And so the end of the journey has arrived. And what a journey it has been! When I started posting this now over a year ago, I never dreamt of the support that it would be given and I am very grateful to all of those who have reviewed, favourited or alerted 'The Star of David.' Thank you and I would like to dedicate this final chapter to each and every one of you. I feel strangely bereft now that this is at an end as this as well and truly been my baby for so long and I am sad that I will no longer be working on it. But everything must come to an end and we have sadly reached this.

But for those, who like me are not quite ready to say goodbye I can confirm that this is not the end of the 'Star of David Universe' and that more is to come.

But now it is time for the final chapter of 'The Star of David'...

Ziva was different. She knew it. Tony knew it. Gibbs knew it. Even Tim, Abby, Ducky and Palmer knew it. For the first time in many years Ziva felt free. She no longer felt the burning desire for revenge for Tali consume her every day and it was as though a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders as finally she was able to live the life she wanted. Finally she felt the darkness within her, and within her brother, disappear. It was strangely enlightening, after so many years, to be rid of the feeling of entrapment and hatred, and Ziva knew that now she could begin to live a happy and fulfilling life.

As she sat on the grass in the middle of Rock Creek Park with the rest of the Team who were laughing with each other as they ate their banquet-style picnic, she could not help but contemplate about how good her life was now. Although her bullet wound still gave her some pain, ten months after being shot, she was back to her old self and back to being an NCIS agent.

She smiled as Tony kissed her on the forehead as she leant back on him. They had just moved into their new house and for the first time in many years both were at ease with their surroundings as they had both found something they had desired for so long- a home with each other.

Breaking out of their thoughts, the couple watched the newly engaged Tim and Abby chasing Jethro and their new Labrador puppy Mortimer, who had grabbed one of Abby's many bracelets and was apparently refusing to return it. She couldn't help but laugh at the sight of Tim trying to coax Mortimer to let go of the bracelet as Jethro barked contentedly beside him. Soon, Jimmy and Breena and joined in with playing with the canines and much laughter ensued as they tried to wrestle Abby's jewellery from the mischievous pup.

Ziva knew she was exceptionally lucky to have this family and of course the love of Tony DiNozzo. Her father himself had given her his blessing as she boarded the plane to leave Israel, on one condition that she would visit her homeland often. She had agreed to this, knowing it was her home and that it was where she came from and where she would find Tali when she needed to talk to her sister.

As she thought about her family, Ziva found herself smirking as she looked to her brother who was sprawled out on the picnic blanket next to her, in the process of flirting in French with Monique who had taken some vacation time to spend with her Israeli lover.

Ziva felt truly content with her life. Her enemy was dead, her beloved brother had returned and she still had her new NCIS family as well as her partner Tony, who she loved more than life itself. She honestly believed that finally it seemed as though fate was allowing her to be happy and she really was. When she had left for Israel, she had expected to never to return to America, thinking that she would die alone in Egypt, never once-not even in her wildest dreams- dreaming that she would be living with the most wonderful family and a man as incredibly as Anthony DiNozzo Jr.

As she thought this, she leant up and kissed Tony on the cheek, causing him to grin wildly before he returned the kiss. After pulling away from his sweet embrace, she found herself rolling her eyes at her brother's flirts, and picking up a strawberry, she threw it at him, hitting him directly on the head. Ari turned and glared at his sister, before picking up an ice-cube sitting in the cold box as he stood up.

Realising his intentions, Ziva warned, 'Do not dare Ari!' Quickly she found herself up on her feet, backing away from Ari.

'I am faster than you Ziva.' Ari grinned menacingly and Ziva gave out a little shriek as she sprinted away, Ari hot on her tail. Monique and Tony laughed at their lovers childish fighting and Tony quickly found himself on his feet at Ziva's threats to disembowel him if he did not assist her immediately.

Gibbs watched the spectacle, laughing heartedly at the threats and teasing between the siblings, as well as Tony's pure terrified face as he battled two Israeli assassins.

A triumphant shout sounded as Ziva finally freed herself from Ari's torture and she rolled on the grass, choking with laughter as she gazed upon Ari's strawberry-stained face. Despite the fact she was soaking wet from the volley of ice cubes her brother had aimed at her, she felt a feeling of bliss and her grin only widened when Tony picked her up and scooped her into his arms, kissing her gently. It was Ari's time to roll his eyes but his sister's actions were soon forgotten as Monique pressed a kiss to his lips.

Seeing that he was not going to have to referee the situation, Gibbs turned back to his conversation with Ducky, Fornell and Mike who had come from Mexico with Leyla and Amira who played nearby, basking in the beautiful sunlight. Although Shannon and Kelly would always be with him, as an irreplaceable part of his heart, he knew without a doubt he was very lucky to have the family that surrounded him now.

Although they were not related by blood, they were still a family and that was all that mattered to him. He felt a deep sense of pride as he watched his team, knowing that Shannon would be immensely proud of him and knowing too that so would Jenny who, although she was no longer with them, was still viewed as the mother-figure of their dysfunctional family.

Their family had faced many losses and tribulations that much was very true and the recent events had nearly torn the family apart but they had survived. With each hardship, each battle they faced they only became stronger and their love for each other increased. What had begun as a small family had grown to include a former enemy, his lover and the families of those they considered family. And each member of Team Gibbs would not swap that for anything in the world.

And so their happiness continued each member peacefully unaware that they were being observed. From the shelter of one of the many trees in the park, the woman watched the NCIS family. She found herself smiling as she watched their antics, having forgotten how fun they were to be around. Her eyes then shifted over to the grey-haired former marine who sat next to his mentor and to the kind Scottish medical examiner. The marine was still as handsome as she remembered, even if there were more lines etched in his face and she felt herself involuntarily shiver as memories of their past together returned. She was glad to see him happy; especially after all she knew the team had recently suffered through.

Even after all the years away from him, she couldn't help but love the stubborn team leader and her heart sagged with regret for what could have been. One day, she knew, the truth would come out. But until that day, she would continue to watch over him. Regretfully and reluctantly she turned and walked away from the group, once more hardening her heart and focussing again on her purpose in the city and on what needed to be done.

As Gibbs watched his team, he felt his hairs prickling at the back of his neck as he realised he was being watched. Gibbs scanned the areas nearby which were filled with families and couples picnicking and walking through the park but his eyes picked up nothing untoward. His gut continued to churn for a moment longer before he turned his gaze back, his mouth widening into a grin as he watched his family's happiness.

Whilst the team continued their building of happy memories, they were blissfully unaware that half way around the world a man- a man more dangerous than any other- plotted the downfall of Ziva in a revenge that was years in the making. After so long of lurking in the darkness, wallowing in hatred and vengeance, the pieces of the intricate puzzle and dare he say game, were finally coming together in what he promised would be a deadly finale.

But in that moment Ziva, Ari and those they loved were completely unaware of this and were at peace. It was, for the moment, a happy ending.

Fin