The Wicked Truth

AN: Hello there! This is my first ever fic so apologies for any stuff ups. This idea has been floating around in my head for a long time, so here it is! I watched this scene over and over at the same time as writing this, and all the spelling of the spells are what the subtitles said, so I'm just trusting my TV right now spelling-wise. Most of this fic is taken almost directly from the show, I just added Merlin's thoughts and of course the twist. See you at the bottom. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Don't own it. Wouldn't be writing fanfiction if I did.

Chapter 1:

"Wait." Said Arthur.

I looked up from the smoking greenery, confused. Oh god I hope he hasn't changed his mind. "Is something wrong?"

Arthur's eyes flickered to Uther's face, obviously conflicted. "My father's taught me never to trust magic. Now I'm using it to save him."

My mind began to panic as Arthur's confidence wavered.

Tell him.

He'll kill me.

Tell him!

I can't!

Obeying both halves of my mind simultaneously, I decided to tell him the truth. Just…not all of it. Yet.

"Your own life has been saved using magic, more times than you can possibly imagine." I answered, perhaps too quickly. Arthur's head shot up, suspicion entering his gaze.

"What on earth are you talking about?" He asked, confused.

Idiot! I scolded myself. Quick, make something up!

"I merely mean to say that magic is all around you," I corrected myself, mentally wiping my brow, "It is woven into the very fabric of the world."

Arthur's suspicion abated, but the hesitancy remained. "How can I be sure it's the right thing to do?"

My gaze softened as I took in the sight of this young man who had loved and lost so much. Kilgharrah's voice entered my mind, those words he had first said so long ago. Two sides of the same coin….

I turned my attention back to Arthur. "I know you have suffered because of magic….as many have." Morgana's face, scared and accusing. Freya's, peaceful and lifeless. "But not all magic and not all sorcerers are the same." I risked a quick grin at the word sorcerers. "I wish only to show you that magic can be used for good. I hope that one day you will see me in a different light." I wished he could see the truth behind those words.

I waited with bated breath as he gazed upon his father's face. I willed him to see that this was the right path. He eventually raised his head, stepping back and gesturing for me to do my work.

I mentally breathed a sigh of relief, but nerves began twisting my gut like a snake. I drew myself up and raised the herbs. I had never been so nervous in my life. It suddenly stuck me that the fate of the kingdom was balanced on my shoulders, and one wrong move could undo all I had done.

"Efencume…" I began. It felt strange, doing magic in front of Arthur. He watched, tenser than I had ever seen him. I began wafting the smoke over Uther's form. Focusing all my attention on the spell, I didn't notice as my grip on the aging enchantment began to slip. "Aetgaedre, eala gastas…" Pouring my energy into the spell, I remained oblivious as my aches subsided, beard and hair retreated into my head and skin grew smooth once more. Not even the slight change in my voice was noticed as I concentrated on the most important enchantment of my life. "Craeftigegestricie pis lic forod." As I feel the familiar release of energy, the trepidation returned with a vengeance.

Finally drawing breath, I rose my gaze to meet Arthur's. I stifled a snort as I took note of his expression. I expected him to look a bit shocked, I had just performed the most illegal practice in the land in front of him, but come on! I was a bit concerned though. Why wasn't he checking to see if Uther was alive? He just stood there staring at me. Suddenly, I noticed the absence of a beard on my face and my blood ran cold. The snake in my gut tightened as I began panicking. Arthur opened his mouth and my heart stopped as he whispered the one word I was dreading.

"Merlin?"

AN: Hello again! What did you think? Let me know! Also, I have a second chapter being written if you so desire it, but it's up to you to tell me! Lastly, if you do want chapter 2, tell me; should Uther live or die? Thanks guys!

~TheRavenclawGem