Darkened Hope

by Sicanasda

My masterpiece! PG-13 for blood and other mature things. Dart-Rose, the way it's suppose to be. My character makes his first true appearance in my fics. R&R.

1. Default Chapter

I'm back! (Readers scream and run away) What did I do? (Redblaze corners a few readers) Well anyway, I've got a new fic for all you people out there to read. This is my first fic that won't have a happy ending so if you don't have any tissues or something like that, you may not want to read. And as is in all my LOD fics, that &#$^*&^ little &^$&* Shana is dead! And if you're a ^$&%&*^ Rose-Lloyd fan, GET OUT! Lloyd dies in the game and the only ones I ever bring back to life are Lavitz and Rose. Anyway, Dart's the only match for Rose. 'Nuff said, so I'll begin the story.

P.S. This takes place five years after the death of Melbu Frahma and four years after the reincarnation of Rose.

P.S.S. POV will change occasionally. Try to guess which POV I'm writing in each time. It will mostly be Dart, Rose, Redblaze or Meru.

P.S.S.S. Just so you know, my character, funnily enough named Redblaze, will appear.

P.S.S.S.S. I might put Meru and my character romance in. Not because she's my favorite character, (Rose is) but because I think it would be funny after you see what my character is like.

This line means new POV

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Have you ever looked at the sky on a cloudless night? Watched the stars in the distance twinkle with the beauty of a thousand diamonds? Have you ever wondered what might have happened had you chosen to live your life differently? I have. I look up at the stars and wonder, where is she? What's she doing? I have wondered this for the past four years. Every night, I look up from the top of the tree I call home, and wonder if I'll ever see her again.

It had been a lonely four years since I brought the magic of life back to her. Four years since she waved goodbye and walked out of my life. Rose.

And what about Shana? I hope she's with my mother and father. I remembered the vow I made to her seconds before she was killed.

(Flashback)

"Shana!" I yelled as the darkness captured her.

"D, Dart… save yourself!" She yelled back.

"Shana. I will live on. Your death will be avenged." I said before the beast consumed her entirely.

In a rage of fury I sliced through the monster and struck its blackness. I fell back as it flew high into the air and jetted away from me.

(End flashback)

I will always remember the coldness of that beast. But now is not the time to think of such things. Now is the time to wonder about where Rose might be. And was she thinking of me as well? That was the one thing I never learned of on our journey. What did Rose think of me? Did she think of me as a friend, a partner, or perhaps did she care for me as a brother or as something more?

I flipped to the ground below and got into my hammock. I didn't mind the quietness of my lonely home. I've lived here for the past two years. After a while, your heart just stops yearning for company. That's what my heart did. But for some reason, I can't forget about Rose.

I stared up into the sky and knew that someday I'll find her. Where we will be, I don't know. When it will be, I don't know. Will we meet as friends, or as enemies? Will she… remember me? I may not know the answers to these questions, but I intend to find them.

I flew through the bright blue sky, clutching my bleeding arm. I breathed the clean air but was not relaxed. But I did notice that the air around me had no comparison to the place I just left. There, the air was full of smoke from the fires. It smelled of burning flesh and fiery houses. The sky was a blood red in color.

Oh God, where is he? He had to be in these woods somewhere! He's the only one who can stop it! I flew faster as the smoke in the distance became smaller and smaller until the trees blocked it. Then, over the horizon, I saw it. A thin plume of smoke from a campfire! I sped toward it.

It was him! I saw him look up as I sped past, bewildered at what it was. I spun around and flew down to where he was. It would've been a 5 star landing had it not been for the tree. Now, that wouldn't have hurt as much if my hammer hadn't flown up and hit me upside the head. But it did and I was unconscious.

When I awoke, I was in a hammock looking up at the stars far above. Dart was sitting next to me with a worried look on his face. I felt the cool, moist cloth on my head and groaned. My arm was patched up but it reminded me of what I had come to say.

"Dart! Hurry! It's Neet!" I said, referring to the rebuilt town.

"Shhh. Calm down. Now tell me what happened." He replied.

I couldn't calm down, not after what I had seen. "Dart, she's back! She's back! It was as if the Black Monster was back!"

"What?! But… Rose." Dart stared in disbelief. He shook his head and nodded. "I understand. I'll go."

Dart transformed and sped off to the ruins of Neet, giving me instructions to stay here and not leave. I nodded and waved as he flew away. I looked up into the sky. Rose… what was she doing?

I flew at the fullest of my capabilities toward the ever-growing plume of smoke. Rose, I've found you. I just wish it were under different circumstances. But I promised Neet my protection should it ever come to danger, whether it be my friend or foe. I sighed, for I knew that very soon, my sword would cross with hers and, although I didn't want to, I would get my revenge that I had thrown away so long ago.

For four long years, I have dreamt of seeing her again and maybe travel with her once again. And now I knew where she was. I was less then 2 miles away from her. But why Rose? Why did you make it so my meeting with you here will be our last?

My heart skipped a beat as I saw her winged form. I nearly cried as I thought of what I must do. I suddenly saw the energy she was forming. I saw her target. A small, crying boy. I didn't hesitate as I flew in. I flew between the boy and Rose just as the blast unleashed. She couldn't see me and she must have figured the boy was dead. I waved my hand through the energy and it disappeared as my armor touched it.

I raised my head and looked into Rose's eyes. I could see so many emotions and feelings running through them. Fear, torment, anger, and joy shone in her eyes. But there was something in them I had never seen before. Was that a… a tear?

I felt every feeling I could see in her. I felt fear of what I have to do, torment of knowing what I had to do, anger for not being able to think of a better way, and joy for having found her at last. I felt the tears in my eyes and felt the pain as my hand touched the cold metal of my sword.

Her eyes scanned me over as she flew down slowly to me. She held her hand outstretched and I took it. She moved close to me and I felt a tear fall on my shoulder.

She leaned into my ear and whispered. "I'm sorry Dart. But this is goodbye once again." With that she flipped backward and drew her sword.

I drew my sword in a flash but hesitated when I looked into her eyes. They were darker than they had ever been. I realized my mistake just in time to avoid her sword. I knocked her sword back with my own. I held my sword in a steady position. I saw her eyes flash and they were the color I remember them.

"Dart! Have I taught you nothing? Don't let me get too close!"

Her eyes flashed back to dark and she flew at me. I flipped over her head and spun around, narrowly missing her back. She cursed herself for leaving herself open. She spun and locked her sword against mine.

"Rose! Why are you doing this? What happened to the Rose I knew?"

"That Rose is lost! I'm the one you face!"

This wasn't Rose! I won't ever accept that this was Rose! I fought back the tears as Rose slashed again at me. Rose would never attack her friends. She would never bring back the pain she had escaped.

"Rose! Please listen to me! I know the real you is in there somewhere. The loyal woman who saved my life countless times. Please Rose, come back."

Her eyes flashed lighter again and she spoke. "Dart, I'm here. Please! Kill me before I kill you! I don't know how much longer I'll be able to control myself! Kill me!" She managed to yell this to me before her eyes flashed dark again and she attacked. My heart fell as her words bounced around in my mind. I just can't imagine killing her. But she had ordered me to do so.

I felt the tears in my eye as I dropped my sword to the ground and raised my cannon high. But before I could do any more, I was kicked in the chest. My spell fizzled and my sword flew back to my hand.

I swung at her and missed barely. Then I saw the one sign that told me the real Rose was in there. A small tear in her eye. I felt as though my heart was about to explode with pain.

"Rose, I, I… I love you!"

Then I tried my spell again. Rose was shocked by what I had said. I was shocked by what I said. But was it true? Did I really mean it? Could I really love her? Or was this just my imagination. I shook my head. No! I can't think about this now! I have to complete the one request the actual Rose had given me.

I threw my sword to the ground and raised my cannon. Energy swarmed from the sky and flew to my outstretched hand. I lowered my cannon and pointed it at Rose. She just now regained her senses and was flying toward me. But she knew as well as I that she had no chance.

"I'm sorry." I whispered as the cannon discharged the powerful blast. "Divine Dragon Cannon!" I yelled quickly, wishing I didn't have to say it.

The blast struck Rose and I felt my heart shatter. I watched her broken body fly through the air and smash into the ground. I flew down to her and landed. I jumped back as a black form erupted from Rose and flew high into the sky. It took the form of a huge monster and flew away. Why do I feel like I remember it? I shook my head and transformed to my regular state and looked at her heavy labored breathing. I felt her face and she smiled at me.

"Dart… It's gone. The… Black Monster. But… did… you mean… what you… said?"

I covered her lips with two fingers. "Please don't talk. Please. I've finally found you. I can't bare to see you die again."

She slowly closed her eyes but was still breathing. I transformed to a dragoon again and lifted her gently into my arms. I held her close to me and flew as fast as I could to my home in the nearby forest. I leaned close to her to keep her warm and whispered, "Just hang on a little longer."

I prayed she was still alive, as I couldn't feel her heartbeat through my armor. I saw my home and landed much more gracefully than Meru had. Meru jumped off my hammock and I placed Rose in it. I transformed and felt her pulse. I breathed a sigh of relief and felt her cheek softly.

Meru looked at me skeptically and walked by me and transformed. She used her Rainbow Shower spell on Rose before transforming back. Rose's wounds were healed but I could tell that a spell wasn't going to heal her completely. Rose breathed a little better and lost the look of utter pain she had held, but I could see that she was torn apart in her mind.

I walked slowly to a tree on the other side of the camp and took out my harmonica. I played softly, just to ease the pain I still held from the blast I had fired. Meru sat by me and listened for a while.

After about a half-hour, I placed the harmonica in its case and put it away. I looked at Rose and thought about how lucky I was to have not killed her with that blast. I felt my heart's pain ease every time I saw Rose breathe. For I had truly thought I had killed her for a few agonizing seconds.

Meru looked at me again and back to Rose. She saw my eyes and walked up to me.

"Dart, What'cha doin'?" She spoke in her little singsong voice.

I realized that she had noticed my stare and quickly said, "I… just don't know."

"You like Rose, don't you?" Meru spoke in a voice more serious than I had ever heard from her before.

"I can't say. I don't know if I do or not." I said quietly.

Meru remained silent as I tossed her a spare pillow and blanket. I climbed the tree over the hammock and looked into the stars. So many new questions. I'll never know what the Black Monster really was. Just as long as it isn't in Rose. But that black shade I had seen. Was that… the Black Monster? And if it was, why did I remember it?

I opened my eyes slowly and looked around. Where was I? I looked up and saw the silhouette of Dart high above in the trees. This must be where he lived now. I raised my arm and flexed each finger. It looked like I was O.K. now. I saw Meru and figured she healed me. But what have I done?! How could I kill all those people?!

I lightly stood and slowly climbed the tree Dart was in. I reached the top and sat beside him. He turned to me but didn't say a word. He just lightly brushed my cheek with his hand and stared into the night sky.

"Dart, please, kill me now. I don't deserve to live after what I've done."

"Rose, I won't kill you. Look, you look back and see all the murders you committed, correct?"

"Yes." I said, nodding, not understanding what he meant.

"You may have done all that, but that is gone. Plus, look at me. Here, feel my hands."

I gingerly took his hands and felt the palms.

"See. My hands are the hands that have held a sword forever. A sword is a weapon of death. I have killed many as well. I feel your hands and they are soft and smooth. There the hands of someone that does more than just fight. You have a heart. You have a mind. You are so much more than a killer. Please try to understand. I would never kill you, as long as it can be avoided. You're my friend and will be so forever, no matter how many murders either of us commit."

I looked at him and felt the caring in his word seep into me. I remembered the battle we had and thought of the words he had said.

"Tell me this time. Did you really mean what you said?" I looked into his eyes, praying for the right answer.

"I, I…" He shook his head. "I don't know."

I looked deeper into his eyes and saw the confused expression in them. He had the eyes of someone that had just found something special but didn't know what to do with it.

"Dart, You are the only person in this entire world who really knows who I am. You are the only one I have ever been able to call a 'friend'. I don't hate you for beating me. I care for you. Not as much as to be what I call love, but more than what a brother and sister share. Is it not the same to you?"

Dart nodded and laid down on the branch supporting him. "Every night for the past four years, I've sat and stared at the stars, wishing to meet you again. Today when we fought, I was nearly broken. When I thought I had killed you, I had felt my dreams, my hopes, my very soul, shatter as you fell. I thought that every one of those nights I sat and wished to talk to you had been in vain. But now, here I am, with you beside me. I prayed to find you again. I missed you so much. It had been four years since I last saw you. You can see why I hesitated so much and fought with such weakness."

"You weren't weak. Believe me." I almost laughed as I rubbed my injured arm.

I looked into the sky and watched as a star shot across the sky. I made a silent wish and continued to look into the sky.

"Dart, I just want you to know that, I missed you too. I now realize what drew me to you in the first place. What had drawn my attention to you when I saved your life from Fyerbrand. I now see how much you remind me of Zieg. If I hadn't believed Zieg had been dead for all those years, I would have known you were his son. You're so much like him. You fight to protect people, not to be recognized. You didn't lead us forcibly but led us calmly. You never turned your back to anyone, you would always help, even if they were your worst enemy. I want to see what you do with all this potential."

Dart looked up at the ordinary moon that had replaced The Moon That Never Sets. "Shana…" He whispered before almost falling off the branch as he jumped. "Shana! No, I don't believe it!"

I looked at him curiously. "What don't you believe?"

"Rose, when I defeated you, a black form flew from you. I take it was the Black Monster?"

"It seems so. I can't feel the evil inside me."

"Three years ago, Shana was killed. A horrible black beast swallowed her. Before I could kill it, it flew away. Most likely, it flew to you. It was the Black Monster! I have to fight it!"

I felt myself feel with pain as he spoke. I looked down and shook my head. "But Dart, how do you know you can beat it? It's so powerful. During these years, I had feared for you. I knew of the danger that seems to follow you. I can't imagine feeling the pain you must have felt when I had been killed."

"Rose, it's getting late. Maybe we should go to sleep and talk about this in the morning. Goodnight."

I nodded. "Goodnight Dart. Thank you for showing me that anyone can change."

I climbed down the tree behind him and he motioned for me to lie on the hammock. I did so and watched as he put together a small patch of grass for himself. I shook my head and looked at Meru. Dart, he always thought of others before himself. I was in a hammock, Meru in a sleeping bag, and he was laying on the ground.

I closed my eyes, knowing that even though I could never forgive myself for what I have done, Dart could. And that was all that mattered to me right now.

I opened my eyes as the bright morning light struck them. I stood, rubbing the aches and pains from my back. I would have to remind Dart to use better softeners. I felt like I was sleeping on a rock. I rolled up the sleeping bag and saw why I felt that way. I had been sleeping on a rock.

I looked over at Rose. Personally, I think Dart likes her. I mean, he gave her the hammock. Or it could be that he let her have the hammock because she was hurt. But that's what he wants me to think. But I know better, because I'm the best and prettiest dancer there is!

I hid behind a tree as Dart groaned and woke up. "Meru?" I heard him call after checking on Rose.

I cupped my hands over my mouth to suppress a laugh. I saw Dart just shrug and go back to Rose. Rose woke up and they began to speak. I wasn't eavesdropping, I just happened to hear every word that was spoken.

"I didn't want to say this in front of Meru. I'm not sure she knows yet. But not too long ago, I got news that the Forest of Winglies had been attacked much like Neet. I didn't want to believe it was you. I mean, I'm sure Meru doesn't know that her parents… are dead." Dart was whispering quietly but I still heard enough to bring tears to my eyes.

How could my parents be, be dead?! How could Rose?! But before I could run out, I heard Rose speak. "It hadn't been me. I was never there. But you're right. Several days ago, I felt the Black Monster leave me. It hadn't needed me to destroy the forest. It realized that I had just made it weaker. You proved it when you beat me."

I stopped. How could it have not been Rose? Did this mean... she wasn't really the Black Monster? It had just borrowed her body? I felt my anger leave, but the sorrow in my heart remained. How could my parents be dead?

I listened as the conversation changed. "Rose," Dart whispered, "You and I both know what I have to do. I have to track down the Black Monster and finish it, once and for all."

Rose looked down. "I know. But it's so dangerous. I have a fraction of the power that it has. And I have thought about this over and over, and every time it passes through my mind, I know it more and more. I want to go with you. When Melbu Frahma died, it had been the Black Monster that did it. It hadn't been me. The Black Monster is capable of killing a god with one blow." Rose started to raise her voice, not as though she was angry, but as if she was scared. She began crying. "Dart, just imagine what it can do to you! It could kill you with a glance! I'm coming with you!"

Dart caught her as she started to cry uncontrollably on his shoulder. He whispered quietly to her and I couldn't make out the words. He patted her back gently and she looked up into his face. He wiped the tears from her eyes with a gentle touch of his hand. I looked at them as they looked at each other.

Just then for some reason, my hand slipped from the tree I was leaning on and I fell out into the clearing. They quickly turned away from each other. I looked at them skeptically. What were they doing?

Dart was the first to speak. "Meru, did you hear what we were talking about?"

I slowly nodded my head. They could obviously see the pain in my features. Rose looked away, as if positive I would blame her. I put my hand on her shoulder and calmly said, "It's not your fault. I'm glad it wasn't really you." I turned to Dart. "I'm coming too. You guys will need someone to protect you and now Dart isn't the only one who wants pay back."

"Meru," Dart began, "It will be dangerous."

"I know." I replied, "But I can't let you go it alone. I need to be a part of this."

Dart paused, then sighed, "Alright Meru. But be careful. Oh yes, I need to talk to you in private."

Rose walked a ways away and I listened to Dart as he whispered, "Meru, promise me that should I be killed, you are to go on without me. Make sure Rose finishes safely as well as yourself."

I nodded, allowing he had said to sink in. "But Dart. How could YOU die? You defeated a god!"

"No." Dart spoke harshly, more toward him than at me, "Rose and my father's sacrifice killed a god. I am not as strong as everyone thinks. I can be killed just as, if not easier, as any of our friends."

"Dart, you're right. But I don't plan on letting you die. You're one of my best, not to mention only, friends." I looked over to Rose. "I'll keep an eye on her."

We walked back over to Rose and began to prepare for our journey.

I packed away the last of my supplies and checked to make sure Rose and Meru were ready. When I walked up to Rose, she quietly whispered in my ear, "I need to speak with you. Meru might get a little too excited. Let's go over there."

She led me a little ways away. "So, what is it you want to talk about?" I questioned.

"When you had brought me back, I had felt like I was in a whole new world. I went to the old divine tree. There, as I was recalling memories and feelings, I saw something. A small stone." She held out a stone that I recognized instantly. I knew it was it from the moment and felt the warmth flow through me.

"How, how did the Red-Eye Dragon Spirit survive?" I asked while I stared into the beautiful red light that showed it still knew me.

"I can't say. But when I picked it up, I saw a stone tablet under it. It has to have something to do with the Dragon Spirit. Here, take a look." She handed me stone slab that had words engraved upon it.

I read the words aloud. "Seven united led to his fall. The seven divided, he conquers all. Years after fate was severed by heroes brave, he'll rise to drive them to their grave. Black as the hell from which it was created, strong as the light that where its soul was fated. Seven alone can't undo the power, united, 8 can defeat this Black Monster."

I turned to Rose as she spoke. "Seven Dragoons fought and broke the chains of fate. According to this prophecy, seven won't cut it."

"No. We have eight. We each have a Dragon Spirit and I have two. We have eight Spirits. Now we just need to get the others and we'll at least stand a chance." I said as I turned to walk back to Meru.

Rose put her hand on my shoulder and stopped me. I turned. "Rose, is something wrong?"

"Nothing's wrong. I just want to say that, I, uh, nevermind. Let's go." I shrugged but still wondered what she had been about to say. I shook my head but couldn't help but notice the nearly invisible reddening in Rose's cheeks.

I pushed the thought aside as I slung my satchel over my shoulder. Rose and Meru followed me as I walked away. I took one last look at what had been my home for the past several years and couldn't help but ask myself, will I ever see this place again?

I awoke that morning and looked into the face of an angel. How I had become lucky enough to find her was anyone's guess. I gently kissed her crimson lips before I got out of bed. She gave a soft sigh as I stretched and prepared for my busy schedule.

I had meetings with people throughout the nation all morning and after lunch, I have a meeting with the mysterious Black Knight who had shown up last year. He has a very good reputation. He even saved a few travelers from monsters.

I walked into the wardroom and, as I do every now and then, looked at my old battle clothing, covered with stains of blood, both monster and my own. I touched the dry blood on the left shoulder and remembered the battle that had nearly cost me my life.

(Flashback)

I could feel the pain that Dart was forced to hold. I heard his cries of pain as thousands of winged soldiers flew down from above, relentlessly slicing at him. At last, they stopped. But I could see another spell on Melbu Frahma's tongue.

A beam of energy shot forth toward Dart. I couldn't let one of the few people who had known Lavitz as I had die. I took the ferocity of the blast. I blocked to the best of my ability and managed to survive.

Just then, another beam of light flew. I couldn't move in time. The blast struck Rose with so much force that she was thrown to the edge of the battlefield. I watched as she struggled to her feet, heaving herself up with her sword. Then her sword clattered to the ground as Melbu Frahma rammed her. She hit a wall and fell to her knees before slumping over, as if dead.

"Rose!" I turned to see Dart yell as he dashed at Melbu Frahma. He spun and flipped around, sword flashing in the dim light. "Blazing Dynamo!" He called as he sliced through Melbu Frahma.

Melbu Frahma laughed and flew at Dart. Dart was thrown high into the air by the monstrous claw at the bottom of our huge enemy. He was then slammed to the ground, where he barely moved as he tried to get to his knees.

I felt my anger well inside me like a roaring tornado. I jumped at Melbu Frahma with a rage in my soul. My spear spun with every ounce of that rage. I slammed into Melbu Frahma. I spun and twisted, dodging his counter attacks. I gave a final jab, embedding my spear deep inside his stomach before pulling back out.

He laughed yet again. He raised his hand and I saw a poisonous light flicker. It flew at me faster than anything I had ever seen. I cried with pain as it flew through my shoulder. I felt the light exit my back and felt as though my heart had been punctured. I fell to my knees as my vision became a cloudy red color. I accepted death once and for all and accepted fate as I heard Dart yell, "Divine Dragon Cannon!"

(End Flashback)

My wife, my beautiful Queen Crystal, touched my hand gently. "Thinking about that fight again, Albert?"

"Yes. I miss them all. We had so many good journeys together." I said softly.

She kissed me passionately and sat beside me on the bed. "You'll see them again someday. I just hope you don't have to leave again. I'd miss you too much." She kissed me again, took my hand, and led me out to the dining room where we ate our breakfast.

I didn't speak at all, for something in the depths of my mind was saying something was wrong. I felt the small jade stone I still carried after its glow faded five years ago when it knew it wasn't needed for a long time. But something was strange about it today. It seemed… warm. I brushed the thoughts of coming danger out of my mind and enjoyed the precious little amount of time I was actually able to spend with Crystal.

Later on, I dismissed the last of the meeting with the people and prepared for my meeting with the Black Knight. I sat and waited for the man until at last, a knight announced his arrival. I sat up straight and looked upon the figure that had entered my meeting chamber.

He had a black robe wrapped around him by a sash of the same color. His face was shrouded in mystery by the dark hood that concealed it. He had a jet-black sheath that had a silver handle protruding from it. He looked to be about six feet tall. He walked with a steady gait and looked to be a proud man. One could never have known he was such a good man by looking at him.

"Ah," I began loudly, "so you are the Black Knight I have heard so much about."

The Knight merely nodded and remained silent. It sent a shiver through me just to look at him, but something in me felt connected to him. What it was, I don't know.

"What be your name, my good knight?" I asked slowly.

"My name is not of your concern. Who I am needs only I to know. You and everyone around me shall only know me as the Black Knight." He spoke with an icy sharpness in his voice that chilled me to my bones.

"I… I see. May I ask where you come from?" I pressed, hoping to get at least some answer from him.

"Where I come from matters not. Just as where I am going. I will follow my path and you may follow your own."

"I ask you, will thou join the army of Serdio and become a great general?"

"I shall not. I fight no one. I fight for no one. I fight as long as my benefit can be gained. I do not fight for anybody, not even a king. If there is nothing more you wish to ask me, I shall take my leave. Perhaps someday, our paths will cross." And with a swish of his robe, he turned quickly and walked out the door.

I watched him walk away. Something about him felt familiar in me, as if it had been long asleep. I leaned back into my chair and sighed. That meeting hadn't gone as well I had hoped.

I looked around myself and thought. I looked at Dart and knew I had to tell him somehow. As I followed him, I thought of so many different ways to tell him. 'Dart, I love you.' No. That was too quick, I need to show him I mean it.

"Rose."

What about, 'You mean everything to me. I can't live without you.' No. That didn't sound like me at all.

"Rose."

What about…

"Rose! Are you paying attention?!"

I jumped, finally realizing somebody was trying to talk to me. "Oh, I'm sorry. What were you saying?" I asked sheepishly.

Dart sighed. "I was telling you that we're almost to Bales. I figure we can pick up Albert and rest before moving on."

"Alright." I said, glad to know a chance to rest was coming.

We entered Bales soon and began to make our way toward the castle. Just as we turned a corner, Dart was knocked to the ground by a passing man. The man was wearing all black except for a silver sword handle that emerged from a sheath at his belt.

"Sorry." The man muttered before walking hurriedly toward the town exit.

"Who was that?!" Dart said furiously. "He didn't even stop to see if I was alright!"

"I don't know," I whispered, "but there is something strange about him."

Dart got to his feet and dusted himself off. After that, we walked the remainder of the way to the castle with little event other than Meru getting many looks from passing men. As we entered the castle, we were greeted by many surprised knights.

"Why, Mr. Dart, Miss Meru, and Miss Rose! What brings you to the castle?" One asked us.

"We wish to speak with Albert. It is of utmost importance." Dart said, stepping forward.

"Right away. Follow me." The knight said and we followed him up to the throne room.

"Ah, it is so good to see all of you! But let us cut to the meaning of this meeting. Why have you come to Bales?" Albert greeted each of us with a friendly handshake.

"Albert," Dart began, "we need your help. We need your help as one of the dragoons. Read this tablet." Dart handed Albert the tablet and Albert read it.

"Yes, yes you're right. I will have to once again set my duties as a king second and my duty as a dragoon first. Please, rest well tonight. We will leave in the morning. I need to set my affairs in order for now. Meet me at the exit of town tomorrow morning. Farewell." Albert spoke with dignity before he exited the room to his own private quarters.

As we walked away, Albert's wife, Crystal appeared. I had met her when I made a short trip to announce that I was alive. "You came to take him with you, did you not?"

"I'm sorry," Dart muttered, "But his duties as a Dragoon surpass all else."

"I understand that it overcomes his duty of a king. But does that surpass his duties as a husband?" I saw the tears in her eyes as she spoke.

"We need his strength." Dart said shortly.

"I know." Crystal began to sob. "But can you understand how I will feel everyday he is away? I'll fear for his safety as long as he isn't with me. What if he were to come to harm?"

Dart spoke softly, calming the queen down. "I will give my life if it means your husband will return to you. He is in good hands."

Crystal nodded and thanked Dart. I felt the tone in his voice and knew that he meant it. I prayed it wouldn't come to that.

We walked to the inn where we paid for the night and walked up to our room. I however didn't feel like sleeping. My mind had been pacing all day. When Meru had fallen asleep and Dart was taking a shower, I climbed out the window and on to the roof. Here I would enjoy the quiet peace I needed to be able to think properly.

I don't know what happened. I suppose I fell asleep, for one minute I had been alone, and the next, Dart was rocking me awake.

"Rose, what are you doing out here? You'll get cold if you sleep out here." Dart sounded worried, a tone I hadn't heard toward me in a long time.

"No Dart. I need to think. But will you… stay out here with me?" I asked slowly, feeling kind of embarrassed.

"Sure. What were you thinking of?" He replied.

"I had been thinking of all the death and pain I caused. How could I have taken so many lives?! I still don't know how you managed to forgive me for taking your mother from you." I felt like crying on his shoulder but I held myself up straight.

"I know of two things that can conquer any hate or spite between people. No matter how powerful that hate is. Friendship… and love. Those two things are more powerful than any evil imaginable."

"D, Dart," I felt myself stuttering so I took my eyes off him and looked into the sky, "I had loved Zieg 11,000 years ago. When I met the true him five years ago, he wasn't the man I loved. He had lost something that had drawn me to him from the start. His spirit. He wasn't the man who was full of all kinds of life. He used to be able to laugh and cry, hate and love. His emotions had always been stronger than anyone else. All those different emotions had left him. I think I found them in you. I think you inherited all the features Zieg once held that had made me love him. I… care for you more than as a friend. I… love you." I breathed a sigh, glad to have said it, but afraid of what he might say.

"Rose, I understand. But I'm not ready for this. I still don't know how I feel towards you. Every day we traveled together, I grew closer to you. Every night I had been away from you, I thought about you. But I have never understood my feelings toward you. Someday, I will know if I love you or not. Until that day, we'll just be friends. Nothing more, and never anything less." He spoke with a solid tone and I felt crushed. But I could understand what he had said. I understood how he felt, having someone love him but not being sure if he loved me back. All the same, I cried on his shoulder for a while before we had to go inside.

I woke early the next morning and looked at the remnants of tears that still lingered on the sleeping Rose's cheeks. "Please forgive me." I whispered silently, feeling the pain I must have caused her with the truth. I gently nudged Meru awake before slowly waking Rose. As she opened her eyes, I whispered, "I'm sorry."

She just nodded and stood. She ate in silence and I felt like it was my fault. Meru came to me and asked me what the problem was.

"Rose told me that she loved me. I just don't know if I love her. I hope she can understand that until I know for sure." I had told her.

We met Albert in his old battle attire just inside town. He led us out of town, where we were followed for a little ways by many people of the town. But eventually we were alone again. As the days of our journey to find the others passed, I became more worried about Rose. She barely spoke at all and she ate only when we made her. I felt like it was I that broke her heart.

Finally, we found the others. All had returned to where they had been born and raised. The seven of us journeyed out to find the source of this of the pain Rose had carried for so long. I realized that if not for it, I probably would've been able to love Rose. But I don't understand why, after I forgave Rose of another's sins, I can't love her yet.

It was a lonely night when I had the dream. Eight lights flew in a grassy meadow. Each light was a different color. Red, violet, jade, magenta, blue, white, gold, and gray. Suddenly a black mist descended from the sky. It wrapped itself around each light, smothering the beams. The last to be swallowed were the violet, red, and gray. As they disappeared, another light appeared, one of pure black. It flew into the mist and the other eight lights shimmered brightly. The lights flew together in a blinding flash. When the flash cleared, the lights became a giant rainbow with each of the colors. Another flash, and the mist disappeared.

I woke that morning with a strange understanding of where we had to go. I awoke each of the others quickly and explained that we had to go to the top of the Mountain of the Immortal Dragon.

"How do you know that?" Miranda asked.

"I don't know. It came to me in a dream I guess." I replied, though my dream had nothing to do with any mountain.

Haschel nodded. "Well, if Dart says we should go that way, I'm with him."

We all began our trek to the mountain. I turned to see Rose walk slowly behind everyone else. I walked beside her for a while before whispering, "Rose, I'm sorry. It's just, I don't know. I just don't feel… entirely like I love you. Believe me when I say I do love you, but as a close friend. But someday soon, I think it might change."

She looked into my eyes and nodded. I could see that some of the sadness leave her eyes and a faint spark of hope appeared in its place. I walked with her the rest of the long miles to the mountain. I remembered the fear we had all carried when we first stepped upon the mountain. I felt that fear linger here even after the divine dragon was dead.

With every step I took, more fear was pumped through me. I looked up at the top of the mountain and saw a black glow. This proved my theory of the Black Monster on the mountain. I climbed higher with the others until we reached the summit. There, in the center of the same platform where we had once killed the greatest of all dragons, stood a black form.

A black robe surrounded his body and a I could see a silver handle protruding. "You!" I turned to see Albert yell out. "You're the Black Knight! You've always done good, never evil."

I saw the darkened feature of a smirk appear under the shadow the hood portrayed. "Correct. I chose to inhabit this body for a while, seeing as this man has superior fighting abilities to any I've ever seen. Even my old host, who is brave enough to face me once again I see. But can you best me?"

He charged at me and I barely dodged as he flung his sword from its sheath. It was a beautiful blade with a curve that shown like a diamond. Markings were made up the blade and each word seemed to glow with a magic of its own. His robes fluttered around him as he spun his blade in a deadly dance that showed true mastery of the sword.

I raised the dragon spirit of the Divine Dragon high. As I did, so did all the others. I felt the spirit of the dragon flow through me and embrace me. The armor wrapped around me and my sword flashed into existence. My cannon wrapped on to my arm and I finished the transformation.

"Oh, so you are the fabled dragoons that killed a god. Oh, I am so scared. Try a little of this!"

He spun around and slashed at me, barely missing, before spinning into Miranda. She fell the instant the blade had touched her. He then ran so quickly towards a wall, he shot up it and landed on the pillar above. He jumped with such speed that he seemed to be teleport himself to each pillar. Then he flipped down and slashed at Kongol, causing the towering Giganto to fall. He flipped at Meru and kicked her to the floor. As she stood up again, he slid his foot under her and tripped her before giving her a spinning kick that sent her flying into a rock, knocking her unconscious.

Just then, Haschel managed to get in an attack. "Thunder God Attack!"

He shot into the air and lightning flashed around him. He slammed into the ground and shot out again, about ten feet closer to the hooded figure. He shot back in and out until he flew down right in front of our enemy. Just as he was about to fly up at the Black Knight, the knight shoved his sword through the ground, and Haschel flew out at an odd angle. Haschel flew into a wall and lie still.

Then he spun and threw his sword at Albert. I reacted quickly and knocked Albert to the ground, the sword missing us by a mere inch. We stood but I didn't see it until too late. The sword flew back like a boomerang. It sliced through Albert and returned to his attacker. Albert fell to the floor, breathing, but not easily.

"Let's see. Seven minus five equals two. I see why you two still stand. I've been nice enough to not attack you yet. Goodbye."

He launched himself at me and I had no time to react. As the blade was inches from me I closed my eyes. I waited and yet the blade never came. I opened my eyes to see Rose on the ground, blood dipping from her mouth.

"Rose! No! I'll kill you!" I felt my rage grow uncontrollably. I suddenly heard a small, weak voice.

"Dart… Please, survive. I still… love…" She couldn't finish before she closed her eyes.

"You… How could you?! I'll kill you for this! Prepare to defend yourself!"

I launched at him, full of anger and rage. I slashed and connected with his sword. I looked at that smirk on his lips and felt my rage grow hotter. I spun around and kneed him in the stomach before he flipped and backed away.

"Is this… pain? My, this is something I have never felt. You're the first to have ever hit me. Too bad your luck is about to run out."

He flung himself at me and I dodged his blow. He slashed and I blocked. We both backed off, winded.

"Perhaps… this would've been easier had I killed you first. It seems you are connected to that girl."

"You would've gotten a bigger fight from Rose! But you still can't beat me after what you've done! Divine Dragon Cannon!"

I launched the blast at his unsuspecting form. He raised his blade and put and hand on both ends of it, somehow managing not to cut himself. I watched as my blast wrapped around him. Surely he'll be dead after a blast such as that. Suddenly I saw a dark glow fly out from the river of energy. A ball formed and hovered in the spot the knight had stood. It took the form a dragon-like beast and flew through my blast. It traveled along the blast and struck me. I flew back and slammed into a wall. As I did so, the tablet fell from my armor.

The beast hovered over it before laughing. It roared in a deep voice, "You foolish humans! How can you be fooled by such a simple mistake!" It brushed some dirt away from the words on the tablet. "It was supposed to read '9 can defeat this Black Monster'! Fortunately for you, I want a good fight before I destroy the world, thus I shall spare you. I have no use of the pathetic body of that mortal if you were able to defeat him. I would take you, but you would probably be too difficult to control. When you have nine, return here. I shall await you. But know this. If I catch you planning to not return, I will destroy the world on the spot! Until you arrive for your death, goodbye."

A bright flash of light erupted and when it cleared, I found myself far below the mountain. I felt my limbs and managed to stand. I ran to each of my friends and helped them to their feet. Last, I walked to Rose. I felt her pulse and nearly cried with joy. I lifted her gently and carried her to a nearby cave. After that, I carried the still breathing Black Knight to the cave.

Even though she appeared to be fine, I didn't leave Rose's side for an instant. I grew worried as I watched her every move for the next three days. All that time neither she nor the Black Knight had awoken. I was growing scared as each minute passed, all the while her slim body getting frailer and frailer. She seemed to be… No! I won't believe it!

But Haschel came to me and confirmed my worst fears. "Dart, I know this is difficult for you, but… Rose… she's dying. I can see it in her. Look at the way she breathes. That gave me the first clue. But what assured my fears was the wound. Look at the cut."

I looked at the cut and saw what he meant. A strange bluish liquid surrounded the wound. It was barely noticeable but I knew instantly what it was. "Astasia poison." I said more calmly than I felt.

"Yes. Even a small dose can kill within seconds. Rose has been exposed to poison before and got barely any poison in her system though." Haschel replied quietly.

"So it might not kill her?" I whispered hopefully.

"No, it will kill her. It will just take it a few more days. Face it Dart. She's going again."

I couldn't believe what was happening to me. I was forced to watch her as she died again. How can I survive after my most loyal companion dies a second time? I can't! I looked into her face and felt the teas come to my eyes when I finally realized it. I love her. How could I have been such an idiot?! I remembered back on the roof of the inn the night she told me. I had broken her heart. How can I live knowing that such a short time before, I had hurt her in one of the most powerful ways?

I looked at her smooth cheek, her lightly closed eyes that I loved. How could I have not realized this until now? "Haschel, please. Is there any way to stop the poison?"

Haschel looked downward and nodded. "Yes. But at a high cost. It is said that the poison can be killed with a piece of the soul of the beloved. Dart, I know she loves you. You are the only who can cure the poison and purify her blood. But giving up a piece of your soul would mean your body would be gravely weakened. You would be just as strong as you were at the beginning of your journey five years ago and your will to live will be all but destroyed. Should you come to the kind of harm we normally face, you would be killed with a single blow. Can you give up your life for her?"

"Rose has done so many unselfish things like this. She held my hand tightly when we fell into the ocean. She could have died there. She gave her life for the world when we fought Melbu Frahma. She took the blow that would have surely killed me had it hit. She willingly knew she could lose her life each time she did those things. It's time I returned the favor. What do I have to do?" I understood what I was doing and that I would probably be killed in the long run, but I didn't care. I can't let her die!

"You, um…" Haschel paused and I saw the faint glimmer he always carried return to his eye, "you have to… kiss her." He nearly started laughing as he said that.

"Not exactly how I would like our first kiss to be, but alright. Could you please let me do this alone?" I asked, wondering how he could laugh at a time like this.

He left and took the others with him. I shook my head and looked down upon Rose's sweet face. I gently lifted the hair back and looked at her lips. I gently felt her cheek as I lowered my lips and locked them to hers. Feeling exploded through my mind. I felt a wonderful feeling as her lips touched mine. But that was soon drowned out by the agonizing pain I felt. I felt as if I was being ripped apart inside. My hands shot up and I clasped my head tightly and drew away from her. I saw a bright light that must have been part of my soul enter her and her eyes opened. I fell to my knees as the pain overwhelmed me. I cried in agony . No words can describe the pain I felt. I felt as if I was about to die. Everything turned a bloody red in color as I saw everyone run into the cave. I saw Rose's shocked complexion as the world turned black.

I cried as I heard the story of what had happened to Dart. He lie on soft pile of blankets and was barely breathing. He had given his soul to me. Haschel told me what he had said about me and I was amazed at how much he respected the things I have done. I felt my love for him grow deeper as the story continued. Then Haschel surprised me when he told me the only way Dart could save me. I felt my lips gently.

"He, he… kissed me?" I said quietly. I wish it had been out of love, but I knew better. He had to do it to save my life.

"Yes. He cares deeply about each of us and is willing to do anything to save our lives. None of us can imagine the pain Dart's going through."

I was surprised at how much I had healed in a few seconds. It is amazing to think that I was nearly dying then and now I feel fine. I turned as Dart slowly woke and stood up. He nearly fell down again but I managed to catch him. I held him tight until he was able to stand by himself. He looked over to where the Black Knight still lie sleeping and he managed to wake the Knight . The Knight stood and looked around at us.

"I see that I have fallen in with the group I was just forced to fight. I am sorry for my actions but I had no control over them at the time. You are lucky to be alive after that fight. I must have lost consciousness while I was possessed, for I do not remember much of the fight. But he must not have used the power if you are still alive. If he had, none of you would have left the mountain. This man here is the only one strong enough to withstand my normal strength it appears." The Knight spoke quickly, gesturing to Dart.

I asked, "What is this power? I feel something in you, something that makes you neither human, nor monster."

"I suppose I can allow you few to see the power that can make me stronger than any other human. It is contained here." A black glow appeared in the center of the blackness in his robes. It spun around him, engulfing him in blackness. The sky became darkened as I realized what it was. Black armor, much like his robes, wrapped around him, followed shortly by two powerful wings. "I am a descendant of one of the fabled Dragoons sent to liberate humans from the oppression of the Winglies 10,000 years ago. I am the Dragoon of the Void."

"You are a Dragoon?! How can that be? I thought that there were only seven." Dart sounded confused.

"It's not a surprise. Dragoons attract each other and are gathered together as the spirit wishes." I said calmly, closing my eyes.

"What do you mean 'Dragoons attract each other'? What does that have to do with anything?" The Knight asked loudly.

I opened my eyes in a flash. "It means everything." As I said this I transformed, shortly followed by Dart and the others.

"I see that I am not the only one remaining. But do you know what this means?" The Black Knight asked before answering his own question. "This means that we have the power to destroy the one that wishes to destroy the world."

Just then Albert spoke up. "If you are going to travel with us, please, remove your hood and tell us thy name."

The Black Knight looked up. "Oh, I did not know that the King of Serdio was a dragoon. If you wish, your majesty, it shall be done."

The Knight slowly removed his hood. Beneath it was the face of a true warrior. On his left cheek was the faded mark of a scar. His hair was platinum and was long and flowing. His eyes were a dark brown in color and had a great depth in them. His face had strong jawbones and was lean all together.

"My name, you ask, is Red. My last name is Blaze. But the few people who know it call me Redblaze. But no one, will ever truly know, who I am. That is for me to know. I have my own reasons for fighting the Black Monster. Just as I am sure you have yours." He said calmly.

The seven travelers introduced themselves to me. They then told me about themselves. I was especially interested in Meru's tale about herself. What caught my attention was when she told me that she was a wingly.

"You are a… wingly?" I asked, not sure I had heard correctly.

"Yep." She said happily.

"And what of your parents? Are they winglies as well?" I pressed, not realizing how stupid a question it was.

"Yes. Mom and Dad are… were, winglies." I saw a tear form in her eye as she spoke.

"I am sorry. I didn't know. I won't mention your parents again." I said, realizing that her parents were dead.

"Thank you." She whispered softly, "But why do you ask that?"

"My mother was a wingly. My father was human. I am an outcast to both species. I'm half wingly, half man. That is what gives me lightning fast reflexes." I said softly, waiting for the others to leave me, just as every other person who learned the truth of me.

To my surprise, I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turned to see Meru. She spoke softly. "Don't worry. You've got friends now." But as she said that, I saw Dart's back turned toward me and I had an uneasy feeling that he didn't agree.

Afterward, I packed my few belongings quickly and made sure my new companions were prepared. While I waited for them to finish packing up, I set to the task of polishing the Diamond Star. I read yet again the inscription upon the sword, including the one that's meaning eluded me still. I understood most of it but the one phrase made no sense, for the Diamond Star had not been forged in it. The words of the sword read, 'Blood of the Angel from heavens above. Blood of the Devil from the darkest hells. Blood of the Earth from its fiery core. Blood of the Void, the center of nothingness.' The last, confusing phrase read, 'Blood of the Dragon, the Almighty Power. Together, these bloods unleash the ultimate Diamond Star.' The Diamond Star had never been forged in such a substance. It has never fought against such a power. No Dragon has ever come into contact with it.

I pushed the thoughts from my mind as the others finished packing. Dart spoke up first. "Where are we going?"

I turned to him slowly and spoke quickly as always. "A sacred spot to my family. We are known as the Dragon Keepers. For generations we have guarded the sacred grounds of the Dragon Graveyard. Deep within lies the Dragon of Time. It is capable of seeing the future, present and past. It will tell us what we need to destroy the monster."

"Ok. We'll be ready to go in a second. But I need to talk to the others." Dart said to me, gathering the other travelers with him.

They walked several yards away before Dart spoke to them. Even though I wasn't trying to hear them, my sensitive ears and their loud voices made it difficult to not hear.

"Guys, let's face it. We don't know anything about him, he is a powerful swordsman and he isn't human or wingly. How do we know we can trust him?" I heard Dart whisper.

"You're just saying that because he's cuter than you!" Meru said loudly.

Kongol than spoke up. "Kongol remember Doel's dream. A world where all species equal. Kongol thought you be strong leader and fight for that. Kongol wrong."

Meru spoke again in an overly irritated voice. "Look at me! I'm a wingly! Does this mean you don't trust me?!"

"I trust you. It's just…" Dart muttered.

Meru interrupted him. "And what about Haschel, Miranda, Rose?! Do you not trust them?!"

"I, I do. I tru…" Dart began, but Meru interrupted him again.

"So why don't you trust him?! He's just a mix! It's not his fault! I trust him!" Meru began to calm down. "I'm willing to be his friend. Will you?"

Haschel spoke, "I'm not choosing sides now. I'll wait this out and decide if he's really trustworthy when the time comes."

It was the same with the others, except for Dart, who still didn't trust me. It didn't effect me much though. I'm used to being tossed around like that, having no one trust me. But this was different. I have one person who is willing to stand by me.

We journeyed on through the darkness of the night. I was walking behind the others when Meru doubled back and walked beside me. "Thanks." I mutter quietly.

"For what?" Meru asked.

"For what you said back at the camp." I replied.

"You heard the whole thing, didn't you." She almost laughed.

"What does it matter to you?" I asked.

"Please Redblaze, don't act so mean! I'm willing to give you a chance. Don't make me look bad to the others.

"Fine. I meant to ask, how do you know?" I spoke slowly, trying to figure out how to speak to a 'friend'.

"I'm a wingly. I have good ears too, you know." Meru smiled.

"You're the first person who hasn't acted the way Dart acts towards me. You're the first to call me a friend. I'm not sure I understand the words but, thank you." My words rebounded in my mind. Friend… Thank you? These are the first times I've ever used these words. And yet, they felt right for this occasion.

Meru's blush was easy to see even in the darkness of the night. "It's just… I see something special in you. And it's not right for Dart to act the way he did. No matter how much stress he is under."

"Why is he under stress?" I asked, observing the tired form of Dart.

"Rose nearly died before you came to. I think he loves her, but with him, I'm never sure." Meru told me quietly.

"I see. I now understand why he feels this way toward me. It must have been the Diamond Star that did it. It was a blow from my own hands." I felt sick, knowing I had nearly cost the life of one of this group.

"It's not your fault. I trust you and want to be your friend, even after you were forced to attack me. I can feel the power in you. Will you be my friend?" Meru sounded hopeful as she said it.

I sighed. "I suppose I could be your 'friend'. You'll be my first."

She jumped up with a smile on her face. She quickly hugged me before running up and making sure everyone knew what I said. I just stood there. Did she just… hug me?

I put the thought out of my mind and continued walking. I watched as Dart stumbled ahead of me under the weight of his pack. I took the pack from his hands and continued on carrying both packs. How could I have been beaten by such weakness?

We walked until morning when the first sign of something appeared. In an instant I knew something was not right. I grabbed Dart and tossed him into a hiding place off to the side of the road before grabbing Meru and pulling her with me. The others jumped down and I felt a cold shiver run through me. Something was definitely not right. As I looked over the side of the road, I saw a thick, black fog. It crept forward along the path, engulfing everything it passed in total darkness. It surrounded the countryside, trapping us. I slowly reached my hands out into the fog. I pulled them back slowly.

"It seems to be alright. Don't let your guard down. I feel a strong evil in it." I said as I stepped cautiously into the mist.

The others followed close behind. With each step I took, I felt something drawing closer. Suddenly I heard a noise. It was like the hiss of a snake but I had also heard the sound of footfalls followed by a blood-curdling scream. I realized it was heading toward us. I dove for a hole in a nearby tree. The others hid alongside me. I watched as two gigantic, bloody, clawed feet walked past. I held my breath as the footsteps dissipated into the mist. When they were gone, I slow moved toward the hole.

"Be careful." Meru whispered as I stuck my head out the hole.

Suddenly, a monstrous beast's head lashed out at me. I dove back in and drew the Diamond Star. "Break out the back! We're all dead if we stay in here!" I rammed the back of the tree and broke through.

We ran along the path as the beast tried to pull its head out of the hole. It escaped and ran at us faster than any creature I'd ever seen, save one. I saw its target as it raised its claw at Dart. I dove and blocked the blow with the Diamond Star. The beast gave a roar of anger as the others turned to face it. It slashed at me and I dodged around the claw.

I got the first good look at its head. It had a pair of blood red eyes that flashed with rage. Two slits in its face made up its nostrils. It had a wide mouth with hundreds of razor sharp teeth that looked like they could cut through anything. Its head was shaped like a snake. Behind it, I saw a glint of a scorpion like tail. It had a foot long blade attached to the tail. Its claws were stained with blood not from any of our bodies. I decided it had caused that scream we heard. It flicked its double pronged tongue at me and I stared into the red eyes, temporarily forgetting the meaning of fear.

It slashed at me once more with those bloody claws. I narrowly dodged the slash that would have surely killed me. I slashed out in an elegant arch and slammed the butt of the Diamond Star into its chest. It slashed out again and I experienced a feeling of fear when the Diamond Star flew from my hands.

Rose attempted to hit the beast, but was thrown back with a powerful blow. The beast aimed a deadly blow at Dart and I once again sprang into action. Without the Diamond Star in my hand, I had to resort on my secret art. I punched my fist into my palm and threw my hands out to stop the attack. I conjured a shield to surround Dart and I as the beast hammered blow after blow at us.

I timed my move perfectly. It attacked and I spun around to land a deadly accurate kick to the face. I spun and dodged the tail blade and flipped backward, kicking it in the face before I flung myself into the air again and came down kicking. I spun and kicked again before doing a front flip, bringing my fist down through my target. It was severely dazed through the whole technique.

I quickly ran to the Diamond Star and picked it up. I ran at the beast and slashed. It was critically wounded now.

I raised the blade and took each end in one hand. "Diamond Star Wind!" The Diamond Star flashed a bright blue and glowed brighter and brighter. Finally, I slashed it through the air and connected with the beast. A powerful wind flew from the blade and ripped the beast apart.

I took out a small cloth and wiped the blood from the Diamond Star. I turned to Dart and spoke with disgust. "You are clearly not as powerful as I had thought. I have saved your life countless times today and I do not see how you managed to defeat my body on the mountain. You are not half the fighter I am."

I was surprised when Rose slapped me across the face. "You're right! Dart isn't half the fighter you are! He's twice the fighter you are! He gave all his strength to me so that I might live! I owe him everything! He is brave enough to give his life for his friends!" I felt my cheek softly and sighed.

"I suppose I should not have insulted Dart. You are right. I am not brave enough to give my life for anyone. I am merely brave enough to protect them. I am not brave enough to give my life for them. But it matters not. I will refrain from any further comments."

I strode off in the direction of the path, listening intently for any other noises. Meru spoke to me again as we walked. "Their right. Please, don't lose your temper with Dart again. You won't gain anyone else's trust if you do."

"You mean you don't dislike me?" I asked, amazed that my brash manner hadn't lost the only friend I had.

"Nah. You can't get rid of me that easily." Meru laughed.

As we walked, the mist got thicker. What was this mist? I felt a sudden prickle of fear run up my spine. I felt like something was watching me. Was that the wind? Was that the scratching of trees?

I turned suddenly as I saw a glow out of the corner of my eye. I drew the Diamond Star as a black form appeared. I had no time to react. A bright beam of energy surrounded the figure before blasting at me. I was caught off guard and I felt amazing pain wash through me. I collapsed under the non-stop energy. The world darkened around me as I heard a high, cold laughter that I recognized, but hadn't heard in years.

I felt soft, gentle arms grab me and heard the fast running of feet. I saw a bright light through my closed eyes. I suppose the others transformed so they could flee faster. I felt heat from the explosions I heard around me. I felt the arms carrying me give out and I fell unconscious as I hit the ground.

As I slept, I had a dream. I was standing in total darkness. Around me was nothing but void. I saw a bright light in the distance suddenly. It flew toward me and spoke.

"Red, is that you? You have grown much." The light spoke with a firm but soft male voice.

"F, father? Why did you disappear? Where did you and mother go? Why did you leave me alone?" I spoke of the things that helped lead me down the path I am on.

Another bright light appeared and a lighter, more feminine voice spoke. "I am sorry Red. Someday we will meet face to face. But as of now, we know not if we are even alive. I would have given anything to remain with you. I'm so sorry. Remember Red, we love you. If you strive to do everything to the fullness of your potential, you will succeed."

The voice faded and the lights flew farther away from me. I ran toward them, not willing to let them go. "Father! Mother!" The lights flew out of sight and I collapsed.

I felt a damp coldness over my chest and groaned with pain as my eyes opened and adjusted. I was in some sort of tent. Meru was gently rubbing my chest with a wet cloth. Rose brought her a fresh cloth and she noticed my eyes.

"Good, you're awake. We should be moving faster in a bit. Meru, you stay here and help Redblaze." Rose ordered Meru.

As soon as I found my voice I asked, "Meru, what happened?"

"I don't know for sure. It was all a blur before I was knocked out. This man in black clothes, just like yours, attacked you. You had fallen, I transformed and grabbed you. We were flying away when he fired a blast that hit me. I was unconscious after that."

I felt an impulse of worry. "Are you alright?"

"It takes more than some magic tricks to stop me." Meru said loudly. Haschel gave a loud cough that sounded like 'Yeah right.'.

After a while, I asked, "Where are we?"

"Um… uh… I don't know. Hey Haschel, where are we?" Meru called.

"That's easy. We are right here." Haschel joked to her.

"I mean location, Haschel." Meru laughed.

"That's easy too. We are… Hey, Dart. Where are we?" Haschel scratched his head as he spoke.

"I don't know. I didn't pay much attention as we ran. Ask Rose." Dart still had a look of utter pain on his face. I can't imagine how much Rose means to him that he is willing to go through that pain for her.

"We are approximately five miles south of the Barrens in Tiberoa. You've been unconscious for several days. We came here on a hunch." Rose replied after I asked her.

"South of the Barrens! How long have we been here?!" I asked frantically.

"Since last night. Why? Meru replied.

"There is no time to explain! We must leave, now!" I tested my legs and stood. I quickly grabbed my cotton shirt and armor and put them on. I threw on my robe and grabbed the Diamond Star and unsheathed it. "Follow me!"

We ran from the tent, leaving behind most of our supplies. We had gone no more then thirty feet when I heard the sound from beneath the sand of the desert. As I turned I saw the thing I feared. A giant beast shot out of the earth in an explosion. The entire camp had been destroyed.

Its eyes were red as the blood of a young girl's neck. Its teeth sparkled with saliva as it expected a tender, juicy meal. It had two horns shaped like drills, which it used to burrow its way beneath us. It stood near ten feet tall on its reptilian legs that seemed to be jointed backwards. Each arm ended in a sinister looking blade that reached three feet.

I ran before seeing that Meru was just standing there, a look of terror on her face. I saw why. The beast had seen us. Its target… Meru. It raced across the wasteland at high speed, faster than we could run. I understood Meru's fear. Anyone who had to look on as this beast ran towards them would freeze as well. But I had learned to never show my fear in any way.

I put on a burst of speed and knocked Meru out of the course of the beast. Surprised, it halted ten feet from me. I raise the Diamond Star, praying for its strength. The beast hesitated no longer and it launched itself at me. I blocked the blow and slid back across the loose sand.

I stared into those blood red eyes and felt fear in them. Not from the beast itself, but from what it lived off of. I saw Meru's fear inside those eyes. I felt the anger well in me. This beast, the Ragnarok, is the only beast that ever truly scared me. But now that my only friend had been its target, I stared into its eyes with determination.

Meru ran to me and put a hand my shoulder. I turned to her. "No! Run! Just make sure you survive! Go to the Barrens!" I handed her my sacred necklace with a cross upon it. "You'll know what to do with it when you get there!" She didn't move. "Please, Go!" She gave me one last look before finally obeying my order.

With one last look to say goodbye, I ran at the Ragnarok with the Diamond Star held high.

I ran with all the strength I could muster. I felt totally weakened still. I looked back as Redblaze fought against the monster until he was out of sight. We slowed down after a bit and walked toward the Barrens.

I looked at the tears in Meru's eyes as she walked slowly. I walked to her and attempted to comfort her. "I'm sorry Meru. I'm sorry he stayed behind like that."

"No you're not! You're glad! You hated him! If you had agreed to be his friend and not his enemy, he might have stayed with us! He gave his life for us! Do you trust him now?!" Meru yelled at me with tears in her eyes.

I remained silent. She's right. I didn't care if he died or not. I hate myself for thinking that way. How cruel was I?

Rose came to me and gently took my hand as if to show me that I'm not hated by everyone. I walked slowly with the others as we entered the Barrens. Meru held tightly to the cross that Redblaze had given her. I just can't imagine how she could care for him so much in such a short amount of time. I looked at Rose and decided that I couldn't talk.

We stepped onto a stone plateau and looked around. Twilight was falling on this world that seemed so unfriendly lately. We began to set up a camp and I made a small fire from the few pieces of wood we had in our packs. I sat near it for a bit with Rose right beside me. Haschel and Miranda sat on another side of the fire, Kongol and Albert sat on another side, and Meru sat on the last side, an empty seat right beside her.

I stared into the fire and thought. I feel that I have seen the last of that man. Surely that beast had killed him with one blow. I can imagine the fight. Redblaze had probably put up a good fight, landing a few blows. But the monster must have ripped him to shreds with those claws.

As if having read my mind, Meru burst into a new set of tears. I hope she gets over it soon though. Seeing her depressed and crying gets the rest of us sad. She's always so cheerful. Now, the one that's always the happiest is in tears. It makes us feel even worse about Redblaze.

Before long, she and the others went to claim the spots on the ground to sleep, leaving Rose and I alone. "Dart, I still love you. I'll always love you. I love you even more after all that you did for me. But I am greatly sorrowed. Look at Meru. She's crushed. Her best friend is dead. All her friends in the forest are dead. She grew a strong friendship with Redblaze, and it was shattered."

"Rose." I whispered, moving my hand to her cheek, turning her face to look at me, moving so that our faces were a mere inch apart.

"Y, yes Dart?" She whispered quietly.

"I love you." I gently close the inch and felt our lips touch. There was no feeling of total pain this time. Only pleasure. I felt her love down to my very core. "I love you." I repeated as I took a small breath of air and deepened the kiss.

I heard a slight laugh and we quickly broke the kiss to see Haschel watching us. I saw Meru off to the side, looking at us with a sad expression on her face. Haschel just shook his head and walked off to the side of the camp.

The fire went out twenty minutes later. We had all tried to comfort Meru with very little luck. Mostly we got a good tongue-lashing. After a while, I proposed that we get to sleep. "We should sleep in pairs. The night is freezing here in the desert lands."

Albert, Kongol, Miranda and Haschel did not seem to like the sleeping arrangements. Kongol and Albert slept side by side. The same was with Haschel and Miranda. Rose and I were content with sleeping side by side. But Meru… she just moved to the side of the camp and curled into a ball to block the wind. After awhile, my tiredness overpowered my guilty conscience and I fell asleep.

When I awoke the next morning, I found Meru in the worst fit of tears I had seen her in yet. When I asked her why, she thrust a piece of cloth into my hands. It was a black cloth, splattered with blood. I turned it over and saw the markings on it that read, 'R.B.' It was embroidered just the way Redblaze's robes had been embroidered.

"I'm sorry you had to find this. We have to accept that he's gone." I said quietly, feeling the pain and remembering when Rose had died.

"I know. I'm going to keep this cloth, to remind me of him. And I'm going to keep the blood on it, to remind me that he died to save our lives." Meru didn't seem to be getting over losing him. But at least she hadn't screamed at me.

The other awoke soon after and we began to walk off the plateau. Suddenly, I tripped over a strange rock. As I inspected it closer, I saw a picture of a dragon breathing fire on a cross. I turned to Meru, whose eyes had gone wide as the cross in her hand glowed bright and flew into the stone. A loud sound was heard as the featureless wall in front of us opened. I walked in followed by the others. The door shut behind us.

The inside looked like a graveyard alright. Dragon skeletons littered the landscape. Light came from fluorescent fungus that grew along the walls. We sat down to contemplate what to do next. Do we continue on, or think of something else? Our conversation was interrupted by a loud bang on the door.

"It's back! It's come to finish the job!" I panicked at the sound. The Ragnarok hadn't killed enough with just Redblaze. It came to kill us too!

But then Dart talked some reason into me. "I'm sure it hasn't followed us. It wouldn't be able to follow us across the rock. It wouldn't be able to track us. It's probably some traveler who found out about this place." But his voice sounded uneasy.

I cautiously stood up and walked to the door. I took the huge handle in one hand and pulled. I held my breath as the door was opened fully. I saw the figure outside the door. I saw his ebony robes, cut in numerous places. His blood seeped from each hole in the robes. I ran to him and held him tight. "You're alive!" I felt the tears in my eyes and felt them be soaked up by his black robes. I didn't care if he saw that I was crying. I was just overjoyed to see him.

I heard him whisper quietly in my ear. "I am so sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you. Can you ever forgive me, a worthless swordsman?"

I could only nod. I was so happy to see him once again. "I… I thought you were dead. Especially after I found this." I showed him the bloody cloth.

"I almost was. But we can't stay much longer. Hurry, we must go. I have no time to explain." He took my hand gently and we ran from the door, which had closed again.

I soon found out why we had to run. The door was suddenly destroyed as a towering creature stood before us. The Ragnarok. "I couldn't kill it. I only managed to escape when it had been momentarily blinded by a sandstorm. The sandstorm must have weakened it though. We may be able to kill it." Redblaze shouted out as he drew his sword.

The beast looked at us and I was determined that no matter what, I won't run. If I die, I want to die with the best of my friends.

The huge beast ran at us and Dart dove to the ground to avoid being speared upon the end of the horns. I heard Dart give a cry of pain when the beast ran past him. I saw his leg. It was severely injured. He had been stepped on. Somehow, even after the weakening effect of his sacrifice, he had survived.

I raised my dragon spirit and transformed. I felt the strength and power of the dragon flow though me. Everyone, other then Dart, transformed as well. I flew at the beast and swung my hammer around at it. It was dazed for maybe a half-second tops. It countered my blow with an awesome hit. I felt incredible pain as I flew through the air. The pain was then magnified as I slammed into a wall and collapsed. I couldn't stand, couldn't even fly. I just lie there, just able to watch the battle.

Redblaze saw me fall. "Meru! Void Wave!"

I watched as he spun his sword around in many elegant swings, each connecting with the Ragnarok. He gave a final swing before flying backward, sword pointed forward. As he backed away, a wave of nothingness washed through the area. It decimated the beast, causing it to breath labored.

But as it did, it launched itself at Redblaze. Redblaze was smashed to the ground, where he narrowly missed being run through by one of the horns. He was then smashed deeper into the ground as a monstrous foot fell upon him.

"No! Redblaze!" Somehow I found the energy to stand. What was this feeling that gave me strength when he needed help?

I spiraled at the Ragnarok and landed a powerful blow. I spun around again and smashed it with my hammer. I brought my hammer down again before landing a blow with the dragon spirit. The Ragnarok gave a cry of pain before I slammed my hammer into its head once more, killing it.

I landed and transformed again. I ran to Redblaze, who had transformed back. I took his hand in mine and looked into the two narrow slits that were his eyes. "Redblaze… Please, don't die now. I need you."

"M, Meru? Please… come closer." I moved closer so that I was a foot over him. "There's… something… I can't… live without."

"What is it?! What do you need?!" I asked. I can't lose him. I can't let him do what Rose did to Dart.

"Please. You must… get me to… the Dragon of… Time. Please hurry." Then he fell silent.

"I understand." I whispered through my tears. Then I turned to the others. "We have to get to the dragon."

I ran with newfound strength. I carried his still body down the oath and the others followed me. Every step I took, I felt his heartbeat slow down. I raced ahead, tears feeling my eyes. Then I saw it. An ancient dragon! I ran to it and laid Redblaze down before it. I hadn't said a word, but it seemed to understand. I blew a white flame upon Redblaze and I nearly yelled in surprise. But when the flame disappeared, Redblaze opened his eyes and stood.

I ran to him and hugged him once again. "Thank God that 'twas you who was my only friend. You've saved my life with your courage. Thank you." For the first time, he returned my embrace. He patted my back softly as I cried into his shoulder.

The others ran into the chamber and backed up as they looked at the dragon. Redblaze let go of me and turned to the dragon.

"Great Dragon of Time! It is I, The Guardian who humbly stands before you. I wish to ask thee for wisdom above my knowledge. Please, I ask thee about my past, the present and my future." Redblaze spoke with utmost respect.

The great dragon lifted its head and spoke. "Of your past, I can tell you this. Your battles to find your parents have not been in vain. You have grown up with little knowledge of who you are. You are more than you seem. Of the future, I see little. A mist covers my vision. The future is unwritten. But if you fail in your quest, the world is nothing. If you succeed, the world is clouded. It will be what you make of it. And of the present, you come seeking the power to destroy the Black Monster. I can give you the secret. It is…"

Suddenly I heard a deafening bang. A figure clad in a black robe appeared. I recognized it as the attacker from the mist. A bright glow surrounded him and I shout out as the beam discharged. Smoke filled the chamber. When it cleared, the man was gone.

"No!" I heard Redblaze yell.

I turned to see the ancient dragon's dead form upon the rock on which it slept its eternal sleep. A small light lifted from it.

It spoke. "I am the spirit of the Dragon of Time. My body has died and my spirit weakens. Know this. Guardian, when you battle the Black Monster, should you be struck down by a trusted item, you will rise and become more powerful than ever imaginable. Farewell."

He light flew into the heavens and Redblaze fell to his knees. For the first time, he had tears in his eyes. "I have failed." He spoke quietly, every word shaking with anger. He struck himself with his fist. "I failed! I have failed my calling! I am disgraced in the eyes of my father, my father's father, and the rest of my ancestors from 10,000 years ago! I failed the Dragon of Time! It has been killed before my eyes!"

I grabbed his arms tightly to stop him from hitting himself. "Please stop! It's not your fault!" I spoke to him in a caring manner.

"It is! My role in life is to be the Guardian! I am to lay down my life for the Dragon of Time!" He began thrashing about, attempting to free himself from my grip.

I wrapped my arms around him, greatly calming him. "Please stop." I sobbed, "I can't bare to see you hurt yourself like this. You may have failed your purpose in life but you have a new purpose."

He calmed down slightly. "What is my purpose then?"

"You have to… to…" I thought for a second before adding, "protect me."

"You… trust me with your protection? I can't take the responsibility. If I failed to protect you, I would take my own life. How can I live like that?"

"You can protect me. I know deep inside, you would save my life if I came to danger. You have a purpose. Will you take it?" I asked him softly.

"I… I… yes. I will accept and embrace my purpose." I held him tighter as he spoke.

Before long, we stood and walked slowly from the cave. We boarded a small ship that carried us to Mille Seseau after an uneventful travel period of a few days. Before long I saw the smoking peak of the huge mountain that housed the destructive power of the Black Monster.

I looked over at Meru, Dart, Rose, and the others. Each wore an expression of fear and hope. I looked at the many billows of smoke that rose from it. I thought of the smoke that will soon rise from the heat of the power used in the battle. Suddenly I felt an intense pain in my head as we neared the crown of the mountain.

I felt my consciousness leave me as I fell. I saw Meru's stunned expression as she looked into my closing eyes.

As I slept, I felt as though I knew what was happening. I watched in my mind what was happening around me. The Black Monster… It attacked them! And I was powerless. I watched as the Black Monster ruthlessly threw them about, but was relieved to see Meru's form untouched. The battle was gruesome though. Blood of my comrades splattered the battlefield. I nearly screamed in my mind as the Black Monster conjured a blade in its dragon-like hand and ran through Meru.

My eyes flew open as I saw that. I saw the battle swirling around me. I saw the Monster slide its blade from Meru's body and she fell to the ground. I was at her side in a flash.

"Meru! Meru… please God no!" I felt the tears well in my eye as she gave a labored breath. I looked into her bright blue eyes that had once been full of life and youth.

She reached up and gently touched my face. For the first time, I actually felt the softness of her hand. "Red…" She began, using my true name. "Red… p, please… *cough* I… l, l, love you." Her eyes blinked slowly and looked at me again.

"Oh God no! Meru, don't die! I need you with me! I love you!" She coughed and blood splashed onto her cheek. She nodded slowly and blinked again before her eyes went wide and rolled into the back of her head. I held her lifeless body close to me and silently vowed to avenge her death.

I turned slowly toward the Monster of pure evil. Evil powerful enough to take the life of an innocent girl. I drew the Diamond Star and felt the hatred in my heart as I advanced on the Black Monster. Rose and Dart had been knocked unconscious but were still breathing.

I ran at the Monster, the lone fighter left standing. I slashed at the beast and connected with a staggering blow. I spun again and slashed through the beast. I drilled my sword into his body and withdrew in one silent and precise movement. I blocked as another blow was thrown at me and flipped over his head, spinning into a spiral that made him stagger. But then he aimed a blow at me that threw me to the ground. The Diamond Star clattered across the ground and landed at his feet.

Without my weapon, I was sure to be killed. He picked up the Diamond Star and felt the craftsmanship of the blade. He wielded it like an expert and flew at me. As the Diamond Star ran through me, I felt an awesome power flow into me. I saw light flash around me and felt like I was turning into a dragoon. But I was growing much larger. I felt wings burst from my back. I felt my hands lengthen and turn into claws. I surveyed myself. I was a… dragon.

I heard a sudden voice in my head that sounded like my father's. "Red, you unleashed us. You are a dragonling. You are the Dragonling of the Diamond Star. Your mother and I must go now. We will await you."

I felt them leave me and felt the power well within me. I was the true Diamond Star. I looked at Meru's fallen form. I shall avenge you!

I flew at the Black Monster and launched all I had into my assault. He was blown back with the ferocity of my blow. The battle continued like this. I was unstoppable. That is, until he raised a staff that was patched together. The Dragon Block Staff. I felt weakened below my normal levels. He struck me and I was thrown back.

I struggled to fight back, but was being totally overpowered. Suddenly I saw nine bright lights. They rose up from each of the dragon spirits and flew into my body. I felt a huge power inside me. I launched what I knew would be my final attack as he thrust the Diamond Star's shell at me. It pierced my heart as I killed the Black Monster and I fell. An explosion ripped through the mountain and I could easily see that Meru, Dart, Rose, and myself were not going to leave.

I turned back into a human and felt my body become a lifeless shell. In my last breath, I whispered, "Goodbye, everyone. Meru, father, mother, I'm coming to you." I breathed a silent breath out and felt my heart stop.

Narrators POV

(Six months later)

Albert, Miranda, Kongol, and Haschel had lived. Albert had returned to his wife where a funeral was held and a memorial built for four of the strongest and bravest fighter known. Crystal had prayed to Dart, thanking him for returning her husband to her.

Miranda did the same as she arrived to take on her duties of a Sacred Sister once again. Haschel and Kongol returned to the village of Rouge. There they discovered that the black mist they had been in remained.

And hidden in shadows, a mysterious cloaked figure received a large sum of money. For even though he hadn't killed the Black Knight, the Knight was dead. He had completed his mission.

That was fun! I liked writing that! Once again, I would like to point out that I just put Meru-Redblaze there because it's a strange pairing. I always appreciate reviews. Anyways, if I get enough reviews, I write more fics. I mean, that mist is still there, and what about that mysterious man? Well anyway, I hope you liked the fic. I got kind of choked up at the end. Thanks again. This is Redblaze, signing off.

Thanks to

Dark-Crystal Dragoon for allowing me to use Crystal.

Myself for allowing me to use Redblaze.

Myself for writing this fic.

Anyone else who contributed in any way, shape, or form.