Duryodhana in the Lake is one of those stories that really stood out to me. The Kauravas at this point had fled in terror after Karna had been killed. Kripa told Duryodhana that peace was to come as the warriors had been killed. Duryodhana was scared of everything he had done to the Pandavas and that they would not accept his plea for mercy. Duryodhana realized that the war would have to continue till the end. Shalya was the new leader of the Kaurava's army, which had decreased in numbers greatly. The Pandavas were fighting warriors that never ceased so on the eighteenth day Duryodhana decided to run away, taking with him his mace. He had the power to hide in the water for as long as he needed, so he dove into the lake and hide beneath the water's surface.
Shalya was eventually killed by Yudhishthira, and he fell hard. Sahadeva killed the fake Shakuni and Bhima killed all of Duryodhana's brother that had survived. The only remaining heroes left of the Kaurava's army were Ashwathaman, Kirpa and the hidding Duryodhana. Bhima eventually discovered where Duryodhana was hidding and Yudhishthira went to the lake to tell him to come out. Duryodhana told the Pandavas to take him kingdom as he was going to the woods for meditation in exile. Duryodhana and Yudhishthira fought back and forth. Eventually, Duryodhana and Bhima fought in battle and Duryodhana was slain. Bhima's destiny was fulfilled and Draupadi was avenged. Yudhishthira was not happy though, as this death would look bad on all of them. Arjuna took Bhima away. Yudhishthira knelt by Duryodhana and asked what he should do to honor Duryodhana, as he had been cheated in battle. Krishna tried to find the balance in everything that had happened, as all the bad equaled each other out. Krishna easied the venegful spirit of Balarama and told him not to cause any more battles.
(Duryodhana in the Lake: wikimedia)
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