[ WP ] The final showdown between hero and villain . Plot Twist : The villain is at a severe disadvantage .

`` Take it. I'm not killing an unarmed foe.'' 
 
 The villain looked blankly at the offered weapon and let out a weak chuckle. 
 
 `` That's how it is, is it? You wo n't kill anyone so long as they're unarmed. I remember saying that very thing a mere seven years ago. Yes, everyone draws a line somewhere, even me... and to think, just last week, you drew yours somewhere else.'' 
 
 `` Enough,'' the hero interrupted. `` I will not be swayed by a tyrant's words - least of all, those of a tyrant now so far removed from power. Your legions have fled and scattered. The wealth you stole has returned to the people. Your lieutenant has betrayed you, my allies are blocking your escape, and the spirits of your many victims have personally informed me of your every weakness. I would suggest you take this opportunity to die with your honor intact.'' 
 
 `` I have no honor,'' the villain snarled, spitting at the crusader's feet. `` I gave up my honor a long time ago, as those spirits can surely attest.'' 
 
 The hero glared contemptuously at the disgraced despot, who struggled to even stand. 
 
 `` So you admit it.'' 
 
 `` You have no idea what it is I'm admitting to.'' 
 
 `` Spare me a lecture on the depths of your depravity,'' the hero said with a grimace. `` When this is over, I'd like to feast without throwing up in recollection of this moment - cease gloating over your misdeeds and fight me. Take up the sword. I can not wait to cleanse the world of your influence.'' 
 
 The villain let out a heavy sigh. 
 
 `` If you truly seek an end to my influence, you wo n't find it by slaying me.'' 
 
 `` Coward!'' the hero roared. `` Even in defeat, you think only of yourself. What about all the gold you've stolen, the homes you've burned, the people you've killed? You will pay with your blood!'' 
 
 `` I've no doubt of that,'' the villain replied, `` but what about the people *you've* killed?'' 
 
 It was the hero's turn to spit at the enemy's feet. 
 
 `` They took up arms against me in your name. Their deaths are on your hands, and for that, I will have you join them.'' 
 
 `` What a familiar sentiment,'' the villain mused, much to the vengeful crusader's annoyance. `` A sentiment born from a decades-long humble upbringing, an emotional attachment years in the making, and the horrific tragedy that took it all away in an instant - from a solemn oath never to commit murder, broken in mere *days*, all for the sake of destroying a great evil in just as short a time. Do you know what that means to me?'' 
 
 `` Do n't mock me,'' the hero warned. `` You're nothing more than a monster, relating a person's story so indifferently... especially when that person is about to kill you.'' 
 
 `` You said you would n't kill an unarmed opponent, but we both know how much an oath from you is worth. It *is* your story, that is true... but it is also *mine*. How do you think I acquired such power? Seven years ago, an oppressor much like me fell to a knight-errant just like you - that knight was *me*. The people were so grateful that I returned their wealth to them, and I let them keep it... for awhile. I gradually realized, though, that my work was far from over - that there were still plenty of evil people in the world, and I would need every resource at my disposal to do to them what I had done to the last tyrant.'' 
 
 The villain, finally able to stand upright, stared remorsefully at the ground. 
 
 `` We're nothing alike, do you hear me?'' the hero demanded. `` I'm nothing like you. You had the adulation of the entire nation and you betrayed it in a string of ruthless purges. Thousands of innocents died because of you; do n't use your last moments to try to convince me otherwise.'' 
 
 `` I wo n't,'' the villain said simply. `` They did n't deserve to die. It took me far too long to realize that. When we met face-to-face for the first time, and you issued your challenge, I saw myself in you - whether you're willing to recognize it or not - and it finally dawned on me just how grave a mistake I made. For that reason... I ordered my lieutenant to leave under the pretense of defection, but not before dispersing my armies and rendering my palace indefensible...'' 
 
 The hero's eyes widened at this revelation, but the grim frown remained. 
 
 `` Yes, this severe disadvantage I have,'' the villain continued, `` was my doing as well. What else could I do? Even if I were to endeavor to reform, I'd still have to devise a way to remove you as a threat and risk another rising up to take your place. I accept it; it's too late for me to be redeemed. Perhaps you are right to kill me... but not like this. Not while you're following my path into the darkness. Not while this horrible cycle continues to perpetuate itself...'' 
 
 `` I'd laugh,'' the hero exclaimed, `` if I were n't so disgusted with this lie you've concocted, no doubt at the last moment. I wish I could say that it's nothing personal... but I'm not going to lie. It *is* personal. You *made* it personal. I *will* destroy you here and now, fiend, for evil is evil.'' 
 
 `` You fool,'' the villain admonished sadly. `` Do n't think you can recognize evil for what it is when I'm living proof to the contrary.'' 
 
 `` Not for long. Armed or not, I'm going to slice you open if you do n't stop your prattling.'' 
 
 `` For once, you are n't lying to yourself. Face it. You would n't throw up during your feast knowing that I've perished. You would n't even lose any sleep. Even I can see that I'd deserve it. But that would n't really satisfy you in the end, would it? Eventually, you'd kill anyone.'' 
 
 `` That's it!'' 
 
 The hero drew a sword and advanced. 
 
 `` This is it,'' the villain whispered, finally picking up the nearby dueling weapon. `` The world made me, then it remade me... and now it's replacing me.'' 
 
 `` DIE!'' the hero demanded, charging toward the villain. 
 
 `` Perhaps... it's finally time I let the world down for once.''
