With no other words left to be said between the two their battle at last commences. Duran's gigantic sword clashing with her five smaller ones. He manages to block every attack but all of his seems to be driving her back futher. "Light beams!"
Four beams of light coming from her hands and he puts up a dark wall that absorbs them. Duran following up with a dark magic attack of his own. The force of this blast sends Brooklynn flying backwards, though quickly gets back on her feet. She attempts throwing some balls of light but he dodges every last one with ease.
Impossible! It's like he's predicting my every move and we never even fought before now...
Charging at her their swords clash once again. The man stares down at her struggling with an amused glint in his eyes.
"I'm sure you're aware by now on the truth of Amethyst death. Practically every member of my family helped participate in her death. Including the boy that's been fighting by your side this entire time. That little guardian of yours is a murderer."
"Shut up!" Both knocking each other back she throws a fire ball. Duran quickly ducking as it goes over his head, and executes an electric shockwave she doesn't have chance to avoid.
The burnette body feels numb as she slowly backs away readying her swords in the air. Moving each sword he simply dances around her blades. Duran knocking one by one down to the floor very hard. "Do you have any clue on why we never abducted you? It was the plan originally with Ryder, but when your turn came around I had a better idea. Since the SP was sending you to destroy this chest regardless it was easier to wait things out. However we didn't just sit twiddling our thumbs, but instead used this as an opportunity to study you."
Brooklynn's final weapon getting hit with such force a jolt of pain runs through her. Hands flying to her head as she drops down on her knees. The burnette hates to cast this spell so soon, but her stamina won't last any longer if she doesn't. "Healing cir-"
Duran acts fast swinging upwards before she can put up a reflexive shield. Sending her tumbling back once more and losing the ounce of strength she has left. He slowly approaches the girl sprawled out on the floor. "I felt the dark energy resting inside of this place. I could've told the SP agents so they would send you straight here. Though instead we decided to observe your fighting potential. Gores attacked at you plenty of times giving me a report upon his return. Even sending his children to battle so I could watch through his special ability. When they chose an incorrect ruin gave me time to learn all your light spells. Including how you handle your telekinesis."
That can't possibly be true...and yet their actions until now makes perfect sense.
Brooklynn tries another light attack but he dodges it all the same. Grabbing the young teen by her neck and slamming her against the wall. Feet raising off the ground as she kicks to break free of his chokehold. "Go ahead and attempt to disappear on me. Oh, that stunt isn't very effective right now. Don't you see? I can read your every move like a book, and my grandson won't come rescue you either. He's quite busy in a upbeat family reunion at the moment."
We've been playing right into his hand the whole time? I didn't get chance to heal and my flash ability isn't working...
"I was able to outsmart you hardly using any effort at all. Aine made a grave mistake believing a little girl could ever defeat me. Now I'll use this forbidden spell to rid the world of you both. Goodbye last Felixa." Duran tightening his grip making it hard to breathe. The old man starts murmuring words similar to Primose that day.
This is how it really ends? I never stood a chance against him from the beginning. I'm so pathetic when he isn't around to save me all the time. With everything that he's sacrificed and I lose here. I'm sorry, Sonny. Same to Aine, my grandparents, new friends and old, awaiting my victory. I'm so sorry...
(Sonny POV)
Meanwhile the fight intensity has picked up with the four. Sonny and Gores weapons clashing as they knock each other back. "This is how you were fighting when Ryder was in the picture. I knew you had to be holding back."
"And it was all for this very moment. Unfortunately both of you picked the wrong side. Isabelle, I want you to use your Duclen form. Cast the tornado that worked so well against them before."
"Wha, but I...I promised brother I wouldn't..."
"They're already transformed so I need you too for us to be evenly matched. Come now, we don't have time to waste!" Gores snaps, throwing another dark ball. His daughter slowly shakes her head as she backs away. Clear fear hidden inside her deep green eyes.
"No, our wish we worked so hard for is crumbling apart. I-I don't wanna become a monster!" she screams, collapsing on her knees.
"Isabelle..." Sonny whispers, a peg of guilt for his trembling cousin on the floor. Considering their last battle the girl had started to lose control. So much to the point she didn't come back to her senses until Akira's sacrifice. Isabelle has to be afraid of it happening again, and this time she may never get her sanity back.
Gores glances at her unmoving then turning his cold gaze towards them. "Well I'm sure anyone would be frighten to transform, after witnessing the death of a sibling by their cousins own hands."
"You're wrong! We didn't want to ever hurt Akira, and the reason she's scared to change is because of you!" Finely throwing his boomerang at him covered with ice. The man swiftly avoiding his weapon, and executing another strike of his own.
"Finely is right. We might all be affected by the curse but you alone embraced this darkness. Is that the real reason you told Grandfather to go there in the first place? You use to be such a funny and warm person back then. When did you decide to change?!" Sonny blocking a fire ball his uncle throws at him.
"You kids could never understand what I've been through! How everything became dark when Lou-" Though Gores cuts himself off as if just speaking of it is painful. Still he can tell the name he was about to say. Before he pry any deeper a sudden feeling washes over him. Hand going up to his chest as a reflex, and the boy quickly takes notice.
"Sonny, what's wrong?"
"It's Brooklynn...I don't know how to explain it but I feel she's in trouble. I need to make it there quick!" Sprinting for the opening Gores appears right in front of him.
"You're not going anywhere. We're to ensure your little role as playing guardian is over. Isabelle." Calling his daughter over to him that seemed to calm down now. Still refusing to transform she blocks their other side.
Both brothers getting ready to start another round.
It's obvious with them blocking the way I'm stuck here. Brooklynn if you can hear me, never give up! You need to believe in yourself because I know you have what it takes!
...
(Brooklynn POV)
Never give up...For some reason no matter how hopeless this situation seems these are the words that come to mind. Almost like Sonny is giving encouragement even though he's not physically with me. My partner is absolutely right. I cannot die here!
"Brooklynn you're able to see me now, can't you? I'm so glad your thoughts are no longer surrounded by the darkness."
Looking around she's floating in a similar clear place as to when she gained her light magic. Only now a beautiful young woman with golden locks and a white dress is before her. Even if it's their first this time speaking like this, Brooklynn already knows who she is.
Aine, it really is you...
"You needn't worry because it's not too late. Time is slowed down in the present right now. This is the resolve I felt from you during your first awakening. Duran was trying to break your spirit, and prevent you of reaching the ultimate form. Now I can finally bestow unto you my full power. Always remember I'll be fighting with you."
Aine linking hands with her own offering a kind smile. She can feel an enormous source of power running through her whole body.
...
"Extinguish the light that bring forth hope so darkness c-ah!" Brooklynn starts glowing to the point it burns Duran's hand. Releasing the girl but she doesn't fall to the ground. Instead her body rising high into the air.
"What is this? It can't be..." he grumbles. The teen growing large white wings from her back, and the shine only glows brighter. Brooklynn golden eyes open as she gently lands on her feet.

(Visuals of Brooklynn's final form. Origin from Deviantart.com)
"I can feel her inside of me like never before. So this is the Duclea's final form..."
"You gained your second transformation after all. Despite the fact I had everything planned out..."
According to the old tale half of Erebus power is sealed in that chest. This must be preventing him from activating his ultimate form. Now I have the advantage he didn't want me to gain.
"I refuse to let things end after coming this far. Even if my defense is lower it's worth the risk. Dark rage!" Duran hollers out in pain as soon as the words leave his lips. Darkness covering him from head to toe and eyes more lifeless than before.
Stay calm, Brooke. I am stronger but he just cast a spell to increase his own attack power. Even if he's studied my fighting style victory is within my grasp. I just have to find a way to catch him off guard, but the world is depending on me.
Brooklynn sets her swords a blaze spewing fire with every swing she makes. Firstly she needs to get rid of that massive weapon he's using. Added with his rage spell will only deal her even more damage. Luckily with the transformation her previous wounds seem to have disappeared.
"This little fire isn't nearly enough. I saw you try something like this before." Duran easily hits each one and she makes sure not too focus much on them. Not wanting to get a headache again from overusing her telekinesis. Once he reaches her last blade she deliberately lets it drop. Quickly while he's off guard she starts to pry the sword from his hands. Then throwing the object as it slides way across the floor.
"Time to get rid that. Thanks for falling for my distraction."
"Like I need a weapon to destroy you! Summon!" Duran having a huge shadow panther form right behind him.
"I knew he was going to pull this eventually..." He points for it to attack and the animal leaps foward. Brooklynn flying out of the way just at the right moment. She already had the power to fly but these wings are definitely helping her move more quickly. Duran throws a dark ball she uses her light barrier to block, but with the panther's scratching it shatters. The old man launching an ice attack the minute she's open.
His attack strength really is stronger. I can't focus on that and him. I need to kill it off somehow...
An idea coming to mind she at him head first ignoring the panther on her tail. Wings aren't the only thing she gained but even her spells have leveled up. "I'm not finished yet. Energy balls!" Throwing multiple his direction he tries to evade with his defense already lowered. Once the monster jumps to claw her from behind she disappears. The wild cat now colliding with Duran instead, and knocking him off his feet.
"Get off of me you fury oaf! Attack the girl!"
"My next attack will end you for sure."
"I'd like to see you try." Lifting her swords in the air she sends them to the cat but not for attacking. Rather using them as a show with the cat hopping and scratching about. The animal entertained and now distracted and off guard. Duran seeming to realize the same thing as his agitation is growing. "Focus, you pawd ponpus!"
"It's still a large kitty. Now with that out of the way, rainbow rays!" Rainbow colored light rays spur out from her hands. Duran activates a dark wall again only for them to bounce off it. Recashing to the wall beside him and then right towards his cat. This killing the huge animal in just one blow.
"My shadow panther!" The old man standing in disbelief as it fades away to nothing. He probably assumed it was best to chose a monster she hasn't faced for before. Though thinking outside the box she came up a plan that actually worked.
"Sorry, it was in the way. I pretended to focus on you when my true intentions was to get the cat gone from the start. And I'm guessing you can't summon another large monster this soon. Never summoned twice when trying to get my powers to awaken. That's something I learned about you."
"You cocky brat! How dare you make a mockery of me?! I'll end you now!" Retrieving his sword now within reach as he charges at her far more reckless then before. He may can't summon any big monsters but several smaller ones join the battle.
He's so upset Duran's off his game. Plus all this fooling around and his rage spell has run out. Now's my chance to finish this!
(Sonny POV)
The battle is nearing its end as all four of them are practically at their limits. Only being a matter of which team falls first. Finely and Isabelle face against one another, as Sonny fights with Gores. "Finally showing your true potential, well unfortunately it isn't enough." Sonny grumbles, throwing a fire ball he just avoids.
"We needed her but it was no purpose keeping you alive. I should've ended you a long time ago!" They clash some more and Gores kneels to set off a shockwave. The ginger running up the wall to avoid the attack and flips off it. Using his beyond gravity to slow the jump with dark power coursing through his weapon.
"Piercing strike!" Not being able to react fast enough the attack hits him. Gores falling back and for once getting knocked out of his Duclen form. Sonny lands on his feet taking a moment to catch his own breath.
"It's...over, Gores. Give it up."
"I refuse to lose to the likes of you. Duclen form! Duclen form!" No matter what shouting he does he can't transform. His exhausted body collapsing back to the floor. Little strength left he uses his special ability one last time. Duran and the Felixa are still fighting though very clear who's winning. He glances over at his daughter as Finely has just did a final blow of his own. The girl getting knocked against the wall and her enlarge spell wears off.
"You must turn, Isabelle! If you don't...they'll escape and this was all for nothing! Transform...to your Duclen!" With that final order Gores passes out. Both brothers turning to their cousin still frozen in the corner. Finely slowly approaches his hand burning with dark magic, though Sonny stops his movement.
"Don't, Finely. She isn't going to try anything else."
"But what if she's only faking and tries to give pursuit?! That's why we need to put her down now!" His brother red eyes grow wide in surprise as arms suddenly wrap around him.
"Don't worry, the fight is over now. You can change back, okay?" The boy weakly nodding as his clothes turn back to normal.
This is the first time Finn has ever really gotten angry in his form. The spell probably took longer for him since he doesn't fight as often.
Sonny is thrown off when his brother legs give way. Making sure to hold the boy upright. "What's wrong, Finely?!"
"My body is just a little drained from the fight. I think I'll take a short break here for a minute. You need to hurry and go catch up with Brooklynn." Sonny smiling weakly as he helps his brother sit on the floor next to Isabelle.
"I see, you should rest your eyes for a bit then. I know this'll be the last time for me to say how proud of you I am. You were really brave, Finn."
"Sonny...I'm glad we were able to finish what dad wanted. I guess we'll be seeing them both really soon..." Finely's eyes falling shut and he next turns to her.
"I am sorry for what happened to Akira, Isabelle. I never wished to hurt any of you. Not even your dad."
"None of that matters now. Our plan was doomed to fail from the start. Don't you have to go help the Felixa against Grandfather? I won't be much use in my state, so it's best I stay behind."
"I'm sure Akira would be proud of you too." The ginger giving the girl a pat on the head, before flying off into the dark halls.
(Brooklynn POV)
Duran and Brooklynn weapons hit as magic gets shot back and forth. The teen flying back as she cast another spell. "Temporary immunity!" A ring of light protecting her body from any dark attacks the old man executes.
"Nonsense! There has to be some kind of weakness!" Duran swinging more wildly but all efforts are futile.
This is the time to gather up my power and take him down!
Brooklynn aiming a wave of light magic which Duran tries to block with his dark wall. Only this spell breaks right through it. The magic so forceful it blasts him all the way back towards the stairs. His body tumbling down them before coming to a stop, and his Duclen form pops off.
The burnette flys to him to find the man rendered unconscious. After a long hard fight she actually managed to win. Letting out a sigh of relief as she rest a hand on her chest. "It's finally over! I'm sorry but I hope you can rest peacefully, Duran."
Now her attention moving towards the currently sealed door. By this pattern on the middle of floor these mechanics have to be pushed in the correct order for it to work. "Okay, now to get this open before he wakes up."
Abouting to get started when Brooklynn hears a single sound of footsteps approaching. Perhaps her last move wasn't affected as she thought. Cautiously turning around Duran is still lying on the floor. Another person running across the bridge that words can't describe how happy she is to see. "Sonny!"
"Brooklynn, you're alright!" She flys over to him as they meet in the middle. The ginger pulling the girl into a tight hug before she can get a word out. "I got scared, when I didn't hear any fighting down here. I felt something was wrong before but Gores and Isabelle blocked our way. The only thing I could do is pray you'd keep fighting. That you would never give up."
"That was you? When Duran had gotten the upperhand in battle I was ready to just accept my fate. But something said to stay strong, and that's what gave me courage. I can always count on my partner no matter how far away you are."
Finally pulling back he now notices her still glowing body and large white wings. "Is this another form? I didn't know there was one."
"Yeah, that's because my power wasn't at its full strength until now. Duran is taking a small nap but I'm not sure how long it'll last. Come on, I need your help getting this door open." Brooklynn leading the way to the puzzle for them to complete.
They properly move the statues along their tracks, and when all four is done the large door slowly opens. Thick layers of darkness prevent her from seeing within. This alone proof the chest is definitely down there.
"We did it! The Erebus chest has to be-!" Brooklynn's talking stops when a dark ball nearly hits her. Peeking behind Sonny is restraining his other arm back until a pain shoots through his head.
"I'd end things here if I wanted to and stop you myself. What could you possibly do..." His speech a low muttering as if talking to himself rather than her. It's the same change of character he had when snapping at her in their previous ruin. The burnette carefully takes one step back and then another.
"Sonny, what's going on?"
"It's...messing with my head. Because of my desire to live." A bitter smile flashing across his face for a second, before dropping down to the floor. "You have to go now! I'm not sure how much longer I can stay sane like this. Attacking at you this time won't be because of Primrose's spell. Go!"
Brooklynn's body is still for just a moment. Struggling to form any words to him as a goodbye. "...Thank you for keeping your promise." Is the single thing she can utter as his screaming in agony gets her to move. Sonny is trying with all his might not to lose control, so she has to hurry and end this.
Flying through the darkness it's not so bad considering her body still giving off a fate glow to see. On the otherside of the room is a large chest that dark mist is leaking out from. The lid roughly shacking like it could open at any moment. A golden lock being the only thing keeping it at bay. "This is actually the Erebus chest. It all feels so unreal..."
"You did very well. I knew it was a wise decision choosing you."
The familiar voice ringing through Brooklynn's head again, and she closes her eyes to listen better. "I'm able to hear you now because of this ultimate form?"
"Yes, this final form grants you that special connection. I'm so relieved you were able to awaken it, before he went through with that spell. The first time Erebus pulled something like this was centuries ago. Then I decided to have his main power sealed off, which also prevented Duran from obtaining such a form."
"Why'd you choose a kid like me to this?"
"Because of your smart and courageous soul. Some had the brains but didn't have the heart to carry out this mission. Such innocence is mostly found in the younger generation, than those tainted so much by this world."
"I see, though I became those things as a result of the people supporting me."
"You're a humble girl as well. Every hero needs at least someone to depend upon. Well it's finally time now, Brooklynn. I never casted this cleansing spell before, so I must teach it to you. The words are this 'let the demi gods be set free, so their powers no longer beseech thee'."
"Wait, aren't we doing the forbidden spell to destroy the darkness?"
"If I were to kill Erebus the balance scale would be destroyed, and only sweet misery can follow. Separating his heart failed to stop him from possessing another human being. Now this way we'll be released and in humanity's grasp no more. Come now, we must act while there's still time."
Brooklynn nods opening her golden eyes. The girl's not quite sure she fully understands, but trusts what Aine is saying for the best. Taking a deep breathe she gathers up power as her glow grows even brighter.
"Let the demi gods be set free, so their powers no longer beseech thee!" Firing right at the lock her magic slowly eats away at the chest. A huge light wave starts diffusing all the darkness is in the room. Then even spreading futher than that as a beautiful glow rushes past Sonny standing in the doorway. It flowing throughout the ruins towards the entrance. Both Finely and Isabelle watch in suprise, and tears fill the little girl's eyes.
Traveling outside the agents nervous pacing comes to a hault when seeing the glorious sight. "This is..." Ron mumbles, pushing up his frames. Such an action could only mean one thing. The two men exchanging a smile knowing the job is completed.
"I knew they'd pull it off," Jerry says, continuing to watch the light spread towards town.
As the light reaches there people stand in total awe with the dark sky being erased. Cheering and celebrating a certain couple watches from a girl's dorm room window. Kite grinning in relief when the darkness fades away. "They really did it."
"Brooklynn..." Raylen mumbles to herself.
Lots of civilians point up at the sight causing the blonde to run from a cafe he was waiting inside. A smile forming on Josef's lips at their foreseen victory.
Back in the ruins a horrific screech escapes the old man's throat. A black and purple spirit with glowing red eyes is yanked outside his body. Being carried off into the air and disappears entirely. His corpse falling back to the hard floor.
Brooklynn does feel exhausted from that cleansing spell, but her mission is finally done. "I can't believe it's all over. Ah, Aine!" she calls out, seeing the light deity body slowly fading.
"You needn't worry about me. It was nice staying among humanity while it lasts, but it's a new era coming forth now. We're only going back to where nobody can disturb us any longer."
"Oh,...but what-what's going to happen to Sonny? Will he really-" But her words stop as Aine smiles before disappearing completely.
The spoken of male slowly makes his way down the steps. Each movement seeming to take an enormous amount of energy, but the smile doesn't leave his face. "You did it, Brooke. That radiance light shining from you...was memorizing. I've wanted to say, Brooklynn that I-" he doesn't finish the sentence prior losing all strength to stand. The Duclen form popping off of him as she stumbles up to his side.
"Sonny! Please answer me, Sonny!" Brooklynn's heart feels as if it's being squeezed to the point she can't breathe. She's just been decieving herself this whole time.
I'm such a fool. I thought if I kept my spirits up he'd be alright. That Sonny would survive, but I was only lying to myself. Why does things have to be this way?
A single tear rolling down her cheek leads a gateway for more. Brooklynn sobbing as she calls his name repeatedly, though knows he won't ever answer her again. Through her blurry vision Sonny truly does look at peace. The girl slowly leaning and then locking his lips with her own.
I didn't get a chance to confess my real feelings either. So if there's any life left in you now...I want for you to know the words I never spoke.
Just then a sudden twitch comes from his body. The burnette opening her magenta eyes to find his staring right back at her. Quickly pulling away she sits up straight. "S-Sonny! But you-"
"I don't know what's better. For me to be alive or wake up to you kissing me."
"I don't understand. How..."
"Nor do I. When the forbidden spell was cast it should've killed all who were tied to Erebus, and yet..."
Is that why Aine wanted me to cast the new spell instead?
Overcome with joy she flings her arms around him, causing the boy to lose his balance and fall back. Regardless her tight grip on him doesn't lessen one bit. "You're alive! That's what is most important to me."
"This forwardness isn't like you at all, you know."
"Because I thought I lost you. I love you, Sonny."
I'm sure if Grandpa was here he'd leture me on being too young for throwing such a word around. Still it's the only way to describe the emotions bubbling up inside of me right now. That's always present whenever Sonny is near.
The ginger ocean eyes are wide though his shock quickly passes. Wrapping his arms around the girl as he gently strokes her hair with a small smile. "I love you too, Brooklynn."
A/N End of quite a long chapter. Sorry for the length>_< Hopefully you enjoyed this chapter and there's only two left of this book to go!