Warnings: Death of a major character.

Chapter Fourteen:

“Welcome in, boys. You are just in time to get a first hand look at the new and revitalized Lord of the Darkness!! Presenting my Lord….Amon-Ra!!”

All boys held onto each other, each watching with abated breath as the figure made its way out of the shadows. The image of an old grizzly-looking pharaoh had been on their minds, but all sucked in harsh breaths as they watched the young man walk slowly up to them; his bare feet barely making a sound on the marbled floor. Long legs that seemed to go on till eternity were only stopped by the wisp of pure white cloth that was draped around the lean waist. A golden belt, simple, yet intricate in design held up the cloth, as a flat and well-toned torso led to a neck that was adorned with a large flat necklace with the same intricate golden designs on them. On the long arms, arm and wristbands, all of solid gold adorned them, giving the tanned skin a look of surrealism.

But it was the face that had them all gaping in shock and bemusement. For the firm, full lips, the perfect nose and the flashing amethyst depths reminded them of someone they knew oh so well. The only difference was that Amon-Ra had jet-black hair that seemed to flow to the floor.

“He looks like…he looks like…” Solo couldn’t even finish the sentence.

“Like Duo,” Trowa finished weakly.

An older version of Duo to be exact. Khatet walked in front of them and bowed before the demon with a look of pure adoration on his face. “My Lord. They are all here as you have requested. What do we do with them now?”

Amon-Ra’s eyes flickered with something unreadable for a moment before holding out his hands. “I must thank you all for being such wonderful participants in my resurrection. I suppose that you will all want some sort of compensation, but I am afraid, I have run out of compassion for the day.”

His voice was smooth and silky. A voice that Quatre had had to listen to for years. A well of hate rose to his throat and shaking his head; he clenched his fist and bellowed out angrily. “Where.Is.Duo?!”

The demon smirked and walked up to Quatre. He caressed the pale cheek gently. “Oh, my darling, Quatre. Please, remind me again why I have not killed you yet…”

“Because if you do, I will kill you myself!”

All eyes, except for the demon’s, spun around to stare at the still hanging figure of Duo Maxwell. Quatre’s eyes lit up in happiness. “Duo!” He pulled himself away from Amun-Rah’s grasp and ran towards his love, only to slap a hand over his mouth at the way the once vibrant and vivacious boy looked. A harsh sob, soon followed by a painful hitch of breath gave way to an unwilling trail of tears that began to slide down Quatre’s cheeks as he fell to his knees.

“Oh…no…Duo…what…happened to you?”

Solo, Wufei and Trowa had all moved to stand beneath Duo unable to believe the sight before them either. Solo’s tears began anew and he had to stuff a hand into his mouth to stop himself from bawling in anguish. “This…this is all my fault…” he sobbed harshly. “I am so sorry…”

Wufei brought out his katana and was quick to cut down the chains that had been holding up the long-haired boy. Trowa moved quickly and caught the emaciated figure in his arms, swallowing tightly at how lifeless and weightless the decaying flesh felt.

Duo coughed weakly, a wad of blood spilling out of his lips as he struggled to sit up. “It’s nobody’s fault,” he managed to say weakly. “I guess I do deserve this in a way…”

Amon-Ra snorted. “Oh, please. This whole reunion is quite touching, I must say…”

“You bastard.”

The demon raised an eyebrow and for the first time noticed that Heero had not moved from his spot before him. The boy had his face bowed and a pale red aura of pure fury was beginning to envelope his tension-filled body.

The other boys stared at the scene in silence, knowing that this was a fight that Heero was determined to finish on his own.

“I am sorry, did you just call me a name?” Amon-Ra taunted with a light laugh.

“GODDAMN YOU!!” Heero sent out a wave of energy that was quickly dodged by the still laughing demon. “I WILL KILL YOU!!”

Amon-Ra hovered in the air with his arms folded over his chest and a smirk on his lips. “Hmmm…you are quite strong, Heero Yuy. Now I see why you are the most feared of all the hunters. But you forget…I am the Lord of the Darkness and it’s been soooo long since I used my full powers. HAAAAAAHHH!!!” With an outstretched hand, he sent a fiery dagger towards Heero. The Japanese boy was barely able to get out of the way and for his slow efforts, he was rewarded with a light graze on his arm.

Khatet tried to move behind his master, only to find himself staring into the hate-filled eyes of Solo. “Going somewhere, old man?”

“Get away from me, boy.” The old sorcerer tried to chant a spell to block Solo from attacking but he soon found himself enclosed in a barrier that had been created by Solo’s quick hands and mind.

“Heh. I learned quite a lot from you, sir,” he said slowly as he closed his eyes. “I can never forgive you for what you did to my best friend. I am going to have to send you to a place where you can no longer be a nuisance…”

“SOLO! LOOK OUT!!”

“Wha…aaaahh!!” Quatre’s warning had come a bit too late and Solo found himself flying across the room and crashing into the stonewalls. The barrier was quickly broken and Khatet laughed in triumph, bowing to his master with relief and gratitude. “Thank you, my Lord.”

Amon-Ra glared at him. “If you are going to continue being incompetent, then I might as well take you out myself.”

“I am sorry, my Lord. Please forgive me…”

“Just take care of the others and leave me to deal with Yuy.”

“As you wish, my Lord.” Khatet bowed again and spun around to face the four boys on the floor. He held his hands high above his head and began to chant slowly. “This should send you all to eternal darkness! I hope you have a pleasant stay there!”

A gust of wind flew into the room, surrounding the boys with it’s brute strength. Cries of pain filled the room as the wind tore into their skin leaving large welts and wounds. Solo groaned weakly and staggered to his feet. He held a hand to his head and winced as he felt the blood coat his fingers. He heard the screams and lifted his gaze to the sight of his new friends being attacked by his former master. Growling in fury, Solo tried to compose himself enough to cast a counter spell. With Khatet so busy causing his wind to grow stronger, Solo was able to send another barrier to enclose him. He glanced towards Amon-Ra and was happy to see that he was still engaged in a battle with Heero.

“And now to send you where you belong, Khatet! Azim kwazka TECUMVEH!!!”

The old sorcerer’s scream of anguish bounced off the walls and Amon-Ra snarled as he watched the old man disappear from sight. “You little annoying creatures!! I will finish you all once and for all!!” He began to shoot fire darts towards the boys and Solo dove before them, quickly putting up a shield to stop the onslaught.

“Damn it! I don’t know how much longer I can hold on.” He grit his teeth and concentrated with all his might. “Come on, Heero. Finish him off now!”

Heero nodded curtly and shouted to Wufei. “Let me have your katana!!”

The magical sword was tossed swiftly and Heero caught it just in time, for Amon-Ra had sent another wave of fire darts towards him. Leaping higher into the air, Heero dodged each attack with a snarl, angry with himself for not being able to get good leverage.

“To think that you all can defeat me?! Don’t make me laugh!” The demon’s dark eyes flashed a brilliant shade of red and right before their very eyes, his hands seemed to grow and elongate into talons or claws of some wild beast. They all gasped as they watched Amun-Rah arch his body. He looked like he was in pain and for a moment no one could make out what was really wrong with the demon. A sickly tearing sound of flesh being ripped open was heard and Quatre had to slap a hand across his mouth as globs of blood fell to the floor. The dark red liquid hissed and promptly burned through the ground leaving a smoky char in its’ wake.

“Shit! Move away! His damned blood is acidic!!” Solo yelled out as he struggled to lead the boys towards a safer position.

Heero pressed himself against a wall and watched the transformation with silent horror. The katana seemed to weigh a ton in his hands now and he could feel it slip from the sweat that had gathered in his palms.

An unearthly howl erupted from the demon’s lips and everyone slapped hands over their ears in protest. The walls seemed to tremble and even parts of it began to crumble. Another ripping sound was heard and something wet, black and slightly slimy grew from Amun-Rah’s back. Bat-like wings that seemed to take up the entire room flapped slowly as if testing its strength.

“Ugh…uugly,” Duo muttered softly.

Solo nodded and grimaced. “You said it, buddy.”

Wufei snarled and yelled to Heero. “Shit!! This is no time to stare at him, Yuy!! Attack him now!!”

That sent Heero’s dazed senses alert again and gripping his sword even tighter, he set his lips into a firm line of determination and flew headlong for the demon that seemed to be focused on its wings.

“This…is….for…DUO!!!” And with a loud cry, Heero pierced the still human flesh of its torso, only to blink as it seemed to bounce off the skin. “What…Urgh!!”

Amun-Rah smirked and squeezed the soft skin of Heero’s neck even tighter. “Trying to kill me, Yuy? Here’s an idea…TRY HARDER!!” He flung the boy across the room, sending him crashing into a wall with a sickening thud that caused the other boys hearts to leap in fear and concern.

The demon laughed and landed on the floor lithely, walking slowly towards the cringing boys with a look of pure enjoyment on his face. “I will take my pleasure in killing each of you slowly. For all the years of suffering and torment I was put through. Not only will I destroy all of you…I will destroy this stupid and worthless planet and create a new world for all those willing to join me in my new creation!!”

Quatre flared up in fury. “How can you say such a thing!! You have destroyed millions of lives and all for what?! Look at what you did to Duo!!”

“Ha! And what about Duo? He was way too convenient to use. A boy born in this millennium in my image…what better way to come back to reclaim the throne that was rightfully stolen from me!! All religion must pay!! Worthless beings that put their trust in images and statues that mean nothing! How dare they put their faith into beings that would rather watch them suffer than in me?! I promised them of things that will bring happiness to their lives…”

“Material things,” Trowa said quietly. “You promise them things that will make them happy for only a brief period of time and then what? All of that will pass and the unhappiness and desolation of an empty life unfulfilled by the lack of love and support from family and friends fills them causing them to die of misery. Isn’t that what really happens?”

“Hmph! It is hardly my fault that people desire to ruin their own happiness, Barton. I give them their innermost pleasures and needs and whatever they choose to do with it, is completely up to them. Now, where was I…ah, yes…to kill you all slowly.”

“How could you?”

Amun-Rah snarled and created another energy ball in his hands, this time directing it towards Quatre, who had now risen to his feet. “Do you dare defy me, boy?! Remember that I gave you that power and I can take it back!”

But the blonde was beyond listening. His eyes darkened with anger as the demon’s words resonated through his mind. “How could you?! After all he has done for your sake!!”

“Perhaps you did not hear me, Quatre. I.Do.Not.Care. Now, stand aside, unless you wish for me to kill you off first!”

“He was the only friend that I had!” came the vehement scream from the quaking blonde. Tears of grief fueled by his internal frustrations at not being able to do much in the situation caused his words to come out brokenly. “He was my first and only true friend! He stood by me and took care of me when you weren’t being such a bastard to him! I watched for nights as he struggled with you! You killed off his spirit, his soul and his heart!! And now…and now…”

The words seemed lodged in his throat and he couldn’t continue. He settled for raising his arms and closing his eyes in concentration. He didn’t care anymore. He was going to die along with Duo, if necessary. What was the point of his existence if the one he loved was going to die in this place? He squeezed them tighter, summoning every little bit of power he had left.

“I will die for him. I promised him that and I will do it. I will finish you off, Amun-Rah and even if I don’t kill you…at least, I will die knowing that I did the best that I could.”

Duo lifted weary lids to witness the sight of his friend and companion bathed in a brilliant light. He tried to rise to his feet, struggling to stop Quatre from doing something so dangerous and useless. “No…stop…Quatre…”

Trowa tried to hold him back down. “You must not move, Duo. You are already frail as it is. Please try to stay still until we get you out of here.”

“No! I refuse to let Quatre die…” For someone so weak, he was surprisingly strong in this instant and he pushed off Trowa with a light grunt. He staggered to his feet and moved slowly towards the couple, his lips pursed into a thin line of determination. Heero groaned weakly and opened up his eyes. They widened as he took in the situation. Cursing softly beneath his breath, he scrambled to his feet and sought fervently for the katana he had dropped. He noticed the magical sword lying a few feet away and making sure that he was not noticed, he crawled closer to it and picked it up quickly.

“Quatre…don’t!”

“Stay back, Duo! I am not going to stop this blast from going through and if it means killing you as well, then we will all go to hell together!”

Aquamarine depths shimmered with tears as they stared into the amethyst depths that he had fallen in love with oh, so many years ago. Duo shook his head stubbornly and reached for the blond’s arm that seemed to throb with unsuppressed power. “Then let us die together, my love.” He whispered in a shaky voice. “Let us pay him back for all the pain he has caused us, hmm?”

Quatre nodded with a tremulous smile. “Yes, Duo…now…together…”

“I love you, Quatre.”

The blond fought hard to stop himself from completely breaking down at the look of utter devotion on the American’s face. He could feel his power wavering. “I…I…love you too, Duo…always…forever…aaaaaaaaaahhh!!!”

The pain seared right down his spine and he widened his eyes in question as if asking Duo why he had done such a thing.

“I am sorry, Quatre. But, I brought this on myself and I intend to finish this off on my own.” He watched the blond fall to the floor unconscious and nodding to Trowa, Solo and Wufei to take care of him, he slid a quick glance to Heero with a look that was quickly understood.

“You must be out of your mind,” Amun-Rah said in disbelief. “Surely you do not think that you can take me on your own…in your current state?! You can barely stand!”

Duo laughed softly and nodded in agreement. “Yeah, I can barely walk too, but I think it is best it ends this way, wouldn’t you agree? I brought you into this world…I might as well take you out.”

“You fool!!!

Duo smirked and with his last strength formed an energy ball in his hands. “You and me both, pal. You and me both. Say goodbye, asshole!!”

The demon bellowed in rage and dashed headlong for the waiting boy only to scream out in consternation as he felt something latch onto his body. “What is the meaning of this?! Get off me, now!!”

Duo had latched himself onto the demon’s body and raising his voice he screamed to Heero. “NOW!! STRIKE THE SWORD NOW, HEERO!!”

Everyone seemed to be dazed at the sight before them, none more so than Heero who stood frozen in place. “Du…Duo?” he whispered achingly, not believing that the time had finally come.

Amun-Rah swiped at Duo again, but was left frustrated as the agile boy was quick to move to another part of his body. Duo cursed and glared at Heero.

“WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! DO IT NOW!!”

Heero’s hands trembled and he swallowed tightly before nodding. “Ye…yes.”

He lifted the sword above his head and closed his eyes to mutter a few prayers to give the magical weapon more strength. A thin trail of tears slid from his eyes and down his cheeks as he forced himself to concentrate. He tried to summon up the hate and rage he felt for the demon. The demon that had caused so much pain and suffering in Duo’s life; but then again, Duo was about to die and for what reason?

I will kill you myself, so that you may be reborn…

His eyes snapped open and now flashed with a dangerous glint of hate.

I love you, Duo. It’s a pity you never…we never had the chance to…

I know, Heero.

The hunter faltered for a moment as his eyes met the warm amethyst ones before him.

Duo…

Perhaps…in my next life, hmm? Will you wait for me, Heero?

The Japanese boy nodded with a small smile of gratitude and relief.

Yes, Duo. I will wait for you…no matter how long it takes.

Then let’s finish this off, Heero.

Heero’s eyes narrowed as he watched Amun-Rah try to swipe at Duo again. “Yes…let’s finish this now!! HAAAAYYYYAAAAAAAAHHH!!”

And with a speed that never ceased to amaze his fellow hunters, Heero flew straight for the demon’s heart. In a final attempt to save himself, Amun-Rah shifted causing Duo to slide towards the very area that Heero was aiming for. The Japanese boy noticed the movement a second too late and with a small cry of dismay, he watched as the sword pierced right through Duo’s back and into Amun-Rah’s chest. He pushed himself backwards and pressed himself against the floor as the flash of light erupted from the sword consuming both figures in its wake.

Duo’s final cry and Amun-Rah’s howl of anguish filled the room. A final explosion caused the remaining walls that stood, to crumble at the force of it.

Wufei rushed over to lift Quatre into his arms. “Everyone get out!! This place is going to explode!!”

Trowa tugged on Solo’s arm and Heero brought up the rear as they struggled to run through the falling bricks and stones. To their dismay an avalanche of debris had blocked their main exit out of the castle and there seemed to be nowhere out in sight.

“Damn it! And we are all out of energy!” Wufei commented with frustration. “How the hell do we get out now?”

Solo released himself from Trowa’s grasp and pointed towards another passage way that seemed to lead to nowhere. “I think there is a way through there. Come on! Let’s hurry!”

They followed blindly, wincing and crying out as rocks continued to reign down on them. “Grr…we are never going to get out of here!”

Heero stopped and held out his arms. “Hold on to me. I will try to teleport us back to the Estates.”

Trowa shook his head rapidly. “No way, Heero. You don’t have enough strength left. We will find a way…”

His words were cut off as another large chunk of stone crashed a few feet from them.

“Do you still want to hang around here to find out what will happen to us?” Heero asked dryly. “Hold onto to me, now!”

All three boys placed a hand upon the hunter’s shoulders and giving them a wan smile of reassurance, Heero Yuy closed his eyes and sent them all back to the light…

Khushrenada Estates

Northern Hemisphere

Earth

…and into the presence of the waiting Treize Khushrenada and Zechs Merquise.

Heero fell to the floor, panting harshly and placing an arm over his eyes, more to hide the well of tears that were threatening to fall again. He was exhausted and drained, both physically and mentally.

Treize noticed and nodded to Zechs. The blonde smiled softly and with a curt command had the messengers lead the weary fighters towards their quarters. He gave a light bow to Zechs and closed the doors to the den with a soft click.

Treize rose from his seat and walked towards the window. For several minutes, nothing was said as only the sounds of Heero’s soft sobs filled the silence.

Finally, Treize muttered out quietly. “It’s all over, Heero. However…”

He smirked lightly and walked towards the boy who still had his eyes covered. He lifted his arm gently and gazed into the tear-streaked face with a warm smile. Treize held out a small card in his hand and placed it within Heero’s palm.

“I have a new mission for you…”