Dark!Merlin three-shot. I just really felt like writing a oneshot where Merlin becomes evil and I wrote this but then I decided I should continue! I've never written Dark!Merlin before so please tell me what you think! XD
The booming clap of drums echoed around the crowded courtyard, vibrations of the sound felt through the very people who stood there. The people were silent and grim as the prisoner was brought towards the hanging post, her head held down and tears streaming down her cheeks. However, none that she shed were as heartfelt and sorrowful as that from the raven-haired boy that stood at the front of the crowd.
Merlin's eyes were locked on the beautiful dark-haired girl that was about to be hung in front of him. His love that had been brought back from the dead only to have her killed a second time. By the same man who had taken her away from him the first time. Merlin wouldn't be able to take it if Freya left a second time.
Regrettably, he turned away from Freya and cast a pleading gaze up at the balcony where the King and Queen of Camelot stood. Guinevere held an apologetic expression, clearly wishing that this were not the way it had to be. Arthur however was not looking at him, a steeled and concentrated look in his eyes. He was firm in his decision and not even his manservant would change his mind. He did not understand who Freya was to Merlin but he should know that Merlin loved her, with all his heart. Was his King more like his father than Merlin thought? Would he really kill his friend's love just to uphold his image and his pride?
Freya had by no means tried to kill Arthur but she was being punished. It was too much for Merlin. He couldn't take it. If Arthur signaled to have her … he would snap. He turned back and watched as Freya was led up the podium, her hands trembling but her expression strong. She would remain strong for him. For Merlin.
As the noose was slid around her neck, she finally cast her eyes over to Merlin and smiled slightly. A silent 'I love you and I'm sorry'. More tears escaped down Merlin's face and he entered her mind.
It's going to be okay. I love you, Freya.
With one last attempt, Merlin looked up at Arthur before he began to talk, putting in all his effort to persuade his king. 'Please' his gaze spoke, 'Please, don't do this'. Arthur met his eyes for a second but then turned away.
"Under the laws of Camelot, Freya has been tried and convicted for treason against Camelot and attempted assassination of the King. For this act she will be hanged until dead." Arthur announced to the crowd.
NO! Merlin cried into Arthur's mind. He no longer cared about his secret. All he cared about was Freya. Please Arthur, do not do this. You do not have to. Please, please!
Arthur looked at his manservant in surprise, uncertainty in his gaze. He took a deep breath though and then moved his hand down, in acceptance. Merlin heard rather than saw Freya fall to her death. Her neck snapped.
Merlin's eyes flew closed and he felt something snapped inside him. A wave of grief and anger enveloped him like never before. His mind overcome by a single thought. Arthur was exactly like his father. He was never going to change and because of that, Freya was dead.
His eyes flashed open but they were no longer that familiar blue. They were a dangerous, glowing gold. People around him gasped and moved away hurriedly. They had seen before the dangers of a wronged sorcerer and here was their most dangerous one yet. Merlin could feel Arthur's surprised gaze on him and that was all he cared about. All he ever cared about now.
"Merlin?" Arthur's voice whispered in fear.
Without warning, Merlin let out a terrific scream and the whole courtyard shook. The tears were gone. This was his wrath. People screamed and tried to flee the courtyard but stone statues came to life and guarded the exits, brandishing deadly weapons. There was nowhere to go.
Then, just as suddenly as it began, it stopped. Silence filled the air as townspeople cowered as far away as possible as they could from him. Arthur watched in fear as he realized what he had done. He had cracked and ruined the greatest friendship he could have and had unleashed a monster. A very dangerous and powerful magical monster.
"What have you done?" Merlin said slowly, his voice soft but crackling with power and anger.
Arthur couldn't answer, his own voice stuck in his throat. Guinevere clung to his arm, afraid of what her best friend had become.
"What have you done, Arthur Pendragon?" Merlin asked, louder this time. He raised his gaze to meet Arthur's but his eyes were no longer gold. They were a deep dark black. The darkness had infiltrated Merlin.
"I-" Arthur tried to answer.
"Shut up!" Merlin yelled. "Shut up!"
He took a moment to take a deep breath and then he began laughing. A manic, snapped cackle.
"You killed her. Again. For the second time you killed my Freya. Why?" Merlin said. "Because you're exactly like your father."
Arthur flinched and unfortunately Merlin saw. He screamed in pain, grief and anger.
"You have no right to do anything! You killed her!" Merlin paused and then his eyes flashed gold. Arthur gasped in surprise as he was lifted into the air, above the balcony.
"Arthur Pendragon, today you made a powerful enemy. I am Emrys, the most powerful warlock that will ever walk the earth. I have given up so much for you. I have forgiven you for so much. But this is too far. You will pay and feel the grief I have gone through. Starting with Leon." Merlin cried.
Suddenly, Merlin disappeared and Arthur fell onto the balcony below, breaking something in his leg. A tear slipped down his own cheek now as he realized that he had just made his worst mistake. That light in Merlin had vanished and he had destroyed him. Arthur Pendragon was going to pay.