So then here we are. After I post this I will change the story status to complete and it will be officially over. Most of what I want to say is at the bottom of this chapter, but can I just say a quick wow as to how well that last chapter seemed to go down. I've never gotten such positive reviews, and to all of you thank you so so much for your kind words. I was so nervous about how it would go down and you guys just completely made my year with how great you were.

Second, I won't be replying to reviews at the top of the chapter as I haven't really given most people enough time to review it yet. For those who have I will P.M you as a response. As I said, I only posted the last chapter a couple of days ago – and I would rather do everyone at the same time.

Third, I am working on the Sequel as we speak and I'm somewhat pleased with it. It needs more than a single plot so now it's just about adding sub plots. For example the main plot for this was preventing or getting rid of Malum, but you also had Merlin and Morgana, James becoming their friend and Imi's struggle with both James and her parents. It needs more to keep it interesting.

And now for a slightly different disclaimer: I don't own Merlin; I heard that Merlin has a tattoo of his nose…on his nose; Some say that Morgana is confused by stairs; They say that Arthur only knows two facts about turkey, and both are wrong; Apparently Gwen created the first 150 pokemon; There's a rumour that Voldemort dare not speak James's name; They tell me Imogen can't have children because her parents weren't able to…; I heard that Gwaine invented November; Some say that Lancelot stole Merlin's last name and buried it at midnight, in an unmarked grave; Malum is apparently faster than the speed of smell; There's an old saying that says Gaius was never actually born, he has just always existed and they say that Uther thinks snow is trying to kill him.

Epilogue

Child birth.

Sharp, constant and unrelenting pain.

That was how she would describe it. Razor sharp torture clawed at her belly, as if hundreds of blades were fighting to get out. Severe pressure just pushingand pushing. Unremitting, unyielding agony refusing her any respite. Morgana felt like she was being torn in two. She was in so much miserable pain that she couldn't even feel embarrassed that Arthur and Merlin were there to witness her moment of utter vulnerability. She couldn't even feel humiliated that her shrills could pierce the very stone of Camelot's walls around them. She had heard Gaius telling the boys at their sheepish expressions that now was not the time to be modest and she agreed with that. Hiking up her gown, she leaned against Gwen who stood behind her and tried to prepare herself.

It was like preparing for a fight, right? She had done that before. Hell she had just come from the most violent and wicked war since the beginning of man. Surely this was no different.

Occasionally the searing agony would pause in its assault on her body and she could catch her breath, but these moments of relief started to occur less and less until they did not come at all. The pain was making everything else around her mesh into nothing but colours. She no longer felt like she was preparing for a battle. She felt like she had been captured by the enemy and was now being tortured into revealing secrets. Why did this thing, this child, hate her so much? Why did it insist on destroying her from the inside out?

She wanted to run away. Only she couldn't run away. This was her baby, this was her body, and no matter how far she ran she would never be able to escape either one. And she wouldn't even if she could. She couldn't give up, not now. Not if she wanted her Imogen back.

"You're doing great, Morgana," She heard Gwen whisper in that ever motherly tone, trying to lend her some of her strength. "You're a fighter, don't start giving up now."

She was right. Of course she was, but it didn't take away the numbing fear or the excruciating pain. She doubted anything could.

But that had been when Merlin had grabbed her hand, his warm fingers stroking her shivering clammy ones. "Be brave," she heard him whisper, and somehow she managed to make eye contact with him. "This is for Imi. Do it for her, Morgana. Be brave for her. You can do this."

Oh how she wished she could tell him how much his words inspired her, but unfortunately she was kind of busy trying to bring his child into the world. Rage suddenly flared through her. He had done this. Merlin, Emrys, the young warlock or whatever the hell he wanted to be called. Either way he was evil and needed to be stopped. Tears poured down her clammy cheeks, though she had long since stopped caring which were tears flowing down her face and which was sweat, clamping her hand around her evil husbands.

"Morgana, you're doing great!" Gaius called from below. "It's almost here. Just give me one more push…"

You can do this. Morgana told herself over and over again. You MUST do this. It will be over so soon.

Gwen, Arthur, and Merlin. Her three greatest friends were all there, helping her with this birth. That's what was important, she told herself. Together they were unbeatable and together they would help her through this. Although James wasn't here, and what she wouldn't give just to see one of his wild smiles right now. But then the crying, the screaming, everything…abruptly it all suddenly reached its absolute and final peak, and with one last push, the baby was out and the pain was gone.

It was over. It was finally, finally over.

Merlin physically shook. The baby was inhumanly tiny and bloody, but it was one of the most enchanting things he had ever seen. His daughter had arrived. With numb anticipation he watched as a vigilant Gaius allowed himself a brief moment to just stare, before wrapping the new born snugly within a cotton blanket. With a rare show of repressed joy he proceeded to hand her over to her waiting father, who without a moments' hesitation was more than happy to receive her.

A teary scoff exuded from him as he looked down at his child. His baby girl. She had a face. She had a small puff of hair. She didn't cry. She merely looked up at him with wide, ice-blue eyes…Morgana'seyes…and blinked. As Merlin looked to Morgana and saw her exhausted, but now peaceful face, he grinned a watery grin.

He got to his knees and placed the baby in her arms. "She's here," he told her, not able to keep the silly grin off of his face and the pride from beaming out of his eyes.

Arthur, who was looking just as exhausted as if he had been the one who had pushed out a baby, threw back his head and laughed in relief. A happy tear rolled down Gwen's face and trickled over her soft smile, as she knelt beside Morgana and peered at her baby with her.

Merlin had witnessed the moment when Morgana had become a mother when the future Imi had arrived, and now he was seeing it all over again. He now watched as she looked down at her little bundle in amazement, in joy, in relief. He watched as she smiled and her eyes radiated love to the thing in her arms. It was instant. It was fierce. It exuded warmth and engulfed everyone in the room.

"She's so tiny," Gwen cooed from over her shoulder, her smile unbreakable. "I can't imagine how she could ever grow up to become Imi."

At the mention of her daughter's name Morgana seized up somewhat. A sudden thought had occurred to her, one she was amazed she had not realised before. Imi was not lost to them forever. She was simply imprisoned in the void, the space between life and death, and James had promised to one day free her from her dimensional prison even without his memories. All they had to do was wait. With a momentary glance down she spotted the necklace he had given her, the one he had said would call him to her when she was ready, when they could release Imogen.

The point being Imi would one day be released despite the new born in her arms and there could not be two of them when she did. She would not have Imi feel replaced, nor would she have the baby girl in her arms feel like a cheap copy, and it was with this realisation that she came to her next conclusion.

"She won't grow up to become Imi," the exhausted black haired beauty breathed out, her voice croaky and drained. "Because she's not Imi, she's her own little person."

Merlin, initially surprised by this, gradually let his grin return and offered his wife a nod to show his agreement. "Then what will her name be?" He nearly whispered the question.

"Isabella," Morgana answered, barely waiting for him to finish speaking. "It's what Imi called herself when we all lost our memories in Zao, remember? She liked that name," She finished before looking down upon her new little angel. "My little Isabella."

Morgana cradled the little bundle in her arms, gently rocking her baby girl with barely visible movements. This is what had made everything worth it. This moment, where she could smile down at the soundlessly sleeping baby, made every miserable and terrible thing in her life worthwhile. Every pain. Every betrayal. Every single passing second that had ever gone unwanted, she no longer cared, because they had all led her to this quiet moment. Her thin yet warm smile was always on her beautiful features now. Ever since she had endured the long, miserable hours that giving birth had brought. But she didn't care about them anymore either. In fact as far as she was concerned she hadn't suffered enough to be granted such an angel, such a gift from the Gods.

A small cough escaped the tiny, fresh lips of her angel, and yet the mothers' vigilant smile only stretched further across her face. Tears of, well she didn't know what they were tears of, but they sprung to her eyes nonetheless. The liquid tickled the base of her eyelids, begging, pleading, threatening to break free at any moment. Again though she did not care. Gaius had told her it was all perfectly natural. Something to do with hormones, but if she was honest she had stopped listening after that. Her thoughts were simply consumed with her girl, with her beautiful baby girl.

With her baby Bella.

To think that she had ever chastised James Regus for allowing this to happen, way back in the Palace of Purity in the world that had never happened. She had screamed and hissed at him. She had called him a monster, had to restrain herself from attacking him and for a brief flash even considered mortally wounding the sorcerer king. It all seemed so pointless now. If anything he should have been serenaded for his efforts, for ensuring the safety of the baby Imogen. The baby girl who would one day grow to be the love of his life…but there was still a long, long way to go until then. Such a long way.

Merlin, Arthur and a few knights had left over two weeks ago to retrieve all three stones of Leones. She almost laughed at how much easier it would be for them now, given that they knew what they were dealing with and that Borin Regus or Malum were no longer throwing threats at them. She fully expected them to return any day now. As for everything else, Arthur had once again assumed the throne of Camelot, although this time he had not threatened his father with the end of his blade. He had merely shown how Uther was no longer fit to remain as sovereign given his past and habit of rash unjust decisions. As well as this he and Gwen, along with herself and Merlin, had re-married so that it was as official in this world as it was the last. Merlin had once again become Arthur's magical advisor, although despite the kings' adamant protest everyone knew he didn't just consult the young warlock on magical matters, but practically everything else as well.

With the all the ease that only a mother could display around her new born baby, Morgana leant down and planted her soft lips to her infants even softer forehead. The small being in her arms let a heavy breath escape her, the only acknowledgement that she had felt anything, before succumbing to her deep sleep once more. Morgana's smile widened. The child had no idea how much she was loved. She had absolutely no clue as to how much power she had wrapped around her teeny tiny fingers, a whole horde of formidable people just waiting to do anything for her should she ever grace them by asking.

With an elegant twirl the new mother spun to face the crib behind her, before lowering the child smoothly into the supple sheets that waited just for this moment. After gently wrapping her up, ensuring her safety and warmth through the night, the black haired beauty could do nothing but stare down in loving awe at the pure form of her new daughter. Still unsullied and untouched by the evil of man. The raw definition of innocence in its richest entirety, and she had the privilege to love it.

"I wish I could put into words how much I love you," The Lady Morgana breathed, her delicate hand coming down to stroke the velvety covers that encircled the child's frail form. "But I can tell you how it came to be. I can tell you of the war, of all the men and women that gave their lives so that you could be born. Perhaps not today, but one day. One day I will tell you of the great King Arthur, your Uncle who loves you so much no matter what he says, who lead us into a battle so fierce it would give you nightmares. One day I will tell you of your Aunt Guinevere, of her bravery despite her fear and lack of experience in warfare. Oh and wait, just you wait, till the day I tell you of the sorcerer king. That insane, brilliant BRILLIANT man who gave everything he had just so I could get the chance to hold you in my arms…and of how he will never remember us."

At this her smile turned shaky, and before she knew it she was having to raise a hand to brush away the tears. Stupid hormones. They never played fair, but by some fluke this happened to be worth her cries. It broke her heart whenever she recalled that James Regus would never remember the bond he had shared with them. However the pain was diluted by the promise he had made her, the contract he had sworn he would always obey even without his memories, the promise that belonged to Imogen that he gave on the eve of his most glorious moment. He would save her. He had looked into her eyes, grabbed the side of her face and had sworn that he would bring her back. An amused breath managed to escape her, and with a shake of her head continued on.

"But before all that, I will tell you about your Daddy," now a grin spread across her face. "I will tell you everything he gave up for you, of how much he loves you, of how hard he fought just so we could remember and adore you. Sleep well now, Isabella, and one day I shall tell you the tale of how it all began."

The sound of the doors thundering open behind her earned her furious attention. "Oh, sorry, is she asleep?" Arthur queried, recognising the glare his sister was sending him with extreme trepidation.

"You're lucky, Arthur. The girl can sleep through anything," Her scathing glare melted into one of joy when Merlin walked in behind him. He mirrored her expression, sharing a small kiss with his wife, before she turned teasing eyes back onto her half-brother. "Not even your insensitive idiocy can wake her."

Merlin turned from his position looking over his baby girl to grin at his king. "You know he's not a complete clot pole."

"Thank you, Merlin," Arthur showed his gratitude with a stunned raise of his eyebrows.

"My pleasure, Sire," he added respectfully. "Why just yesterday I heard him say a word with three syllables. I had to make sure he wasn't possessed."

"And we're back," The fair haired king said dryly.

Morgana smiled at the two. "I take it your mission was successful?"

"Yep," Merlin chirped in slightly hushed tones, bringing out a small pouch that was on his belt. "All three stones. We had a small problem in Zao with the masters but we got it done thanks to Kalladine."

Morgana gave a nod of approval. "Then tomorrow we ride for the temple of Vice."

"Indeed, now if you'll excuse me, I need to see Guinevere and take a long, hot bath," Arthur stated, turning and walking toward the door. "My manservant George will probably have a fine feast waiting for me, seeing as he's not a horrendous moron like my last one."

Morgana smiled as Arthur left and turned back to her husband. Her eyebrows rose when she saw Merlin's wounded looking features. "Merlin?" She asked concerned, sweeping over to her husband and placing a tender hand on his chest. "Merlin, is everything alright?"

He looked up at her, his eyes glistening. "You don't really think he prefers George to me do you?"

"Excuse me?" She damn near scoffed.

"Have you heard one of George's brass jokes?" Merlin added, practically turning green with envy. "I mean some people do deserve execution."

"Are you serious?" Morgana was forced to ask.

"You're right," Merlin nodded. "I should go and tell this George his services will no longer be required." And with that the young Warlock charged from the room, leaving behind a mystified and slightly hurt looking Morgana.

With a shake of her head she turned back to Isabella's crib and perched herself on the side, a heavy sigh escaping her. "Maybe one day he'll love me like that," she breathed, though unable to hide the amused glint in her eyes.

Morgana lingered outside the temple of vice with Gwen and Isabella, awaiting Arthur and Merlin to return from destroying the stones. The plan had been that they would do it together, but having seen the less than hygienic circumstances of the towers insides the new mother decided she wouldn't subject her baby girl to such hazardous surroundings, and Gwen had graciously agreed to keep her company.

Morgana let loose a contented sigh. It was funny, but even though she felt a serenity and happiness she never thought she would experience…something still felt like it was missing. At first she had tried telling herself it was the adrenaline rush of hiding who she was from Uther, then she had attempted to believe that it was simply missing the thrill of adventure, but she knew what it truly was. She had always known. Because despite living her dream life with Merlin and her beautiful, beautiful Isabella, she still felt like she had two pieces of her heart missing.

And the biggest piece of all was called Imogen.

It was still the best part of five years she would have to wait. That's what the other missing piece, James, had stated. Five years before she could get her other baby girl back. It was the only way to ensure the fates themselves did not start hunting them, that the Gods' themselves had assured her of. After that they were to go and find James, and using his mother's necklace he had given her, convince him that they needed to open the void.

"Morgana?" Gwen interrupted her once mistress, now best friends' inner thoughts. The black haired beauty turned to her. "Is everything alright?"

The Lady Morgana offered her a sad smile. "Yes, Gwen. Everything's fine. I'm just missing Imi, and even James a little bit."

"I understand. It's quiet without them isn't it?" The former hand maiden agreed. "But it's not forever. Soon it will be four years and we will all be together again."

"Even four years can be a long time," Merlin stated as he and Arthur exited behind them. The two women turned to face their husbands. "Particularly when the company isn't exactly scholar worthy."

Arthur pursed his lips. "I'm going to assume that was a jibe at me, and reply with a simple shut up Merlin."

"Original," the young warlock muttered.

"As is your ugliness," Arthur retorted, now smiling smugly at his magical advisor.

"Well, that hurt a bit."

Morgana shook her head good naturedly, gently rocking Isabella in her arms. "All the same, Merlin is right. It's a long time to wait for your daughters return."

"And a long time to wait for people to notice you," Sounded a particularly irked voice from behind them. A very familiar irked voice. With gradual twists of their necks they all turned to see the source of the interruption, only to see James and a seven year old Anna Regus standing but a few feet away. Needless to say they were all stunned into silence, Morgana's eyes even fogging over with joyous moisture.

She couldn't believe he was there, and she couldn't understand how, but at the same time she couldn't be more pleased. After all he wouldn't be James Regus if she wasn't baffled by him. "James," she breathed out, a massive grin overcoming her face, before her ecstatic eyes travelled down to little Anna. Her little sister. "And Anna, look at you."

"How nice, you already know our names. Bet you can't tell me what slur I'm calling you in my head though," James grinned at them, barely noticing Morgana's ecstatic one fall from her pretty features. Of course, she chastised herself. He didn't remember them. "For those who are interested it was jibber Queen. Imaginative? No, but appropriate all the same. Now, care to explain why I sensed something magical explode from here? I came all this-"

"He looks funny." Anna commented, staring at a now gaping Merlin. Morgana turned back round to face Merlin with a smug smile gracing her face. That was exactly what the little girl had said when they had met the first time, way back when Merlin and Morgana had been locked up in the Venemagus dungeons.

James sighed. "Damn it, Anna – I'm trying to do something here."

"No she's right. I think it's the ears," Morgana answered the small girl. Merlin frowned at the black haired beauty, only causing her to widen her smile.

"This is the second time this has happened now. What's wrong with my ears?" He asked hurt.

"Where should we start?" Arthur sighed. Morgana pursed her lips as she turned back to the Regus siblings, and to the bored expression of James.

"Oh are you done? Because if you don't tell me why you're here and what happened right now I'll be forced to assume you're a threat," James demanded with fierce jade eyes. "And I don't like threats."

"Are you two married?" Little Anna asked Merlin and Morgana with a curious expression, James physically deflating next to her.

"Anna, for crying out loud…" The sorcerer prince whined. "If you don't stop ruining my speeches I'm going to have to punish you."

Anna merely ignored him, not even glancing at his way. "No you won't," she stated with a supreme lack of fear.

"And why not?"

"Because you love me too much," The child murmured.

Morgana grew a watery smile on her face when James became powerless to contradict her, instead just looking up to the heavens as if silently praying for patience. Merlin however couldn't help remembering when Anna had first asked them that, and how different their reactions had been then.

"Hmm," the small child considered. "Are you two married?"

Both Merlin and Morgana leapt away from her in mortification. Merlin had to look away from his locked up companion in order to hide his embarrassment. Why didn't she just ask if Morgana was pregnant too? It would certainly complete her invasive collection.

"We're not married," Merlin answered with a clear flush on his cheeks.

"I think you are." Little Anna looked sternly up at him.

"But we're not."

"Yes you are."

"We're not."

"Are."

"Not."

"Are."

"Not."

"Are."

"Not."

"Are."

"Not."

"Are and I lock it and throw away the key."

"Rats." Merlin conceded with a shake of his head.

Merlin shook his head, only this time with a thin smile. If only they had known. "Yes we're married," the young warlock conceded, rewarded by the grin on the small girls face.

"I knew it," she chirped, excited.

Arthur stepped forward as soon as he had regained his composure. "We can assure you, we mean no harm. In fact we were only here to make sure an enemy of us both would not rise."

James considered his blonde cousin, Arthur realising he would have no idea that they were actually related. Just another thing he'd forgotten. "Very well," the sorcerer prince finally accepted. "I would ask what you're talking about if I thought I could care less, just make sure we don't run into each other again Pendragon. I have no love for Camelot or its regents."

If Merlin didn't know any better, he could have sworn he saw a flash of hurt cross Arthur's face. "Of course," Arthur agreed with a nod.

"Is that a baby?" Anna breathed out, gazing with rapt awe at baby Isabella and once again ruining her big brother's…or rather fathers' fearsome demeanour.

The sorcerer prince rolled his eyes. "No, Anna, it's a castle. One of those new ones that poops itself and cries all night," the little girl glared daggers up at the man who had raised her, but unfortunately he was too busy looking at the baby in Morgana's warm arms. Merlin examined his features. It was almost like…he was sensing something from Isabella.

Perhaps there was a part of their friend in there after all.

But just as quickly as it had arrived it had vanished, and soon he had placed a hand on little Anna's shoulder. "Come on, Anna. We need to get home."

"Oh, wait," Morgana cried, halting the royal duo from their departure and handing tiny Isabella over to Merlin. She bounced over to the waiting two, seemingly trying to form the right words. The silence quickly became frustrating and she settled for what she wanted to do instead of what she thought she should do. "This may confuse you, but just take it," she ordered…and suddenly enveloped an alarmed James in the fiercest embrace of his life.

"What? Uh…What's happening?" The sorcerer prince stammered out, only causing the black haired beauty to smile into his shoulder. She had absolutely no intention of releasing him. Not for a good few moments anyway, not until she had had her fill. Her eyes fluttered closed as she bathed in the familiar feel of her friend. The man who had sacrificed everything he loved to save them time and time again, the man who had overcome impossible feats just so her little Isabella could be born. The same man who would have to go back home to his tyrant father now and not back home with them, where he belonged.

Well, she would not let him leave without knowing how much he was loved. Not again.

"You'll always have a home and a family in Camelot," she whispered in his ear, before pulling back and smiling sadly at his confused and narrowed eyes. Her own eyes began to well up with unshed tears, wanting nothing more at this moment than for him to remember…but he never would. She gave her head a small shake to try and suppress her sorrow at it and placed a motherly hand on his cheek. "I wanted to say thank you, and that even though you have no idea what I'm talking about I just want you to know how proud your mother would be of who you've become."

Like a flash his confused features surged into one of a well-practiced mask. One she recognised as being created to prevent any sign of emotion from leaking out. "I don't-"

"I know you don't understand," she interrupted, her voice full of warmth and genuine affection, and forcing him to swallow. "Just remember what I said about Camelot. Arthur?"

The fair haired king was all too happy to nod his approval. "Absolutely. Camelot will always welcome both you and Anna. Imagine we're family."

"Remember this whenever you're in those torture chambers, when you're trying to feed the people your father starves, when you spend all night singing your sobbing baby sister to sleep and getting none yourself," She whispered, staring right into his glistening emerald eyes. "You just remember that you're a hero…and there are those of us out there who love you more than you will ever believe," she finished and took a shaky breath, a single tear rolling down her cheek. "Thank you. Thank you so much."

When James seemed simply too baffled by what was happening to speak, Merlin took it has his cue to step forward and smile at him. "Thank you," he stated. "My friend." Such a simple phrase had never felt so powerful in all of Merlin's life, and judging by the sorcerer prince's reaction he had felt it too.

"You're…welcome?" James finally managed to spit out, throwing all of them distressed glances. "So, I'm going to go ahead and take my little sister away from the craziest people I've ever met, if you're quite done," And with that he lifted up a tad sleepy looking Anna and began walking off. They merely watched him go, smiling despite their dejection, until he turned and graced them with one last smile. "I'll see you soon, Emrys," He bid farewell, turning his smile on Morgana and nodding. "You too, Blue."

With an explosion of wind James Regus soared into the skies, disappearing into the clouds and out of their lives. Merlin watched him go with a sense of loss filling his chest, almost as if he was experiencing some form of death. Things wouldn't be quite the same without him. A warm pressure on his shoulder earned his attention, and with one quick glance he saw Morgana had laid her head on it. He couldn't help the small smile that escaped him.

Was this really happening?

This was even too good to be his fantasy. Arthur had accepted not only him as a sorcerer, but also welcomed magic back into the kingdom and made him magical advisor. Morgana, whose beauty and passion were known throughout the five kingdoms, was in-love with him and had somehow agreed to marry him. He had a perfect little baby girl in the form of Isabella and in so the perfect family. Two of his best friends we're happily married, and though his Imogen was trapped in the void and his other best friend James Regus had left them, he knew it wasn't forever.

Still he couldn't help feeling that this wasn't the end. It was perhaps a jaded feeling, given everything that had happened to them over the past year or so, but he just couldn't help it. What if there was just one more surprise awaiting them? Hidden in the shadows, waiting to pounce when they least expected it.

"Merlin!" The young warlock rounded on his king, utterly expecting the look of frustration on his face. What he wasn't expecting was to see him and Gwen already on their horse and waiting for them. How long had he and Morgana been standing there? "Do you think you could move it along? I'd like to get back to Camelot before I'm too old to pee straight!"

Merlin released a breath through his nose, handing Isabella back to his smiling wife. "A bit late to start worrying about that…"

"What was that?"

"Nothing, Sire," Merlin exclaimed, helping Morgana onto their own horse before climbing on in front of her. "Just wondering how you manage to stay so regal all the time yet remain so approachable."

Arthur scoffed and began trotting off. "Right, and Gaius is only a physician to pay for his dancing lessons."

"I thought we agreed no more dancing Gaius jokes? It just hurts my brain too much," The young warlock murmured, truly alarmed by the mental imagery replaying in his mind.

"That implies you have a brain, Merlin," Arthur drawled.

Morgana laughed from her position behind Merlin. "Just remember Arthur used to wear my dresses."

His smile returned as he felt Morgana's slender free arm encircle itself around his waist, knowing her other was snuggling Isabella with a cosy yet firm grasp. She pushed forward ever so slightly to plant a brief but loving kiss on his cheek. He smiled at his own ridiculousness. You would think that after everything he had been through he would be able to accept peace when it finally arrived.

"Merlin?" Morgana's melodic voice sang into his ear. "Are you alright?"

His goofy grin made an appearance. "Never better, My Lady," he responded, serenity exuding from every pore in his body, before he began following after Arthur and Gwen up ahead. He laughed at himself as they trotted after the King and Queen of Camelot.

Surprises? Ha! He was done with surprises.

Up in the sky two pairs of emerald eyes watched them with incredible interest, following them as they disappeared amongst the trees. James Regus levitated above the thin clouds, his precious yet unsuspecting Daughter snuggled affectionately in his arms and his black robe fluttering behind him in the strong breeze.

The little girl turned questioning shades of jade up onto her father. "But you told me you remembered them. Why did you lie to them?"

A smirk graced his features, eyes shining with mischief. It was true. He remembered just as much as the four riding back to Camelot beneath them did, but there were simply too many reasons why he shouldn't reveal that to his friends. For one he didn't trust them, or himself, not to try and release Imogen too early and endanger their peace. This was the best way for them to realise that they had no other choice but to wait. Having said that he would also have to go back to his father and allow fate to determine when he was to die, and when he would eventually become the sorcerer king once more. So why hadn't he told them?

"Because, princess," He began, his wild grin beaming out across the skies. "Where's the fun in that?"

And there we are. The final chapter of this story. I couldn't help but throw in just one more little surprise right at the end, and like Morgana said he wouldn't be James Regus if he didn't baffle people – oh and sacrifice. Yeah, he's into the sacrificing. Should probably be concerned about that…and start locking up my goats at night.

Anyway this story has been a part of my life for a long time now and I can't help feeling a little sad that it's over, but it was always gonna end. You might be interested to know that I had three different endings for this story. One was going to be that Morgana would be the only one who remembered everything that happened in this story, but as I tried to write the sequel it just became more and more difficult. I also had a scenario where they all jumped through the portal and didn't immediately remember everything, and so the sequel was basically carrying on from season 4 with an evil Morgana and everything until they remembered. But I finally decided on a happy ending given everything that I'd put them through. And everything that I'd put you guys through as well lol

But anyway that is that. I'm not quite sure how to thank you all for staying with it, for always reading and for those of you who reviewed, because every single one meant the world to me. I remember when I posted the first chapter ages ago, went to sleep, and when I woke up there were 30 reviews waiting for me after just one chapter. Let me tell you I couldn't believe it, and still can't. I can tell you now that the first chapter has received 70 reviews over-all and that frankly astounds me. Words can't process how appreciative I am of all your support, and I wish so much that I could name you all but there are simply too many of you!

I will however give a thank you to Mnemosyne77 who, at the very beginning of this story, taught me very valuable lessons – of which I will now give to you in hopes that they can help you as they did me. I'll also throw in what I've learnt during the process of this story but feel free to just skip over them. They're only there because I wish someone had written them down for me. They're fairly simple but it shows just how inexperienced I was at the beginning of this story:

1) Remember that none of your characters are perfect, as no one is. Always remember to highlight their flaws as well as their more attractive traits. 2) Ensure people understand and relate to your characters situations as much as possible, no matter how extreme or how mundane they may be. I found it helps if you just imagine how it would feel if it were you and then describe it on paper, then just make sure you throw in how you think the character would handle it instead of you. The emotions are still there and believe me that helps. The things I got the most response on was when I felt it whilst writing it. 3) Always know where you're going, or at least where you want the story to end up. It makes for much better story telling. For example for this story, after I finished the first chapter, I wrote the very last one. You can always edit them at a later date but keep the general idea the same. 4) Don't be afraid to shock people. For example many people didn't like it when I killed off Anna, and were very upset when I killed off James as well, but what I've found is that people enjoy a bit of heartache in a story. Also a surprise here and there keeps things fresh and interesting for readers, otherwise things tend to wilt and die like an old tomato. Yes a tomato.

There we go then. I really hope those little rules help you as much as they would've helped me should you decide to write something of your own. But now that this story is over start looking out for the sequel: The Pirates of Fate.

Basically the plot, as I can finally reveal, is that after so many years Merlin and Morgana are tired of waiting for James to free Imogen. So Merlin being Merlin acts rashly and frees her himself, and things just go downhill from there. What's worse is that Imi isn't quite herself, and soon she, Merlin, Morgana, Arthur, James, Anna and the knights are all fighting for their lives – because the fates themselves are after them, and they have a few friends.

If you want a teaser then I've posted a trailer for it on youtube. The link will be on my profile page. Alternatively if you want a taste then check out chapter 28 of this story again.

Ok so that's that. Thank you, truly thank you, and keep an eye out for the sequel.