A Cry of Victory

As everyone rushed to the Ghost, Nolan dove into the ground and held his friend in his arms.

See... Told you I'd eventually get back at her. lightly chuckled the Ghost.

Yes.. You did get her back for all she did.

Tears began forming in Nolan's eyes as the realization took hold. The Ghost wasn't going to make it.

Uncle Ghost! You did it!

I sure did Kett... I -Coughs up blood- did....

Come on! BRITTANY! WE NEED YOU!

No.. Juno, everyone... I served my purpose. I finished what I started.

As they listen to the Ghost, his mother crawls out of the crater only to find the Assassin and the 400th Reapers, weapons drawn, and ready to make sure she stayed dead. 

The Ghost's mother died, beaten by the person she'd hurt the most.

Everyone around the Ghost was crying and sobbing as he stared up at the sky.

He's not healing! No magic can heal him....

Tempest? What's wrong with Uncle Ghost? Asked Kett as everyone covered their mouths. Before Tempest could explain, the Ghost took Kett's hand.

Kett, you see.... They know I'm not gonna make it.

But... You have to! You did all of this to save us! YOU HAVE TO MAKE IT!

I wish I truly could see you become a hero like me, no, better than me Kett. I'm sorry I won't be there to see the man you'll become. Can you do something for me? You have to promise me?

Kett sniffles and nods.

I want you to take care of my grandpa, Archie. Take care of your guardians and help everyone smile again... I want, no, need you to do this. Can you promise me that you'll do that?

I...I promise.

Good. I can rest at ease, however, there is one more thing I have to do.

The Ghost struggles to his feet, finally feeling the fatal injury he'd received. He limps towards the few servants remaining of dark army.

A-are you here to kill us?

No... Aren't you finally proud of me... Dad...

The Ghost collapses again as Nolan arrives.

Scott... If you have anything to say, this is it.

Son... I'm proud of you. You finally found your voice... and I know Grandma would be proud of you.

T-thanks dad. I wish I didn't have to end her, but there... oh god...

What is it?

I'm really dying... this isn't exactly how I saw myself going out....

We don't get to plan how we die, we just do.

The Ghost sat there in a panic, his mind began to race...

No.

No?

The Ghost forced himself back onto his feet. I refuse to die. I REFUSE TO DIE YET! I MUST SEE EVERYONE HAPPY! 

The Ghost began limping towards the Demon Kingdom. One foot in front of the other...

Mithos, he's resisting death....

Arvos, it is possible that there is rage left inside him?

No, that fire is extinguished, this is something... different.

YOU HERE ME DEATH! I AM NOT DYING TO THAT WITCH! I HAVE TO SEE EVERYONE HAPPY FIRST! I WILL SEE THEM SMILE AGAIN! 

Mithos and Arvos watched carefully as the Ghost stepped out from death's shadow. Each step pushing himself over his body's limit.

I REFUSE TO DIE WHEN I HAVE SO MUCH TO LIVE FOR! 

Death stared into his eyes, only to be frightened back by the amount of will power left behind his eyes.

Fine... Ghost of Ottawa. I shall spare you until you see them all smile and spend a happy few days with them. Once that has happened, you will be reincarnated into the next life. I release my grip of you. 

As Death released it's grip from the Ghost, the Ghost collapsed at the gates of the castle. Everyone huddled around him when Brittany and the other mages arrived and patched him up.