CHAPTER 14
THE HERO
MADO II
Mado struggled with his own choice. But he stood unshaken. He would not give into temptation this is not what Mujaki wanted for him, but Mujaki was no longer of this world. He was too pure in essence. However mado patience began to run dry. He surveyed the entire battlefield. Trying to imaging what movements the hero would take in this situation. This battle had raged on far too long, if he didn't make a move they would both be trapped eternally but if he did he could risk defeat. He held his head as a shockwave shot through it thoughts clashed with each other. The ideas the urges everything. He was a mess, maybe it would have been better if he was never granted a choice. Decisions choices who decided we should have them. I don't want to think for myself. I want to be a soldier. Yes, that's what I am a soldier. But Mujaki fuck what Mujaki thinks fuck what i think. I am a scholar of the utopian choir. I am mado and i will not resist my mission. He flooded the harmful thoughts all the way to the back of his head. I have a mission, and its true that standing upon the abomination. The high ground is in my possession assessing the movements. I could have the advantage. One strike is all i need to wipe him out i must position myself well.
Mado [I propose we call it a draw]
The words caught the hero off guard. A draw what he was talking about there was no way out of this without one of them being dead. How could he possibly propose such a thing as a draw. That would be abandoning his own mission for what he was sent here to do. It was a whole load of shit.
The Hero [a fucking draw what are you mad]
But in an unexpected behaviour Mado dropped his staff onto the ground. It plopped down and rolled towards the centre this was it, The Heroes opportunity but why did Mado agree on a draw. Perhaps he really was admitting defeat. Maybe this was the way out of the circle of violence they found themselves trapped within. It was possible Mado was planning to stab him in the back, but with what weapon he had lost his equipment necessary to fight with his staff on the ground what could he possibly do. Maybe it was worth considering. He had to make sure Mado was serious, and in a gamble The Hero took a step forward. Towards Mado's staff, for a minute he hesitated and did not avert his gaze from Mado he showed no signs of attacking. And let him walk to the staff freely. There was a painted expression of fatigue on his face. Mado looked tired, ;like he also just wanted this fight to end. The Hero could share that same sentiment. But he was not sure how the aftermath would play out. Be it Mado Surrendering in a fight. How would the choir react in that case they could be in the same boat. Both condemned to death by the choir. And how would Niniyago react? It seemed that Ninyago was not entirely loyal to the choir. But would she throw Mado in as bait to save herself from failure. Sacrificing Mado for her own survival, The Hero had known well just what kind of person Ninyago was and it seemed in all likeness she would. Sacrifice others to save her own ass. In fact Ninyago might be watching over this fight through her puppeteers using them as cameras. Or she was still playing dead, he could never be sure when it came to his sister. Perhaps he didn't know her as well as he thought. And if things were to go south could he rely on her in the fight. He didn't quite know. Just as the hero was about to open his mouth and request Mado jump down from the beast, Mado did exactly that as if he had read his thoughts. It was quite irregular that it felt like so many people could do this as of late. Maybe he was just easy to read. Mado landed down just below the abomination but also kept his distance quite a bit away from The hero. They were both very sceptical about this but from the hero's point of view he deemed that Mado was genuine in his plea to cease the violence.
Meanwhile Mado was plotting against the hero. He didn't ever expect his gamble to pay off but it seems he played his cards well, all he did was plaster a fake expression on his face and feed lies to the hero. The only problem with his plan is he had to withdraw his staff only for the time being. He still fully intended to cease it by force. His unwavering will would not crumble. His will to kill the hero, and prove himself useful. This was for everyone the Hero had killed all of those making up the abomination. He knew the names of the fallen Sakura minato rei shinji Reinhard. CIrsi .Yui emilia. They were all killed here by him, there were many whose names he didn't know, however he tried to recall every single one of them as part of him. He owed them that much. On seeing the Abomination he came to the realisation, the hero isn't the only one who must perish but also ninyago. She had created them, she had flayed them, and turned them into what they are. The Hero was her courier but she was the creator, such a beast should not be permitted to live at all. Now of course this meant that he would be singing his death certificate. This would mean betraying the choir, this was his choice to stick to his beliefs he had achieved it with this one decision. Mado singled his hands up and counted to 10 on his fingers. Each number he counted down both The Hero and Mado took a step closer. ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT NINE AND FINALLY TEN. On the 10th count they were standing right in front of each other. Mado's staff lay on the ground between them, the abomination still stood dormant in the background. Without the staff he could not control the beast. Mado reached out his hand to shake, signalling a treaty of peace. The Hero fell for the bait and met his hand. With that Mado twisted The Hero's hand. Crack his bone popped like a rocket. And the hero jumped back on instinct.
The Hero noticed the staff in the center of the room. He realised this was what took control of the abomination seeing the fact that once Mado dropped his staff the abomination became dormant. So now it was nothing but a battle for the staff, The Hero debated between the battle for control for the staff. Or if he should give up and relinquish the staff to Mado while he went to recruit his sister. Both came with positives and negatives. Would he even be able to reach Ninyago without being stuck down. But the same could be said about the staff. So neither was a valid complaint. Fuck it the staff is mine. The Hero charged forward, Mado reacted quickly and went to snatch up the staff, before he could feel it The Hero sent a flying left hook with the strength of a lion. This nearly sent Mado flying to the ground, Mado planted his feet into the ground and took a sharp turn. With this Mado only took a single step back, They both locked eyes with each other. When both were in equal distance from the staff. They could be caught in another stalemate with one wrong Move. but the hero took the heat of the battle seriously. And did not give up his pursuit. Instead of lunging for the staff he bursted at Mado. Mado ducked under his overhead fist. He tossed his elbow into The Hero's stomach. The hero coughed and stepped back. In this situation The Hero was painfully aware that he had no chance of obtaining the staff in this instant. So he took another gamble and kicked the staff to the side. Mado's eyes locked onto the staff. His eyebrows twitched. And the hero sent a brutal knee thrust into Mado's stomach. He followed this up with a fist to the jaw. This cracked back on Mado and twisted his jaw. Left bewildered, mado twisted his jaw back into place. He charged towards The Hero and sent a feint punch to the left then. Tackled The Hero to the ground. Mado wrapped both arms around the hero's neck and began to squeeze. The hero quickly bashed his head into Mado's forehead. Sending Mado flying back an inch. The Hero rushed for the stuff but was intercepted by Mado who shoulder charged him down. This was less of a strategic fight and more reminiscent of two kids fighting on a playground. Complete chaos.Mado had the staff just in his grasp. The Hero tossed himself in the air and sent a flying punch straight down aimed at Mado's skull. Mado stepped away from it and sent a crushing elbow into The Hero's nose. He reacted quickly and snatched the staff off the ground. The staff Had returned to its rightful owner, with that Mado let out a chuckle. Unfortunately for him that would not stop The Hero's Pursuit. He sent another predictable fist aimed towards Mado's face. He raised up the staff and blocked The Heroes below. He then poked the staff into The Hero's stomach. He grabbed his head and smashed it down against the top of the staff, sending the Hero crumbling to the ground.
Mujaki, I wish you were here. I did it. I became what I promised, a strong warrior. I am no longer slothful. Like they wanted me to be. After their declaration of brotherhood, Mujaki and Mado continued to grow closer. As they grew up with time they both began to achieve new dreams and aspirations. Mado thought back on choosing for himself and after years of pondering on it and changing what he wanted, mado finally decided on it.
Mado [i want to be a brave warrior who will never falter]
Mujaki supported his Brothers dreams. He even got him a trainer who would teach him swordsmanship and witchcraft. Both of which were forbidden in the village.They lived in a pacifist village so no practices of violence were to be committed . Mujki made quite a load of connections through being a scavenger and bandit. Due to that he was able to convince a restricted teacher. To take Mado under his wing. Mujaki wanted to do anything to help his brother. Although Mujaki was not interested in becoming a warrior himself, he took great pleasure in watching Mado Practice. Mado would always lose but promise he would win next time he was quite stubborn in the end, as he always was. Mado would improve all the time but also suffer with chronic laziness. He could never forget about back then. His original purpose he was happy with the purpose he had forged for himself, but he always thought about if he really deserved it or if he was born for the original. Mujaki would always tell him he was being stupid and. Make sure he stood on the right track. Mujaki even threatened to leave dogshit under his pillow if he ever gave up the sword. Mado started off fighting with wooden sticks and dueling his master. He never knew anything about him not his name nor his origin. He was a mysterious person overall. Mujaki had wanted to become an artist. He wanted to help people draw them. And bring joy to people so he began to self teach himself. To not leave his brother alone and he achieved great success. He started up his own stand. In which he would do portraits for people. He did that for a while but then realised he himself did not have a purpose. So much like Mado he also wondered about what he was supposed to do in life. He tried art singing hell he even tried drama. But nothing worked for him, so in the end he decided to join Mado not in the fighting but just being by his side all the time. He was not as capable and strong but he would always help when Mado needed him. Mujaki would like to cheer on Mado from the side and praising him for jobs well done, which encouraged Mado to keep going. His master would never give him any words of praise but in the end i guess thats what Mujaki was for. And in the end that meant everything to Mado. one day at night Mujaki fell ill they had dictated he had the same sickness as his father before him. Mujaki began contemplating if his fate had been sealed all the way back then. Mado even took a break from his teachings just to stay by Mujakis side like he had all the way back then. But one night Mado's master belittled him and told him that Mujaki was a lost cause that he was on his way out anyways. That he had to choose the sword over everything. But Mado brushed him away and decided to quit his training. That was when. His master came to him late at night, he filled Mado's ears with words of doubt and manipulation. Telling him that the disease. Mujaki was unable to be cured and that he would die, however there was a catch he told Mado the only way to save him was to leave his side. That too much connection would worsen his condition. And the final wound that Mado could cure him if he studied witchcraft under him. Mado had gone there for both swordsmanship and witchcraft; however he had never dived deep into the world of witchcraft. For months he studied witchcraft looking for a cure for Mujaki. Mujaki began to harbour destain for Mado; he didn't understand anything; all he wanted was his brother to be by his side forever. But Mado had not As much as visited him in months. Mujaki became the exact same as Mado was when he was first brought into the world. He was locked away in a room he never saw any human connection. From Mado's point of view it was worth it just to spend more time with his Brother. But indirectly he had subjected him to the same pain he experienced all those years back. Mado trained and trained. He didn't even get enough sleep, he needed to save Mujaki. He began to become incredibly thin in weight. By the time he finished his training you could see through him like a skeleton. His Master spoke to him. He told him about a day where everything must end. I say that would put everything Mado ever studied. To the limit on the day he would be able to save Mujaki. But he would have to prove himself first. He called this. The day the choir would sing. On the date December 15th the day began. HIs master was no place to be found so Mado would study on his own he would train and train. He was ecstatic but also quite nervous for the duty he was ready to fulfil. Mujaki told him back then. That they would be each others purpose. To protect his brother. Thats what the brotherhood was all about, so on that day he would bring it fruition. He would save Mujaki from the same sickness he couldn't save his father from. He awaited the whole day for what he had to do. And during dawn it all came to light. A fire sprung out from the village. People rushed out of their houses while they were taken by the flames. There was so many people burning but. The first thing Mado did was search for Mujaki. He respected the people of the village but he loved Mujaki. If all of them survived but Mujaki didn't he would not be satisfied. The flames sung like a choir that screams in perfect harmony. It was the day the choir sang. He kicked down the door were Mujaki used to reside but he found, nothing the room had not been met with flames yet but it had been completely empty. Mado ran through burning buildings just to find him but in the end he found nothing. But he did discover who started the fire. There was a group of people all wearing patchwork cloaks. They purged village.but in the center amongst them stood his master. Mado rushed at him and demanded answers.
Mado [were is Mujaki]
His master stared into his eyes with such a vile look, he remembered them all too well. It was the shadow man the one who had dedicated he would stay in the cabin his life. And he had come to punish him for leaving his post. But Mado had trained he would be able to strike him down. He gripped his staff and surged towards the shadow man. He caught his staff and flinged it upwards sending Mado flying in the air. He shot his arms around while airborne and shielded his face with his arms as he went flying into the ground. The embers of the fire surrounding him. The heat was boiling him up to the point he was about to give up and feint.
Shadow Man [Mado is that who you are now, no we never gave you that name. You're nothing but sloth, have you forgotten your purpose. Leaving your post. You were forbidden to do so yet you did. And then you try to reject us and start a life for yourself. With this Mujaki, no you don't get a choice. I decide for every one of us. And this is your consequence. However, I will not kill the boy. What I said was the truth. He can still be saved unless The Hero gets to him. So do be quick if he dies it's not in my hands. Its on his]
The Shadow man towering above Mado points to. A building unscathed by the flames. Mado takes no hesitation and rushes in. The walls are stained with blood, and Mado follows the blood up the stairs. And finds him, Mujaki is on the ground with a sword wound in her stomach. Mado shouts out his name and rushes over to him. He takes a cloth from the table and does everything he can to stop the bleeding. However nothing seems to work. He continues to call his name over and over. Mujaki, Mujaki, Mujaki.
Mujaki [why did you leave me]
This one word takes Mado back. He ceases stopping the wound to take in what Mujaki just said. No, I didn't leave him. I did this for him for Mujaki, as the code of brotherhood said to do anything for your brother. So I tried to save him. So why is he looking at me with such hatred.
Mujaki [you left me all alone. You abandoned me, I haven't seen you in months. And now you finally show up. And now I'm dying. I wouldn't have minded dying if i could at least spend my last few months with you. But you left me all alone. To curl up and die by myself. What is this some kind of mercy to not let me die alone. Bullshit all I ever wanted was for you to stick by my side, like I did for you, like you used to do. And you abandoned me]
While Mujaki's eyes boil with rage, Mado drowns in tears.
Mado [No Mujaki, brother. I did everything for you. I wanted to save you. All I've ever wanted was to save you, and now I'm here, it's gonna be alright you wont die. I did not abandon you I would never, it's for you, it was all for you. I am by your side now, like we always said. That's our brotherhood right]
Mado grabs his staff. He now knows the spell to save Mujakis life. He can save him, he lifts it up between his eyes. But unexpectedly, Mado smacks the staff out of his hands. Mado screams out in confusion "Mujaki"
Mujaki [you left me alone. So dont fucking come at me with this bullshit. You did this for me, you say, YOU LEFT ME. Not even a word. No contact, I was there for months suffering. That witchcraft wont save me. You can't save me, you failed to save me the moment you left that day, all I've ever done is support you. And this is how you repay me, Your not my Brother]
What did he mean? I'm not his brother. We promised each other, we were always brothers. We always have to be brothers. I swear we have to be. We are each other's purpose, what are we without that.
Mado rushes to pick up the staff, but Mujaki kicks it away again. He goes for it again and Mujaki uses his leg. To send Mado flying into the wall. Mado crawls over towards the staff. Mujakis voice Cuts through the air
Mujaki [ENOUGH]
Mado runs over next to Mujaki and thrust his finger into his chest. The symbol of brotherhood. But Mujaki brushes it away. Mado keeps speaking pointless words to Mujaki attempting to change his mind but nothing can convince him now. Its all too late.
Mujaki [i loved you]
Mado [i love you]
Two brothers drawn apart. One looks at the other with love and affection. The other looks with hatred and malice.
Mujaki [you know what my dads last words were]
Mado shook his head.
Mujaki [live]
Mujaki's body then went cold and lifeless, with that Mujaki had left this world. The brotherly love they felt. Was all gone and hatred was all that was left. Or perhaps not all, Mujaki even in his final moments, even after being wronged by his former brother. Still did not hate him completely. For the happy memories together could never be tainted]
That was then for the first time. Mado had felt loss. He knew all too well how Mujaki was feeling when his dad died. He understood. And Mado remembers what his true purpose is now. Kill the Hero avenge Mujaki.
Mado is in possession of the staff. He closes his eyes and speaks out
Mado [i am awakened]
The staff shoots out thousands of shadow tentacles at once and Mado's eyes turn pure white. He launches a barrage of the tentacles at the hero. The hero steps to the side he dodges the first to the left then weaves out of the way of the second. Then does a limbo under the third. However they don't stop coming. It seems now the hero's only option is to resort to his previous plan to get his sister's help. He doesn't have time to think about it, he must act, he will not be able to dodge these tentacles forever but now Mado would not give up so easily. The Abomination latches tentacles to the ceiling and swings down. Cannonballing onto the hero, he raises his sword up and st\arts hacking and slashing, cutting through the abominations interior. And coming out the top. The abomination seems significantly weaker but perhaps that's due to how much energy Mado is putting into his own attacks. Mado charges at the hero, The hero meets Mado's staff with his sword, sending them into a clash. The hero sweeps his legs to trip Mado up Mado hops up in the air and uses his tentacles to grab. The hero around the neck. He tosses the Hero into the wall. The hero plants his sword into the wall and jumps back at him. The abomination charges at the same time two tentacles are attacking from the side. The Hero twirls in the air narrowly cutting between both. Mado places both hands on his staff and shoots out a surge of darkness. That explodes like a bomb. The Hero holds up his arms in defense. But regardless it sends him flying back into the wall. Mado follows this up by thrusting his sword into The Hero's chest. The Hero follows this up by raising his knee and sending into Mado's nose. The abomination Lifts Mado up in the air with its tentacles. Towering above The Hero Mado sends strikes of dark lighting downwards, The hero narrowly avoids every strike. Just about. He launches himself airborne. And slashes against the tentacles of the abomination holding mado up. It takes about 5 times to cut them down. Mado is sent back to the ground on his knees. The Hero takes this opportunity to flee. In this instant the only thing he can do is go for his sister and since he has a perfect opening with Mado stunned he takes his chance. He richoshes. Against the wall and scales upwards, the abomination charges into the wall, The Hero leaps upwards and does a backflip causing the abomination to collide with the wall. He then propels himself back to the wall and continues to scale it. Then with a foul sweep of Mado's tentacles he knocks him off the wall. He comes dropping down towards the mouth of the Abomination. The Hero Thrusts his sword downwards through the abominations stomach piercing through many of them. People contained in the abomination, he becomes showered in limbs. He bashes his foot against the roof of the abomination's mouth and shoots himself out. Mado is now swinging airborne, he charges into The hero and pins his neck against the wall. Still in the air, The Hero pokes his sword In mados eye sending Mado flying down. The Hero continues up the wall. The hero wonders about what his next move should be. Does he proceed further up the wall as is, if he does there are many things that could go wrong he is fighting a 2v1 so either the abomination or Mado could strike him down quite easily. Fighting them both off at the same time while scaling a wall is quite challenging over all. While caught up in his thing the abominations tentacles jolted him down to the ground. Mado dropped the use of tentacles and came straight at him using only his staff. He collided his sword into the staff. Mado sent an upward strike and the hero parried it. And downward one parried. Right parried. Left parried. But from his rear the abomination struck him, he parried its attack also, having to deal with clashing with the two opponents at once, the moment he blocked an attack from Mado he would have to block one from the Abomination it was a constant back and forward battle. Mado attempted to sweep the leg, much like the hero had done earlier but he responded in the same way, The hero hopped into the air. The abomination shoulder charged him, but The Hero Remained his composure and dug his feet into the ground. Turned to the side and barely moved back.
Mado had begun to grow impatient. Why wont he die already, he deserves to, He killed Mujaki. The hero, that's what the shadow man said. If the hero gets to him. Fuck the hero fuck the choir, what i choose is revenge. How is he possibly able to counterattack two of us at once. I'm aware I am doing the very thing I complained about. Using the abomination using the dead to further my own agenda, but this is the only way and i will not let my vengeance be stolen from me i will strike this fucker down. Mado screams his name "HERO"
And in return The Hero screams his "MADO"
That's right. That is what they told Mado what the shadow man did. It was The Hero that slayed Mujaki. After Mujaki's death, the weight of loss Mado felt was almost unbearable. He became exactly like Mujaki did when his father died. Empty cold he didn't feel anything but numb. Nothing brought him joy; he was devoid of purpose. The Shadow man recruited Mado to the choir. He didn't have the will in him left to fight against the proposal. So he accepted and dawned one of the patchwork robes, the same ones that belonged to the ones who burned down his village and the man who killed Mujaki. The Hero. The Shadow man hated the sense of identity he referred to everyone as components. Or titles, The Hero The Villain. The Puppet Master, they were all titles not names. Mado had the privilege of being named the eight component. sloth , The Shadow man praised him for being able to be so useful after all he had surpassed what was originally intended for him. He would go on missions to wipe out imperfect and useless components. He felt nothing when he struck them down. But Mujaki would never leave his mind. His brother died hating him, condemning him. If only he stayed with him. Maybe if they left on better terms. It wouldn't hurt as much, Mujaki was his entire existence so now Mado was a hollow shell. That helped the choir obtain perfection. But thats not what he wanted. He would see The Hero around but never directly interact with him. He would constantly plan his demise, in many ways ,backstabbing, poison, assasination. But he could never bring any of them to fruition. In order to live in order to keep moving forward he claimed his new purpose. Killing The Hero. and Advenging Mujaki. When the Hero turned his back on the choir. It was the only time Mado had felt joy, it meant he would finally have a just excuse to kill him. And that's what led him here now.
Mado sent a volley of stars soaring towards The Hero. but somehow he avoided every single one of them. How could he do it, how was he so strong why could i not achieve revenge i need it he must die. But no matter what I do he stands tall. His death is The Hero's fault not mine. Its his fault it is. Its his fault. Il kill him il kill him.
Mado [YOU MUST DIE]
Mado blinded by rage sent countless projectiles towards The Hero, However he was not focussed so none of them even came close to damaging The Hero. This is the sole reason The Hero was able to successfully scale the wall. When the Hero climbed up the wall, he ran down the hallway and found his sister still laying there. She wasn't even faking death; she was just sleeping the lazy prick. The hero could hear rushing. Could hear clanking, stepping stomping. That's how he knew Mado was in hot pursuit. He slapped his sister in the face repeatedly until she finally woke up.
Ninyago [gee do you really have to be so rough im awake im here. Damn stupid brother]
The Hero gave a mischievous smile
The Hero [wakey wakey]
Ninyago completely zoned out from all the fighting that went down, tilting her head. In response The Hero points down the hallway to the raging Mado who now sprints in their direction. He then makes a fist and punches the air. Trying to communicate with her to fight. She closes her eyes and attempts to drift back to sleep. Mado smacks The Hero in the face with his staff. And pins him against the wall. Ninyago is still sleeping on the floor. Mado puts more pressure around the hero's neck. The Hero headbuts him and sends him flying back. He then picks up his sister and tosses her towards Mado. Mado brings his staff downwards and bonks her over the head. Ninyago rolls around the floor and shoots herself back to her feet. Mado ignores her and continues rushing towards The Hero. Ninyago then sends her first into the back of Mado's head. Which knocks him onto the floor.
Ninyago [ gee now Ninyago joins the fight]
Mado plants his staff into the ground, he shoots a massive shockwave which sends the entire room in to ruin. The power of the shockwave sends both Ninyago and The hero soaring back onto the battlefield. Mado glides above them all now emitting a glowing purple aura. The Hero and Ninyago stand upright and send a glance at each other. They both nod at the other, Mado swipes sending a purple beam across the arena. They both jump over it and charge forward. The Hero lifts Ninyago up. She uses his back as a platform and jumps up into the air. Mado sends a straight energy beam at Ninyago. She weaves out of the way. And headbuts Mado in the chest. He grabs her by the arm and slams the staff down on her back. Sending her flying to the floor. NInyago raises herself up and turns to The Hero.
Ninyago [gee he is quite the bother aint he. Tell ya what, why don't you fight him. And I go take on my own creation, or should I say my own abomination.]
The Hero [right]
They both sprint in each other's direction. Ninyago passes behind The Hero's back. And fights the abomination. She pulls out her control bar and summons her puppet dolls. They dig into the tentacles. and surround ninyago so she can control them. She sends waves of them with knives to dig into the abomination. She jumps on top of them using them as stepping stones and launches herself towards the abomination.
While Ninyago fights The Abomination The Hero tries to take down Mado. He drops down to ground level. And challenges Hero to a duel. The Hero sprints in and swings his fist forward, Mado catches his hand and twists it to the side. Mado grabs The Hero by the neck and slams him into the ground. The Hero Wraps his legs around Mado's neck and switches their positions. The Hero smashes his fist into Mados' face. Mados head shoots back and collides with the ground. The Hero unsheathes his sword and stabs it into Mado's hand. Mado pushes his hand through the sword avoiding the pain, he knocks the sword to the ground. And gives The Hero a nasty left hook.
Ninyago Mounts the abomination like a horse. She tangles the strings all around its body, dashing around it to cover every inch. The abomination attempts to swing its tentacles, but the strings pull it back. Ninyago does multiple laps around it each time, she drags her blade along its side. She made the abomination to be durable so it would take quite alot to vanquish it. While she continues her laps around, she sends numerous puppets to sink their blade into the abomination. Soon the abomination is covered in puppets digging their blades into it. So much that you cannot even see what the abomination looks like.
Back in the fight between Mado And The Hero Mado demands an answer.
Mado [why did you kill him, why did you Mujaki]
The hero, still on the ground, twists his foot around. Mados leg dragging him down, once Mado falls down he impacts the front of his face with a critical punch. It cracks the bones in Mado's nose. His nose now overflowing with blood he demands again.
Mado [WHY DID YOU KILL MY BROTHER]
The Hero hooks him in the face again. Mado swarms around the ground like a fish out of water. It's become quite clear to The Hero that Mado isn't even trying anymore. He just wants his confession. The Hero sends an overhead fist down into Mado's jaw. He demands again
Mado [TELL ME WHY]
The Hero finally responds
The Hero [it wasn't me who killed him. But you know that don't you]
Ninyago's strings tighten up and begin to tear the limbs from the abomination. Body parts begin to become loose. She does another lap around slicing the loose limbs off. But Ninyago freezes in place when a voice pierces her ears.
The Abomination [Mother]
The Abomination had been Ninyago's creation. Made up of thousands of dead, but it wasn't just unknown dead people. Those were the same people who died in the village. On the day the choir sang. When they all raided it, they were forced to comply and purge them. The Shadow man told them it was a result of Mado's actions. That he needed to be taught a lesson. This did not sit right with Ninyago, the murder of thousands due to one's wrongdoing could hardly be justified. This very event made Ninyago question her loyalty to the Choir. She tried to preserve the dead, plucking the strings and patching them together. By draining their blood she brought them back to life somewhat sentient. And that's how the meat puppets roamed about. She wanted to bring them back, they didn't need to die. But it was impossible so she gave them one final chance at life. To serve her. To many it may seem cruel, but Ninyago could not let them simply die like that. They were a collection of those she could never save. Ninyago paused and hung her head. She knew that she must say goodbye. That killing them now was mercy, she gave them a worse death then they would have been granted if they died that night.
Niniyago [goodbye my creation]
Mado In a fit of rage tackled The Hero to the ground. The Hero did not fight back; he understood it all. He understood why Mado was fighting so hard. He was simply just a victim of the deception of the utopian choir. So he would act as his punching bag. From the very start he never wanted to kill Mado but he was willing to if necessary. It was never the first option. I need to live for Kekkan, but Mado does not deserve to die. Maybe I need to kill him for Kekkan's safety. no , Mado has no interest in Kekkan. He only wants me, but for Kekkan I must live. There's nobody else that can protect him unless.
The Hero [protect Kekkan for me would you]
Mado hesitated in his next punch. And withdrew it.
Mado [what are you talking about]
The Hero [all im asking is that if you, no when you kill me. Protect Kekkan he had nothing to with any of this]
Mado's thoughts were a jumbled mess. Why would he let me kill him.protect Kekkan why would he trust me with that. It's all bullshit. Why is he not fighting back? Why is he taking my punches? None of it makes any sense. Mado thought back to The Hero's words a few moments prior. "It wasn't me who killed him but you know that don't you" The Hero was right. It was never him. No he is wrong it was him, how dare he. Mado sent a flurry of punches towards The Hero.
The Hero [you're never gonna believe me. But its okay what ever brings you closure, im willing to help with]
Ninyago stands. In front of a decaying carcass the abomination is dead, but it brings her no joy, she glances back at her creation. Embedded with puppets, she pulls out her control bar and withdraws them back into the back, detaches the strings. She averts her glaze over to Mado and Hero. no time for sorrow. He needs her help. She flings her blade down her sleeve, a hidden blade around the wrist. With insane swiftness she wraps her strings around Mado and stabs him in the chest. Mado stumbles back and breaks free from the strings. He presses his hand on his chest. To stop the bleeding, The Hero screams out
The Hero [NINYAGO]
She ignores him. And closes the distance on Mado he weaves to the side dodging her blade. He does not strike back; he remains on a defensive manoeuvre. She slashes above his head and stumbles back just narrowly avoiding it. Then she jabs towards him.
Why is my sister doing this? I screamed at her but she ignored it. She can be cold but she isn't heartless. I can't let Mado die, he must not. I'll stop Ninyago.
The Hero dashes around Ninyago. As soon as he blade is about to dig into Mado, The Hero raises his sword and clashes into Ninyago's blade.
Ninyago [gee brother just what the hell are ya doing]
The Hero [he is not our enemy]
Ninyago [youve gone soft bro]
Ninyago drops her blade and catches it in her other hand. She sends her knee into The Hero's stomach. And smashes her hand over his head. But the hero won't give up
Mado, watching all the chaos unfold, thinks to himself. He saved me just why would he save me.
The Hero clocks his sister in the jaw. She jumps up and wraps her legs around The Hero's neck. The hero grabs her legs and spins her off. She stays up mounting his shoulder. Ninyago does not use her strings or her puppets. She will not draw it on her brother, her goal is not to kill her brother but to kill Mado, to protect her brother.
The Hero hits her in the face and tackles her onto the ground. She elbows him in the nose. And spins her foot around his cheek knocking him to the ground.
Mado calls out
Mado [HERO JUST WHAT DID YOU MEAN WHEN YOU SAID YOU DIDN'T DO IT]
Ninyago dashes towards the defenceless Mado.
The Hero [The shadow man did it, can you not see what he did he drew you away from him to hurt you so he would hate you. I saw him walk into the house just before you arrived, holding a bloodsoaked kitana]
Mado remembered now. He knew it all along he always knew it. He wanted to put the blame on the hero. It was easier to do that. He had no chance against the shadow man; his vengeance had to be put somewhere.
Ninyago stopped in her tracks and looked back. She understood now that Mado meant them no harm. She scratched her head embarrassed and let out a sigh.
It all came back to Mado like a wave. Every moment he spent with Mujaki. The happiest times of his life, when they first met under the stars. When he gave him his name. In fact, Mado has not been called Mado since today. They only knew him as sloth, a title never an identity. When he trained while Mujaki cheered him on. It wasn't just the happy times that flashed before his eyes. It was the troubles they went through that strengthened their bond. when Mujaki's dad was ill. And then their declaration of brotherhood.
Mado [ i was a fool. I abandoned him, I believed he could be saved but he never could. It's not what Mujaki wanted. He wanted me to be by his side, but I wanted more time. I was greedy i didnt know what to do, I didn't know what I'd do without him. So I wanted to save him. So I could have more time with him. But how many memories did I miss out on by not being by his side? I ruined our friendship. I broke the brotherhood, all because i was greedy]
It's too late now. The past is the past. What I can do now is honour Mujaki. With the name he gave me.And choose for myself. He gave me the name, thats true but its me who will choose it.
Mado [i am Mado. bearer of the brotherhood. The one of the withered trees. The one will shape his own identity from the carvings of withered wood, Brother of Mujaki. And I have chosen my own path.]
Mado's moment of acceptance is interrupted. When Andromidus of the raging star. Towers behind him.