Merlin hiked his backpack over his shoulder as he walked alongside the shoreline. It was the 21st century and he could feel it deep inside of him that the time had come. He had spent generations, centuries, waiting for this moment, the moment he could feel Arthur's resurrection.

It was almost Christmas time 2012 when Merlin had woken up just past twelve midnight.

'Merlin.' He had heard a loud whisper in his ear. He had opened his eyes and blinked a couple of times. It was a voice he hadn't heard for centuries. Just as he was about the dismiss it, he heard it again. 'Merlin.'

Merlin had quickly sat up, his eyes wide. It couldn't be, could it? 'Merlin.'

He had gotten out of bed quickly trying to find his shoes. 'Where are you?'

And that was the moment he had felt the power surging deep inside of him, that burning desire he hadn't felt for lifetimes.

He had quickly grabbed his coat and left his apartment. He followed that familiar voice deep into areas he hadn't even visited since Arthur's death. He could never bring himself to go there. The years might have passed by, but the pain always remained the same. Yes, they had accomplished bringing magic back to Camelot while Gwen was queen and peace were brought to the people, but the void Merlin felt without Arthur were always too strong.

He had walked for hours, following the voice in his head as it got louder and louder. It was still dark by the time he had reached a cave. He pulled out a flashlight from his backpack and turned it on. He carefully headed inside the cave while squinting his eyes to see a bit better. Not long after he headed inside, the flashlight started to flicker. He internally groaned knowing he should've put extra battery in his backpack. He quickly looked around and found a branch on the floor. He picked it up and looked at it before whispering words he hadn't used in a long time. "Leothbora." When nothing happened, he took a deep breath and looked at the branch again. He relaxed his body and said the same word louder. "LEOTHBORA." He felt a tingling sensation start from his toes and make their way up his body. As his eyes glowed gold, the tip of the branch caught on fire, lighting up the cave. He felt his mouth twitch for a second because he was finally smiling from ear to ear. He couldn't help it and a moment later he was laughing. Laughing that he had finally felt the difference in his powers, the strength behind his magic he hadn't felt since that dreadful day he was so close to saving his king.

'Merlin!' He hadn't cared about his name being called impatiently in his mind. He couldn't stop laughing at the joy.

'I am on my way, hold your bloody horses.' Merlin had said back as he continued his way through the cave.

As he had made it deep inside the dark and damp cave, he had noticed the massive size. The place looked exactly like the caves below Camelot. He waited a moment, looking around, when he finally heard the flapping of wings. He looked up watching his old friend make his way closer to him.

He would never forget the way he felt a huge weight lift off his shoulders as he heard the words he had undeniably missed. "Young warlock."

"Great dragon." Merlin said with a smile as he let out a loud laugh. "I have been waiting for you."

"And I, you, my old friend."

So here he was, walking in front of what used to be Avalon as cars passed by him. It had always been too hard even passing by here, but things were no longer the same. It was finally time for the once and future king to be by his side again, for this time, things were definitely going to be different.

Kilgharrah's voice echoed at the back of his head. 'It will not be as it ended, Merlin, things will be different.'

He didn't care though, he didn't care what would happen the moment he found Arthur, all he cared was that Arthur would be with him once more.

'I don't care.' He had told the dragon, 'I just want him back.'

Kilgharrah had looked at Merlin quietly for a moment before he spoke up. "Always remember, you are two different sides of the same coin…'

Merlin knew all that, he would never forget for the moment Arthur had died he had felt half of himself dying inside of him. 'I know.'

Nothing filled the emptiness inside until the moment he had woken up with Kilgharrah's voice in his head.

The dragon had told him to head to London, had said Arthur would be there. Merlin hadn't even bothered to ask how he would know who Arthur is, it would have been a stupid question. Merlin knew he would always know who Arthur would be, he had no doubt in his mind.

He had walked for days on end, without even stopping for longer than a couple of hours. He could have gotten a car or even a taxi, but he knew this would be better for him. He had to clear his mind, to focus on his task and figure out what he would even say to Arthur the moment he first sees him.

On his way to London, he had made a few stops. Walking through the forests and long miles on the green fields, he had collected some necessary herbs. He had found a few apothecaries and bought things he would need.

He stared at the potion he had mixed and smiled. He swallowed it quickly before reciting the old incantation. "Edniwe min geoguo."

His eyes glowed gold and he felt his outer appearance get younger. He closed his eyes and smiled as he felt his young and enthusiastic self emerge. Tonight he would rest but tomorrow the hunt were to begin. It was time to go find Arthur Pendragon.