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B s . A A A   full 3/4 1/2   E E   Light Dark
Games » Breath of Fire » Dragon Legend
Airess Byrd
Author of 13 Stories
Rated: T - English - Adventure/Fantasy - Reviews: 26 - Updated: 09-12-05 - Published: 10-01-04 - Complete - id:2078018

Standard disclaimer: La, la, la! I do not own this series! La, la, la! SING WITH ME! ;;; La, la, la! Nyo?

Ah, and the character Katrina (Cat) Parson belongs to Catstar4

AN: Let's try this again, shall we? Guess what peoples? This is the last chapter of Breath of Fire: Dragon Legend! I swear! This time this is the last chapter! After two freaking, long, agonizing years of writing this, this story will be over! Aren't you all happy?

Dragon is seen in background nodding his head over and over again

Shadow is heard in background muttering something inaudible

BUT! There is a SEQUEL! random cheers It's called Shin Ryuu Densetsu, or New Dragon Legend. I can speak the Japanese!

Muse: No, you can't.

Me: Kuso! Don't ruin the moment! ;

Muse: Anyway, you can look forward to seeing all new bad guys and all new good guys.

Me: Just a sneak peak, here are some of the new characters: Dustin Table (who is created by Dragon), Kagumi, and Katrina (Cat) Parson (who is created by Catstar4 ). A new plot that doesn't involve the world's largest and longest freaking fetch quest. Some of the old characters will be coming back; among them will be Rena Moon, Manna, Kane Lokhart, and Nina Dawnstar. Oh, and everyone's favorite perverted thief will be back, too… Oh, and remember Tahn Kanlan? He's back to annoy the hell out of our favorite band of vagabonds.

Muse: Are you planning on spoiling the WHOLE plot before you even FINISH this series?

Me: Nope.

Muse: Good.

Me: Last time, I wish to thank Arcahan, Catstar4, Shadow Rave, Sarlon, Mana Sphere, and Dragon for their loyal and helpful support. I'd like to thank my Muse for not wanting to kill me. And, I'd like to thank Princess Nirra for going on a fetch quest herself to retrieve my disgruntle muse. Oh, and thanks Capcom for making the BoF series…

Are we ready to roll? We are going into OVER TIME!

Muse: Lights, camera, ACTION!

AN2: The name Tarina was given to me by Catstar4 Thought everyone would like to know that. Thanks Cat waves

Um… I just realized how much my writing style has changed in the past two years… GO ME! jumps in the air and does a victory dance YAHOO! I have gotten at least somewhat better in my writing style. composes self ahem Anyway… ;;

AN2: Yes, Rena shares my long lived hatred for math ;;;

I have fans! heart

"Our paths they did cross, though I cannot say just why. We met, we laughed, we held on fast, and then we said goodbye. And who'll hear the echoes of stories never told?

Let them ring out loud till they unfold. In my dearest memories, I see you reaching out to me. Though you're gone, I still believe that you can call out my name."

-Melodies of Life, Emiko Shiratori (FF9 soundtrack)

Melodies of Life

(Lower levels of Infinity: right route)

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!" Rena screamed as Dracen launched bolt after bolt of dark thunder at her. It was much like a game of cat and mouse… and Rena was the mouse.

"FIGHT ME WENCH! Or suffer a fate worst than death!" Dracen bellowed as he launched another bolt. Rena barely had time to dodge.

"Nothing you can do to be can be ANY worse than having to do a Finite math final exam!" Rena shrieked, jumping another bolt.

Dracen actually stopped in midstrike and look at her questionably. "What is this… finite math final exam?"

Rena looked at him and blinked. Her jaw was nearly ground level. He actually stopped attacking! She smirked and attempted to swing the staff that Yume gave her right at Dracen. Dracen smirked and caught the end of the staff with his hand. He twisted the staff around in his hand and jerked it, causing Rena to yell out in pain and fight to hang onto the staff. Dracen then lifted the staff into the air, Rena along with it.

"Do I look like such an idiot that I would fall for one of the oldest tricks in the book, woman?" Dracen smiled with a psychotic smile. He then swung the staff in the air (Rena still hanging on) and hurled it up against the nearest wall.

Rena screamed, her voice echoing off the cave walls. Yume's face contorted in pain as he covered his ears. Dracen rolled his eyes and lunged at Rena again, sword drawn. Rena bounced off the wall, and hit the ground. She looked up just as Dracen was on top of her. She quickly rolled out of the way, just as Dracen's sword struck the cold stone wall.

Rena was not a happy person. Neither was Dracen. And to prove that, he was going to teach her a lesson! A lesson she would not likely soon forget… assuming she lived through his attack…

Dracen smirked as he crossed his arms over his chest and bowed his head and closed his eyes. Rena groaned as the ground started to shake. A dark light enveloped Dracen, changing his form. Ebon wings burst from his back as ashen horns grew on either side of his head. His brown hair blazed white. Black dragon scales seemed to form on his arms, stopping just above the elbow. Scales formed on his lower body, covering his legs and forming up to his waist. His feet changed to blood red clawed feet. A tail grew from his backside and slammed into the ground, completing the transformation. As the light died down, Dracen stepped forward, now in the dark hybrid form. Rena sighed and jumped up, really wishing she could do magic right now…

Ascension isn't magic… Rena suddenly thought. Oh, this is good. This is really good. Rena jumped back and raised her arms, a white light forming around her. The light engulfed her, changing her form. This time, however, she concentrated on the form she had seen Ryu assume. Her wings stayed put this time. Her blue hair flashed and changed to white. Gold horns grew on either side of her head as golden lines appeared on either side of her face. Dragon scales seemed to form on her arms, stopping just above the elbow. Instead of fingernails, she had claws. Scales formed on her lower body, covering her legs and forming up to her waist. Her feet changed to blood red clawed feet. The same slivery white scales that formed on her lower body had also formed on her upper body as well. Rena sighed with relief. A tail grew from her backside and slammed into the ground, completing the transformation.

Rena and Dracen stared each other down, looked for the entire world polar opposite of each other. White mage…Dracen began.

Bastard… Rena growled, surprising herself just how menacing she actually sounded. She grabbed up her staff and Dracen grabbed up his sword.

Both glared at each other, tails twitching. Dracen and Rena both took a step forward… then lunged at each other, weapon's drawn. Rena swung the staff right for Dracen's head, but he countered with a scaled arm and blocked the move. Scales may prove for natural armor, but the disadvantage for a hybrid is that only part of them is covered in scales, unlike a normal dragon. Thus, Dracen took advantage of this judgement in error and struck his sword at Rena's torso, running the blade entirely through. Rena screamed at the top of her lungs at Dracen shoved the blade further in, feeling a perverse glee as he twisted the blade around, causing the wound to grow larger.

"ENOUGH!" A new voice screamed, echoing off the cave walls. Dracen retracted his sword from Rena and turned to the source of the new voice. Standing behind him was a very angry winged woman and a pissed off Woren.

Dracen laughed. I thought Taijkos killed you, Priestess…

Valerie shook her head, any evidence that she had been wounded was entirely gone. She stormed over to the dark hybrid, a ball of light forming in her hand. Kai walked over to Rena and helped her into a stance. The light dragon glowed and then changed back into her human form.

"Evil one! Defiler! How DARE you ATTACK my FAMILY!" Valerie growled, the ball of light growing brighter as she said each word with renewed hatred in her voice. "I will show you pain! I will give you what you want, evil one! I will end your miserable life NOW!" The ball's light was strong enough to fill the room.

"Cast forth the powers of the elements! I invoke the powers of the Light and the Dark! Bring forth your might! PRISM STORM OF TORMENT!" The energy from the attack surged at Dracen and pinned him up against the wall. Dracen was paralyzed against Valerie's wave spell.

Rena turned to Kai. "Uh? Since when…?"

"Ya live long enough, and I guess ya learn some attacks." Kai said. "She said that she would not sit still as long as either one of her kids were in trouble."

"Oh." Rena nodded. "She's giving us some time! We should attack now!" Rena said, drawing out her staff again.

Kai nodded. "YA!" He screamed as both he and Rena charged at Dracen.

"PAYBACK TIME!" Rena screamed.

(Unknown)

Two figures sat in a green field, the sun shining bright in the midday sky. The first figure, a girl with dark brown hair sat cross-legged on the grass, grinning really big and going on about something she really found interesting. Her companion, a young man with short spiky blond hair, sat beside her and listened to what she was saying, but not paying much attention.

"And so," Cat said, raising her pointer finger. "That concludes this tutorial."

Kane just stared at the girl blankly. He fell back on the grass and placed his hands behind his head like a pillow. "Well, I never thought anyone knew as much about swords as you do… and the many various ways to kill yellow electric sewer rats… such fascinating info…"

"You're BORED!" Cat yelled in surprise, shocked that Kane might be bored.

"No…" Kane sat up. "I just want to go and kick a certain asshole's, well… ass…"

"The one that hurt you?"

"The one that is trying to destroy the world."

"What else is new?" Cat asked. "Don't all evil idiots wish to do that?"

Kane cocked his head to the side. "I suppose… for once, I wished that I could meet a villain that wasn't an idiot."

"You should be really careful what you wish for." Cat said. "Things always have a way of coming back and biting you in the rear."

Kane nodded. "I agree…. I kept telling everyone not to split up and do they ever listen to me? Noooooooooo! Never! They split up… sheesh… it's nice to see that the forces of good still have a sense of humor, albeit a little warped."

"Right!" Cat nodded in agreement. "Just like I kept telling Rena that the school's cafeteria meat is actually made of the bottom of a shoe's sole."

"Eya?" Kane asked, confused. "Ka-fa-eay….what?"

"Never mind." Cat said. "The point is…"

Kane's head suddenly jerked up, his entire body going tense. His eyes widened in fear as his face contorted in pain. He grabbed his head, trying to keep from screaming as if he was being ripped inside out. Cat jumped up and back a few feet. She looked like a mixture of confused and nervous. She reached for Kane, but a blood red aura suddenly started to emanate from him, resulting in him screaming at the top of his lungs. There was a melodious laugh as Kane slumped to the ground, trying not to scream.

Cat jerked around, looking for the source of the feminine laugh. She saw a bright light coming from somewhere behind her and Kane. She spun around just in time to see the "light" take on the form of something vaguely humanoid. The "light being" walked over to Kane and Cat, "her" arm outreached.

Why are you still alive? The being asked, a slight mocking tone in her voice.

"What the hell are you!" Kane growled, eyes flashing red.

Nothing a little dragon should be worried about as of right now… the being turned to Cat. What are you?

Cat jumped back at the woman's question. Her face contorted in anger as a greenish-blue energy formed in her left hand. Not really thinking, she raised her arm. The energy that had gathered in her palm had started to lace up and around her arm and shoulder. The energy then sparked, sending lightning bolts everywhere. The woman growled as she was hit with the strange energy.

Kane growled, gaining his bearings, and crossed his arms in front of him. A dark light, different than Dracen's, engulfed him. Like Rena and Dracen, his focus was on the dragon hybrid. Dark, ebon wings burst from his back, causing him to scream. His blond hair flashed and changed to white. Blood red horns grew on either side of his head as golden lines appeared on either side of his face. Dragon scales seemed to form on his arms, stopping just above the elbow. Scales formed on his lower body, covering his legs and forming up to his waist. His feet changed to blood red clawed feet. Just as Rena did, a tail grew from his backside and slammed into the ground, completing the transformation.

"Shi, tksu, sora, hi, chi, ana, ami, roko (1)."

The "woman" and Cat saw the newly transformed Kane. Their reactions, however, were quite different. Cat cheered and ran over Kane. The woman jumped back, not quite sure what to make of the situation. She shook her head.

A rune maiden and a dark dragon. You two have no idea what is ahead for you, do you? Your "hero" will not be able to save you from me! And on that note, she disappeared.

"Shi, tksu, sora, hi, chi, ana, ami, roko."

The hybrid and Cat just stared at each other. Any idea what the heck that meant? Kane asked telepathically.

"Uh… maybe someone that we may have to fight?" Cat shrugged.

'We?' Whada mean?

"She did mention… say, what the heck IS a 'rune maiden' anyways?"

I… don't know. Kane said. I just hope that it doesn't mean that there is someone else out there that wants to fight…

"Agreed." Cat nodded.

(Lower levels of Infinity: center route)

Three figures walked in silence along the dimly lit stone corridors. Ryu, Nina, and the transformed Garr walked in silence as they thought about this one final battle against a former dragon. Ryu and Nina didn't know what quite to say to each other, and Garr didn't really feel like trying to play mediator for the two. The last time he did that… well, let's just say that the end result was a really whiny child Nina yelling about how noisy Garr was and child Ryu crying because he was so embarrassed. Needless to say, Garr never again butted into anyone's personal problems.

Nina slowed her pace and then came to a complete stop, Ryu and Garr continuing to talk on, not noticing her. She turned her head back to the direction they just came. A bad feeling kept gnawing at her, but she just couldn't quite place it. Every time she thought about Ryu, the feeling worsened. She balled her hand into a fist and raised it to her face. Thin lines of green electricity ran the length of her fist and arm. What was really going to happen after they defeated Dracen?

"Nina?" Ryu asked, walking up to the occupied princess. "Why did you stop?"

"I…" Nina lowered her hand and looked up at Ryu. "I was just thinking about the fight with Dracen… I can't help but think that something bad is going to happen."

Ryu smiled and placed his arm around her shoulder. "Everything's going to be alright, okay? I promise nothing will happen to you guys."

Nina leaned her head on his shoulder. "I hope that you're right… because…"

"Trust me. It will be okay." Ryu smiled.

"How can you be so confident when we are about to go up against Dracen?" Nina asked.

"To be honest, I am not… not really." Ryu said, crossing his arms. "I'm not sure if I can even stop him. I've not had any time to train with the Infinity power… let alone my Kaiser form. What if I screw this up? What if I can't do it?"

"Then… I really don't know…" Nina said, for a complete lack of what to say. "I've not ever really had to face anything like this in my life… nor did I ever think that I would have to."

"I know." Ryu sighed. "I can just pray that everything turns out alright."

"I believe in you." Nina smiled. "If anyone can stop Dracen, its you." Nina grinned. "Anyway, what are you going to do after this is all over?"

"I really haven't thought about it, really…." Ryu sighed. "I haven't had much time to really think."

"Well, that's fine." Nina said. "I think it would be a good idea for you to come back to Anglous with me." Nina paused, gaining a confused look from Ryu. "I mean, it might help you on figuring out what you want to do with the rest of your life, you know?"

"Yeah." Ryu said. "First though, I want to get to know Mom and Rena a bit more… and just what happened to my father…" Ryu thought.

"Yeah…" Nina said.

"Nature's wrath! Strike my foe!" Ryu and Nina were pulled out of their musings by a really pissed off feminine voice, followed by the sounds of lightning and swearing by a male voice.

"That sounds like Mom!" Ryu said, shocked.

"That sounds like Dracen!" Nina laughed.

"That sounds like we are here then." Garr said, turning to the two. "Are you two done? Any last words you want to say to each other or anything of that sort? You never know when the next time you will talk to each other."

"I…" Nina said. "I'm good to go. Ryu?"

Ryu drew his sword. "One thing before we go. Nina? Thanks."

Nina gave Ryu a confused look. "Eh? Thanks for what?"

Ryu smirked. "I'll tell you later, okay?" Ryu took Nina's hand and placed a silver tear-shaped dragon medallion in it. The stone on the medallion flashed in an array of rainbow colors.

"Ryu? The dragon's tear?" Nina asked, shocked.

"Seirei gave it to me. I don't know why, but I think you should have it." Ryu smiled and turned around and started to walk in the direction of the battle.

Nina smiled sadly and placed the tear around her neck. She then materialized her wand and ran to catch up with Ryu and Garr. Garr nodded and summoned his halberd. He then turned to Ryu and Nina. "After this battle, may we meet again."

Nina looked confused again. "Garr?"

Ryu just nodded in silence. The three nodded to each other and walked down the final length of the corridor, where they knew the final battle would take place.

(Lower levels of Infinity: left route)

"Shi, tksu, sora, hi, chi, ana, ami, roko." Manna chanted hands folded like in prayer, her fingers continuously folding in different positions.

Troy glanced over at Manna as she sat on the stone floor, legs folded up under her as she continued her weird chant. He had long ago taken noticed to the purple aura that seemed to appear around her as she chanted. He shrugged and paid her no mind. He had been too busy watching Kane, making sure that the dragon was still alive, than to really wander what the heck Manna was chanting. Troy turned from Manna and glanced back over at Kane, who was lying prone on the ground.

On occasion, Kane would mutter something in his unconscious state, too intangible to make any sense. Every so often, Kane would mutter something about a person named Cat. Who Cat was, was anyone's guess. He had never heard Kane talk about this girl. Maybe she was his girlfriend or something.

"Shi, tksu, sora, hi, chi, ana, ami, roko." Manna continued to chant.

Kane groaned. "Solona…" He mumbled, his lips barely moving.

"Solona?" Troy asked, causing Manna to stop her chanting.

Manna stood up and picked up her staff. She pointed the top of the staff to the ground and spun around in a complete circle. As she did this, she said, "Ancient mirror of times by gone, give me vision now. Show me now, if you may, who is standing in my way?"

A watery mirror appeared in the circle that Manna had made. A woman with long blue hair, golden eyes, who was wearing a sleeveless golden gown that fell to the floor appeared in the mirror.

"Solona." Manna said, as the mirror disappeared. She turned to Troy. "We have to move… NOW. We must go find the others." Manna said as she started to walk down the corridor.

"What is going on? Manna?" Troy yelled, but Manna kept on walking. "Wait! What am I suppose to do about Kane?"

"Pick him up and let's go!" Manna yelled from behind her shoulder. "We haven't a moment to waste."

"Sheesh…" the king muttered as he lifted up Kane over his shoulder. "You could stand to lose some weight Kane…"

"You're… not… funny…" Kane muttered, barely audible.

"You're awake now?" Troy said. "Can you walk?"

"…no…" Kane muttered, trailing off.

"Guess not. Manna! Wait up!" Troy yelled as he quickly walked to catch up with Manna.

Solona's here…or will be here… Manna thought to herself. This could spell trouble for us if she actually does show up…

(Lower levels of Infinity: right route/cavern)

"Rei! Sora!" Nina screamed as she, Ryu, and Garr came running into an open area, where Rena, Kai, and Valerie were exchanging blows with a dark hybrid version of Dracen.

Nina stopped dead in her tracks as she glanced over to Rei and Sora. Both were unconscious on the floor, next to a young man who had his hands folded in prayer. The man looked up and smiled.

"Don't worry Princess. You're friends are alright."

"Y-who?" Nina asked, pointing to the man.

"I am simply Yume." The man said, gaining a wide-eyed stare from Ryu and Nina. Garr just nodded thoughtfully.

"I thought so." He rumbled. He then brought his halberd forward spun it around to gain momentum. At the last second, Garr leaped into the air, suspended by his wings, and slammed the blade into Dracen's chest.

The hybrid screamed as Garr retracted his spear. He landed on the ground, causing the entire cave to shake. Kai jumped Dracen and attempted to beat him into a bloody pulp; Rena already beating the crap out of him with her staff. Dracen jumped up into the air to avoid further onslaught by the three. Nina's wings burst from her back, feathers flying everywhere, as she started to chant for a wind spell.

"SIMOOM!" Nina screamed, unleashing a wave of wind with fire mixed into right at the airborne dragon. Dracen raised a claw hand and simply deflected the spell with his hand. The spell rebound back to Nina, hitting her and causing her wings to catch fire. Screaming, Nina fell from the sky and landed on the ground in a sickening thud. Ryu's eyes flashed red as he saw her twitch once, then nothing. Ryu was about to charge forward, but Rena cut him to the chase and bounced into the air, her own draconic wings unfolding.

Rena made one swing at Dracen, but he caught her staff and hurled Rena through the air and caused her to smash right into another wall. Garr and Kai jumped into the air, ready to make a double attack on the dragon, but Dracen knocked them both down as well, not even so much as blinking. Garr groaned and reverted back to his human form.

Valerie shook her head. She raised her arm to cast another spell, but Ryu placed his hand on her arm and lowered it. He shook his head. "This… is my fight, right? Don't get hurt." Ryu started to walk forward, when he saw two figures standing in the doorway of the cave. Manna and Troy, with an unconscious Kane over his shoulder, walked into the room. Dracen turned his head and smirked.

Summoner, you are here at last, as is the king. Only three left to fight! Then nothing will stand in my way! He growled as a dark light started to emanate off of him.

Troy laid Kane on the ground, next to Rei and Sora, and proceeded to draw his sword. Before Troy could even unsheathe his blade, Dracen let loose an energy blast and hit Troy in the chest. This send the king flying into the air with such force, when he hit the wall, the stone cracked. Dracen laughed as he saw Manna walk over to Ryu.

"Makenai (2)." Manna told Ryu, which caused the dragon's eyes to widen.

"You won't lose?" Ryu asked Manna, who nodded.

"Dracen's getting ready for his final attack. Ryu! Attack now!" Manna said, swinging her staff up and erecting a barrier around the fallen warriors. "This should help keep everyone from getting hurt for now. GO!"

Ryu numbly nodded as he drew his blade and charged Dracen. The dragon laughed as he easily jumped the attack. Ryu swung again, this time with more precision. The blade would have hit Dracen if it had not been for Dracen actually catching the blade. Dracen gave Ryu a feral grin, then swung Ryu and his sword up into the air. Ryu hit the ceiling of the cave. Ryu's back arched as his eyes widen from the pain. He let out a sickening scream, causing Rena to move.

Rena was instantly knocked out of her stupor. She dazily looked up to see Ryu falling to the ground, his back covered in blood from where the stalagmites had pierced his back. Manna raised her hand and a sudden gush of wind caught Ryu and landed him gently on the ground. Struggling to get up, Ryu propped himself up on his sword and growled, "MAKENAI!" He then leaped to his feet, albeit a bit wobbly, and charged Dracen again.

Dracen grinned and rammed his claw hand right into Ryu's chest, piercing his heart. Ryu's body spasm and Dracen withdrew his hand. Ryu fell to the floor, twitching. Dracen grinned and advanced on the dying dragon. Just as he made the final blow, a voice interrupted his moment of triumph.

"Now…" A transparent figure appeared right beside Kane. When the figure touched Kane, he shuttered and woke up. Kane looked up and saw a transparent form of a girl with brown hair and glasses.

The girl grinned at Rena and Manna and continued forward. "Now! This is it!" The girl said. "Now is the time to choose!" She walked over to Ryu's fallen body and touched his arm. Ryu jerked and opened his eyes. She stood up and continued to walk until she was almost in front of Dracen. Dracen swung at her, but his clawed hand went right through her. She turned right to the fallen warriors. "Die and be free of pain or live and fight your sorrow! Now is the time to shape your stories! Your fate is in your hands!"

She then turned to Ryu. "Kane told me! You have the power to stop him! Call forth Infinity!" And with that, she disappeared.

Ryu struggled to stand, his hand covering a gaping hole in his chest. "Wh…at do I do…?" Ryu asked.

"You know the words." Manna said, as Kane and Rena walked over to Ryu.

"You know what to say." Rena said, placing her hand on Ryu's shoulder.

"The words the summoners spoke eons ago." Kane said, placing his hand on Ryu's other shoulder.

Ryu nodded and closed his eyes and started to chant. "Powers of the Ancients that roam the skies. Power of Darkness that bind the damned. Power of Light that seals the doomed. We call on your Power to aid and protect! For power of the Souls. For power of the Spirit. For power of Light. Heaven to Ocean. Ocean to Earth. Earth back to Heaven. Show us the true path created by the Light. Grant us the true power lead by the Light. To vanquished the Darkness that rules the Night! Ni kobato si no Ryu Reider lei. Nowya ka kobatono (3). INFINITY!"

A gold glow spun up around Ryu, Rena, and Kane. The light shot out through the entire cavern, hitting everyone in the room. Manna stood at attention, while everyone else, sans Yume and Valerie, started to stir. Rena and Kane started to glow their respected auras as everyone got to their feet, unable to do much of anything else other than watch what was unfolding.

Rei nodded and smirked. "It's all coming full circle."

Manna nodded. "Yes."

Ryu's body suddenly spasm and floated into the air. He screamed as his body started to convulse in pain. The gold light shot out from his eyes and mouth as he continued to jerk. Ryu could feel his heart beat faster than he had ever felt it beat before. It felt like it was going to burst. Ryu screamed as he suddenly jerked back and fell out of the air and onto the ground, causing a large dent in the ground. Nina jerked away from Zeke and Kai, who were trying to hold her back, and rushed over to Ryu.

She lifted his head up to meet her's. Ryu's eyes were a molten gold, but glazed over. Nina placed her ear against Ryu's chest and heard his heart beat at an erratic pace. Ryu's body continued to convulse as Nina held him.

Nina turned to Manna. "What the hell is going on! TELL ME!"

Manna shook her head. "He is having trouble controlling the power. He will die at this rate."

"DO SOMETHING!" Nina cried, pleading with the summoner.

"I…can't." Manna said through clenched teeth. "Don't you think I would have already tried it?"

"Then…what!" Nina cried.

DIE! Dracen screamed as he lunged at Ryu and Nina.

"Purity into LIGHT!" Rena screamed as a ball of light formed into her hand. The ball shot up and rammed itself right into Ryu's chest.

"What…?" Nina asked.

Kane nodded. "I see now… Shadow into light!" A dark ball shot from Kane's palm and entered Ryu. Ryu's body wasn't jerking as much.

"An old trick." Manna said. "You are trying to help Ryu by lending your powers to him… it may work… Time into light!" Manna smirked as a sphere entered Ryu. "Everyone, lend Ryu your power. Say your element into light!"

"Water into light." Troy said.

"Fire into light." Zeke said.

"Holy into light!" Sora yelled.

"Earth into light!" Kai said.

"Neutrality into light!" Rei said.

"…Wind into light." Nina said, after all of the sphere's had merged with Ryu. Ryu glowed an array of colors, then back to gold. His entire body glew gold as his hair color changed once more. He smiled at Nina, then stood up. Ryu crossed his arms over his arms over his chest as he began to rise into the air. The same light enveloped Rena and Kane as they glowed their respected auras, before transforming into spheres of pure energy. The spheres merged with Ryu as the light engulfed him.

As the light died down, in Ryu's place stood an eighty-foot, gold and platinum scaled dragon. The dragon looked once at Manna and nodded. Manna smirked and turned to everyone.

"You are looking at Infinity in its truest form… the power of the friends who truly believe in each other… the power of the True Kaiser…"

"What happened to Rena and Kane?" Troy asked.

"They fused with Ryu to help him." Manna simply said. "They knew that Ryu might need help, so they lend him their powers…"

The dragon looked down at Manna. Manna nodded. "He wants everyone to clear out…NOW! He doesn't want us caught up in the fight."

Everyone nodded and ran to the exit of the cave, except Nina and Manna. She smiled sadly and whispered, "You better keep your word, Ryu." She said before running out.

Manna turned to Dracen. "Silence gives consent…" She smirked as she gave him a one finger salute. "Wallbitch!" Manna spun her staff around and formed a runic circle around the area of the cave. She gave Dracen a feral grin. "Don't need you retreating now, eh?"

Dracen growled, unable to leave the circle. He roared and tried to strike Manna, but a shield reflected him and slammed him against the wall. Dracen nodded as if finally understanding the answer to a question he never knew before. I see now… that's what you are. It makes perfect sense now… Attacking you will mean my death…

He then took his attention off of Manna for the time being and focused on getting rid of the Infinity Dragon. He growled and lunged at the dragon. Manna blinked and looked up at Ryu. "IN ONE SHOT! GIVE IT ALL YOU HAVE AND TAKE HIM OUT FOR GOOD!" Manna screamed.

The dragon nodded and inhaled for a breath attack. Just as Dracen was ascending to deliver a final blow, a hot blast of holy breath rammed into Dracen. Dracen tried to push the blast back. Ryu started to struggle, but he heard Manna scream, "KEEP AT IT!" He then increased the attack.

Dracen countered with a dark energy blast of his own. The light and dark energies clashed with each other for quite some time. One time, it would seem that Ryu was winning, but then Dracen seemed to be pushing him back. Finally, Dracen's blast seemed to be pushing Ryu's back.

NO! Ryu screamed.

(Lower levels of Infinity: outside cavern)

RYU! Nina thought. "What… what are we doing!" Nina cried. "We can't just leave them there! They need our help!"

Rei shook his head. "He has absorbed the power of a titan… and a very powerful one at that…"

"Nina, you will die if you go!" Kai said.

"Kane, Rena, and Ryu are risking their lives to save the world!" Nina yelled. "To save us! I don't know about you guys, but I'm going back in!" Nina said as she marched back to the cave entrance.

Zeke stood in front of Nina, blocking her way. "Move…" Nina muttered, not even looking up at him.

Zeke flashed once and changed into Garr. "No." He said simply.

"Why…?" Nina asked, tears starting to well up in her eyes.

"Because…" Sora said, stepping forward, the blue wings bursting from her back again. "We go in there, and they will be more worried about protecting us instead of fighting Dracen… It's as simple as that."

Troy shook his head. "But then, why is Manna in there? Isn't she going to get hurt too?"

"Manna is not a mortal." Yume spoke up for the first time, gaining the stares from everyone else.

"Not mortal?"

"Yume?" Troy asked. "You know, you have some explaining to do…"

"Can we discuss this later?" Yume asked, slightly annoyed.

"I agree with Yume." Sora said. "If I was still a goddess instead of a mortal, I could probably help Ryu and the others… but in my current state, I'd only be a handicap."

"Besides," Rei said. "Manna put up a runic circle. Anything that is in that circle, can not leave until she calls it away. If we were to enter and get trapped in the circle, we could not leave, and we might get hurt. Even with all of our powers working together… we'd still lose."

"You're a titan Rei…" Valerie said. "Why do you not go and help Ryu?"

"Taijkos was more powerful than I." Rei simply said. "And Dracen killed Tai, so…"

"I see." Kai said. "I was wonderin' why you didn't go after Dracen when you were basically on Tai's level. You're not strong enough." Kai laughed.

"You're not funny…" Rei grumbled.

"I understand." Garr said as he moved aside. Nina gave him a confused look.

"But I thought you said…" Nina began, but Garr cut her off.

"You love Ryu, so you do not want him to die. I understand that. But, he wants to you stay away because he doesn't want you to get hurt. If you decide to go and help him, then nothing on this world or any other can stop you. Do as you wish. Like that woman said, your fate is in your hands."

"I… thank you." Nina bowed her head to Garr before running off to where the fight was taking place.

"Should we follow?" Troy asked.

"No use in letting her get killed." Rei sighed.

"Right…" Yume said, but then staggered and fell to his knees.

"Yume?" Troy asked.

A light engulfed Yume as he changed back into his cat/dragon form. The mini-dragon looked up at Troy and Rei and growled in annoyance. Yume ran off after Nina. Rei and Troy just shrugged.

"Must have ran out of energy." Rei said, walking to the entrance.

"What?" Troy asked as everyone else followed suit.

"Well, this caps off my day…" Kai muttered, staring after everyone. "Humans…" Kai shook his head. "They will be the death of me yet…" He sighed and followed the rest of the party, hopefully not to his doom.

(Lower levels of Infinity: Cavern)

Don't give in! Ryu could hear Kane's words echo in his mind.

We're with you! Rena said.

He's too strong! Ryu yelled. I can't beat him!

We're here fighting too. Rena said. Don't give up! We can beat him if we give it all we've got!

Besides, Kane laughed. I have no intention of dying!

Less talk, more focusing on killing the freak! Rena said as the blast from Dracen was pushing the dragon even further back.

RIGHT! Ryu thought. MAKENAI!

Talk about dramatic… Rena sighed.

Agreed.

The dragon shot up into the air, missing the blast from Dracen by only an inch. Infinity swooped back around and shot another blast at Dracen. Dracen was caught off guard, but still fought to gain control. The two energies the dragons let loose on each other battled with each other again, but this time, Infinity held its own.

"RYU!" Nina cried, appearing at the entrance. "DON'T GIVE UP!"

"WIN THIS!" Kai screamed, coming up behind Nina.

"We're with you!" Sora yelled.

"Make this bastard pay for what he has done!" Rei screamed.

Everyone had returned to the cave and was screaming some form of encouragement at Ryu. This was the changing tide. Dracen lost his concentration long enough for Ryu to power up his attack again and completely obliterate Dracen. A bright light filled the room as everyone shielded their eyes.

When the light died down, Rena and Kane stood in place of the Infinity Dragon, but neither Ryu nor Dracen were anywhere to be seen. "RYU!" Nina cried. "Where are you!"

A bright sphere of gold light shot up into the air and exploded. One piece of the light shot out over to the farthest walls of the cave. Nina looked confused, but was cut short by the sounds of a baby crying. Nina walked over to where the light had landed had battled and looked down to see a newborn baby girl with black wisps of hair and bright green eyes crying. Upon seeing Nina, she stopped and reached for Nina to pick her up. Nina reached down and picked up the baby as the others approached.

"A baby?" Rena asked. "Where's Ryu?"

Manna walked over and looked at the baby for a moment. She then nodded. "A new being was created with the merging of everyone's powers… Infinity born anew… But that means…"

"DON'T SAY IT!" Nina cried, tears falling down her cheeks. "Don't tell me that Ryu's dead!"

"I don't know where Ryu is… I no longer sense his, or Dracen's life force…" Manna said.

"I… I'm not sure if Ryu's dead or not… I could feel his consciousness slipping away when we went into the final attack…" Rena whispered, tears streaking down her cheeks too.

"Ryu…" Valerie whispered, fighting her own tears. "Ren." She walked over to Rena and embraced her. "Thank Ladon you are alright."

Rena gaped, not quite sure how to react to her mother. "Um…" Rena said.

Valerie released Rena and held her at arm's length. "Will you ever forgive me for the way I treated you?" Valerie asked. "I just couldn't stand the thought of losing my daughter again…"

"It's alright." Rena said. "I forgive you… but Ryu… he's…"

"At any rate…" Kane sadly viewed the cave. "We have all gained something important here today… and lost something… let's go. Maybe Ryu's just somewhere else."

"If Ryu is still alive… we will find him." Kai said, patting Nina on the shoulder as he passed by her.

"Thank you, Kai." Nina said.

With that, everyone turned and walked to the exit in silence. "Nina?" Rena asked, causing Nina to stop and turn around.

"Yeah…?" Nina asked, through the tears that welled up.

"The baby… what are you planning on doing with her?"

"I think…. I think I'll take her back to Anglous. Mother and Father will just have to understand." Nina smiled slightly, looking down at the baby.

"Do you have a name for her?" Rena asked.

"No… actually." Nina looked confused.

"How about 'Tarina?'" Manna asked, standing in front of the two. "It means 'hope' in an old tongue that is long dead."

"Sounds good. Tarina… Hope." Nina said as she, Manna, and Rena walked towards the exit.

Hope was all Nina had now… And she vowed she'd find Ryu, no matter what…

THE END… for now…

AN: Yeah a crappy way to end Dragon Legend, but that's what the sequel is for, right? Be back next time as Rena and Manna go back to Earth, only to have a hitchhiker use Manna's warp portal to go to Asparia by mistake, and a familiar face shows up along for the ride. Nina begins her search for Ryu with the most unlikely of helpers. Could this new person helping Nina be a god? If you want to know what happens next, stay tuned for first chapter of Shin Ryuu Densetsu!

I AM FINALLY DONE WITH DRAGON LEGEND! SCORE!

"Sun, moon, sky, fire, earth, air, water, rock."

Japanese: "I won't lose!"

"I now call you by your true name! I, Ryu Reider summon you here to this realm to aid and protect."

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