A/N: Welcome back to the penultimate chapter :) I've actually finished writing the 1st draft of the last chapter today and I've decided to add an extra chapter to serve as an epilogue which I think everyone will like ;)
As always a big thank you goes to my wonderful beta Wanderlustandfreedom for her precious help not only with this chapter but with these last few chapters in particular as I dealt with a major writer's block. And I'd also like to thank my regular reviewers AmethystDragon14, fresh-BLOOD-was-drawn-2night, Carvie16, brimason0201and SparkyGurly 227 for having left a review for the last chapters. Any feedback (big or small) is always appreciated and is a great motivational boost for me to continue writing so don't be afraid to leave me a message with your thoughts.
All is coming together and you're all so eager to see what is about to happen so I won't take up much of your time but I must say that all your reviews and excitement has warmed my heart. Writing these last few chapters has been a struggle but your feedback has made it all worth it. I apologise if the quality of my writing suffered a little but I pushed through to get this story finally completed.
But enough about that - time to get to the story. The final confrontation between Ben and Gaston is here while Uma's plan is set in motion. What will happen? Let's find out:
Chapter 42
"Gaston has rejected our last peace offer. There's no turning back," Ben breathed with a sigh and squeezed Mal's fingers through her cell door's small barred window. "This will be the final battle."
"Be careful, Ben," Mal whispered, squeezing back. "I don't want to have to see you dead again."
"I'll be fine. I promise," Ben replied as a smile stretched along his face. "I need to come back to ask Arthur for your hand in marriage."
Mal felt an initial warm feeling in her heart at his admission, but then it turned into an overwhelming sadness and hurt as Uma's words from the previous night came back to haunt her. She'd pushed them away as lies as soon as she'd recovered from the shock. Ben loved her. He'd never betray her like that. But her throat went dry, and doubt began to reform in the back of her mind. She had to know the truth.
Silence reigned over the two and Ben watched Mal's eyes take on a faraway look. She was still worried for him and his stomach quivered. He wanted to stay, but everyone was waiting. "I need to go," he whispered. Mal didn't move and Ben gave her fingers another squeeze before turning away.
Mal stared at Ben's retreating form with her heart hammering in her chest. He got further and further and the words burst out of her. "Ben," she called. "Wait!"
Ben turned in the darkness. "What is it?" he asked.
Mal swallowed the lump that welled up in her throat. "Did you love her?" she blurted out. "Did you love Uma?"
Ben processed Mal's question and went totally still. His eyes flickered all over her face, taking in the different emotions and passing over her expression. Love, doubt, hurt. And then she looked away, and Ben swallowed audibly. She knew the truth. There was no running away from it now. Ben bowed his head in shame. It was like someone had dropped weights into his stomach. If only he'd found the courage to tell her the truth back at Lonnie's cottage.
"Prince Ben!" a voice exclaimed, breaking the silence. Ben's head snapped to his side as a soldier walked up to him. "The troops are ready. We're waiting for you to leave."
Ben squeezed his eyes shut and nodded. "I have to go," he stammered. "But… I'll explain everything. I promise." Without waiting for Mal to look up at him, Ben turned around and followed the soldier out of the dungeons.
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"Bald Mountain valley. 'Where it all began," Ben thought wistfully as his gaze stretched to the eastern armies gathered across from them. So much had happened since that first battle – he'd discovered the truth about his father's death, he'd joined the Black Arrow, Robin's death, and Arthur choosing him to lead the final battle against the man who'd started it all. Clad in full battle armor and riding his horse to the front of the line to rally his troops, Ben felt the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders.
The prince withdrew his sword and stared at the hilt's blue and yellow leather and the Auradonian crest on the pommel for a few seconds. But was he truly worthy of Arthur's trust? He'd killed his best friend and betrayed the woman he loved in unimaginable ways. Was he, in fact, any better than Gaston?
And then the promise he'd made to a dying Robin echoed in his head. He'd promised to free these lands from Gaston and Stefan. Despite his flaws and young age, Robin had chosen him to continue his legacy. He couldn't break that promise – not now when so many lives depended on him. Ben tightened the hold on the sword and pushed his doubts and self-pity away. He straightened and squared his jaw before turning to face his men. He knew what he had to do.
"A great leader, Robin of Locksley, who sacrificed his life to protect the innocent from Stefan's rule, once told me that a man needs self-control, determination, and love to be able to reach his objectives. And nothing ever comes out of hate. Hate only destroys and tears down all that we've built, making us weak."
Ben's eyes flitted down to meet Tuck's and Chad's gazes, and they nodded back to him with a proud smile. Ben felt his heart warm, giving him the courage to continue.
"Hate has driven our enemies to attack us. They want to take away our freedom and extend their tyrannical rule over us. They want to kill us all, the brave people standing here today and who are ready to stand up for what's right. But I'm not going to let that happen. I'm going to stop this bloodshed." Ben exhaled. "There won't be any battle today!"
Tuck looked at Ben in utter shock as his mouth unhinged from his jaw. "What are you saying, Ben?"
Ben turned and looked out across the tops of the trees towards their enemies. "I'm going to put a stop to this war before any more innocent lives are lost," he stated.
From across the valley, Gaston examined the enemy troops with vivid interest as he saw his adopted son take his position in the front of the soldiers. It seemed Arthur had chosen him to lead the attack after all. "I'm going to kill you, Ben. Just like your father."
"The troops are ready, Sire. We're waiting for your order to attack," Captain Hook stated.
"Look," Gaston exclaimed as Ben began riding towards them. "What's happening?"
Ben pulled the reins of his horse, stopping in the center of the valley. "Father!" he called. "It's the moment you've been waiting for. This war is between you and me. Let's save the lives of our men."
Captain Hook gasped and stared at Ben. He blinked before turning to Gaston, who kept a blank expression as he processed the prince's offer. "Don't be a fool, Gaston," he hissed. "Order the attack. Ben will be the first to fall." But Gaston didn't acknowledge him and kept his focus on the young Auradonian prince. "We've got the victory in hand," he repeated, his tone rising in volume. "This isn't why our allies have sent over their troops. This isn't about your vendetta against Ben."
Gaston turned to Hook with narrowed eyes. "Yes, but it is!" he snapped before turning back to face his adopted son. "Me and him alone. To the death," he exclaimed, hitting the side of his horse.
Gaston made his way to Ben and stopped several meters away from him, locking gazes. "You knew that I'd accept!" he declared.
Ben pursed his lips. "Yes," he replied.
"You're a fool, just like Adam." Gaston spat, withdrawing his sword. "This will be your last mistake."
Gaston charged at Ben, who rode to meet his adopted father. Their swords clashed in mid-air, and Ben let out a started cry of pain as he lost his balance and flew out from his horse. All of the air left his lungs as Ben hit the ground hard. The prince scrambled to pick up his sword from the ground and rose to his feet, and watched Gaston dismount his horse with a bloodthirsty smirk.
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Lancelot walked down the corridor leading to Princess Mal's cell. His palms were sweaty, his heart was beating a little faster, and he couldn't deny his nervousness for what he was about to do. But Uma was right. This was their last chance to secure their victory, no matter who won the battle at Bald Mountain.
He slid the key into the door. There was no guard outside - no need to guard her, really.
Mal's bloodshot eyes snapped open and she bolted up at the sound of her door being unlocked. The last person she wanted to see was Uma. God help the duchess if she'd come to gloat over her victory. But it wasn't, and she was left confused. What was Lancelot doing in her cell?
"Are you alright?" he asked. "I heard what happened with Ben and Uma. I thought it was just a silly rumor, but…"
Mal turned away. "I don't really want to talk about it," she whispered.
"I was… shocked." Lancelot drew closer. "He seemed so devoted to you."
Mal sniffed and a tear slipped down her cheek. She reached for it, wiped it away, and turned towards the wall.
Lancelot put a hand on her arm. "Can I bring you anything?" he whispered. "Water? A warm blanket?"
"I'd rather be left alone," Mal said. "After the battle, Ben and I will discuss it."
"I'm sure you'll figure it out."
He moved his hand forward on her arm, towards the inside, and Mal frowned before she backed away. "Do you… need something?" she asked.
"No," Lancelot said. "But you have a hair on your dress. Can I pull it off?"
Mal raised her arms. "Where?"
Lancelot reached and snagged the rope she'd tied around her waist, to give the dress more form. He pulled the knot loose, braced it in his hands, and lunged forward. Mal fell against the wall.
"What do you think you're doing?"
He lunged forward again, trying to put the rope around her neck. "Don't be afraid," Lancelot whispered, advancing on Mal. His fists tightened on the ends of the rope. "I'll make it quick. You won't feel a thing."
Mal's back hit the cell wall. "Did Uma order you to kill me?"
Lancelot towered over her. She tried to dodge around but he grabbed her and threw her onto her cot. "Some women make dreams come true." He leaned forward and, in one swift movement, wound the rope around Mal's neck.
"Let me go! Help!" Mal shouted as she began struggling against him. Lancelot pulled the rope tight. She pushed her hands against his chest, but her strength began to fail her with every battered breath.
"Stop Lancelot!" a voice roared and the knight loosened his hold on Mal in surprise when he felt the tip of a sword on his neck. Lancelot dropped the rope and raised his hands in the air as Mal collapsed on the bed, gasping for air.
Arthur and Merlin stood behind her with soldiers who broke the lock on the door. They seized Lancelot's arms and forced him to his knees. Mal began to cough as she tried to catch her breath but managed a small smile to Arthur and Merlin to reassure them that she was okay.
Merlin heaved a sigh of relief and sat down next to the recovering princess as Arthur returned his sword to his sheath and his attention to Lancelot. "Why, Lancelot?" He asked. "Why would you do this?"
"Sire," Lancelot stammered before his expression crumbled in shame and he fell to his knees.
Merlin patted Mal's cheek and looked up at Arthur. "She'll be fine," he whispered. "But it's clear she's not safe here."
"At least now we know who the traitor was," Arthur said. "She can take a horse… go help Ben. As for Lancelot…" He narrowed his eyes at his captain. "We'll go straight for the source. It's time to pay a visit to Duchess Uma."
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Gaston lunged at Ben. The swords clanged, screeched, and fell apart. Ben drew back, huffing and puffing, and the two circled each other. Gaston tried to strike - it was an easy defense. They exchanged testing blows, seeing where the other's defenses lay, and waited.
It didn't take long for Gaston to find a hole. He faked a stab and then kicked Ben in the stomach when Ben tried to shield himself from it. Ben went skidding across the ground. The eastern armies exploded into cheers.
Ben picked himself up and readied his sword. He swung, aiming for Gaston's chest and hoping the surprise of his bounce-back would allow for a decisive blow. Gaston merely batted the attack away. As Ben regained his balance, Gaston tripped him, and kicked him back down into the dust.
"You're no match for me, Ben," Gaston growled. "I was Adam's right-hand man for a reason. You've never needed to fight for your life before."
"I'm not fighting for my life," Ben spat. "I'm fighting for everyone else's." He jumped forward, but Gaston threw him back without even being dazed by the weight. As Ben hit the ground for a third time, his sword was ripped from his grasp and spun out on the gravel.
Gaston pointed his blade at Ben's neck. "This is the end, Ben," he whispered.
An arrow flew out of nowhere and through Gaston's wrist. It severed the joint and Gaston released the sword with a guttural yell. Everyone spun to see where the arrow had come from. A horse thundered towards them from the Western lines. As it drew closer, Mal leapt off, skid on her feet through the gravel, and nocked another arrow against the drawstring. With a smile, Ben reached for his sword.
Gaston moved the blade to his other hand and hissed at Mal. Holding his half-severed hand to his chest, he took a wild swing and Ben simply kicked the sword out of his hand. It spun out, hilt over the blade, and skidded to a final halt at Tuck's feet.
Ben raised his chin a little and swallowed. "I think it's over now," he said. "If you signal your armies, you'll be the first to die." He extended his sword. "On your knees, please."
"Go ahead and kill me," Gaston spat. "Isn't that what I taught you? You won - go ahead."
But Ben shook his head. "The point of all this wasn't to kill you."
"Of course it was!" Gaston snapped. "I killed your father!"
"I loved Adam, but I also loved you," Ben said. "Either way, I'm twice an orphan. But I've always known that hate doesn't make me stronger, or better. That's what my father taught me. And that's the real reason I was never your son."
So many things popped into his head. Memories and feelings he'd stowed away in the hurt and confusion and the anger. Claudette and Gaston and their home with him. All those soft touches and quiet words. He'd never forget them.
"Take him away," Ben commanded the Western armies. "But don't hurt him." To the eastern armies, he stuck his sword into the ground. "This war is over," he said. "Go home to your wives and children. And if you don't have wives or children, then find a wounded brother who does and take him home to them. All pillaging, fights, and damages will be on your own heads. Anyone who acts out will be put into prison promptly. This is your chance to depart in peace."
Captain Hook raised a sword in red-faced fury. He began to rush forward, but Mal's nocked arrow was let loose and flew straight into his head.
"Anyone else?" she asked, pulling another out of her quiver.
There were none. The eastern armies took their swords, bound up the blades and started home. Some grumbled, some hit their knees in prayers of thanks and vengeance. Not a single person began a stampede.
Gaston howled as they hauled him away. But Ben paid no mind to them. He watched the western armies move to help the easterners pack while securing their own supplies and moving out. This was his success. He'd done it. He'd kept his promise and ended the war. Robin's life mission was fulfilled and everything could begin healing now.
It was done.
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"And then Arthur stood up and he held Gaston's sword up and then put it straight into the cement!" Carlos exclaimed. "It was stuck fast within minutes! They're going to keep it out in the middle of the road - Gaston's sword in the stone. And then, they hauled out giant silver platters with all kinds of food and all the people from the eastern and western armies sat down for dinner - some had gone home already, and some came back for food. All the people, all around. You know, I don't know why they had all this food lying around and didn't share it with-"
"You talk a million miles a minute," Mal sighed. "They couldn't share it with the other side because it was too dangerous. But now, the east and the west can take care of each other."
"I'm just so excited!" Carlos flopped down with his arms spread out onto his bed and bounced up and down in the light of the candles. "Wait until I tell Lonnie all about it."
"She'll be very happy it's all over."
"Especially now that Jay can be home. I have to tell her about how Jay and Ben got carried from the gates and straight to King Arthur and Merlin and-" He paused, and then sat back up. "Mal, aren't you happy that the war is over?"
"Of course I am," Mal whispered and pulled the covers up to his chin. "I'm just tired. Let's put you to bed so I can go get some sleep."
Carlos nodded, smiling again, and curled up on his side as Mal kissed his forehead. "Goodnight," she whispered and he waved his fingers in response. She faked a smile until he'd turned around. The truth was that she wasn't happy. It was wonderful that the war was over, but she couldn't look Ben in the eyes or think about him without her heart aching.
She went to the door, feeling pain in every step, and shut it behind her.
"There you are! I've looked all over for you!" Ben exclaimed, and Mal stiffened.
"I came to check up on my friends," she mumbled. She kept her eyes fixed on the ground as she turned to face him.
Ben took her hands. "Come with me, Mal. I need to talk to you. I need to tell you the truth."
Mal pulled her hand away and looked up at Ben. "Ben, I know the truth."
Ben shook his head. "No, you don't. I love you, Mal. I can't live without you."
Mal took her hands away and brushed past him. "Leave me alone,"
Ben followed her and blocked her path. He took her chin. "Mal, please. I've been to hell, and I let my emotions get the best of me. For a moment, I lost faith in our love, and I made a terrible mistake. I was weak. I'm sorry." Ben paused as he watched a tear slid down Mal's pale cheeks. "Please forgive me. We can finally be happy together. Give me the chance to make it up to you."
"You broke my heart, Ben," Mal stammered, shaking her head. "I'm not giving you another chance to be weak."
Ben tried to brush away Mal's tear, but she pulled her face away from his touch. "Mal," he whispered.
Mal looked away. "Please leave, Ben," she repeated.
Ben sighed, and his stomach twisted. He stared at her numbly as he took a step back. "Okay, I'll give you your space, but I won't give up. I can't lose you."
"You did lose me," Mal spat. "Okay? It's over. I never want to see you again. And it's so insulting you think I just 'need my space' to get over the fact you slept with her."
Ben went still. "I'm not… trying to say that… it shouldn't hurt, but…"
She put a finger up in the air and he, wisely, shut up. "You hurt me," she said slowly. "You know you did. How dare you come back and tell me that you'll give me my space like it's not something I automatically deserve and that you can't lose me when you're the person who thought we were done in the first place." She crossed her arms. "I never lost faith in you. You did. So get out, because I never needed a man and I certainly never needed a man who expects me to heal automatically whenever he screws up."
She walked away and this time, he didn't follow. And when she heard him crying from down the hall, she didn't turn around because she'd meant every word. She was going to get over him.
A/N The Great War is over...Gaston has lost and Mal is safe. But have our heroes truly won? Will Mal forgive Ben? And what about Uma? There's one last chapter left to find out so tune in next time. Take care and stay safe.