LUNAR 3
Chapter Four: Devotion
Joon started to mutate and grow ten times her size. She cried out a couple of times while she was enlarging. Once she was done, she looked like a younger version of Azura. "Whoa!" Joon gasped, her mental tones like the voice of a thirteen year old girl. "I'm all grown up! Huh." Joon looked down at her tiny friends, who were still lying on the ground from an attack. Nero, as a human, stared up at Joon, his moth wide open, his eye-brows raised. "Wow, Joon." Nero shook his head. "Joon, I'll transform into the Black Dragon. Help me bring these guys down to the ground. They'll need help...and fast." He morphed into the Black Dragon. Both Dragons stood on their hind legs and gently picked Diana, Fional, Liah, Aimee, and Ryan up. Nero had Fional, Ryan, and Liah on his back, and Joon had Diana and Aimee on hers. They flew from the Neo-Grindery, to the ground away from it. Joon turned back into a cat, while Nero turned into a human. "Ugh...you can't carry them like that." Nero shrugged. "Well, I can't be a Dragon around town!" Joon objected. "You know what'll happen." "The only way we'll be able to help these guys, then, is if YOU turn into a human too." "Me?!" Joon exclaimed. "But I'm not old enough, yet." "Who said you had to be a right age?" "Ravin." "Well, you can't." Nero told her. "You can be of any age. Now, do you want to be human?" "Of course I do!" Joon smiled. I just hope I turn into a beautiful young lady instead of an ugly little girl. she thought. "Okay," Nero started. "Now, do this."
* * *
"Let me go!" Ravin yelled at Xenobia. He was tied to a stone wall in chains. Xenobia was a few inches away from him. "Easy, handsome." said Xenobia, lightly kissing Ravin's cheek. Fortunatly for Ravin, he barely felt the kiss. Royce watched her sister in disgust. She rolled her eyes and looked away. "Just wait until Ghaleon comes." "Ghaleon?!" Ravin exclaimed. "I thought he was dead?" "Oh, no," Xenobia smirked. "He's more alive and powerful as ever. He was resurrected." "Resurrected?" "He was brought back to life, by the Death Wraith." Xenobia explained. "To help Zophar destroy Lunar and the Blue Star. I fell in love with him when the Magic Emperor existed. But he never loved me. He was using me and my sisters to only kill the last Dragonmaster." Xenobia looked up. "And here he comes." Ravin was preparing himself for the worst. He was waiting for one of the evilest mortals ever. One of the most vile, most wicked, and most twisted men of all. A damnable Sage named-- "LAIKE???!" Ravin shouted. He stared at the hooded figure that was staring right back at him in shock. "Y...YOUR Ghaleon?!" Ghaleon...or Laike...or whoever he was anymore...looked down at his feet. "So, now you know." Ghaleon said. "Laike?" Xenobia laughed. "You had them call you, 'Laike'?" "Yes," Ghaleon sighed. "I had applied the name of my best friend's rebirth: Laike." "Why?" Ravin asked. "Why did you help us?" "You HELPED them?!" Xenobia exclaimed. "Traitor! First you betray me, now you betray Master Zophar?!" Xenobia disappeared. Ghaleon knew that his time was going to end real soon, so he made no move to try and stop her.
* * *
"WHAT?!" Zophar yelled. "HE AIDED THE PRINCESS OF THE BLUE STAR?!" "Yes, Master." said Xenobia. "And I've captured the White Dragon." "That is impossible. The White Dragon is dead." "No, it is not Nall," said Xenobia. "It is his son." "Hmm. He will be of no threat to me, without his Dragon magic." Zophar said to himself. "Take away his Dragon aura and give it to me. And send Ghaleon." "Yes, Master." Xenobia disappeared again.
Royce was silently watching and listening to their conversation.
* * *
"Master Zophar wishes to speak to you, Ghaleon." Xenobia turned from the Sage as he disappeared. "Now, for you, fox." grinned Xenobia. She kissed his lips. Ravin pulled away, fiercly. "This won't hurt a bit. It'll all be over, real soon." She put her left hand to his chest. Then her hand went right into his chest, no blood leaking from anywhere. "AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Ravin screamed, thrashing. "RRR!!! AAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
* * *
"C'mon, you guys!" Joon gritted her teeth, trying to carry Ryan. Joon looked like a teenage girl now. Her blue hair was up in a small pony-tail and her skirt was dirty from the dust she kicked up. "Wake UP!" Nero couldn't stop looking at how beautiful Joon was as a human. Every twenty seconds he'd glace at her and blush. Nero shook his head and stared down at Joon's friends. They looked lifeless. "I...don't think they will, Joon." he said.
* * *
Ryan was wandering around in some kind of dimension. His surroundings were just of red. An infinite background of deep red. "Where am I?" he asked himself aloud. He looked at his transparent hands. "WHAT am I?" "Your dead." "Huh?" Ryan looked up to see a man in his early twenties. He had short brown hair, was wearing a bandana, had a small stick in his mouth, and dice in his hands. "Who are you?" "I'm the past Red Hero, Ronfar." he answered, giving a cocky smirk. "Ronfar?" Ryan bit his lip. "Hey, your Fional's Gramps, aren't ya?" "Yeah," Ronfar's face grew serious. "But I'm not here to chat. I've come to bring you back to life. But first, you have to promise me something." "Sure, what?" "If I let you live again, in your own body, then you have to fight Zophar side-by-side with Ravin and the others. Without you, the world is knee-deep in crap." "Ew," Ryan raised his chin. "Okay, I will. Of course...that was my plan."
* * *
Aimee was walking around in a scenery of blue. She felt lost, knowing that she was the only person there. The silence there was driving her so crazy that she wanted to throw her arms in the air and scream. "Don't be scared. You're safe here." "Huh?" Aimee looked behind her and seen an emerald-haired young woman. "Who...Who are you...?" "I'm the past Blue Hero, Jean." "Blue Hero Jean?" Aimee bowed. "I thought you were dead?" "I am and so are you." "Wha...?" "That's right." Jean said. "Don't worry, I'm here to help you. But, you must make a promise to me." "Anything." "You have to fight Zophar, Aimee." Jean frowned. "Lunar is lost if you won't. Don't run away from what is happening." "But...I'm just a Healer." "Not just. You are so much more than that."
* * *
Liah was wandering around in the dark. She couldn't see a thing and couldn't tell if her eyes were opened or closed. Was she blind? "Okay, this is mega-creepy." Liah whispered. "Am I dead?" "Yup!" "You sound as if your glad!" Liah turned around, completely pissed at whoever answered that with happiness in their voice. "Sorry! I didn't mean to sound so happy." A blonde woman in a black dress stood behind Liah, scratching her head with embarrassment. Liah's eyes widened. "Hey, I know you. Your Lady Lemina Ausa!" "The one and only!" Lemina looked at Liah's hair. "Nice hair." "I like yours too." said Liah, noticing that theirs were the same style. "Can I ask you a question?" "You just did." "No, I mean," Liah rolled her eyes. "How did the Ausa clan continue this far? Who did you marry and have kids with?" "Eh, some fat loser, named Ramus." "Wait, I know a Ramus! He's my cousin!" "Just be glad you don't have to marry him." Lemina laughed. "I was so wrong for the guy! And he was wrong for me. I hate his hair, hate his face, hate his physique, hate his guts, love his money. Plus, he had a small...ahem!" Liah raised her eyebrows and gave Lemina an "I did NOT need to know that" look. "Anyway, let's get down to business, shall we?" "Umm...okay..." "I'll let you live, on one condition." "What? I'll do anything to live." Liah clapped her hands. "You have to help the others defeat Zophar." "I have to help them," Liah gulped. "Defeat Zophar?" "Yes," Lemina said. Liah sighed. "I'll give it my all."
* * *
" 'Ellooooo?" Fional called out, looking out to the white scenery. "Anybody 'ere?" "I'm glad I found you, Fional." "Wha?!" Fional got in a battle stance. "Who da bloody 'ell are ya?!" "There is no need for that profanity, my friend." said the white- haired Beastman. "I am here to help you." " 'Elp me what?" "Help you get back to your body so you can help the others defeat that monster, Zophar!" the Beastman cleared his throat. "I am the White Knight and White Hero Leo." "Yer White Knight Leo?" Fional shook his hand. "It is a pleasure to meet ya! I'm Fional!" "Nice to meet you too, Fional." Leo said, swinging his hand from Fional. "Now, I am not here to gossip and neither are you. I am here to resurrect you." "What's da catch?" "The catch is to fight Zophar by Ravin and the others' side." Leo said. "Without you, they are doomed to die an unclean death."
* * *
Diana was strayed around a gray, misty place. She had no idea of where she was and she was awfully scared. After a while, the fog lifted, and Diana found herself in a small village. The town was just made up of little cottages. Diana looked north of where she was standing and seen a woman drifting across a small bridge. The woman walked up to her and smiled. She had sky blue hair (which was wrapped in a colorful scarf) and eyes. "I am sorry to bother you, but..." Diana stared down at her own transparent fingers. "Where am I?" "You are in my home town, Burg." the woman answered. "In a way you aren't though." "What do you mean?" "You died inside of the Neo-Grindery, Diana." Diana's eyes widened. Was she really dead? Was that the reason why she could see through her skin? And who WAS this woman? "Who are you?" Diana asked. "And how do you know my name?" "I'm Luna." she said. "And I was the one who sent for you right after your death. "How I wish you could remember who I am." "I am sorry I do not." "That's alright." Luna smiled. "This may seem shocking to you, but I am Althena." "You are Althena?" Diana gasped. "I AM terribly, terribly sorry!" "No, no, it's okay!" Luna giggled. "Now that you know who I am, I must ask you this: Do you know the true reason why you came to Lunar?" "I was only supposed to be visiting this world, but," Diana gaped her mouth. "But, I am not so sure anymore. Afterwards I thought that I was meant to go to Lunar to meet Ravin. Then, I thought it was to find Zophar's ashes. Now, it has led to me thinking I was only brought to Lunar to defeat Zophar." "That's right." said Luna. "It is?" "Yes, you were brought here to defeat Zophar." she explained. "You were also brought for one more thing, but I will let you figure that one on your own."
* * *
Ravin found himself in a house of somekind. The place was of one room. The kitchen was in the back, complete with a table. Next to a door that led downstairs was a red couch. And in front of Ravin was a ladder leading up to a bedroom. He climbed up a second ladder, leading up to a tower. Across the lake he could see the Blue Spire, much younger-looking than the one he'd seen before. Ravin sensed someone behind him. He turned around and seen a familiar- looking young man, a little older than himself. He was wearing black pants and a long blue shirt. The man had short hair (similar to Diana's, only dark brown) and soft brown eyes, and two green stripes/tattoos on his right cheek. "What the...?" Ravin backed up. "You...You're Hiro, aren't you? Diana's father?" "That's right." Hiro said. "You were a great being." Ravin said. "Thanks," Hiro kind of blushed. "Do you know why you met up with my daughter, Ravin?" "No, not really." Ravin shrugged. "I don't know what to think." "You met with her to help her defeat Zophar with the power of humanity." Hiro explained. "I was able to defeat Zophar with the help of my friends and the power of humanity. You must do the same. As the White Dragon, you are the leader and it is your duty to protect Lunar." "But...I'm not a Dragon anymore." Ravin looked down. "That bitch, Xenobia, stole my Dragon aura...and now I'm just a human." "Then as a human, you must lead your friends into the final battle!" "Very well, then." Ravin sighed, then perked up. "I hope I do not disappoint you, Hiro!" "I'm sure you won't." Hiro was just about to leave, when he turned back at Ravin. "Tell Lucia and Diana...that I miss them." Hiro smiled. "However, you'd better take care of my little girl. See ya, Ravin!"
* * *
"Ravin! Ravin, wake up, you idiot!" Royce slapped him over and over in the face. His eyes snapped open and he gasped for air. Royce slapped him once more. "Ow!" he cried. "What's the big idea?!" "Shh!" Royce hushed him. "Zophar's creating his domain around the Neo- Grindery! You have to get out of here!" "Wait a sec! When did you start to help out?" "I am completely against my sister. I've learned my lesson when I battled Dragonmaster Alex. I want to help you." "How can I trust you? You're probably going to be like Ghaleon!" "You're just going to have to trust me!" Royce placed her hands on the chains that Ravin was in and they disappeared. "Now, I can transport you out of here for only so far. Your going to have to run the rest of the way. Afterwards, I'll send Ghaleon to bring you back your Dragon aura."
* * *
Joon was crying on Nero's shoulder, knowing that her friends were dead. "It's so unfair, Nero!" Joon sobbed. "It CAN'T be the end, can it?" "We just have to have faith, Joon." Nero said, rubbing her shoulder with his hand.
"Ahhhh!" Ravin was falling from the sky. Joon and Nero looked up, as Ravin crashed into the earth. "Ravin!" Joon cried, embracing her friend. "I'm so glad your okay!" "Me too." Ravin stared at Joon with amazment. "Ha! Look at you! I guess you don't have to be at a certain age!" Joon laughed, dispite that her friends were dead. She frowned again. "Ravin... the....they didn't wake up..." "What...?" Ravin looked at Diana's body. He lifted her head up. "No...No, she can't be...be..." Tears started to fill Ravin's eyes. "I'm such an idiot! I was supposed to take care of her!" Ravin cried for a long while. Nero and Joon started to cry for him. "I didn't even tell Diana how I really felt about her." "I think she knew," Joon sniffed. Ravin placed his lips on Diana's forehead for as long as he cried. Diana's eyes opened. Joon noticed and smiled, not saying anything to Ravin. One of his tears fell on Diana's cheek. "Do not cry." Diana whispered to Ravin. He gasped and looked at her. Her wound, from the dagger, was starting to sew and heal itself. "Diana..." Ravin breathed. He looked behind himself and seen Fional, Liah, Aimee, and Ryan awaken.
* * *
That night, everyone slept good. Nothing woke them up. All of them were in their sleeping bags, except for Nero and Joon, who were both cats now and were cuddled up next to each other. Ravin and Diana were off somewhere near camp. "I am sorry about your Dragon aura, Ravin." Diana's voice was almost a whisper. "Yeah," Ravin said, sadly. He thought about it for a while. Even though part of him was gone, he still felt that two-thirds of himself was still with him: His friends and family, and Diana. "I thought I'd lost you for a while, there." Ravin said, lacing his fingers with Diana's. "For a moment, there, you did." Diana said, facing Ravin. He looked into Diana's eyes, as the reflection of a comet shafted across the night sky. He seen her soul again. It looked like an aura of different shades of blue with stars dotted all around. He was dazed. Ravin pulled her towards him, and his lips touched her own, she felt the sudden flash fire of desire spark between them. She lost her balance and fell back, bringing Ravin down with her. He kneeled, kissing Diana's cheek, her eyes, and her neck. She moaned softly, feeling his balmy lips brush against her bare skin. Ravin softly lied down, still over Diana, but not so he constrained so much against her. He stopped kissing her and just rested his head next to Diana's. She turned over on her side, not facing Ravin, but pressed against him, still feeling his body warmth. He nuzzled his nose in her soft blue hair, and crept his right arm around Diana and clutched her hand. They ended up falling asleep in that position. Joon opened one eye and scanned the camping area. She noticed that Ravin and Diana were gone. She grinned and trotted off to find them. When she did, she seen them sleeping next to one another. Joon smiled to herself and walked back to camp; to Nero.
* * *
The next morning. Nobody mentioned anything about Ravin and Diana when they walked into camp, while everyone was awake. That's because Joon told them ahead of time and told them not to make any jokes. Ravin and Diana were starting to get a little suspicious, but they didn't ask or say anything. Since they were close to Schorr, Fional wanted to check it, but he soon found out that nothing was left of it. He took it very hard, and told himself over and over that he was a failure. "It's okay, Fional." Joon told him, sitting on his shoulder. "Nero said that this was the cause of the Neo-Grindery. Even if you WERE here, you wouldn't have been able to stop it." "Sigh...That's true..." Fional stood up, wiped a tear from his eye, and walked back to his friends.
They were all low on Items, so they decided to go to Vane to stock up on every kind of item possible. Liah had to go discuss something with her Mother, so she left everyone else to shop. She also told them to buy things from her cousin, Ramus, for he has better deals. "Yes, I have to leave for a minute, too." Aimee said, walking out of the Weapons Shop. "I'll be in the library if you need me." She walked to the library, but as soon as she walked through the door, she wanted to turn around and go back. She'd seen Trot in the library. Unfortunatly for Aimee, he seen his fiance and was walking over to her. "Aimee, my love, what a coincidence to find you here!" Trot grabbed Aimee's arms and kissed her forehead. "I went to Zulan the other day and you weren't there, so I've been looking all over for you to ask you if you've decided to go with me. Have you?" "Well, I--"
"I think that's a million-dollar idea, Mom!" exclaimed Liah, who was walking into the library with a dark-haired woman. "Really?" she asked. "I wasn't so sure at first, since this IS an artifact of Althena." "Liah?" Aimee gasped. "Aimee?" Liah gaped. "Uh, Mother, can I meet you back at the guild? I gotta talk to Aimee, here." "Of course! And it's great to see you again, Aimee." Liah's mom said, walking out of the library. "Trot, what are you doing here?" Liah demanded. "I was here to get a book, but then I ran into Aimee." Trot brought Aimee close. "She was just about to give me her answer, before she was RUDLY interrupted. Go ahead, my dear." "Actually, I haven't had enough time to think it all the way through." Aimee said. "I've been so caught up with...other things." "You haven't met another man, have you?" Trot asked. "You are such a guy, Trot!" Liah yelled. Trot paused and smiled. "Thanks." "Ugh! You know Aimee only has room for one man in her heart! Unfortunatly, it HAD to be you!" Liah flung her arms in the air and turned to her best friend. "Why HIM? Why not...Ah! I don't know! Why not Fional?" "Because I've known Trot longer." Aimee replied, looking at her fiance. "So, you've decided to go with me?" Trot asked. "Great! We'll leave at once--" "Oh, I'll go with you," Aimee said. "But I've got other things to take care of."
* * *
Since they weren't strong enough to defeat or even confront Zophar, the party decided to go to Taben's Peak with Ravin. It was a long walk, but they made it. Once they entered the woods around Taben's Peak, Ravin heard a loud screach and afterwards a cry of terror. Ravin didn't waste any time and just darted towards the tower, while everyone else followed him. The elevator wasn't there. They ran up the stairs and ran through the wooden bridges up towards the top of Taben's Peak, battling Dopplegangers, Blood Wyburns, Shellshredders, and Cannonfoots along the way. Once getting to the top, Ravin seen something horrible. He seen all of the children of Taben's Peak floating inside spheres of gel, all frightened and cryin, some trying to get themselves out. Ravin ran over to one of the orbs, that held his sister. Bianca looked up at her brother, and started to claw at the inside of the bubble. "Don't worry, Bianca!" Ravin cried. "I'll get you and the others out!" He grabbed his dagger and started to stab at the rondure of goo. He couldn't break through it. "Wait here." "Uh, I don't think she can go anywhere, Ravi." Joon pointed out. He ignored her and headed towards the playground. Even more children were in bubbles. Ruby was one of the victims. The same screach. Everyone looked up and seen a gelatin Pterridactal-like monster, flapping it's transparent wings. It was sharply pointed on both the front and the back side of it's head. Only the back side of it's head had teeth and eyes, like the front, and was breathing skyblue/seagreen mist through it's nostrils. "So...it was THAT thing that did this!" Ravin said. His hands started to flare up. "PYRO SPHERES!!!" Fire seemed to take off alot of damage to the Pterri. It roared in pain and hovered directly over Ravin. It's neck started to twist around until the back head was in the front. It slowly breathed the mist on Ravin. He screamed in pain, as if the mist was poisonous or something. He started to scratch at his burning face and eyes. He started to cough, also. "Ravin!" Diana cried, quickly casting her Heal Litany. Ravin was soon relieved from the sting. He nodded in Diana's direction. "CATASTROPHE!!!" Liah summoned the elemental magic assult, damaging the Pterri greatly. It once-again used the Poison Mist attack, only on Liah, who started having the same feeling as Ravin had. Ryan used an Antidote on her, losing his turn to attack. Fional kept using Flash Arrow on the Pterri, since it took off alot of Hit Points and didn't use up alot of Magic Points. Aimee used Divine Litany on everyone in her group, giving them a certain amount of Hit Points after each turn. Ravin kept using Pyro Spheres. Diana would use Conflagration if she wasn't healing someone. Fional would always use White Dragon Protect, if he wasn't using Flash Arrow. Ryan would use Sword Dance on every turn, if Aimee would do all of the healing on every turn. Joon would blow some bubbles in the Pterri's face and Nero would do the same thing, only violet sparks would shoot from his mouth. Soon the Pterri disappeared in red smoke and all of the Dragon Kids were freed from the gel spheres. Bianca had found her brother and gave him a big hug. She let go to let Ruby embrace Ravin. "I'm so glad you're okay." she said. "I'm glad YOU'RE okay." Ravin replied. He stepped away from his mother and noticed that she was a little bit rounder around the belly. "Don't tell me THAT happened when Fional came over." " 'Ey!" Fional exclaimed. "I 'ad nothin' to do wit dat!" "He's right." Ruby started to blush. "He passed out before this happened." Ravin hit his forehead. "I just hope it's a kid brother this time." "I'm not sure; not yet." Ruby said. "I'm going to have to wait a little while longer." She paused. "What are you guys going to do now? I suppose you're not going to Zophar's creepy place, yet." "Nope," Ryan answered. "We aren't strong enough, yet. And I have no idea how were gonna get more strength."
"I'll train you." Everyone looked over at the fence, that was surrounding the playground. Royce was standing on it. "What da bloody 'ell are ya doin' 'ere?!" Fional yelled at the Sorceress. "Stop yelling, Fional, we can trust her." Ravin said. "Why?" Nero asked. "You know when I fell from the sky on you and Joon?" Ravin asked the black cat. "Well, she was the one responsible for that. She helped me escape from the Neo-Grindery and from Zophar. She's totally against Xenobia." "Yes," Royce agreed. "And another reason why I will be training you instead of Ghaleon or 'Laike' is because Zophar...killed him...and that was his wish for me." Royce continued. "I will be able to train you in less than a week, so that you'll be able to defeat Zopahr before he gets to the point where he is invincable." "But...to defeat Zophar...it does not depend on strength alone." Diana objected. "No, but all of you are friends, I presume?" Royce asked. Everyone nodded. "And friends care about and help each other. So, not only will you have the strength, but you'll also have teamwork."
* * *
They all trained for six days. Everybody, Ravin, Fional, Liah, Aimee, and Ryan (not including Diana because she has infinate levels or Joon because she doesn't gain any) were five times stronger than they were before. Aimee learned a few more healing spells. "Now, for your last obstical." Royce told the group. "You must defeat me, along with Xenobia and Taben, if you want to be remotely as strong as Zophar." she said. "Let the battle begin." Royce began to transform.. Her entire body grew together, except for her arms, which seemed to be growing outward. Her body started to stretch into quite a distance. When she was through, she looked like a grey viper with huge wings. The viper had dark red leapord spots dotted all around her back. She scrunched up into an 'S' shape, beared her venom-dripping fangs, the size of Great Danes, and striked, poisoning Aimee. "Don't take me too lightly, because I won't go easy on you." the Viprus hissed. "ICE LANCE!!!" Ravin yelled, inpaling Royce with ice daggers. "ANIMA SCRAG!!!" a dark, fiery mist flowed from in between Diana's fingers. The mist rapidly flew upward and took on the shape of a manical demon. The demon's scales were made of molten lava, it's two large horns sticking out from where it's temples would be were like obsidian. It had three yellow eyes. The crimson beast roared and started to claw at the Viprus like mad, taking off two-thousand Hit Points. "Whoa!!" everyone exclaimed. "FLASH ARROW!!!" Fional howled. "CATASTROPHE!!!" summoned Liah. "SONIC BREAKTHROUGH!!!" Ryan hollared. Royce used the Terror Strike, that she used the first time, on Ryan, then she used a different one right after that. She flew up into the air and crashed down beneath the earth, shaking, rattling, and rolling the battlefield, taking extreme damage off of everyone. They used all of the spells they just casted again, and Aimee kept using Calm Litany and Clean Litany on her friends. The battle went on until night and they were running out of healing items. Beating Royce was seeming almost impossible, now. "Ready to give up, yet?" Royce asked. "No!" Ravin yelled, attacking her with another Ice Lance. They all battled for three more hours. Royce was starting to weaken. For the final blow, Diana casted Napalm Shot, and destroyed Royce. She roared and started to shrink back into a human form. She was pretty beaten up. "Y...You've...beaten me..." the Sorceress coughed. "I guess...you WERE meant to...go on." "Royce!" Joon cried. "You didn't say we were gonna kill you!" "It's okay..." she whispered. "I wanted this to happen. You must hurry back... *cough*...to the Minea Sea. Zophar's Domain...is probably already built...around the Neo-Grindery. Go!" Royce urged, fading away. Everyone looked down at the ground, with a sad look on their faces. Soon, they all made camp, getting ready for the boss battle ahead of them.
* * *
"Witout yer Dragon aura or whatever," Fional argued. "'Ow are we gonna get to Zophar's domain?" "That's a good question." Ravin said. "We can't ask Nero because he went back to his cave." "Hey, uh, I have an idea!" Joon cried. "We can't go by ship, like we did last time." Liah pointed out, the three of them still ignoring the blue cat. "Hey! I can fly us there!" said Joon. "Me! Me! Me! Me! Me!" "I've got an idea!" Ryan announce. "Why doesn't Joon turn into the Blue Dragon and fly us there!" "That's a great idea!" they all exclaimed. "It's a shock that it came from you." Liah laughed, nudging Ryan with her hips. He grinned. "It DIDN'T come from him!" Joon yelled. "It came from ME, ya know!"
* * *
Joon flew over the Minea Sea, with her friends sitting on her back. They sat in this order: First Diana, then Ravin, Fional, Aimee, Liah, and Ryan. Joon swiftly flew down until she skimmed the surface of the water with her claws. "I wish I could, like, stay this way!" Joon said, curving her mouth into a smirk. "It's a whole lot more fun, ya know?" "I wouldn't know." Aimee said, loud enough to be heard. Peaking up over the horizon of the Minea Sea, there was a twisted grayish-blue structure with four "towers" that clawed at the sky. Large amounts of blue mucous drip off of the sickening erection. You could barely see the Neo-Grindery inside of the pile. "What HAPPENED?" Ravin whispered. "That's what happens to Zophar's surroundings if he stays in one place." Diana told him. She clutched her Pendant. Please...let everything be okay. Diana prayed.
They battled some strong monsters, such as Mongrels, Flash Lords, Hades, Fiend Gates, and Element Seeds, on the way to the top of Zophar's Domain. They all rationed their items for the battle with Zophar. They finally made it to the top of the Neo-Grindery, but the path started to turn blue with mold and continue downward.
"You cannot defeat Master Zophar!" cried a male voice. Taben appeared in front of the group. "Out of our way, old man!" Fional hissed. "We 'ave no time to waste wit ya!" "I will destroy you!" the inventor yelled, beginning to transform. He started to grow taller, and longer in length for that matter. His back was starting to stretch into a half of an animal, like a horse. When he was done, Taben was like a huge Centuar. He'd grown more, finer hair around his face. And his cloak was in ripping shreds, but still clinging to his body. He reared up and bellowed, then stomping the ground with his hooves. The hair on his back pricked, his nose was flaring, and there was fire reaching out of his, now empty, eyesockets. He stood on his front legs, kicked, and breathed fire on the party that was shaped like a leaping horse. "ICE WALL!!!" Ravin screamed, casting a plate of ice around the Centuar. "PLASMA RAIN!!!" yelled Diana. "FLASH ARROW!!!" howled Fional. "BLIZZARD!!!" Liah casted. "SONIC BREAKTHROUGH!!!" Ryan cried. "DIVINE LITANY!!!" Aimee healed. All of them, except for Aimee, who on every turn healed her friends, and Diana, who used Anima Scrag later on when Taben was weakened, used their previous magic attacks on every turn until Taben faded away. Nobody said anything when he did, and just carried on with the trail of monsters.
* * *
Now that they were more experienced with all of the monsters they've seen, they had no more use for their items, and stocked up with every item they found after every battle. Soon they thought that they'd have more than enough when they battled and defeated Zophar. "The end is in sight!" Liah exclaimed. "For all of you," whispered a familiar provacative voice of a woman. Xenobia appeared. "Except Ravin." She walked up to him and stroked his cheek with her long fingers. He pulled away. "Don't...touch me." Ravin growled. "You might as well get used to it, dearest," Xenobia told him. "Because there is going to be alot of touching between us." Joon scoffed. "Oh, yeah, fine, sure, whatever--NOT!" "Don't worry," the Sorceress told the others. "I will make sure your deaths are quick and painful." Xenobia transformed like everyone else before her. Her body morphed into the shape of an agile cat. She was through. She was a dark purple, skeletal cheetah, with two extra legs, and two tentacles that reached out from it's shoulderblades. One-by-one, Xenobia quickly finished off all of the party members, leaving Ravin stand. He tried to protect everyone, but he couldn't, and they couldn't protect themselves either. He growled to himself, and stared at Xenobia's monster form. He grabbed the sword from the fainted Ryan's hands and stood in a battle stance. He clutched the hilt of the sword tightly and ran towards Xenobia. He raised the blade to strike, but the sword got knocked from his hands, he felt a firm jab in his face, and he felt himself get lifted off the ground from his leg. He was hanging upside- down, looking at Xenobia's cat face. "Settle down." she said. She put him back down and started to change back into a human. She walked over to him. "I take it you've had enough fighting?" "Yes, I'm through." Ravin shrugged. "I've got myself outnumbered, here, anyway." "Good." Xenobia started to walk away, expecting Ravin to follow her. He did. Picking up Ryan's sword along the way. She turned around to say something to Ravin, but it was too late. He'd already stabbed her with the blade. She looked down at the sword and back up at Ravin, who was smiling. He yanked it out of her, and she fell. He sighed, reached into his pocket, and pulled out an Angel's Tear. He revived Aimee with it, so that she could revive everyone else.
* * *
They finally made it to the top of Zophar's Domain. It was too quiet up there. "Where is he?" Liah asked, referring to Zophar. "He is close." Diana said. Her shaking hand grabbed hold of Ravin's. They looked at each other. Diana had a look on her face that read, "I'm scared". He nodded and held her hand tighter. "Ah...I see you've come, after all," said the voice of Zophar. He appeared. Zophar looked the same, only he had four snake-like demons sticking out from somewhere on his back, and his chest had five balls of light buried inside of his "skin". One was red, another was blue, the third was purple, the fourth was white, and the one in the center was a silvery color. "Have you come to beg for mercy, since I have killed you once before?" "Hardly, Zophar." said Diana. "This victory is going to be mine." "Alright, then, I'll show you the hard way that I cannot be defeated now that I have absorbed the power of the Four Dragons." Zophar crossed his arms and his four demons coiled around each other. Nothing really happened. Ravin gritted his teeth. "FLAME BOMB!!!" "CONFLAGRATION!!!" Diana yelled. Fional tried to use Flash Arrow(as usual, since that's all the bloody man can do) No words came out of his mouth. He was Mute! He snapped his fingers and drank some Holy Water. No longer was he mute. Liah used Catastrophe on every turn until she ran out of MP, then she just used a Starlight or Silverlight. Aimee used Divine Litany first, then used Calm Litany, Purity Litany, or revived a charactor. Ryan kept using Sword Dance. For Zophar's second attack, he extended his arm, and triggered a meteor shower, giving everybody a small amount of damage. Ravin used Ice Lance or Pyro Spheres on his turns; he always seemed to aim for Zophar's chest. And everybody else used their same magic. Though Diana used Anima Scrag on Zophar and he disappeared. "No, no, this cannot be right." Diana whispered. "This was too easy." "Way too easy." Ravin agreed. "Maybe Zophar was wimpier than we thought." Joon guessed. "I dunno." Ravin sounded unsure. "What WAS that attack?!" Zophar's voice exclaimed. "That demon! I MUST have that power!" A bigger version of Zophar appeared, the Dragon auras still in his chest. The ball in his chest that held the auras floated from him towards Diana. It picked up speed as it got closer. "Ah! No!" Diana cried, trying to run away. The orb touched Diana's hand and swallowed her up. "Aah!" "Diana!" Ravin cried, trying to grab her hand, that was sticking out of the globe. "Ravin!" Diana shouted. "Do not touch it! You will get pulled in too!" THe orb pulled away from Ravin and floated back to Zophar, and placed itself in the hole in Zophar's chest. The Dragon auras were going crazy and were bouncing around inside of the sphere. Marigold goo started to drip from Zophar's opening, slowly covering the top and bottom of the orb, holding it in place. "It is mine!" Zophar roared. "The ultimate power is mine! You haven't the slightest chance of stopping me now!" He used the Anima Scrag attack on the party, making all of them fall to the ground. "No-o-o!" Diana bawled, tears flying from her eyes as she shook her head. She seen Ravin trying to get up. He kept on trying to use his magic on Zophar, trying to get Diana out. Pretty soon, the orb broke like glass, releasing the Dragon auras and Diana. The tiny balls of light floated out of Zophar's Domain to where their beholders were. And the silver aura went to Ravin. He inhaled as his power spread throughout his veins. Without hesitation, Diana leaped from the orb and towards Ravin. All four of Zophar's demons stretched out and wrapped themselves tightly around Diana, restraining her. She cried out once as one bit down on her. Ravin tried grabbing her hand, but the demons swiftly brought her back to Zophar. He was going to use Red Dragon Anger on Zophar to make him let go, but Zophar was getting ready to use Anima Scrag once more. "Ravin!" Diana cried, extending her hand. "Get away from here!" A familiar bright light shot from her hand. The party disappeared.
* * *
Everyone was in Vane. They all looked around at their surroundings, asking themselves where they were. It was night out. "Wha...?!" Ravin exclaimed, kneeling. "No!" He slammed his fist into the ground. "Why did Diana do that?" Joon asked no one in particular. "She did it to take us away from danger." Aimee whispered. "You don't think she's...?" Liah started. "Don't say that!" Ravin interrupted. "She can't be, you know...or else Zophar wouldn't have his 'power'." Joon said. "Joon's right." Ravin said. "We'll go back to Zophar's Domain in the morning. We'll be stock up on goods and be all healed up, by then."
The next morning. Ravin was in an armor shop, trying on some light armor. Fional popped his head in the door. "Ready?" he asked. Ravin nodded, purchased the armor, and walked out with Fional. "Alright. Let's get goin'."
They were all on Ravin's back, flying slowly above the Minea Sea. Ravin roared three times. Joon started to glow blue again. She quickly flew away from Ravin to morph into the Blue Dragon. Soon, Ruby and Nero came along, asking Ravin in Dragon-tongue what their orders were. Ravin started to fly in the direction of Zophar's Domain. The Red, Blue, and Black Dragons followed their leader. They formed into the shape of a diamond, with Ravin in the front and Ruby in the back. Ravin roared, as they all started to glow. As they flew, the Dragons left trails of light in their wake. They all started to fly in a zigzag pattern, crossing in front of the other, like a braid. The Red, Blue, and Black Dragons all caught up with Ravin. The White Dragon opened his jaws and a blinding stream of white magic erupted from the Dragon's mouth. The Black, Blue, and Red Dragons all follow the White Dragon's lead, unleashing streams of magic. The magic hit some sort of shield that was casted around the molding castle. When the Dragons flew away, it expolded. Ravin roared, dismissing Ruby and Nero. Joon turned back into a cat and flew towards Ravin. "That was so much fun!" Joon exclaimed. "I LOVE flying fast, like that!" She followed Ravin, who was glding down to somewhere to land. When he did, he changed back into a human. He and the others traveled back to where Zophar was. He was still there, now zapping energy from Diana, who was now up against a pillar made up of the skeletons of tiny animals and crusified in thorned vines. She was bleeding alot, but none of the wounds were serious. "Diana!" Ravin shouted. "R...Ravin...?" she whispered, slowly opening her eyes. "No...You must get away from here...Ugh...Zophar is...stronger than he was before..." "I see you have returned." growled Zophar. "However, you won't live as long as you have before." "Shut up! Just shut up, Zophar!" Ravin yelled. "I've had it up it HERE with you! This WILL stop!" Ravin morphed back into a Dragon and used White Dragon Protect on his friends and himself. "I think not." Zophar said, unleashing his first attack, that was the same one as last time. The battled continued with Ravin using Red Dragon Anger or White Dragon Protect, his Magic Points never ran out as long as he was a Dragon, Fional using Flash Arrow or items, Liah using Catastrophe, Aimee using Divine Litany or any other healing spells, and Ryan using Sword Dance. Ravin growled and breathed fire on the pillar Diana was on. She flinched, but she wasn't burnt. She fell from the pillar and landed on her knees. Aimee quickly healed her. "Oh, thank goodness!" Diana exclaimed. Ravin smiled and pulled away from her. She revived everyone in the party so they could fight. All of them were at maximum health. "THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE! HOW CAN THIS BE?!" Zophar yelled. "It's because of my love for Diana." Ravin told him. "As always, love conquers all." Ravin casted White Dragon Protect on everyone in the party, and he casted Red Dragon Anger whenever he could. Everyone else used their most powerful attacks. Finally, Zophar, the god of darkness and destruction, was vanquished and was never to be revived again.
* * *
The day after defeating Zophar, everybody was hanging outside of Taben's Peak. Fional was there, drinking something, saying that he's going to be a full-time protector for Schorr, once it gets rebuilt. "Ya know," Fional said. "I'm gonna use dat White Dragon Crest to protect Schorr. It'd be a whole lot easier for me." He sipped from the jug again. "Don't worry, Ravin. I'm not drunk, so I know what I'm talkin' 'bout." "I'll see you around, Fional." Ravin laughed, as the Beastman walked away. Joon flew onto his shoulder. "What a guy, what a guy." Joon sighed. "Even though I HATE to admit it, I AM gonna miss him." Ravin laughed and walked over to Liah, who was standing next to a flirting Ryan and a black-haired woman in a dark red cloak. Once he got to her, Liah kept telling Ravin that she was going to make big money for the "mega-display" of the Black Dragon Crest. "Though, everybody'll PROBABLY think it's fake." she shrugged. "Oh, yeah! Ravin, this is my Mom, Miaka Ausa. It was HER idea to put the thing on display." "So, YOUR Lady Miaka Ausa." Ravin said, shaking the woman's hand. "Liah told me that you were looking for new members for--what was it?--the Magic Guild? Sorry that we couldn't join." "That's quite alright, Ravin." Miaka smiled. "Maybe if you talk to Ruby, my Mom, she'll hook you up with some people who are interested in joining the guild." "Thank you! I'll talk to her as soon as possible." "Umm...uh, hey, Ravin." Ryan whispered. "I think Liah's a total hottie. And I WANNA ask her out, but--Ah! What should I do? You're an expert on girls, since you got a cute one yourself..." "Tell ya what, Ryan." Joon smiled. "I can be of GREAT help for this. Match-making is MY specialty--I mean, look at Ravi and Diana! I fixed them up on a date and they already made--" Ravin shoved out of the way. "Hey! Anyway, just give me a call and a huge trout and I'll fix you up." Ryan nodded. Ravin walked over to Aimee, who was discussing wedding plans with Trot. "Oh, hi, Ravin!" Aimee exclaimed. "Trot said that I could stay being a Healer for Zulan! And we're getting married!" "That's great!" Ravin smiled. "I'm happy for you two!" "Yet, ANOTHER satisfied customer!" Joon beamed a smile. "Joon, you didn't help these two out in ANY way." Ravin told her. "Yeah, but--" "We can hold the best wedding ever, my love!" Trot exclaimed, wrapping his arm around Aimee. "This diamond--" "You mean pile of dried crap." Joon corrected him. Trot shivered. "...will make...us rich..." he gagged.
"Hey, Ravin," Joon said. "Go find Diana and discuss *cough* YOUR plans." She turned around and looked at Nero, in human form, waving at her. "I'VE got some business to attend to." "Ha, ha! Okay, I'll see you around." Ravin walked off to the playground, where he found Diana, swinging by herself on a swing. No kids were around. Perfect! He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her. "What's wrong?" Ravin asked. "My Mother..." "What about her?" "She's going to get reborn, soon." She sounded sad. She took a deep breath and sighed. "Ravin?" Diana asked. "Hmm?" "Did you really mean that...back at Zophar's Domain?" "Did I really mean what, Diana?" "That you...loved me?" She turned around to face him. "Yes, Diana..." Ravin smiled. "I love you." He noticed that a tear streamed down Diana's face. He wiped it away. "Great," she said, not sounding especially happy. "Now, it makes it better for me to leave." "Why would you leave?" "My Mother is getting reborn!" she cried. "That means I will never see her again. And soon, the Blue Star will need me." "I can go with you, can't I?" he asked "Ooh...I do not know." Diana wiped more tears from her eyes. "It was difficult to bring both of us to the Blue Star that one time. I do not know if I am able to do it again." "Well, if you can't, I...I understand." Ravin lowered his voice and looked down. "Do not think of it that way, Ravin." Diana whispered. "I would stay here if I could, but...the Blue Star needs me...my Mother needs me..." "And I need you." Ravin said. He looked away from her. Then back at her. "What about the Star Dragon Tower?" "Star Dragon...Tower?" "Yeah!" Ravin almost started to laugh. "Your Dad used it to go to the Blue Star! Why can't I?" "I suppose you could." Diana smiled. "But...we will have to hurry." "Okay." Ravin said. "Just give me a minute." He ran off to find Ruby and Bianca and Joon. Fortunatly for him, Joon hadn't left, yet, with Nero. She was in human form, talking to Ruby and Bianca. "Mom? Bianca? Joon?" "What?" they all asked simutaneously. "I'm...leaving with Diana." "Whoo! Hoooo!" Joon howled. "Boom! Chicka, chicka! Ooooh, YEAH! I KNEW it was gonna happen!" "You're glad I'm going to the Blue Star?" he asked. "Wha...? But you CAN'T leave, Ravi!" Joon ran over to Ravin. "Who's gonna call you 'Dragon-ditz'? Who's gonna make you look like a total fool?" "THAT I won't miss." Ravin laughed. "Ravin...are you sure you're gonna leave?" Ruby asked. "You're not going to leave me like Hiro did, are you?" Ravin looked down. "Mom, Diana's leaving..." Ravin swallowed. "And once Lucia gets reborn...she'll be all alone to protect the Blue Star in her Mother's place." "I understand." Ruby hugged her son. "I'll miss you two." She let go to let a crying Bianca hug her brother. "I don't want you to go, Ravin!" Bianca wept. "I'll miss you TOO much!" "This isn't easy for me, B." Ravin told her. "I'll miss you." He stood up, sighed, and turned to walk away. "Wait!" Joon cried. She pointed at Ravin's finger. "The White Dragon Ring!" "Oh. What about it?" Ravin asked, looking at his finger. "Don't forget to give it to Diana, Dragon-ditz; it's the only one you got!" Ravin smiled. "I'll do it first thing, Joon!" He walked off to Diana. "Hmm..." Joon sighed. "I love my job...!"
* * *
Ravin and Diana were in the transmission room in the Blue Spire. Diana walked onto the platform and turned around to Ravin. "You did not have to come here, Ravin." she told him. "I said that I would meet you there." "I know." he said. "I just wanted to make sure you made it okay." Diana smiled. Her hair blew forward as blue light erupted behind her. The transmission crystal behind Diana glowed brighter and brighter, until the entire room was filled with light. Ravin held up his arm to shield his eyes from the blinding light. Then Diana was floating in the air, surrounded by a blue glow. Her hair is being blown straight upward. Diana floated backwards into the crystal. She slowly faded away. "See you there, Diana." Ravin smiled.
* * *
Ravin flew to the Starlight Forest and up to the top of the Star Dragon Tower. He flew up to one of the tiny windows, as a cat, and climbed in. He turned back into a human. "Okay, the transmission room is that way." "Not so fast, White Dragon!" cried a firm rumbling voice. "Huh?!" Ravin exclaimed, as a huge transparent Dragon head appeared, blocking the doorway to the transmission room. "Are you the Star Dragon?" "Ah, so you recognize me, White Dragon." the Star Dragon said, closing his golden eyes. "Why are you here?" "I'm here to go to the Blue Star, O great Star Dragon." "What for?" "The woman I love is there." The Star Dragon laughed. "This woman doesn't happen to be the soon-to- be protector of the Blue Star, now, is she?" "Yes, as a matter of fact." "Please, young Dragon! Just because of the fact that you are both immortal, does not mean that you can--" "I will be the judge of that." Ravin argued. "Well, then, let's get this battle started. And if you defeat me-- well, you know the routine." The entire Star Dragon appeared. He was a magnifiscent sight. He had green, armour-like scales, spikes all over his body, four bladed wings, and a huge aquamarine tail. The Star Dragon attacked Ravin with burning beams of light. "Rrr!" Ravin growled. "RED DRAGON ANGER!!!" That magic attack caused a good amount of damage to the Star Dragon. It's bladed wings were the color of blood around the edges, before casting Pyro Pillar on Ravin, barely weakening him at all. "Ha! I bet you didn't know that I had Red Dragon in my blood!" "No, I didn't, but I will make sure that I will not make that mistake, next time!" the Star Dragon said. "FLAMING ICE!!!" Ravin yelled. After getting attacked by the magic, the Star Dragon leaned forward, casting an Ice Wall attack. That didn't damage Ravin either. "PYRO SPHERES!!!" The Star Dragon's tail was slowly wiggling (and pausing when it pointed upward) then it attacked Ravin with an electric blast from above. Ravin used a Healing Nut on himself. He used Flaming Ice again on the Star Dragon, before it used Squall on him. Ravin used one more Red Dragon Anger attack on the Star Dragon, and it disappeared. "Well, you sure showed me." the Star Dragon said. "I wish you good luck, White Dragon."
* * *
"Diana, I wish you would not make such a fuss about this." Lucia told her daughter. "I am not dying." "I know that, Mother." Diana said, sitting on the bed with her Mother. "But I will never see you, again. Not as Lucia." "Everything will be all right." Lucia said, embracing Diana. "You will see."
"Diana?" "Huh?" Diana looked towards the door. "Ravin?" She stood up and walked out of the room. She looked up the stairs. "He made it!" she laughed, running up the stairs to him. They embraced each other. "THERE you are!" Ravin exclaimed. "What a ride that was!" "So, you defeated the Star Dragon?" she asked. "Yeah," Ravin smiled. "Where's Lucia?" "She is...down there." Diana led him to Lucia's room, where she sat there still, waiting for her daughter. "Oh, I remember you!" Lucia exclaimed, walking over to Ravin. "When Diana arrived this afternoon, the first thing she said to me was something about you." "Speaking of which," Ravin reached inside of his pocket and pulled out the White Dragon Ring and blushed when he handed it to Diana. "This...is for you." Diana didn't know how to react because she didn't know what this meant. "Umm, Diana? Is there something you forgot to mention to me?" Lucia asked.
It has been several months and Lucia was gone. Now reborn as a mortal girl somewhere on the Blue Star. Ravin and Diana were out on the same ledge Hiro and Lucia had their first kiss on. Ravin had both of his arms wrapped around Diana, his head rested next to hers. Diana had her hands down, one of her hand's fingers fiddling with the ring she was wearing. "You were proposing marriage to me..." Diana whispered, loud enough to be heard by Ravin. "That was very...sweet, Ravin. I will never forget it." "Neither will I." He shivered. "Let's go back inside." He still had one arm wrapped around Diana as he led her into the Blue Tower.
THE END (oh, wait! not the end)
Epilogue
Diana and Ravin lived on on the Blue Star for many years. They had a baby girl and they named her Lunaire. The Blue Star wasn't doing too good though. There was a war going on now, humans called his World War II. However, there was nothing Diana could do about it. But she and her new family were doing just fine. Fional, along with some survivors of Schorr, rebuilt it. He now uses the White Dragon Crest as much as he could. But now, whenever weak monsters would enter Schorr, people would capture them and hold tournaments to see which one was stronger. Liah is now the leader of Vane. Miaka retired. Liah and Ryan were going out for almost two years. Ryan is proposing to Liah soon. Aimee and Trot traveled the world after their wedding. Trot was a good husband... and father. They had two boys: one named Walk and the other Ravin. Aimee's still a Healer for Zulan. Joon and Nero moved in with Ruby and Bianca and are both great babysitters at Taben's Peak. They hope to have their own kid, themselves. Ruby had a baby boy named Feuer.
So...I just wrote the Epilogue for no reason. Okay, there IS a reason. I just wanted to tell you all what everybody's been doing for the...the...thingy. Because I just ended it "right there". I hope you liked my fanfic! I'm THINKING about making a Lunar 4 from this. And for those of you who thought this story was a complete waste of space, don't bother reading #4.
Joon started to mutate and grow ten times her size. She cried out a couple of times while she was enlarging. Once she was done, she looked like a younger version of Azura. "Whoa!" Joon gasped, her mental tones like the voice of a thirteen year old girl. "I'm all grown up! Huh." Joon looked down at her tiny friends, who were still lying on the ground from an attack. Nero, as a human, stared up at Joon, his moth wide open, his eye-brows raised. "Wow, Joon." Nero shook his head. "Joon, I'll transform into the Black Dragon. Help me bring these guys down to the ground. They'll need help...and fast." He morphed into the Black Dragon. Both Dragons stood on their hind legs and gently picked Diana, Fional, Liah, Aimee, and Ryan up. Nero had Fional, Ryan, and Liah on his back, and Joon had Diana and Aimee on hers. They flew from the Neo-Grindery, to the ground away from it. Joon turned back into a cat, while Nero turned into a human. "Ugh...you can't carry them like that." Nero shrugged. "Well, I can't be a Dragon around town!" Joon objected. "You know what'll happen." "The only way we'll be able to help these guys, then, is if YOU turn into a human too." "Me?!" Joon exclaimed. "But I'm not old enough, yet." "Who said you had to be a right age?" "Ravin." "Well, you can't." Nero told her. "You can be of any age. Now, do you want to be human?" "Of course I do!" Joon smiled. I just hope I turn into a beautiful young lady instead of an ugly little girl. she thought. "Okay," Nero started. "Now, do this."
* * *
"Let me go!" Ravin yelled at Xenobia. He was tied to a stone wall in chains. Xenobia was a few inches away from him. "Easy, handsome." said Xenobia, lightly kissing Ravin's cheek. Fortunatly for Ravin, he barely felt the kiss. Royce watched her sister in disgust. She rolled her eyes and looked away. "Just wait until Ghaleon comes." "Ghaleon?!" Ravin exclaimed. "I thought he was dead?" "Oh, no," Xenobia smirked. "He's more alive and powerful as ever. He was resurrected." "Resurrected?" "He was brought back to life, by the Death Wraith." Xenobia explained. "To help Zophar destroy Lunar and the Blue Star. I fell in love with him when the Magic Emperor existed. But he never loved me. He was using me and my sisters to only kill the last Dragonmaster." Xenobia looked up. "And here he comes." Ravin was preparing himself for the worst. He was waiting for one of the evilest mortals ever. One of the most vile, most wicked, and most twisted men of all. A damnable Sage named-- "LAIKE???!" Ravin shouted. He stared at the hooded figure that was staring right back at him in shock. "Y...YOUR Ghaleon?!" Ghaleon...or Laike...or whoever he was anymore...looked down at his feet. "So, now you know." Ghaleon said. "Laike?" Xenobia laughed. "You had them call you, 'Laike'?" "Yes," Ghaleon sighed. "I had applied the name of my best friend's rebirth: Laike." "Why?" Ravin asked. "Why did you help us?" "You HELPED them?!" Xenobia exclaimed. "Traitor! First you betray me, now you betray Master Zophar?!" Xenobia disappeared. Ghaleon knew that his time was going to end real soon, so he made no move to try and stop her.
* * *
"WHAT?!" Zophar yelled. "HE AIDED THE PRINCESS OF THE BLUE STAR?!" "Yes, Master." said Xenobia. "And I've captured the White Dragon." "That is impossible. The White Dragon is dead." "No, it is not Nall," said Xenobia. "It is his son." "Hmm. He will be of no threat to me, without his Dragon magic." Zophar said to himself. "Take away his Dragon aura and give it to me. And send Ghaleon." "Yes, Master." Xenobia disappeared again.
Royce was silently watching and listening to their conversation.
* * *
"Master Zophar wishes to speak to you, Ghaleon." Xenobia turned from the Sage as he disappeared. "Now, for you, fox." grinned Xenobia. She kissed his lips. Ravin pulled away, fiercly. "This won't hurt a bit. It'll all be over, real soon." She put her left hand to his chest. Then her hand went right into his chest, no blood leaking from anywhere. "AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!" Ravin screamed, thrashing. "RRR!!! AAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!!!"
* * *
"C'mon, you guys!" Joon gritted her teeth, trying to carry Ryan. Joon looked like a teenage girl now. Her blue hair was up in a small pony-tail and her skirt was dirty from the dust she kicked up. "Wake UP!" Nero couldn't stop looking at how beautiful Joon was as a human. Every twenty seconds he'd glace at her and blush. Nero shook his head and stared down at Joon's friends. They looked lifeless. "I...don't think they will, Joon." he said.
* * *
Ryan was wandering around in some kind of dimension. His surroundings were just of red. An infinite background of deep red. "Where am I?" he asked himself aloud. He looked at his transparent hands. "WHAT am I?" "Your dead." "Huh?" Ryan looked up to see a man in his early twenties. He had short brown hair, was wearing a bandana, had a small stick in his mouth, and dice in his hands. "Who are you?" "I'm the past Red Hero, Ronfar." he answered, giving a cocky smirk. "Ronfar?" Ryan bit his lip. "Hey, your Fional's Gramps, aren't ya?" "Yeah," Ronfar's face grew serious. "But I'm not here to chat. I've come to bring you back to life. But first, you have to promise me something." "Sure, what?" "If I let you live again, in your own body, then you have to fight Zophar side-by-side with Ravin and the others. Without you, the world is knee-deep in crap." "Ew," Ryan raised his chin. "Okay, I will. Of course...that was my plan."
* * *
Aimee was walking around in a scenery of blue. She felt lost, knowing that she was the only person there. The silence there was driving her so crazy that she wanted to throw her arms in the air and scream. "Don't be scared. You're safe here." "Huh?" Aimee looked behind her and seen an emerald-haired young woman. "Who...Who are you...?" "I'm the past Blue Hero, Jean." "Blue Hero Jean?" Aimee bowed. "I thought you were dead?" "I am and so are you." "Wha...?" "That's right." Jean said. "Don't worry, I'm here to help you. But, you must make a promise to me." "Anything." "You have to fight Zophar, Aimee." Jean frowned. "Lunar is lost if you won't. Don't run away from what is happening." "But...I'm just a Healer." "Not just. You are so much more than that."
* * *
Liah was wandering around in the dark. She couldn't see a thing and couldn't tell if her eyes were opened or closed. Was she blind? "Okay, this is mega-creepy." Liah whispered. "Am I dead?" "Yup!" "You sound as if your glad!" Liah turned around, completely pissed at whoever answered that with happiness in their voice. "Sorry! I didn't mean to sound so happy." A blonde woman in a black dress stood behind Liah, scratching her head with embarrassment. Liah's eyes widened. "Hey, I know you. Your Lady Lemina Ausa!" "The one and only!" Lemina looked at Liah's hair. "Nice hair." "I like yours too." said Liah, noticing that theirs were the same style. "Can I ask you a question?" "You just did." "No, I mean," Liah rolled her eyes. "How did the Ausa clan continue this far? Who did you marry and have kids with?" "Eh, some fat loser, named Ramus." "Wait, I know a Ramus! He's my cousin!" "Just be glad you don't have to marry him." Lemina laughed. "I was so wrong for the guy! And he was wrong for me. I hate his hair, hate his face, hate his physique, hate his guts, love his money. Plus, he had a small...ahem!" Liah raised her eyebrows and gave Lemina an "I did NOT need to know that" look. "Anyway, let's get down to business, shall we?" "Umm...okay..." "I'll let you live, on one condition." "What? I'll do anything to live." Liah clapped her hands. "You have to help the others defeat Zophar." "I have to help them," Liah gulped. "Defeat Zophar?" "Yes," Lemina said. Liah sighed. "I'll give it my all."
* * *
" 'Ellooooo?" Fional called out, looking out to the white scenery. "Anybody 'ere?" "I'm glad I found you, Fional." "Wha?!" Fional got in a battle stance. "Who da bloody 'ell are ya?!" "There is no need for that profanity, my friend." said the white- haired Beastman. "I am here to help you." " 'Elp me what?" "Help you get back to your body so you can help the others defeat that monster, Zophar!" the Beastman cleared his throat. "I am the White Knight and White Hero Leo." "Yer White Knight Leo?" Fional shook his hand. "It is a pleasure to meet ya! I'm Fional!" "Nice to meet you too, Fional." Leo said, swinging his hand from Fional. "Now, I am not here to gossip and neither are you. I am here to resurrect you." "What's da catch?" "The catch is to fight Zophar by Ravin and the others' side." Leo said. "Without you, they are doomed to die an unclean death."
* * *
Diana was strayed around a gray, misty place. She had no idea of where she was and she was awfully scared. After a while, the fog lifted, and Diana found herself in a small village. The town was just made up of little cottages. Diana looked north of where she was standing and seen a woman drifting across a small bridge. The woman walked up to her and smiled. She had sky blue hair (which was wrapped in a colorful scarf) and eyes. "I am sorry to bother you, but..." Diana stared down at her own transparent fingers. "Where am I?" "You are in my home town, Burg." the woman answered. "In a way you aren't though." "What do you mean?" "You died inside of the Neo-Grindery, Diana." Diana's eyes widened. Was she really dead? Was that the reason why she could see through her skin? And who WAS this woman? "Who are you?" Diana asked. "And how do you know my name?" "I'm Luna." she said. "And I was the one who sent for you right after your death. "How I wish you could remember who I am." "I am sorry I do not." "That's alright." Luna smiled. "This may seem shocking to you, but I am Althena." "You are Althena?" Diana gasped. "I AM terribly, terribly sorry!" "No, no, it's okay!" Luna giggled. "Now that you know who I am, I must ask you this: Do you know the true reason why you came to Lunar?" "I was only supposed to be visiting this world, but," Diana gaped her mouth. "But, I am not so sure anymore. Afterwards I thought that I was meant to go to Lunar to meet Ravin. Then, I thought it was to find Zophar's ashes. Now, it has led to me thinking I was only brought to Lunar to defeat Zophar." "That's right." said Luna. "It is?" "Yes, you were brought here to defeat Zophar." she explained. "You were also brought for one more thing, but I will let you figure that one on your own."
* * *
Ravin found himself in a house of somekind. The place was of one room. The kitchen was in the back, complete with a table. Next to a door that led downstairs was a red couch. And in front of Ravin was a ladder leading up to a bedroom. He climbed up a second ladder, leading up to a tower. Across the lake he could see the Blue Spire, much younger-looking than the one he'd seen before. Ravin sensed someone behind him. He turned around and seen a familiar- looking young man, a little older than himself. He was wearing black pants and a long blue shirt. The man had short hair (similar to Diana's, only dark brown) and soft brown eyes, and two green stripes/tattoos on his right cheek. "What the...?" Ravin backed up. "You...You're Hiro, aren't you? Diana's father?" "That's right." Hiro said. "You were a great being." Ravin said. "Thanks," Hiro kind of blushed. "Do you know why you met up with my daughter, Ravin?" "No, not really." Ravin shrugged. "I don't know what to think." "You met with her to help her defeat Zophar with the power of humanity." Hiro explained. "I was able to defeat Zophar with the help of my friends and the power of humanity. You must do the same. As the White Dragon, you are the leader and it is your duty to protect Lunar." "But...I'm not a Dragon anymore." Ravin looked down. "That bitch, Xenobia, stole my Dragon aura...and now I'm just a human." "Then as a human, you must lead your friends into the final battle!" "Very well, then." Ravin sighed, then perked up. "I hope I do not disappoint you, Hiro!" "I'm sure you won't." Hiro was just about to leave, when he turned back at Ravin. "Tell Lucia and Diana...that I miss them." Hiro smiled. "However, you'd better take care of my little girl. See ya, Ravin!"
* * *
"Ravin! Ravin, wake up, you idiot!" Royce slapped him over and over in the face. His eyes snapped open and he gasped for air. Royce slapped him once more. "Ow!" he cried. "What's the big idea?!" "Shh!" Royce hushed him. "Zophar's creating his domain around the Neo- Grindery! You have to get out of here!" "Wait a sec! When did you start to help out?" "I am completely against my sister. I've learned my lesson when I battled Dragonmaster Alex. I want to help you." "How can I trust you? You're probably going to be like Ghaleon!" "You're just going to have to trust me!" Royce placed her hands on the chains that Ravin was in and they disappeared. "Now, I can transport you out of here for only so far. Your going to have to run the rest of the way. Afterwards, I'll send Ghaleon to bring you back your Dragon aura."
* * *
Joon was crying on Nero's shoulder, knowing that her friends were dead. "It's so unfair, Nero!" Joon sobbed. "It CAN'T be the end, can it?" "We just have to have faith, Joon." Nero said, rubbing her shoulder with his hand.
"Ahhhh!" Ravin was falling from the sky. Joon and Nero looked up, as Ravin crashed into the earth. "Ravin!" Joon cried, embracing her friend. "I'm so glad your okay!" "Me too." Ravin stared at Joon with amazment. "Ha! Look at you! I guess you don't have to be at a certain age!" Joon laughed, dispite that her friends were dead. She frowned again. "Ravin... the....they didn't wake up..." "What...?" Ravin looked at Diana's body. He lifted her head up. "No...No, she can't be...be..." Tears started to fill Ravin's eyes. "I'm such an idiot! I was supposed to take care of her!" Ravin cried for a long while. Nero and Joon started to cry for him. "I didn't even tell Diana how I really felt about her." "I think she knew," Joon sniffed. Ravin placed his lips on Diana's forehead for as long as he cried. Diana's eyes opened. Joon noticed and smiled, not saying anything to Ravin. One of his tears fell on Diana's cheek. "Do not cry." Diana whispered to Ravin. He gasped and looked at her. Her wound, from the dagger, was starting to sew and heal itself. "Diana..." Ravin breathed. He looked behind himself and seen Fional, Liah, Aimee, and Ryan awaken.
* * *
That night, everyone slept good. Nothing woke them up. All of them were in their sleeping bags, except for Nero and Joon, who were both cats now and were cuddled up next to each other. Ravin and Diana were off somewhere near camp. "I am sorry about your Dragon aura, Ravin." Diana's voice was almost a whisper. "Yeah," Ravin said, sadly. He thought about it for a while. Even though part of him was gone, he still felt that two-thirds of himself was still with him: His friends and family, and Diana. "I thought I'd lost you for a while, there." Ravin said, lacing his fingers with Diana's. "For a moment, there, you did." Diana said, facing Ravin. He looked into Diana's eyes, as the reflection of a comet shafted across the night sky. He seen her soul again. It looked like an aura of different shades of blue with stars dotted all around. He was dazed. Ravin pulled her towards him, and his lips touched her own, she felt the sudden flash fire of desire spark between them. She lost her balance and fell back, bringing Ravin down with her. He kneeled, kissing Diana's cheek, her eyes, and her neck. She moaned softly, feeling his balmy lips brush against her bare skin. Ravin softly lied down, still over Diana, but not so he constrained so much against her. He stopped kissing her and just rested his head next to Diana's. She turned over on her side, not facing Ravin, but pressed against him, still feeling his body warmth. He nuzzled his nose in her soft blue hair, and crept his right arm around Diana and clutched her hand. They ended up falling asleep in that position. Joon opened one eye and scanned the camping area. She noticed that Ravin and Diana were gone. She grinned and trotted off to find them. When she did, she seen them sleeping next to one another. Joon smiled to herself and walked back to camp; to Nero.
* * *
The next morning. Nobody mentioned anything about Ravin and Diana when they walked into camp, while everyone was awake. That's because Joon told them ahead of time and told them not to make any jokes. Ravin and Diana were starting to get a little suspicious, but they didn't ask or say anything. Since they were close to Schorr, Fional wanted to check it, but he soon found out that nothing was left of it. He took it very hard, and told himself over and over that he was a failure. "It's okay, Fional." Joon told him, sitting on his shoulder. "Nero said that this was the cause of the Neo-Grindery. Even if you WERE here, you wouldn't have been able to stop it." "Sigh...That's true..." Fional stood up, wiped a tear from his eye, and walked back to his friends.
They were all low on Items, so they decided to go to Vane to stock up on every kind of item possible. Liah had to go discuss something with her Mother, so she left everyone else to shop. She also told them to buy things from her cousin, Ramus, for he has better deals. "Yes, I have to leave for a minute, too." Aimee said, walking out of the Weapons Shop. "I'll be in the library if you need me." She walked to the library, but as soon as she walked through the door, she wanted to turn around and go back. She'd seen Trot in the library. Unfortunatly for Aimee, he seen his fiance and was walking over to her. "Aimee, my love, what a coincidence to find you here!" Trot grabbed Aimee's arms and kissed her forehead. "I went to Zulan the other day and you weren't there, so I've been looking all over for you to ask you if you've decided to go with me. Have you?" "Well, I--"
"I think that's a million-dollar idea, Mom!" exclaimed Liah, who was walking into the library with a dark-haired woman. "Really?" she asked. "I wasn't so sure at first, since this IS an artifact of Althena." "Liah?" Aimee gasped. "Aimee?" Liah gaped. "Uh, Mother, can I meet you back at the guild? I gotta talk to Aimee, here." "Of course! And it's great to see you again, Aimee." Liah's mom said, walking out of the library. "Trot, what are you doing here?" Liah demanded. "I was here to get a book, but then I ran into Aimee." Trot brought Aimee close. "She was just about to give me her answer, before she was RUDLY interrupted. Go ahead, my dear." "Actually, I haven't had enough time to think it all the way through." Aimee said. "I've been so caught up with...other things." "You haven't met another man, have you?" Trot asked. "You are such a guy, Trot!" Liah yelled. Trot paused and smiled. "Thanks." "Ugh! You know Aimee only has room for one man in her heart! Unfortunatly, it HAD to be you!" Liah flung her arms in the air and turned to her best friend. "Why HIM? Why not...Ah! I don't know! Why not Fional?" "Because I've known Trot longer." Aimee replied, looking at her fiance. "So, you've decided to go with me?" Trot asked. "Great! We'll leave at once--" "Oh, I'll go with you," Aimee said. "But I've got other things to take care of."
* * *
Since they weren't strong enough to defeat or even confront Zophar, the party decided to go to Taben's Peak with Ravin. It was a long walk, but they made it. Once they entered the woods around Taben's Peak, Ravin heard a loud screach and afterwards a cry of terror. Ravin didn't waste any time and just darted towards the tower, while everyone else followed him. The elevator wasn't there. They ran up the stairs and ran through the wooden bridges up towards the top of Taben's Peak, battling Dopplegangers, Blood Wyburns, Shellshredders, and Cannonfoots along the way. Once getting to the top, Ravin seen something horrible. He seen all of the children of Taben's Peak floating inside spheres of gel, all frightened and cryin, some trying to get themselves out. Ravin ran over to one of the orbs, that held his sister. Bianca looked up at her brother, and started to claw at the inside of the bubble. "Don't worry, Bianca!" Ravin cried. "I'll get you and the others out!" He grabbed his dagger and started to stab at the rondure of goo. He couldn't break through it. "Wait here." "Uh, I don't think she can go anywhere, Ravi." Joon pointed out. He ignored her and headed towards the playground. Even more children were in bubbles. Ruby was one of the victims. The same screach. Everyone looked up and seen a gelatin Pterridactal-like monster, flapping it's transparent wings. It was sharply pointed on both the front and the back side of it's head. Only the back side of it's head had teeth and eyes, like the front, and was breathing skyblue/seagreen mist through it's nostrils. "So...it was THAT thing that did this!" Ravin said. His hands started to flare up. "PYRO SPHERES!!!" Fire seemed to take off alot of damage to the Pterri. It roared in pain and hovered directly over Ravin. It's neck started to twist around until the back head was in the front. It slowly breathed the mist on Ravin. He screamed in pain, as if the mist was poisonous or something. He started to scratch at his burning face and eyes. He started to cough, also. "Ravin!" Diana cried, quickly casting her Heal Litany. Ravin was soon relieved from the sting. He nodded in Diana's direction. "CATASTROPHE!!!" Liah summoned the elemental magic assult, damaging the Pterri greatly. It once-again used the Poison Mist attack, only on Liah, who started having the same feeling as Ravin had. Ryan used an Antidote on her, losing his turn to attack. Fional kept using Flash Arrow on the Pterri, since it took off alot of Hit Points and didn't use up alot of Magic Points. Aimee used Divine Litany on everyone in her group, giving them a certain amount of Hit Points after each turn. Ravin kept using Pyro Spheres. Diana would use Conflagration if she wasn't healing someone. Fional would always use White Dragon Protect, if he wasn't using Flash Arrow. Ryan would use Sword Dance on every turn, if Aimee would do all of the healing on every turn. Joon would blow some bubbles in the Pterri's face and Nero would do the same thing, only violet sparks would shoot from his mouth. Soon the Pterri disappeared in red smoke and all of the Dragon Kids were freed from the gel spheres. Bianca had found her brother and gave him a big hug. She let go to let Ruby embrace Ravin. "I'm so glad you're okay." she said. "I'm glad YOU'RE okay." Ravin replied. He stepped away from his mother and noticed that she was a little bit rounder around the belly. "Don't tell me THAT happened when Fional came over." " 'Ey!" Fional exclaimed. "I 'ad nothin' to do wit dat!" "He's right." Ruby started to blush. "He passed out before this happened." Ravin hit his forehead. "I just hope it's a kid brother this time." "I'm not sure; not yet." Ruby said. "I'm going to have to wait a little while longer." She paused. "What are you guys going to do now? I suppose you're not going to Zophar's creepy place, yet." "Nope," Ryan answered. "We aren't strong enough, yet. And I have no idea how were gonna get more strength."
"I'll train you." Everyone looked over at the fence, that was surrounding the playground. Royce was standing on it. "What da bloody 'ell are ya doin' 'ere?!" Fional yelled at the Sorceress. "Stop yelling, Fional, we can trust her." Ravin said. "Why?" Nero asked. "You know when I fell from the sky on you and Joon?" Ravin asked the black cat. "Well, she was the one responsible for that. She helped me escape from the Neo-Grindery and from Zophar. She's totally against Xenobia." "Yes," Royce agreed. "And another reason why I will be training you instead of Ghaleon or 'Laike' is because Zophar...killed him...and that was his wish for me." Royce continued. "I will be able to train you in less than a week, so that you'll be able to defeat Zopahr before he gets to the point where he is invincable." "But...to defeat Zophar...it does not depend on strength alone." Diana objected. "No, but all of you are friends, I presume?" Royce asked. Everyone nodded. "And friends care about and help each other. So, not only will you have the strength, but you'll also have teamwork."
* * *
They all trained for six days. Everybody, Ravin, Fional, Liah, Aimee, and Ryan (not including Diana because she has infinate levels or Joon because she doesn't gain any) were five times stronger than they were before. Aimee learned a few more healing spells. "Now, for your last obstical." Royce told the group. "You must defeat me, along with Xenobia and Taben, if you want to be remotely as strong as Zophar." she said. "Let the battle begin." Royce began to transform.. Her entire body grew together, except for her arms, which seemed to be growing outward. Her body started to stretch into quite a distance. When she was through, she looked like a grey viper with huge wings. The viper had dark red leapord spots dotted all around her back. She scrunched up into an 'S' shape, beared her venom-dripping fangs, the size of Great Danes, and striked, poisoning Aimee. "Don't take me too lightly, because I won't go easy on you." the Viprus hissed. "ICE LANCE!!!" Ravin yelled, inpaling Royce with ice daggers. "ANIMA SCRAG!!!" a dark, fiery mist flowed from in between Diana's fingers. The mist rapidly flew upward and took on the shape of a manical demon. The demon's scales were made of molten lava, it's two large horns sticking out from where it's temples would be were like obsidian. It had three yellow eyes. The crimson beast roared and started to claw at the Viprus like mad, taking off two-thousand Hit Points. "Whoa!!" everyone exclaimed. "FLASH ARROW!!!" Fional howled. "CATASTROPHE!!!" summoned Liah. "SONIC BREAKTHROUGH!!!" Ryan hollared. Royce used the Terror Strike, that she used the first time, on Ryan, then she used a different one right after that. She flew up into the air and crashed down beneath the earth, shaking, rattling, and rolling the battlefield, taking extreme damage off of everyone. They used all of the spells they just casted again, and Aimee kept using Calm Litany and Clean Litany on her friends. The battle went on until night and they were running out of healing items. Beating Royce was seeming almost impossible, now. "Ready to give up, yet?" Royce asked. "No!" Ravin yelled, attacking her with another Ice Lance. They all battled for three more hours. Royce was starting to weaken. For the final blow, Diana casted Napalm Shot, and destroyed Royce. She roared and started to shrink back into a human form. She was pretty beaten up. "Y...You've...beaten me..." the Sorceress coughed. "I guess...you WERE meant to...go on." "Royce!" Joon cried. "You didn't say we were gonna kill you!" "It's okay..." she whispered. "I wanted this to happen. You must hurry back... *cough*...to the Minea Sea. Zophar's Domain...is probably already built...around the Neo-Grindery. Go!" Royce urged, fading away. Everyone looked down at the ground, with a sad look on their faces. Soon, they all made camp, getting ready for the boss battle ahead of them.
* * *
"Witout yer Dragon aura or whatever," Fional argued. "'Ow are we gonna get to Zophar's domain?" "That's a good question." Ravin said. "We can't ask Nero because he went back to his cave." "Hey, uh, I have an idea!" Joon cried. "We can't go by ship, like we did last time." Liah pointed out, the three of them still ignoring the blue cat. "Hey! I can fly us there!" said Joon. "Me! Me! Me! Me! Me!" "I've got an idea!" Ryan announce. "Why doesn't Joon turn into the Blue Dragon and fly us there!" "That's a great idea!" they all exclaimed. "It's a shock that it came from you." Liah laughed, nudging Ryan with her hips. He grinned. "It DIDN'T come from him!" Joon yelled. "It came from ME, ya know!"
* * *
Joon flew over the Minea Sea, with her friends sitting on her back. They sat in this order: First Diana, then Ravin, Fional, Aimee, Liah, and Ryan. Joon swiftly flew down until she skimmed the surface of the water with her claws. "I wish I could, like, stay this way!" Joon said, curving her mouth into a smirk. "It's a whole lot more fun, ya know?" "I wouldn't know." Aimee said, loud enough to be heard. Peaking up over the horizon of the Minea Sea, there was a twisted grayish-blue structure with four "towers" that clawed at the sky. Large amounts of blue mucous drip off of the sickening erection. You could barely see the Neo-Grindery inside of the pile. "What HAPPENED?" Ravin whispered. "That's what happens to Zophar's surroundings if he stays in one place." Diana told him. She clutched her Pendant. Please...let everything be okay. Diana prayed.
They battled some strong monsters, such as Mongrels, Flash Lords, Hades, Fiend Gates, and Element Seeds, on the way to the top of Zophar's Domain. They all rationed their items for the battle with Zophar. They finally made it to the top of the Neo-Grindery, but the path started to turn blue with mold and continue downward.
"You cannot defeat Master Zophar!" cried a male voice. Taben appeared in front of the group. "Out of our way, old man!" Fional hissed. "We 'ave no time to waste wit ya!" "I will destroy you!" the inventor yelled, beginning to transform. He started to grow taller, and longer in length for that matter. His back was starting to stretch into a half of an animal, like a horse. When he was done, Taben was like a huge Centuar. He'd grown more, finer hair around his face. And his cloak was in ripping shreds, but still clinging to his body. He reared up and bellowed, then stomping the ground with his hooves. The hair on his back pricked, his nose was flaring, and there was fire reaching out of his, now empty, eyesockets. He stood on his front legs, kicked, and breathed fire on the party that was shaped like a leaping horse. "ICE WALL!!!" Ravin screamed, casting a plate of ice around the Centuar. "PLASMA RAIN!!!" yelled Diana. "FLASH ARROW!!!" howled Fional. "BLIZZARD!!!" Liah casted. "SONIC BREAKTHROUGH!!!" Ryan cried. "DIVINE LITANY!!!" Aimee healed. All of them, except for Aimee, who on every turn healed her friends, and Diana, who used Anima Scrag later on when Taben was weakened, used their previous magic attacks on every turn until Taben faded away. Nobody said anything when he did, and just carried on with the trail of monsters.
* * *
Now that they were more experienced with all of the monsters they've seen, they had no more use for their items, and stocked up with every item they found after every battle. Soon they thought that they'd have more than enough when they battled and defeated Zophar. "The end is in sight!" Liah exclaimed. "For all of you," whispered a familiar provacative voice of a woman. Xenobia appeared. "Except Ravin." She walked up to him and stroked his cheek with her long fingers. He pulled away. "Don't...touch me." Ravin growled. "You might as well get used to it, dearest," Xenobia told him. "Because there is going to be alot of touching between us." Joon scoffed. "Oh, yeah, fine, sure, whatever--NOT!" "Don't worry," the Sorceress told the others. "I will make sure your deaths are quick and painful." Xenobia transformed like everyone else before her. Her body morphed into the shape of an agile cat. She was through. She was a dark purple, skeletal cheetah, with two extra legs, and two tentacles that reached out from it's shoulderblades. One-by-one, Xenobia quickly finished off all of the party members, leaving Ravin stand. He tried to protect everyone, but he couldn't, and they couldn't protect themselves either. He growled to himself, and stared at Xenobia's monster form. He grabbed the sword from the fainted Ryan's hands and stood in a battle stance. He clutched the hilt of the sword tightly and ran towards Xenobia. He raised the blade to strike, but the sword got knocked from his hands, he felt a firm jab in his face, and he felt himself get lifted off the ground from his leg. He was hanging upside- down, looking at Xenobia's cat face. "Settle down." she said. She put him back down and started to change back into a human. She walked over to him. "I take it you've had enough fighting?" "Yes, I'm through." Ravin shrugged. "I've got myself outnumbered, here, anyway." "Good." Xenobia started to walk away, expecting Ravin to follow her. He did. Picking up Ryan's sword along the way. She turned around to say something to Ravin, but it was too late. He'd already stabbed her with the blade. She looked down at the sword and back up at Ravin, who was smiling. He yanked it out of her, and she fell. He sighed, reached into his pocket, and pulled out an Angel's Tear. He revived Aimee with it, so that she could revive everyone else.
* * *
They finally made it to the top of Zophar's Domain. It was too quiet up there. "Where is he?" Liah asked, referring to Zophar. "He is close." Diana said. Her shaking hand grabbed hold of Ravin's. They looked at each other. Diana had a look on her face that read, "I'm scared". He nodded and held her hand tighter. "Ah...I see you've come, after all," said the voice of Zophar. He appeared. Zophar looked the same, only he had four snake-like demons sticking out from somewhere on his back, and his chest had five balls of light buried inside of his "skin". One was red, another was blue, the third was purple, the fourth was white, and the one in the center was a silvery color. "Have you come to beg for mercy, since I have killed you once before?" "Hardly, Zophar." said Diana. "This victory is going to be mine." "Alright, then, I'll show you the hard way that I cannot be defeated now that I have absorbed the power of the Four Dragons." Zophar crossed his arms and his four demons coiled around each other. Nothing really happened. Ravin gritted his teeth. "FLAME BOMB!!!" "CONFLAGRATION!!!" Diana yelled. Fional tried to use Flash Arrow(as usual, since that's all the bloody man can do) No words came out of his mouth. He was Mute! He snapped his fingers and drank some Holy Water. No longer was he mute. Liah used Catastrophe on every turn until she ran out of MP, then she just used a Starlight or Silverlight. Aimee used Divine Litany first, then used Calm Litany, Purity Litany, or revived a charactor. Ryan kept using Sword Dance. For Zophar's second attack, he extended his arm, and triggered a meteor shower, giving everybody a small amount of damage. Ravin used Ice Lance or Pyro Spheres on his turns; he always seemed to aim for Zophar's chest. And everybody else used their same magic. Though Diana used Anima Scrag on Zophar and he disappeared. "No, no, this cannot be right." Diana whispered. "This was too easy." "Way too easy." Ravin agreed. "Maybe Zophar was wimpier than we thought." Joon guessed. "I dunno." Ravin sounded unsure. "What WAS that attack?!" Zophar's voice exclaimed. "That demon! I MUST have that power!" A bigger version of Zophar appeared, the Dragon auras still in his chest. The ball in his chest that held the auras floated from him towards Diana. It picked up speed as it got closer. "Ah! No!" Diana cried, trying to run away. The orb touched Diana's hand and swallowed her up. "Aah!" "Diana!" Ravin cried, trying to grab her hand, that was sticking out of the globe. "Ravin!" Diana shouted. "Do not touch it! You will get pulled in too!" THe orb pulled away from Ravin and floated back to Zophar, and placed itself in the hole in Zophar's chest. The Dragon auras were going crazy and were bouncing around inside of the sphere. Marigold goo started to drip from Zophar's opening, slowly covering the top and bottom of the orb, holding it in place. "It is mine!" Zophar roared. "The ultimate power is mine! You haven't the slightest chance of stopping me now!" He used the Anima Scrag attack on the party, making all of them fall to the ground. "No-o-o!" Diana bawled, tears flying from her eyes as she shook her head. She seen Ravin trying to get up. He kept on trying to use his magic on Zophar, trying to get Diana out. Pretty soon, the orb broke like glass, releasing the Dragon auras and Diana. The tiny balls of light floated out of Zophar's Domain to where their beholders were. And the silver aura went to Ravin. He inhaled as his power spread throughout his veins. Without hesitation, Diana leaped from the orb and towards Ravin. All four of Zophar's demons stretched out and wrapped themselves tightly around Diana, restraining her. She cried out once as one bit down on her. Ravin tried grabbing her hand, but the demons swiftly brought her back to Zophar. He was going to use Red Dragon Anger on Zophar to make him let go, but Zophar was getting ready to use Anima Scrag once more. "Ravin!" Diana cried, extending her hand. "Get away from here!" A familiar bright light shot from her hand. The party disappeared.
* * *
Everyone was in Vane. They all looked around at their surroundings, asking themselves where they were. It was night out. "Wha...?!" Ravin exclaimed, kneeling. "No!" He slammed his fist into the ground. "Why did Diana do that?" Joon asked no one in particular. "She did it to take us away from danger." Aimee whispered. "You don't think she's...?" Liah started. "Don't say that!" Ravin interrupted. "She can't be, you know...or else Zophar wouldn't have his 'power'." Joon said. "Joon's right." Ravin said. "We'll go back to Zophar's Domain in the morning. We'll be stock up on goods and be all healed up, by then."
The next morning. Ravin was in an armor shop, trying on some light armor. Fional popped his head in the door. "Ready?" he asked. Ravin nodded, purchased the armor, and walked out with Fional. "Alright. Let's get goin'."
They were all on Ravin's back, flying slowly above the Minea Sea. Ravin roared three times. Joon started to glow blue again. She quickly flew away from Ravin to morph into the Blue Dragon. Soon, Ruby and Nero came along, asking Ravin in Dragon-tongue what their orders were. Ravin started to fly in the direction of Zophar's Domain. The Red, Blue, and Black Dragons followed their leader. They formed into the shape of a diamond, with Ravin in the front and Ruby in the back. Ravin roared, as they all started to glow. As they flew, the Dragons left trails of light in their wake. They all started to fly in a zigzag pattern, crossing in front of the other, like a braid. The Red, Blue, and Black Dragons all caught up with Ravin. The White Dragon opened his jaws and a blinding stream of white magic erupted from the Dragon's mouth. The Black, Blue, and Red Dragons all follow the White Dragon's lead, unleashing streams of magic. The magic hit some sort of shield that was casted around the molding castle. When the Dragons flew away, it expolded. Ravin roared, dismissing Ruby and Nero. Joon turned back into a cat and flew towards Ravin. "That was so much fun!" Joon exclaimed. "I LOVE flying fast, like that!" She followed Ravin, who was glding down to somewhere to land. When he did, he changed back into a human. He and the others traveled back to where Zophar was. He was still there, now zapping energy from Diana, who was now up against a pillar made up of the skeletons of tiny animals and crusified in thorned vines. She was bleeding alot, but none of the wounds were serious. "Diana!" Ravin shouted. "R...Ravin...?" she whispered, slowly opening her eyes. "No...You must get away from here...Ugh...Zophar is...stronger than he was before..." "I see you have returned." growled Zophar. "However, you won't live as long as you have before." "Shut up! Just shut up, Zophar!" Ravin yelled. "I've had it up it HERE with you! This WILL stop!" Ravin morphed back into a Dragon and used White Dragon Protect on his friends and himself. "I think not." Zophar said, unleashing his first attack, that was the same one as last time. The battled continued with Ravin using Red Dragon Anger or White Dragon Protect, his Magic Points never ran out as long as he was a Dragon, Fional using Flash Arrow or items, Liah using Catastrophe, Aimee using Divine Litany or any other healing spells, and Ryan using Sword Dance. Ravin growled and breathed fire on the pillar Diana was on. She flinched, but she wasn't burnt. She fell from the pillar and landed on her knees. Aimee quickly healed her. "Oh, thank goodness!" Diana exclaimed. Ravin smiled and pulled away from her. She revived everyone in the party so they could fight. All of them were at maximum health. "THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE! HOW CAN THIS BE?!" Zophar yelled. "It's because of my love for Diana." Ravin told him. "As always, love conquers all." Ravin casted White Dragon Protect on everyone in the party, and he casted Red Dragon Anger whenever he could. Everyone else used their most powerful attacks. Finally, Zophar, the god of darkness and destruction, was vanquished and was never to be revived again.
* * *
The day after defeating Zophar, everybody was hanging outside of Taben's Peak. Fional was there, drinking something, saying that he's going to be a full-time protector for Schorr, once it gets rebuilt. "Ya know," Fional said. "I'm gonna use dat White Dragon Crest to protect Schorr. It'd be a whole lot easier for me." He sipped from the jug again. "Don't worry, Ravin. I'm not drunk, so I know what I'm talkin' 'bout." "I'll see you around, Fional." Ravin laughed, as the Beastman walked away. Joon flew onto his shoulder. "What a guy, what a guy." Joon sighed. "Even though I HATE to admit it, I AM gonna miss him." Ravin laughed and walked over to Liah, who was standing next to a flirting Ryan and a black-haired woman in a dark red cloak. Once he got to her, Liah kept telling Ravin that she was going to make big money for the "mega-display" of the Black Dragon Crest. "Though, everybody'll PROBABLY think it's fake." she shrugged. "Oh, yeah! Ravin, this is my Mom, Miaka Ausa. It was HER idea to put the thing on display." "So, YOUR Lady Miaka Ausa." Ravin said, shaking the woman's hand. "Liah told me that you were looking for new members for--what was it?--the Magic Guild? Sorry that we couldn't join." "That's quite alright, Ravin." Miaka smiled. "Maybe if you talk to Ruby, my Mom, she'll hook you up with some people who are interested in joining the guild." "Thank you! I'll talk to her as soon as possible." "Umm...uh, hey, Ravin." Ryan whispered. "I think Liah's a total hottie. And I WANNA ask her out, but--Ah! What should I do? You're an expert on girls, since you got a cute one yourself..." "Tell ya what, Ryan." Joon smiled. "I can be of GREAT help for this. Match-making is MY specialty--I mean, look at Ravi and Diana! I fixed them up on a date and they already made--" Ravin shoved out of the way. "Hey! Anyway, just give me a call and a huge trout and I'll fix you up." Ryan nodded. Ravin walked over to Aimee, who was discussing wedding plans with Trot. "Oh, hi, Ravin!" Aimee exclaimed. "Trot said that I could stay being a Healer for Zulan! And we're getting married!" "That's great!" Ravin smiled. "I'm happy for you two!" "Yet, ANOTHER satisfied customer!" Joon beamed a smile. "Joon, you didn't help these two out in ANY way." Ravin told her. "Yeah, but--" "We can hold the best wedding ever, my love!" Trot exclaimed, wrapping his arm around Aimee. "This diamond--" "You mean pile of dried crap." Joon corrected him. Trot shivered. "...will make...us rich..." he gagged.
"Hey, Ravin," Joon said. "Go find Diana and discuss *cough* YOUR plans." She turned around and looked at Nero, in human form, waving at her. "I'VE got some business to attend to." "Ha, ha! Okay, I'll see you around." Ravin walked off to the playground, where he found Diana, swinging by herself on a swing. No kids were around. Perfect! He walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her. "What's wrong?" Ravin asked. "My Mother..." "What about her?" "She's going to get reborn, soon." She sounded sad. She took a deep breath and sighed. "Ravin?" Diana asked. "Hmm?" "Did you really mean that...back at Zophar's Domain?" "Did I really mean what, Diana?" "That you...loved me?" She turned around to face him. "Yes, Diana..." Ravin smiled. "I love you." He noticed that a tear streamed down Diana's face. He wiped it away. "Great," she said, not sounding especially happy. "Now, it makes it better for me to leave." "Why would you leave?" "My Mother is getting reborn!" she cried. "That means I will never see her again. And soon, the Blue Star will need me." "I can go with you, can't I?" he asked "Ooh...I do not know." Diana wiped more tears from her eyes. "It was difficult to bring both of us to the Blue Star that one time. I do not know if I am able to do it again." "Well, if you can't, I...I understand." Ravin lowered his voice and looked down. "Do not think of it that way, Ravin." Diana whispered. "I would stay here if I could, but...the Blue Star needs me...my Mother needs me..." "And I need you." Ravin said. He looked away from her. Then back at her. "What about the Star Dragon Tower?" "Star Dragon...Tower?" "Yeah!" Ravin almost started to laugh. "Your Dad used it to go to the Blue Star! Why can't I?" "I suppose you could." Diana smiled. "But...we will have to hurry." "Okay." Ravin said. "Just give me a minute." He ran off to find Ruby and Bianca and Joon. Fortunatly for him, Joon hadn't left, yet, with Nero. She was in human form, talking to Ruby and Bianca. "Mom? Bianca? Joon?" "What?" they all asked simutaneously. "I'm...leaving with Diana." "Whoo! Hoooo!" Joon howled. "Boom! Chicka, chicka! Ooooh, YEAH! I KNEW it was gonna happen!" "You're glad I'm going to the Blue Star?" he asked. "Wha...? But you CAN'T leave, Ravi!" Joon ran over to Ravin. "Who's gonna call you 'Dragon-ditz'? Who's gonna make you look like a total fool?" "THAT I won't miss." Ravin laughed. "Ravin...are you sure you're gonna leave?" Ruby asked. "You're not going to leave me like Hiro did, are you?" Ravin looked down. "Mom, Diana's leaving..." Ravin swallowed. "And once Lucia gets reborn...she'll be all alone to protect the Blue Star in her Mother's place." "I understand." Ruby hugged her son. "I'll miss you two." She let go to let a crying Bianca hug her brother. "I don't want you to go, Ravin!" Bianca wept. "I'll miss you TOO much!" "This isn't easy for me, B." Ravin told her. "I'll miss you." He stood up, sighed, and turned to walk away. "Wait!" Joon cried. She pointed at Ravin's finger. "The White Dragon Ring!" "Oh. What about it?" Ravin asked, looking at his finger. "Don't forget to give it to Diana, Dragon-ditz; it's the only one you got!" Ravin smiled. "I'll do it first thing, Joon!" He walked off to Diana. "Hmm..." Joon sighed. "I love my job...!"
* * *
Ravin and Diana were in the transmission room in the Blue Spire. Diana walked onto the platform and turned around to Ravin. "You did not have to come here, Ravin." she told him. "I said that I would meet you there." "I know." he said. "I just wanted to make sure you made it okay." Diana smiled. Her hair blew forward as blue light erupted behind her. The transmission crystal behind Diana glowed brighter and brighter, until the entire room was filled with light. Ravin held up his arm to shield his eyes from the blinding light. Then Diana was floating in the air, surrounded by a blue glow. Her hair is being blown straight upward. Diana floated backwards into the crystal. She slowly faded away. "See you there, Diana." Ravin smiled.
* * *
Ravin flew to the Starlight Forest and up to the top of the Star Dragon Tower. He flew up to one of the tiny windows, as a cat, and climbed in. He turned back into a human. "Okay, the transmission room is that way." "Not so fast, White Dragon!" cried a firm rumbling voice. "Huh?!" Ravin exclaimed, as a huge transparent Dragon head appeared, blocking the doorway to the transmission room. "Are you the Star Dragon?" "Ah, so you recognize me, White Dragon." the Star Dragon said, closing his golden eyes. "Why are you here?" "I'm here to go to the Blue Star, O great Star Dragon." "What for?" "The woman I love is there." The Star Dragon laughed. "This woman doesn't happen to be the soon-to- be protector of the Blue Star, now, is she?" "Yes, as a matter of fact." "Please, young Dragon! Just because of the fact that you are both immortal, does not mean that you can--" "I will be the judge of that." Ravin argued. "Well, then, let's get this battle started. And if you defeat me-- well, you know the routine." The entire Star Dragon appeared. He was a magnifiscent sight. He had green, armour-like scales, spikes all over his body, four bladed wings, and a huge aquamarine tail. The Star Dragon attacked Ravin with burning beams of light. "Rrr!" Ravin growled. "RED DRAGON ANGER!!!" That magic attack caused a good amount of damage to the Star Dragon. It's bladed wings were the color of blood around the edges, before casting Pyro Pillar on Ravin, barely weakening him at all. "Ha! I bet you didn't know that I had Red Dragon in my blood!" "No, I didn't, but I will make sure that I will not make that mistake, next time!" the Star Dragon said. "FLAMING ICE!!!" Ravin yelled. After getting attacked by the magic, the Star Dragon leaned forward, casting an Ice Wall attack. That didn't damage Ravin either. "PYRO SPHERES!!!" The Star Dragon's tail was slowly wiggling (and pausing when it pointed upward) then it attacked Ravin with an electric blast from above. Ravin used a Healing Nut on himself. He used Flaming Ice again on the Star Dragon, before it used Squall on him. Ravin used one more Red Dragon Anger attack on the Star Dragon, and it disappeared. "Well, you sure showed me." the Star Dragon said. "I wish you good luck, White Dragon."
* * *
"Diana, I wish you would not make such a fuss about this." Lucia told her daughter. "I am not dying." "I know that, Mother." Diana said, sitting on the bed with her Mother. "But I will never see you, again. Not as Lucia." "Everything will be all right." Lucia said, embracing Diana. "You will see."
"Diana?" "Huh?" Diana looked towards the door. "Ravin?" She stood up and walked out of the room. She looked up the stairs. "He made it!" she laughed, running up the stairs to him. They embraced each other. "THERE you are!" Ravin exclaimed. "What a ride that was!" "So, you defeated the Star Dragon?" she asked. "Yeah," Ravin smiled. "Where's Lucia?" "She is...down there." Diana led him to Lucia's room, where she sat there still, waiting for her daughter. "Oh, I remember you!" Lucia exclaimed, walking over to Ravin. "When Diana arrived this afternoon, the first thing she said to me was something about you." "Speaking of which," Ravin reached inside of his pocket and pulled out the White Dragon Ring and blushed when he handed it to Diana. "This...is for you." Diana didn't know how to react because she didn't know what this meant. "Umm, Diana? Is there something you forgot to mention to me?" Lucia asked.
It has been several months and Lucia was gone. Now reborn as a mortal girl somewhere on the Blue Star. Ravin and Diana were out on the same ledge Hiro and Lucia had their first kiss on. Ravin had both of his arms wrapped around Diana, his head rested next to hers. Diana had her hands down, one of her hand's fingers fiddling with the ring she was wearing. "You were proposing marriage to me..." Diana whispered, loud enough to be heard by Ravin. "That was very...sweet, Ravin. I will never forget it." "Neither will I." He shivered. "Let's go back inside." He still had one arm wrapped around Diana as he led her into the Blue Tower.
THE END (oh, wait! not the end)
Epilogue
Diana and Ravin lived on on the Blue Star for many years. They had a baby girl and they named her Lunaire. The Blue Star wasn't doing too good though. There was a war going on now, humans called his World War II. However, there was nothing Diana could do about it. But she and her new family were doing just fine. Fional, along with some survivors of Schorr, rebuilt it. He now uses the White Dragon Crest as much as he could. But now, whenever weak monsters would enter Schorr, people would capture them and hold tournaments to see which one was stronger. Liah is now the leader of Vane. Miaka retired. Liah and Ryan were going out for almost two years. Ryan is proposing to Liah soon. Aimee and Trot traveled the world after their wedding. Trot was a good husband... and father. They had two boys: one named Walk and the other Ravin. Aimee's still a Healer for Zulan. Joon and Nero moved in with Ruby and Bianca and are both great babysitters at Taben's Peak. They hope to have their own kid, themselves. Ruby had a baby boy named Feuer.
So...I just wrote the Epilogue for no reason. Okay, there IS a reason. I just wanted to tell you all what everybody's been doing for the...the...thingy. Because I just ended it "right there". I hope you liked my fanfic! I'm THINKING about making a Lunar 4 from this. And for those of you who thought this story was a complete waste of space, don't bother reading #4.