The Legend of Dragoon
The Series
In the building that stood alone in the city of Tokyo, many scientists entered inside. Each of them with their usual white lab coats and sometimes large glasses. The sing in front of the building read, "Bach Enterprises". It seems this is where Professor Bach worked when not devising a plan to destroy the world.
You see, in order to have the money to continue his secret work, Bach must get money from the government. And so, Bach Enterprises was created. A normal research center in Tokyo, so it seemed. Even though it may seem very public, it actually isn't. Professor Bach prides himself on his privacy. He's made sure to keep the phone number out of the phone book and also made sure no media would be around it. So he's pretty much kept this business under wraps. What people on the outside don't know is, those scientists all work for Bach's secret cause. That's why they're coming in for work today.
They all rushed over to their offices and stations. Some hung their coats up and got straight to work while others had already started to work. Upon a balcony inside the building, surrounded in glass windows, Professor Bach and a scientist-looking Rose watched on. "What's with the worker-bees today Professor?" Rose asked. "We are approaching our goal even faster than I had hoped," Bach replied. "You mean...we'll be able to find the Non-Elemental Dragoon Spirit soon?" Rose asked, hoping for a yes. Bach nodded happily. "How wonderful," Rose sighed in relief, "We'll be able to release The Abyss." "In due time my dear," Bach stated, "My little worker-bees, as you call them, are only looking for where the spirit can be located." "Any leads?" Rose asked him. "Well, according to the ancient scrolls, the Non-Elemental Dragoon Spirit was sealed near where I found you those many years ago," Bach explained, "In one of the ruins of the Wingly empire."
Rose has a quick flashback for a moment of Professor Bach releasing her from some kind of magic orb.
"But, for some reason, that certain place where I found you has also been sealed away from me," Bach added, "It seems when I released you, some other power sealed away that area. I am now unable to locate it." "Couldn't we just wait for us to gather more spirits from the humans in the city and let the seal be broken?" Rose asked. "I need to at least know the whereabouts Rose," Bach answered, "Because then, when we do break the seal, we won't need to waste time using our resources to find the location. We'll already know where to go and be there before those other Dragoons figure out we're even gone." "Ah, I see," Rose smirked, "A wonderful plan." Bach then turned around and began to walk towards a large vault. He placed his hand on a computer console with a handprint. The computer scanned his signature and said, "Welcome Professor." The vault opened as Bach and Rose entered. Inside this vault, was a large glass cylinder with computer cables and tubes surrounding it. Inside the cylinder, the many human spirits they had all collected flew and moved around, almost trying to escape. "Ohh," Rose sighed. The spirits glowed brightly when they were all together. "We have 67% of what our goal needs to be," Bach began, "We are so close." "Yes," Rose nodded. "I will be needing another Virage," Bach ordered, "Even though the last one was destroyed, they are still useful." "I'll get right on it," Rose agreed as she walked out of the vault. "Just you wait James Drake...I will finally win and our grudge will be put to rest," Bach thought to himself.
"Did you figure out anything on the Virage?" Bryant asked. The entire team, including Professor Drake, sat in the living room. Sakura and Bryant sat on the sofa. Julie sat down on the recliner. And, David and Drake stood in front of them all. They all listened intensively. "The professor and I went back to The Dragony to look at his copy of the scrolls for any answers," David explained, "And we did find something." "You did? Well?" Julie asked. "The Virage were basically war beings created by the Wingly empire. There were hundreds and thousands of them at first, during the war. And yes, they were very strong as they obviously are now," Drake informed them all, "The Dragoons of old did have a tough time with as well. But, as you all figured out, there was a weak spot." "Their Cyclops eye," Sakura added. "But, how can they be here in the future?" Bryant asked. "Well with the right spell, using a Dragoon spirit, one can tap into the history of that certain Dragoon Spirit and bring back anything they want almost. Except, if one were to bring back too much, it could kill them," Drake answered. "So, Kenkaku won't be bringing back anymore, 'cause they risk killing one of their warriors, right?" Julie asked. "That's true, Julie," David replied, "But, what the professor and I think is that Bach only needed one." "What do you mean?" Sakura asked. "Well, once he gets the DNA of the Virage, he can create one himself using any of his Dragoon's magic essence and add some of his technological advancements," Drake stated. "So, you're saying that the next one will be a lot more powerful?" Bryant wondered. David nodded. "Great," Julie sighed, "Just what we need." Everyone was silent for a moment, thinking of what to do or say next. Then, the doorbell rang. "I'll get it," Julie volunteered as she rushed towards the door. She took off the lock and opened it. Julie's eyes widened in surprise and then angered when she saw who it was. It was a young man that looked much like Julie, but was older. He had luggage with him. "Hey sis'," he smiled.
Julie's Past Drops In
A VERY Unexpected Visit
"Cory, what are you doing here?" Julie asked angrily, not the least bit pleased to see her own brother. "Aw, what's the matter Julie? Aren't you happy to see me?" Cory smirked. He shoved Julie out of the way of the door and walked on in with his luggage. "Hello everyone!" he yelled. Everyone in the living room turned their heads to him. They all got up to go introduce themselves. Cory put his hand out, "I'm Cory Rhoden. Julie's big brother." "Oh, it's nice to meet you," Sakura smiled a fake smile. She knew who this was. She shook his hand anyway, "I've heard SO much about you." "Hi, I'm Bryant," Bryant said politely. "Yeah, yeah. Whatever," Cory told him, "But, you young lady, are quite beautiful." Cory kissed Sakura's hand. Bryant's eyes turned to flames when he saw the sight. He rushed over there and grabbed Sakura, taking her away. "That's quite enough," Bryant said angrily. "I'll see you later," Cory winked at Sakura. Sakura rolled her eyes at him. "I'm David," David introduced himself from across the room. Professor Drake did the same. "So...Julie's got friends, huh?" Cory asked, "Amazing." He then jumped on over to the sofa and turned on the TV. Julie hurried over to him and turned off the TV. "H-Hey, what are you doing?!" Cory complained. "First off, don't you EVER treat any of my friends so rudely!" Julie yelled, "And secondly, what the hell are you doing here?!" "What? What?! I just earned some money and came to see you!" Cory answered. "You mean to mooch off me. Did mom finally kick you out of the house?" Julie asked him. "No, no. You know she'd never do that," Cory smirked, "I'm her first born." Julie's friends could only watch. "I want you out, NOW!" Julie ordered him. "Now, we wouldn't want mom to hear you saying that. If I called her telling her you kicked me out and embarrassed me in front of your friends, she wouldn't be too happy. We all know dad wouldn't either. They might even drag you back home," Cory continued to smirk. He was definitely enjoying this. "Now, I'll just sleep on the couch for the remainder of my stay, okay?" Cory stated as he returned to watching TV. Julie clenched her fist and then ran out of the room. "Julie!" Sakura shouted, "I'm gonna go after her." Sakura got her coat and Julie's and went after Julie. "And we'll keep an eye on him," Bryant whispered. "We sure will," David replied.
Julie stood in the cherry blossom garden as the wind blew. It was getting very cold in Tokyo, as winter approached. The sky was a bit gray with only a few white clouds meshed into the gray. It was definitely a sign of winter drawing nearer. Julie crossed her arms to warm herself from the cold breeze. Her dark brown braided hair flowed in the wind as she looked up into the skylight in thought. "Julie!" Sakura cried as she jogged into the garden house. Julie turned her head to see her good friend standing behind her. "Are...are you okay?" Sakura asked hesitantly. She wasn't sure if Julie wanted to be talked to at the moment. Sakura approached her slowly. Julie nodded, wiping her teary eyes, "Yeah..." "So...that's Cory," Sakura stated. "Yup, the one and only," Julie replied bitterly, "The one who person who has made my life miserable." "I remembered instantly when you told me about him a while back when I saw him," Sakura told her. Sakura had a flashback.
About a month or so ago, Sakura and Julie were inside the bedroom by themselves. They were both doing homework of different classes. Julie doing her math, which she hated, and Sakura doing some psychology. "Urgh!" Julie shouted, "Why does this have to be so confusing?!" Sakura giggled, "Don't worry. You'll get it." "Yeah, hopefully some time soon," Julie sighed as she got back to work. Sakura then instantly had a question pop into her head. She didn't know why, but she felt she needed to ask Julie this question. So, she did, "Julie?" "Yeah?" Julie replied as she erased a mistake with her pencil. "Do you have any other siblings? A brother or a sister?" Sakura asked her. Julie stopped her writing and dropped her pencil. Her face was so cold and sad all at once. Sakura noticed Julie's reaction to her question and tried to end her inquiring, "I know it's none of my business and all, but you don't have to answer me. I was just wondering because you never really talk about anyone from your family except for your mom and dad." "I-I have one brother," Julie answered shyly. "Oh? Is he older or younger?" Sakura continued to inquire. "Older, he's eighteen now," Julie told her, "His name's Cory." Sakura smiled, "That's nice. I mean, to have another sibling. Of course, I wouldn't know but..." Sakura noticed a tear fall from Julie's eyes. "Julie?" Sakura gasped, "I'm sorry! Did I say something wrong?" Julie wiped her eyes and shook her head, "No, it's not you. It's...him. Cory and I...well, let's just simply say that we don't get along. We don't love each other at all." "W-What?!" Sakura asked, "How can you say that about your own brother, Julie?!" "It's the truth. I hate Cory. I've never loved him. You know how most brother's pick on their sisters but truly they love them and want to protect them? Well, that's not Cory," Julie explained, "Cory never just picked on me. He did cruel things to me, and my family. I'm not even sure if he cares about my mom. He's always saying hurtful things to me and to her. My dad he never really says anything about. I guess he just doesn't care. He's always going out and coming home late and doing bad things. My mom always stays up for him until he comes back because she worries, you know? But, my brother could care less about what my mother does for him. It's always been about Cory." Sakura could only watch and listen sadly. She could hear and feel the pain in Julie's voice. Julie then quickly wiped on a fake smile and said, "Anyways, we'd better get back to work before we start to procrastinate." "Huh? Oh...right," Sakura agreed as they both got back to work. Sakura was still worried about Julie however. "Oh, and Sakura..." Julie began. Sakura lifted her head. "Thanks for listening to me..." Julie told her with a shy smile on her face. Sakura smiled back, "I'll always be here to listen, whenever you need me."
"Yeah, I remember it," Julie said as she turned around. "I said I would always be here to listen, whenever you needed me," Sakura explained, "I'm here now." Julie smiled as best she could. She nodded. Sakura walked over to her and handed Julie her jacket. "Here. You're gonna catch cold in this weather," Sakura told her. Julie wrapped the warm jacket around her.
Eventually, they both walked over to the fountain in the garden and sat on its edge. Their reflections in the water behind them, a cherry blossom flower falls onto it. Ripples spread out across the water. "I just didn't expect him," Julie began, "It was a very...unpleasant shock." "I know," Sakura consulted. "I can't believe he's here. He earned all of that money to come see me? Yeah, right. What does he want from me?" Julie asked. "Maybe..." Sakura began. "Yeah?" Julie asked. "Well, maybe he wants to apologize and rekindle his relationship with you," Sakura suggested. Julie began to laugh a laugh covered in denial and pain, "You obviously don't know my brother. I know him. He has an ulterior motive for coming her. I just don't know what." "Well, he isn't exactly polite," Sakura added. "He sure isn't," Julie agreed, "I'm really sorry about his behavior. I'll have to apologize to the guys when we get back." "Don't be sorry. It's not your fault," Sakura told her, "And besides, I think we can handle him." "Thanks for being so nice about all of this. I know he was being rude to you and everyone else," Julie smiled. "It's what friends do, right?" Sakura asked. Julie nodded, "You're right. Now, let's get back to the dorm. I needed to call someone." "I understand," Sakura replied, "Let's head back."
Julie and Sakura walked back into their dorm room, only to find Cory still on the couch watching TV and munching on some chips. "Welcome back," he told them as he winked to Sakura. "Ugh," she replied, "Gag me." Sakura began to walk over into the bedroom. "You know you want me, baby!" Cory yelled as Sakura shut the door. "You know what? You are unbelievable," Julie told him. "Thanks!" Cory smirked. Julie could only look at him with disgust. But, she tried to ignore him and walked over to the kitchen. She saw unwashed dishes, that could only come from one person. "Unbelievable," she sighed. She went over to the cordless white phone and picked it up. She then walked out of the kitchen and into the bathroom. She closed and locked the door behind her. She turned on the phone and dialed her mother's home number. She waited for her mother to pick as the phone rang. After a couple of rings, her mother said, "Hello?" "Mom?" Julie asked. "Oh, Julie! I'm glad you called," she replied. "It's nice to hear from you too," Julie told her, "But, I'm not calling to just say hello." "Huh? What's wrong?" her mother asked. "Well, mom...What the HELL is Cory doing here?!" Julie yelled. "W-What? Cory? He's in Tokyo?!" her mother shouted. "In the flesh. And he's in my dorm room being rude to my friends and of course, to me!" Julie explained, "What happened back home?" "I kicked him out of the house," her mother answered. "It's about time," Julie sighed. "But, I don't know why he's over there or where he got the money." her mother added. "I want him on the next flight out of here mom!" Julie demanded, "He's being very rude to my friends and he's acting just as he would if he were at home." "All right. I understand Julie. I'll try and get the money as soon as I can. It may take a couple of days, but I'll have him on the soonest flight back," her mother explained, "Just try and put up with him until then." "I've done it for sixteen years. What's another couple of days?" Julie grimaced.
Inside the bedroom, the others talked about their new guest. "I for one cannot believe his attitude," Bryant began, "He's being particularly rude me and you, Sakura." "Are you sure you just don't feel threatened?" David smirked. "Threatened?! By that...that...couch potato?! That's absurd!" Bryant yelled in outrage. "I think you're just afraid he might take Sakura way from you," David continued. "What?!" Bryant gasped, "That would never happen!" "Are you sure? You sure seem threatened, if you ask me," David giggled, almost diabolically. "You guys..." Sakura began, trying to get a word in. "Sakura would never go for a pompous slacker like that guy! But, what about Yui? Do you think she would go for him?" Bryant smirked back. "What are you saying?!" David gasped. "You figure it out," Bryant smiled. "Urgh!!!" David grunted. "Oh yeah?!" Bryant returned the grunt. Fireworks and electricity exploded between them. A sweat drop fell on Sakura's head, "You guys are really unbelievable." Bryant stopped his offense and dashed over to his girlfriend. "Sakura, you would never go for that Cory, right?" Bryant asked her, "Right? Right? RIGHT?!" "What?! Are you saying you don't trust me and my love for you?!" Sakura yelled back angrily. "Uh oh. Bad move," David whispered worriedly. "Oh no! That's not what I...!" Bryant tried to explain. Fire grew in Sakura's eyes, "Can't either of you trust your oh-so-trusting girlfriends?!!!" Sakura clenched her fist, fire still in her eyes. She stood in front of both of the guys, making them feel smaller and smaller. Bryant and David stopped their bickering and quickly bowed down to Sakura. "Okay, okay! We're very sorry!" David apologized. "I didn't mean that! You are a very trusting and beautiful woman!" Bryant added. Sakura returned to normal and sighed, "That's what I thought." Sweat drops fell on both of the guys' heads as they sighed in relief. "Anyway, I need you two to do a favor for me," Sakura told them. "Yeah? What is it?" David asked as he walked over to his bunk. "I need you two to be as nice as possible to Julie's brother while he's here," Sakura answered. "What?!" they both gasped. "I doubt it'll be for that long. Julie's talking with her mom right now about getting him out of here as soon as possible," Sakura explained to them, "Don't worry. Just do it for Julie." "All right, For Julie," David agreed. "Yes, of course," Bryant also agreed. "Thank you," Sakura replied. Julie then entered the room in her pajamas. Sakura and the guys quieted down. "Hey, Julie. Everything all right?" Sakura asked. She nodded, "Yeah. My mom's gonna try and get the money as soon as possible and get him on the soonest flight back." "Oh, good," David sighed. Bryant elbowed him in the stomach, wanting him to be quiet. "I-It's okay Bryant. You guys can say whatever you want about him," Julie told them, "It won't change anything. He'll still be Cory." Julie's friends looked on at her sadly. "Anyways, I'm going to bed," Julie finished as she entered her covers, "Good night." "G-Good night, Julie," Sakura replied. Her friends left the room, turning off the lights and closing the door behind them.
Julie couldn't take it anymore. She stuffed her face into her pillows and began to cry. Julie didn't know what to do about this situation anymore. Sakura had been peeking through the door and looked on sadly and worriedly. "I'm so sorry Julie," she thought.
The night had passed and it was another cold Saturday morning in Tokyo. Cory was already up and watching TV once again. Julie walked out of the bedroom, dressed and covered in warm clothing. It seemed she was going out somewhere. She walked over to the coat rack and grabbed a jacket. She then went to the sofa and threw the jacket in her brother's face. "We need to talk... now," Julie told him sternly.
They both wandered the streets of Tokyo nearby. A few people passed by them as they went along. The skies were just as gray as the day before. Julie and Cory walked next to each other side by side. "Okay, I thought you said you wanted to talk. So talk," Cory demanded. "You're right," Julie agreed, "Mom left a message last night while we slept. She said she book you a plane ticket for later tonight." "What? You can't make me leave if I don't want to!" Cory yelled. "I don't care if you wanna stay or not! You can't stay here," Julie told him. "Why not? I'm eighteen. I can make my own decisions," Cory argued. "Cory! How are you gonna get a job, huh? You don't speak any Japanese or know anything about this place or its culture!" Julie yelled, "You won't be able to survive out here in such a large and populated city!" "Well, that's why I came to see you," Cory replied. "What?" Julie asked. "I was hoping I'd be able to stay with you," Cory answered. "I knew it! I knew it!" Julie exclaimed, "I knew there had to be some ulterior motive! Since mom and dad won't give you a place to stay, you come to Julie? No! Absolutely not!" "Why are you so cold to me Julie?!" Cory asked. "Cold?! You should know! That's how you were to me everyday!" Julie yelled, "Always embarrassing me and making fun of me and putting me down all the time! And what about mom?! The way you treat her is unforgivable." "All right, so I know I've made some mistakes, but I wanna change!" Cory stated, "I was hoping you could help me do that! You're the only one who can! 'Cause I...I trust you Julie!" "You what?" Julie gasped. "I know you can understand me!" Cory shouted. "Really?" Julie asked. She really wanted to believe him. "Yes," Cory told her, "Now, can I stay with you?" He said it without any emotion. He was faking the entire speech. "Oh god! You really are unbelievable!" Julie yelled, "You just think some fake speech is gonna make it better! Here!" Julie reached into her pocket and pulled out a sheet of paper. She handed to Cory. "This is your flight information and where you should go to get your ticket," Julie explained to him, not looking at him directly. Tears fell from her eyes. "I want you to go back to the dorm, gather up your stuff, and go wait at the airport!" Julie ordered, "I don't want to see or hear from you ever AGAIN!" Julie then walked away. "Julie...I'M SORRY!!!" Cory yelled. Julie stopped and turned around, "W-What?" She could tell in his voice and his eyes he was actually being sincere. "Julie...I'm really sor..." he began to say when a bolt of darkness shot right through his chest. His spirit flew out with it. Julie's eyes widened and welled with tears as she gasped. Cory's eye color change into the color of a void. His skin turned to a dead color. He lifelessly fell to the ground. And once he did, Rouge and a Virage stood behind him. "CORY!!!!!!!!" Julie screamed from the top of her lungs.
She ran over to her brother and held him in her arms, "Cory!! Cory!!!" All of the citizens that were around scurried and ran for cover. Cars that drove by, drove by even faster to get away from the attack. Rouge could only smirk evilly. Julie looked up to see Cory's spirit drift over to Rouge's hand. Inside the spirit, memories of him and his family back home flashed through like a slideshow. It only pained Julie more to see it. Rouge grabbed the spirit, "Oh, how wonderful. A strong spirit that had gone through so much emotional trauma. Ha ha! How dramatic." "You...you...you monster!!!!" Julie screamed. "Now, now. I'm not the monster. That's what the Virage is for," Rouge smirked as she looked back to it, "Virage, destroy her. She's so annoying, really she is." Julie gasped as she heard the order from Rouge. The Virage's eye began to shine. The eye shot out a violet shining laser beam and Julie. Julie grabbed her brother's body and lunged out of the way of the Virage's attack. The beam exploded into the sidewalk. "Well, I've gotta get back to HQ with all of these wonderful spirits I've collected," Rouge stated as she held a small bag full of them, "Ta ta for now!" She spread her wings and flew into the sky. "ROUGE!!!!" Julie cried. Rouge didn't even care to hear her. But, Rouge was the least of Julie's problems at the moment. The large Virage took one large step towards Julie, stomping its foot into the cement of the sidewalk. Julie looked on in fright. She didn't know what to do.
Meanwhile, the other Dragoons had just awoken from a long sleep to find Julie and Cory gone. David sighed happily as he stretched, "This really is gong to be a wonderful morning! The freeloader isn't anywhere to be seen." Sakura had come back into the living room after having looked through the dorm for Julie. "Julie isn't here either," she said, "I wonder where they went." "Maybe they went for a walk," Bryant suggested. "Yeah, maybe..." Sakura began when she fell to the ground in pain. She was getting a vision. She saw Julie being attacked by a Virage, the exact same situation that was going on not too far from them. "Sakura!" Bryant shouted worriedly. He helped her up to her feet. "What did you see?" David asked her. "Julie..." Sakura said weakly. "Julie? Julie what?" Bryant asked. "Julie's in trouble! She's being attacked by a Virage!" Sakura answered them. "Oh no," David gasped, "What about Cory? Was he with her?" "I don't know...I didn't feel his presence there," Sakura replied. "No time to waste. We need to get over there right away," Bryant stated. His friends agreed.
Jade Dragoon Power!
Red-Eye Dragoon Power!
White Silver Dragoon Power!
The Virage fired another laser beam from his eye at Julie. Julie leaped in front of her brother's body to protect it from being harmed. But, instead, she was the one being harmed. The laser beam, luckily, hit the pavement right in front of her. However, the intense blast blew her forward while holding Cory. She quickly turned her body around so that Cory was in front of her, while in mid-air, as she hit the ground back first. Her body slid across the street, ripping her clothes. She turned her head to see the Virage approaching. Julie was bruised and cut all over. The blasts from the Virage were strong and powerful. The Virage continued to approach. "He still keeps coming...but what can I do?" Julie thought to herself, "I can't transform out here in the city." Right when the Virage was about to make its next attack, gun shots fired from behind it. The Tokyo Police were lined up behind the Virage with their guns and police cars. The Virage turned around to face the armed policemen. "Now's my chance," Julie thought. She used whatever strength she had left to pick herself and Cory up. She hurried over to a nearby alley. She laid her lifeless brother down, his back leaning against the wall. "Don't worry Cory. I'll bring you back," Julie said.
Sea Wave Dragoon Power!
The head policeman paused for a moment to see what the Virage was going to do. The Virage only stood, however. The policemen took this as their grand opportunity. The head policeman ordered his men to fire. They all took out their black pistols and rifles and began to fire at the Virage. Nonetheless, the bullets had no effect on the Virage whatsoever. If the Virage could laugh, it would have at that moment. The Virage then decided to return the favor to the Tokyo policemen. His purple gem-like eye shined brightly. The policemen didn't know what to expect and only watched. Before they knew it, the Virage fired an intense and thick laser beam at the policemen's barricade. The policemen screamed as they and their vehicles were blown across the other end of the street. Fire and mayhem covered their end of the street from the explosion of their gas fueled cars.
Soon after, the Dragoons arrived. They landed a few yards behind the Virage. "It seems we arrived a little late," Bryant stated. "Wait, but where's Julie?" David asked. "Huh?" Sakura gasped, "Julie! Julie!!" They all looked around to see where she was. Then, the Sea Wave Dragoon flew down from the sky. "I'm right here!" she cried. "Julie! Are you all right?" Bryant worried. "I'm fine," Julie replied sadly. "Where's Cory? Wasn't he with you?" David asked. Sakura quickly used her psychic power to sense his presence, but only felt emptiness. She knew what that meant. "Julie...he's not..." Sakura stuttered. Julie nodded. Sakura clenched her fist, "Why? Why do they keep doing this?" "What about his spirit?" David asked. "Rouge took it with her," Julie answered. "Then we've gotta go after her!" David urged them. "I'll do it," Julie volunteered, "You guys can handle the Virage. I'll take care of Rouge. I won't forgive her for what she did to my brother." Sakura walked up to her and laid her hand on Julie's shoulder. "We understand," Sakura smiled, "Now, hurry." Julie nodded in agreement, "I'll be back soon." Julie spread out her wings and soared into the city skyline. "Now that that's settled..." Bryant began as they all turned towards the Virage, who approached them ever slowly, "We have a little business to take care of."
Rouge had taken a little careless break during that time that she left. She sat upon the rooftop of an office building looking out into the city. She tossed Cory's spirit up and down, up and down. She yawned, "Ahh...what an easy day. These Dragoons are pathetic." "Aqua Ring!" a voice shouted. Rouge looked back, but before she could even move, a ring of water wrapped around her. "You!" Rouge yelled. Julie landed on the rooftop, "You have something that belongs to me." "Oh, you mean this?" Rouge asked as she showed her the spirit. Rouge then used her strength to break the ring of water that bound her. Rouge stood up to face her opponent, who looked at her with such anger. Rouge smiled. Rouge then raised her arms into the air calling out a spell, "Thunder Child!!" From the gray skies above, four purple lightning bolts fired downward towards Rouge. Each of the bolts his her two clenched fists and her two legs. A purple orb made of light surrounded them. She twirled and spun around and then stopped into an Asian style fighting stance. Julie held her hand into the air. Water formed her special sword. She grabbed it and pointed it at Rouge. "Let's go," she said. "Gladly," Rouge agreed as she ran over towards Julie, "Haahhh!!!!" Rouge came at her with everything she had. She punched and kicked like nobody else could. Her attacks were quick and precise. That's what that spell did. It increased her fighting ability. Julie, however, was also pretty quick. She moved her head and shifted her body when needed and also used her sword to block some attacks that otherwise would be pretty painful if she didn't. But, eventually, Rouge was able to make a kick at Julie's chest. Rouge was just too quick. After Julie was hit, she spread out her wings and moved into the air. She put her sword away and raised both of her arms into the air. Streams of sparkling blue water swirled from her feet all the way around to her arms. They created a massive water tornado. "Sapphire Whirlwind!" she yelled as she pointed her arms and the whirlwind to Rouge. Rouge, again, was too fast. She quickly dodged the whirlwind and leaped towards the side. The whirlwind blasted into the roof. Julie then looked around for Rouge. She couldn't see her anywhere. Little did she know, she was right behind her. "Ha ha! Gotcha!" Rouge smirked as she wrapped one arm around Julie's neck and the other pulled Julie's arm behind her back. Julie struggled to break free, but it was no use. "Still so arrogant?" Rouge asked her.
The other Dragoons had been battling for a while now. The Dragoons were a bit bruised, but so was the Virage. They had managed to blow away one of its arms. The Dragoons breathed heavily. Fire and debris surrounded the battlefield. "We've almost got him," Bryant stated. "Remember, we've got to get to the eye," Sakura explained. "But, every time we've tried it's just been able to dodge our attack," David told her. "That's because it knows that we know where to go," Bryant replied. "We need to find some way to trick it," Sakura said as she then got an idea, "Wait! I know!" "What is it?" Bryant asked. "Okay. David, you and I will keep on attacking and distracting the Virage. Bryant, when you get the chance to, attack the Virage with your sword from behind," Sakura explained. "Oh, I get it," David agreed. "You want me to put my blade all the way through his body, right?" Bryant asked. Sakura nodded. "I understand," Bryant also agreed. Sakura and David resumed their attack. Sakura flew into the air as David stayed on the ground. Sakura took out her bow and pointed an arrow at the Virage. She aimed, and then released. The Virage simply used its other arm to swipe away the arrow. "Let me try!" David shouted. Wind and razor sharp green leaves swirl around him like a crazy tornado as he begins the spell, "Blossom Storm!" He points his clenched fist at the target. The tornado of wind and razor sharp leaves fire from his fist. The attack pierces and cuts the Virage's light gray skin. "All right! It worked!" David shouted happily. The Virage grew with furious anger as he grabbed David in his large fist. "Agh! Ugh! Let me go!" David cried. "David!" Sakura yelled. The Virage saw the approaching Sakura and counterattacked. It used its laser beam attack on Sakura. "Aghhh!!!" Sakura screamed as she was hit and fell to the ground. "I think now would be my chance," Bryant thought as he finally arrived a few yards behind the Virage. He raised his arm into the air as fire formed his red sword. He spread out his wings and soared straight forward to the Virage. "Haahhh!!!!!" he yelled. The Virage didn't even realize him coming for it was paying too much attention in crushing David. In a matter of seconds, Bryant's blade struck right through the Virage's purple eye from behind. "Waaarrrgghhh!!!" the Virage roared in pain as it released David from it grip. Bryant hurried over to his aid. "You all right?" he asked. David nodded and then looked to Sakura who had just gotten up to her feet, "Sakura!" "Huh?" Sakura asked as she saw the Virage's weakened state, "Oh! Got it!"
The aura around them changed into a white and holy place. Sakura floated into the air as the clouds above them began to release beams of holy light. "God, give me power!" she cried. Behind her, a large and golden gate engraved with holy markings appeared and began to open.
"Gate of Heaven!" Sakura finished.
Out of the gates, large and thick beams of light fired through like an army was on the other side. "Waaaarrrrggghhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!" the Virage screamed in pain and horror as the beams struck right through its body. As the lights disappeared, the Virage began to disintegrate into little pieces of flesh. Those pieces of flesh fell to the ground and then melted into a dark liquid. Another Virage was defeated.
The Dragoons watched on at the remains of the Virage. "Good thinking Sakura! Your plan worked!" David congratulated her. "Thanks," Sakura smiled. "What about Julie? Is she okay?" Bryant asked worriedly.
Rouge still had Julie in her grasps and was holding her firmly. "I'm gonna snap you in two," Rouge told her. Julie didn't know what to do. Rouge was too strong with that spell and Julie didn't have the strength to fend her off. "No...no," Julie thought, "I can't die now..." Cory's voice appeared to her in her mind along with a smiling image of him, "I'm sorry." "C-Cory...Cory told me that he was sorry..." Julie continued as tears fell from her eyes, "He really meant it that time...I can't lose yet. I have to save him and tell him that I forgive him..." "Die...!" Rouge yelled. "I won't...I won't...!!" Julie cried, "I won't LOSE!!!!" Julie's Dragoon Spirit began to shine an intense and brilliant blue light. The rays spun and swirled around her body. "H-Huh?! What's this?!" Rouge gasped. "SEA WAVE DRAGOON POWER!!!!" Julie screamed with every breath she had. The bright light blew Rouge off of her. Rouge could only watch the Sea Wave Dragoon's power. "Is this...the strength of her spirit?" Rouge thought. Julie was glowing as she stared down Rouge. She then lifted her arms into the air and began her magic spell once more. The streams of water flowed up to her arms forming a water whirlwind. "Sapphire Whirlwind!!!" she cried as she fired the spell at Rouge. "Aaaahhhh!!!!!" Rouge screamed as the whirlwind surrounded her body. When the whirlwind disappeared, Rouge was on the floor completely bruised. Cory's spirit rolled out of her hands and over to Julie's feet. Julie kneeled down and picked it up. Rouge looked at Julie in fright. She knew she had to get away. She weakly got up to her feet and flew off into the gray and cold sky with the other spirits she collected.
"Julie!!" her friends cried as they flew in from above. They landed in front of Julie. "We just saw Rouge leaving. Is everything all right?" David asked. Julie nodded, weakly, "Y-Yeah..." Julie fell to her knees. She had used up much of her strength in order to defeat Rouge. Sakura kneeled down and held Julie in her arms. "Are you okay?! What happened?!" she cried. Julie smiled, "It's all right now." Bryant looked at Julie's hand which had Cory's spirit. "You got his spirit back!" he smiled. Julie smiled too, "Yes..." "I'm so proud of you Julie," Sakura told her as she hugged her. "Come on. We better get back to where Cory's body is before the police and the fire department find him first," David stated. Everyone nodded.
Later that evening, at the Tokyo Airport, Cory was waiting in one of the waiting halls with all of his luggage. He had his spirit back now and seemed to be all right. He didn't remember anything from what happened earlier that day. A woman on the intercom came on and spoke first in Japanese and then in English, "Flight 77 to Orlando, Florida, first stopping at Dallas, Texas, will be boarding." "That's me," Cory said to himself. He stood up and grabbed his luggage. He took one step and then stopped when he heard someone call out his name, "Cory!" He turned around. Julie was running towards him. "J-Julie..." he stuttered, "I thought you never wanted to see me again." "I didn't," Julie said, "But...I know you meant what you said. And I couldn't let you leave without telling you one thing first." "What's that?" Cory asked. "I forgive you," Julie answered. "You...forgive me?" Cory asked surprised. Julie nodded, "No matter what stupid things you do or say...you're still my big brother and I'll always forgive you." Cory put down his things and took his baby sister into his arms. They had never hugged before. "I talked to mom and...she said she's willing to give you another chance," Julie explained as they broke their embrace. "Thanks Julie...for everything," Cory smiled. Julie smiled back, "Well, you'd better go before you miss your flight." "Oh, right," Cory agreed as he re-gathered his things, "I'll see ya." "Yeah. See ya," Julie told him. Cory walked over to the doorway, gave his passport, waved to his sister, and entered the hallway that led to his plane. From behind Julie, her friends walked up. Julie turned around, surprised to see them, but smiled. They all stood next to one another watching the skies as Cory's plane left.
Julie's spirit was strong, as was she. It takes moments of worry to make someone realize what's really important. And Julie did, when it mattered the most.