Chapter XXVI:Choice

"So you can control it?" Arthur questioned as he stood in the street with the others after the big fight. Zachariah and his goons were turned to nothing but dust and all was safe again. Freya brushed a strand of hair from her eyes.

"When I was reborn in this world I was still curse, but for my deed of helping Merlin and you fulfil your destinies the rules of my curse were stretched and I was granted control of my turnings," Freya informed Arthur.

"You've been watching over us just like Merlin," Percy stated to the girl he had known as a close friend since collage. Freya smiled at him and Gwaine.

"Yes, but I never revealed myself. I was afraid my presence would interfere. This was between Arthur and Merlin after all." Merlin stepped forward, wrapping his arms around the love of his life and holding her tight.

"You're here now. That's all that matters," Merlin whispered, pulling away from her a little to kiss her. Everyone smiled widely and Lancelot made a few cat and dog calls with Gwaine to tease the reunited couple. Finally they pulled away and looked at the others around them.

"Now what is in store for us?" The question stayed in the air, causing everyone to go silent. What was their fate now?

"That is for you to decide," a voice Arthur had heard the day he had been given life again whispered. He looked around and watched a golden light fluttered from the stars and down to them. A smile spread across Merlin's face at the sight of the light.

"Kilgharrah," Merlin greeted. "It has been too long, my friend."

"Yes, and now I must leave again, but first I have two choice for you to choose from," the dragon whispered.

"Choices?" Merlin questioned. The light glimmered a little brighter and it turned into an image of a Kingdom Arthur had thought he would only dream about.

"Choose to continue your destiny in this world and one day bring magic back into the world," Kilgharrah began. "…or finally rest in peace back at your beloved home." Everyone once again grew silent. The choice was unfair in Arthur's eyes. He and everyone else wanted nothing more, but to finally rest peacefully. No more destiny, reincarnations, or fighting. The king just wanted to lay in the grasses of Camelot with his knights, telling old battle stories while Merlin grumbled and complained about anything he could think of. He wanted to ride horses with Gwen and accidently discover Merlin showing off his magic to Freya by the lake. He wanted to watch himself and his friends go grey and their children run through the halls of Camelot. However, there was still work that needed to be done. Merlin was right. The world was not yet ready for magic, but with their help maybe it would be someday soon. Arthur gazed over to merlin as the sorcerer struggled with a decision. Arthur forced all of his thoughts into Merlin's and the warlock looking into his eyes as he read each and every thought.

"I've made my decision," Merlin sighed.

Years would pass before the world would finally be ready for magic and years of hardships for the group of friends. They would struggle with past enemies slowly ganging back their memories and the threat of other sorcerers. They all had each other and looked out for one another like they always had in the past. When the day finally arrived and magic returned Merlin, Arthur, and the others woke up the next morning to find themselves in the fields of Camelot. The world was no longer in their hands and their destinies were fulfilled. There was nothing left for them except for undying peace.

"Merlin, you complete and utter idiot!" Arthur shouted as he and his new court sorcerer road home on horseback. They had gone hunting again that day. Arthur had figured that with Merlin able to use his powers now he'd be better help on a hunt. The king was 100% wrong. Merlin still managed to scare even bears away on a hunt. Merlin rolled his eyes, lifting a finger up towards Arthur.

"You want me to turn you into a frog again, Arthur?" Merlin threatened. Arthur stuck out his tongue, acting like a giant two year old instead of a mighty king that was way older than he looked. Merlin stuck his own tongue out before finally turning his eyes to the road ahead. Camelot was the same as ever. There were still bandits and troublesome sorcerers, but those at least added a bit of excitement to their day. Not that their days weren't exciting. Arthur trained the knights and took walks in the forest with Gwen or the others. Balinor had returned home to Merlin's mother, aiding her and the other villagers. Then there was Merlin. He was free at last. He could practice his powers without fear. Freya was back by Merlin's side and aided Gaius in healing the sick. Sometimes both Merlin and Arthur feared going to sleep at night. They always worried they'd wake up one morning to find that it had all just been a dream. It wasn't a dream though. They were perfectly free.

Arthur and Merlin's eyes gleamed as the castle came into view.

"Race you!" Arthur shouted, kicking at his horse's side and forcing it to go faster. Merlin laughed behind him, kicking his own horse and forcing her to go faster. Together the two raced each other back home to their friends and family.

And that's all folks! Thanks for reading, reviewing, favoriting, and favoriting. I will be posting another Merlin fic in the future, so keep your eyes open. It's titled How to Train Your Sorcerer and I am in LOVE with it. I can't wait to share it with you all, but I need to fix a few bugs first. Thanks for reading!