Author notes: The grand finale…Much thanks to all who read, liked and reviewed this fic. I certainly had great fun writing it.

Warning: The usual. Plus a really crappy duel scene that I had to write, no matter how much I tried to avoid it.

DRAGON HEART

4

On the last day…

"Sir Kai, I challenge you to a sword fight," Tyson formally announced in the presence of his grandfather, brother, assorted tournament officials and, of course, Kai in the royal conference chamber. The officials nodded – it was to be expected; after all, Prince Tyson was a gifted swordsman. King Kinomiya groaned silently; Tyson would surely win and then refuse to marry that nice young man. Prince Hiro gritted his teeth in annoyance; he had not foreseen this. Kai was silent, his face devoid of any expression.

"To make it easier for you," Tyson continued, "I have decided not to use Dragon Heart. I hope my decision meets with everyone's approval."

Not use the fabled Dragon Heart? The officials looked at each other in dismay. Did Prince Tyson mean to lose? King Kinomiya and Prince Hiro, on the other hand, looked relieved. There was still hope.

The officials rushed out to make arrangements for the duel that would take place later that day. The king and his heir strolled away to discuss some state matter and soon Tyson found himself all alone in the room with Kai. He stole a glance at Kai. His face was still unreadable, his gaze fixed on some point outside the window.

They stood in silence for some time, contemplating the scene outside the window, then Kai spoke.

"So, you are challenging me in my own game."

"Not only that, I plan to win, too."

"Is that your delicate way of saying you want me to throw the match?" Kai asked in a neutral tone.

Tyson whipped his head around and stared at Kai. "No. Never. That's just my way of telling you that I'm going to give this my very best shot. I am going to win this, Kai, and I always play fair."

Was it his imagination or did Kai relax a bit on hearing that? Kai turned towards him, his mouth quirked in a half-smile.

"You plan to defeat me without Dragon Heart? Just out of curiosity, what happens to our pact in case you succeed?"

Tyson hesitated. He hadn't thought of it…much. Right now all he cared about was the duel. "We'll deal with it after all this is over."

"Right."

"Kai, don't underestimate me."

"I never underestimate my opponents, Tyson." Kai held out his hand. Tyson shook it a bit uncertainly. "See you in the arena." Kai turned and walked away.

Later…

They took position in the ring and saluted each other formally, sword in hand. Both were clad in combat gear and metal masks hid their faces. Only their eyes were visible through the slits in the masks. Tyson noticed that Kai's eyes were regarding him intensely, seriously. He knew the expression in his own eyes was equally serious. Kai would go into this with utmost sincerity and put his every effort into it because that was the way he was. Tyson was determined to be his equal in every way that counted, be worthy of him. He was determined to win.

Jazzman gave the signal for the combat to begin. The stadium quietened. The two combatants circled each other, waiting for an opening, for a chance to get in the first strike. Finally, seizing an opportunity, Kai made the first thrust. Tyson parried it deftly and made his own counter-offensive thrust that Kai evaded. The battle had begun. Soon the sound of clashing swords filled the air. Both combatants were proving to be equally aggressive and offensive in their moves and the spectators were glued to the edge of their seats, hard pressed to decide whom to cheer for - their own local boy, Prince Tyson, or his worthy opponent, the mysterious Kai who had won a lot of hearts with his skilled performances as well as his easy charm.

Neither combatants cared in the least about the crowd support. They were entirely focussed on each other, trying to read each other's mind and anticipate the moves. Blows flew thick and fast as they stepped in and out of range, as if dancing to a rhythm only they understood. They thrust and parried, lashed and blocked, struck and dodged with equal vigour. Neither was willing to yield an inch.

Tyson had to admit that Kai was as good as his boast. His moves were efficient and his ability to concentrate was admirable. But Tyson was no slouch either. He was equally forceful and fast, years of constant training standing him in good stead now. They were a well-matched pair.

Time sped, but the combat showed no sign of coming to an end. Even though the combatants were beginning to show signs of flagging, neither would give up. Kai made a few ominous thrusts, causing Tyson to retreat slightly and forcing him into a defensive mode. But Tyson immediately struck back, pushing Kai away and turned the tables rather deftly. This went on for a while until finally Kai made a lunge and hit Tyson who parried wildly but stumbled. Kai took the opportunity and, gathering all his strength, brought his sword to make his killer move and struck forcefully at Tyson. Tyson staggered as his sword flew out of his hand, landing some distance away.

And it was over. There was a few seconds of stunned silence before the stadium erupted into loud cheers. There was no doubt about it now; the royal wedding would definitely take place. King Kinomiya discreetly wiped a few drops of sweat from his regal brow and let out a silent breath of relief. Prince Hiro looked smug. The brat was finally out of his hair now.

Tyson slowly sank down to his knees in exhaustion, removed his mask and gathered his breath. He had fought the best duel of his life and lost. The one duel he had so wanted to win. Had he done the wise thing by not using Dragon Heart?

A hand was held out to him. He looked up and saw it was Kai. Kai had removed his mask and gauntlets and was regarding Tyson with an odd expression on his face. He looked pretty exhausted himself. There was no sign of the customary smile. Tyson slowly reached for the hand and felt himself pulled up.

"That was a rather good show you put up," Kai observed.

Tyson shrugged. "I guess. I wanted to win. I wanted to prove that…that I could do it. That's why I didn't use Dragon Heart. I…I wanted you…to understand the truth about Dragon Heart."

"I think I understand," Kai said quietly. "I…I'd like to spar with you again. It isn't often that I get such a worthy opponent."

"Would you really - ? Am I really - ?" Tyson was surprised into incoherence.

Kai smiled. "Yes, you are." And Tyson saw the glint of admiration in his eyes. They stared at each other wordlessly and there was an instant of clarity when they felt they understood each other perfectly and completely.

Jazzman picked up the megaphone to make his announcement. "And now, ladies and gentlemen, His Highness the King would like to address a few words to you. Will Prince Tyson and Sir Kai please approach the royal box?"

"This is the happiest day of my life," the king said. "My grandson has finally found someone worthy with whom to spend the rest of his life. My cup of joy is overflowing. I thank all the assembled guests and the contestants for making this possible. And with you as witness, I hereby announce the betrothal of Prince Tyson and Sir Kai. The date of the nuptials will be announced soon." He turned to the two young men and smiled broadly. "Sir Kai, you have won the hand of the prince. You may claim your prize now."

He waited. The crowd held its collective breath. Kai turned to Tyson, puzzled. "How? Must I fill some forms or something?"

"Er...not exactly. That is...you see…" Tyson wanted to bolt. Or sink into the ground and be never seen or heard of again. Or stare Kai boldly in the eye and tell him -

"Kiss the brat, you idiot!" Hiro shouted, exasperated.

Tyson blushed and vowed to assassinate the heir to the throne at the earliest opportunity. He couldn't bring himself to look at Kai now.

There was a brief pause and then Kai bowed deeply to the king. "With your permission, I will claim my prize later." He gave Tyson a brief nod and walked off. The king was taken aback but nodded sagely; of course, youngsters these days had definite ideas regarding public displays of affection. The crowd let out a disappointed sigh. Tyson wondered why he felt so let down.

Later that night…

He had finally made his choice. Tonight he would release Kai from the bargain they had made. He would tell him that the marriage was off and that Kai was free to leave with Dragon Heart. Then he would tackle his grandfather. And if worst came to worst, he would just leave the palace, even the kingdom. He didn't care. He was tired of not being in charge of his life and tonight was the first step towards taking control again. Maybe Kai would let him tag along on his quests. Tyson sat on the bed and daydreamed about a life in the open with Kai…just the two of them…Maybe when they ran out of quests, they could duel with each other again. He didn't hear the thump of footsteps hitting the floor by the window and it was only when a familiar voice called out that he started and whirled around.

"Hello, beloved. Or is it 'betrothed'?"

"Kai! Why are you still sneaking through the window? You are officially my fiance now. You can use the door, you know."

Kai shrugged easily. "What's the fun in that?" He sauntered over to lean by the bed post, arms folded across his chest, and studied Tyson for a few moments. "So… I have come to claim my prize."

Tyson sighed and waved a hand towards the sword. It lay on the bed next to him, sheathed and ready for transfer of ownership. "There, it's all yours. Like I promised."

Strangely enough, Kai made no move to pick up the sword or even look at it. Instead his eyes were focussed on Tyson. "That sword is of no use to me. It puzzled me at first that you were so willing to let me have it, something that was reputedly so powerful. But today I finally learnt its secret. The power lies not in the sword but in the wielder of that sword. Am I right? You are the one….. That sword is just another ordinary blade in my hand."

Tyson hesitated, then nodded. "Yeah, well…you finally figured it out. By some strange coincidence, in each generation the Dragon Heart always ended up with a person who was skilled in swordfight. It gains its power from the swordsman. Or swordswoman. It had belonged to my mother and from her it passed on to me. Stories just grew around it, I guess. People love such stuff…But you are wrong about one thing. In the tournament today, you proved that you're no ordinary swordsman. The Dragon Heart sword will serve you just as well as it served me. Trust me."

Kai waved away Tyson's words. "Well, I did win today, fair and square. And I have come to claim my prize, but only if the prize is willing."

Tyson stared at Kai, puzzled. "What do you mean?"

"The prize I have won is not the sword, Tyson. It's ….you."

Tyson's mouth fell open. Kai couldn't possibly mean what he thought he meant. He searched that face for any sign of levity but Kai looked uncharacteristically serious.

"What - ? You mean – I - " He couldn't gather his chaotic thoughts long enough to string a coherent sentence, and eventually gave up the attempt and just stared at Kai mutely. Kai took pity on him, and in one fluid movement, pulled up his newly-made betrothed and kissed him.

The kiss was brief but emphatic, giving Tyson no time to react. The young prince put a trembling hand to his lips as if to make sure they were still there and gazed at Kai, his heart thumping madly.

"You….ah…. next time give me some warning before you pull something like that, will you?"

Kai smiled lightly. "Why? So you can run away?"

"Lord, no! It's so we can do it properly. Let me show you how - " And he grabbed Kai's shirt front and tugged him close. The movement caused Kai to lose his balance and sent both of them crashing on the bed. There was a few minutes of frenzied rolling around as both struggled for dominance and then the struggles ceased and for a while there was.…silence.

Kai propped himself on an elbow and looked at Tyson tenderly. "So…"

Tyson reached out to sweep back a few slate-coloured strands and smiled. "Marry me?"

"A proper marriage?"

"Of course."

"No divorce?"

"Not a chance."

"And you'll wear a dress?"

"Maybe we should just elope."

"And…will you come along with me on quests?"

"I'm certainly not going to let you go on your own."

"…I suppose it'll be a good life…"

"The best ever…"

They said nothing more but gazed at each other, smiling. Then Kai kissed Tyson gently and got up to leave.

"Where are you going?" Tyson asked, sitting up in alarm and clutching Kai's sleeve.

"I have to leave. We're not married yet. If I stay here - "

"If you leave, I'll die of a broken heart, I swear. Besides," Tyson grinned, his brown eyes dancing impishly, "Gramps and Hiro have had their way so far, managing my life for me, finally getting me married and out of their hair. Now it's my turn. I want to have my way…with you."

Kai hesitated. "Are you sure? Very sure?"

Tyson did not reply. Instead he pulled Kai back and reached out to untie the cords that held back the bed curtains. The drapes swung forward, effectively cocooning the two of them. And, in the warm darkness, Tyson proved to Kai exactly how sure he was.

THE END

Oh…and they lived happily ever after. But that goes without saying.