Evening My Lovelies

I almost didn't want to write this chapter and when I had I didn't want to publish it as it's officially the last chapter! *sobs uncontrollably*

I'm hoping the end I have given Vincent is sufficient for all the hate everyone has for him. I actually read up on some different methods as I wanted something correct for the time period... i think I'm actually going to have nightmares now from some of the sick things I read and saw *shudders* I haven't gone into too much detail in it as I would probably have had to change the age rating for the story if I did.

King Louis also appears today and guess what!? He's actually alright for once :O I didn't realize it until I had finished writing it but he's not too bad ... Possibly a bit out of character but we'll ignore that :)

As sad as it is to finish this story I am quite addicted to writing fan fic so chances are I'll be starting another story very soon... Hopefully I'll have something new up for you all before Christmas :D

Also before I forget thanks for the idea of bringing Vincent to the King for punishment go to Lilac Lavender :D Thank you! x

Notes On Reviews:

watlocked: Thanks for the review - Our boys are all back on the mend now so dont worry about them :) Thank you for your support throughout this story. Enjoy the final chapter! x

Deana: Thanks for the review - Don't worry they'll be feeling better soon :) Thank you for your support throughout this story. Enjoy the final chapter! x

Tidia: Thanks for the review - It was slightly tempting to have Louis do nothing to him but that wouldn't be fair. I wouldn't be surprised if Porthos and Aramis are sporting a few grey hairs thanks to their brothers now :) Thank you for your support throughout this story. Enjoy the final chapter! x

Debbie (Guest): Thanks for the review - D'Art's arm was pretty much okay as the blade wasn't overly long. I cringed writing the back treatment bit *shudders* was painful to write. They'll get more privacy in Athos's room plus help is at hand anyways. Thank you for your support throughout this story. Enjoy the final chapter! x

romirola: Thanks for the review - Athos when he's comforting D'Art is too cute to pass up that's for sure :D Thank you for your support throughout this story. Enjoy the final chapter! x

CaroH: Thanks for the review - I know, I can't give them a break :D I think I may have skipped over the healing bit a bit much to get to the execution but hopefully you'll still enjoy it :) Thank you for your support throughout this story. Enjoy the final chapter! x

nurse13: Thanks for the review - I know! D'Art's been pretty bad-ass with all his saving this story :D This its coz he usually is the one that gets saved in my other ones so he needed a moment to do the saving. I was tempted to have D'Art kill him but I think that unless it was in self defense i.e. Vincent getting free and attacking them again, that he wouldnt want/be able to do it. The method of killing i've chosen is pretty brutal so hopefully that'll do. I'm glad you're keeping track as to what I've put the boys through, I keep forgetting... I've been very mean to them this story. Thank you for your support throughout this story. Enjoy the final chapter! x

Issai: Thanks for the review - I know, what would our boys do without Aramis? Treville's feeling slightly guilty and as such is determined to get his men justice and to see Vincent punished. Thank you for your support throughout this story. Enjoy the final chapter! x

Lilac Lavender: Thanks for the review - I just couldn't resist the cute musky moments between our boys so I'm really happy you liked them :) It definitely hurts our boys to hear D'Artagnan scream in pain so much... thou he's doing better... or will be later on in the chapter. Yeah I agree that the talk is pretty much just a formality but it'll happen today. D'Art and Athos are on the mend so no need to worry about them :) Thank you for your support throughout this story. Enjoy the final chapter! x

Usually when I finish a story I give shout outs to those who have been consistent reviewers... but with this story there are many more of you who have reviewed most, if not all, of this story so to you all (you know who you are, you lovely people) just wanted to say a big thank you!

Mega Super Big Bear Hugs to you lovely people who have stuck with me for 42 (42! :O) chapters. Supporting me by following/favouriting/reviewing/reading. I love you all and your support made writing this all the more fun!

For the final time this story...

Enjoy

xxx

Chapter Forty-Two: Vincent's Demise IV

"Still alive I see" stated Cardinal Richelieu as he spotted the Captain of the musketeers walking towards him, his voice had a slight sneering quality to it, but after working alongside each other for years Treville had largely become immune to it. "Hopefully now you can leash those imbeciles you call soldiers," he added, enjoying the confused look on Treville's face. "Your musketeers have been assaulting my men whenever the opportunity arises! I've had to put two men on medical leave as it is and that buffoon you left in charge refuses to anything!"

Listening to the Cardinal rant, Treville felt a small burst of pride for his men. He had been informed by one of the men on palace duty that the red guards had been trying their luck since both he and the inseparables were out of the city but that they had been unsuccessful in doing much damage.

Treville knew that the man would have told him if any of the men were bad enough to require being taken off of rotation. The fact he had not told him that none of his men had lost a single confrontation the red guards instigated. Smirking Treville decided to keep that fact to himself for now and simply reassured the Cardinal that he would see the matter handled once he had spoken to the King.

"Ah Treville it is good to see you returned" beamed the young King when the Captain arrived into the room.

"It is good to be back Your Majesty" Treville stated, bowing low to both the royal and his Queen.

"Your mission was a success I hope Captain" smiled the young Queen, though there was concern in her eyes as she noticed the odd bandage wrapped around his arms.

Noticing the Queen's concerned gaze Treville smiled fondly, "An unfortunate setback that delayed our mission slightly but I assure you I am well Your Majesty."

Returning his gaze back to the King, who was doing very well at waiting patiently for an answer to his question, even though Treville could tell he was nearing his limit. "The mission was a… somewhat success My King" Treville stated

"What do you mean" huffed King Louis, confused by the vagueness of the Captain's response.

"We succeeded in capturing Vincent as well as taking out what remained of his men"

"Well shouldn't that be a complete success then?" Louis questioned, sneaking a glance at Anne to see if she too was confused with the way the conversation was going. When he saw his wife's brows furrow slightly in confusion he relaxed, knowing she was just as flummoxed as he was.

"Several of my men were severely injured and one lost his life" Treville explained, not missing the way the Queen tensed at his words, "Musketeers Athos and D'Artagnan are by far the worse and are undergoing treatment at the garrison as we speak. Aramis had suffered some injuries that will prevent him from active duty for several weeks and Porthos, while the least injured of the four, will still be restricted from full duties for at least a week"

Anne felt herself relax as she learnt the fate of Aramis before her brain registered the rest of Treville's words and confusion once again registered on her face. "Treville" she began, instantly gaining the attention of the weary Captain who looked upon her with questioning eyes, "You said D'Artagnan and Porthos were hurt?" at Treville's nod she continued, "I thought they were supposed to be recovering from their injuries at the garrison while this all happened?"

Any other time and Treville might have had the decently to look at least somewhat sheepish at admitting his men had disobeyed a command. But he was immensely proud of what his men had accomplished, especially how injured they already were. He would also not diminish how much his respect for the young Gascon had increased by making it look like he disapproved of his actions.

"As I'm sure you've noticed" he began diplomatically, "these particular men are very close"

"They are known among the people as the 'inseparables' are they not?" Louis interjected

"Correct you are Your Majesty" Treville nodded, "As such they have… difficulty remaining away from each other when they know the others are in trouble"

Treville then went on to explain exactly what happened, how Porthos and D'Artagnan had managed to free him and his men, D'Artagnan's sacrifice and everything that followed.

By the time he had finished Queen Anne was openly crying for the pain the men had suffered and King Louis was looking slightly awed by the tale, especially by learning that, despite knowing what awaited him, D'Artagnan had got caught willingly.

"And the traitor? Where is he?" Louis asked, a hardness to his voice that was exceptionally rare for the young King.

"Locked in the Bastille" Treville informed, "I did not wish to risk Your Majesties by bringing him here."

Nodding Louis sat up straight in his chair. "Then he can stay in the Bastille until your men are well enough to see justice done. Inform me when they are able and I'll have arrangements made."

Treville blinked, surprised by the maturity of the King before giving the royal his thanks and leaving to check on his men.

MUSKETEERS GARRISON

As soon as their brothers were settled on either side of Athos's large bed, both Porthos and Aramis set to work trying to bring down their fevers.

Luckily Athos had a habit of dunking his head in a bucket of cold water in the morning to sober himself up, meaning that they did not have to wait for water to be brought up.

Porthos managed to find several cloths and between the pair of them they applied cold compresses to each of their brothers' foreheads.

Before they could do anymore there was a knock at the door and upon opening the haggard pair were bombarded with an assortment of herbs and supplies the men had snagged from the infirmary.

"Doctor Monroe wanted to know if you required his assistance up here?" asked one of the men, "He is currently making several pain draughts and strong poultices should you need them"

"We should be able to manage for now," Aramis stated, not looking up from where he was sorting through the supplies given. Wincing every now and then as the movement either jarred his leg or pulled on one of the many healing burns that littered his uncovered chest.

"Shout if you need us" nodded the man before they left the room and allowed the musketeers to work in peace.

"What do ya need me to do 'Mis?" Asked Porthos, rubbing his hands together in worry.

"Here" Aramis said, still not looking up from the herbs, a bottle of wine in his hand.

"Cheers 'Mis but now's not the best time for a drink," joked the large man, smiling when his words brought out a small chuckle from his friend.

"It's for them you dolt" chided the medic, "Check their wounds for any signs of infection and give them all a healthy dose of that wine"

Porthos grimaced, knowing this was going to hurt his friends. But determined to see them well again, he did what was asked.

Thankfully their fevers had left both men weak enough that they were unable to thrash about when the burning liquid touched their wounds.

Athos managed a weak thrashing when the liquid hit his wounds, along with a quiet groan. Something Porthos found himself thankful for, he didn't know how much more of hearing his brothers screams he could take.

"'Thos's wounds look clear" Porthos informed, raising an eyebrow at the look of pure, focused, determination on Aramis's face as he ground herbs together.

"It's most likely the trauma his body endured that's caused it then" smiled the medic weakly, breathing out a small sigh of relief at the news. "With rest and food he should be okay"

Porthos was about to make his way to D'Artagnan's side, his mind a little nauseated as he pictured what he might find there. When another knock at the door pulled their attention.

Quickly rushing to the door before Aramis, who lost all sense of politeness when he was attending to his brothers, could snap the new arrivals head off.

Having expected more supplies or food, Porthos was quite surprised to see a panting Laurent leaning heavily against the doorframe.

"You're supposed to be resting," scolded the larger man as he made way to allow the young solider into the room, "What are you doing here?"

"I snuck out" admitted Laurent, keeping his eyes locked to the floor. "I brought this" raising his hand there was a small tin encompassed within its grasp, "I figured Aramis might need it"

Taking the tin from the young man Aramis couldn't help but smile as he realized what it was. "Many thanks Laurent" he said, nodding his head to the young man who blushed at the praise.

"What is it?" Porthos asked, leaning in to get a better look at the tin

"A cream that's good for burns." Aramis informed, "I forgot to ask for some when listing the supplies we needed. Thank you again Laurent"

"It was the least I could do… given everything"

"What do you mean?" the two musketeers asked, looking confusedly at the young solider before them.

"I… I made a mistake" Laurent said, his voice small and almost fearful. "I allowed Vincent to get the drop on me, to break through my guard and Athos almost died because of it"

Aramis and Porthos shared a look before smiling fondly at the young man. "You aint got nothing to feel guilty for kid" soothed Porthos, placing a hand on Laurent's shoulder as he spoke. "Vincent has decades of experience over you, it wasn't a fair fight."

"Besides" Aramis said when he saw the words beginning to sink into Laurent's mind, "Vincent wouldn't need a reason to attack Athos, we've seen this. We don't blame you"

At their words Laurent seemed to almost deflate with relief.

"Though" Aramis added, a small mischievous smirk on his face as he spoke. "Félix might if he returns for seeing Treville to learn you're out of bed"

Laurent's face paled slightly then before the boy made another round of quick apologies before he left to head back to his room.

Some time later there was yet another knock at the door, although this time the arrival let himself in before Porthos could react.

"Captain" the two conscious men said as they returned their work

"How are they doing?" Treville asked, looking very tired but determined at the same time

"Showing signs of improvement" Aramis said, his voice hopeful. "We managed to wake them about ten minutes ago and got some of Serge's broth into them, which they both managed to keep down which is a very good sign." The medic then went on to explain how several of D'Artagnan's lashes had become infected, causing his fever. They were treating them the best they could but that it was important they kept waking them up and getting them to eat so they, D'Artagnan especially, had the energy to fight the infections.

"What of Vincent?" Aramis asked, unable to keep the venom out of his voice when he spoke the traitor's name. They had now covered all the medical stuff so they were finally able to get to what the two men had been waiting for.

"Currently residing in the Bastille" Treville informed

"Please tell me that aint all the King's gonna do to him" pleaded Porthos, not seeing being locked up as suitable punishment for the man who had caused them all so much pain.

"It is not" Treville reassured, "The King has a plan for his punishment but has decided to wait until you four are well enough to see it." Smirking as he realized his men were responding the same way he had done once learning it, Treville gave his men a quick goodbye before seeking out Delacroix to get an update.

"…'Thos" whispered D'Artagnan many hours later when he woke up to find himself, once again snuggled into Athos's side, in a dark room he recognized as Athos's lodgings.

It took a few moments to get a response and D'Artagnan was almost convinced that his mentor was asleep and was about to return to its sweet oblivion when Athos responded with an equally weak whisper of his name.

"I forgive you" D'Artagnan blurted out, flushing deep red from embarrassment as he realized his perfectly, fever-inspired-speech had been completely forgotten in that moment.

"…You shouldn't" Athos answered moments later, his voice heavy with guilt. "I acted deplorably to you. I do not deserve it"

"Well I do!" D'Artagnan insisted stubbornly, even going as far as to glare at his brother. Although the chances that Athos could tell in the darkened room were slim. "Family is still family, even when they fight" D'Artagnan stated, reiterating his words from when they were first captured. "You're my brother… and… I … Forgive… You" he said, his words slurring as exhaustion and fever began to pull him back into the oblivion of unconsciousness.

Realizing his brother had fallen asleep talking to him Athos couldn't help but chuckle, leaning over to place a kiss on the softly snoring boy's forehead he whispered, "Thank you"

True to the Captain's expectations it was several weeks before all four of his men were ready and able to witness Vincent receive his punishment. Aramis was on crutches as his leg was still healing and D'Artagnan was forced to wear very loose fitted shirts so as to not irritate his healing back and found himself leaning slightly against Athos as the trip to the grounds took more energy than he expected.

Standing with the rest of the garrison as well as a crowd of the general public the inseparables watched as Vincent, disheveled and thin from his time in the Bastille, was dragged up onto the executioners' platform.

"Vincent Roche" state King Louis as he addressed both the prisoner as well as the crowd. "You had been found guilty of murder, torture and treason. You betrayed the oaths you took when you were awarded your commission to the musketeer regiment, both to your King and to those who served with you. Before any punishment can take place I first strip you of your rank and commission. You do not deserve the honor to carry the pauldron many fine men strive to earn and wear with pride."

The group of musketeers looked pleased by the King's decision, not wanting such a man to be recognized as one of their own.

"For the numerous crimes you have committed" Louis continued, looking and acting more mature than any person present had ever witnessed, "I have decided death by the wheel. You deserve to feel the pain that you inflicted on others. May God have mercy on your soul"

With those words Louis stepped back to allow the executioners forward.

The inseparables shared a silent conversation at the news. The wheel, or Breaking Wheel was a particularly violent and painful way for a man to die.

The condemned was placed on a wheel, usually a cartwheel. Their limbs would be stretched along the spokes of sturdy beams. Once the prisoner was secure the wheel would be made to move and through the opening in the spokes the executioners would beat the victim with an object that could easily break bones. This was repeated several times for each limb and then the victim was left, tied to wheel, to die. The process could take hours or days depending on whether shock or dehydration caused his death.

The medic in Aramis hated this particular method and couldn't help but flinch as Vincent's screams tore through the air. But then he remembered what he and his brothers had suffered through at the man's hands and the vengeful part of him wanted… no needed to have Vincent's death be a painful one.

The four inseparables waited, stone-faced, for the main part of the execution to be done before helping each other leave the area.

D'Artagnan ended up throwing up, never having seen such a violent execution before.

"Come on" Athos said softly, squeezing the back of D'Artagnan neck, "I think we could all do with a drink"

Turning away from the painful death that awaited Vincent the four men relished the company of their brothers, health for all of them had been improving and their bond as brothers was stronger than ever.