Duryodhana facing off against Yudhishthira (in my story at least). Source:
Flickr
Karna had been slain. It was the worst possible outcome for Duryodhana's forces. He couldn't believe the situation he was in. Just days ago he was boasting of his superior military strength to the seemingly unassuming force of Yudhishthira, now Yudhishthira's forces were marching on his position now, with not much in their way. Since Karna was slain, Duryodhana's forces had been scattered and in a panic. They were still a bigger force, but they had no one leading their movements or devising strategy. Duryodhana had to pick a new general, or his army would be destroyed in no time at all. Duryodhana picked Shalya as the next general in command of his army, but by the time he got what little forces Duryodhana had left together, the enemy was already upon them. Shayla lead Duryodhana's forces in a head on last resort attack on Yudhishthira's encroaching army with disastrous results. Shayla was slain and the fragments of Duryodhana's forces either dispersed and fled or joined the other side. Moments before Yudhishthira and his brethren reached Duryodhana's location, Duryodhana fled with his mace to hide away from the coming judgement at the bottom of a lake where he could survive indefinitely . While he did this most of his brothers were slain by Yudhishthira and his company. Soon all that remained of Duryodhana's grand army was Ashwathaman, Kripa, Kritavarman, and himself. It took many days for Yudhishthira's men to discover the location of Duryodhana's hiding place, but eventually Bhima discovered where it was.
When they arrived Yudhishthira called out to Duryodhana saying, "Duryodhana, come forth and face judgment, so your Kingdom can once again be mine."
Duryodhana called back out to Yudhishthira saying, "You can have my kingdom, just leave me at peace, and you can do whatever it is you desire."
Yudhishthira refused this request, citing that he can only claim that which he has rightfully obtained in combat. Duryodhana accepts this fact and makes a deal with Yudhishthira to fight his forces one by one until he is beaten. Yudhishthira decides he will deal with Duryodhana immediately so he is the first to face him. It is a greater risk, but will end the conflict sooner. Duryodhana emerges from the lake and they begin their fight. To no ones surprise, Yudhishthira defeats the weakened Duryodhana hastily and claims his Kingdom.
Author's Note: I didn't like how Yudhishthira didn't just take care of Duryodhana immediately, so I changed the story to give it a more abrupt and satisfying end.
