Merlin is Charmed 4: The Whole Truth

by lindiloo02

Part 4 of Merlin is Charmed. Merthur, slash. Both Merlin and Arthur had their secrets and they were hovering over them like a big black cloud, it was only a matter of time before lightning struck revealing everyone's secrets. And with not one but three demons after them it was not going to be pretty. Can they come to terms with it all to ensure the rebirth an ancient race?

1. Chapter 1

Chapter 2 will be up in a week or two, not sure if there will be 2 or 3 yet.

You don't need to know Charmed to follow this series and if I have done this right you should be able to read this without reading the previous 3 parts without getting too confused, though it would probably help.

For those who follow charmed I have not followed the series religiously so things will appear out of order and slighlty different to fit my twists. I have based this on 2 episodes and then we go off and come away from the Charmed world a little, I got a little carried away lol.

I will keep this series at a respectable level, so nothing explict in this series.

I don't own Merlin or Charmed and no profit was made from this, but I am sure you already knew that.

Enjoy!

---

"Merlin now!"

Merlin froze the demon that was running towards him with a fireball in his hand. Merlin, Morgana and Freya had managed to corner a fire demon in an underground parking lot.

"Morgana throw the potion!" Merlin yelled at the same time as Morgana threw the potion. The tiny glass bottle shattered against the frozen demon, the red liquid inside slowly oozed its way down the demon's chest, sizzling slightly.

"Okay Freya your turn." Morgana said.

Freya proceeded to quickly move the fireball in the demon's hand with her power and directed it at the sizzling potion. The potion ignited and the fire quickly spread and engulfed the demon in a matter of seconds. The demon unfroze and started to scream before fully understanding why. The demon was powerless to stop it, his own power had been turned against him. Less than a minute later there was a small pile of ash where the demon once stood.

"Well that went like clockwork," Freya smiled, as they all breathed a sigh of relief.

"We've had plenty of practice," Merlin agreed, "How many does that make this month?"

"That's what you call team work," Morgana answered with a grin, "And that one makes eight so far." Morgana still got a big kick out of vanquishing demons. They all did really, after all they were stopping evil and saving innocents, who wouldn't get a kick out of that? But Morgana seemed to get a bigger kick that the rest of them. It was like she never realised the danger that came with it.

"We do make a good team. Do you think they will give us a few days off this time?" Freya asked, as they started to make their way back to the car.

"Who knows, though I doubt it." Merlin sighed, turning to glance one last time at the scene to make sure they hadn't left any evidence. On the upper level in the corner Merlin caught sight of bright white lights fading out of sight.

"There! Did you see them?" he shouted, drawing Morgana and Freya's attention.

"See what?" they replied in unison, looking to where Merlin was pointing.

"The bright white lights." Merlin explained tiredly, knowing already that they clearly hadn't seen anything. They had had this conversation before.

Merlin had been noticing the bright white lights a lot lately. They were almost like orbs that you see on ghost pictures but there were lots of them, concentrated onto one spot, and brighter. He had been noticing them ever since they fought the demon from the future and Merlin hurt his head. He woke up perfectly fine but he distinctly remembered seeing the bright orbs before he lost consciousness, he had been seeing them more and more ever since. Usually when they were fighting one demon or another and never in plain view. It was always in the corner of his eye or at a backwards glance, there one moment, gone the next. Unfortunately he was the only one to see them. And they never believed him.

"Again with the white lights Merlin," Freya said exhausted.

"I'm starting to think that this demon vanquishing has gone to your head, that or the stress of work is finally starting to make you crack." Morgana added, nudging his shoulder with hers whilst grinning.

It's true that his work is stressful. He was back at the restaurant Quake. The restaurant had called him three days after he had quit to inform him that Alvarr had been fired by the owners, he was caught trying to fiddle the books, and Merlin was offered the job in his place. He still didn't like it much but now that Alvarr was gone there was a lot less pressure involved and he could finally do things properly, which meant hiring the right people to do the right job so he didn't have to do it all.

In one call he had his job back and a promotion, it was better than no job at all and he at least got a few days off to recharge his batteries. He still didn't get to cook, well not much, a little bit here and there. Yes it was stressful but nowhere near as much as when Alvarr was in charge and certainly not stressful enough for him to imagine bright white orbs.

"They were there, I'm not seeing things." He insisted as they got into the car to go home and hopefully bed.

"Sure they were, and I'm a pixie," Morgana replied sarcastically.

"Hey! Careful what you say, we don't need another transformation," Freya exclaimed whilst glancing at Merlin. Clearly thinking about the time that Merlin got turned into a Wendigo, a werewolf like creature. That was not fun. "Not while I got this big presentation tomorrow. I need to impress my new bosses."

"Ooh need any help?" Morgana asked, taking Freya by surprise.

"Sure, that would be really good actually, are you sure?"

"Of course, besides if I spend another day in that house on my own I may be the one to start cracking." Morgana laughed.

"I'm not cracking, they were there." Merlin mumbled to himself glancing back one last time as they drove out of the parking lot, even though he knew the orbs would be gone.

Merlin turned back to the front to find both girls deep in discussion about the presentation, Merlin and his lights forgotten. Merlin crossed his arms over his chest with a huff.

Despite feeling slightly ignored he couldn't help but marvel at how well Morgana and Freya got on now. It wasn't that long ago when he thought they would never get on with all the arguing they did. Now they were like two peas in a pod.

Merlin left them to it for a little while, before he started to feel a bit left out "How are your new bosses anyway?" Merlin asked, "Cenred and Morgause was it?"

"Well it's a little too early to tell yet, they haven't been there that long," Freya replied, "But so far they seem okay. Cenred has been really nice, if not a little too nice. Morgause doesn't like me very much, but I think that is jealously. I think they may be together but I'm not sure, Morgause definitely wants to be if they are not".

"Is he hot?" Morgana asked.

"Erm I wouldn't say hot, but I wouldn't kick him out of bed either."

"Do you like him?" Merlin asked.

"Gods no! You know me, I don't mix business with pleasure." Freya laughed.

"Well it's no wonder you never have any fun, with that attitude." Morgana said, "All you do is work, you don't leave time for fun and you really need more fun in life Freya."

"Yes and you have too much fun Morgana," Freya retorted.

"There's no such thing as too much fun." Morgana said, matter of factly.

"I'm not ready, not after Will," Freya said quietly.

Will is Freya's ex-boyfriend. And also a detective, he started to get suspicious with the amount of times the three of them were around crime scenes, so Freya told him the truth. Under a truth spell so that if he reacted badly he wouldn't remember anything. Will didn't react badly but it wasn't positive either. Personally Merlin thought he just needed more time and he would have come around.

"Have you heard from Will?" Merlin asked softly.

"Yes. He keeps calling, he doesn't remember anything so he can't understand why I have backed off and keeping my distance."

"I still think he just needed more time, it was an awful lot to take in in a short space of time." Merlin said voicing his thoughts. "Will is a good man and he has already dealt with supernatural cases. His suspicions are not going to go away."

"That's why I'm keeping my distance because I can't go through that again."

---

Arthur orbed out once he was confident the demon was vanquished and the Charmed Ones were okay. He had been doing that a lot lately, orbing in at the last moment to make sure things went according to plan. He was certain that Merlin had seen him a few times he but hadn't said anything to him. After all he would have only seen his orbs and not Arthur himself. Arthur knew it was risky and he was increasing the chances of exposing himself, but he couldn't help it. He couldn't relax until he saw they were safe with his own two eyes.

He had never felt so overprotective over his charges before, he kept telling himself that they were The Charmed Ones, that they were a special case. But Arthur knew that was only part of it. He had gotten attached to all three of them, especially Merlin, he was almost like part of the family.

His relationship with Merlin was great, fantastic even. With the exception of the big fat lies hovering over them both like a big black cloud. With Merlin hiding his magic and Arthur hiding the fact that he was a White-Lighter, it was only a matter of time before lightning struck. And both his and Merlin's lies and secrets were revealed.

He understood why Merlin lied. He knew it was imperative that they kept their magic a secret. Arthur already knew about Merlin's magic but Merlin didn't know he was a White-Lighter. But otherwise they were really good, they got on really, really well, the sex was absolutely amazing. Arthur knew he loved Merlin and had done since he met him. He is convinced that Merlin is his soul mate but he couldn't say those three words while he was still hiding a large part of himself from him.

The Elders had finally come back with a decision as to whether or not he should reveal himself. They said no, he was disappointed but not surprised. Elder Kilgharrah had told him that The Elders were frightened of the Charmed Ones power. Merlin even more so, as he stands to be the most powerful of them all.

This was a mistake in Arthur's opinion, he felt it would do more harm than good to keep his abilities and their existence a secret. He felt the Charmed Ones needed to know that there were others fighting the good fight that they had someone to go to for help and advice. After all that was his main role, to guide them along the right path. It would make things an awful lot easier if they knew they had someone to turn to for guidance. Not to mention he hated lying to them and spying on them, especially Merlin. He had tried arguing with The Elders but it was useless once they had made their minds up.

Elder Kilgharrah had encouraged him to look up some of the many prophesies concerning the Charmed Ones, said that they included others as well as the Charmed Ones.

Between his charges and his relationship with Merlin, Arthur found himself with very little spare time. It was a few weeks later when Arthur got his chance. The Charmed Ones dad had died, so Arthur thought it would be best if he backed off a bit and give them some space and family time together. Arthur announced that he had to go away for a week or two, something he had been doing a lot of lately to avoid suspicion and to tend to his other charges. Something that he hated, he hated being away from Merlin for any length of time. This was the first time in his White-Lighter life that he actually resented The Elders for putting him in this position. But Arthur used this and took the opportunity to do some research into the prophesies.

Even then it took a while to find the right ones, as the Charmed Ones were prophesised to do many things. But he eventually found them hidden in the back of the library of magic school, in an old store room that was hidden behind an old book shelf. Arthur found them by chance, he was pulling books down from the shelf when he found one that appeared to be stuck. When he pulled harder on the old book it triggered a mechanism that swung the bookshelf round and he found himself in an old store room that had not been used for decades judging by the amount of cobwebs and dust. In it he found many old books but most importantly ones that contained the prophesies he was looking for.

Kilgharrah was right about the prophesies, they don't name him by name, they don't even name the Charmed Ones by name expect for Merlin. It was obvious when the prophesies were made that the Charmed Ones would include a Merlin. There was a Merlin born into almost each generation of the Emrys line and was always the most powerful around. So it was clear that the three most important and powerful magic users destined ever, the Charmed Ones, would include a Merlin

They did however make reference to Merlin's soul mate or Merlin's anchor, this would explain Kilgharrah's grin when Arthur asked about soul mates. They also made reference to the Charmed One's guardian that guides them on the path to greatness, was that him too? But apparently Merlin's soul mate was also needed to trigger a rebirth of an old great magical race. Unfortunately it didn't elaborate on what this old great race was. It could be any number of old extinct magical races unicorns, dragons, phoenix's or Pegasus's to name a few. There were many races that hadn't been seen for hundreds of years, many of which were now myths and rumours but then so was magic to humans.

Arthur had just finished reading this when he was summoned by The Elders and had to orb up to them were was faced with four of them.

"Elders." Arthur bowed his head in respect as he greeted them.

"Arthur." The Elders returned as one.

"You called for me?"

"Indeed we did." One of the Elders replied. Unfortunately Arthur did not know which Elders he was faced with as they kept their hoods to their cloaks up which concealed their faces. "There are matters we wish to discuss with you."

"Of course Elders." Arthur said. His stomach was in knots. Did they know about his relationship with Merlin? He would be in big trouble if they did. White-Lighters were forbidden to be romantically involved with witches, wizards or warlocks, not that that stopped him. They would have to clip his wings and ground him up here in the heavens to keep him away from Merlin.

"We feel that you're spending far too much time with the Charmed Ones, we feel that you are getting too attached and neglecting your other charges."

"That's crap!" Arthur shouted.

The Elders immediately started murmuring to themselves at his outburst, they sounded like a bunch of chickens clucking away to Arthur. He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself before continuing.

"Sorry, that's a load of codswallop." He said with a touch more respect, "I have never once let a charge down and I'm not about to start now."

"You can't deny that you spend more time watching over the Charmed Ones than you have ever done with any other charge."

"Of course I am spending a lot of time with them. There are three of them, they require three times the work, three times attention which therefore takes three times the time." Arthur explained as though this should have been obvious, which in his mind it was. "And since you won't allow me to reveal myself and interact in their lives properly, I have no choice but to resort to spying. This takes longer in order to remain hidden." Arthur finished, bringing up their old argument.

"We are not getting into that debate again." One of The Elders clucked, "We still feel that you are getting too attached and with this in mind we are giving you another charge, her name is Guinevere Smith, she is a future White-Lighter that is being hunted by a Dark-Lighter."

"Another one!" Arthur exclaimed, he had no idea where he was supposed to find the time to take care of another charge. He would do his best of course, if someone needed his help he would give it gladly. Hopefully she would be a short term charge.

"Are you refusing a charge?" The Elders asked.

"No of course not."

"Good, Elder Kilgharrah will give you the information you need. And we will be keeping a close eye on you." The Elders warned, before quickly departing leaving one behind. The remaining Elder stepped forward and lowered his hood to reveal a wise worried old wrinkled, leather looking face, who Arthur recognised instantly.

"Kilgharrah," Arthur greeted with a warm smile. Always happy to see his old mentor.

"Walk with me young Arthur." Kilgharrah said grimly, leading him further away from the other Elders.

"Why are they suddenly concerned with the amount of time I spend with the Charmed Ones?" Arthur asked.

"They are getting suspicious of the closeness of your relationship with Merlin, I believe it would be best if you back off from your relationship for a bit." Kilgharrah admitted. Kilgharrah was the only Elder who know of their relationship and had actually encouraged it from the beginning.

"If I back off anymore there won't be a relationship." Arthur protested. He is certainly not going to back off, his relationship felt barely non-existent these days as it was. "I'm pretty sure that Merlin at the least is getting suspicious of me because I keep having to run off to my other charges, and now I have got another one."

"Try not to worry too much young Arthur, I am not the only one who believes in the old prophesies, you do have other supporters. The others are letting their fear rule them at the moment."

"Their fear of Merlin?" Arthur asked and Kilgharrah nodded. "That's just ridiculous! Merlin wouldn't hurt a fly, well unless it was a demon fly." Merlin knew how to kick arse but the idea that The Elders were afraid of him was still absurd to Arthur.

"But they don't know that." Kilgharrah consoled.

"Only because they insist on keeping themselves a secret." Arthur sighed, "Honestly Kilgharrah they are supposed to be the wise ones, they should know that hiding from your problems won't make them go away."

"Sometimes young Arthur you display more wisdom than all of The Elders put together." Kilgharrah grinned.

"Thank you." Arthur blushed at the compliment. They were silent for a few moments before Arthur sighed again and asked about his new charge.

"Her name is Guinevere Smith and she is a future White-Lighter." Kilgharrah repeated. "She became romantically involved with a man named Helios. But then Helios revealed his true colours as a Dark-Lighter and Gwen ran. Helios is hunting her and chasing her because he claims he loves her and he is killing everyone who gets in his way."

"How am I supposed to do this without revealing myself?"

"You can reveal yourself to Gwen as she already knows about the magical world."

"So it's one rule for one and another for someone else is it?" Arthur huffed.

"That's about the gist of it yes." Kilgharrah chuckled. "You can do this Arthur, I have every faith in you." Kilgharrah assured whilst squeezing Arthur's shoulder. "Maybe…" Kilgharrah hesitated.

"Maybe what?"

"Maybe you could get the Charmed Ones to help." Kilgharrah finished.

"And how do I do that?" Arthur scoffed.

"Trust your instincts Arthur." Kilgharrah said with meaning, before leaving him alone. Kilgharrah had been saying that a lot lately. Arthur was sure Kilgharrah was hinting at something he just didn't know what.

Arthur shook his head to clear his thoughts of Elders, Charmed Ones, Merlin and prophesies he had a charge to focus on, he had to go find Gwen before Helios did.

---

Merlin got home from work exhausted only to find Morgana and Freya bickering loudly in the kitchen. Merlin quickly hung his coat up and rushed into the kitchen before it could get out of hand. "Girls!" he shouted drawing their attention. "What is going on?"

Both Morgana and Freya immediately started talking at the same time so that Merlin was unable to make anything out. "One at a time." He said holding his hands up in surrender. "I take it this is about the presentation at Camelot today."

"No this is about Freya unable to keep her nose out of my private life." Morgana started.

"No this is about Morgana unable to keep her knickers on and not flirt with my boss." Freya shouted.

"It wasn't flirting."

"It was and you know it," Freya insisted.

"You were flirting with Cenred," Merlin asked a little surprised. Morgana hadn't flirted with anyone since she tried to make a play for Arthur, before Merlin got there of course.

"Oh no, not Cenred." Freya said hotly, "Morgause. The one that hates me and is still my boss."

"Morgause?" Merlin asked confused, "Isn't Morgause a woman?"

"Like that would stop her." Freya retorted, meanwhile Morgana was being suspiciously quiet.

"Morgana?"

"What's there to say? She can't deny it I was there." Freya continued.

"Freya shush," Merlin said loudly, "Let Morgana speak." He said more softly.

Freya opened her mouth to speak again, but with a glare from Merlin she closed it. Realising she had gone too far she mumbled a quick "Sorry." In Morgana's direction.

"Okay Morgana," Merlin said gently, "What's going on?"

Morgana leaned back against the counter with her arms folded across her chest and sighed, "I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know?" Merlin asked softly.

"It wasn't flirting," Morgana repeated, pointing a small glare at Freya who remained silent but looked like she was taking in every word Morgana was saying. "But we were being very very friendly. I have never been attracted to women before but I found myself being drawn to her, I have never even been this drawn to a man before."

"Are you attracted to Morgause?" Merlin asked.

"No….Yes….N…I don't know," Morgana sighed.

"I understand that your confused Morgana, trust me I have been where you are. It's okay to be attracted to Morgause, just because you are attracted to her doesn't make you a lesbian or bi it just makes you attracted to Morgause. Don't over think it just let it simply be." Relief washed over Morgana's face as she gave Merlin a nod and a small smile. "And Freya isn't going to give you any grief over this, are you Freya?"

Freya sighed but was much calmer, "The main issue I have with this is that it's my boss."

"I tell you what," Morgana said gaining back her confidence. "I don't know what this is, it may be nothing yet, but whatever it is I promise we won't talk about you or work and we will our 'flirtations' outside the your office." Morgana said making quotation marks with her fingers when she said 'flirtations'.

"Fine, it's just that I have a really bad feeling about those two that's all." Merlin's heart sank. He really wished she hadn't said that. Most of Freya's bad feelings tend to be proved right.

"You leave the sightseeing to me." Morgana grinned making Freya smile in return.

Merlin shook off his worries, the girls were right he worries too much, and forced a smile. "Great now that's all sorted out maybe I can get some dinner I'm starving." Merlin said, making his way to the fridge. Unfortunately he was too exhausted to make anything decent so he settled on a ham and cheese sandwich. And maybe a couple of biscuits he thought to himself with a smile.

"Hey Merlin?" Morgana asked.

"Yeah?"

"When is Arthur back?"

"Why?" Merlin asked in return without looking up, not wanting to say he didn't know. He didn't know much with Arthur these days.

"There is a bee's nest outside on the front porch, I was hoping he could remove it."

"I will deal with it tomorrow." Merlin said, "I will probably be quicker." He mumbled at the end.

"You're allergic Merlin," Freya said.

"Trouble in paradise?" Morgana asked at the same time.

Merlin huffed while he continued to make his sandwich not looking either one in the eye, "I will freeze them-"

"Outside where people can see?" Freya interrupted.

"At night."

"And Arthur?" Morgana asked when Merlin didn't offer up the information.

"I don't know, it's probably nothing and I'm just over reacting."

"Explain it to us and we will tell you," Freya said.

"Well it's like when we have to rush off to vanquish a demon and I have to give him an excuse as to why I'm leaving suddenly or have to cancel a date, he never complains. No matter how lame my excuse is, and trust me some of them have been pretty lame, but he doesn't even bat an eyelid." Merlin paused. "I know I should be grateful that I have an understanding boyfriend but he is a little too understanding at times. There's just something about it that doesn't feel right."

"He loves you Merlin, people who are in love are more understanding and tolerant." Morgana pondered out loud, "Do you love him?"

"Yes." Merlin replied instantly.

"Have you told him?" Morgana asked.

"No. I want too, I have even tried but there is something holding me back. But it's not just that there are other things too."

"Like what?"

"Like how he keeps rushing off too, giving me his own lame excuse but I can't say anything because then I would feel like a hypocrite and I don't really want to draw attention to my own lame excuses. Plus there is the fact that we never go back to his place, I have never seen his place, I don't even know where he lives. And he seems to be disappearing more and more lately, I barely see him anymore." Merlin hesitated to ask the question he wanted to ask, fearing that he might be right. But he had to ask to make sure it wasn't just in his head, "Do you think he is cheating on me? Or has lost interest in me? Maybe he doesn't want to be with me anymore."

"No! No Merlin of course not, anyone can see that he absolutely adores you." Morgana said quickly making Merlin release the breath he didn't know he was holding. "Isn't that right Freya?"

Freya didn't answer, she was clearly deep in thought. Merlin felt himself starting to panic, "Freya?" he asked gaining her attention.

"No I don't think he is cheating on you Merlin." Relief washed over Merlin for a second time.

"But?" he asked knowing there was more.

"I really hate to say this Merlin, but have you considered the possibility that he is a demon?"

"What!?" Merlin said meekly, feeling the panic return. That was something he hadn't actually considered and he should have, considering it has happened to him before.

"Well you said it yourself, he is far too understanding, he disappears a lot, maybe he hasn't taken you back to his place because he doesn't have one."

"Damn," Freya was right. Merlin sat down heavily onto a chair his sandwich lay forgotten. "Morgana what do you think?"

"I think it's unlikely," Morgana said, "But you're right, something is definitely not right and it is a possibility. We will have to perform a demon test to be sure."

"A demon test? There is a demon test and we are only just learning about this now?"

Morgana rolled her eyes, "Honestly Merlin don't you read? It's in the Book of Shadows."

Merlin tried not to look too sheepish. He honestly hadn't read much of the book at all. Only what he needed too as and when he needed too. "I keep meaning to get around to it." He said honestly "I just never seem to have the time."

"Well you should make the time." Morgana admonished. "The demon test is quiet simple really, all you have to do is make him bleed, most demons don't bleed."

"Right so I could just prick him with a needle or something?"

"That would do it." Morgana nodded.

At that moment there was a knock on the front door and Morgana went to answer it. "Are you okay Merlin?" Freya asked while they were alone.

Merlin nodded, "I will be next time I see Arthur, I'm going to prick him." Merlin looked up with an evil grin "I'm going to prick the prat. I hope I don't pop his inflated ego." Merlin laughed at his own joke.

"Riiiight," Freya said looking concerned for Merlin's mental health. Freya picked up Merlin's sandwich off the counter and placed it in front of him. "Eat!" Freya ordered. Merlin obeyed acting on automatic his mind was in a state of frozen panic.

Morgana came back a few moments later looking almost beside herself with glee. "What are you so happy about?" Freya asked.

"Morgause." Morgana said as if that answered everything.

"What about Morgause?" Freya asked biting her lip.

"She invited me to a concert on Friday night, we are going to see the Imagine Dragons. I have always wanted to see them, I can't wait."

The mention of Friday was enough to shake Merlin from his thoughts, "Does that mean you are not going to dad's funeral on Friday then?"

"Not anymore no."

"Morgana" Merlin started.

"Merlin." Morgana copied, "Honestly I wasn't sure if I going in the first place."

"Freya?" Merlin asked.

"No Merlin." Freya said firmly.

"Right so I will be the only one then?" Merlin huffed.

"Honestly Merlin we don't see why you are going." Morgana said.

"To pay my respects, I didn't like the man, but I didn't wish him dead." Merlin snapped.

"We didn't wish him dead either," Morgana insisted. "But I don't see the point of going to pay my respects to a man who walked out on us and had nothing to with us for nearly twenty years."

"But-"

"Morgana's right Merlin," Freya interrupted, "It doesn't feel right to go and mourn a man I never knew, it would be like going to a stranger's funeral."

"Besides I can pay my respect, respect that his sperm created us, privately." Morgana finished, as if that was the end of it. "I'm going to bed." And that really was the end of it.

---

Arthur had found Gwen easily enough, now that she was his official charge he was attuned to her and sensed her panic. He found her in a hotel room in the process of barricading the door when he orbed in.

"Ahhhhh" Gwen screamed and grabbed a floor lamp and pointed it at Arthur. "Who are you? What are you?" Gwen was a dark skinned girl with long brown curls and eyes the colour of warm chocolate.

"I'm here to help," Arthur said gently, holding up both of his hands to show he was unarmed. "My name is Arthur."

"Okay Arthur but what are you? Did Helios send you?" Gwen demanded as she back further away from Arthur.

"No I'm not with Helios, Helios is the Dark-Lighter chasing you? Correct?" Arthur confirmed.

"Yes."

"I'm a White-Lighter, we are the opposite of a Dark-Lighter."

"What does a White-Lighter do?" Gwen asked relaxing a little and letting the lamp drop to point at the floor.

"We are more like Guardian Angels. And I'm here to help you."

"But what can you do? I've seen Helios he has killed people he will probably just kill you too, so its best if you leave."

"First things first, where is he now?" Arthur asked glancing at the barricaded door.

"I saw him downstairs a few moments ago," Gwen said adding the lamp to the pile. "He will be here any moment."

Arthur approached Gwen slowly, "I can shield you if you let me, it will remove you from his sight so you will be invisible to him. He could be standing in this room with us and he still wouldn't see you."

Gwen nodded as loud fast banging started on the other side of the door. "GUINEVERE!" an angry shout was heard throughout most of the building.

Arthur rushed forward and put his hand on Gwen's head. He closed his eyes as he focused his energy into Gwen bathing her in a warm safe feeling as his hand started to glow. The soft white glow moved to cover the whole of Gwen's body.

"GUINEVERE! I KNOW YOU ARE IN THERE!" The banging on the door now became so fierce that the hinges and handle started to rattle as the barricade started to fall apart.

Gwen smiled up at Arthur when he had finished, Arthur returned her smile. "It's not a long term solution, but it will buy us some time." Arthur said as a red glow shone through around the edges of the door. "When I say run, you run. He won't be able to find you."

"Thank you." Gwen smiled, even as the door to the room started to disintegrate along with the barricade. Arthur pushed Gwen to the side of the door and took a few steps back making himself the first immediate target.

A tall dark skinned muscular man now stood where the door was. His head was hairless though there was hair around his mouth in the form of a goatee. Helios also wore a large golden earing in one ear and a tattoo of a crossbow on the left side of his neck. This tattoo is what identified him as a Dark-Lighter. This was meant as an intimidation method against White-Lighters, however it did not work on Arthur.

"Where is she White-Lighter?" Helios demanded. Arthur didn't answer he just shrugged his shoulders.

"I know you know where she is." Helios advanced into the room. "I will only ask one more time, where. Is. She." Helios glared as he continued to advance, not taking his eyes off Arthur.

"RUN!" Arthur shouted, once Helios was firmly in the room and past Gwen. But Gwen was already ahead of him and was almost through the door when Helios spun around. While Helios had his back turned Arthur orbed out and down the stairs to make sure Gwen had made it.

Gwen ran straight into him as he became solid and he had to reach out and catch her to stop her from falling. Arthur used his orbing skills to orb a coach ticket to himself. "Here, get on this bus and I will meet you at the other end, I have some friends who will be able to help us."

"Thank you." Gwen repeated, taking the ticket as if it held her salvation. Arthur guessed it did in a way.

Arthur nodded, "Now come on," Arthur said grabbing her hand and pulled her further down the stairs. "I will see you out of the building but we will separate then. Helios will most likely follow me because he can no longer see you."

"Okay, but only if you are sure you will be okay."

Arthur smiled to himself, this was why she was a future White-Lighter, always putting others before themselves. "I'm sure, trust me, I have done this before."

Once they were out at the front of the building, Arthur gave Gwen a gentle shove in the direction of the coach station then he ran around the back of the building and orbed out. There had been no sign of Helios since the hotel room, but Arthur didn't except there to be. Arthur knew the Dark-Lighter would already being trying to trace him. As much as Arthur loathed to lead the Dark-Lighter to the Charmed Ones and to Merlin he didn't see any other option. Kilgharrah was right he would need their help with this one.

He did have an idea, it was a long shot and was guaranteed to raise some suspicion but it was all Arthur had. A part of Arthur wanted them to be suspicious that way if they were to find out all by themselves he couldn't be blamed by The Elders, though Merlin would certainly blame him.

Arthur used his senses to make sure no one was around before orbing in front of Merlin's house and ringing the doorbell. Arthur frowned when the bell made no sound, looking around the door for any obvious signs as to why the doorbell didn't work he noticed the bee's nest in the top corner of the porch. Arthur felt a twinge of guilt it was his job to keep everything about the house in working order, it seems he's been more neglectful than he thought. Though the bee's nest shouldn't interfere with the doorbell, it was just another job that needed doing.

Arthur knocked on the door instead and it was soon answered by Merlin. "Arthur!" Merlin exclaimed surprised. Arthur felt another twinge of guilt. It was nice to surprise his boyfriend but he shouldn't be that surprised.

"Merlin." Arthur grinned and immediately folded Merlin into a tight bear hug, he had missed Merlin more than he had realised. "I missed you." Arthur spoke his thoughts directly into Merlin's ear.

Merlin didn't hesitate to return the hug. "I missed you too." Merlin replied gruffly.

They stood there for what felt like seconds tightly embracing each other until the sound of someone clearing their throat brought them back to reality.

Freya was standing a little way behind Merlin with her arms crossed and she did not look pleased. "Hello Freya." Arthur greeted.

"Arthur." Freya returned. Arthur reluctantly released Merlin, something felt off here but Arthur had no idea what.

"Merlin, don't forget about that thing." Freya said cryptically, clearly not intending for Arthur to understand what she was on about.

"Oh, right yeah." Merlin replied regretfully. The next thing Arthur knew his hand was stinging and when he looked down he was bleeding, it was only a pin prick but it bothered Arthur a little as he had no idea how he got it.

"Oh Arthur, your hand is bleeding. There is a bee's nest outside one of them must have got you." Merlin exclaimed, looking oddly happy about it.

Arthur's stomach sank to the floor, he knew what this was and it was no bee sting. He would have known if it was a bee sting, there was no sting for a starter and most of nature left White-Lighters alone for another. No this was a demon test, a very basic demon test but effective. This meant that Merlin and the others were definitely suspicious of him and clearly felt a reason to mistrust him.

Arthur swallowed back the lump in his throat, "There's no need to look so happy about it Merlin." Arthur tried to grin but felt it came out as more of a grimace.

"Oh I'm not, you're not allergic are you? Hold on right there and I will get you some antiseptic cream for it, we don't want it getting infected." Merlin rushed out all at once before quickly disappearing into the direction of the kitchen, leaving Arthur alone with Freya.

"Do you remember that conversation we had about what would happen if you hurt Merlin?" Freya asked quietly. Looking Arthur directly in the eyes. Arthur fought back the shudder that was threating to trail down his back, Freya was scary when she was like this. It was like her eyes were burning holes into his sould.

"It's engraved into my memory, yes."

"Good," Freya nodded. "Consider this a gentle reminder." She finished before tailing after Merlin into the kitchen. Leaving Arthur alone for a moment.

They thought he was a demon, Arthur thought as he ran his hand through his hair. Him a demon! Arthur didn't know what to do with that. He was a White-Lighter! A force for good not evil. He knew he had given them cause to be suspicious but he didn't think their suspicions would lead them to that conclusion.

But the more Arthur thought about it the more he should have realised they would think that. They haven't dealt with any of the good from the magical world, not really. And Merlin did actually unknowingly date a demon before Arthur. He could he be so stupid of course they would think he was a demon, he was always running off at a moment's notice and would disappear for days at a time. It was usually to help a charge but they didn't know this.

Arthur wasn't left to dwell on his thoughts for long as Merlin soon returned with some cream that was not really needed, his hand had already stopped bleeding.

"Wait!" Arthur said and grabbed the sides of Merlin's head with both hands, leant forward and kissed him, hard. It was a closed mouth kiss but Arthur tried to convey all of his feelings for Merlin in that one kiss. Despite being closed mouth it left them both breathless.

"What was that for?" Merlin gasped.

"No reason, it just felt like too long since I did that, I didn't want to go another moment without it." Arthur smiled.

"Very smooth Arthur." Merlin laughed.

"Yes I thought so." Arthur said softening his smile. "But I still meant it." Arthur beamed as this earned him another quick kiss from Merlin. The supposed bee sting forgotten about.

M/A

"I'm sorry Merlin." Arthur said softly, once they had got more comfortable, laying down on Merlin's bed in his room. At least here they had a little privacy.

"What for?" Merlin asked from his position where his head was using Arthur's chest as a pillow, while Arthur was slowly stroking his hand up and down Merlin's spine.

"For everything." Arthur murmured. "For not being around much lately, for not doing the things that need doing and for the fact that I'm not going to be able to stay for very long."

"What? You're leaving again?" Merlin said, sitting up.

"Only to run some errands." Arthur soothed encouraging Merlin to lie back down, he was already missing his warmth. "I have a friend who is in a bit of trouble, I need to go pick her up from the bus station soon. I'm really worried about her actually."

"Her?" Merlin asked cautiously.

Arthur grinned, "Relax Merlin, I am completely and one hundred percent gay remember."

"Oh," Merlin replied, "I wasn't worried."

"Of course you weren't." Arthur teased.

"So what's the problem? Can I help?" Arthur smiled to himself. If Merlin wasn't a Warlock then he would definitely be a White-Lighter with the way he cared about everyone, even people he didn't know.

"Well she was involved with this guy," Arthur started.

Merlin snorted, "Naturally." Arthur felt Merlin relax properly in his arms. "I should have known there was a guy involved."

"Let me tell the story, will you?" Arthur said poking Merlin in the ribs causing him to squirm. "So anyway Gwen was involved with this guy" Arthur started again. "He is a horrid man, I have never liked him. Helios is a mean bully who doesn't like it if he doesn't get his way." Arthur invented.

Arthur hated manipulating Merlin like this. He wasn't going to be able to do this for much longer, he is going to have to tell Merlin the truth soon, The Elders be damned. "Why she was ever with him I will never know, anyway it soon turned sour and she is trying to leave but he is not letting go. Everywhere she has gone he has followed her."

"Is he violent towards her?" Merlin asked.

"If he wasn't before he is now. I have always felt something off about him, odd things tend to happen when he is around." Arthur felt Merlin tense before sitting up to show Arthur he had his complete attention.

"Odd? Odd how?"

This is where Arthur had to be careful, he didn't want to give Merlin the wrong information and lead them to the wrong demon. "Well it probably doesn't sound like much but Helios has this habit of appearing out of thin air, he could be in one part of town one moment and then right next to Gwen, who was on the other side of town, in the next moment, honestly the man has some serious stealth skills. And no matter where Gwen is he can always find her."

"Anything else that's odd?" Merlin asked and then proceeded to chew on his lip, which became very distracting for Arthur.

"Um…A lot of things get burnt when he is around and not food either, once I found a handprint burnt into her sofa and things break by themselves even when no one is around. He is obsessed with crossbow weaponry. He actually has a crossbow and even has one tattooed on the side of his neck." Arthur said, giving him the information he would need to find the Dark-Lighter in the Book of Shadows. Arthur sighed to himself, more manipulation. That was it after he got Gwen sorted, he is going to tell Merlin the truth. He would do it now but he couldn't risk Merlin falling out with him with Helios about.

"Where is she going to stay, with you?" Merlin asked.

"Until we can come up with something better, yeah. Though it's not ideal, my place is really small and barely habitable at the best of times. But we will make it work, it's only until she can shake Helios off."

"And what if this Helios guy follows her to your place?"

"Then he will have me to deal with."

Merlin sat there for a few moments and continued to bite his lip. "What if Gwen was to stay here with us?"

"What? No Merlin I can't ask that from you." Arthur lied. That was exactly what he was hoping for.

"You wasn't asking, I was offering. And it makes a lot of sense when you think about it."

"How so?"

"Well not only do we have plenty of room but you would still have to work, what if this Helios turns up when you are in work? At least if he comes here there will be three of us for him to deal with, four counting you." Merlin hesitated and started blushing slightly, "You are more than welcome to stay too you know." Merlin said, not looking at Arthur and his blush getting redder. "You know, so you can keep an eye on her too."

"Merlin," Arthur said softly, leaning forward and putting his hand on Merlin's cheek stroking his cheekbone with his thumb. "You don't have to create excuses to get me to stay with you."

"It kinda feels like I have too lately. I mean are you not interested in us anymore?" Merlin asked, indicating between the two of them.

"Oh Merlin." Arthur said guiltily, and pulled Merlin into another hug. "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry. I promise one day I will explain everything to you."

"When?" Came a muffled reply.

"One day soon, I promise."

"I'm sorry," Merlin said getting more comfortable and wrapping his arms around Arthur's waist. "I don't mean to push you into telling me something before you are ready. It's just so frustrating at times."

"That's not it Merlin, it's a little more complicated than that." Arthur said thinking of The Elders. "But I promise I will tell you everything, soon." This was a promise Arthur fully intended to make good on, the guilt alone was tearing him apart but to have Merlin doubt them, doubt him! Was too much.

"Okay, I guess I can live with that."

"So it's settled then?" Merlin asked after a few moments. "Gwen stays here?"

"Only if you are sure Merlin." Arthur replied giving Merlin an extra squeeze.

"I'm sure."

"What about Morgana and Freya?"

"Don't worry about them they will be fine with it. What about you? Will you be staying?" Merlin asked sheepishly. Arthur swore he could feel Merlin's blush through his shirt.

"I promise I will stick around as much as I can, and not just for Gwen" Arthur reassured.

They were silent for a few moments basking in each other's embrace until Arthur remembered about Merlin's dad which caused another sting of guilt in his gut.

"When's your father's funeral?" Arthur asked quietly.

"Tomorrow." Merlin replied stiffly.

"Are you going? Do you want me to come with you?"

"Morgana and Freya refuse to go." Merlin replied ignoring the first question.

"What about you?" Arthur persisted.

"I don't want too, I really don't want. His family will be there, he had another daughter with his second wife. But I feel like I should."

"I think you need to go for you, that you will regret it if you don't."

"Hmmm maybe."

"Do you want me to come with you?" Arthur asked.

"Are you not busy?"

"I will be here anyway Merlin. Though I will be on call." He was permanently on call but he couldn't explain that to Merlin just yet. "What time?"

"Two. Are you sure?"

"Of course I'm sure."

Arthur squeezed Merlin and then rolled them over so that Merlin was on his back and Arthur was on top. "I'm really sorry but I have to go and pick Gwen up." Arthur said as he nuzzled into Merlin's neck.

"Then don't start anything you can't finish." Merlin panted.

Arthur responded by sucking on Merlin's pulse point. "Merely a preview for later." Arthur chuckled.

"Arthur! Do you know how hard they are to hide, I will have to wear my scarf now." Merlin said with a huff but was also wearing a big grin.

"Nah I like you wearing my mark, shows you are mine."

"So you are going all caveman on me now is that it?"

"But I'm your caveman." Arthur said as he pressed one last kiss onto Merlin's lips, before getting up.

"So what does that make me?" Merlin asked.

"Prey?" Arthur grinned before ducking out the door.

M/A

Once Arthur was safely out of the house he orbed directly into a toilet cubicle at the bus station and went in search of Gwen. He made it to her just as her coach was pulling in.

"Hello Guinevere," He greeted.

"Arthur!" Gwen smiled happily, looking very relieved. "Sorry but I half expected Helios to be here instead of you."

"Sorry, I would have orbed you with me but I needed to check with my friends first, plus Helios can track my orbs, so I have to be careful."

"Does that mean you are in danger?" Gwen asked worriedly.

"Don't worry about me I can handle myself."

"What about your friends? Aren't we leading Helios directly to them too?"

"They can handle themselves better than I can, trust me I have seen them in action." Arthur reassured. He didn't like bringing danger to Merlin and the Charmed Ones but he was also telling the truth, he had every faith in their abilities and he knew he had dropped enough hints that Merlin would now be looking up the demon and find the Dark-Lighter.

"Are you sure? I don't want to put anyone else in danger. Perhaps it would be best if I went to Helios at least then he would stop hurting people to get to me."

"No absolutely not!" Arthur shouted grabbing her arm and making her face him. "There is no way we are going to let you turn yourself in like that. You are meant for bigger things than being a demons pet. We are here to protect you, it's our job to protect you, and that's what we are going to do, understood?" Arthur thought he might have been a little harsh on her but he knew if he didn't, Gwen would most likely go off on her own to save everyone else.

Gwen nodded and smiled to show there were no hard feelings.

"Now," Arthur said directing them to a little coffee shop on the corner. "First I need to talk to you and explain a few things and I'm afraid I have to ask a favour from you."

"Of course, anything. You saved my life." Gwen said following his lead.

"Wait until you hear what I have to say first." Arthur said sincerely. After all he was about to ask her to lie for him. The fact that Gwen was future White-Lighter already tells him enough about her nature, tells him that she won't like it.

"Right well my friends." Arthur started, once they sat down with a coffee in the corner where they wouldn't be overheard. "See my friends, they are witches, powerful witches."

"Witches are real too?!" Gwen shrieked.

"Shhhh, keep your voice down."

"Of course they are I mean demons and angels are real why not witches too" Gwen continued but in a lower voice.

"Well witches and warlock really."

"Naturally," Gwen sighed.

"Right anyway they are powerful witches and will be able to help, the thing is they don't know that I know they are witches and they don't know that I'm an angel either."

"Why not? You told me straight away, if they are your friends you should tell them." Gwen admonished seeming to forget the whole supernatural thing for the moment.

"One of them is my boyfriend actually," Arthur admitted, "Not that my bosses know, I'm not allowed to me reveal myself to them-"

"Is your boss god?" Gwen interrupted.

"What? No" Arthur said a little taken back by the unexpected question. "They sometimes they think they are." Arthur said unable to keep the resentment from out of his voice. "No my bosses are more head White-Lighters, they are more powerful and more experienced and supposed to be more wise but we all serve the greater good." Arthur explained.

"So what is it you are asking of me then?" Gwen asked, sipping her coffee.

"Not to let on that you know they are witches, and warlock, unless they tell you, which they might." They were still far too trusting in Arthur's opinion. "But also not to let on that I know they are witches or that I am a White-Lighter."

"So you want me to lie for you?"

"In a nut shell yes." Arthur admitted.

"It's wrong to lie Arthur, especially with something like this, and it's hardly a little white lie is it." Gwen admonished again. Arthur sighed preparing himself for the lecture. "You're boyfriend sounds important to you and yet you are hiding a large part of yourself away."

"Trust me Guinevere, I know all this already," Arthur said wistfully, "It kills me to lie to him but if my boss finds then I will be in serious trouble."

"Then why get involved in the first place?" Gwen asked, confused.

"Because I can't stay away from him."

"You love him." Gwen stated.

Arthur nodded, "Yes, I'm certain he is my soul mate actually." Arthur admitted with a small smile. "And I do intend to tell once all this with Helios is over."

"But you just said you will be in serious trouble." Gwen reminded.

"I know I did and I will, but I wasn't kidding when I said this was killing me. I will tell them all consequences be damned, just not yet."

Gwen sighed, "I don't like it Arthur but you saved my life, how can I not agree to it? But promise me you will tell him."

"I promise." Arthur swore with his hand on his heart.

"So when do we go?" Gwen asked as she finished her drink.

"Right now, if that's okay. Helios will be tracking me so I rather not stay out in the open longer than necessary, he shouldn't attack with us being in public but I would rather not take my chances." And hopefully he had given Merlin and the other's long enough to do their research.

---

Merlin stayed as silent as he could until he heard the front door close, as soon as did he leapt up off the bed and rushed up the stairs into the attic, shouting "Family meeting!" along the way.

Merlin was torn between relieved and worried if that was at all possible. He was very pleased that Arthur had turned out not to be a demon, extremely relieved but Arthur more or less admitted that he was hiding something.

Merlin couldn't think about that now he didn't have a lot of time before Arthur and Gwen returned and he was certain that Gwen's ex was a demon, not that Arthur knew that of course. At least he had managed to get some identifying features to make him easier to identify which demon he was.

Once in the attic he made his way over the pedestal where the Book of Shadows lived and immediately started to flick through it.

"Merlin? What's wrong?"

"Is everything alright?" both Morgana and Freya asked as they entered the attic.

"We are going to have a guest stay with us for a little while, well an innocent actually."

"What!?"

"Merlin!" They exclaimed at the same time.

"Don't worry it's only for a few days, until we catch the demon hunting her then she can go back home. And stop talking together like that it's creepy." Merlin said briefly looking up from the book.

"But that's means hiding and creeping about in our own house." Morgana wined.

"I didn't have much choice. Gwen, the innocent is a friend of Arthur's and it sounds like she is being hunted by a demon. I couldn't very well let them go back to his where they would be vulnerable and defenceless could I?"

Both Morgana and Freya remained silent trying to find a hole in his logic.

"Look the sooner we identify the demon the sooner we can vanquish him and the sooner we can get this sorted. Morgana, you know this book better than any of us, do you remember seeing anything about a demon with a tattoo?"

"There are several demons with tattoos in there Merlin you will have to be more specific." Morgana said.

"Arthur says he is obsessed with crossbows even has one tattooed on his neck. There was some other stuff too but I was hoping to use the tattoo to identify him."

"I think there might be actually." Morgana said as she took over from Merlin to flick through the book herself.

"Does Arthur know he is a demon?" Freya asked.

"No. As far as he is concerned Helios, the demon, is an ex of Gwen's who is incredibly creepy. But he sounds like a demon to me from Arthur's description."

"Does this Gwen know?"

"I don't know, it's possible."

"Here! I think I found him." Morgana shouted, turning the book so that they could all see.

Dark-Lighters

Dark-Lighters are on a mission to kill White-Lighters, which leaves their charges vulnerable to attack by the forces of evil.

They can orb through a process known as black orbing, and some can inflict a touch of death, in contrast to a White-Lighters healing power.

A Dark-Lighters crossbow is armed with arrows covered in a poison lethal to White-Lighters.

Next to this inscription was a picture of a man. A man with a shaved head and a large golden stud in one ear and a large crossbow tattooed on the side of his neck. The man in the picture even had a couple of scars on his face making him look like some sort of thug or mercenary.

Also at the bottom of the page was a vanquishing section: Potions, Athames, energy balls and they are sometimes susceptible to their own arrows.

"That looks like it could be our guy." Merlin said, once they had all read it.

"But what's a White-Lighter? And does this mean Gwen is one. I don't really fancy taking on two demons and I'm certainly not having one in the house. It would probably be better to let them fight it out amongst themselves." Morgana said.

"It implied White-Lighters are good." Freya pointed out.

"Well if Dark-Lighters are in the book, White-Lighters should be too." Merlin said as he started to flick through pages again. Merlin found the White-Lighters page quickly enough.

White-Lighters

Entrusted with protecting good witches and future White-Lighters.

These guardian angels guide their charges in the use of their magic. Mortals in Life, they are given the choice to become a White-Lighter or move on to the afterlife upon their death.

Among their many powers White-Lighters can teleport through a process known as orbing and they possess a healing touch.

White-Lighters can usually be summoned by calling their name.

The book went on to describe a group called The Elders whom the White-Lighters worked for, who were a council of experienced and powerful White-Lighters that serve the greater good. The book also said that a White-Lighters weakness was the poison on a Dark-Lighters arrow. For which only another White-Lighter could cure as they couldn't rid themselves of the poison.

"Well according to this." Merlin mused. "Gwen could either be a witch or a future White-Lighter."

"Or she could be a mortal that got mixed up with the wrong guy." Freya said.

"This says White-Lighters are mortal in life, so she could be both mortal and a future White-Lighter."

"Oh I hope she is a witch." Morgana beamed, "It would be nice to meet another witch like us. We might actually gain a friend."

"We can have friends!" Merlin objected, "We just have to be more careful that's all."

"And make sure not to tell them anything," Freya added.

"Yes but it would be so much more fun if she was a witch."

Merlin was still fixed onto the book, there was something about that first passage that made bells ring in his head, he just wasn't sure why. At first.

"I wonder why we don't have a White-Lighter?" Morgana asked, just as Merlin was re-reading the part about orbing.

"We do!"

"No we don't."

"Fairly sure we would know," Both Morgana and Freya said together again.

"Yes we do. Those bright white lights I keep seeing. That's our White-Lighter, that's the White-Lighter orbing."

"Well then he is a shit White-Lighter." Morgana exclaimed.

"Morgana!"

"Well he is or she. It says here they are supposed to guide and protect us teach us about magic. How are they doing that if they won't even face us?"

"I don't Morgana," Merlin said shaking his head. "They must have a reason." Though he couldn't think of one.

"Maybe we could make a complaint to these Elders." Morgana said as she started to flick through the book again at great speed. This was an advancement on Morgana's powers, as well as sometimes seeing the past Morgana could now speed read. Even though she was thrilled to have an active power, she was slightly disappointed that it wasn't something more useful.

"I'm sorry Merlin." Freya said.

"What for?" Merlin said confused, it wasn't her fault.

"For not believing you about the white lights." Freya admitted.

"Yeah sorry Merlin." Morgana added.

"It's okay, I'm not sure I would have believed me either," Merlin grinned.

"I don't believe it, there is nothing about The Elders in here," Morgana said slamming the book shut.

"Let's just worry about this Dark-Lighter for now." Freya soothed.

"Right well seeing how we don't have energy balls or any Dark-Lighter arrows I think it would be best if we made the potion. We have made potions a few times now and they are always successful." Merlin said.

"Baggsey making up the spare room," Morgana rushed in. She never liked making up the potions.

"Merlin will make up the potion, he is the chef after all." Freya smiled.

"Not quite what I had in mind when I trained to be a chef." Merlin muttered, even though he did actually like making up the potions.

"We need to make sure she is not left alone here too." Freya added. "She can go with you to the funeral tomorrow Merlin."

"Arthur is coming with me."

"Looks like he has already done that." Morgana laughed, poking Merlin's neck.

"Quit it." Merlin said batting her hand away and attempting to pull his collar up whilst fighting down a blush at the same time. "Come on then, she will be here soon."

M/A

Merlin went to answer the door when Arthur and Gwen arrived and left Freya to take over the potion. There hadn't been time for him to finish it. He was quickly joined by Morgana who seemed very eager to meet Gwen.

"Arthur." Merlin smiled.

"Merlin, Morgana this is Guinevere." Arthur introduced once they entered the hallway.

"Please call me Gwen." Gwen said as she held out her hand.

"Are you a witch?"

"Morgana!" Merlin shouted.

"Er…Well I hope not." Gwen stammered out.

"No I don't mean witch as in bitchy I mean witch as in Wicca." Morgana explained.

"Morgana!" Merlin repeated, glaring at Morgana.

"What? It can't hurt to ask."

"That's not what you ask someone you don't know, traditionally hello is used first." Merlin scowled.

"Hello Gwen."

Gwen laughed, "Hello Morgana and no not a witch, bitchy or otherwise."

"That's a shame, but still it's good to meet new people. This stick in the mud here-"

"Hey!"

"Is my brother Merlin, our sister Freya is upstairs somewhere I'm sure she will appear at some point." Morgana continued as if Merlin hadn't spoken.

"It's nice to meet you Merlin." Gwen beamed. "Thanks again to you all for helping me."

"Oh it's no problem, we like to help where we can. Come on let's leave the two love birds too it and I will show you too your room." Morgana said already tugging on Gwen's hand.

"I will make myself useful while I am here, I will fix the door bell and get rid of that bees nest." Arthur said. "So I will probably be around the front door if anyone wants me."

"Later Arthur." Morgana shouted as they disappeared up the stairs.

"Someone's eager." Arthur laughed.

"Hmmm I get the feeling those two will get on brilliantly." Merlin agreed, automatically moving closer to Arthur.

"I will go and get dinner started." Merlin leaned in really close so that he could Arthur's solid chest against his and kissed him on the cheek before whispering in his ear. "And for the record I always want you Arthur." Merlin nipped on Arthur's ear and pulled back grinning as he saw the longing long on face, payback was bliss.

M/A

"No sign of Helios yet that's a good thing." Arthur as they were getting ready for bed. Arthur had done the jobs he said he would do. Merlin had been right about Morgana and Gwen, they got on like a house on fire and Merlin suspected that they would remain friends long for a long time. Even if Gwen wasn't a witch, which made her either completely mortal or a future White-Lighter, Merlin suspected the latter.

"Did you expect to see him so soon?" Merlin asked as they got undressed.

"It's hard to tell with him, he has always had the habit of popping up when you least expect him."

"Well she seems to be settling in at any rate." Merlin said getting into bed to wait for Arthur.

"Freya seems to be wary around her, but I have noticed she is like that with most people, even me at first. She took a while to get used to me, I'm still not sure she quiet likes me at times." Arthur chuckled.

"Don't worry she will come around to Gwen, she always does." Merlin kneeling up on the bed to reach for Arthur. "Now enough about the girls. Time to make good on your promise to me." Merlin as he hooked an arm around a nearly naked Arthur and pulled him down on top of him.

"Hmm…With pleasure." Arthur muttered already trailing hungry kisses down Merlin's neck and licking his collar bone.

M/A

The next morning Merlin was pleasantly sore in all the right places and was extremely grateful he had booked the next few days off. This meant lazy mornings in bed with Arthur, whose chest he was currently using as a pillow.

Merlin trailed his fingers gently over Arthur's chest making patterns in the smattering of fair chest hair. He moved his hand lower to trace around the faint six pack he could see. Merlin smiled at the sound of Arthur's heartbeat in his ear, he had only frozen Arthur once last night, something he did a lot when they first started having sex.

He had almost said those three big words last night, he had wanted too but he still couldn't bring himself to say them, there was still something holding him back.

Merlin knew Arthur was hiding something but then so was he. As he lay there thinking Merlin suspected he couldn't say the words until he had told Arthur the truth about his magic. Trouble was he had no idea how Arthur was going to react, did Arthur even believe in magic? Merlin didn't until he got his powers, so it would make sense that Arthur didn't either. He had no idea if Arthur would be able to handle it. He was going to have to tell him at some point, he couldn't keep it a secret forever.

"I can hear you thinking from here." Arthur mumbled sleepily. Slowly stroking his hand down Merlin's naked spine, leaving a trail of goose bumps. He couldn't keep it a secret forever but it could wait a little while longer, Merlin thought as he rolled on top of Arthur.

M/A

The second time they woke up it was almost lunch time. And Merlin really needed a shower before getting ready for his dads funeral. Thankfully he had already prepared his suit the night before.

Showered and shaved Merlin was still in a towel about to get dressed when Arthur came into his bedroom his face racked with guilt. Merlin knew what he was going to say before he said it.

"I'm really sorry Merlin." Arthur said regretfully.

"You have to go." Merlin said for him, trying not to let his disappointment show through. Watching Arthur's face fall Merlin assumed he failed.

"An elderly ladies pipes have burst and is flooding her kitchen."

Merlin nodded, of course they did. He didn't blame the lady, he didn't even blame Arthur for wanting to help her, if it wasn't his dad's funeral he would probably go and help himself. But he had to admit the timing was horrendous. Whenever he got some quality time with Arthur something always got in the way.

"Go, you can't leave that little old lady to fend for herself." Merlin sighed.

"I promise I will make it up you Merlin. I will take you out for dinner or maybe a movie?" Arthur said hopefully.

"You Arthur Pendragon will be doing both," Merlin said with a small smile to show he wasn't mad just a bit disappointed.

"Gwen said she will go with you, Morgana is helping her get ready and lending her some clothes. I know it's not the same but at least you won't be alone."

"No it's not the same," Merlin agreed, "But I didn't spend a lot of time with Gwen last night so it will be good to spend some time with her and get to know her a bit."

"You Merlin…I don't deserve you sometimes." Arthur softly, wrapping his arms around Merlin's waist and leaning in for a quick kiss.

"No you really don't," Merlin laughed, "Now go rescue the damsel in distress." Giving him a gentle shove to the chest.

Arthur snatched another quick kiss before quickly heading for the door and leaving the room. Merlin sighed and sat down heavily on the edge of his bed. He was more disappointed than he let on, he wasn't sure what he expected today but he really wanted Arthur there with him. Something always got in the way though, if it wasn't Arthur dashing off with a work emergency then it was him dashing off to deal with a demon. Merlin ran his hand through his hair, perhaps they just weren't meant to be.

Merlin eventually got dressed, making sure to tuck the Dark-Lighter potion in his inside pocket and then went downstairs to wait for Gwen and Morgana, Freya had left for work hours ago.

Luckily the funeral itself was only twenty minutes away. That was another slap in the face, to find out that their father had lived so close but not once bother to get in contact. They could have passed him on the street or at the shops for all they knew as none of them knew what he looked like, only Freya had some real memories of him. Merlin had images but he didn't know if they were real or part of a dream. Merlin never really wanted to know why he left, they were happy without him and to Merlin it didn't make sense to upset that peace. Now however, now he really wanted to know. He hopes that his wife may have some answers for him, not that he was going to press her about it at her husband's funeral but he was hoping that it would at least open the door for some future communication and maybe some answers.

Merlin was so lost in his thoughts he didn't even hear Morgana and Gwen come down the stairs and in the room. It wasn't until Morgana put her hand on his shoulder that he noticed they were there at all.

"Are you alright Merlin?" Morgana asked.

"Yeah" Merlin replied quietly.

"Sorry about Arthur."

"At least he passed the demon test." Merlin whispered when he noticed Gwen near the door.

Morgana's only reply was a weak smile in his direction. "Are you ready to go?" Merlin asked Gwen who was looking very smart in Morgana's clothes.

"Ready when you are." She replied.

Gwen picked up her purse while Merlin got his jacket but they barely made it to the front doors when Morgana ran after them. "Everybody down!"

It was too late the front doors flew open with an almighty crash, smashing one of glass panes. A big gust of wind quickly followed sending them flying into the nearest wall. Merlin heard the girls scream as they were also flying down the hallway, only to be cut off when they landed.

"Where is she? I know she is here." Merlin looked up from the floor to see a blurry tall dark skinned man with a large tattoo of a crossbow on his neck, Helios Merlin assumed.

Helios began to stroll into the house as if he had all the time in the world, he didn't Merlin thought as his vision began to clear. "Don't think you can get away from me again Guinevere."

Once Merlin had a clear line of sight he froze the demon, but the demon didn't freeze, not completely. It was as if the demon was moving in slow motion and was gradually getting faster. That had never happened before! The demons always froze. Merlin tried again as he got up off the floor but with no effect.

"Witches!" Helios snarled gaining control of his mouth.

Merlin moved forward to put himself in between the demon and the girls whilst still trying to freeze him but it wasn't working.

"Freeze him Merlin!" Morgana shouted.

"I'm trying, it's not working." Merlin shouted back starting to panic.

"The potion then!"

Merlin fumbled in his jacket for the potion but he wasn't fast enough. The demon had pushed through his freeze spell completely now and threw Merlin against the opposite wall. Merlin hit the wall and felt the air rush out of his lungs as he fell down and crashed onto a small table that contained a vase and some flowers which promptly shattered under Merlin's weight, cutting Merlin's hands and face in the process.

Helios thinking that Merlin had been taken care off started to advance on the girls, "Guinevere will come with me even if I have to kill every human or witch that's stands in my way. We belong together." He holding his hand up that was now glowing a bright red. The girls were trying to move away but they were up against the wall there was nowhere for them to go

Merlin continued to fumble in his jacket pocket for the potion ignoring the cuts on his hand, he could feel the water from the vase already soaking through his clothes. Once his fingers found the tiny bottle he yanked it out of his pocket and threw it at Helios's back.

Helios screamed as the potion burned through his own clothes, Merlin could immediately see a large red burn appearing on his bubbling skin. But it wasn't enough, not enough to vanquish him at any rate.

"Morgana your potion." Merlin yelled.

"I don't have it!" Morgana screamed.

Helios turned his attention back to Merlin and came at him quickly with his glowing hand outstretched, Merlin kept trying to freeze him even though it was working, he didn't know what else to do. Merlin could feel the heat coming from Helios's hand on his face when gunfire suddenly rang out throughout the hallway.

Merlin snapped his head round to find Will and another man standing in the doorway both aiming and shooting at Helios. Helios only winced as the bullets went through him. But it was enough to distract him from Merlin. Helios, clearly outnumbered started to run back towards the front doors, what was left of them. "This is not over! I will be back and I will find her." Helios shouted, pushing past both policemen with ease. Both Will and the other man continued to shoot but didn't chase him.

'I will find her?' Merlin frowned repeating the words in his head. Gwen was right there, how could he not see her?

Morgana got to Merlin first, "Are you alright Merlin?" she asked her hands hovering all over him but not actually touching him, through fear of hurting him further.

"I'm fine." He replied as he struggled to sit up.

"You don't look fine Merlin mate." Will said as he approached.

"I'm fine really, just some cuts and bruises," he said, "And a little bit wet." He added lightly.

"We should get you checked out Merlin," The handsome, tall, dark haired and dark eyed man with Will said.

"Honestly it's fine." Merlin insisted, standing up with Will's help.

"You still need looking at," Gwen said.

"I will go and get the first aid kit." Morgana said, disappearing into the kitchen.

"Will someone please tell me what is going on?" Will demanded once he was certain Merlin could stand on his own.

"That was Gwen's ex-boyfriend who has some issues with being the ex." Merlin said indicating to Gwen. Merlin decided to go with a half-truth, he wasn't sure how much Will and the other man saw. "Who is this Will?" Merlin asked, as Morgana returned armed with first aid, Indicating the tall man next to Will.

"Oh sorry, this is my partner Lancelot. Lancelot this is Merlin, Morgana and Gwen was it?" Will indicated to each in turn. Gwen nodded. "Is Freya in work?" Will asked.

"Yeah thank god." Merlin replied, grateful that she was out of danger even though they really could have done with her active power.

"Here Merlin come and sit down so we can check you over properly." Gwen said, leading him over to the couch in the front room. "Take off your jacket."

"I'm fine really, it's just some little cuts on my hands and face." But Merlin was overruled as Morgana started to man handle him out of his jacket. Merlin noticed that his jacket now had several small rips in it. So much for his dad's funeral, Merlin thought as he sighed at the damage.

"Little! Merlin you have at least one nasty cut above your eye." Will exclaimed.

"I don't understand it we hit him, I'm sure we hit him but he didn't flinch" Lancelot said baffled. "How did he walk away from that?"

"He should be in a pool on the floor." Will agreed.

"He was probably wearing his bullet proof vest," Gwen said in a stroke of pure genius "He is a member of a gang and always wears one. I didn't know he was part of a gang when I started to date him, I left him when I found out what a nasty piece of work he really was."

That was brilliant! Merlin didn't think he would be able to come up with anything better even if he had time to think about. Gwen was so convincing that both Will and Lancelot swallowed it whole.

"If you can give us his full name, we can put out an arrest warrant for him." Lancelot said to Gwen. Gwen looked between Merlin and Morgana as if asking permission. Merlin nodded, Helios was a demon, it's not as if they were going to find him.

"Helios Merrick." Gwen answered.

"What are you guys doing here anyway?" Merlin asked, noticing that Lancelot's attention was fixed firmly on Gwen.

"We were just passing, just starting our shift when we heard screaming. We came to investigate." Will explained. Merlin was grateful they did, they had scared Helios off when he saw he was outnumbered. It was a good thing that demons wanted to remain secret too otherwise Helios would have no trouble with Will and Lance.

He was certain if they hadn't he would be a goner, nothing they did worked, this was something they needed to discuss along with Gwen's lack of surprise of a demon or their powers. But first they needed to get rid of Will and Lancelot.

Merlin hissed when Morgana dabbed his eye with some cotton wool that had some kind of disinfectant on it. "Oh don't be such a baby." Merlin ignored her.

"Thanks for your help guys but I think we will be alright now." Merlin said addressing Will and Lancelot.

"Are you sure? He might come back?" Lancelot said clearly not wanting to leave, still looking at Gwen.

"Is there anyone else in the house?" Will asked suddenly.

"No, why?" Morgana replied.

"I'm certain I just heard footsteps on the landing." Will explained. "We will just do a quick check through the house first." Will said tugging on Lancelot's sleeve who clearly didn't want to leave.

Merlin froze the room before they got close to the exit. Everyone apart from Morgana froze in mid-step. Merlin was relieved to find that his powers did work, just not on that demon.

"Merlin! What are you doing?" Morgana hissed.

"Cut Lancelot's hand." Merlin ordered.

"What? Why?"

"Demon test, quickly we can blame it on the glass from the vase or the door window." Merlin rushed.

"Don't you think you are being a bit paranoid?" Morgana said, but still moved to do as Merlin asked.

"Better safe than sorry, he has eyes for Gwen we don't want her getting mixed up with another demon, if she is a future Whiter-Lighter she may be attracting them without knowing it." Merlin explained.

"Wow Merlin that actually makes a lot of sense." Morgana agreed, and cut a fingertip on Lancelot's hand, with a stray piece of glass she found on the floor, then moved to sit back down next to Merlin and Merlin unfroze the room.

Lancelot instantly hissed and shook his hand, "Lance?" Will asked.

"It's nothing I must have cut my finger on some of the glass and not noticed." Lancelot said holding up a bleeding finger. Merlin released a sigh of relief, the last thing they needed at the moment was another demon in the mix.

"Oh right, come on we will check upstairs first I'm sure I heard movement on the landing." Will said as they disappeared out of the room.

"I'm really sorry Merlin" Gwen said quickly looking very distraught, she may not have been surprised at the demon but she was still clearly shaken up by it. "This is all my fault."

"This is not your fault." Merlin said firmly.

"No. This is Helios's fault," Morgana agreed.

"He wouldn't have been here at all if it wasn't for me, and now your hurt and you're missing your father's funeral." Gwen said sorrowfully.

"Honestly Gwen its fine, I'm fine." Merlin soothed.

"No its not I'm making you miss your father's funeral." Gwen said holding back tears.

"It's fine Gwen none one of us have seen or spoken to him in nearly twenty years, I was going out of respect more than anything else."

"But it's still not right Merlin." Gwen insisted.

"It's not right that Helios is hunting you the way he is either. You are our innocent and we are here to protect you." Merlin smiled, "Look it's just a cheap broken vase a few scrapes really, nothing that won't heal over in a few days, I've definitely had worse. That's all." And a demon who was immune to their powers but he left that bit out.

Will and Lancelot came back into the room, "All clear." Will announced. "Are you sure you don't want us to stay?"

Merlin shook his head, "We are fine now, thank you for help."

"Do you mind if I come by later and check in on you? Make sure you are alright." Lancelot asked Gwen.

"No I don't mind at all." Gwen blushed. Merlin raised an eyebrow looking at Morgana who noticed the exchange this time.

"We will be checking in on you all anyway." Will stated, looking pointedly at Merlin and Morgana as if to remind Lancelot of their presence too. "If Helios is as bad as you say he is not going to give up easily. And we will put a warrant out for his arrest, we may get lucky and find him before he finds you."

"That's fine." Merlin said, doubting that they would find him at all. "And thanks again for your help guys."

"You know where I live if you need me." Will said, "I will leave you too it, get some rest all you, you have had a nasty scare."

"We will." Morgana agreed.

"We will be back to check on you later." Lancelot confirmed as Will pulled him from the room.

They waited until they heard Lance and Will finish struggling with the doors, thankfully it appeared only the glass was broken not the door hinges. That's one less job for Arthur, it was lucky they had a handy man to fix it for them.

"What happened with your powers Merlin?" Morgana asked once they knew they were in the all clear.

"I don't know, that's never happened before." Merlin said as Morgana put a bandage above his eye.

"He must be more powerful than the others we have come across."

"The vanquishing potion didn't work either, it hurt him but didn't vanquish him. Maybe it needs to be stronger."

"Then we will make a stronger one." Morgana said firmly.

"I will triple the ingredients." Merlin agreed. "Maybe if we weaken him first he will freeze, and I will make enough potion so that we all have one and you must both keep it on you at all times, and I think we should all stick together."

"Yes dad," Morgana mocked.

"Gwen why couldn't he see you?" Merlin asked addressing Gwen who had gone quiet.

"What do you mean?" Gwen replied sheepishly. Merlin's eyes narrowed, she knew something.

"Helios said 'I will find her' but you were right there, why couldn't he find you?"

"I..I don't know." Gwen said hesitantly, she was lying.

"Are you sure?" Merlin persisted.

"I have no idea why he couldn't see me." Gwen said without looking either one of them in the eye. She was definitely lying, Merlin just didn't understand why.

"Gwen." He said softly, resting his hand on her arm, "If you know anything, it might help."

"I'm sorry Merlin but I don't know anything." Gwen repeated looking down at the floor.

"You knew that Helios was a demon, you didn't look too surprised at his abilities, or ours."

Gwen nodded, "I knew Helios was a demon." Gwen paused before taking a deep breath and continuing. "I'm a teacher. And there are a lot of troubled kids in our school, I try my best to get through to them and put them back on track to prevent them from turning to a life of crime. There was this one kid who was having a hard time at home and I was doing my best to help him. It was working, I was getting through I know it!" Gwen swallowed, "I told him where I lived and said if he ever needed any help then to come find me. And he did, except I was shopping at the time so Helios let him in. Helios must have thought he was a threat of some kind, I…I walked in on Helios killing James, his hand was glowing red and he had practically burnt James's face off with his bare hands…So I ran. And I have been running ever since."

"I know what you are thinking, Gwen and the answer is no." Morgana said gently while Gwen still was trying to compose herself.

"What?" Merlin asked.

"She is thinking about going to Helios in order to save everyone else." Morgana said, Gwen didn't deny it.

"I have too, I can't let him hurt anyone else because of me." Gwen pleaded.

"Do you know why this demon wants you?" Merlin asked. Gwen shook her head.

"Helios is a Dark-Lighter and Dark-Lighters want to kill good witches and future White-Lighters and since you are not a witch it means you are a future White-Lighter. White-Lighters are guardian angels that guide and protect the innocent, if you went to Helios that wouldn't happen think of all the future lives that would be at risk if you didn't become a White-Lighter." Merlin explained hoping she would see the bigger picture.

"You really think I'm a future White-Lighter?" Gwen asked, hope igniting in her eyes.

"You sure you're not a witch?" Morgana asked.

Gwen laughed, "I'm sure."

"Then that makes you a future White-Lighter, and going off what I know about you already you are going to be fantastic." Morgana smiled, getting a small smile in response.

"Will is right about one thing." Merlin said.

"What's that?" Gwen asked.

"That we need some rest, you do certainly. Helios could attack again soon we need to be ready not dead on our feet." Gwen nodded.

"Are you sure you are alright?" Gwen asked looking at Merlin's eye.

"Its fine, it looks worse than it is." Merlin said.

"Okay," Gwen agreed getting up.

"Oh and Gwen," Merlin called before she left the room.

"Yeah."

"Don't forget I have the power to freeze, if I catch you trying to sneak out I will freeze and leave you that way all day if I have too." Merlin warned, "Just thought you should know in case you have any more thoughts about going to Helios."

"I won't," Gwen smiled warily, and left to rest for an hour.

"You should get some rest too Merlin." Morgana said.

"I will, right after I make a stronger potion. And clean up all that glass." Merlin agreed.

"How are you really?"

"I'm fine. I'm a little sore and I suspect I will be even sorer tomorrow but I'm okay." Merlin admitted to Morgana. He hadn't wanted to let on how sore he was when Gwen was there she was already feeling guilty enough. But he could admit to himself that his ribs where killing him and his head was throbbing.

"You were lucky really, if that cut was any deeper you would need stitches." Morgana said looking worried.

"Gana I'm fine honest." He insisted, using her old nickname.

"Okay if you are sure?"

"I'm sure."

"You get started on that potion and then get some rest. I need to start getting ready for my concert date with Morgause tonight." Morgana ordered.

"What?! But that is hours away!" Merlin exclaimed.

"She is picking me up at seven that only leaves me with about four hours."

"Four hours! To get ready!"

"Beauty takes time and work Merlin." Morgana said simply as if it was the most obvious thing in the world.

"But you are already perfect Morgana," Merlin grinned, he knew it was cheesy but he couldn't resist it.

"Oooh sounds like someone got laid last night." Morgana teased.

Merlin blushed but nodded, "And again this morning." He replied smugly, blush still firmly in place, making Morgana laugh.

---

Meanwhile Arthur was led on a wild goose chase.

When he got to where his charge was supposed to be, there was no one there, at first Arthur thought he was too late. But he would have felt it if his charge had died. After few minutes looking around the old abandoned building where he felt his charge was supposed to be, Arthur decided his charge wasn't there, and probably wasn't there to begin with.

He focused on his senses and looked for his charge, who it turns out was at home perfectly fine. This had to mean someone had managed to trick his senses, something that was very hard to do.

He went and checked on his charge anyway his case his senses were being tricked twice. He watched silently as his charge was having a discussion with someone else on the phone, nothing appeared to be out of order at all.

This charge, Gilli, was still new in coming into his powers and was slowly learning how to use them along with a couple of magical artefacts. Arthur was charged to keep an eye on him and make sure he didn't stray to the dark path. He wasn't allowed to reveal himself to Gilli either, The Elders didn't think he was ready, and in this case Arthur agreed with them, so Arthur remained in the shadows and watched him from a window.

That was until he felt Merlin's panic. Arthur was used to feeling Merlin's panic, he would panic each time they fought a demon, but it would only last for a moment that was usually associated with an adrenalin rush. But this was different, it was much more extreme and it wasn't going away, then he felt Morgana's and Gwen's panic too and realised something was defiantly wrong.

Arthur orbed in directly upstairs to where he last saw Merlin, he didn't even stop to look around, just orbed directly to Merlin's bedroom. Merlin wasn't there.

Arthur heard a loud crash and smash coming from downstairs, he ran out onto the landing and looked over the banister into the hallway in time to see Helios scream and his clothing steaming.

Helios, he should have known. It was probably Helios that tricked his senses in order to get him out of the house leaving the way clear for him to attack.

Arthur was on tenterhooks throughout the rest of the fight and more than once he actually started down the stairs eager to help, only to retreat a moment later.

He breathed a sigh of relief once it was over, only to start worrying again when he realised Merlin was injured. He desperately wanted just go and heal him. Despite Merlin's assurances he was fine, Merlin looked a mess with his hands and face covered in blood. Arthur knew it probably looked far worse than it actually was but it didn't stop him itching to go and heal him.

He lost track of the conversation once they moved into the other room and Arthur was forced to wait as he couldn't risk getting close enough to listen. Arthur took to twisting the ring on his thumb round and round, something he hadn't really done in a long time.

When Arthur couldn't take it any longer he decided to creep forward, he needed to know what was going on and how Merlin really was, only to step creaky floor board and alert them to his presence.

Arthur heard either Will or Lancelot, he wasn't sure which, talking about checking the house. He needed to be out of the way completely but not wanting to go far Arthur orbed on to the roof. At least this way he would be able to see when Will and Lancelot left and nobody would find him here.

He waited there for what felt like hours until he finally saw Will and Lancelot leave down the garden path. He then orbed himself back on to the landing making sure to avoid the creaky floor board. Arthur managed to get in close enough to catch the end of Gwen's story, most of which he knew already having spoken to Gwen properly the night before.

Gwen made her way up the stairs a few moments later, so Arthur was able to speak to her. "Guinevere!" Arthur hissed, catching her attention. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine." Gwen assured, "And Merlin is fine." She added, anticipating Arthur's next question. "He has a nasty cut above his eye and I suspect he is a little bruised by the way he was moving, nothing that won't heal in a few days."

Arthur felt the tight knot around his chest finally loosen. "What happened?"

"Well Helios attacked."

Arthur gave a small smile, "I know that bit," he chuckled, "I mean during the fight, I have seen them take down a few demons and none of them went as badly as this one did."

"Merlin's powers didn't work, he tried to freeze Helios but he didn't freeze, he sort of pushed his way through it."

"That's never happened before," Arthur said worry clear in his voice. "Helios must be stronger than I thought. Then he has to be strong in order to fool my senses the way he did."

"That's what they said," Gwen nodded. "They are going to increase the strength of their potion and try to stick together for the next time he attacks."

"They are stronger together," Arthur agreed, "They are not The Charmed Ones for nothing, and their powers are still growing, nowhere near full strength yet, especially Merlin."

"If Will and Lancelot hadn't arrived when they did I don't know what would have happened."

"I heard the gunfire, what did you tell them?" Arthur asked. Knowing they would have been confused that their bullets didn't affect the demon.

"That Helios was probably wearing a bullet proof vest and that he is part of a gang. They are going to try and find him they aren't in danger too are they?" Gwen rushed.

"No. He is a demon, it's unlikely that they will find any record of him but thanks to your gang idea they will just think that he has connections, which was quick thinking on your part." Arthur complimented.

"Thanks." Gwen blushed, chewing her lip. "Arthur," she hesitated, "Merlin and Morgana know that Helios couldn't see me." Gwen admitted. "I played dumb, but I don't think they believed me."

"Do they suspect me?" Arthur asked with a slight panic. He was going to tell them but he didn't want them to find out on their own he wanted to be the one to tell them. He needed to explain himself properly.

"No your name wasn't mentioned."

"I'm sorry Guinevere, I don't like making you lie to them, and I know you have grown close to them particularly Morgana, but I promise I will tell them soon."

"I hope so Arthur, I really didn't like it. It felt like I was betraying them."

"Again I'm sorry but thank you for doing this." Gwen nodded, "Go and get some rest Guinevere, your still shaking." Arthur encouraged.

Now all Arthur had to do was to come back through the front door and pretend to be surprised by what had happened.