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Me: *hiding under desk inside virtual castle* What makes you people think that I was going to let Merlin go through with it? Honestly! I thought you would have more faith in me… I'm not that mean to them! Am I? *turns to look at Arthur and Merlin with them looking everywhere but me*

Me: *deep breath* *turns to mob* I… am never… write a Merlin being controlled by rage. It took me this bloody long to get his dialogue right! And I still don't think is quite right….

Me: *turns towards Merlin and pinches his cheeks* I think I'll keep our Merlin as his adorable and huggable, quirky and sensitive self from now on!

Merlin: *blushing frantically while trying to shake me off* Quit it!

Me: *grinning lovingly* Never my sweet! *hugs tight*

Merlin: *gestures to Arthur* Help!

Arthur: *raises his hands in the air and turns around* You're on your own. *walks away*

Me: *to the mob* Enjoy!

"Merlin, stop!" Hearing the pure desperation in his voice, Merlin stopped the sphere just inches away from Cenred's face. However, the others could only feel a brief bout of relief until they realized that Merlin has yet to release the energy orb.

"Why should I?" Merlin shouted from his spot, his mind struggling to battle the rage that has consumed the young warlock. "After all he has done? After all the pain he has caused?" At this, Arthur shook the gentle hold his knights had on him and took a few steps forward.

"Yes, he should pay for all the deeds he has done but he should be dealt with by the people!" He said, praying and hoping to make his friends see reason. He knew that however much Cenred deserved to died it would eventually destroy the young warlock if he was the one to do it. Hearing this, Merlin turned his head towards his prince, his eyes flaring with the deepest melancholy and heart-wrenching sorrow that it nearly brought the prince to his knees.

"He used my magic Arthur!" Merlin screamed with a sob almost choking him. "My magic was never meant to be abused in such a way! Because of all he made me do, I can feel the slick taint in my magic coursing through my body. The slimy touch of it is like a poison, freezing within my veins…" A shiver ran through his body as he closed his eyes. He can still feel it. A darkness running through him that is trying to spread like wildfire.

"Then stop yourself, before you make it worse." As Arthur said this, he could only stare at his friend in silent sorrow, knowing he could never truly understand what he was going through. But Merlin just shook his head in response and stared at his prince.

"No. The damage is already done." Merlin declared in a defeated tone, as if giving up on what was happening to him but Arthur would have none of that. He had to try and appease his pain. To make him see reason but before he could say anything, Merlin continued talking.

"Arthur, you will eventually take over the whole of Albion and at long last complete the ancient prophesy. And it is my duty to help you in any way I can throughout your journey, in whatever way I can. You are destined to rule over all of Albion, including his kingdom." As he said the last sentence, they could only wince at the venom in his voice. Their eyes widened, however, when Merlin's gaze turned towards the king, the hand holding the sphere shifting backwards ready to thrust the deadly energy into the king's body.

"And perhaps it's about time that your destiny gets fulfilled!" Arthur's eyes widen as he saw his friend about to strike and he immediately reacted. Ignoring the shouts of warning coming from his knights, he sprinted forward and placed a hand on the warlock's shoulders, hoping to stop him.

"Not like this!" As Arthur shouted this, he was glad to see his friend listening to him. Without letting his grasp go he continued.

"Your destiny is to help me unite all of Albion to a new time of peace." Arthur exclaimed fervently as he increased the pressure in his hold. "But that will not happen if you rip the life of their leaders in order to fulfill that." Merlin seemed to be thinking over what he said so he continued, hope flaring inside of him.

"This is not you Merlin." He continued his tone more gentle this time. "You are supposed to be your usual bumbling, idiot grinning self who occasionally has bouts of wisdom. Not a rage-driven killer that misuses his magic in the name of revenge.

"Remember who you are. Remember what your magic is truly for…" Something seemed to snap inside of Merlin at this point as his eyes started blinking frantically. His gaze fell upon his outstretched hand, clenching the devastating energy sphere which was about to touch the fallen monarch and his eyes closed in shame. He couldn't believe what he was about to do. Arthur and the others watched as the red tint inside the sphere began to diffuse itself and disappeared completely.

"That's it..." Arthur whispered soothingly as he let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding. As Merlin called back the magic from the sphere, he turned to look at his prince, regret and shame clear on his eyes but Arthur could see he was grateful for his intervention. Giving him a small nod of acceptance Merlin supported Arthur's body on his lean frame which was immediately helped by familiar slender arms. The two knights quickly came to their sides, hoping to be of any help as Arthur gestured to the door, leaving the defeated monarch behind.

"Come on. We should go get the others before the dragon gets fed up with my father." The two knights smirked at this having witness their exchange but Merlin could only stare at Arthur wide eyed.

"Wait what?" Realizing that Merlin wasn't aware of the past few hours Arthur just simply rolled his eyes and continued to walk.

"Don't ask."

Back inside the cave, the Great Dragon gave a sigh in relief as the future became clear once again. He notice the young witch's head snapped towards him as he felt the future returning and he knew that she had felt it as well. Giving her a small nod, she immediately shot upwards and announced their victory, the others immediately whooping in joy. Immediately, the group started to sprint out of the cave, wanting to see the others for themselves.

The Dragon could only stare with amusement at their actions as he set himself to fly further down the cave. Destiny indeed was a fickle thing but ever since meeting the young warlock and now having met the once and future king, hope swelled within his ancient heart for the bright future that laid ahead of them.

Me: *hearing the knights and masses plotting revenge* *turns to the others* Guys! Prepare the castle for siege! The others are approaching! *runs away*

Until next time!