"You can't go." Arthur held Merlin against him, what happened playing over and over again in his head, just as vivid and as clear as before. He tried to push the thought away but it refused to leave the forefront of his mind. Merlin laid on his back over Arthur's lap, his top half resting in Arthur's arms and head against his. His breathing was becoming strained and ragged and he was going whiter each second. Blood seeped through Arthur's fingers showing no sign of slowing down. Why did he lose everyone he cared about? He thought but memories came rushing back.
There were so many, it had only been him and Merlin against twenty or so bandits. They had been hunting late into the evening when they were attacked. Merlin had managed to grab a spare sword and cover Arthur's back. Most of the bandits went after the prince, as he was most valuable, but a few went after Merlin. He managed to take down his bandits but Arthur was still fighting two, so he joined his side to help him. Merlin noticed a bandit about to charge Arthur and without a second thought, ran out into its path to parry the blow- yet it was too strong- and he failed. Arthur had finished off his bandits just in time to see his best friend get run through. With rage taking over he easily managed to dispatch of the bandit. Merlin fell to his knees and Arthur collapsed alongside him.
"No.. Merlin, NO!" Arthur felt as if the world was dying along with his best friend. Giving in, his dam broke, and he started to sob.
"Ar..Arthur," Merlin gasped, bringing him back to reality."I'm sc-s-scared." His words felt like a blade to Arthur's heart.
"Everything's going to be fine, I promise you. I will take you back to Gaius and he will get you patched up, like every other time."Arthur reassured, more for himself than Merlin. Merlin simply shook his head.
"It's not like every other time." Merlin's eyes fluttered shut.