"Where I'm Meant to Be" (Rose)

Gaius and I stand at the top of the castle wall used for look out and defense. We watch Arthur, Merlin, and the knights all ride out courageously from the city to meet the beast in combat. As soon as they disappear through the gate, I make haste to our chambers. I slink back to our room and grab my cloak and the only white dress I still possess that Gwen was kind enough to mend for me, although the sleeves had to be removed. Gaius appears in the door a minute after I do. "Where are you off to?" he questions with a sense of knowing in his voice.

"I have to go, Gaius," I clutch the shining material in my hands. "Where Merlin is, is where I'm meant to be. You said it yourself that it is my fate to look after him and keep him safe whatever the cost, and that is what I intend to do. But don't worry, I'm not going to challenge a dragon head on ... unless I have to."

"My dear girl," he comes forward, setting his hands on my shoulders, "You are brave. All I ask is that you take great care in your travels. I will not question your judgment. As much as I hate to see the two of you in danger, I understand that it is necessary."

I hug him firmly, "Thank you, Gaius."

"Now, you'd better hurry if you ever expect to catch their trail on foot," he grins and exits the room. I hurriedly change into what used to be merely a party dress, but now means so much more. It is a symbol of what I am and who I am destined to become.

"Raging" (Merlin)

The moon is riding high as we do into the night. We gather in a clearing just outside of the city, but far enough away that no more harm should come to it. The horses pick up their feet in restlessness as we stand at the ready. The flapping of wings soon heard overhead, Kilgharrah shows in the night sky. "Hold firm," Arthur commands, securing his helmet over his head. Nerves tingle through my body as the dragon drives in our direction. "Hold!" Arthur orders. "Hold!"Horses neigh in fear, but we do not move- the beast ever nearer, readying himself for the attack. "Hold!" We stand strong in our place. "Now!" yells Arthur, sending us charging around in a circle as the dragon lands amidst us, turning about, tail slashing through the knights. I am thrown from my horse in one clean sweep, as is Arthur. I hit the ground panting. Arthur and I watch as the creature breathes fire on those who still ride.

"No," I whimper, "Stop!"

Arthur's mouth drop in horror, eyes wide, only us remaining. He wields a spear, pointing it at the beast. The thing steps towards him slowly, growling in the depths of his throat. Arthur keeps his position. They stand off for a moment, and then the dragon releases a giant spurt of flame at the Prince, who evades it as I fall backward. He rolls onto his knees, near enough to the dragon to stick his spear into its chest. Kilgharrah roars in pain, rearing back, and then smacking Arthur, sending him flying and rendering him unconscious.

I rise to my feet, sorrow and fear overwhelming me as my father's voice fills my head. 'You're the last Dragonlord now. You alone carry the ancient gift. Deep within yourself, you must find the voice that you and Kilgharrah share, for your soul and his are brothers.'

I slowly approach the dragon, strength, anger, and disappointment now raging inside of me. 'When you speak to him as kin,' my father's spirit guides, 'he must obey your will.'

I open my mouth, a power now surging through me from deep inside a place in me that I never knew existed, I rebuke him in his language, calling him out, challenging him. I feel the strength of those believing in me backing me up, urging me on. The language is old and one I have never heard or read, but it feels natural to speak. Somehow, I know what to say and how to say it and what it all means. To my relief, surprise, and joy, he yields, bowing his head before me. I grab hold of the spear on the ground next to me as he begins to plea with me.

"I am the last of my kind, Merlin. Whatever wrongs I have done, do not make me responsible for the death of my noble breed," he speaks in shame.

I jab the spear at him, but do not bring it in contact with his scales. In instinct, he leans up on his hind legs, and then realizes I have not and will not harm him. He glares at me in confusion as I look on him with sadness. "Go!" I scream with authority, "Leave!" A tear slides down my cheek, "If you ever attack Camelot again, I will kill you!" He bows in submission as I throw the weapon to the ground. "I have shown you mercy, now you must do the same to others," I demand.

"Young warlock," he addresses, "What you have shown is what you will be. I will not forget your clemency. I'm sure our paths will cross again." With that, he flees in flight as relief washes over me.

I spin around to find Arthur awake, "What happened?"

"You dealt him a mortal blow," I happily tell him.

He looks at me with wondrous disbelief, "He's gone?"

"Yeah," I nod with a smile, "You did it." We both laugh in release, and he cackles in victorious glee. "You did it," I whisper.

We both tromp back into Camelot. Gwen runs to meet Arthur, throwing her arms around his neck, not caring who sees. "I thought I'd lost you," she whispers.

Gaius follows her, welcoming me, his smile full, grabbing me in a hug and clapping me on the back. "My boy," he swells with pride.

"I felt him there with me, Gaius," I say with joy.

He nods, "He'll always be with you."

"I hope so," I counter quietly.

"Merlin, I know I can never compare with your father, but for what it's worth, you've still got me," he offers humbly.

I smile with at his warmth, "Well," I chuckle, "I suppose I'll have to make do." We both laugh and start to head for home when a female voice calls my name in the distance.

I spin around to see Rose appear in the arch behind us, indicating she literally HAD been with me the whole time. I have never been so thrilled to see anyone's smile before this moment.