Rise from the Ashes

Countless years have passed since the Final Weapon incident. Peace was once again restored thanks to the valiant Maverick Hunters. Everyone was pleased, or so it seemed. The only one who was not enjoying this peace was the crimson hunter, still haunted by the events at the Final Weapon.

"How long has it been," spoke a depressed Zero, gazing at a photograph of Iris. "You made me feel like more than a weapon of war… Like I was meant for more than destruction… You even made me feel things I've never known…" He sprawled out on the bed, then calling out in rage, "None of that should have happened!"

"Mew?" A cat, black-and-white and now part Reploid to keep it immortal, came running to the hunter.

"Sorry Mel… Today's an anniversary of a horrid day…"

"Meow… Mew!"

"Yes, I know I should get over it… To a human this would be crazy to hang onto so long, but I'm different. They have short lives, and mine is eternal. There's no rush in moving on for me…"

Soon, Alia came knocking on the door.

"Um Zero… There's someone asking for you at that place you went to before…"

"Understood!"

"Wait! Don't rush off again!"

The blonde couldn't hear Alia's words, since they had already left.

The cave had so many memories, since it was one of the first places that Zero had brought Iris to. Iris really liked all the glittering crystals, so the two often had picnics and adventures in the crystal cave.

"There's the giant crystal... Even still has the carving on it…"

"I have been expecting you," spoke a familiar, calm voice.

Down from the higher crystals lept an odd cat Reploid. It was orange and blue, about the same size a male Amur tiger and had a long blue tail. It also had dark blue crystals that shimmered in the relatively dark caverns.

"Why did you want to see me?"

"It is time that the phoenix regains their mate."

"You… You couldn't have… Could you…?"

"Let us just say that there is going to be a nice surprise soon enough."

The sapphire-eyed hunter was stunned. Did Claw really manage to perform the "big miracle"?

"Glad to see that you are happy now. I will give you some time to think and enjoy the peace now." The orange cat vanished once more.

"H-How could this be…?" asked the confused warrior, "Nobody's ever been able to undo the damage that I've done… Not even Lifesaver!"

The nervous but excited dragon teleports back to the Hunter Base to see if the surprise had come yet. The suspense was really agonizing, even if it were just a minute long. The hunter went into the base and…

"Hehe, hello Red Dragon!"

"I-Iris!"

The warrior ran straight up to Iris, giving her a huge hug. All that mattered now was Iris.

"Oof, you've gotten a lot stronger Zero!"

"Oh, sorry about squishing you."

"I expected nothing less from you, hehe!"

Everyone around stared, but the dragon and maiden didn't care. Some, mostly females, clapped as they saw the couple re-united. Taking her gently by the hand, the crimson hunter led the brunette into his room.

"Mew!"

"Mel! After all this time you still know me!"

"Heheh. Mel would never forget the sweetest one in existence."

"Oh Zero…" Iris now blushed hard.

The two sat down, with the cat leaping up onto them. Gently lulled to sleep by the sound of purring, the Red Dragon and the Blue Maiden fell asleep in each other's arms.