Title: Ungodly Hour

Authors: Cassy27
Words: 1401
Rating: K+
Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters of Merlin.
Spoilers: Spoilers from both season 1 and 2

Summary: Morgana returns to Camelot and Merlin seems to be the only one who understands why she is back. Why does no one listen to him and what consequences will it all have? Emotions run high, but Merlin must decide where his loyalty lies.

AN: Any and all mistakes are completely my own.

Thank you, those that reviewed my previous chapter. They are what keep me writing and I hope not to disappoint. I have only one word for you: enjoy!

Chapter 10

Morgause's hand raised, ready to use magic on Merlin. It could possibly even be deadly magic and yet, all that Merlin could do, was stare at her. This could not be his end, not like this.

Another arm forced Morgause to lower hers suddenly. Morgana. She was here!

"What are you doing?" Morgause demanded to know, furious as she had been stopped.

"He's no threat to us," Morgana explained. She didn't seem afraid of Morgause and she certainly wasn't scared to stand up for her own beliefs. It was a glimpse of the old King's ward that Merlin now saw and he knew he had to use the knowledge for his advantage. Morgana could still be saved.

"He is," Morgause countered, "you told me, Morgana, he is a sorcerer."

"He accused me of betrayal and nobody listened to him," Morgana said. She was actually defending Merlin no matter what she said. She was saving his life.

"And soon the King will be dead," Morgause smiled, "nobody will listen to him then."

"Exactly," Morgana agreed. A smile filled her face.

Morgause laid her hand on Morgana's shoulder. She looked her straight in the eyes. "I hope you know what you are doing," she whispered. Looking back to Merlin one more time, she left Gaius' chambers.

Morgana turned around as well, wanting to leave Merlin behind.

"Don't," Merlin heard himself beg. He didn't want to, it only made himself sound so desperate, but he simply couldn't help it. "Please, don't do this."

As Morgana's gaze locked with his, Merlin swallowed heavily. How had it come this far? When had it all start going wrong? Merlin knew these answers, though. He didn't want to accept them however.

She looked graceful, even now after all that had happened the past few hours, past few days. Her green eyes shone brilliant, her skin like only porcelain dolls should have.

"What else can I do," she whispered, sadness filling her voice.

Should it be comforting Merlin that she too found this difficult? It didn't. Nothing could comfort him at this stage.

"I am begging you, Morgana," Merlin said, trying to sound stronger this time, "stop. You can still-"

"What?" Her voice broke and with it, Merlin's heart. "I can still come back? Everything can still return to normal? It's impossible."

She was right. There was no point of return anymore. That didn't mean Morgana was lost. Merlin refused to believe that. She could still be saved. He could still save her.

"Help me," Merlin said, stretching out his hand. He could feel how Morgana's gaze fell upon it. "Take my hand and come with me. We can still save-"

"No," her answer came quickly, though, she did not seem certain of her answer.

It were these little moments that gave Merlin hope, that had given him hope since the very beginning. He couldn't understand why he was the only one. Why hadn't Arthur seen it? Why hadn't he tried? Or even the King?

"I'm sorry, Merlin," Morgana said after having taken a deep breathe to steady herself, "I made my choice a long time ago and I will stand by it."

A loud crash coming from down the hall startled Merlin. He knew that wall had been broken as dust started filling the room. Another loud bang could be hear and this time, the windows around them broke. They seemed protected though as none of the glass hit them. Merlin gazed at Morgana. He knew this was her doing, she was protecting him.

"I will miss you," he said, fighting to stay in control of himself.

"We both are loyal, Merlin," Morgana smiled faintly, "to different people. It simply cannot be."

Merlin nodded slowly. "I know."

Behind Morgana, a figure appeared again. Her long blond curls stood in strong contrast with Morgana's black hair. Even with all their differences in appearing, they looked so alike. It was only now that Merlin realized this. They had the same gaze, the same determination filling their eyes.

Merlin knew he had lost. He had tried to win Morgana over and he had failed. Having nowhere else to turn to anymore, Merlin ran passed them. He forbid himself to look behind, to look at Morgana one more time. It would only make this more difficult.

Running like he had never run before, Merlin set out to meet Arthur. If only he wasn't too late.

M M M

The walls around him were falling apart. It seemed the castle was taking heavy blows and Merlin didn't even know what caused it. The Doomed Ones could still be anyone, anything. What if they weren't even human?

Crossing a corridor, Merlin could suddenly see Gwen running in the distance. He had to know if she was okay and so he started sprinting towards her. Only a few seconds later had he caught up with her.

"Gwen!" he called out. Loud noises were surrounding them which made it hard for them to hear each other.

"Thank God, you are okay!" Gwen exclaimed, relief filling her eyes. She embraced him for a moment and Merlin could feel she was making the moment last as long as possible; like they would never be able to hug again.

"Have you seen Arthur?" Merlin asked her now that he knew she was not hurt. They broke their hug apart, but Gwen's hand was still resting on Merlin's shoulder.

She shook her head. "I haven't seen Morgana either," she was obviously worried about her, "what if she's hurt?"

Merlin thought carefully about his words. The last thing he wanted to do was lie to her. "She's strong, she won't let anyone hurt her that easily." These words weren't a lie. "I have to find Arthur," he continued speaking, but he was cut of by a scream escaping Gwen's lips.

Someone was behind him and it was frightening Gwen.

Turning around, Merlin knew he was standing eye in eye with one of the Doomed Ones. He had anticipated a lot, but not this. The Doomed One had no eyes, only two dark and empty eye-sockets. Where he should have skin, only black leather could be seen. The Doomed One was dressed in a filthy brown vest and trousers, a stench coming from him that made Merlin want to gag.

The Doomed One drew out a long, bended sword, its blade shining in the moonlight.

"RUN!" was all Merlin could say. He pushed Gwen forward and away from whatever the Doomed One truly was. They ran, faster than they had ever run before. Going left into another abandoned hallway, Merlin and Gwen hid underneath a niche, shadows all around them.

With some luck, the Doomed One wouldn't be able to see them standing there. Merlin, whose arms were firmly around Gwen's shoulders, held his breath. Underneath his arms, he could feel Gwen's heartbeat strong and rapid.

Footsteps were closing in and all Merlin could think was how he would have to use magic in front of Gwen. He couldn't even begin to imagine how she would react to it.

Preparing himself to use the most powerful magic he had, Merlin took in another deep breath. Gwen would see him use magic, but it was to save her life after all. How mad could she truly be with him then?

The stench came closer, like a suffocating smoke. Merlin was ready. It was now or never. Before he could even speak one word, however, sounds of clashing swords resounded through the hall.

Gwen and Merlin carefully glanced towards the sound. The Doomed One was fighting Arthur. This should be good, Merlin should feel thrilled, but he couldn't help but think how strong the Doomed One appeared. In no time, he had Arthur cornered, his sword crashing down on Arthur's again and again.

The force was too great and the Prince was forced to drop his sword. The Doomed One kicked it away with one swift movement. Arthur was defenseless and he knew it as well. His eyes widened, his gaze looking around for something to help him, only to find Gwen and Merlin stare at him.

"Run!" Arthur yelled.

Merlin and Gwen stood frozen however. This didn't seem real and yet, it was happening. Merlin tried to think of something, of any magic that could help him, but his gaze simply stayed locked with Arthur's.

This could not be his end.

AN: And another chapter is done. I hope you recognized the part that was already in chapter 1. From her on out, anything can basically happen, but I hope not to disappoint. The next chapter will arrive soon so do not fear...more is coming :)