Hey all! So I know it has been an extremely long time since I posted anything, but... I decided to change that. I'm very rusty and I don't have any clue how good this is, but it struck me and I couldn't stop myself. :) This is an AU of the final battle, the way I wish it had gone. I messed with some details, but that's why it's an AU!

I may write more if you guys want - maybe make this a verse or something...

"Merlin, you can't do this."

Merlin looked at his mentor, a gentle smile playing on his lips, as his eyes flared a bright gold. The battle had slowed now, moving on beyond the small group of friends that had gathered. All of whom were now staring in shock at Merlin.

Arthur lay gasping at his feet, dying. Gwaine lay in Percival's arms, dead.

Something in Merlin had snapped and he knew that he had access to more power than he had ever dared use. No more.

The wind began to gather, whipping around the young warlock as he gathered his strength. "I am Emrys. I am a high priest of the Old Religion. I was born with magic. I am not just a practitioner of magic, I am the physical embodiment of it. I have defeated the other priests and priestesses – Nimeuh, Morgana, Morgause, and Mordred – traitors. And magic, the old religion, and destiny itself must bend to my will. I wield the power of life and death."

Merlin threw out a hand towards Morgana's body. "Morgana for Gwaine."

In Percival's arms, the knight jerked and burst to life, coughing and gasping.

Merlin threw his other hand out towards Mordred's body. "Mordred for Elyan."

Everyone jumped as Elyan suddenly appeared beside the other knights, looking completely stunned himself.

Finally, Merlin looked down at his dying king, eyes still flaring gold, a sad smile on his face. He knelt beside Arthur, placing his hands over the fatal wound. "And me for Arthur."

At that, Arthur weakly grasped Merlin's wrist. "No, Merlin." he choked out.

"It's easier this way. Now you don't have to banish me or execute me." Merlin finally let the tears flow down his face.

Arthur furrowed his brow, giving Merlin a scathing look. "C-can't put y-you in th-the st-stocks for ly-lying to m-me if you're d-dead, Merlin. Find a-another w-way."

Merlin got the message and let out a choked sob. Arthur didn't hate him. The warlock felt his resolve strengthen. He leaned closer to his friend. "I once said that I was happy to be your servant until the day I died. I meant it."

Merlin unleashed his power, feeling a terrible, sharp agony in his chest, but heard a solid gasp of breath from Arthur. His friend was healed. He would be okay. Merlin had fulfilled his destiny, but more importantly he had changed Arthur's. Most importantly? He had saved his best friend.

Just as Merlin started to fully collapse to the ground, strength drained, life fading, he felt familiar arms wrap around him, pulling him close firmly, despite the shaking hands. "Merlin? No, Merlin, don't do this."

A rough hand cupped his face, gently and almost tenderly. "Open your eyes, Merlin. That's an o-order from your king."

Merlin allowed his lips to quirk up in a smile, dredging old memories as he managed, "Y-you know m-me, Arthur, I-I never l-listen to y-you."

Arthur's choked laugh, half sob, told Merlin that he remembered too. "What if I made it a request from a friend?" he asked.

Merlin couldn't say no to that. He forced his eyes open, which took far more effort than it should have. Then again, he was dying, so maybe not. As his now blue eyes met Arthur's teary ones, Merlin felt a tug on his heart. He didn't want to die. Not now. Arthur knew and he didn't hate him.

If he had to die, though, he couldn't think of a more peaceful way to do it.

"Is G-Gwaine okay? Elyan?" Merlin managed.

Arthur nodded. "They're fine. Th-thanks to you." Arthur swallowed against another sob that threatened to break loose. "Merlin, please. Don't leave. Not now. I have so many questions, you idiot."

Merlin blinked up at Arthur through his own tears. "I-I don't want to. But I-I don't h-have much choice n-now."

"Merlin, take me in your place." Gaius suddenly spoke.

Merlin immediately began to shake his head. "N-no."

"Merlin, I am old. I have lived my life. Arthur needs you by his side."

"I-I can't take y-your life, Gaius. I could n-never l-live with th-that."

Merlin felt himself going more limp against Arthur as he began to fade, when a familiar voice penetrated the fog that was settling over his thoughts. "Merlin."

He rolled his eyes over to look at the newcomer, a quick intake of breath communicating his shock. "F-Freya." he didn't quite understand what she was doing away from the lake, but he didn't exactly care either. "Are y-you h-here to es-escort me?" Though there was a teasing note in his voice, he wasn't really joking.

She shook her head. "For all your power, Merlin, the old religion still has the power to dictate some things. You have already changed Arthur's destiny – we must change the one you have created for yourself."

Kneeling beside her lover, the Lady of the lake placed a gentle hand over Merlin's heart. The young warlock's eyes grew heavy as he felt her power course through him and he heard her soft voice reassure him, "All will be well" before he disappeared in the darkness that beckoned.