Thank You For Your Lovely Reviews.

Mara: Of course I wouldn't let anything bad happen to them, I love them after all :) Yes, it's the last chapter and I wanted to thank you for your support and reviews during those long months. Thank you for reviewing.

Shioban: Really? You thought that was the best chapter so far? Thanks. Oh and I wanted to thank you as well for beta-ing and reviewing all this time. Thank for your review.

Josephine: I know I don't want to stop either but sadly this story has come to end but I promise to write more soon. Maybe a sequel or something? Thank you for reviewing.

El Terrible Fizzy: First I'm in your closet and now I'm in a snow globe :) Well at least I get around don't I? ;) Thank you for all the compliments. Sadly this is the last chapter but I promise to write more stories soon. Thanks for reviewing.

Jennifer: Thank you so much for the compliment. Thank you for reviewing.

Tongari: Sorry to disappoint you but this is the last chapter. As soon as I have time I promise I'll write a sequel and some one-shots. Thanks for your lovely review.

Sorry it took so long but I had to buy myself a new PC and had to wait for an internet connection. And to be honest I hate to say goodbye but seeing as I can't delay the end any longer, here it is….

Close your eyes

So you don't feel them

They don't need

To see you cry

I can't promise I will heal you

But if you want to I will try

- Eternity by Robbie Williams. -

Chapter 30: The King Lives!

Alexander watched as the priest spoke the words that would bind his sister with her new husband, Alexander of Epirus (1). He still couldn't believe this was happening and would never forgive his father for making his sister marry someone she did not love.

He scanned the faces of everyone present, starting with his mother. His mother was allowed to return with him but was not pleased that her younger brother had to marry her only daughter, she only allowed it because it ensured Alexander's position once again. His eyes switched to his father who looked extremely pleased, drinking his wine now and then and kissing his new wife Euridice. Alexander was happy Attalas was not present (2) for he did not know how he would react if he were. He looked at the couple as they were led around the altar three time and even though they looked happy Alexander could tell they were not and only preformed this 'little charade' to help Macedon and Epirus. He sighed remembering his own bonding and caught Hephaistion's eyes.

Hephaistion watched Alexander closely during the ceremony and knew his beloved felt guilty. He loved his sister very much and did not wish this on her but also knew there was nothing to be done. He had sworn to never publically defy his father any more preventing him to help his sister. Watching the wedding Hephaistion remembered his own bonding ceremony two years ago and caught Alexander's eyes. They both smiled slightly thinking the same thing. The contact broke as the couple kissed and everyone present cheered and applauded.

As soon as they were married everyone filed out and headed toward the Ancient theatre just outside Ege. There Philip would declare himself a god and a statue would be erected in his honour. After that Philip will speak a few words and declare the games to begin. He organized these events to be taken place before he left for Asia in the fall.

Alexander watched as the women, including his mother and sister got on a carriage and quietly left. His companions, who were on duty today, went with them as an escort. Alexander waited for his father and when he approached mounted Bucephalus. He nodded towards his father, who gave him a pointed look. They rode through the people, who came from all over Macedonia and Greece and waved now and then. His father broke the silence,

"All my life I have waited for the Greeks to bow down before me. Today is that day…." Alexander merely nodded, not really knowing what to say and kept his eyes trained on his environment. His father continued.

"Already they say Philip is a great general but Alexander is simply great…" Alexander gave his father a nervous smile, knowing his father resented it when they said such things. He saw a man approach on a horse, holding another by the reigns. When he saw the man glare at his father, Alexander frowned. His attention snapped back to his father,

"…. If you ever publically defy me again. I'll kill you…" Alexander looked in his father's hard eyes and nodded stiffly, knowing his father would do such a thing without even blinking. Philip chuckled at Alexander uneasy face and broke the tension by muttering,

"I missed you…" Alexander smiled pleased, "…. In the fall, Persia. You will command my left wing…"

Alexander bowed his head slightly, "I'm honoured father. I wouldn't miss this for all the gold in the world."

Philip chuckled, "Which one day you'll have…"

Both men laughed at the prospect and found themselves in front of a full theatre. While his father talked to King Alexander of Epirus, he looked in the doorway Alexander noticed Euridice sitting in the Queen's throne, holding her new born son (3). He frowned as he saw his mother approach and talk to her for a second before sitting down with a grin on her face. He noticed his companions, including Hephaistion stand close to his mother and Euridice and felt more at ease. He turn around as his father yelled out loud.

"Pausinias…" the man in question straitened in attention, "Bring out the guard…"

Pausinias nodded and yelled "Guards, file out…"

Alexander watched them leave and was about the say something when Cleitus approached,

"No Guards My King? Isn't that a little dangerous?"

Philip smiled and embraced Cleitus, "Cleitus. Cleitus! Cleitus!" then turned round to face Alexander, "This man you can always trust Alexander. Treat him like you would treat me and he'll guard your back for you…."

Alexander looked both men in the eye and nodded. Philip turned towards the entrance, still holding Cleitus close by.

"I'll go in alone, show the Greeks how I walk amongst my people. See if they still call me barbarian. Bring in the guard after my entrance only…"

Cleitus nodded and was about to leave when Philip yanked him back by the arm,

"Oh and Cleitus, let wine flow steady all day. I want them to like me…" Cleitus smiled and patted Philip's shoulder and left. Alexander after having talked to his uncle and now brother in law, watched him leave. He looked inside the arena again and saw Pausinias inside while his father ordered him not to. He swallowed nervously and talked to his father.

"Father, I think you should take the guard with you."

"No, haven't you heard? I go in alone." When he noticed a protest coming up he said "By Zeus, By Hera, by al the gods. Listen to me this once…"

Alexander looked pained for a moment knowing his father would never believe his reasons and sighed,

"Courage father. Rejoice on each step so you might recall your valour." Philip looked touched for a moment and patted Alexander cheek. He was about to say something else but Alexander already turned and left with his uncle inside the tunnel and inside the arena.

Hephaistion in the meantime was waiting anxiously for something to happen. He had seen the strange look on Olympias face and he did not like it one bit. And when he saw only one guard in the arena he frowned. He felt more at ease when he saw Alexander standing the entrance of the arena. He frowned as he saw him talking with his father. He knew things weren't all patched up with father and son and grew more and more worried as he saw Philip gesture widely with his arms as the two talked . He was pulled out of his musings by trumpets and pages urging them all to applaud. He stood up and applauded with everyone else as first Alexander of Epirus and then Alexander emerged from the tunnel, both dressed in white with a golden band in their hair.

He smiled as Alexander looked towards him. Alexander felt more at ease when he saw Hephaistion standing there and smiling. Trumpets sounded again followed by a voice,

"Put your hands together for Philip, our beloved King."

Alexander heard the audience roar as his father emerged but he had only eyes for Hephaistion. The cheering and applauding soon died down and changed to gasps of shock. Alexander frowned and turned around just as he saw Pausinias release his father's lips. Everyone screamed as Pausinias produced a knife and violently stabbed Philip. Alexander wasted no time and ran towards his father, falling to his knees beside him. Alexander watched the blood flow steadily from his father's chest and his eyes roll back.

"Father nooooo…."

Philip gasped and looked in his son's teary eyes before blowing out his last breath and closing his eyes. Alexander shook his father in shock until reality hit him and he started to cry on his father's chest, grasping his tunic.

Hephaistion in the meantime, watched in shock as Philip got stabbed, not quite believing it. As he saw Alexander run towards his father, his protective streak got the upper hand and he quickly ran after Alexander. He was vaguely aware of several men running after Pausinias and the women being escorted away. He stopped next to Alexander who was crying over his father's body and looked around.

Seeing several faces who might possibly claim the throne, he did what had to be done. He grabbed Alexander arm and pulled him to his feet shouting,

"The King lives! "

Seeing as Alexander stood trembling, smeared in his father's blood. Ptolemy held his second arm up, in support and recognition.

"Alexander, son of Philip!"

Soon all of Alexander's companions began shouting,

"Alexander! Alexander! Alexander!"

Cassander looking around, noticed Philip's crown and handed it to Hephaistion, who quickly placed in on Alexander's trembling and sweating head. Everyone applauded, though most of Philip's old guard looked sceptic. Hephaistion turned Alexander head to look in this eyes. At first Alexander seemed to look through him but when he placed a hand on his face recognition dawned in his two-coloured eyes.

"You're king now. You're King!"

Alexander nodded trembling, blinking several times. All of a sudden he seemed to snap out of it and muttered,

"We have to carry him out of here. Who will help me?"

Before another sound could be uttered, all men present had lifted Philip in the air and carried him off towards the palace. Alexander trailed behind, looking strait ahead. When Philip's body was out of the tunnel and turned a corner, Hephaistion stopped Alexander. Alexander lifted his head in despair and Hephaistion could see tears in eyes. Slowly caressing his beloved's face he noticed Alexander began trembling again.

When he kissed the corner of Alexander's eyes, Alexander grabbed him close and began crying. Hephaistion lowered them to the ground where he rocked Alexander, caressed his back and murmured soothing words. Alexander cried from some time until the tears were reduced to mere sniffles. Parting a little Hephaistion looked Alexander in the eyes and have him a small whisper of a kiss. Alexander sighed and put there foreheads together.

Alexander whispered "Will you stay with me during…" he did nod need to finish his sentence because Hephaistion understood perfectly,

"I will be with you always…" muttered Hephaistion, " 'Till the end…"

They stayed there until Ptolemy went looking for them, saying Alexander was needed in the palace. Decisions were to be made and loyalties needed to be shown. Alexander scrambled upright, sighed and dusted himself of. He straightened his back, like a King would and left surrounded by Philip's old guard.

Ptolemy laid a hand on Hephaistion shoulder, who patted it feeling grateful. Together they watched Alexander walk of, already a different man. They both realised everything was about to change. For better of worse, time would only tell. But no matter what, they both will be there to support and help Alexander, until he releases them or death takes them.

The End.

(1) The wedding took place in July 336 BC. It took place in Ege, the ancient Capital of Macedonia, in the old palace. Alexander was 20 by then.

(2) Attalas was indeed not present and was sent to Asia. There he spent time with Parmenion who was preparing for war against Asia, waiting until Philip would arrive. So, historically speaking Attalas and Parmenion were not there when Philip died.

(3) By this time Euridice has given birth to her second child, which was a son and true heir to the throne until Olympias who killed them both after Alexander became king. Attalas was also killed soon after Alexander ascended the throne.

AN: Normally none of Alexander's companions would have been present because they were all exiled due to a discovered plot they were planning. Philip wanted his other son (who was mentally ill) to marry the daughter of a chieftain up north to strengthen his alliances. Alexander thought this was a plot of his father to get rid of him and planned to marry the girl himself with the consent of all his companions. Somehow Philip found out and they were all banished. So historically speaking Alexander was alone when his father was murdered. But I somehow couldn't do that to him and kept them nearby.