A/N -gets all weepy- This is the last chapter, folks. Remember to vote on whether or not you want a THIRD PART to the Amour Sombre series by going on my profile and completing the poll.

NOTE: THIS IS THE NON-EDITED VERSION (EXPECT SOME GRAMMAR/DATA MISTAKES). I'LL BE REPLACING IT WITH EDITED VERSION LATER ON NEXT MONTH.

Chapter 13: Not So Bad

She'd never seen blood like this before. It was so deep…so alluring. It looked like liquid silk. Crimson and smooth. The dim light from the fire burning around her was casting shadows along the quickly forming pool. Slowly, Majida's eyes traced the spreading substance back to its source.

"Miriam…"

Two Hours Earlier

It didn't take long for Luca and Majida to locate Ebony and the Rouge Lux Veritatis' base. And the others were happy to see it was relatively close, which was also a little unnerving. Being located just outside the capitol, there was a large risk that should things get out of hand the citizens may be in danger. Lara and Kurtis could only hope that wouldn't be the case.

Once the gear was loaded into the jeep and hummer, the group split into two smaller squads. Majida was paired up with Lara, Kurtis, and Luca while Yoshiki found himself with Alex, Miriam, and the four soldiers. The latter group would be the first to infiltrate the base. They would work their way through the defenses until they reached the center of the base or came into contact with either Rae/Ebony or the Pearl itself. Majida's group would then take the rear, making sure no one would be able to sneak up on them as well as ensure that Majida came in contact with as few enemies as possible. This plan rested almost entirely on Majida being able to securely contain Ebony and her powers. If she was hurt or unable to continue, everything would be in vain.

"There are three guards patrolling the front of the base. And all of them look pretty heavily armed," Miriam whispered into the microphone headset that she wore.

"We've got a pretty good vantage point from where we are. We should be able to snipe them. Is Yoshiki ready? We'll need him to blast our way in," Lara replied.

"I'm ready. You do realize that they'll know we're here once I do this, right?"

"Well, if we're going to fight them…we can at least make a grand entrance, ne?"

"Insane as always," Alex muttered.

"I heard that, prat."

"Would have been wasted if you didn't. Besides, this might be the last time we can have one of these loving moments, Lara. How is it, exactly, that I got suckered into being with the first group?"

As much as she wanted to hit him over the head, it was moments like this that Lara appreciated Alex the most. His comments, however annoying they might have been, managed to ease some of the tension everyone was feeling. Sporting a grin, Lara shook her head and pulled her sniper rifle up. Looking through the scope she aimed for her first target.

Blood sprayed violently against the brick wall behind the guard as the bullet pierced his skull with enough speed and force to send him backward. He slid down the wall, eyes wide and mouth gaping. Lara pulled away from the scope, her face emotionless. Slowly, she panned to the left until the next target was within range.

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With the guards taken care of, Yoshiki and his team were able to get to the sealed entrance obstacle free. The Japan native narrowed his eyes on the stone archway. A man of honor and respect, especially for things of the past and culture, he was not looking forward to defiling a historic site, but this was one moment where he would have to put his ideals aside. Their very fate rested on that fact.

Releasing a sigh, he pulled his hands free from his pockets and slowly began removing the gloves. Tattooed flesh was revealed as the leather was pulled away. Yoshiki's pale hands had intricate designs of black ink trailing from the base of his wrist to his fingertips. They were delicate lines that worked their way slowly towards the center of his palm. In the small round space there, a separate design was tattooed. It was a small, black dot.

With his eyes focused on the center mark, he pulled forth the powerful energy that dwelt within his core. It pulsed and swirled as his hands began to heat up, a red-tinted smoke forming above his skin. It bent and whipped in the air as it began to take shape. A moment passed and the substance flickered for a moment before becoming a burning blaze of fire. It was terrifying how something that was so chaotic seemed to be so easily controlled by the small man.

Dark, hardened eyes looked up at the mass blocking their way inside. With their breaths held, the others gazed in awe as Yoshiki placed both hands above his head. The fire in both palms connected and began to spin. It took the form of an intense sphere before the raven-haired man pushed it forcefully into the archway. The stone was no match for the ferocity behind the attack and it buckled under the weight of it all. Debris exploded inward as the fire pushed its way through the blockade, a gaping whole left in its wake.

Using the smoke for cover, the first group made its way inside the base, knowing that Lara and the others weren't that far behind.

As soon as the explosion happened, Majida's team made their way down to ground zero. Quickly, they made their way through the blown out doorway and headed in the same direction as their comrades. Hopefully, they wouldn't encounter too many enemies in here.

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It was like he was underwater. His entire body felt heavy, as if it took all his energy just to make his chest rise and fall with his breathing. Gradually, his eyes began to flutter open, green orbs that held specks of brown. Rae's head felt like it weighed a ton as he tried to pull himself up into a sitting position. It was only then he noticed that he really couldn't move much of anything. Except his eyes.

"I give you a little freedom, and this is how you repay me?" He spoke aloud, knowing the stupid bitch could hear him, even if she didn't have a physical body.

"You're the one who betrayed me, pet. Remember," came the velvety voice, "you went against our agreement. I would let you play with Lady Croft and you would keep your mouth shut. Oh, but you didn't…did you? Well, it's no matter. Soon enough I'll have her in my grasp and a brand new body all for me. Though the other woman with her…she has powers I've never dreamed of before. But…she feels too dangerous. Yes…Lara will do just fine. Just fine."

"ENOUGH! I'm not going to let you take her! Is that clear?" Rae shouted, struggling to gain control over his body.

"Oh, but that was my intention from the beginning. The woman who defeated a creature such as Mortis is one worthy enough of being my vessel."

"Listen to me very clearly, Ebony. You are NOT going to touch Lara. Besides, you said it yourself, she defeated Mortis. So who's to say she can't defeat you as well?"

The laughter that resounded through his mind made Rae clench his teeth. "Mortis was nothing compared to me. And your little friend no longer has her hybrid abilities either. You might as well just relax and enjoy the show because really, Rae, there's nothing you can do. You're only helpful in being bait and once I'm done using you, I'll let you go long enough for me to kill you…while inside my new body."

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Yoshiki had never come across people with such aggressive powers before. These Lux Veritatis members, whether traitors or not, were amazing. They could mold fire just as he could, though without the same amount of power, grace, and control as himself. Still, it was becoming annoying. Sensing another group of men, he sent a large blast of flames down the corridor. The soldiers surrounding Yoshiki began to fire their weapons at the men who were dodging the attacks, and soon it was a full war zone in the cramped, poorly lit base.

Majida's group caught up with the others and proceeded to help in the attack against the Rouge members. Using her containing abilities, the teen pulled energy into a focused core between her two palms. Her eyes flashed opened as she released the pulse of blue light towards a group of three men. The flare surrounded them for a moment before it seemingly ran right through them. Another, darker beam of light followed the blue energy once it forced its way out of the men.

Sweat was forming on her brow, but Majida simply ignored it as she dropped down to one knee and chanted loudly as her palm struck the ground.

"Bring forth the soul of the wicked and I shall ensure they know no peace. Surround the wicked, light of the Huntress and bring them in this void. Aria, Acqua, Terra, Fuoco…I call upon ye, elements…SEAL!" (1)

The blue light become white hot for an instant, but this was enough for it to swallow the spirits and force them to the earth. Patterns danced across the ground between Majida's palm and the light before the energy stilled and went dark. A symbol shown on the ground for a mere few seconds before it too faded.

Standing up, the teen looked over at the three men who were now lying dead a few feet from her. Looking away quickly, she felt tears sting her eyes. It didn't matter that these were bad men, she didn't want to hurt anyone!

"Shh. It's okay, Maj. Sometimes…things like this can't be helped. Imagine all the people they may have ended up hurting or killing had you not stopped them now," Lara whispered soothingly, rubbing the younger woman's shoulders as she composed herself once more.

"You're right. Forgive my weakness, Lara. I promise, I'll be stronger."

Lara smiled warmly. "You're already stronger then you could imagine. Come on, we've got to keep moving."

It was then that all hell broke loose.

PRESENT

"MIRIAM!" Kurtis and Lara spun around to see Alex shoot another of their enemies in the chest. Once the man fell, the American ran towards a figure that lay prone on the ground. Majida was standing before her, a blank look settling across her face. The color had drained from her cheeks and she looked as if she might be sick. Kurtis moved forward, rushing to his friend's side.

There was blood gathering around the Armenian's body as the wound in her chest bleed profusely. Lara finished off the Rouge she was fighting before she turned in the other direction.

"LUCA!"

The Italian made eye contact with Lara for a brief moment before she pointed at Miriam. The two got to her side as quickly as possible.

"There's a pulse. But it's barely there," Kurtis said.

"I need you all to move away. I'll take care of her, the rest of you keep going. We'll catch up. Majida, can you feel Ebony?"

"Yes, she's just a little further down from here. We've taken care of most of the traitors, and the ones we didn't kill have fled. There shouldn't be any more obstacles," she replied.

"Right. You four stay here with Luca and Miriam. Keep them covered until you're all ready to join us. Alex, you and Yoshiki come with us, we're going on ahead."

The four soldiers made a circle around Luca and the fallen Miriam, while Lara and the others made their way down the corridor. It wouldn't be much longer now.

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Rae could feel himself lose the small amount of control he had left. Pushed deep into his own mind, Ebony took full reign once more. Pulling herself up, the body snatcher sat down in the intricate throne that had been built for her. With a wicked smirk playing on her lips, the queen awaited the pitiful band of humans that had the audacity to think they could defeat her.

The doors were pushed open. moment that the group entered, Lara could tell something was wrong. Locking eyes with the person sitting in the center of the room, she felt her heart slam against breast bone painfully. Though it was Rae's body, the tomb raider could tell it was not him looking back at her. There was no kindness that shown in those eyes. They were cold and Lara found that she had a hard time believing that those green-brown pools could ever look so hateful. There was movement to her left, but she wasn't paying attention anymore. The only thing she could see was a monster using the body of her friend as a puppet. And it was really pissing her off.

Kurtis shifted closer to his girlfriend, hoping to ease the tension that had suddenly entered her frame. He placed his hand on her shoulder, trying to draw her back to the task at hand. Lara had a bad habit of letting her anger consume her in moments like these. Well, when people she cared about were involved anyways. And he couldn't deny that she obviously held some kind of affection for the former hybrid, though Kurtis didn't particularly like the idea. Slowly, Lara's gaze returned to his, and he could see the barely restrained rage dance in those chestnut orbs.

"Well, isn't this a lovely reception," said a voice.

The couple turned to focus on the man sitting before them. It was Rae's voice that they heard, but there was something laced in it. Something unfamiliar.

"Let. Him. Go," Lara replied, her teeth clenching in fury.

"Oh, not to worry, pet. I don't plan on needing this child much longer."

"At least she's somewhat agreeable. You're not going to need much of anything where you're going," Alex said, eyes narrowing dangerously.

He could still remember what Miriam looked like, lying on the ground in a pool of her own blood. For some reason, he had grown attached to the blonde and seeing her in that state scared him. There was something happening between them, and he wanted so desperately to see where it was going. So the crazed snob better not die on him, dammit!

"Maj, when we have her subdued, it'll be all up to you, okay?" Lara whispered.

Majida tensed for a moment. This creature was very powerful. And she wondered for a moment if the others would be able to even stand a chance against her. Looking back into Lara's confident face, she felt her fears leave her. This was going to be a hell of a fight, but…somehow…they'd be okay. Smiling, she nodded.

Lara returned the gesture before pulling out her trusty .44 Desert Eagles. The twin guns were held out before her, pointing at the twisted version of her friend. There was no way she was going to let that bitch hurt anyone else. This was going to end here and now.

"Would you really shoot Rae, Lara?" Ebony said, enjoying herself as a smile spread across her current vessel's face.

"I'm sure he wouldn't mind a flesh wound or two. I know how to avoid a fatal shot," she replied back, a smirk of her own appearing.

Ebony's confidence faltered for a moment. She hadn't expected Lara to actually attack her while in Rae's body. It didn't matter, though. It wasn't like they were going to stop her now.

They had discussed what the plan was going to be, so Alex and Kurtis both pulled away from the group. Falling back slightly, they pulled out their own guns and aimed them carefully at Rae's form. Kurtis's Chirugai was spinning madly in front of him, ready to strike out at a moment's haste. Yoshiki, the main point in this equation, took Majida by the hand and stood to Lara's right side. If the plan went the way they had devised it, Lara would start a diversion. Alex would provide backup as Kurtis delivered the blow that would complete shift Ebony's attention between himself and Lara only. Then, and only then, could Yoshiki attack at full power while Majida prepared to seal Ebony completely. But first things first. They needed the Pearl.

The shiny, black sphere was in Ebony's left hand, where the lunatic thought it most safe. Lara grinned to herself, held her weapons a little tighter, and proceeded to blast a shot into Rae's left arm.

Ebony could feel white-hot pain shooting up her spine from the fire in Rae's shoulder. It was odd, feeling pain when she hadn't felt it in so long. Rae was the first psychical form she had since she was sealed away inside the pearl. Gnashing her, well…Rae's, teeth in pain, she barely noticed when the Chirugai came spinning toward her. Her eyes widened in surprise as the weapon knocked the pearl from her slack fingers. It was caught mid air back Yoshiki, who threw it to Majida. The girl gripped it to her chest tight.

Enough with the games. She had underestimated them, but no more! Growling, she stood up from her seat, blood spilling from the wound in Rae's shoulder. A silver light began to pool around her palm and before they knew it, a blazing heat was spinning toward them. Lara managed to dodge the majority of the blast, the others following her lead. Pulling herself up, the adventurer shot off another round, Alex and Kurtis shooting off their own soon after. The bullets found purchase in Rae's right shoulder, left thigh and just below his right knee.

Ebony howled in pain, prepared to send another attack their way. But with her attention focused solely on the three shooting at her, the witch was unable to notice the flames heading her way. The blast was aimed for the ceiling above her. The contact made the rock buckle as debris started falling from above. Ebony glance up long enough to see a large piece headed straight for her. Panicking, she jumped out of the way, only to land in Majida's range.

The teenager closed her eyes the moment she could feel Rae's body shifting close enough for her powers to reach. Her hands were level with her eyes as she connected her palms. Light began to form around her tanned hands as she spoke in a soft, strong voice.

"Wrath of Gaia, Binding Seal of the Mother: Four Towers of Containment! Tsunami, Earthquake, Volcano, and Tornado, sweep this evil into Gaia's wrathful palm. Four Towers of Containment I call upon you, led me your strength. Gaia, our mother, bind this evil into your womb for all days to come… SEAL."

It was the feeling of being pulled, no…of being torn, that had Ebony frightened beyond all belief. This chant, she knew of it. It was similar to the one that had been used to seal her inside of the pearl. Only then, it hadn't been as powerful. This chant, this girl that spoke it so calmly, it was different. It was pulsing with such strength. Her thoughts were interrupted when the tearing began to become stronger. She could feel her hold on Rae slipping. She scrambled to hold to some semblance of control, but it was too much for her.

It only took a few moments, but soon Majida could feel Ebony spilling back into the Pearl that she had slammed into the center of the seal markings that had appeared on the ground. Once all of the witch was seal away, the teen pulled herself up and walked back to Lara. Sweat was gathered on her face and the back of her neck. She was breathing hard, but Majida couldn't help the smile that began to form. She was tired, on the verge of collapsing, but still…she had done it. She had helped Lara in a way that no one else could. Her debt was repaid and now, maybe, there was hope for her yet. Maybe she could learn to control these powers.

"You were brilliant," Lara said, her voice gentle.

Majida blushed slightly, handing the pearl over to the tomb raider. Lara took it, but the soft look did not leave her face.

"Maj?"

"Yeah?"

"You were great, you know that? I mean, I've never seen you have such control like that. You were amazing."

"I…thank you," she replied, unable to find the words to express how she felt at that moment. Maybe, this incident hadn't been so bad after all. Looked like something good came out of it, anyways. With that thought in mind, she looked up to see a newly healed Miriam standing with Alex. The American pulled the blonde woman into a tight hug before pulling away and kissing her straight on the lips. Majida's cheeks flushed once more. Yup. Good things, indeed.

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Rae could feel every bone in his body protesting as he pulled himself into a sitting position. At least the hospital bed was comfy. Lara had arranged for a private jet to take him back to his home so he could finally meet up with family. Seeing his brothers after all these years had been a treasure he could never repay his friend. Lara had saved him in so many ways. And although she was with that distasteful Kurtis Trent, he held a small hope in his heart that maybe, one day, he would be the one by her side. Until then, he would stand with her in any way she deemed fit, so long as he never had to part with her again. Smiling, he leaned back into the pillows and started writing the letter he had promised to send her.

Damn, he'd have to hurry up and get better or else Kurtis might think he'd won or something. And he couldn't let the twit think that, now could he? No way, no how. Grinning, he put pen to paper…

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Dear Lara,

My shoulder still hurts like a bitch, so thanks for that. But I guess it could have been worse. It could have been another part of my anaomity that you shot. I'll have to show you what I'm talking about some day, though I'm sure Kurtis wouldn't appreciate it very much. Ha! I can just see the look on his face now. Is he reading this, by the way? It would be wasted if he didn't. Hi Kurtis!

"He's such an annoying asshole."

"Oh, he only wrote that to get a rise out of you."

"Hm. Sometimes, I wonder if he's just joking."

"Kurtis, stop being paranoid."

Anyways, all jokes aside…I really do miss you. Everything happened so fast once Ebony was defeated that I just…I don't know. I feel like there are so many things that I want to tell you. So much happened from the moment with Mortis until now, and I just…want to share it all with you. Hopefully, you were more lucky during our time apart. You certainly couldn't have been fairing worse off then me.

Hopefully, I'll be out of this place soon. Once I am, I'll be sure to come visit you. I'd love to see the English country side, after all. Well, when we're not being hunted down by some crazy, evil woman. And why are we always having to fight off psycho, ancient, crusty women? Did you kill all the guy zombies or something? Are they in endangered now? Whatever the reason, let's hope that's the last time we've got to go through that kind of ordeal again. Oh, and I sent Majida a fruit basket. You know, for saving me life and all. Seems kind of lame, but there's no card at Hallmark for "thanks for saving my life from the ugly witch that's like a million years old and wanted to suck out my brain."

Well, I guess that's it for this letter. Write back soon.

Until we meet again, my sweet…

Love,

Rae

"In all the while I've known him, this is happiest, most carefree he's ever sounded. That actually takes a big weight off of me, you know?" Lara said, turning to her boyfriend and smiling softly.

Kurtis grinned and leaned in for a small kiss. "Yeah, I know. Come on, now. Let's take a bath!"

Following him toward the master bathroom, Lara placed the letter in her jewelry box. Turning back towards the door, she pulled of her robe and slid into the warm water waiting for her. Hugging her around the middle, Kurtis pulled her tight to his chest, placing a soft kiss to the juncture between her neck and shoulder.

"I love you, Croft."

"I love you too, stupid git."

And there was never a sound more pleasant to Lara's ear in Kurtis's baritone chuckle right against her ear. Smiling again, she leaned her head back and thought that maybe she could just live the rest of her days in the bathtub, surround by the one she loved. Yeah, that wouldn't be so bad.

FIN.

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(1) – I actually made this up…though the part with Aria (air), Acqua (water), Terra (earth), and Fuoco (fire) was actually inspired by the song "Energy" by Luca Turilli's Dreamquest.

A/N Wow. That's the end of it. I can't believe I FINALLY finished it. I know it's rushed, but honestly…I just wanted it TO END. Lol. I lost the original motivation I had for this story back in like…chapter three. And that sucks, I know…but I didn't really like the build up with this one. AS is definitely better then its sequel. But…I don't' think it was bad either. Well, I dunno. That's really your choice to make, not mine! Lol. If I do decide to make a third part to the series, it's going to be straight FLUFF…with maybe a little drama brought on by Rae popping back into the picture. Yeah…maybe. Anyways, thank you SO MUCH for sticking with this until the end. It's been almost four years now…(the story was originally published in May 2004!)…you guys are all awesome. Sorry again for the wait and for making this chapter rushed (especially the fight with Ebony…but I really hated that character so I think it worked out alright in the end). Anyways…new stories are coming soon so check my profile.

LATER!