The Hands of Fate

His eyes slowly opened. He could hear someone laughing. But not the type of laughter you want to hear, this laugh.. was maniacal. You could feel the evil flowing from it. That's when it all started rushing back to him. Where am I.. What has happened.. Is the battle over...? More and more his eyes regained focus, those that once were blurs manifested into their true forms. That is when he saw him. By then the laughing had ceased, and an eerie quiet took over accompanied by a smug grin. He has somewhat collected himself and tries to move.. But can't. The pain he feels from that attempt is incredible. It is evident that there are some serious injuries to his body. Many deep wounds. The man begins to laugh again then stops abruptly. "You can't to anything in that condition. I've won, don't you get it?" Again he tries to move, but the pain is unbearable. The man shakes his head. "You always were stubborn, weren't you. Why can't you just accept that you are about to die?" He felt something running down his cheek, but was unsure if it was a tear.. or just more blood. He knew he did not want to die like this, not until he took the head of the bastard that was before him. Mocking him.. laughing at him. This was not the way it was supposed to be. He had set out to find this man, solely due to the fact of the horrific crimes he had commited. This man was relentlessly pursued, every tip or hint not overlooked or disregarded. Everywhere this man went.. Death, destruction and despair was scattered. People senselessly murdered all because of a sick bloodlust. He saw the horror and pain inside the eyes of the few survivors. He even remembered the words of a man just before his death.. "Forgive him, and forget him. He will pay for what he has done in death. Please do not be another victim of him... Please.." The tears bellowed out of that mans eyes as his hand reached to the sky. He mouthed something before he passed which could not be understood. Sitting there feeling himself succumb to the wounds, he focused in on his mouth and thought over and over about what the dying man had said. He remembered his sister running in front of him to shield him from that man's attacks. All of it was playing in his head. Is this it? Am I dying.. is this what they are talking about? The flashes? He now knew, this was not blood.. it was tears. Tears of pain, suffering.. and overwhelming anger. Knowing his time was limited he finally spoke to that man before him with a sense of conviction. "You bastard.. you think it's over!? I will kill you if it's the last thing I do. I will not allow you any grace in life.. nor in Death. If you feel so confident that you can kill me... Duel with me." No one knows the real name of this man who is in front of him. Everyone up until now has just referred to him as "Death" solely due to the fact that Death is all that remains after he leaves. With all of his strength he manages to get back to his feet. He knows that his wounds have opened more, he can feel the blood just pouring out of him. The only way to do this is to allow him to wound me again.. and in that moment I will eliminate us both putting an end to all of this. "Death" scowled at him, watching him fight to retain his balance. "Death" sneers.. "You fool.. I shall send you straight to HELL." He grabs his sword and clenches is tightly. This will work.. IT HAS to WORK. They ready the weapons and a slight breeze can be felt. The adrenaline is rushing through him, he knows.. that he must make his move now. Or else he may not last that much longer. If I aim high.. he will attack low. I am sure of it!! They race towards each other, and he raises his sword high to leave his abdomen open. "Death" attacks the torso just as planned. The pain is horrible, he feels the blade enter into him and exit on the other side. Stuck. Got you, you FOOL. He starts to laugh now, in the same maniacal manner "Death" once had. A look of fear and confusion comes over "Death's" face. Regaining a smug look "Death" as he uttered one word.. "Goodbye." That was when the plan unraveled. In one hand he clenched his sword the other gripping "Death." He spit blood in "Death's" face.. let go of him and with both hands plunged his sword through "Death's" back and into himself. I'm not done yet.. I must hold on. I CAN'T GIVE UP!! "Death" screamed in agony.. "You insignificant fo.." Before the last words could be uttered, a dagger pierced his throat. "Death" gagged. He choked his words out "How could.. you. How could you.. Cero." The look of shock overtook Cero. That name... he had not used that name in years. In a lifetime. How does this man know.. my name!!? How can this be!? That name died with my mother years ago!! Looking into "Death's" eyes his saw something he hadn't seen since his years as a child. He saw his Mother. How cruel this fate is, this man.. this horrible man was his Brother. He was DEAD.. Mother told me.. HE WAS DEAD!!! The life was escaping them both by the second in this trap. In a flash, he was able to make out the words the dying man had said...
"But only you can kill one of your own blood."
They both collapsed still joined together by the blades. Cero stared into his brother's eyes as he knew their moment was approaching. "Kryseon" he murmured.. "I forgive you. Even.. after all of this.. I forgive you." Cero barely managed to grasp Kryseon's hand as the memories flashed of their brief childhood. The innocent brother he had once known became this awful person that he had set out to kill. All the feelings of hate slipped away, Kryseon gave a small smile and died. Cero turned his head slightly towards the sky and watched it all fade away...
It's over. No one has to suffer anymore. Not I, nor any innocent people, nor Kryseon. We can all be... at peace.