Chapter Ten: Destiny and Sacrifice

Merlin quickly lead the siblings away from the sword and the tournament. He knew this day would come, but that also meant Morgan sought the book in order to kill him. He would have to keep the children out of sight of her until it was time to "release" them from the book. He glanced around as he approached his cabin deep in the forest.

"Is there something bothering you?"

"No, of course not, Alexis. Why would something be bothering me?"

"I don't know, but you seem awful jumpy. Is someone after you?"

"We aren't really inside the book are we? We really are in Camelot's past."

Merlon smiled as he reached the door and opened it. "You two are very observant. A trait I see you get from Arthur. Yes, Henry, you are not really inside the book. The book is a portal into the past much like the portal you'll create for Alexis in the future if this plan fails."

"But Henry and I never learned anything from you. We never had the book in the first place."

"Henry did have it, Alexis. It appeared in his bag like all the other books he read to you."

"Why didn't he tell me?"

"I asked him not to."

"Wait, how do you know all of this? It hasn't happened yet."

"What you know as your history won't happen now. You've changed things and you must continue to change things in order to save your family. And the reason I know all of this is because I've seen it."

"Then you can change it. Instead of creating the Dark One destroy her and save yourself." Henry felt relieved knowing Merlin all ready knew why they were there in Camelot.

"Alas, I can not, Henry. You both know all magic comes with a price. It's because of me that Arthur Pendragon becomes king of Camelot. It's for the greater good, but I've messed with the grand design. For that action, I will be trapped by Morgan once Arthur and Mordred kill each other. I can not change what has all ready begun."

Lexi glanced at Henry smiling slightly as he nodded his head in agreement. "Maybe we can help change Arthur's future?"

"Perhaps, but Arthur's fate was sealed the day I helped Uther Pendragon father him. Morgan will find a way to kill him. But enough talk about death and things we can not change. You both are here for my help, and you shall have it."

Regina searched the entire ship but there was no sign of either Henry, Alexis, or the Camelot story book. Hook practically tore his sleeping quarters apart but found nothing. He wouldn't be dissuaded from returning to the Jolly Roger. "Where could they be?"

"She could have them held captive," Killian said as he stepped up onto the main deck of his ship.

"No, the Dark One would have no use of Alexis and Henry. She would have killed them had she found them here."

"Gold's right. Morgan's soul purpose is to kill Merlin. She can't do it in this time, so she's determined to go to the past to do it."

"Then we have to stop her before she succeeds. And if she's harmed Henry..."

"We'll get her together, Regina."

"We best be off then," Killian said stepping up beside Emma."

"Killian..."

"We don't have time for arguing, Swan. I'm coming with you."

"All right, but do me a favor and stay behind us."

"Emma..."

"Agree or I'm leaving you here, Hook."

"As you wish, Swan."

"Thank you, Killian. Follow me and be prepared for a fight."

"Henry, duck!" Lexi threw her dagger as hard as she could while a soldier advanced on Henry's position."

"Thanks," Henry said as he rose to his feet. He turned around clashing his sword against another soldier's sword who was approaching him. He dispatched him easily then turned around and watched Lexi do the same to the soldier she was fighting. "Where's Arthur and Mordred?"

"Near the lake why?"

"It's our last chance to save him."

"Henry, I don't think we were meant to."

"Why because every attempt has failed?"

"Something like that," Lex replied slamming her sword backwards and into an approaching soldier behind her.

"We can't give up, Lexi. And remind me never to piss you off." The smile on Henry's face vanished as he read the warning in Lexi's eyes and he spun around swinging his sword high aiming for the enemy's throat.

The soldier easily deflected the strike then used his own body strength to push the young man backwards. The soldier lifted his helmet and shook his head. "You might be older Henry, but I'm still stronger. Why do you fight for Pendragon after what he did for Lancelot and the Queen?"

Henry gritted his teeth as he tried to hold his ground only to feel his feet slide backwards. "I could ask you the same thing, Garrett. Mordred isn't the king. He's the one who started the lie that led to this."

"You speak dangerous words, my young student. But please indulge my curiosity . What lie do you speak of?"

Henry took a step backwards but held his sword in a protective position. He didn't trust Garrett enough to fully drop his sword. "The lie about the Queen and Lancelot having an affair."

"How can it be a lie Henry, when he witnessed the act?"

"Because all he witnessed was Lancelot kissing the Queen's hand. You know as well as I that Lancelot has been the Queen's rock since she lost her child. And we all know that she lost the babe because of Morgan Le Fay. With Arthur away for so long on the Crusades, the Queen could have fallen in love with Lancelot. But she has always put Camelot and her people first. Mordred and Morgan want this war because they want to destroy Arthur and Camelot."

Garrett stopped his advance and dropped his sword. "You need to get your brother away from here Alexis, before he gets himself killed. And you listen to me, Henry. Camelot was all ready falling before Morgan and Mordred arrived. Merlin blinded you like he blinded all of us."

Henry clenched his jaw as Garrett walked past him to engage another of Arthur's men. He lowered his sword once he felt Lexi's hand squeeze his shoulder. "What is wrong with them?"

"Morgan and Mordred have poisoned their minds. Lets find Arthur and see if we can help him."

"All right," Henry said leading the way toward the lake.

"I wondered how long it would take you to come back here, Emma. And I see you've brought help including the pirate. I think I'll kill him first."

Emma moved protectively in front of Killian. "You aren't touching him, Morgan. Where are Henry and Alexis?"

The Dark One smiled and pointed down at the open story book resting on a table. "They're in here, but don't worry I'll pull them out shortly. I can't have them spoil my fun."

"You leave them out of this..."

"They're the ones who got themselves into this mess, Regina. I'm just offering to get them out of it."

"Swan, we can't trust her. If Henry and Lexi went into the book they had their reasons."

"I know, Killian. We don't want your help, Morgan! Step away from the book!"

"Brave words for a spirit, Emma. You can't stop me any more than you can save your precious Pirate."

"Enough of this...Get away from my son!" Regina shot her hands out sending a jolt of magic at the Dark One. She gasped seeing the magic not knock the Dark One out, but be absorbed into her body.

"What's the matter, Regina? Not expecting that? You're in my Camelot now, Dearie. Any dark magic used in Camelot or on me only makes me stronger. But you can have your magic back as a cancelation prize." The Dark One snapped her fingers and a ball of energy shot out of her knocking Regina across the room into the far wall.

"Regina! Gold, why are you just standing there?!"

"He's a coward! He has always been a coward!" Killian tried to move around Emma's ghostly appearance only to have her block him again.

"I don't have the power to take her on, Ms. Swan. It's as simple as that."

"Then why did you come?" Emma glared at the former Dark One as she blocked Killian's path.

"I came at his behest, Ms. Swan. You heard the conversation."

"All right, don't make me separate you two. Especially when I'm the one you want. Now what are those brats doing?" The Dark One glanced down at the open book.

"Lexi, I found them!"

Lexi spun around hearing Henry's worried voice. The sight before her chilled the blood in her veins. Mordred laid unmoving at the bottom of a hill. The ground was stained red with his blood. She could only assume Arthur was somewhere at the top of the hill also dead or bleeding to death. She ran to Henry's side and together they raced up the hill.

"Henry, we might be too late."

"We can't be, Lexi. It's our last chance to save him. Look, there he is!" Henry pointed toward a clump of trees in the distance.

Lexi picked up her speed. She and Henry reached Arthur's side at the same time. She reached under her chain mail for her tunic, but Arthur's hand stilled her movement. "But, my Lord..."

"It is no use, Alexis. Mordred has dealt me a death blow."

"But my Lord, we may be able to help you."

"You can help me, Henry. I was going to return Excalibur to the Lady of the Lake, but I've changed my mind. This sword in the right hand can bring peace and prosperity back to Camelot. The sword must be placed in a stone in the heart of Camelot." Arthur pulled the sword close to his lips. "You will remain in the stone until a good man or woman comes to take their rightful place as Camelot's true ruler."

Lexi glanced at Henry then back at Arthur only to realize he was starring intently at her. She ducked her head feeling heat on her cheeks. Why was the king starring at her? She knew it would be Henry who took Excalibur from the stone, and she was fine with that. It was only right since he was the first born after all. "How will we place Excalibur into a stone, my Lord?" Lexi lifted her head once she had her embarrassment under control.

"I know Merlin has been teaching you, Alexis. Use what he has taught you to accomplish this task. Now go both of you so you can return to me when it is done."

"As you wish, my Lord," Henry said as he and Lexi rose to their feet. He held Excalibur tightly in his hand.

Lexi whisked them back to Camelot looking for a sturdy stone in the center of the castle's grounds. "There isn't a stone anywhere around here, Henry."

"Then create one, Lexi. Arthur doesn't have much time left."

"I know he doesn't. Okay, step back, Henry," Lexi said taking several steps backwards. She extended her hands sending out a magical burst toward the sandy ground. Rocks and slabs of stone broke through the ground forming a very tight circle and in the center was one single stone. "Put Excalibur in the center stone, Henry."

Henry did as he was told expecting it to be difficult if not impossible to slide the blade into the stone. Instead the sword went into the stone like a hot knife going through butter. He pushed the sword into the stone almost to the hilt. He released the hilt and watched Lexi finish the spell, he assumed as Arthur had instructed them to perform.

Lexi lowered her hands with a very pleased sigh. "It's done. The spell I cast on the rocks will hold Excalibur until you come to claim him, Henry."

"Not that I wouldn't want the honor, but why would it be me? This could be your destiny."

Lexi shook her head in denial. "It doesn't matter. All that matters is it's done. We should get back to the King." She waited for Henry to step close to her before she whisked them back to Arthur's side.

Henry knelt beside the fallen leader and placed his hand on his shoulder. "It's done, my Lord."

Arthur smiled as he opened his green eyes. "Thank you for doing as I asked. I wish I could send you both back to your kingdom, but I am afraid I can not. And with Merlin lost to us you must find the way on your own. Be safe my friends, and go with our Lord who calls me home."

Henry wrapped his arm around Lexi's quivering shoulders as she knelt beside him. He would be strong for both of them as he closed Arthur's eyes. He cleared his throat to hold back his own emotion. "We need to get the remaining knights together and send Arthur to Avalon."

"You're right we do." Lexi lifted her head from Henry's strong shoulder and wiped away her tears. "I'll get us there." A second later she whisked the three of them back to Camelot.

"Is Arthur in his bedchamber?" Henry wasn't surprised to find Arthur's body missing when they reappeared beside Excalibur.

"Yes, I couldn't..."

"I know, Lexi. It's all right. It's time to end this war."

"No! Excalibur was supposed to be mine! Curse those brats!"

Killian continued to pull at his legs to no avail. He, Regina, Gold, and even Emma were firmly glued to the stone floor. If the Dark One wasn't happy then it meant Henry and Lexi had changed something. The whole time the Dark One had been distracted the four of them struggled to free themselves. He glanced at Emma to find she was finally free but remained where she was. He frowned at her only to have her give him a sweet smile.

He understood the message she gave him. He had to be patient. A trait he wasn't very good at. He was a man of action not bloody sitting around. The Dark One was furious that he was certain which meant Henry and Alexis would face that furry alone if they didn't help them. He soon noticed the angrier the Dark One became the more he could move his legs. Her spell over them was weakening. Bloody brilliant plan Swan, he thought as his feet at last came free from the floor.

Regina opened her mouth but quickly closed it when her other three companions slightly shook their heads. It was strange to see Emma in spirit form let alone still listen to her commands. She swallowed her sharp remark and took a deep breath then released it. Her hate powered her dark magic, but if love could thaw a frozen heart as it had for Anna then love would work for her as well.

"So, what did they change, Dark One?"

"Killian, I wouldn't goad her right now."

"Ms. Swan is right, Killian. I would listen to her if I were you."

"But I'm not you, Crocodile, am I?"

"Killian..."

The Dark One turned away from the book and glared at her prisoners. "Enough! I'm sick of listening to you four arguing! I suggest you hold your tongues before I rip the out! Now, I think it's time to bring those brats back before they cause any more trouble!" The Dark One spun around toward the book again only to slam her fist against the table. "You were stalling me so they could finish the other thing I didn't want done!"

"And what was that?"

"That's enough, Killian."

"IF you must know Pirate, it was sending Arthur's body to Avalon." The Dark One glared over her shoulder. "No matter...I can still kill Merlin." She kept her eyes on her prisoners as she yanked her fist, still resting on the table, up. She smiled hearing the two brats scream before they flew over her shoulder into the far wall. "That's better...now there's no one who can stop me from my destiny."

Regina's eyes widened as the two people who'd flown from the book stood up. "Henry...Alexis...is that you?"

"Yes, Mom, it's us...Mom, what happened to you?" Henry rushed to Emma's side.

"I'm fine Kid, I think. But what happened to the two of you?"

Lexi glanced at the Dark One then at her mother. "We grew up, Emma. What's she doing?"

"It doesn't matter. What matters is the two of you are safe now."

"Yes, it does matter, Mom. Lexi and I did not just go through all that for nothing." Henry drew his sword as Lexi joined him at his side.

The Dark One laughed as she turned around to face the boy and girl. "You think the two of you can stop me because you spent twenty years in Camelot? I'm more powerful then you think, boy!"

Lexi turned her head toward Emma and with a wave of her hand made her mother vanish. "But my mother is more powerful than you, Morgan!" She threw her hands at Morgan sending Emma's spirt back into her body.

The Dark One stumbled feeling Emma reenter her body. Her eyes flashed in rage while she fought to block the light magic hitting her. "Your mother...no, it can't be. It's not possible."

Lexi pushed harder as beads of sweat trickled down her face. "A little help would be appreciated."

"I think not...descendant of Guinevere." The Dark One snapped her fingers and the boy was shoved against her prisoners. The next second a barrier went up completely separating them from the girl. "No one will save you from me, girl. I should have seen it before. You look too much like Arthur's bride not to be related to her." She waved her hand knocking the girl backwards.

"Alexis! Leave her alone, Dark One!"

"And you must be dear old dad the way you worry for her so. How sweet this all is but I really must be going." The Dark One smiled watching the girl pick herself up off the floor. "And I really can't leave any loose ends now can I? No, Emma, I won't stop, and alas you don't have the strength to stop me anyway." She smiled at the people trapped inside the barrier she created laughing as she pulled the pirate through without a scratch.

"No, Killian..."

Lexi gasped seeing Morgan pull her dad through the barrier. She had no time to throw Morgan away from him. She knew she had to act fast seeing Morgan's hand fly forward with the Dark One's dagger clutched tightly in it.

Killian saw the dagger coming at him, but he was powerless to move. "Goodbye, Emma...I love you."

Lexi vanished only to reappear directly in front of her dad. She heard her name come from his lips at the same time the dagger plunged into her stomach. Pain ripped through her as her eyes met the black eyes of the Dark One. She could barley breath and black dots blurred her vision, but she refused to give in. She knew if she did everyone she loved would die.

"No!" Killian caught Lexi's body as she was shoved backwards by the Dark One.

"Not the one I wanted to kill, but I'll take it." The Dark One sighed as she turned around walking toward the book with the blood stained dagger still in her hand. "At last all I hear is silence. Pity all it took was the death of your child."

Lexi looked up at her father and smiled. She could feel the hate boiling up inside him. "Let...it...go...Daddy. Please...don't...give...in...to...the...hate."

"Aww, how sweet," the Dark One replied over her shoulder as she lifted the book from the table.

"Ssshhh, save your strength, Alexis. I'm not going to lose you."

"Don't...listen...to...her...Dad." Lexi closed her eyes and summoned all the strength she had left.

"Alexis, what are you doing?" Killian closed his eyes against the bright white light being emitted from his daughter.

"Henry, when this is done you must destroy that book. She can't be allowed to use it to kill Merlin or our ancestor."

"I will, Alexis. I promise."

Lexi nodded her head even though she knew Henry couldn't see the movement.

"What lesson are you going to teach me today, Master Merlin?"

"One that when the time is right will banish Morgan to the Isle of Avalon."

"I don't understand. Won't she tarnish Avalon by being there?"

"She will be powerless there and eternally trapped until you find me so I can finally destroy her."

"What about Emma? Does Morgan get to continue tormenting her while they're trapped in Avalon?"

"No, my child, Morgan will not torment your mother. She will be the one being tormented. While on Avalon Morgan will be repressed freeing Emma."

"Why do I get the feeling it'll be a good thing Morgan is repressed?"

Merlin chuckled then sighed as he nodded his head. "You are very perceptive like your mother. Actually, it seems all the women in Guinevere's line have that trait. Yes, it is a good thing because your father will be consumed with rage."

"Why?"

"Because child, this lesson which you are about to learn can only be performed as you die. I am sorry, Alexis. I wish there was another way. To save your mother you must die by Morgan's hand."

The Dark One spun around as the entire room became enveloped in white light. "What are you doing?" She threw a blast of magic at the Pirate only to watch it get absorbed into the white light. "Merlin, this is your doing! I've come too far to be defeated by a child!"

Lexi opened her eyes sending the white light at Morgan. She smiled watching Morgan get sucked into the light and begin to be attacked as she had once attacked Regina. "Goodbye...Morgan...Le...Fay," she whispered as the white light and the Dark One vanished into a cloud of white smoke.

Killian quickly looked down at Alexis and what he saw and felt stilled his heart. She was cold, clammy, and shivering uncontrollably. Her sweat covered locks stuck to her skin as her blood covered her clothes staining them red. "Someone do something!"

"There's...nothing...they...can...do. I've...lost...too...much...blood. Go...to...Avalon...Dad."

"No, I've got a Dark One to kill!"

"Then...I'll...never...be...born. And...you'll...lose...everything. Trust...me...Dad. Promise...me...you'll...go...to...Avalon."

"Aye, I will do as you ask. Now, please hold on and save your strength Don't give up."

"You...either...Dad. And...thank...you...for...your...promise."

"Where did the Dark One go, Alexis?" Regina looked around sensing nothing. There wasn't a trace of her dark magic anywhere. She, Gold, and Henry slowly moved around Killian and Alexis so the girl wouldn't have to move to see them properly.

"I...trapped...her...until...Merlin...can...be...found."

Regina was just as angry as Hook. It was one thing to hurt them, but it was another to hurt children. She glanced at Henry silently vowing this deed would not go unpunished. "Where?"

Lexi shook her head slightly and took a shallow breath. "I...love...you...Fath..."

Killian held Alexis close against his chest, and laid his cheek against the top of her head while tears slid down his cheeks. He would keep his promise to his daughter. He would travel to this Avalon, but then he would kill the Dark One. He would wait until Emma was free of course because it wasn't Emma who killed their child.

"Hook, we need to go. I've got a promise to keep." Regina touched Henry's shoulder and gently squeezed.

"No, we don't, Regina. We will bury my daughter first, then we'll go."

"We don't have time..."

Killian glared up at Gold. "Then we make time, Crocodile!" He looked back down to find Alexis fading from his arms. "No!"

Henry chocked back his tears as his sister faded completely out of Killian's arms. She was gone, but his promise needed to be kept. He pulled away from Regina, stepped up to Killian's side, and squeezed his shoulder gently before turning around. He pulled his sword from it's sheath and stepped up to the book now laying on the stone floor. "This is for you. Alexis." He slammed his sword into the book turning it into dust. The portal was destroyed and with it he realized he was back to the age he was when he and Alexis first traveled to Camelot through the book. "Now, lets destroy the Dark One once and for all and free Mom."