The first of the three chapters of this final episode is about to begin. Hope you all enjoy it. Get ready for what's to come.

The Final Battle Part One

As the sun rose high above the clouds, Caroline sat on the pinnacle gazing into the distance. Felix was beside her, her fingers snaking over his fur as he sat on her lap. "Oh would have thought everything we've been through has led to this buddy," she said.

None of us could have known. He purred.

"I'm glad you're here with me buddy,"

Me too.

She hugged her best friend to her heart's content and felt the warm love of her fox pal under his red fur.

"Taking a look at the sunrise?" spooked a voice. They turned around to see Raylan coming up to them, Zym in his arms.

"You know me, Moonray," Carol stood up and put Felix down. He and Zym played with one another making the pair chuckle. They loved watching them having fun together. The couple duo stood together, catching a glimpse of the dawn of light which meant today was the great battle.

Tilting his head slightly, Raylan saw her lips falter. "You okay?"

"If I can be honest, I'm terrified," she confessed.

"I'm scared too. But someone once said: 'There cannot be courage with fear'," he reminded.

They both glanced at each other, turning around to face each other fully. Felix and Zym watched them intently, wagging their tails.

"Moonray…I just want you to know I…" Carol held something back. Her heart was pounding with happiness. "I…"

"Ding, ding, ding, ding, ding!" the two teens jumped at the sound of Soren's ringing. "Time for the battle meeting! Ding-ding!" they saw he was near the stairs doing a knocking-like pose.

"Would you stop mimicking a bell?" Carol groaned irritably.

Soren stopped instantly. "Sorry,". Raylan rolled his eyes and led his girlfriend down the stairs, past him. Felix and Zym slapped their tail against Soren for interrupting that perfect moment and followed after their people. The eldest teen sighed and still followed behind them to the meeting chambers. But there was something he really wanted to stay first. "Hey, Carol…can I talk to you for a second?"

"I'm not interested," She shook her head.

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry,"

"Yes. I know. You're sorry for trying to kill me and Raylan and trying to kidnap Zym. Well, you're not forgiven for that yet,"

That's right. Zym yapped at him, before flying down the rest of the way. Felix followed faster after him than the duo.

"Okay, I hope I can be in time. But that's not what I wanted to say sorry for. I wanted to say sorry for everything that I did to you,"

Carol stopped walking and turned to look at him, expressing deep regrets. Even Raylan was quite surprised by his change of face. "Everything?"

"I'm sorry for all the times that I made fun of you, knocked you down, called you a step-princess and made you feel like you were an embarrassment to Katolis. It was extremely wrong and I'm sorry for it," Soren's words surprised her. "You are important to Katolis. Ezran and Willow wouldn't have said otherwise. You're important to them, to everyone. Your dad thought so highly of you and I shouldn't have said it was your fault that he…you know," Carol contained her tears remembering her dad. Raylan glared at Soren for reminding her and he bit his lip. "It was wrong of me to treat you that way. It's just…even though he was your stepdad, it was so clear how much he loved you and accepted you exactly for who you are. My dad always expected so much out of me and he didn't treat me with that kind of love and affection. And it just made me so angry and jealous,"

"So, you wanted to take it out on me by making me feel so insecure about my dad not being my birth one," Carol crossed her arms. "Even though it ended our friendship,"

Soren sighed. "Yes. And I regret that deeply. You were the only real friend I ever had. You were so nice to me but I stabbed you in the back because I was afraid of what others, mostly my dad would think of me if I kept hanging around you. I was a coward. I know that it's my fault that you ran away that day. I was a mean jerk trying to ruin everything between you and your family and I'm truly sorry. For everything,". The way he spoke, it was so clear to the secret couple that he was not the same person he was before. He truly had changed just like Willow believed him to be. "I hope that you can find it in your heart to forgive me,"

Raylan watched them intently for a second. "So just like that you two are supposed to be cool?"

Carol still keeping her arms crossed cooled her face. "I guess in a way if I hadn't run away that day I never would have met Raylan and it never would have led to everything that happened that night. It's gonna take some time for me to forgive you, Soren but if you help us win this fight today…we're good,"

"But still, I should have known better. Can we…hug it out?" Soren offered his arms.

"Don't push it,"

"Come on! Just a little hug," he begged.

Carol sighed. "Okay. If it's gonna get you to…". She was interrupted by her former bully and attempted bully throwing his arms around her and lifting her off the ground a bit. "Really getting squeezed here with your armour on," she wheezed.

"Oh sorry," Soren quickly let go. "Are we good?"

"Don't push it," she took a moment to breathe. "Just don't make fun of me again and I won't use my sky magic on you,"

"Noted," Soren said. "Also, another reason I made fun of you was because…."

"Uh ba-b-ba," Raylan interrupted.

"Sorry," he said. "And I'm sorry as well, Raylan, for trying to kill you even though you were trying to defend the king. What you did, it was unlike anything I ever thought elves could do. I shouldn't have judged you just for being an elf. King Harrow was right to place his trust in you. I hope that in time I can earn your forgiveness,"

"You just start treating Caroline with respect and we won't have a problem," Raylan warned seriously. "Got it?"

"Got it," he promised.

They made the rest of their way down the steps and entered the meeting room where many Sunfire elves, the Sky Patrol, Ibis, Ethari, Caldor and Amaya had gathered around. Whilst Amaya spoke the goal with sign language, her eldest niece served as her translator. "We have one objective today, protect the Dragon Prince,"

"At any cost," declared Ethari.

"The forces of Lux Aurea will fight bravely, to the last elf standing," vowed Janai.

Amaya continued, with Carol being her voice. "We will be outnumbered, but their forces are vicious and sloppy. Our job is to hold the line."

Soren remained sceptical. "So, what happens if some do break through?"

Still translating for her aunt, Carol opened her sketchbook showing a detailed plan, the two had done together overnight. "That's when our natural advantage comes into play. The spire itself. While they try to climb up, they'll be vulnerable,"

"That is where we come in," announced Caelus. "We will defend the Spire at any cost. And since they have fire-proof armour and deadly weapons, our dragons will be safe and most powerful against them when they climb so we'll use Sky magic to take them out,"

"I will be with them," Carol announced. "And we must watch out for Castor and his forces too. They will try to use Viren's attack as a distraction so our dragons will be stationed around the Spire,"

"I will stay behind with Zym," declared Raylan. "No matter what happens, I'll keep him safe,"

"I will help you," declared Ibis.

"No. You have to help Carol and the Sky Patrol. This is a role I must do alone,"

"If that is what you believe, then I will respect your wishes. But we will leave two Sky dragons here for backup,"

"You will be a worthy defender," acknowledged Janai to the brave Moonshadow Elf. "The last Dragonguard,"

Everyone looked with approval at Raylan, especially his guardian and girlfriend, who both smiled proudly at him. As the elves and humans left to prepare for battle, Felix and the Adoraburrs curled up with Zym as he lay in front of the entrance to his mother's lair.

Ethari approached Raylan, a little worried for him. "Don't worry about me Ethari," his foster son said. "I'll be all right,"

The proud foster father did nothing but smile in tears. "I just want you to know how proud I am of you," he hugged him tightly. "The stand you're taking to follow in your parent's footsteps to protect the dragon prince will never be forgotten. I love you, son,"

"I love you too…dad," It was the first time Raylan had ever called him that and it touched Ethari's heart. He hoped that one day he would be able to call his other guardian 'dad' too.

Ethari kissed his head and walked out to join the battle with his bow and arrow and daggers. Carol walked over to him and held his hands tenderly. "I'm so proud of you, Raylan. And whatever happens today, I know you will make your parents and Runaan proud too,"

"And I know your parents will be so proud of you too," Raylan cupped her face and she blushed. "Carol, I want you to know…

"You can tell me when we make it out of this together," she cupped his cheek and then left with the others, Raylan's hand still reaching out to her. Zym smiled happily with teary eyes. He loved those two more now that they were a couple. Bait croaked happily for them too. She joined her aunt outside and they all prepared to descend down to the ground to stand with the small Sunfire elf.

Amaya sensed something was wrong with her. What is troubling you? She signed.

"Why didn't you and Dad tell me about the mages who tried to kidnap me?"

Amaya was silent for a while. We were just trying to keep you safe. We meant to tell you the truth when you were sixteen. We didn't know what they wanted with you and we didn't though if they'd ever come back or not.

I understand.

And please understand Carol that Caldor wanted to make a new life. He especially wanted no one other than your mother and I to know for the sake of Katolis. We'll talk more once this is all over. She pulled on a smile. I want you to know how truly proud i am of you. And I know your parents would be so proud of you too.

Carol teared up and embraced her loving aunt who hugged her back just as tightly.

Viren and his dark army stood many yards away from the foot of the Storm Spire. At the base, the army of 400 Sunfire Elves stood firm, the front row holding up giant shields. Soren, Amaya, Janai, Caldor, Warveth and Sunus were amongst them.

On the plateau, overlooking them were Carol, Ibis, and the Sky patrol. Ethari stood on a tall rock platform with all the Sky dragons, he readied his bow. The princess narrowed her eyes when she saw Viren, her former friend, Saleer and her childhood nemesis Kasef. She tried to spot Castor and his forces hiding from plain sight but saw nothing. She didn't even see any signs of her little brother in the distance or even her sister in the sky with Pyrrah and Yonas. She prayed that they could hold them off for as long as possible.

Hidden from sight, upon a giant hill, Castor peered over with his brothers and their dark dragon, spotting their target with the Skywing Elves. "The boy and the baby dragon will be in the Spire. Once the dragons are distracted, we make a move and grab all of them. And we kill everyone else,"

"We await your call brother," Delmar degreed.

The Sun Mage narrowed his eyes when he saw Janai, the new leader of the Sunfire Elves. They had a history with one another.

"Don't choose revenge before our goal brother," Telmar advised. "We are here for what we came for nothing else,"

"Fine but if I see an opportunity, I will take it," he declared stubbornly.

The good army stood strong, ready to face their enemies. Caldor could see how tense Soren was seeing his evil sister and father on horses. "I am sorry for how painful this must feel for you. I too felt that pain,". Soren realised what he meant and sympathised with him. Both had turned against their families because they couldn't stand their evil natures. "But I learnt to find what I need with good people. And I know you can too,"

Soren sighed and simply said, "Thank you,"

"Thank you for saving our lives," he said gratefully.

"It was the least I could do," he said. "I know I've got to make up for everything I've done. And I want to apologise to you profusely for working with those mages to capture the children,"

"What's past is past. Today we will fight,"

They watched intently at their enemies, wondering when to make the first move.

Viren glared at all his enemies in the distance. He saw his son amongst them and glared bitterly.

Soren did nothing but glare back. He was no longer afraid of his father but his heart was broken when he saw the same face his sister was sending back at him. But he was not going to let that stop him from doing what was right.

"Attack!" roared the dark mage king. And the armies charged on horses and feet, like a stampede of wild hooligans towards the Sunfire army.

Warveth prepared his staff. The elves held their shields shaking slightly in their boots. "Wait," ordered Janai. They were closing in. Kasef was the first one. "Wait. Lift," the elves lifted their shields and as they did, a golden energy was released from their shiny surfaces. "Drop!". The moment the shields struck the ground, a force of powerful sun energy blasted the frontlines of the energy soldiers off their feet. Then came another blow and more were blown back by the impact. So far so good.

Ethari drew out his arrows and started many soldiers down with their faces with pinpoint accuracy.

"Now!" Caelus wailed into the wind and in an instant, the other Sky mage's dragons soared upon their armies, blowing powerful gusts of wind, forcing them back further. But the enemies would not have it.

Claudia strode forward on her horse. And drew a ruin.

Quickly Ethari saw. He drew out an arrow and pulled it back. Woosh. The arrow flew through the air and…

"Ahh!" cried the girl, as the arrow struck her arm but the shooter had shot too late. The staff sent a burning ball of ash black upon their enemies and…boom! The Sunfire elves were knocked down and the dragons were blasted from the sky.

Viren growled when he saw his daughter wounded. He turned his attention towards Ethari and roared. He drew a ruin with his staff. Carol saw it. "Ethari!" she roared.

Quickly Ibis shot off into the air with wings and before Ethari could be blasted into oblivion, he swooped down and carried him off to the safety just in the nick of time. With the Sunfire elves partially shaken from the impact and the dragons knocked down too, the armies made a move on them again.

"Hold the line!" commanded Caldor. "Push them back!"

"Time to teach those soldiers a lesson!" Warveth started drawing Sun ruins into the air with his staff and fired spells upon them, aiding them.

Quickly the Sunfire elves regained their positions and held up the shield wall again, Amaya joining in too, sending a secret smile back at Janai which she returned. Caldor noticed and smirked. Kasef suddenly charged into battle, knocking Amaya down. "Amaya!" Caldor charged at Kasef and tried to take him down but he was too strong. Janai activated her heat mode and tried to kill him but he was so strong. He took them all down. Warveth came to her defence and knocked him down with more spells, protecting all three of them. The human armies were still overwhelming the elves. The Skywing elves and Carol prepared to fight with spells when they heard a mighty roar. They looked up and they saw Willow on Pyrrah soaring towards them with Yonas. And beside them were dozens of mighty dragons, all different colours which meant they were different breeds. They dived from the sky, breathing all sorts of fire forms: acid, ice, boiling water, snow, lightning…

"Yes! Go Willow!" cheered Carol in victory.

"Your sister is a mighty dragon rider," complimented Caelus.

On the battlefield, Claudia cast a spell to protect herself, Lord Viren and Saleer. Viren was outraged these dragons had turned the tide. He watched with fury as soldiers were simmered alive, disfigured by acid and lightning, and frozen in water and ice. But his fury turned to smirking. The soldiers who were frozen broke free from the ice and with harpoons, they managed to conceal themselves from sight, they started shooting harpoons, capturing them.

"No!" cried Willow, watching a poor dragon getting taken down.

"Get out of there, Willow!" up cried Caldor to the sky.

Yonas flapped his wings but suddenly he saw an arrow about to strike a dragon. He flew to save the dragon when…" ahh!". His wing was struck with an arrow and he fell out of the sky, landing on rocks with a painful thud.

Ibis and Ethari were horrified. "Yonas!" Ibis stumbled towards him. He wasn't dead but he was battered and bruised unable to fight any longer.

The Cult of Aaravos watched the ferocious battle. "Time to make our move,". He moved towards his black dragon and mounted him. "Get that girl," he ordered to Delmar and Larius who both nodded but Larius's gaze was fixed on a particular Sunfire elf.

Willow and Pyrrah tried to dive down and help their friends when they heard a booming roaring. They turned their heads and saw the black dragon in the smoky air. The same one from the former's visions. Castor was on there. And he was heading for the Storm Spire.

Caldor raised his head too and saw his eldest brother in the sky. "Oh no,". Amaya and the others stared up too. "He's going for the prince,".

Amaya's eyes widened when she saw who was flying after them.

Carol saw her too. "Willow! No!"

Before Castor and his flying steed could ascend higher into the sky. The dragon was shot by a powerful blow of fire. They turned their heads and saw Princess Willow and her dragon companion Pyrrah swerving around them like a predator circling its prey. "You will not enter that spire!" she decreed. "You will never get your hands on the Dragon Prince or anyone,"

"And just how are you going to stop me?" taunted the dark mage.

"You underestimate us, you monster!"

"Then come! Taste your dragon's blood, princess!" Castor blew a ruin into the air and threw it. Quickly Pyrrah did a spiralling dodging, Willow clinging on tight. She had never felt more scared in her life.

The adults were horrified by what they saw. Under their shield, Viren, Claudia and Saleer saw the black dragon. Viren instantly realised it was a dragon of darkness and that the rider was the man whom he had encountered years ago. Claudia realised it was Castor and became quite scared by the size of his companion. "He's here for the Dragon Prince, Dad,"

"Then we get to it before he does,"

Ethari, still with Ibis and the injured Yonas, saw Castor trying to take down the princess and her dragon. When he narrowed his eyes, he recognised who the rider was and his heart boiled with hatred as his heart remembered the feeling of having his son taken from him in the middle of the night. He pulled an arrow back on his bow.

"Don't!" begged Yonas. "You could hit Willow,". But the Moonshadow elf wouldn't listen. He despised that dark mage up to the core, for trying to kidnap his foster son years ago. He narrowed his eyes very carefully and…whoosh.

Willow saw the arrow pierce the eye of the ash-black dragon and it cried in pain. Using the opportunity, Pyrrah charged and fired right into its face causing it to plunge behind the hills and mounds surrounding the battlefield. There was no way it would survive its fall. The pair were drawn back into the battle, mentally promising they'd make sure they were done for.

Carol sighed in relief. So did Amaya, Soren and Caldor down below. They turned their heads and saw it was Ethari. Amaya nodded at him, facially 'thanking' him for helping her niece. But the battle wasn't over yet. The armies broke through the wall again and started climbing up the plateau to Carol and the Sky Patrol. Quickly she drew 'Aspiro' and blew them off. But another squadron came. Together, she, Caelus and the others unleashed 'Fulminus' releasing a mighty thunderous blow and taking them out when of nowhere leapt Kasef. He growled, eying only Carol. "You're mine, step-princess," he seethed. He charged like a raging bull. Caelus pushed Carol behind him but Kasef was too fast and strong for him and his men and he pummelled down. He tried to attack Carol but she rolled out of the way, holding up her mother's spear. And bang! Their weapons clashed.

In the Storm Spire with the two storm dragons guarding the entrance, Raylan sat quietly with Zym and Felix, his heart numb and slowly beating. He feared for Carol. He feared for his foster father. He feared for his friends. He prayed that they were safe and that no lives important to him were lost. Zym started whimpering, as he stared at the entrance to his mother's chambers.

It's okay, buddy. Felix tried to comfort him.

I want to go in. He gave puppy eyes to Raylan.

"I'll take you to her. But don't get your hopes up," he said sadly. "She's in a deep slumber. And I don't think she's waking up any time soon,". He picked him up and carried him through the tunnel into the chambers of the sleeping queen.

Zym was heartbroken, seeing his mother like this. Still breathing but not opening her eyes. Mum. He begged. I'm here. I want you. He tried licking her. He tried pulling on her fur slightly but nothing happened. Raylan, remorsefully walked forward to comfort him when loud rainbow sparks emitted from his mouth, sparking up the room with electricity that made everyone's hairs tingle. Zym put all his effort into it, hoping his mother would wake up. But her eyes remained shut as ever. Heartbroken to have lost the mother who bore him, he still had, he walked into the small empty nest, her tail was curled around, lay down, curling his tail around him like a cat and closed his eyes dreaming about his mother. Raylan stayed where he was silent. Felix lay beside him and he stroked his fur. He looked back towards the entrance where he could see the open air, hearing the distant growls of the storm dragons outside. He thought of Caroline. And prayed he would be able to tell her what she was about to tell him before.

That's one-third of the Dragon Prince Season 3 finale done. I hope you all enjoyed it. Thank you to those once again for OC and future story results; once again they look really wonderful to use in the story. Please send reviews and let me know what you thought of this chapter and how you've all enjoyed the battle so far. One thing I would love to hear from you all is ideas on what Raylan could do over the next two years and how Carol can connect to the moon and earth arcanums. If you could send ideas, that would be most helpful. See you all later this week.