Reality
Wow. So I've finally reached the end. I can't believe it. Thank you all so much, I couldn't have done it without you as this just started out as a random one-shot and you all inspired me to turn it into this. So really it's all down to you and it's only fair to say thank you very, very much.
And thank you especially to A fellow merlin fan, Morganaforever, Fiwen9430, Ann, Lilmissblonde, Meri ley, Mellimonii, La La Looney, TTP, JennaMastero, nyxisnight, Unicorn's Whisper, PJfan, tonightless, jaqtkd and BlackShadow23 for being great and reviewing. And a special thanks to jade2nightwing, SunnySmile13, ArodieltheElfofRohan, Rya Three Saber and Dawn ruthless for reviewing every chapter. You guys are the best. And also to every awesome person who favourited or alerted this story.
So, the last chapter. I actually feel a bit evil about writing this. Maybe I should go find a nice cave/hovel to live in with some red lipstick/eyeliner/green eyeshadow while I cackle/smirk evily. Or maybe not. But I do feel a bit evil. You'll see why soon. And also since it's the last chapter, it would be great if you would make me happy and review one last time.
Also I have just started writing a new Merlin story, The Hopes and Dreams, so feel free to check that out (ends shameless self advertising)
So without further ado, I present to you the last chapter of All That Ever Could Have Been. I couldn't have done it without you, and I hope it was worth it. - Cloud-dee
Reality is a cruel thing. It creeps slowly into the world and removes all the could have beens, all the what if's, leaving only hard, cruel fact. It breaks down the worlds in which our minds live and forces us to see the truth. But reality is also a kind thing. It proves there is still good in the world, that some nightmares are only nightmares and that sometimes, there is hope.
For some people reality is cruel, for some it is kind. For the Warlock and the Witch, which will it be?
There are many possible futures. Endless possibilities all starting with a single change. But on that fateful day, when two mortal enemies were forced to make a choice, there are only two possible outcomes. One is a dream. The other is reality.
In one future there is hope. A single brilliant hope, that burns with a fire that can never be destroyed. In one future there is no more hate, no more pain. In that outcome, the future is bright once more. There is still a chance of a happy ending.
In the other future there is only sadness. When all the hate and pain and regret and betrayal are washed away in tears all that's left is sadness. In that outcome there is no hope. There is only pain and suffering and that last fire is destroyed forever. There is no chance of a happy ending.
Now here is the question. Which is the dream? And which is reality?
The crystals know. The crystals always know. They were the only things that witnessed the events of that day, that day when the future of everything hung on the blade of a knife and a single tear. That day when a choice was made and it changed everything. They know.
But crystals are devious. They do not tell the whole truth. Only glimpse, shades. We know this already. They showed the one vision that would force the Witch into a choice. And they foresaw the two outcomes it could bring. They knew what could happen. But only one outcome came to pass. This they knew too. They know what really happened that day.
Do you want to know?
The crystals know. But they won't tell you. Not yet. They contain a million secrets, a million possibilities, a million pasts and a million futures. But this is the day they chose to show. Because it is the most important of them all. Many beings of magic can use the crystals, can see glimpses of what they need to see. But no-one see everything. All that is. All that was. All that ever could have been. No-one sees. Except the crystals.
Will they tell you? Maybe. Maybe they will let go of that one great secret and tell you which future truly came to pass that day in the cave. Maybe they will tell you. Maybe not.
They won't tell you. But they will give you a clue. A last hint to discover if the future will bring hope or despair. Love or loss. A chance or nothing. A happy ending? They will give you a clue. A last puzzle to lead you to the truth. Which future is a dream. And which one is reality.
Are you ready? Ready for the final clue to learn if the Warlock and the Witch ever got their happy ending. Or if all was lost on the blade of a knife. The last clue. Are you ready. Here it is.
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It all ended with a single, blood red rose.
The end