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.

4. The Final Battle

I see that the brave readers of this site have returned. Either that or you're just plain stupid. Not saying that you're stupid, just saying that you either returned because you're brave or your stupid. I'm going to shut up now before somebody tries to rip my vocal cords out. Anyway, you are about to read the final chapter of an epic tale of good vs. evil. A tale of tragedy. A tale of life and death. A tale that might answer that age-old question: Will Dart ever wash his own underwear? Wait a sec, wrong question, although that is a good question that may never be answered. Here's the real question: Will anyone from the cast of LOD ever change their clothes? I mean, YUCK! No matter how many times you sleep at the inn, next day, they're wearing the same clothes as before!

Ok, on with the real author's note. This will be the last chapter of Darkened Hope. All your questions will be answered. I might even answer that question of whether Dart ever washed his underwear. You'll discover the fate of the world. The ending will leave you shocked. Some people may want to brandish pitchforks and rusty scythes. Some people may want to do stuff the clean way and call the Mafia to get me. But I tell you this. Don't kill me! Please! If you are nice and review, I may write another story like this with Red in it.

Disclaimer: I don't own Legend of Dragoon or any of its characters. 'Nuff said.

P.S. I'm not sure if I have to say this, but I own Red, so ask if you want to use him. I'm also introducing another character of mine. Ask if you want to use her as well.

P.S.S. This chapter is basically centered around Red. It will be his POV most of the time.

I brandished the Diamond Star and ran at Blue in a fury. I slashed out with all my strength focused on my goal. I felt his blade clash against mine. I swung low and ducked as he slashed high. I felt our swords clash together, an enormous magical charge coming from the two weapons.

I looked into his face. I thought of how pointless it was that we should be forced into a battle against our other half. It was now his soul of complete evil against my soul of neither.

I thrust my sword at him as he slashed at me. We both easily dodged around each other's attacks. That is, until my thoughts clouded my mind.

I thought deeply of everything I was fighting for. I thought of how Meru is watching me as I fought to the death. Meru… I now understand why she felt it was so important that she knew of my love. I now understood completely.

I suddenly became more aware of everything I cherished in life. Perhaps because of the fact that I may soon lose it all. I thought of the smell of the ocean as it whipped through your hair, the sound of the wind as it blew its ever-changing course. The touch of a lover's sweet lips as they found your own. The taste of their lips encompassing your lips. The sight of thousands of stars shining high above. Thousands of diamonds glinting in the sky. I fully understood what was to come if I didn't win.

I blocked another powerful blow and locked one thought in my mind. Meru. I lashed out with the Diamond Star with a sudden burst of strength and speed. Blue narrowly dodged the Diamond Star as I had planned. I then lashed out with by elbow and caught him in the jaw. He flipped backward onto his feet.

"My, you've grown more powerful then I could imagine. But you still could never match the ferocity of my power." He whispered softly.

He took two of his fingers and rubbed them across the area I had struck. He withdrew his finger to show them with faint marks of blood. He clenched his teeth in anger as her wiped the blood down the edge of the Marasume.

He ran at me at full speed and vanished just as he was a foot from me. I closed my eyes. He has killed to many normal humans. He thinks that I would trust my eyes in a fight. I completely blacked out any thought of my eyes. I felt the blackness swirling until I felt a sudden power behind me.

My eyes shot opened and I spun. I missed with the Diamond Star and flipped. I brought my foot down at him as he dodged the Diamond Star. He was struck backward where he regained his composition and stood at ready.

"I am impressed. This may be a fight after all. You have landed two blows, as pathetic as they may be, before I have landed my blow. But when I do, you shall be beaten." Blue yelled as he held the Marasume above his head. A white stone embedded in the Marasume's hilt began to glow.

His whole body began to glow as I realized what it was. He was one of the ten dragoons. Nine of the ten were present. Nobody knows who the tenth dragoon is.

I watched as nearly transparent armor wrapped around him. His armor looked to be stronger and more powerful than that of Dart's new dragoon armor. It held no visible special weapons, but it was obvious that it had hidden weapons. The Marasume had become significantly stronger as well, as it now shown with an evil red light

A black lightning flashed down through the sky. It bolted straight for the outstretched sword of Marasume. The lightning struck and engulfed the sword and its owner. As it struck, I prepared myself for a block and a counterattack. I felt Meru's gaze on me and felt her hope resound in my heart. I will endure any pain so that she may live in this world peacefully. I will go to any length now to win this fight.

The lightning slowly ceased. I watched as my other half brought the sword to a ready position as black lightning flashed around his figure. I prepared myself for the blow. Yet it came so quickly, I had no way to defend myself. Blue launched at me, projecting himself like the lightning. He flashed across the battlefield to me and slashed out. I felt a burning deep in my body as his blade punctured my skin a slid into me.

I flew back through the air as the blade struck. I stood for a second before collapsing to my knee. I looked up at Meru's face while her eyes brimmed with tears. I saw the hope that shown in her heart. I looked at Blue. I saw the smirk on his face as he waited for the last of my life to vanish from my body, leaving my strength to him.

I clutched at the wound that had gone deep into my side. I wasn't dead, not yet. I plan to go out a hero, not a man that nobody knew or would ever care if he were gone. I raised the Diamond Star into the air.

"Diamond Star, Ignite!" The Diamond Star burst into a blue flame. I had to let go of my side to complete the magic. Blood oozed freely from the gash. I placed both of my hands on the Diamond Star's blade. I turned the blade toward myself.

Meru saw this and let out a gasp. I ignored her as I prepared for this attack. This one spell that would define the heavens and the earth. "Diamond Sacrifice!" I felt no pain as I thrust the Diamond Star into my stomach. But I knew that I had just done more damage to my body then Blue had.

I choked out the next few words as I prepared the final spell. "Sacrificial Beam!"

A beam of blue energy engulfed the Diamond Star. I turned the sword toward Blue as I felt myself weakening. The beam blasted into Blue, ripping through his body.

I heard Blue's laugh as his body was ripped to shreds. "You fool! You have sacrificed yourself and my body! But my soul shall be shared by the unmatched being, the Black Monster! Together, we will carry out my plans!"

I felt my mind spinning and tumbling. My body was falling, falling, falling. I cried out in pain and something I had never felt before. Despair. I felt my life energy swirling slowly to the bottom of the hourglass. I felt the last grain of life in me tilt on the edge of the abyss. After that, I felt nothing.

"Red! Red! Please Red, don't go! Don't leave me!" I cried as I ran to his fallen body. I saw the bloody wounds on his body and couldn't bear to check for pulse. It would tear me apart to listen to the silence of his heart.

I cried as I held his body. How can it be? How can he be gone? How can he be dead?! "Red! You liar! You said you would always be here to protect me! You said you would never leave me again! You liar! Liar!" I cried out in sorrow as I pounded on his chest, wishing that his heart would pound back at me.

I let my tears fall quietly to his chest. He had always been here for me. Now he's gone. Forever gone. It wasn't fair! Why was the man I loved and cared for taken from me? If only it weren't for that Blue!

I cried more tears as I lifted his hood from his face. I saw something curious about him even though I was in much pain. His eyes opened slowly. He stared into my eyes and I felt as though I were going to cry again. I couldn't speak, I was so happy that he was alive. I threw my arms around his neck.

"You're alive. You're alive." I whispered through my tears. I felt his strong arms on my body. I kissed him gently as he embraced me.

He stood slowly, still holding me in his arms. I buried my face in his chest. I was surprised to feel something metallic on his chest. He slowly stepped away from me. "It is time. All my secrets that I know of myself shall be revealed."

He reached into his robes and took a silver pendent from his neck. It was in the shape of a serpentine dragon. The dragon laced in and out of itself, creating a stunning design. "This pendent is who I am. It holds my strength and power inside. It was forged 11,000 years ago. The very day that the winglies fell to the humans. It was created in total chaos. My direct blood relative, Melbu Frahma, leader of the winglies, put his soul into this pendent. Emperor Diaz, another direct blood relative, leader of the humans, put his soul in this pendent. I draw upon their strength. This pendent has my soul in it. An ancient prophecy states that when the pendent crumbles, the neutrality of the world will be broken. When this pendent crumbles, the Diamond Star shall shatter into a billion pieces. The legendary Cloak of Sorrow shall become a tatter. When this pendent crumbles, it shall signify the beginning of the battle between all that is good, and all that is chaotic and evil."

I looked at him and turned to look out across the sky. A black veil seemed to settle over the world. I knew that what Red had said was true. I turned back to Red as he began to speak again. "I can feel the evil. It is coming. You shall now see me in my entirety. The cloak shall soon tatter." He held out the pendent and turned his hand downward. A thin stream of dust fell from his hand. The pendent was no more. Just a pile of crumbled silver.

Red drew the Diamond Star and held it up. The blade lifted out of his hand slowly. It floated high above us before falling in countless pieces. Red's robes and cloak slowly disappeared from existence. I looked on as I saw the first glimpse of what he looked like without the cloak.

"This is who I am. I am now no more than a mortal such as yourselves. I no longer draw upon the strength of my ancestors. I can no longer depend upon the strength of the Diamond Star. I can no longer depend upon the power of the cloak. I am one of you. I now must fight with my own power, and not of my ancestor's. But I am still one side of the coin that is Blue and I. Which side shall face up when our battle is done, I do not know." Red spoke softly.

I looked at the few remaining pieces of the pendent, sword, and cloak that had protected the man I love. I walked to Red and took his hand.

"Does this mean you're normal? That you can live a normal life?" I asked softly.

"Meru, I can not live a normal life. Meru, I must tell you this now. When we confront Blue and the Black Monster for the final time, when the battle is done, I may not be able to live a life with you. No matter the outcome, I won't be a normal being. If Blue wins, I will be gone forever. If I win, I will be a god. I won't be able to live a peaceful life with you." Red whispered quietly to me.

I nodded my head slowly. "I understand." I spoke in a very quiet voice.

I looked toward the ground. I wish so hard that after this was over, Red could come and live with me. I might have even been able to talk him into… marriage. The thought stuck in my mind. I love him enough for that, and yet, he can't be with me. It's not fair that love this deep can't be.

Dart walked slowly to us. "Meru, he's right. Red would never be able to live like a normal human being. He is far more than any of us."

I merely nodded, not responding to anyone as they spoke to me. We left the mountain quickly, heading straight to get Red a sword. He refused any armor offered him, so he remained in his clothes. After we had selected a light and sturdy sword for Red, we immediately headed toward the Death Frontier, Red leading the way.

"There is one weapon capable of killing the Black Monster, once and for all. It is the Soul Cutter. It is a magical sword that has the power to banish a soul. It is hidden within the mountains to the east of the Death Frontier. We'll go there immediately." Red said as we traveled toward the desert.

I followed him slowly as we walked. I feared the day when he and Blue fought for the final time. It would be the day when Red would part with me for good. I looked at Red in silence and felt crushed.

I was surprised when he doubled back and began to walk along beside me. "Meru," He whispered, "please understand. Soa had made it fate that the world would be destroyed. You and Dart and Rose and everybody else fought to keep it from happening. You sacrificed so much for this world. Long ago, I made a vow. It was to protect you. If I were to stay with you, you'd never be safe. I'm sorry. I understand how you feel."

I felt the tears in my eyes as I thought about his words.

I quietly walked beside Meru for a while longer. I could understand how she felt alone. I understood that well. Before she had come, I had been alone. Before her, I had been completely alone. Except for one point in time. I still remembered that girl well.

I felt strange without the Diamond Star by my side. It had been more than just a sword. It had been a weapon of beauty of strength. It had been something that I could stare at for hours and allow the pain in my troubled heart and soul to withdraw from me. I remembered the engraving upon the hilt of the blade. The interlocking diamonds that connected to create a brilliant star.

I shook my head. No, the Diamond Star is gone. I mustn't think about it anymore.

We continued to walk for many days as we neared are destination. I felt vulnerable without the cloak or the Diamond Star. I didn't have the protection of my ancestors anymore. All I have left is my own strength.

As we neared the Death Frontier, we slowed down. I stopped the group so that I could talk to them. "I'm sorry to say this, but you must all stay here. This is something I must do on my own. I must go to the mountains alone. There is… something about my past there. Something I don't know. There I will discover my true destiny and my true past. I wish to confront myself alone. Wait for me here. Goodbye." I whispered the last word to Meru and I felt her kiss me gently.

I walked away slowly, thinking of Meru. I'll finally know if I need to stop being with her. If so, than that was our last embrace. I thought of these people I traveled with for so long. They are not friends. I have no friends. One such as I shall never have friends.

I journeyed through the Death Frontier, finally seeing what my own power was. I was still fast as ever and held much of my mobility. But my strength had been severely decreased with the loss of the magic cloak and sword. I noticed this as I ripped through the flesh of some creature that assaulted me.

At several points in my journey, I nearly collapsed from despair. Before, I was more than a human. I needed no friends or companions. Now, I felt the loneliness creep in on me. It was human to long for the company of a living being. But I shall overcome it as I have before. I have no friends, nor do I need them.

It was my fourth day in the desert when I thought I saw a shadow dart across the land. It would have been easily unnoticed by a normal being, but I still retained my half-wingly abilities. I had heard a strange noise as I saw the figure, but I couldn't distinguish what it was. The shadow had been a blur when I saw it.

I had inspected the area I saw the shadow appear in. I saw nothing save one boot print in the sand. Other than that print, I found no sign of what I had seen. I than began on my trail to the east mountains around the Death Frontier.

It was as I awoke on the seventh day that I saw another strange occurrence. Near where I had slept was a single word. Red. This gave me a feeling that the figure I had seen knew me somehow. And that was strange, as not many knew my name.

Finally, on the eighth day, I set up camp at the foot of one of the mountains. It was as I was preparing my meal for that day when a black flower, known as the Black Lotus, fell from above to the ground beside me.

I stood and turned around, knowing what I would see there. I looked into the eyes of a young woman with jet-black hair. Her eyes were dark brown and stared at me unblinking. She wore a pair of black boots that came up to her knee. She wore brown pants that seemed loose on her. She also wore an emerald shirt that had a bright blue diamond engraved on the chest. Her vest was fiery red. Attached to her pants was a black belt that held a sheath with a silver handle of a sword. Her hair was held back by a hairpiece with black gems in it.

"Red," She spat out at me angrily, "how can you come here? Do you even remember who I am? I was your friend. The only one you ever had. I had saved your life. And you repay me by leaving me alone? I had no one to talk to, no one to keep me company for the last fifteen years! I should kill you now. That was the same flower that you left behind when you left."

I stared into her face, remembering so long ago. "Ahrena. You have every right to be angry with me. But I had left for your own good. I could tell what you were thinking, what you were feeling. I knew how you felt. I would've hurt you more if I had stayed." I said calmly.

Ahrena looked at me with a startled expression. "You, you knew? How could you? I had barely known it myself."

I closed my eyes and thought back to the day I left. "I could see it in your eyes. When you looked at me, I could see what you felt toward me. I'm telling you now that it could never be. Ahrena, I had been killed several years ago. One who had helped kill me had brought me back to life. If I had been with you, you would have been killed. I couldn't let that happen. But you were never anything more than my closest and only friend."

Ahrena looked at me slowly. "I see. You are different than when we last saw each other. What has happened since then? Wait, where is your sword? The Diamond Star, where is it? You never put that sword down."

I reached into my satchel and retrieved the on remaining piece of the Diamond Star. "It's been destroyed by prophecy. Same as the cloak." I said, leaving out the pendent, as she did not know about it.

"I see. Tell me what has happened." Ahrena said as she sat down on a rock.

"I see that you still have all the energy you've always held. Alright, I'll tell you what happened to me." I then began to tell her of my journeys. She seemed slightly upset when I told her about Meru.

"Ok, so I'm not good enough for you, is that it?" She said playfully, "You have to have a pure-blood wingly. Can't settle with me even though we're the exact same species." She referred to us half-winglies as our own species, even though we're just a mix of humans and winglies.

"Yes, I know what you mean. But I didn't care that she was wingly. I cared for her because she had cared for me first. That's why I loved her." I whispered softly, feeling the pain of feelings like these that the cloak had shielded me from for so long.

Ahrena's voice turned serious. "You do know that I… cared, right?" She asked.

I nodded. "Yes, I knew. But I couldn't endanger you by countering your feelings. Ahrena, you don't know this, but the end is near. I don't necessarily mean the end of the world, but that's a possibility. But the end of my pain, my sorrow, and possibly my life, is at hand. I'm am indeed sorry for the pain I put you through. I couldn't possibly understand that the pain I put you in was worse than the pain of death. I found that out myself."

Ahrena stood slowly. "I know why you came. You need the Soul Cutter. That's the only reason you would come here, if not to see me. Although I can't see why you would come to see me. But the sword is in the closest mountain to us. But you can't go now. It's getting late. So I ask, may I stay here for the night?"

I nodded slowly as I built a fire. "Yes you may stay… old friend."

After a while, the fire was burning brightly. I sat beside it as Ahrena sat on the other side. "How old were we when we last saw each other? It was fifteen years ago. I know we were young at the time." Ahrena said.

I thought back again and tried to remember. "Let's see. You were fifteen and I was fourteen. But even in our youth, we were both stronger and wiser than any human." I replied.

"Did you make any true friends while you were away?" Ahrena asked.

My thoughts turned icy black. "No. I have no friends, nor do I need them. You are the only one who comes close to being a friend."

"What about Meru?" Ahrena whispered.

"She is… much more. I replied shortly.

Ahrena didn't say anything for a while. She eventually said, "You're here for the Soul Cutter, and I can feel that something is wrong. The Black Monster is free. But you never cared about the Black Monster, why do you now?"

"My other half. He is one with the Black Monster. When our struggle ceases, either he will be a supreme god, or I will. I already know that you plan on following me. I insist that you don't. I can't bare the thought of my one true friend being killed. Tonight will probably be the last time you ever see me. I leave in the morning. If you awaken early enough, then you will be able to say goodbye." I whispered.

I continued to stare into the flames. I thought of my life and how it was about to be given up. I would no longer be myself after Blue and I battle for the final time. Ahrena interrupted my thoughts.

"Red, there's something you probably should know about me." She said.

I turned my attention to her. "What do you mean?"

"Ever since we first met, you had been special. You were something else. A dragoon, a halfling, the Protector of the Dragon of Time. You had been so different from me. But now, you're not quite as different." She held out a small stone. "I'm a dragoon."

I looked at her with sudden surprise. "You are the tenth dragoon? But that means… you aren't the innocent girl I once knew. The dragon spirit enhances the insanity a battle produces. A dragon spirit never shines for those who haven't taken the blood of a sentient being."

Ahrena nodded slowly. "Yes, I did kill many men. I couldn't let them tell about me. But please, I don't want to talk about this. Why don't we go to sleep?"

I stood up and motioned toward the sleeping bag. "You take it. I will sleep here. Awaken me if you need anything. And if you're asleep when I leave, goodbye."

I laid myself down upon the ground. I looked at her and saw the hurt expression on her face. I understood how I hurt her by leaving before and leaving now. I decided to at least leave her slightly happier than this.

"Ahrena, if I hadn't met Meru, I would have been beside you." I whispered gently.

She didn't reply, but I could see a faint smile on her lips. I sighed and looked up into the sky. I thought of Meru and wondered if she was worried about me. "Just a little longer." I whispered.

I closed my eyes and fell into a dreamless sleep. I awoke early the next morning. I stood up and made sure I had everything I needed. As I was about to leave, I heard a soft voice.

"Red, goodbye. I'll miss you. Red, I want you to promise to never forget me. And if Meru ever dumps you, you know where to find me." She said with a grin.

I nodded and began to walk away. I heard her run towards me, so I turned to her. I was surprised when she threw her arms around me and hugged me. "Never forget me. Please don't forget me." She whispered through her tears.

"Ahrena, I promise you that I will never, ever forget you. You are my only true friend. I will always remember you." I whispered as she let go. "Goodbye."

I walked away from her slowly. I knew that I probably would never see her again. I felt a tear in my eye. A tear from the feelings I held. The cloak had guarded me from feelings such as sorrow or remorse. Now I truly feel what I did to people's lives.

I watched as her figure disappeared behind a clump of rocks as I rounded a bend in the path. I looked up to the summit. That is where the sword will be. I made it to the top in a few hours. I looked around and saw a pedestal. On it was a sword. It had ornate markings on the blade. I picked up the sword and felt the edge. I sensed it's magical powers, even though it was much weaker than the Diamond Star had been.

It was as I had just begun to descend the mountain when I felt it. Overwhelming evil surrounded me. I knew instantly what it was.

"Blue! Show yourself!" I yelled.

"Alright. I will. I recreated my body and am now ready to face you. Unfortunately, I was unable to retrieve my dragon spirit. But I will just block out yours. This will be our final battle. I'll kill you here and now. Even if you were to defeat me, my power still resides in the Black Monster. You'll be a god against a god fused with the most powerful being there is. And you don't even have the Diamond Star or the Cloak of Sorrow." I heard Blue say.

Blue suddenly appeared, Marasume in hand. I raised the Soul Cutter, hoping it would be strong enough. Blue wasted no time talking. He charged at me and I raised my new sword to block. Our blades met and I felt the strain as he pushed against me. I ducked and swung my foot. He dodged my kick easily.

"Oh please. Don't waste your time with feeble kicks and punches." Blue spat.

Without the Diamond Star, I was unable to use any of my special abilities. I couldn't teleport to attack him at great speeds, so I prepared to out maneuver him. I ran at him quickly and watched as he swung right where I would be. I flipped to the right and avoided another blow as I slashed out. I felt my blade connect with his flesh as he gave a sharp cry of pain.

Anger filled his eyes as his sword slashed out. It connected with mine and I held my blade firm. He suddenly gave a powerful push and I was thrown backward. I jumped to my feet as he ran at me. I had no time to move. He slammed his shoulder into my chest and I was thrown back again. I slammed into a rock wall and slowly stood. I saw him preparing to charge at me with the Marasume. I could never stop it.

"I'm sorry Meru, Ahrena, everybody. I failed." I said as I prepared to die

I saw him running at me full speed. I stared into his cold eyes, prepared to go out fighting for the world, even if I failed. He was a few feet from me as I prepared for the blow. Suddenly, he stopped. I let out a cry as I saw why.

He stepped backward as I kneeled down beside Ahrena. "No. Ahrena, you can't die. Don't die. Please, hold on." I whispered to the fallen girl. The Marasume had plunged into her stomach and she was bleeding heavily.

I saw her ragged breaths as she attempted to speak. I put two fingers to her lips. "Don't talk. Please, just hold on. He's gone too far." I whispered.

I stood, hatred filling my heart. I ignored my wounds. I turned to Blue. "You… are about… to die. If your purpose is to kill innocent people, then it was done long ago. I …will kill you… now!"

I ran at Blue with all my hatred converted to strength. I slashed out, knocking his blade back as he blocked. I spun and kicked him hard in the face. I sliced out again and he caught his sword against mine. I saw fear clouding his mind. I stared into his eyes with an indescribable hatred. I forced his sword backward and caught his jaw with a powerful punch. I jabbed at him before raising the blade. I slashed at him, spinning the blade in my hand. I then slammed down at him with my foot. I jabbed at him with the butt of the blade and he fell backward.

"What… hap… happened… to… you? It's … it's… impossible. You… can't… win. How… can… you… be… so… powerful?" Blue struggled to speak.

"You've caused too much pain and suffering in this world. I will not let you live any longer. You have lived far too long already. Prepare to die." I whispered.

I saw the look of complete fear in his eyes as I stood over him. I slashed out, embedding the sword deep in his chest, penetrating the sorry excuse for a heart he had. I watched as his blood seeped out of his body. I felt strength incomprehensible to any man. I felt divine power seeping into me.

I walked over to Ahrena's form. She coughed slightly as she looked into my eyes. I felt the tears in my eyes as I looked at her. "Ahrena, he's dead. I killed him. Please, don't die. You're my only friend in the world. If you die, I'm alone. Please, just hang on."

"Red… I… understand… what's… happening… to… me. I'm… dying. Red… remember… this. I… loved… you… fifteen… years… ago. I… love… you… now. It… might… give… you… strength… if… you… remem… remember… m, m, me." Ahrena whispered slowly as her eyes began to close.

"Ahrena! Not yet! Ahrena." I whispered to her as her eyes closed almost completely and her pulse slowed. I gently kissed her forehead. "I'll always remember you."

As she closed her eyes, her hand opened and she held out her dragon spirit. I understood that she wanted me to have it. I took the stone softly and felt her wrist. Her pulse grew fainter and fainter before it disappeared.

"Ahrena. I'll destroy all traces of the evil that killed you. I'll kill the Black Monster and the last traces of Blue within the Black Monster. Your death will be avenged." I whispered as I held back the tears that threatened to escape my eyes.

I stood up and dried my eyes with my sleeve. I felt the powers I possessed and felt that I could teleport again. I picked up Ahrena's body and concentrated on the spot where I had left the others.

I felt the familiar feeling of incredible speeds as I traveled instantly to the spot. I felt myself appear and I opened my eyes to see the tents of everybody. I had failed to notice that night had fallen. I decided not to wake anybody up, so I took Ahrena's body about twenty yards away from the camp. There, I dug a grave for her, so that my only friend would have a proper burial.

Twenty minutes later, due to my increase strength because of my new power, I finished Ahrena's grave. I felt a tear fall as I thought of how she gave her life for me. I then looked into the dragon spirit she gave me. It would tell me my destiny.

As I stared into it. I was shocked. It startled me so much, that I dropped the stone. I quickly picked it up and put it away. This is my destiny. I will accept it.

I pushed what I had seen from my mind as I walked back to the camp. I walked to Meru's sleeping bag. I was amazed as I passed a wash basin. Dart's underwear was in it.

I kneeled down beside Meru and lay down. I stared into her face, amazed by the beauty she possessed. I felt another tear come to my eye as I thought of Ahrena. I closed my eyes softly, hoping it was a dream, and that Ahrena wasn't dead. I felt myself drift off into sleep.

I awoke at dawn. No one else was awake, so I walked slowly to the grave I had dug. I knelt down beside it and just whispered words of sorrow and grief to myself. I stopped when I heard a familiar voice that I loved so much.

"Red! Red's back!" Meru yelled as she ran to me. I continued to kneel down beside Ahrena's grave.

Meru noticed the grave in front of me and the expression on my face. "Red, what happened?"

I looked up into her face and told her the whole story of Ahrena and myself. I told her what had happened on the mountain and how Blue was dead. I told her how I now had the power of a god. I didn't dare tell her what I had seen in the dragon spirit.

"Red, I'm so sorry. I didn't know that you didn't consider us friends. I thought you did." Meru said.

"You are more than a friend, Meru." I whispered, "But the others are companions, not friends."

I stood and took the dragon spirit of the void dragon and the dragon spirit of the fortune dragon and put them down on the grave. "I have no use of either of you. I don't deserve to be one of the dragon warriors. I ask you now to protect her in the afterlife."

I buried the two dragon spirits in the grave. I turned to Meru and walked back into the camp. The others were awake and I saw that it wasn't Dart who washed his underwear. Somehow, Dart had managed to talk Lavitz and Albert into washing his underwear for him.

Soon everybody gathered around me. "It is done." I began, "I confronted Blue for the final time. He killed a young woman who didn't deserve to die. We must avenge her death fully by destroying the Black Monster forever. Everybody hold hands. I will teleport us to the Black Monster's lair." I said calmly.

As soon as everybody had done as I said, I teleported us. We appeared in a strange place. Above us were the remains of the very tree that created life. The Divine Tree. About a hundred feet away from us was a black figure.

I closed my eyes as I felt the evil powers of this being. The Black Monster combined with the power Blue had left behind. It turned toward us and looked at us in an amused fashion. I turned to Dart and handed him the Soul Cutter. I would have a more powerful weapon this time.

The Black Monster glided across the ground toward us. I closed my eyes and concentrated on my new power. I felt my hair flash red and a red tint covered my eyes for a few seconds. I knew that my hair and eyes were now blood red to signify that I had changed to my more powerful form. I raised my fist high and felt the glorious magic return to it. The Diamond Star took from in my hand. I felt the Cloak of Sorrow wrap around my body. I felt the pendant rebuild itself as it appeared around my neck. I felt my speed, strength, and power increase remarkably. Finally, my feet floated off the ground and I stood a foot over the ground.

The Black Monster looked at us all as we prepared for our final battle. I raised the Diamond Star toward the Black Monster.

The Black Monster lashed put with lightning speed and deadly accuracy. It took hold of Miranda by the throat and held her high above the ground. It spoke with a voice of complete evil. "Let this be an example of my power. You will watch her die before your eyes. You can not win."

The Black Monster squeezed Miranda's throat tighter while Miranda struggled. Kongol, Haschel, and Meru attempted to hit the Black Monster all at once. The blows of their weapons did not affect the Monster at all. Miranda's struggles became weaker until she stopped moving entirely.

"See how easy that was? I've already killed one of you pathetic group. You fail to comprehend my power." The Monster spoke loudly.

I glided over to Miranda and found that she was indeed dead. I felt my anger grow slightly as I thought of another death Blue helped cause. I flew at the Monster and slashed out with the Diamond Star, dealing more damage than even the Soul Cutter could. The Diamond Star would be capable of killing this soul.

The Black Monster ran at Haschel and Kongol. It slammed them both with deadly power and they fell to the ground, dead.

"No! This can't be happening!" Dart exclaimed as he saw the two fall. "Everybody, dragoon!"

Meru, Albert, Rose, and Dart held up their dragon spirits. The four of them transformed to their dragoon forms. We all prepared to mount a major attack run before he had a chance to defend.

Dart charged up his twin cannons, Meru prepared to summon the Water Dragon, Albert spun his spear in order to create the wind for his Gaspless spell, Rose began to summon the Dark Dragon, Lavitz distracted the Black Monster and I began to whisper a few well chosen words.

I slashed out the Diamond Star and yelled, "Blazing Star Shower!" Fire shot from my free hand and engulfed the Diamond Star in a blue flame. I took the Diamond Star into my other hand and from my newly freed hand shot white flames that mixed with the Diamond Star's blue flame. The flame became a stunning white color as twenty stars that matched the engraved star on the hilt of the blade flew into the sky. These burst into flame as they hurtled down at the Black Monster. They each hit the Monster, one after another. The Black Monster jumped to its feet after the stars were finished.

The Water Dragon appeared and was absorbed by Dart's cannons, exactly as we planned. The same happened with the Dark Dragon. Albert was about to send his Gaspless spell when the Black Monster lashed out and took hold of Lavitz by the head. Lavitz let out a cry of shock as he was thrown at Albert. I felt more anger well up inside me as I heard Lavitz's neck snap as he hit Albert. Albert fell back and the Black Monster was on him in an instant. The Monster punched through the armor of Albert's and Albert gave a quiet breath as his lungs collapsed.

"My Liege!" I cried as Albert stopped breathing. I felt overwhelming anger fill again as I prepared another attack.

"Diamond Mega Blast!" I cried out.

I threw the Diamond Star into the ground below my feet. The star on the hilt glowed brightly as energy rushed into it. It absorbed the power of every attack thus far. It absorbed any energy left in the bodies of my comrades. It absorbed all the energy that still lingered from the destruction of The Moon That Never Sets. The star glowed a blindingly bright white. A beam erupted from the star and engulfed the Black Monster. Explosions erupted throughout the beam and slammed into the Black Monster. I ripped the Diamond Star from the ground as the blast diminished.

Dart sped forward and slashed out quickly. But it wasn't quick enough. The Black Monster grabbed Dart and Rose and slammed them both into the ground, killing them both instantly.

I let out an angry yell. This is too much! It's impossible! I felt anger so great that I felt as though I was about to explode.

"Diamond Crescent Blade!" I yelled out, calling yet another more powerful spell.

I slashed out the Diamond Star at incredible speeds. Small crescent shaped energy blades erupted each time I slashed out. I slashed faster then the eye could see. I spun, creating a huge blade that flew at the Black Monster. I flew high into the air before slashing downward, sending a blade larger then all the others flying at the Black Monster. It struck the Black Monster with a powerful blow.

I turned to see Meru flying at the Black Monster. I tried to stop her, but was too late. The Black Monster grabbed her and threw her backward, not killing her, but stunning her momentarily. A flash of light erupted and I saw the Dragon Buster appear in his hands. I flew to Meru as fast I could. I cried out as the Dragon Buster pierced her armor and her body. She fell into my arms, coughing up blood.

She stared into my eyes and I knew that she see the tears in my eyes. I set her down slowly as I felt her life fading. Blue was truly in this Monster. He forced me to defeat him the exact same way. With the loss of someone important to me.

"Meru, oh god, no. I hate this! I'm a god but I can't do anything to save you! Why am I so powerless?! I love you Meru. Don't die thinking otherwise." I captured her lips in my own.

She coughed up more blood before she spoke. "Red… I'll… say… hi to… Ahrena… for… you."

I cried out in anger as her heart stopped completely. I set her body down and turned to the Monster. "I can't forgive you! Never! You and I live the same life. We live by blood! You cover the ground in their blood! I shall kill you and your blood shall stain the ground! You are a spirit. You don't have a purpose it the world of the living! Die!"

My anger soared through my mind. I felt my power maximizing with my anger and hatred. "Diamond Attack Run!" I yelled loudly.

I flashed across the landscape. I reached the Monster and slashed out. My arms were flying at speeds faster than sound. I slashed and kicked out with powerful blows. I slammed into the Black Monster with a menacing blow. I pounded again as it flew backward and slammed the ground.

It got up and laughed. "If that's the best you have, than you are about to die."

"I know my destiny. I know the fate of this world. I know this world's destiny. I know your destiny. With this… final blow… I shall… make these fates… come true. This world will be reborn. I will erase all life on this planet. You, me, the humans, winglies, gigantos, and all other species shall be eliminated from the planet. This world will start with a new Divine Tree, one without an evil species in it. One without the Virage Embryo. You shall never exist again. And I will have the thing I want. I will be able to live in heaven, with Meru, Ahrena, and… my friends." I yelled as I felt power streaming throughout my body.

I saw everything I ever did as it happened. I felt the blast rip through my body and the entire planet. I looked up and smiled. "I'm coming home."

There, that is the end of the Darkened Hope trilogy. I had a lot of stressful nights working on this story. I really hope you enjoyed this. I know, didn't the ending just take you completely by surprise? Anyway, if you want to borrow either Red or Ahrena, please ask me first. Also, if you review, I might write another story with Red and possibly Ahrena in it. Depends on how you review. Anyway, until next time, this is Red Blaze, signing off.