A/N: Last chapter, everyone! Thank you so much for making it this far and reading my fan fic! Xoxo

(P.S. The episode Pink Cupcakes aired today and I created this ending days ago so there may be very non-canon parts that contradict the outcome of a few characters)

EPILOGUE

1956 - Four years later

The residents of Jupiter and visitors from nearby cities came—just like last year and the year before that. Fraulein Elsa's Cabinet of Curiosities was on its fourth year, lasting four years longer than people expected it to. Four years ago, the entire carnival itself was set to close—but luck was on the show's side and the carnival managed to get the sponsoring it desperately needed, starting with their most gracious benefactor who gave them the kick-start they needed.

But of course, it came at a price, and nobody knew the price until a week before its grand revival, when Ethel Darling, the bearded lady, ran to their trailers to warn them of what was going on. A bitter survivor of exploitation and wrong management, Ethel knew where they were heading and knew that it was every reason to leave the carnival with her son and his fiancé. The new management assured them that they would all be safe, and Ethel remained and died peacefully in her sleep on the management's third year, albeit wrecked with guilt for selling herself out.

Meanwhile, Elsa Mars believed that the benefactors were because of her and her remarkable talent, and her bigheadedness made her the last to realize what was going on. She eventually found out and threatened to go public, but every one of the carnies knew it was too late: she could bring no evidence and would instead be sent to an asylum the moment she tried explaining it to the authorities. And then she got the letter: all the sponsors, including their very first benefactor, wanted Fraulein Elsa's Cabinet of Curiosities, but they didn't really need Fraulein Elsa. Elsa eventually sold her ownership, and was last heard living in a grand mansion estate in California.

Only a few originals remained: Ethel, who had no reason to leave, Paul, Ma Petite and Eve, and Salty, whose value had dramatically decreased now that Pepper was in an asylum. New freaks arrived, both deformed and special in mind, hoping to join the thriving entertainment business in Southern Florida for fame and fortune in exchange for displaying their abnormalities.

The carnival was exactly where it stood four years ago, but now its perimeter was circled with high tall fences: the carnival was so famous that it cost you just to get in. The place was also re-done, a blend of the whimsy the child in everyone adored and the modernity of bright lights and safe family entertainment.

The day was special, and instead of opening early in the morning, it opened just as the sun was beginning to set. The main tent was packed with audience members, some even desperate to watch that they paid five dollars to stand. Dell Toledo stood behind the stage curtain, scanning the front row reserved for the sponsors. He checked to see if each family was there, noting the empty seat in the middle. He turned to Paul, who quickly drum rolled the introduction.

"Welcome, ladies and gentlemen!" Dell greeted charmingly and was welcomed by a loud roar of applause. "Welcome to the show you have been dying to watch for a while now.

"We've got a great show tonight, one that will leave you mystified and wondering at the wonders of the freaks of human nature. Is it real? Or is it just a trick for your five dollars' worth? We assure you, my dear ladies and gentlemen, all of these freaks and performances are all authentic and here to bring you real entertainment."

The crowd applauded. In the front row, the sponsors were impressed at the response, they would all surely return for the next performance. Of course they will. "But before we begin," Dell continued in a formal manner. "We at Fraulein Elsa's Cabinet of Curiosities would like to thank our many sponsors, for without them, this show would not be as good as we have made it for you tonight.

"We would also like to give a sincere thanks of support from our biggest benefactor, for without the support that was given four years ago, our delightful show would have been finished years ago. Ladies and gentlemen, let's give a warm round of applause for Miss Daniella Mott."

From the front row of seats, Daniella stood up and turned to the audience, graciously smiling and bowing at the applause. In a short black dress that was the epitome of a strong, sexy, and successful woman, Daniella confidently took a bow. She sat down a few seconds later, nodding at Dell to start the show. Can't be kept waiting, she thought.

Behind her, people gushed in hushed voices over Jupiter's last Mott, who was still a beautiful girl at twenty-six—but underneath that beauty was no longer the same person. Many had known Daniella Mott in their childhood: she was a wallflower, a total pushover who was destined to be a weaker version of her mother. Naturally, what had happened to the Motts four years ago, they thought she was a goner. What else would she be but insane after witnessing three deaths, all of them so very close to her?

They say that after she arrived home after an early-morning drive, Daniella found Dandy murdering their maid and, with her mother in tow, ran to the playroom to hide—nearly getting caught just to save her mother, but instead was only given a foot injury. Gloria gave away their spot—the old, foolish woman—and Dandy tormented Daniella by killing their mother in front of her, spilling her blood on his sister's face. Daniella had to retaliate and, while Dandy was busy enjoying himself, stole his knife and fought him until she stabbed him fatally in the heart. Daniella killed for self-defense, after all, and everyone found out that Dandy was the unknown accomplice of that clown that kidnapped and killed.

But what surprised everyone was what Daniella did after. She did not marry like her mother wanted, although many have tried to win her over. Bachelors would flock to her, and then suddenly run away after one try. Daniella refused to let anyone control her, and there was something in her eyes that made men reluctantly decide not to pursue the matter with her anymore. Most surprisingly, she rebuilt what was left of her father's dying company, reviving and restoring Mott Industries to its former glory and turning a town-based factory into a multi-national conglomerate. Daniella proved to be a natural at running a company, surpassing male-dominant markets and winning over every acquisition like it rained down for her. She was no longer Daniella Mott, the shy, reclusive daughter of the Motts, she was now Daniella Mott, the alluring, charismatic, and eccentric woman who was heir to the Mott fortune in her own right.

But not all had gone smoothly for Daniella. As soon as the dust settled and Daniella inherited everything, the past began to unravel. Free to roam around the Mott Mansion, Daniella uncovered secrets around the mansion, secrets her mother fought to keep, and now Daniella swore to make sure would not fall into the wrong hands now that she had risen so far. In boarding school, Daniella learned that in-breeding families caused deformed offspring—Gloria married her second cousin, her grandmother was her first cousin, and so on and so forth. And then she remembered her own heart, Dandy's insanity, and her mother's…whatever the hell it was. She wondered what would have happened if Dandy had lived, and she realized she didn't want to know.

The idea to buy the freak show on the outskirts of Jupiter came to her months after the other incident three years ago. She had the means and ways of making it happen, and she realized that it was in her interest that she kept it alive. Of course, only a few knew how much the carnival meant to her heart, but she was determined to keep it going.

"And now ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, Fraulein Elsa's Cabinet of Curiosities presents: The Halloween Spectacular!"

The Freaks came out and started performing, the three-breasted woman and the tall woman performing an opening act, but Daniella was the least bit interested in the performance. She was more interested in the green smoke that was seeping into the tent.

And then she saw him. Her brother, Dandy, pale as a sheet, standing at the side of the stage, next to Mr. Clown, smiling sadly at her. Dandy's eyes were burning with rage and pain, locking into her eyes, and Daniella smiled back smugly. How's hell, Dandy? Daniella thought triumphantly. Happy Halloween.

The others were there too, including the last three she had willingly given in the last three years: the mermaid, the bulldog man, the twins conjoined at the leg. A pang of guilt rushed through her, bus she quickly brushed it away. It was for a good cause, she defended to herself. Dandy stopped staring at her and instead looked at something behind her before grudgingly walking away. Daniella's smiled widened as she felt a gloved hand caress her left shoulder and long hair brushing the other side of her face as he leaned to kiss her cheek.

"My love," Daniella turned and Edward leaned forward to kiss her on the lips after another year-long wait to be summoned. He walked away and took the empty seat one chair away from her, patting his three-year old daughter's head affectionately as he passed her. "Edythe."

"Daddy!" Edythe giggled as she climbed onto Edward's lap. Dressed as a ladybug, Edyth Mott was a little darling, with blonde curls and her father's deep blue eyes. Next to her, Daniella, dressed as a witch, beamed at the sight of Edward playing with their bubbly little daughter.

"Hey, excuse me?" Behind them, a man complained loudly. "Tryin' ta watch the show."

Edward sharply turned his head to glare at the man, who got lost in a trance and kept quiet. He turned back to Daniella, taking Edythe's seat but keeping his daughter on his lap. "I missed you so much, my love—the place looks beautiful."

"Yes it is." She smiled warmly before kissing him. Four years later, Jupiter was still against public displays of affection, but when you owned half the businesses in town, nobody dared complain about her being a single mother or anything else. With one arm, he wrapped Edythe on his lap, another arm around Daniella.

"I missed you." Edward kissed her discreetly. "It's been so long."

"Of course I missed you too." She whispered. "I love you."

~0~0~0~

Ethel Darling was the first to know, Daniella could recall. She came up with the plan the moment she knew she was pregnant with Edward's child: she was totally getting close to getting over Edward, she knew she was, but she thought Edward deserved to know. Ethel, despite her illness, remembered the day Daniella helped her patiently but ran at the mention of Edward Mordrake. She remembered how, hours later, Daniella's brother and mother were killed, Daniella was practically unharmed and, nine months later, Daniella was the mother to a daughter with an unknown father.

Daniella didn't know how, but Ethel managed to connect all these together, and although she tried to oust Daniella, she was determined to keep to her plan: she would keep the carnival thriving, so as long as they performed on Halloween so Edward could come every year. Who he killed after that week was his choice, but Daniella was his friend and his lover and she had her lips to his ear and those who had lived to survive another year knew how to keep their mouths shut, as Ethel soon learned.

The first thing she had to do was make sure the carnival survived, because that was the only line she had left to Edward. She made sure the carnival stayed afloat, using her business connections to get it running despite the expense it made to her company. The profits were just an extra perk, but having Edward around for a week for the last three years meant everything to her, even more than her thriving company.

And to their daughter. Daniella knew what it was like growing up without a father—she would never let that happen to Edythe, not if she could help it.

~0~0~0~

The show ended with a standing ovation. Daniella and Edward, carrying a sleepy Edythe, went backstage for an easier exit. Back in the carnival grounds, everyone was in a Halloween costume. Everyone greeted Daniella as she passed, some noting the handsome stranger in an old English costume carrying Daniella's daughter and with his hand in hers—nobody dared say a word about it.

"I have a surprise for you." Edward said quietly as he gently put Edith on the backseat. "I'll show you when we get home and tuck this little angel to bed."

"Surprise?" Edythe's face lit up.

"Not for you, dear one." Edward cooed. "Just for your mother. Your surprise comes tomorrow."

Daniella drove home to the Mott Mansion, where Helen was waiting for them. Helen had been Dora's replacement four years ago. Daniella knew that she knew what was going on, seeing Edward every year, and liked that Helen knew how to keep her mouth shut. She wasn't Dora, but she would do.

"Good evening, Miss Mott, Mister Mordrake." Helen greeted them at the door.

"Miss Helen." Edward said politely as they passed her. The family went upstairs, down the right hall, noting the cemented wall that was once Dandy's playroom. Edythe's room was a big room next to the master bedroom, Daniella's room, which was every little girl's dreams. Edward and Daniella changed Edythe's costume to her favorite pink pajamas and tucked her into bed.

"Will you still be here, in the morning, daddy?" Edythe smiled sleepily.

"Of course, darling." Edward patted her and kissed her forehead. "I love you. Good night, Edythe."

"Good night daddy, good night mommy." Edythe said sleepily, easily falling asleep.

Daniella and Edward left the room quietly. As soon as they were out, Edward pulled Daniella in a tight embrace. "I missed you."

He kissed her gently on the lips. Three years later, he still considered himself lucky that Daniella found a way for them to be together. He was so proud of her, doing so much in that span of time. For the rest of the year, he was trapped in his own world, a hell where It ruled and he was stuck in growing misery, but he managed to keep his sprit up knowing that Daniella and Edythe were waiting, and that week he had with them meant everything. Edythe was perfect, barely a few months old when he first saw her. As for Daniella, there was something different about her, but Edward knew it was a good change, the way she managed to handle herself.

Edward leaned forward to kiss her, and Daniella giggled. She started to tug at his shirt when he pulled her back. "Wait, my love." He held back. "I want to show you a surprise first—at our clearing."

They went back downstairs, passing Helen on the way out. "Look after Edythe," Edward called out. "We'll be gone a while, my lady."

Daniella sped through the quiet roads to the clearing. It was overrun with longer grass and the evening mist gave it an eerie feeling. "What's going on, Edward?"

"You can come out now." Edward called out. "Just like we promised."

The air got colder for Daniella and she pulled closer to Edward. From the other end of the clearing, another man entered. His red eyes popped out in the dark, covered in a black overcoat and wearing a top hat similar to Edward's, but adorned with skulls and feathers. His face was ash gray, but looked more like a burned man who didn't crumble into ash.

"Lord Mordrake," He said with an accent, bowing lowly. "This must be your little doll, Daniella Mott, is it?"

"Who are you?" Daniella asked.

"I thank you, by the way, for sending me your mother." He lowered his hat. "The name's Papa Legba, call me Papa."

"The gatekeeper of the spirit world." Edward explained.

"Gatekeeper, and a very big fan of your lover's work." Papa grinned. "Don't worry, doll, I know you'll be coming to me in four years' time—I can hear your heart giving way as we speak.

"Luckily for you, your man and I came to an…agreement." He beamed at Edward, who smiled grimly. "You see, Danie, Lord Mordrake here will never die. You and your daughter however…I can't fix your heart, but I can make you live forever, should you please."

It was like striking a deal with the devil, and Daniella heard enough stories to know how those deals turned out. She was a businesswoman, she needed to treat this like an important deal. "What's the catch?"

"For you?" He asked. "Nothing. But in the future, whomever Lord Mordrake kills goes to me, not him, and I will let you live. Simple as that. He chooses whom to kill. You live in good health at twenty-six forever. All I'll do is accept whomever Edward kills."

"It seems too easy of a deal." Daniella narrows her eyes. "How should I know there is no loophole?"

"I can see how four years of working in a suit can make you so trusting." Papa said dryly. "Be that as it may, I respect Lord Mordrake and what he does—it'll be an honor working for him and well, the other one."

Edward heard a gasp from It, for being mentioned. "So you just want Edward to keep doing what he's doing and you'll let me live forever…and live normally? Like how I would live if I didn't have this problem?"

"Yes, yes," Papa said impatiently. "Whomever he kills is my property in my world, and in exchange, the two of you live however you want to for eternity…and Lord Mordrake can come and go from the spirit world as he pleases."

"What?" Daniella asked, her heart stopping.

"You heard me." Papa said slyly. "A week, a year, ten years—if you and him can agree to the plan, he can leave the spirit world for all I care. So long as he kills a freak every year, and that soul is mine."

"Surprise." Edward leaned in.

"So, do we have a deal?" Papa held out his hand.

"Wait, what about Edythe?"

Papa's eyes widened. "Ah her. She'd remain three years old forever."

"No." Daniella said. "I won't decide the rest of my daughter's life, and I'm sure she wouldn't want to be a three-year old forever."

"She's right." Edward supported. "If she's getting immortality, I would not want it on her now."

Papa sighed. "You are a smart girl. Very well, you gain immortality, I open the gates of the spirit world for Lord Mordrake here, and I come back when she turns eighteen to hear her decision—no strings attached."

"Deal." Daniellla held out her hand. Papa hastily took it and shook it. At their contact, Daniella felt a surge pass through her, and suddenly she had never felt more awake.

"Congratulations, Miss Mott." Papa grinned. "Immortality becomes you. And by the way, I congratulate you on what is to come for you"

Papa bowed before retreating to the fog, which disappeared instantly. "Daniella…" Edward called out, holding his arms out. Smiling, Daniella entered Edward's embrace, their lips locked. Within seconds, they were on the ground once again, replaying their last night together.

"Forever?" He grinned as she savagely pulled the ribbons on her dress.

"Literally?" Daniella smiled widely. "Yes, forever."

~0~0~0~

The two returned to the mansion early in the morning. Daniella's dress and hair were messed up and she was wearing Edward's long overcoat throughout the drive. Her back and legs were aching, but she felt so happy after a year of waiting. Now I'll never have to wait. She thought happily, glancing at Edward, who was also lost in his own daydream. When they arrived, breakfast was already at the table, with Edythe on her high stool, nibbling on a slice of bread.

Passing the threshold, Edward could hear It muttering—it could go to hell for all he cared, Edward thought. For the rest of the year, he was in the dark, dark place where he and his coterie performed for each other, and when he was not performing with his creaky piano he was waiting for the day that Daniella would summon him.

And it was about to get even better now that she too was immortal and he never had to go back. "Here's to our future then, my love." He kissed her as he helped her push her chair back.

"We don't have to eat, do we?" Daniella asked, amused as he began placing food on her plate. "It's not like I'm going to starve to death."

Edward smiled as he set the plate in front of her. He got a roll for himself, biting into it. "Neither will I, but now that we have an eternity together, I don't mind trying to act like a normal man in a normal family."

Daniella got up, sliding on the armrest on Edward's chair. "Like a normal family?"

"Almost, but not quite." He said invitingly. "But something even better."

He pulled Daniella and kissed her. He took the Mordrake necklace she wore between his fingers. "Of course, it would seem more fitting if I were married to the mother of my child—since I'll be here for a long time, of course."

She froze. "Are you serious?"

He smiled. "You bet I am." He pulled her closer, his hands on her face and their eyes inches apart. "Daniella Mott, will you marry me?"

Daniella laughed. "Really?" For the first time in years, a married life seemed inviting now that Edward could be in that picture. "You mean it?"

"Unless you want to." Edward shrugged lazily, knowing very well that Daniella wanted it.

"Of course!" Daniella smacked him in the shoulder. "Yes, I'll marry you."

"Wonderful." He said loudly. They heard Edythe gasp, and they looked at her.

"What's up? " Edythe squeaked.

"Baby, daddy's going to stay." Daniella walked to her and pushed her closer to Edward's seat. "We're going to be together for a long time."

Edward wrapped an arm around Daniella's waist. Daniella smiled at him before taking her seat to personally feed Edythe. Looking at the future Daniella Mordrake and Edythe Mordrake, Edward knew that there was no other way he would want it. For the first time in centuries, he finally felt at home.

"Ma'am," Helen strode back into the dining room. "The Langdons cancelled their trip and are wondering if Thomas can play with Edythe today."

"Who's Thomas?" Edward asked curiously.

"The Langdon's little son." Daniella explained. "Lovely little boy, a bit taken with Edythe too."

Daniella looked at Edythe, talking to her latest imaginary friend. The little angel was extremely smart for her age, knowing a lot of things kids took years to learn in school. Daniella was proud of her daughter, and proud of herself for raising someone this wonderful. Edythe looked back at her with that mischievous smile of hers, mumbling on with her imaginary friend things Daniella couldn't understand. The daughter of a murderer's sister and a ghost that kills freaks of nature. She thought with a bit of dark humor. You'll never have to go through what I did. I know great things will come from you, Edythe.

As if she heard her, Edythe smiled wider at her mother.

I like this one better than the last one, It said menacingly. At least she provides you with a kill—better than that weak girl who stood before you centuries ago. I'll let her live—maybe.

"You'll never leave, will you?" Edward said coldly. He could now speak freely—Daniella knew his secret, and she was smart enough to know when he was speaking to it. "You vile creature—but you'll never win."

Will I? It sneered. Have you honestly not figured it out yet?

"What?" Edward asked coldly.

I was never meant to torment you alone, Edward Mordrake. It said coldly. That was just an incentive for being part of you. I was made to make sure your destiny would be fulfilled.

"And what would that be?"

Lover of a murderer's twin, father to a half-ghost child, reaper to those unlucky at birth, and just recently, hired killer of a gatekeeper—take your pick. Something bigger than heaven is planned for whom that would come after you.

Something about the way It described Edythe made Edward uneasy, but he quickly brushed it off. Edythe was the perfect child, and It could whisper all he wanted, Edward no longer listened. He glanced at Daniella, who was too distracted playing affectionately with their daughter, and Edward knew that, finally, he was home.

Edward looked at Edythe, smiling quietly at her father. Edward felt the face snigger behind him, and then at the same time, Edythe gave a small giggle. A mere coincidence, Edward brushed it off, sliding his hand on Daniella's, entwining fingers. This was what important, and he would be damned if his happiness would slip through his fingers once again.

~ THE END~