Here's the final chapter, it's only short, I just wanted something to tie it all up at the end. It does have spoilers for the last two episodes, so if you haven't seen them you might not want to read this bit. Thanks to cooking-ninja18 and hmmga for following this story and also a big thank you to MegamiTenshiHime, Rivka16, MattZeyy and Haliesenka for favouriting it. Thanks to everyone who has read my story, thanks for taking the time to read it and I hope you have all enjoyed it!
...
He stepped into the light in the crystal cave and was blinded by it. When it faded, he was standing in a beautiful forest. It was the kind of forest you could only dream about, it had that mystical quality about it. He was entranced as delicate lights winked at him from the depths of the canopy.
A voice interrupted his revere, calling his name. He turned and saw Caia standing there, a large smile on her face. Merlin couldn't contain his joy, he all but ran to her. He took her in his arms and overwhelmed her with a kiss which she returned passionately. When they drew back she looked up into his eyes. "Happy to see me?"
"Of course I am, I didn't think I would ever see you again."
"I always keep my promises."
Merlin looked troubled, "I don't want to ruin the moment or anything, but I have to go and save Arthur."
"Relax a little Merlin. There is no time here, you could spend a lifetime here and still get back to Arthur with plenty of time to spare."
"Where are we exactly?" he said, looking around in confusion.
"Haven't you worked it out yet? We're in Annwn, the Otherworld."
"Is this were people go when they die then?"
Caia shook her head, "No, that is a mistake people often make. The spirits of humans go to another world. This is the home of many of magical beings, such as the Tylwyth Teg and the Sidhe. It is from here that magic enters into the world."
"Then why are you here? You died."
"My physical body did, but the rest of me did not. This is where I dwell now, I can help a great deal more from here than I could in the physical world."
"Is it alright for me to be here?" Merlin asked, worried.
"Of course it is, Gwyn ap Nudd himself sent you here didn't he? You were created from this place, if anyone has a right to be here, it is you."
"Gwyn ap Nudd? Who is he?"
"He is the King of this realm and it's beings. You met him in the crystal cave."
"No, I saw my father there, no one else."
She smiled a little and shook her head again. "That wasn't your father. Gwyn ap Nudd would have taken that form to make you more at ease, you would not have accepted his advice otherwise."
"Oh," he said sadly.
She cupped his face with a hand. "Don't be sad Merlin, everything is falling into place."
"My father... or that other guy... whoever... said that I would find my true self here."
Caia nodded. "It's time to show you everything now Merlin. It's time for you to become a legend."
…
Merlin wasn't sure how much time had passed, it felt like it had both been ages and no time at all. He had done so much, seen so much. Caia had shown him people he had never known to exist, they had danced and sung with fairies and beasts, he had been shown the deepest depths of magic and had learnt so much. Eventually, Caia led him back to where he had first entered Annwn.
"You are ready now my love, it's time to finish the story." She reached up and kissed his cheek.
"I feel ready," said Merlin, "I know I can do this."
"I have a gift for you," she said. She took his hand and a white staff materialised there. "It will help you in the battle." She smiled and began to back away.
He reached out, suddenly worried. "Wait, is this it? Is this good bye?"
"Of course not Merlin, you can come and see me here any time. You only need to think of me and you will be here. I'll be waiting. Now go, go and save the world."
White light surrounded him and he found himself at the entrance to the crystal cave. He reached out a hand and the rock blocking his path blasted outwards. He stepped forward, ready to face his destiny.
…
As the Lady of the Lake disappeared, all Merlin could feel was despair. He had failed, no matter what the dragon had said. He had let Arthur, Gwen, everyone down. He didn't know what to do, it was too much.
A light breeze ruffled his hair. He looked up to see Caia crouching beside him. He reached out to hold her but his hand passed through hers. He could see Avalon behind her, he had been so close.
"It's alright Merlin," he heard her say, "I'm sorry, this is all I can manage in this world."
"I failed. Arthur's dead," was all he could say as his grief overwhelmed him. He could feel her soothing presence in his mind, but it wasn't enough to calm him.
After awhile, he raised his head, eyes red and swollen. Caia smiled sadly at him. "It's time to say goodbye to him now Merlin."
Merlin nodded. He stood and created a boat in the lake with a wave of his hand. He carried Arthur to it and placed him carefully in the boat.
"I'll make sure he reaches Avalon safely," said Caia, "he will wait there until it is time for him to save his people once more."
Merlin sent the boat out onto the lake and heard Caia begin to sing. More voices joined hers, Merlin watched as a great many of the Fairy Folk rose from the waters as they sang. They bowed their heads as the once and future King passed them by. When the boat stopped, Merlin could just make out the figures that lifted Arthur from his vessel and bore him onto the Isle.
His grief consumed him once more. He felt Caia's hand pass through his and saw the light that surrounded them. Once they reached Annwn, she wrapped her arms around him as he let his guilt and sorrow out. When he had run out of tears, he looked at her. "What do I do now?"
"Your story isn't finished yet Merlin," she answered, "you still have a long road ahead of you. Gwen will continue what you and Arthur started. And you are still a Guardian of Albion, the time will come when Arthur needs you by his side once more." He smiled weakly at the thought, "He'll probably still be a dollophead." Caia chuckled as she took his hand and led him away.
