AN: Fair warning, sad chapter ahead.


Ben kept his head down, pulling the cap down over his eyes. He pushed himself into the crowd, trying to get the best view, while at the same time, remain hidden. He had lost sight of Lara's hooded figure a while ago. Deciding to gain more ground, they had parted ways as soon as they entered the castle grounds.

The rain poured down, and Ben couldn't help but grip his long coat tighter around him – though from the actual cold or from a preconceived feeling, he did not know. A sudden silence made him look up. There he stood…the King of Albion. A chill went up Ben's spine. He forced his way to the front, anxious to hear what Logan had planned. But it was what he saw that made him stop.

"Swift," he managed to whisper, his heart lodging in his throat.

The major had his hands and feet chained, the shirt and trousers he was wearing were torn and soiled. A member of Logan's Royal Guard held on to Swift, moving him to a higher platform so that all could see. Ben's hands balled up into fists. His anger raged through his body, blocking out Logan's words. He took a step forward, determined to save his mentor…his friend, when he felt a hand on his shoulder.

"Ben, don't," Lara whispered fervently into his ear.

It was hearing his name, more than anything, that caused him to stand down. Lara's hand remained on his shoulder, more as an act of comfort than an attempt to restrain him.

It seemed as if time had slowed down and yet sped up at the same time. One second, Swift was standing in front of him, and the next a shot rang out and Swift's body slumped to the ground. Ben couldn't move, couldn't breathe. He remained still, eyes transfixed at the body of the man he had grown to love as a father.

Lara tugged at his arm, and Ben allowed himself to be led away. He blindly followed Lara, his mind still in shock at what he had just witnessed. The rain continued to pelt them, and Ben felt as if the whole world were in mourning for the loss of such a great man. It wasn't until they reached the sewers that he completely stopped, causing Lara to look back at him in surprise.

"He has to be stopped," Ben said, letting go of Lara's hand. "No matter what it takes. He has to be…" But Ben couldn't continue. The words got caught in his throat, and he turned away placing his head in his hands.

"Ben, there was nothing we could do," Lara whispered, and he felt her hands on his back trying to comfort him.

"Of course there was!" he yelled, anger replacing sorrow as he turned back to her. Lara took a step back, eyes widening at the change in his manner. "We could've saved him, and instead we just stood there and watched him..." He threw his hands up in the air, not wanting to finish the sentence. "We should have gone up there and – "

"And what?" Lara asked, not raising her voice, yet her tone took the same authoritative quality as if she had . "Gotten ourselves killed? There are much bigger things at stake here. Swift knew what he was getting himself into."

"How can you just…you didn't even know him!"

"Swift was a man of honor. He gave his life for what he believed in."

"He was much more than that! But you don't understand that, do you, princess? That there are people, good people, that are willing to give their lives for you. And yet you stand there and act like it's nothing!" Ben ran a hand through his hair in frustration, anger surging through his veins at her indifference. "You have no idea what it's like to witness the death of someone who means the world to you. To watch him die while you were standing by, helpless to stop it."

Ben walked past her, afraid that he would continue his rant if he stayed. He needed to get away, find a quiet spot all to himself to properly mourn the man who had turned his life around.

"I lied."

The two words were so quietly spoken, but it was enough to make him stop. He didn't turn but waited for her to continue.

"About Elliot," she vaguely elaborated.

Ben remained still, the rage he had felt earlier now slowly leaving his body.

"I killed him," she stated simply.

She…what? Ben turned around slowly, not sure if he had just imagined her words. She looked so vulnerable, shoulders slumped, looking down as she wringed her hands together. He didn't move, didn't say anything. After a few minutes of silence, she finally looked up at him, and he was surprised to see the tears brimming in her eyes.

"Some protesters had gone up to the castle, and Elliot warned me that they would be executed for their insolence. When I tried to stop it, Logan made me choose." The tears now trailed down her face. "I chose Elliot."

Ben's brows furrowed, confused as to what she was telling him. Chosen Elliot for what? She took a step forward, her eyes pleading with him to understand.

"He was executed that same night…the night I ran away from Logan, from his injustices." She took a deep breath, hastily wiping the tears from her cheeks. "Elliot died, and I did nothing to save him."

Lara held his gaze a few seconds longer before finally turning and walking away. Ben watched her go, wanting to call out something…an apology about Elliot or what he had said. But then she was gone, and, for the first time, Ben Finn was utterly at a loss for words.


AN2: It felt right to keep this only in Ben's point of view and end it right there. :(

Thanks to iNf3ctioNZ for his help and suggestions! Congratulations on passing the 900th review mark!

RumAngel: Thanks! Hope you continue to enjoy it. :)

emberlies: No worries! :) Hope your computer's okay! :D

Kat: I figured since we all know the story, it would do good with another perspective. Hmmm, side quest to Reaver's mansion…that's a thought. ;)

Fanficaddict12: More hurt than anything in this chapter. But comfort is sure to follow! :)

VIXie: Thanks! More to come! :D

Next chapter: Prelude to Aurora!