Disclaimer: I do not own the Mighty Ducks, or any of the characters. However I do own my characters Lis, Stealth, and Crystal. So please do not sue me.

Chapter Ten

Duke managed to get Lis to the infirmary, where Trent attended to her injury immediately. Now, after Trent had tended to the wound on her back; Lis was lying upon one of the white beds. All they could do now was wait for her to pull through, and not surrender to the pain and darkness that she had fallen into now.

Stealth was there as well while he watched his son help care for the quickly fading girl. Duke's hand grasped Lis's cooling hand as his other gently brushed the hair away from her pale face. Stealth had never seen the younger thief so scared in his life. It was as though Duke were more afraid now than he was when he'd nearly died himself.

"Please, let her be alright," he could hear the young thief whisper as he looked up, as though speaking to God, "Please; don't take her from me now. I can't lose her, I need her with me, and at my side. Don't make me end up alone. Not again, please! Without her, I'll lose so much more than ya know. I beg you, spare her life!"

Duke now leaned his head upon Lis's chest, trying with all his might not to cry. His hand still holding her's, and the other was resting upon her right cheek.

Stealth walked over to his son and rested a comforting hand on his shoulder, "She will be alright, my son; stay strong."

"Father, I don't want ta lose her," Duke said quietly; then he looked up at Stealth and finished, "I love her too darn much ta lose her!"

His father nodded understandingly, "I know that Duke."

Just then Duke felt a weak squeeze around his dark hand; and he looked to find Lis struggling to open her eyes.

Duke's heart leapt hopefully as he watched her. Would his prayers be answered?

"Please..." he begged softly, "I love you Lisbeth."

With that he stood up slowly, and then bent down over her still form as he kissed her soft pale lips.

When he pulled away she was still trying to awaken for him. Then finally, Lis opened her eyes; and she was now gazing up lovingly at Duke.

"Duke?" She asked softly.

Duke felt his knees grow weak as he dropped to the ground, kneeling beside her bed. Tears swelled his right eye; he hadn't cried in so long. Though for now, he knew it was okay to cry. So he did.

Alarmed, Lis asked what was wrong. She had never seen Duke act like this before, and it concerned her.

"Duke?"

Duke looked up at her, with tears falling from his one eye, "I thought I was goin' ta lose ya babe. I'm sorry if I'm worryin' ya; but I was scared ta s death hun'. I never want ta lose ya Lisbeth; I love ya wit' all my heart."

With that he kissed her delicate hand with his trembling lips.

Lis slowly sat up as she rested her free hand against his left cheek. Then she gently kissed him just above his eyepatch, and then she brushed his tears away with the same compassionate touch.

"Thank you Lis," Duke whispered as he kissed her now.

The rest of that night, Duke stayed in the infirmary while he and Trent took care of Lis. The doctor informed Duke that Lis would be alright just in time for the final banquet. Then soon enough, Duke fell fast asleep in a chair beside Lis's bed; while he still held her hand.

Lis awoke that Sunday morning to find Duke sound asleep in the chair beside her, holding her hand as though trying to keep her from slipping away from him.

"Duke?" Lis asked softly as she slowly placed a hand upon his hair and stroked it as gently as she possibly could.

Almost instantly, Duke awoke by the touch of his beloved; and he looked up at her tiredly.

"Mornin' sweetheart," he greeted quietly with a sweet smile.

"Morning Duke," she replied with the same tone and expression.

Before she knew it, Duke was standing before close to her bed, looking down at Lis relieved as he continued to hold her hand.

"I'm sorry for leaving you Duke, I-.."

Duke placed his dark fingertips over her soft lips, "Shh, it's okay sweetheart; I'm jus' happy that you're alive an' safe here wit' me."

"Thank you Duke," Lis almost sobbed.

He smiled in reply as he knelt down beside her bed and gently brushed her tears away again.

"Are ya cold at all?" Duke now asked as he held her hand.

"A little," Lis replied softly.

Duke looked at her a bit hopefully; he secretly yearned to lay beside her so he could hold her and help her recover in his warm and strong arms. Somehow, Lis realized this, and she nodded in equal hopefulness.

With that Duke uncovered her body, and he lifted her up. Then he carried her to his bedroom, where it was warmer. There he lay her in his bed, and then he joined her. As he wrapped his strong arms around Lis, he held her so close and tight so he could keep her warm and safe. He wasn't going to let her go now that he had her. He would protect her from all harm, and he would be there for her no matter what.

Then the two of them fell fast asleep in one another's arms.

Later that afternoon; Duke had to go help with the preparations for the next night's banquet to welcome Duke as the Brotherhood's new leader. So for now Lis was alone; that is until Stealth payed her a visit.

"Hello, my dear; how are you?" He asked kindly.

"I'm good, thank you," she replied a bit nervously.

She was still in Duke's bed.

"That's good."

He knew that had nothing, but pure warmth had been shared between the two lovers.

"Is something wrong?" Lis enquired.

"No my lady; however there is something I wish to discuss with you," he told her.

"What is it?"

"I need to ask something very important of you," he informed her.

"Alright."

"Promise me that you will not leave Duke again, or hurt him in anyway."

Lis was surprised by this; she had no intentions of leaving, or hurting Duke; for she truly loved him.

"Why would I leave or hurt him?!" She asked in confusion.

"I didn't think that you would; but then again, I didn't think she would either."

"She?"

"Duke has been in love only once before now; but she didn't know that he was a thief till he brought her here to save her life. She had to pretend to be a thief until he could help her escape. Though now that she knew what he was, she hated him; and she broke his heart. She said that she'd put him behind bars herself if she ever saw him again. In fact, the night that he helped her to escape, she stabbed him in the chest. Barely missing his heart. Duke nearly died last night, and it was a pure miracle that he lived. On that night, Duke turned his back on love; until a week ago."

"A week ago?! I couldn't have-!"

"But you did," Stealth insisted, " he didn't realize it at first; but that is why he saved you. He had fallen for you once he saw you. He just didn't know it yet. Duke has a soft heart for helpless young ladies such as you and Christina. Though the difference between her and you; is that you share the pain and loneliness that Duke has endured. The affection he gave you from the start was because he sensed that you would understand how much he needed someone to be there for him. He needed a friend; and even more, he needed compassion and love. Someone to care for him, just as he cares for you."

"But, I almost left him twice!"

"Both out of fear. Though also, both stopped by Duke when he followed you and comforted you. If you had runaway from him then, it wouldn't have been love. However, you stayed there with him; still afraid, but yet still with him. No one else could have stopped you but him. My son loved you from the start, whether he knew it or not."

"Duke is your son?!" Lis exclaimed.

Stealth nodded; and for the first time she realized the resemblance between Duke and their leader. Their hair and eyes were very similar. Their clothes were the same as well, only Stealth's uniform was black.

Upon his chest rested a pendant of two crossed swords over a shield. One sword was of Ruby, while the other was Aquamarine. The shield was of burgundy gems, while the border was of white diamond. The chain was made of pure gold and silver. Lis had a feeling that it had been in the L'Orange family for years; and Duke would soon wear the symbol proudly upon his own strong chest.

"Stealth; I promise you that I will never leave or harm Duke in anyway ever again. I love him with all my heart, and I don't want to ever risk the love he blesses me with."

Stealth nodded with an approving smile. It was clear that he gave Lis and Duke his blessing to be together.

"Father?" Duke's voice asked from the doorway in surprise.

Lis and Stealth looked to see Duke with a mixed expression of worry, fear, confusion, hurt, and surprise over his face.

"Ya told her, about Christina didn't ya?!" Duke questioned.

Then he almost left; but Lis's gentle words stopped him, "I'll never hurt you Duke!"

When Duke turned to Lis, he saw tears in her eyes as she spoke, "Duke; I love you, and I promise that I will never hurt, or leave you again! You deserve love just as everyone else does; and I swear that I will be the one to give you the love that you desire!"

As soon as Lis told him that, Duke walked over to her while he sat down beside her on the edge of his bed. She tried to sit up so she could look into his handsome face.

Then Duke carefully took Lis in his strong arm as he spoke, "I love ya so much Lis."

Duke had never felt so relieved in his life; someone actually cared for him as deeply as he cared for her. Now he wouldn't be left alone again; and he wouldn't be left to die on the streets this time. Lis loved him, and she would always be there for him; at his side, and in his heart.

Duke now held Lis as tight as he could; and as he did, he began to gently stroke his slender, dark fingers through her soft dark brown hair.

Duke didn't leave Lis's side the rest of the day; and he hardly ever let her go.

Finally, that night; while Lis and Duke were talking, he noticed that she had fallen fast asleep in his arms, and her head resting upon his chest. Listening to the calm rhythm of his beating heart.

So he slowly lay her down, and then draped a warm quilt over her. Then he turned out the light. Yet as he gazed at her through the darkness, he found himself longing to lay beside her once again; to hold her while they slept in each other's arms warm embrace.

Soon enough, Duke was lying beside her; pulling her closer to him to keep her safe and warm in his strong arms. Finally he drifted off into a content sleep.

When Lis awoke the next morning, she found Duke holding her close to him again while he slept. She felt so warm and content against his heated body as he kept her in his muscular arms. He was still sound asleep. He looked like a young boy, trying so hard to stay tough, but yet still so sweet and innocent as he dreamed. Lis knew he was trying to stay a man in front of others, including her; but in private, he was still a young boy; playful and full of hopes for the future. Now she knew that she could be a part of that future with him.

At that thought; Lis wrapped her arms around his lean waist, and then rested her head upon his strong chest again. Then she fell fast asleep once more in his embrace.

By that afternoon; Duke was helping Lis to get out of bed and walk. She had recovered miraculously within only two days. Duke thought that it might have been a gift from Sara before Lis had been sent to him. Her sister hd probably blessed her with the ability to heal fast so she could take care of herself incase no one else could take care of her. It was the morning of the banquet, and he was happy to see that she would be able to join them that night. Duke helped Lis to walk if she had any trouble. She didn't have too much difficulty walking; but he still stayed at her side in case she did need him.

"So Lis," Duke began, "I know this is probably an obvious question; but would you be my Angel for tonight?"

Lis blushed, knowing that he meant that he wanted to be her escort for the banquet. She nodded, and then she kissed his right cheek gently.

So that night, Lis was dressed in a burgundy velvet evening gown with a turtle neck collar, and sleeves that went to her wrists. There wasn't a corset top this time. Her soft brown hair was tied back into a braid with a silver ribbon; but her bangs still attempted to hide her right eye.

When Duke came to her bedroom door, his knees nearly gave out on him when he saw Lis; and his heart skipped a beat. She was so beautiful.

"Lis, ya look ravishin'," was all he could say to her as he watched her light cheeks color with a light pink.

Duke was dressed in black pants and a burgundy shirt; an outfit that showed he was the next leader of The Brotherhood Of The Blade. He looked so handsome as he gave her his most charming smile.

"Duke," Lis whispered as he offered her his hand.

When she gave him her hand, he lifted it gently as he bent his head down slightly so he could brush his lips over her delicate fingers.

Then arm in arm, they headed to the dinning hall.

This time there wasn't any danger; and soon enough, Stealth stood up as he spoke, "Duke, please rise."

Duke stood up beside his father. Lis looked up smiling at the two of them. She knew this was a proud moment for the father and son; and she was very thankful that she could be there with Duke.

"Everyone," Stealth began, "as I now leave my title as leader Of The Brotherhood Of The Blade, Duke, my son, will now take my place. He will now lead all of you with a good mind, courage, strength, and a good heart that will guide him to be a leader that you can be proud of; and will take risks if needed for your safety and staying together! Duke Edward L'Orange, you are now the new leader of The Brotherhood Of The Blade!"

With that, Stealth removed the pendant from around his neck, and then rested it around Duke's neck. Then as the symbol rested upon Duke's chest, the Ruby sword changed to Sapphire; while the Aquamarine remained the same. Lis wondered why it had changed, but decided to ask Duke later.

Her chance soon came when Duke asked Lis to join him on the dance floor once again. Lis nodded with a smile as he took he helped her to her feet. Then he lead her to the center of the room.

While they walked, Lis asked, "Why did one of the swords change on your pendant?"

Duke smiled as he told her, "This symbol has been passed on in my family for at least five generations. Each time it is passed on, the swords change to match the one who is wearing the pendant, and his or her lover. I have the same birth stone as my mother. An Aquamarine. While your birth stone is a Sapphire, isn't it?"

Lis nodded.

"That is why it change; and when we have our on children someday, it will be passed on to them."

Lis blushed again at the thought of her and Duke having children together; and she was happy to know that he was planning a future for the two of them to share.

"Now, my dear Angel; I have somethin' ta ask of you," Duke said as he stood before her.

They were at the center of the dance floor now, and he was facing her.

"What is it Duke?" She enquired gently, sensing a nervousness within him.

Duke gathered all the courage he had now as he knelt down on one knee. He was holding her hands within his, and he was holding them close to his heart. Lis looked down at him bewildered and surprised.

"Duke?"

"Lis," Duke began as he gazed up at her hopefully and lovingly, "my dear, dear Angel; I know we've only been together for a short time. Though when I think of what we've been through, I can't imagine bein' without ya. I need you at my side, and in my life. Lis, I want to always be here for you, and I wish that you will forever be here with me. I love you with all my heart, and I always will. I will keep you safe; and I swear that you will never be alone again if.."

When Duke hesitated, Lis could see that he was afraid that she'd turn down his deepest desire. No matter how much they loved one another; she could feel that he was still nervous.

"It's okay Duke," she spoke softly as she smiled at him.

"Lisbeth," he said now with regained bravery and strength, "will you...be my bride?"

Tears swelled Lis's eyes as she dropped to her knees before Duke. His hands were still closed over her's.

"Duke," she whispered as she smiled, "of course I will be your bride."

With that Lis threw her arms around Duke as she sobbed happily into his chest, "I love you so much Duke."

Duke held Lis just as close and tight while she cried, "I love ya too Lisbeth."

Duke was overwhelmed with joy now that Lis had promised him her eternal love; and he would give her his as well. They would forever be joined as one; and she would remain with him whether he was a thief or not.

"Thank you," he whispered as he kissed her hair.

Then Duke and Lis stood once again, hand in hand.

"Lis, would you be so kind as to dance with me?' Duke now quested as he smiled at her.

Lis nodded, though she was still crying tears of great happiness.

While they danced, Duke couldn't help but feel himself drawing closer and closer to Lis. His lips found her forehead, then her tearful eyes as he kissed the sad wet substance away, after he brushed his lips over her cheeks, and then finally her soft, sweet lips as he kissed her with all the passion and desire in his heart.

The taste of h the kiss made him grow so weak; and yet give him all the strength he could endure. He held her as tight as he could, and he swore on his own life that they would always be together.