best to fix my actions. I will heal you, Shadow, and Maria, just know that I didn't mean any of those things I said to you." Mavok said smiling.
"Thanks..." Maria said obviously not very thankful.
Mavok waved his hand and Shadow's body was mended. Shadow jumped up and hugged Mavok.
"I cannot truly tell you how thankful I am for you, Mavok! Without you I would have never seen Maria again and we would not be married now! Thank you so much!" Shadow said beginning to cry.
Mavok hugged him back and looked at Maria who had her arms crossed and would not look at him. Shadow put his arm around her.
"It's fine, Maria. I don't care about what he did. Why should you?" Shadow whispered to her.
Maria sighed and rolled her eyes. She stomped toward Mavok angrily. She then jumped up and pulled him down by his beard so that he would be at eyelevel with her.
"I'll forgive you this once, Mavok, but if you ever harm Shadow again, trust me, you'll regret it." Maria said darkly as she clenched her fists.
Mavok smiled.
"You sound like my wife!" He laughed.
Mavok then hugged his brother, Zambrog, and began to cry.
"I will do my best to fix this world, brother! This I swear... and you look much better alive than you did dead!" Mavok laughed.
SHADOW, KNUCKLES, SILVER, AMY, CREAM, AND CHEESE ARE ALL COPYRIGHT BY SEGA
Well, this is the last exciting chapter. The last two are going to be all sad and mushy. It pains me to know that my story is almost over, but I have had a lot of fun writing it and Mavok might be my new favorite character or perhaps it is a tie between him and Gothmog.