The rain came down in sheets, turning dust into rivers and soaking every soldier to the bone. Thunder cracked so loud it felt like the heavens themselves were breaking apart.
The armored war elephant crashed through the front lines, tossing Mahishmati's soldiers aside like dry leaves. Its eyes glowed red beneath its iron mask, every step shaking the ground.
Bahubali shoved Avanti out of the elephant's path, surprising her. She stumbled and fell into the mud, staring up at him in shock.
"Stay down!" Bahubali roared, turning to face the charging beast head-on.
He planted his feet, sword ready. For a heartbeat, the world went silent except for the pounding rain and the echo of his breath.
The elephant let out a furious scream and charged, its tusks gleaming like twin scythes. Bahubali ran forward, slipping between the tusks at the last second. He swung his sword with all his strength, striking the metal armor around its neck. Sparks flew, but the beast barely slowed.
Behind him, Devasena leaped onto a fallen chariot. Her eyes narrowed as she drew her bow, rain running down her arms in silver lines. She aimed, waited for the perfect moment, and let the arrow fly.
The arrow struck the elephant's left eye. It shrieked in pain, rearing up on its back legs. Bahubali took that chance. With a mighty roar, he climbed onto the elephant's back, fighting to keep his balance as the beast thrashed under him.
Down below, Avanti pushed herself up, her hair and clothes soaked in mud. She watched, breathless, as Bahubali fought alone on the creature's back.
In that instant, she saw something she hadn't expected: his courage wasn't just for show. His eyes held no hatred for her or even for the beast. Only fierce determination to protect.
Devasena climbed onto a cart and shouted over the roar of rain. "Bahubali! Strike behind the ears!"
Bahubali tightened his grip on the sword and shifted forward, balancing against the heaving movements of the creature. With one swift, precise motion, he drove the blade deep behind the elephant's armored ear.
The animal let out a final, haunting cry before collapsing, its heavy body shaking the soaked earth as it fell. Bahubali jumped clear just in time, landing heavily and rolling through the mud.
Devasena rushed to him, her hands already reaching for his face, her eyes wide with worry. "Are you hurt?"
He coughed, wiping blood and rain from his mouth, and shook his head. "I'm alive… thanks to you."
Avanti watched them, her sword hanging limp at her side. Tears finally spilled down her cheeks, mixing with the rain.
Slowly, she dropped her blade to the mud. Her knees gave way, and she collapsed, sobbing.
Bahubali rose unsteadily, looking at her. He took a few steps forward and stopped, giving her space.
"You saved me… even after everything," she cried, her voice raw and broken. "Why?"
Bahubali's voice was quiet but steady. "Because revenge only gives birth to more pain. I will not destroy another child of this kingdom. You still have a choice."
Avanti's shoulders shook. Devasena came to stand beside Bahubali, her bow lowered but still in hand.
Kattappa, leading a small band of guards, finally reached them. His old eyes softened as he took in the scene. "We have secured the gates. The last of her army is surrendering," he reported, breathing heavily.Avanti looked up at Bahubali and Devasena, eyes full of grief and exhaustion. "I… I don't know what to do anymore," she whispered.
Bahubali knelt before her, his hand reaching for hers but stopping just short. "Then let us show you a new way. Not as an enemy, but as one of us. Let your father's hatred end with you."
Avanti stared at his hand, then slowly, shakily, took it.
The sky above them began to clear, streaks of sunlight breaking through the heavy clouds. The rain softened to a gentle drizzle, washing away blood and ash, leaving behind only the raw earth and broken weapons.
In that quiet, Bahubali helped Avanti to her feet.
Devasena looked around at the soldiers slowly rising, at the villagers peeking from behind barricades. "Today, we don't just save Mahishmati from outside threats… we heal its deepest wounds," she said softly.
Kattappa nodded, his voice thick. "A true victory… at last."
Bahubali turned to Avanti. "From today, you are free to choose who you become. Not your father's shadow… but your own light."
Avanti's tears fell again, but this time they carried something new ;relief.
As the sun rose higher, it touched the battlefield with golden warmth. Mahishmati stood quiet but alive, breathing in a new dawn.
And in that light, enemies became allies, and a kingdom finally began to heal for real.
As the people started to gather and cheer, a scout burst through the gates, his face pale with terror.
"My lord… something approaches from the northern hills. A new army… and it bears no banner!"