A/N:

Thank you for all your reviews, follows and favourites- I hope you're all enjoying the story so far! :) All your reviews are wonderful, and I know I keep on saying this, but please KEEP REVIEWING! It really does bring a smile to my face when I see all of your lovely comments :)

Apologies for the late update and some of the spelling mistakes and errors in the last chapter, but for some reason FanFiction won't save the edits I've made to the chapter, so it will have to stay as it is until it will let me change it- sorry! :(

You'll be pleased to know that I've decided to be nice with this chapter, so it WON'T END ON A CLIFFHANGER! (Although I'm not promising there won't be any more in future chapters!) ;D * Cue Morgana's evil grin*

ENJOY!

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin- if I had, then the ending of series 5 would have gone something like this story...


Chapter 4:

It took Arthur a while to comprehend the situation that had just unfolded before him- the situation that would change everything.

Merlin was a sorcerer.

Arthur didn't know what to feel. It was strange. Until now, Arthur didn't even think it was possible to feel so many emotions all at once- and the feeling was overwhelming. Hate, betrayal, shock, confused, anger, upset, concern. It was all there- every emotion you could think of and more.

It was Merlin who was the sorcerer. It was Merlin who defeated Mordred. It was Merlin who had abandoned Arthur before the battle. It was Merlin who had lied and betrayed him. It was Merlin who was the old sorcerer in the battle. It was Merlin who had scared the dragon and killed Morgana's men. It was all Merlin.

But the thoughts were quickly reserved as Arthur suddenly remembered Merlin's immobile state in front of him- It was also Merlin who had just saved his life. Arthur tried to contain the anger and betrayal that enveloped him, as he gazed at his servant's still form on the ground. Despite what his head what telling him, he had to trust his instinct and listen to heart- after all, Merlin was still his friend. His best friend.

Arthur didn't want answers- not now. Right now, all that mattered to him was that Merlin was safe- He could demand answers later.

Slowly, Arthur pushed himself up from the damp ground, a sharp pain erupting in his side once again as he did so, causing him to wince as more warm liquid oozed through his chainmail. But as much as his body protested the movement, Arthur fought through the pain as he hauled himself up-right and leant heavily against the rocky cliff face surrounding him. His vision became impaired momentarily as he steadied himself, clinging onto the rocks around him for support. He eyed his servant once more before carefully stretching out towards him, stumbling slightly as he advanced further.

His emotions were still scattered as he dropped to his knees beside his servant, surveying his still form for the first time properly. Merlin was lying awkwardly on his side and his skin was extremely pale- a little too pale for Arthur's liking. His face glistened as a sheet of sweat blanketed his features, his raven-black hair now plastered to his forehead like a wet mop.

"Merlin?..."

Anxiety and worry now overwhelmed Arthur, as he whispered his friends name softly, only to receive no reply. Gently, he shook his friend by the shoulder and tried again, this time not helping but to sound more concerned and anxious.

"Merlin! Merlin, wake up you idiot!"

Nothing.

It was when Arthur shifted his grip underneath Merlin's head that he suddenly became aware of a warm liquid trickling through his fingers. And then he remembered. Mordred's attack. Merlin impacting the rocks. His servant's still state when Arthur cried his name. Merlin not responding. Merlin not moving. Arthur squeezed his eyes firmly shut as flashbacks began to invade his mind. He wished that he would never have to witness something like that ever again- the thoughts would surely haunt him forever.

Slowly, Arthur lifted Merlin's head higher and moved his hands to inspect his servant closer. The blow to his head was deep- the side of it soaked with a crimson sticky liquid, with some of it staining small parts of his hair by his ear. Arthur grimaced as his gaze shifted to a small puddle that had formed on the ground beneath him- Merlin was losing a lot of blood, and that was never a good sign.

He studied his friend for a moment before remembering the resounding crack that had filled the air before Merlin was rendered unconscious. Hastily, he rolled his servant onto his back before pressing his fingers down gently on his ribs, checking each one in turn- he wasn't surprised when he diagnosed that at least one of Merlin's ribs were broken. That, alongside the increasingly dangerous amount of blood loss inflicted through his head wound, only made matters worse.

With great care, Arthur lifted his servant's unnaturally still body and propped him against his chest, supporting his head with his left arm as he pressed down against Merlin's neck with two fingers and waited.

Five seconds passed.

Nothing.

Ten seconds.

Still nothing.

Arthur frowned, refusing to believe the nightmare that was unfolding before him. Too many innocent men had died in the battle already- he couldn't bear to lose any more.

Especially not Merlin.

Arthur didn't know what to think or feel. Of course he was angry that Merlin had lied to him all these years- he almost knew Merlin better than he knew himself. But this was Merlin- sorcerer or not, he was still his friend, his advisor. But it occurred to Arthur that Merlin was more than just a friend. Ever since he had stepped foot in Camelot, Arthur knew there was something special about the boy- he just couldn't put his finger on it at the time- But now he knew. Merlin would stand by him no matter how dangerous the circumstances- his selflessness always getting the better of him.

"If I die, will you call me a hero?"

"Probably."

"Thank you for saving my life."

"You would have done the same for me."

And it was true. The words played in the back of Arthur's mind as he gazed down at his lifeless friend hanging limply in his arms. Merlin was what grounded him to this earth; helped him to see right from wrong- and if it wasn't for Merlin, Arthur wouldn't be where he was now.

"I swear I will protect you or die at your side"

He didn't break his promise.

As the words reeled in his memories, Arthur couldn't help but let a single tear trickle down his face as it landed delicately on Merlin's ripped neckerchief, which now hung loosely around his neck. He pulled his friend closer to his chest and rested his forehead against Merlin's own. It was cold. Too cold. Arthur let out an exasperated sigh as he squeezed his eyes shut and pleaded with his friend one last time.

"Merlin, please. Don't do this to me..."

Arthur found himself choking on his words as the thought of death crept up on his conscience. He didn't want to lose him- he couldn't. As much as Arthur refused to believe it, there was no escaping the truth. Merlin was dying- and there was nothing he could do. He buried his head into Merlin's chest as he allowed another tear to escape subconsciously. But it was too late- Merlin was already gone.

"I'm sorry Merlin. What I said to you... back at Camelot- I didn't really mean it. You... you really are the bravest man I've ever met. You're not a coward Merlin, and I'm sorry that I mistreated you. You clearly weren't such an idiot as you made out you were..."

As much as wished for Merlin to respond, it was useless- the boy still didn't twitch. Arthur let out a pained sigh as he buried his head further into Merlin's chest. He wished he could have told him. Of all the times Arthur had spent mocking Merlin, he had never really given his friend the recognition he deserved. It wasn't fair- and now it was too late.

He would have to tell Gaius. Oh god. At least then he could give him a proper burial- something Gaius would appreciate after everything his ward- who he treated like a son- had done for him. He deserves that at least. Right now, Arthur didn't care if Merlin was a sorcerer- he was still Merlin. The same Merlin that greeted him every morning for breakfast. The same Merlin who polished his armour. The same Merlin who constantly made witty jokes. The same Merlin who accompanied him on quests, no matter how dangerous the circumstances. The same Merlin who had just saved his life.

He was still the same old foolish, selfless, and clumsy servant Arthur had always known and bonded closely with over the years. But above everything, there was one thing Arthur wouldn't change for the world- one thing that had an unbreakable bond that even sorcery couldn't fracture.

Their friendship.

Even though Merlin had been lying to him all these years, there was no denying it. Merlin was his best friend, and nothing could ever change that. At least that's what Arthur believed.

"Ar...tr"

Like a flash, Arthur jerked his head up from Merlin's chest as a faint whisper broke out into the hushed air.

"Merlin?"

Arthur shifted his position as he tightened his grip around his servant. His lips were dry and cracked, and his skin was even more ghostly pale than before. He watched in anticipation as Merlin's mouth twitched slightly and his eyelids shifted ever so slightly open to reveal the eyes Arthur never thought he'd see again.

However, Arthur soon realised they weren't the normal deep, crystal-blue eyes he was used to seeing, nor were they glistening a vibrant golden colour like how they had been when Merlin used magic. Instead, they were glassy and filled with nothing but emptiness- a dull shade that complemented his pasty skin. He watched as Merlin's eyes wandered slightly- he was clearly struggling to focus.

"Ar... tr... Arth.. ur... Arthur?"

Arthur watched as his friend weakly stuttered his name, his face twisting in pain as he clearly struggled with the words.

"I'm here Merlin, I'm here."

It was when Arthur shook the young warlock gently that his eyes finally rested upon his own gaze and a small smile formed across his face. He opened his mouth to speak, but was suddenly attacked by a fit of violent coughing as he began to inhale sharp, pained breaths.

"Arthur... I'm... I'm so-rry"

"Merlin..."

"Arthur... Tell... tell Gaius that I... I'm so-rry too"

Arthur clenched his jaw in anticipation as a single tear trickled down Merlin's cheek and his eyes met with his own once again. His voice sounded hoarse and his breathing was beginning to become more and more laboured with every breath he took. It pained him seeing Merlin like this. Arthur was so used to seeing his servant being his bright and cheerful witty self, and now it seemed as though he was a completely different person- it wasn't like the Merlin he knew at all- almost like he had become a ghost.

"Merlin, shut up and listen to me- You're not going to die." He watched helplessly as more violent coughing fits took over Merlin's body and he began to shake under his grip, causing his breaths to become even more pained and ragged.

"Just... just leave me here..."

"Merlin..."

"Artr... pl..please" Merlin's body was now trembling even more than before and his eyelids were starting to droop.

"Merlin, you know I can't and won't do that..."

"Artr..."

"No, Merlin. Now's not the time to get all sentimental on me, ok? You may think I'm a prat, but I'm not going to just leave you here to die."

He watched as another tear ran down Merlin's face and soaked into the blue material hanging loosely around his neck. "But... but I have... ma...magic, Arthur. I... I'm so sorry I ... I wish I could of told you be- before, but I... I only ever used it to... to protect you Arthur. I Promise. "

At this, Arthur let out an exasperated sigh and hung his head, trying to compose himself. "Yes Merlin, I know- and don't think I'm not fuming, because I am, believe me! But... but that doesn't change the fact you're still my friend. I know I've never really said it to you before, but... I do care about you, Merlin. Sorcerer or not. "

At this, Merlin managed a smile, but it quickly vanished as his gaze shifted, causing a small frown to develop across his brow. Arthur looked on in confusion as his servant attempted to sit up, but it only caused him more pain as he winced and slumped back down again, squeezing his eyes shut.

"Merlin, just stay still..."

Arthur tightened his grip around Merlin's waist to make him as comfortable as possible, and watched silently as his servant nodded towards him, inhaling a pained breath before opening his mouth again to speak. His eyes were fixated somewhere upon Arthur's chest. "Yo..Your woun...wound, Artr- let.. let me he...heal it."

Arthur heaved a sigh in annoyance at his friend's gesture. It amazed Arthur how selfless one man could be- even when he was dying, Merlin still managed to put other's before himself. Just for once in his life, Arthur wished Merlin's selflessness wouldn't always get the better of him. When would he learn to do as he's told, just for once?

"Merlin- no. I won't let you"

"Arthur, you...you need to get your... yourself back to... back to Cam... Camelot. Just let me... let me do this, pl...please."

"Merlin, I told you- no."

He eyed his servant as his hand steadily reached out towards Arthur's side, his eyes now full to the brim with fresh tears.

"Stop being a p... prat..."

Before Arthur could retaliate, foreign words were already escaping Merlin's lips as a faint blue light emitted from his palm.

"Forbærning þes bealubenn æt fullwer cræft..."

Arthur watched in awe as Merlin's iris' flickered gold once again- just like they had done when he killed Mordred. The glow wasn't as strong as before, but the spell had taken effect almost instantly nevertheless. Arthur winced as suddenly his side erupted with a warm, tingling sensation. He gaped, open mouthed as the blood that had previously soaked through to his chainmail was now steadily disappearing until all that was left was the original tinted- grey metal resurfacing from underneath. Not only did Merlin's magic seem to cease the numbness of his wound, but Arthur felt the adrenaline being vigorously pumped through his veins- as if all of his energy was being restored. The sensation was completely eccentric.

As the glowing light that surrounded his lower body began to gradually fade, Arthur couldn't help but observe himself in awe. His injury now only felt like a small, harmless scratch compared to the excruciatingly painful gash that he had conceived in what felt like moments ago.

But his attention was soon diverted as Merlin suddenly stirred, another fit of violent coughs seizing his body as he shifted awkwardly underneath Arthur's grip. Arthur watched in horror as he wheezed, his eyelids fluttering as they struggled to stay open. He could feel Merlin's breaths getting more ragged as he tightened his grip around the young warlock.

"Merlin? Merlin, come on you idiot- stay awake!"

The only response the king got was a small hum as Merlin started to lose his battle with consciousness once again, his eyes slowly slipping closed as Arthur surveyed the final rise and fall of his chest. Arthur froze as within seconds, Merlin's body went limp underneath him, his head lolling backwards as he ceased to breathe.

"Merlin?"

Arthur hoarsely swallowed a dry lump that had formed in the back of his throat as he shook his friend, lightly slapping the side of his face.

"Merlin?... Merlin!"

No matter how hard he tried, the king got no response from the young warlock. As he surveyed the form of his unnaturally still servant, Arthur willingly let a single tear escape as it slowly carved a small river down his cheek. He shook his head, burying it in his hands as he wiped the tears away from his face. The thought of losing Merlin had aroused Arthur many times before, but now the time had come to pass, Arthur didn't know what to do. Never did he want to imagine what life would be like without his best friend by his side. He would be nothing without Merlin.

Arthur wasn't sure exactly how long he had been gazing at his servant, pleading for him to wake up. He longed to see those familiar eyes again. To see that smile that greeted him every morning when he woke up. Squeezing his eyes shut, Arthur descended into the world of nothingness momentarily- emptying his mind to block out the visions of the nightmare he was living in. It was the only hope Arthur could cling onto, and he believed that when he would wake, this nightmare would be over and everything would be back to normal, just like how it used to be.

He would be back in Camelot with Guinevere by his side , Merlin would be serving him just like he did every day. All this bloodshed would be over and the citizens of Camelot could live their life knowing that a peace treaty had been fully occupied. Albion would be united- there would be no more wars, and Arthur could rein as King knowing that he had built a kingdom that was fair and just. No more lies. No more hatred. No more fighting. His father would have been proud of him.

But the visions soon dissolved as he opened his eyes once again, only to be met by the harsh reality of his situation. He turned his head to gaze at his servant, but his heart melted when he witnessed the same pale face staring back at him. As much as Arthur wished it had, nothing had changed. He was living the nightmare- and there was nothing he could do to escape it.

Never in his life had Arthur felt so alone- so helpless. Without Merlin, where would he be? He needed Merlin in his life, even if he was a sorcerer. He had witnessed how sorcery could change people- how it could be used for evil. It was because of magic that Morgana had grown to become a ruthless, manipulating and power-thirsty priestess, which shadowed from the innocent sister Arthur had grown up with since he was a small child. Yes, Sorcery can change people, but surely it had more purpose than to be just be used only for evil? They say that trust is a two edged sword- maybe magic was the same.

If there was any glimmer of hope left in Arthur's heart, it was the fact that he wouldn't give up on Merlin. He couldn't just leave him there, and he knew the young servant would do the same if the tables had been turned.

He had to try.

So, without hesitation, Arthur gently lifted the limp warlock off the ground, being careful not to damage his ribs any further. He rested Merlin over his shoulder, using his arms to support the warlock's weightless body as it hung limply from underneath his grip. He took a fleeting look in all directions until his gaze fell upon a valley leading the eastern borders of Camlann and towards the woods. He composed himself as he whispered into his servant's ear.

"Your'e going to be alright, Merlin. I promise."

And with that, he turned his heel in the direction of the woods as he headed towards Camelot, holding onto the hope that Merlin wasn't completely gone.


So there we have it- Chapter 4! Please feel free to drop in a review if you wish- I'd love to know what you think will happen next! :) x