Sorry, I don't know why, but for some reason Chp 24 didn't posted here last week. I swear I posted it, but it's not showing up. Oh well. You get a bonus of two chapters and this one is the big one you've been waiting for! :)

Chapter 25

Richard stayed low behind some overgrowth that lined the woods; his raptor gaze locked on the large red tent that stood out and away from the others. It glowed from the inside, shadows moving inside against the side of the tent telling him that someone was in there.

His heart began to race in anticipation of the fight that was coming. He was growing desperate to finally end this, eliminating Demos from their lives forever. The thought brought him a measure of peace that he'd been lacking since this whole mess had started.

He just wanted to get this over with so he could get back to Kahlan and begin their lives together.

He felt a sudden hand on his shoulder, knowing without turning around that it was Cara. "You realize when this is over you'll need to go to D'Hara to claim the throne, right?"

Richard cursed silently to himself. "Can I please I just take care of one catastrophe at a time?" he softly growled.

"I'm just saying that you're going to have to do something about it," Cara maintained.

"I don't want to be Lord Rahl, Cara," he insisted. "I just want to marry Kahlan and have a family with her. Nothing more."

"Like you're going to be able to escape your responsibilities," Cara replied with a frown. "I hate to tell you, but you're the next Lord Rahl whether you accept it or not."

"Can we have this argument some other time instead of right before I have to take out my brother?" he hissed.

"I was just trying to get your mind on other things so you wouldn't be so tense," the Mord'Sith smirked at him.

"It's not working," he bit out in frustration. "Let's just get this over with so we can get out of here before we're discovered. We need to keep the element of surprise or we'll never make it out there alive."

"Just be careful," Cara scowled darkly at him from behind. "Don't make me take your dead body back to Kahlan. I'll never hear the end of her sobbing."

"Don't worry about me," the Seeker evenly stated as he slowly drew his sword. "I'll be fine."

"Remember, no one is getting left behind no matter what happens in there," Nicci said. "We go in there together and we leave together."

"We need to keep this as quiet as possible," Jancy added, casting a sidelong glance at Sister Nicci beside him. "We don't want to draw any unwanted attention or we'll have the whole D'Haran army coming down on us."

"I thought the Aydindril army was prepared to intervene if necessary," Cara stated with a frown.

"No," Jancy replied with a shake of his head. "I'm not going to let them intervene. We're on our own out here. I gave the order that protecting Aydindril and the Mother Confessor was their prime concern."

"And who decide that?" Cara demanded to know.

"I did," Richard interjected as they began to make their way across the grassy plains. "Protecting Aydindril and Kahlan comes first. She's the last Confessor and she's carrying my child. I'm not going to risk their safety."

"And I agreed it was the best decision," Jancy interjected.

Nicci glanced at him, a wave of admiration washing over her as she studied his handsome profile. He was certainly brave knowing they were walking into the heart of the enemy camp. Richard was gifted and cared the magical Sword of Truth, Cara her deadly agiels, and she of course possessed very powerful magic, but this man next to her had nothing but an ordinary sword made of steel and a warrior's courage.

She decided it made him even more attractive to her than she had first thought, not just his outward appearance, but the inside as well. She just hoped that she'd have the opportunity to get to know him even better once this was all over with.

"Taking Demos is our first objective," Jancy stated, trying not to allow Nicci's close proximity to distract him from his mission. "Anyone else we can take out will just be an added bonus."

"Demos Rahl is all mine," Richard growled.

No one spoke any more as they stealthily crept through the darkness of night. The air was thick with the tension that was felt by all four of them as well as the steadily growing sounds of screams mingled with passionate moans.

It didn't take long for all of them to deduce what Demos Rahl was doing tonight. It caused rage like pure fire to sear through the Seeker's veins as they inched their way closer. He was treating women like nothing more than animals meant to serve and pleasure him. It made him ill to his core knowing Kahlan was next on his list to bed.

They moved as one, a dark shadow on the grassy plain intent on the mission at hand. They each knew their jobs and were more than prepared to see it through to the very end…whatever that end may be.

As they grew closer to their target, the cries of pain mingled with Demos's growls of pleasure grew louder. It made Richard want to vomit, but he swallowed hard in an effort to channel his rage and disgust into ending his brother and protecting Kahlan from ever being forced to endure such atrocities.

He ground his teeth, the death grip he held on his sword causing his knuckles to turn white and ache. His heart was beating hard against his ribcage; pounding harder with every single step he took in an effort to end this.

Just then, Demos's voice abruptly cut through the night and sliced like a dagger through his soul. "Yes…yes!" Demos cried something vile and lustful. "Give me more, Kahlan…yes!"

Richard suddenly seethed with a white-hot fury he'd never felt before, his blood pounding in his ears. He knew Demos couldn't have Kahlan there with him now in that tent. She was safe in the Confessor's Palace with Zedd. Just knowing he was using women like this to fulfill his sick desires, pretending they were her caused his rage to explode inside of him.

Richard took off across the field, racing to meet his brother head on. He heard Cara softly hiss his name through the stillness of night from behind him, but he ignored her as he flew like a deadly arrow towards its destination.

His head hammered in time with the beat of his boots against the ground, with the fury pulsating hotly through him. His eyes were locked on Demos's tent, his mind focused to a razor-sharp edge in preparation of the battle that lay waiting for him now. The sounds that cut through the night echoed in his ears and pierced his heart with blinding pain as Demos screamed Kahlan's name again.

The righteous rage of the magical weapon gripped tightly in his hand inundated him, flooding his system and infusing him with the skill and knowledge of all the Seekers who had come before him. Nothing would stand in the way of what he wanted—Demos's blood coating his blade.

He swiftly scanned the area, finding it strangely devoid of any D'Harans, no First File or Mord'Sith standing guard by their Lord Rahl's tent. It caused the fine hairs on his neck and arms to rise, the gruesome screams coming from the tent causing an icy chill to race through him. It was unlike anything he'd ever heard before.

What in spirits was he doing to these women in order to satisfy his sick sadistic desires?

He was almost afraid to find out but he needed to save these women and therefore Kahlan by stopping Demos. He could feel the other three coming up behind him, spreading out to cover him and intercept any incoming interference.

He had insisted on facing Demos by himself much to Cara's consternation. He knew it was only because she cared so much about them, but he needed to do this alone. This was between him and his brother and he was going to be the one to send him to the Keeper.

Darken Rahl was going to get quite the surprise meeting when his twin Demos unexpectedly appeared in the Underworld. It put a small, satisfied smile on his face just thinking about it as he leapt over a tree limb, his chest heaving with the emotions churning deep inside of him.

Approaching the tent, the night grew deathly quiet save for his own heavy breathing and the sounds of someone moving inside the tent. He crept closer, trying to control the anger thrumming through his veins and threatening to steal his sanity.

He paused outside of the tent, closing his eyes for a moment as the others spread out around him. He carefully stepped silently to the tent flap opening, using the tip of his sword to move it aside to peer inside with bated breath.

Richard watched as Demos pulled his pants up, his skin slick with sweat, his wet hair clinging to his back. Lying on the ground was a naked woman—a Mord'Sith he guessed by the tight severe style of her long braided dark hair. She was covered in bruises and bite marks, blood streaking her skin and coating her inner thighs. It caused his heart to nearly stop beating in his chest, her resemblance to Kahlan eerie.

There was a second woman lying naked on a large cot, her head at an odd angle telling him that Demos had broken her neck in the midst of his passion. He wanted to vomit right there, but swallowed down the bile that had risen in the back of his throat.

Sensing someone's presence behind him, Demos Rahl looked over his shoulder to find his brother peering in the entrance. A wide smile slowly broke across his face as he turned to face the Seeker, crossing his arms over his chest riddled with scratches.

"Nice of you to come visit me," Demos greeted him, not the least bit troubled by the fact he had no weapon in hand. "I do hope you brought Kahlan with you. As you can see, I'm rather anxious to see her again."

Richard clenched his jaw as he stepped inside the enormous tent with his brother, knowing how dangerous Demos truly was despite not holding any weapons in his hands. "I'm not about to let you get your hands on her."

Demos's head fell back, deep rolling laughter escaping his lips. "You really think you're going to be able to stop me?"

"I know I am," Richard growled, a slight curl to the corners of his mouth as he took a step closer.

Demos raised his hand, his palm facing his brother in warning. "That's close enough."

"Scared?" the Seeker asked with a tilt of his head, his sword's blade pointed at Demos.

"Of you?" Demos laughed again. "Hardly. I'd just like to keep a little distance between us so I can watch you burn when I unleash my magic on you."

"I thought you'd like to keep me alive to torment me," Richard shot back, taking another step closer. "Force me to watch while you do to Kahlan what you did to these poor women."

A wicked smirk formed on Demos's face, his eyes gleaming even darker. "Don't think that I haven't dreamed of that moment, reenacted it every night since you and Kahlan escaped the People's Palace. Now, I'm beginning to think it better to just be rid of you."

"I plan on making it very difficult for you," Richard shot back, readjusting his grip on the hilt of his sword.

Sweat beaded on his brow and trickled down his back as he stared down his brother knowing the moment had finally come. A soft groan came from the woman lying on the ground, momentarily pulling Demos's attention away from him.

Richard took the opportunity, lunging at him with his sword and nearly removing his head from his shoulders. Unfortunately, Demos turned back at the last moment, ducking and missing the Seeker's attack. He dove out of the way, rolling and coming up on the balls of his feet.

Demos grinned broadly as he crouched low to the ground. "I've been anxious for this moment…brother against brother, fighting over the woman we both want."

"I'm more than ready to end you," Richard ground out. "I'll do whatever it takes to keep you away from Kahlan."

"You will be dead and Kahlan will be mine," Demos countered as he rose up to his full height, his gaze falling to the woman lying at his feet. "This…this is nothing compared to what I have planned for my precious Kahlan."

"She is not yours!" Richard roared, taking a step closer. "Kahlan is mine and she is carrying my child."

Dark rage like a violent thunderstorm rolled across his face as he began to tremble, his chest beginning to heave. "She will not be with child for long once I have her," he bit out with a deadly calm. "I will destroy you and your child…open Kahlan's womb and plant my seed inside of her. She will know no other man but me from now on."

"Over my dead body," Richard growled as he suddenly attacked with a ferocious vengeance.

His blade began to glow with his fury, the thought of this man touching Kahlan…hurting her in such a depraved way or taking away their unborn baby nearly rent him in two. He swung his sword, slicing through Demos's upper leg clear to the bone.

Demos screamed in rage as he immediately moved to cover his injured leg, a sneer on his lips. "You will pay dearly for this brother."

Raising his other hand, Demos called upon the dark occult magic of the Underworld, wielding its power with deadly precision. His fingers glowed and crackled like lightning, shooting forth like a bolt and striking Richard in the arm.

His skin burned like fire, Richard crying out in pain. He gritted his teeth, doing his best to ignore the burning and stench of flesh. He quickly moved his sword, blocking another shot of magic, pushing his way forward in an effort to get to him.

He could feel warm blood oozing down his arm as he clenched his jaw tightly, putting every bit of strength he could muster into holding back the intense magic that threatened to overwhelm him. He couldn't let Demos win.

Richard could feel his brother's dark magic begin to push him back, his sword starting to waver under the violent assault. He momentarily glanced at the Mord'Sith lying broken on the ground, imaging it was Kahlan. With a roar of pure wrath, he pushed back with his sword, causing the magic to ricochet back towards Demos.

Rahl screamed in shock and pain, his fingers badly burned by the backlash of magic. Raw hatred teemed deep within his dark soul like a deadly virus eating him alive and shining in his eyes. It was as if Richard was staring at the Keeper himself in that horrifying moment. He was the embodiment of pure evil.

Richard dove at him with his sword, slicing through his abdomen as Demos lunged for a dagger lying on a nearby table. "There is no escape for you this time, Demos," Richard panted heavily as he stared down at his brother lying on the ground. "I'm going to make sure that not even the breath of life will save you this time."

"Think again, brother," Demos sneered as he slyly pulled a small dagger from inside of his boot, throwing it directly at the Seeker.

The small dagger buried in Richard's chest, nearly causing him to drop his sword. He quickly pulled it from his chest, ignoring the blood oozing from the deadly wound. He threw his sword, slicing straight into Demos's chest.

Richard dropped to his knees as he stared at Demos, blood trickling from the corner of his mouth as the life quickly drained from his body. "You will never touch Kahlan," the Seeker ground out, feeling his own life beginning to slip away.

"Neither will you, brother," Demos mocked as he noticed Richard losing the battle as well.

"I don't care…as long Kahlan…is safe from you," Richard managed to utter. "I will gladly…sacrifice my life for her."

"Richard!" Nicci cried as she raced into the tent, rushing to his side.

Richard smiled at Demos. "Give Darken my best."

Demos glowered as his eyes Nicci released a blast of magic, leaving him nothing but a burnt corpse. Richard released a ragged breath, pain searing through him with the effort. The world began to spin as his vision tunneled to pinpoints. He could feel hands grabbing hold of him on both sides, lifting him up…and then nothing.

XXX

Kahlan could not stop pacing, biting her bottom lip as her hand rubbed her flat abdomen. She couldn't begin to keep from worrying, couldn't eat or sleep. She could feel Zedd's steady gaze on her, but she ignored him. She didn't feel like talking right now. All she wanted was Richard safely with her.

"Kahlan," Zedd gently called to her. "You're going to wear yourself out with all this pacing. You really need to rest right now especially after everything that you've been through. You're still recovering."

"I can't, Zedd," she replied with a firm shake of her head. "I'm too worried about Richard. I'll rest once he's back here with me."

Zedd drew a weary breath, getting to his feet as well to make his way over to her. Coming to stand before her, he took her hands in his. "Kahlan, he loves you too much not to make every effort to come back to you. Besides, Jancy, Cara, and Nicci are with him. They will make sure that he comes back."

"I hope so," she murmured as she averted her eyes, fighting back unwanted tears. She didn't want to cry, had shed far too many tears as of late, but this baby growing within her was already beginning to wreak havoc with her hormones. "I can't lose him now, not after everything we've been through."

"How much do you remember?" Zedd asked. He hadn't wanted to press her about it yet, but he needed to know how much damage still remained from Demos's spell.

"I think remember everything that happened up to the point where Demos sent his First File to kidnap Richard," she thoughtfully began, pursing her lips as she hooked a raven lock of hair behind her ear. "After that, there are some holes in my memory of what happened after that. I remember some things and then other things are like trying to look through frosted glass."

"To tell you the truth, that is better than I had expected," Zedd confessed, squeezing her hands. "I had feared that you wouldn't be able to remember much of anything. It was a very tricky spell to remove, one that had been layered deep into your mind."

"I can't thank you and Nicci enough," Kahlan replied, her eyes moist with tears. "If it weren't for the two of you…"

"Nonsense, my dear," Zedd responded. "There is nothing to thank us for. We're just so happy that you and the baby are safe. Once Richard is back, we can finally have that wedding."

"There is nothing I want more than to marry Richard and have our baby," she confessed.

"Speaking of which, you need to eat," Zedd chided her. "You didn't eat hardly anything since Richard and the others left. You're eating for two now, you know."

"I know," she sighed, rubbing her forehead. "I just don't feel like it right now."

Zedd frowned as he studied her. "Does your head still hurt?"

"Some," she informed him, forcing a small smile.

"Do you want me to take care of it for you?" he asked.

"No," she insisted. "I'll feel better once I know Richard is safe."

"Won't you at least lie down and rest for a little bit?" Zedd tried again. "I promise to wake you just as soon as they return."

"No, I can't," she maintained as she started pacing again. "They've been gone for hours, Zedd. It's going to be dawn soon. They should be back by now."

Just then, the door opened to the Confessor's private suite, Jancy and Cara each under one of Richard's arms as they helped him inside. "Richard!" Kahlan cried as she raced towards him, tears instantly filling her eyes.

"I'm alright," he weakly attempted to reassure her, his eyes barely open.

"No, he is not alright," Cara snapped as she helped Jancy get him across the receiving room and into Kahlan's bedchamber. "He nearly got himself killed."

"It's not that bad," Richard amended as they got him settled in bed, groaning with the movement.

"Yes, it was that bad," Nicci stated as she immediately went to his side. "If I hadn't gone in to check on you, you would've been dead and there would have been little I could have done to save you."

Kahlan swiftly went to the other side of the bed, leaning over and capturing Richard's hand as she settled on the bed beside him. Tears dripped down her cheeks and chin as she noticed how pale his face was, the blood that stained his shirt.

Richard squeezed her hand as he looked up into her beautiful face. "I'm fine, Kahlan," he gently said, his hand pulling free from hers to cup the side of her face. "Demos is dead and we can finally get married."

"He's dead?" she whispered, afraid to hope it was true.

"Yes, he can't hurt us anymore," he promised her. "Nicci made it so that not even the breath of life can save him now."

"Lie still," Nicci ordered as she stretched her hands out over his chest. "You still have extensive damage that I need to repair. You lost a lot of blood. You're going to need to rest."

"I will make sure that he stays right here and rests," Kahlan told her, her hand moving to cover his on the side of her face.

"Were you able to take anymore of Demos's men out?" Richard asked, trying to lift his head to look at Jancy and Cara standing with Zedd at the foot of the bed.

"Some, but not many," Jancy admitted. "We would've liked to have caused more damage, but we couldn't without alerting the whole army to our presence."

"We were able to destroy some of their supplies," Cara revealed.

"I thought I saw a lot of flames when we made our way back into the woods," Richard replied. "Thank you for helping me stop Demos. Hopefully now that he is dead and their Lord Rahl is no more, the army will pull out and head back to D'Hara."

"We can only hope," Jancy agreed. "It was an honor to work with the Seeker. I must go check on my men and get report now."

"Thank you, General," Richard replied with a faint smile.

"I will come back to check on you and give a full report," Jancy said as he began to turn to leave, his gaze lingering on Nicci before exiting the bedchamber.

Cara smirked as she glanced at Nicci, noticing the slight blush that suffused her cheeks in that moment. "I think someone is sweet on you."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Nicci murmured, her forehead creasing with concentration as she finished healing the Seeker's wounds.

"Right," Cara snorted in amusement as she placed her hands on her hips. "You don't notice the way he looks at you or the way he lingers when he's near you?"

"I haven't noticed anything," Nicci lied, lowering her head in embarrassment. "Alright, I've healed your injuries, but you've lost a lot of blood. You're going to need rest for a couple of days."

"Let's leave him to rest now," Zedd suggested. "I think Kahlan will keep a careful eye on him. Come get us if you need anything, Kahlan."

"I will," Kahlan murmured. "Thank you for saving him, Nicci."

"My pleasure," she replied with a smile as she turned to leave with the others, allowing Kahlan and Richard to be alone.

Kahlan moved to remove Richard's ruined shirt, tossing it onto the floor before removing the rest of his clothes. Once he was fully undressed, she got a bowl of warm water and a cloth, sitting down on the edge of the bed to begin washing away the dirt and sweat from his body.

Richard stared up into her beautiful face, watching her as she worked before finally responding. "Kahlan, you really don't have to do this."

"I want to," she softly insisted. "You took care of me and now I take care of you."

He smiled gently, finding it difficult to keep his eyes open. Demos was dead and they could finally live their lives in peace, live without fear of him interfering ever again. Kahlan and their baby were both safe now. Nothing else mattered to him but that.

"I'll always take care of you, Kahlan," he murmured as his hand slipped up to caress her cheek, desperate to be skin against skin with her once more. "Please, lie down with me. I just want to hold you now."

Kahlan set the bowl and cloth aside, slipping out of her clothes and boots before crawling into the bed next to him under the covers. She wrapped her arms around him, careful of his newly healed wounds as Richard held her against him. She leaned in and kissed him slowly, overcome with relief.

"I love you, Richard," she whispered as she settled against him.

"And I love you, Kahlan," he replied as sleep quickly claimed them both.