This is the last chapter guys! I'll post the epilogue either tonight or tomorrow.
Disclaimer: IDOM
Arthur shifted uncomfortably in the hard plastic chair of the waiting room, being careful not to wake Gwen who was sleeping on his shoulder. It had been a number of hours since they had burst into the waiting room with a bloody and unconscious Merlin and the sun was undoubtedly up by now but the dim lighting of the hospital made it feel like it was permanently dark out.
He winced as his ankle protested the movement. One of the physicians – apparently a 'nurse' – had wrapped it in a cloth, reassuring him it was only sprained.
"Sire."
Arthur looked up to meet Leon's gaze. "How's your hand?"
"Nothing too serious," Leon shrugged, seating himself on Arthur's left. "It didn't need many stitches."
They lapsed into silence, watching the staff and visitors bustle about.
"Any news yet?"
"They said they would tell us when he was out of surgery," Arthur sighed, rubbing his temple. "I take it that means he's still in there."
"I'm sure he'll be fine. Science has improved greatly since Camelot."
Arthur let his hand fall. "You checked on the others?"
"Elyan's leg is broken – he'll need to have it in a cast for several weeks – and Gwaine needed stitches in his leg, but other than that it's mainly a few minor cuts and bruises."
"Well, that's something at least."
"What's something?" Gwen yawned, sitting upright as she stretched.
"The others are mostly fine," Leon relayed with a small smile.
"And Merlin?"
"We're yet to hear anything."
"Friends and family of Mr. Melvin Emery?"
All three heads jerked towards the staff-only corridor where a young nurse holding a clipboard was waiting.
"That's us," Arthur announced, quickly getting to his feet alongside his queen and head knight.
"How is he?" Gwen asked, ringing her hands together.
"He's just come out of surgery," the nurse smiled. "We'll need to keep him here for a while but he's expected to recover."
Relief that could only be compared to finding a mud-soaked Merlin after a week of searching washed over the Once and Future King.
"Can we see him?" Gwen's question anchored him back to the present.
"One of you may see him for a few minutes."
"You go, Arthur," Leon said instantly.
"Are you sure?" Arthur frowned, surprised by how easily they had decided – king or not.
"You're the other half of the coin," Gwen grinned and Arthur found himself wondering why that phrase felt so familiar. "We can see him later. You go."
"Alright then," the nurse nodded. "If you'd follow me, please."
The room was decently sized, containing more than one patient and small sections partitioned off by green curtains. Arthur followed the nurse past rows of beds to the one closest to the window. She silently pulled back the curtain and gave him a reassuring smile.
"Just a few minutes. If you need anything, there's a buzzer on the wall." And, with that, she slipped back out of the room.
Arthur stood beside the curtain for a long moment, paralysed by what he saw. Merlin lay still under layers of white sheets, some sort of clear mask covering his mouth and nose. There was a tube attached to the crook of his elbow and Arthur followed it with his eyes to a plastic bag filled with blood hanging on a metal hook. A white bandage was wrapped tightly around his manservant's forehead, making his hair stick up at odd angles and the king was sure there would be more under his shirt, which had been replaced with a strange green one.
Rhythmic beeping snapped Arthur out of his trance and he turned to stare at the strange machine in the corner. A red line drifted off the screen, forming a pattern of peaks.
Merlin didn't stir as he moved closer to the bed and sat in the (more comfortable) chair at his bedside.
"You idiot," he ground out, his anger palpable.
Arthur sagged as his irritation fled.
"…You idiot."
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Arthur watched the steady rise and fall of his friend's chest; the only movement indicating the ancient man was still alive. He didn't know much about new age technology, Merlin's constant correcting that 'it wasn't magic' proof enough of that, but he knew the wound had been a mortal one. If they had been back in Camelot, the warlock would already be dead.
Gaius was good, but not that good.
"How is he?"
Arthur turned to see Gwen pull back the curtain, stepping into the small space. She made her way over to him and placed a loving hand on his shoulder but her eyes were fixed firmly on Merlin.
"There's been no change."
Gwen sighed and sat on the arm of his chair.
"It's been almost a week," he said helplessly.
"It's strange," Gwen bit her lip.
"What is?"
"Back in Camelot, a few years after you… we went for a ride and ran into bandits. Merlin… he got hit by a crossbow bolt," she patted her left shoulder. "We thought it was a mortal wound. But his magic… it was amazing; it healed him enough that it was no longer life-threatening and in four days he was up and about like nothing had happened."
"That hasn't happened this time," Arthur finished for her.
"Because the wound was inflicted by an immortal blade."
The two royals startled as Morgana shut the curtain behind her.
"Magic cannot heal it," she added with a sad smile, taking the chair on the opposite side of the bed. "How's Elyan?"
"He's not overly happy about being unable to walk," Gwen relayed. "But I think that's proof that he's fine."
"You went to see Gwaine?" Arthur asked.
"The wound is healing nicely. The nurse said he can go home at the end of the week so long as he doesn't do anything strenuous," Morgana laughed silently.
"He didn't try to kill you this time?"
"I must admit, he wasn't thrilled to see me… at first."
"At first?" Gwen raised an eyebrow.
"Until he saw the alcohol I brought him. He called me an angel, so I think it's safe to assume all is forgiven… or, at least, in the past."
Gwen laughed and even Arthur found a smile tugging at his lips. But they quickly sobered with Morgana's next question.
"Any news on the dragons?"
"No," Arthur averted his gaze. "But I haven't been home yet and it's not like they can just turn up here."
"I hope they're alright," Gwen squeezed his shoulder.
"They're dragons; they're more than capable of taking care of themselves."
"Even so," Morgana leaned back in her chair. "I hope they turn up soon."
"Excuse me for interrupting," a nurse stuck her head in through the curtain, easily gaining their attention. "But I'm afraid I'm going to have to kick you out for a few minutes while Dr. Winters completes some routine checks."
They nodded, getting to their feet and allowed the nurse to escort them out.
Merlin.
Merlin closed his eyes tighter, willing the voice away.
Merlin.
Honestly, why couldn't they just let him sleep?
Merlin!Merlin startled, suddenly recognising the voice. Kilgharrah? Yes, Merlin. Where are you? Are you alright? Where's Aithusa? Calm down, old warlock, Where have you been? Do you know how worried I've been?! There will be time for conversation at a later time. For now I must leave you; communicating from such a distance is taxing. Aithusa and I shall await you at the Lake. Rest, Merlin.
Beep. Beep. Beep.
Merlin groaned as the aches and pains of his body reached him.
"I was wondering when you were going to wake up."
"Gai…us?" Merlin frowned at the hoarseness of his voice, opening his eyes a fraction. He stared up at the stone ceiling, then allowed his eyes to rove around the familiar setting of his room in Gaius' chambers. The man himself stood at the foot of his bed, looking intently at a book in his hands but there was a content smile on his face.
He'd probably overslept again. Arthur wasn't going to be happy.
But then, slowly, time caught up with him and the scenery melted away, replaced by sterile white walls and a metal framed bed. The rhythmic beeping of a heart rate monitor off to the side only completed the symptoms of being in a hospital.
But he was sure he'd heard Gaius' voice.
As his eyes adjusted to the brightness, he took another look at the man watching him.
He had shorter hair than Gaius, and wore black thick-rimmed glasses. The white coat and stethoscope completed the picture of a modern doctor.
"Good afternoon, Melvin," he greeted warmly, moving to place the chart he had been reading on the heart rate monitor. "Or should I call you Merlin?"
Merlin's voice caught in his throat, only a sort of huff-like laugh escaping.
"1500 years and you can't even form a proper sentence. Well, never mind, these things happen with age."
"Gaius…" Merlin beamed at the mentor he thought he'd never get to see again.
"It's been a long time, my boy," Gaius patted his patient's shoulder gently. "You gave us all quite a scare."
"Excalibur," Merlin frowned. "How am I still…?"
"While it's true an immortal blade cannot be healed with magic, science has progressed considerably. A wound that would have killed a man 1000 years ago is no longer an impossibility to heal," Gaius pressed down on his ward, preventing him from getting up. "You need at least another day's rest before I'll even think of letting you move around."
"I feel like I'm dead," Merlin sighed. "How long have I been out?"
"This will be the fifth day."
"No wonder I'm stiff."
"Are you in any pain?"
"A little, but nothing intolerable." Merlin's eyes widened. "How's Arthur?"
"Relax, Merlin," Gaius huffed. "Arthur is fine. And before you ask, the others are fine, too."
Merlin settled back down into his pillow, considerably less stressed and suddenly exhausted.
"Get some sleep, my boy."
"Sorry."
Arthur startled from his day dreaming and looked down at the patient on the bed. Merlin's head was turned towards him, his eyes open a fraction. "It's about time you got up."
"Sorry," Merlin repeated groggily.
"For what?"
"For everything… for attacking you… for oversleeping…"
"You forgot 'for sacrificing yourself'."
"I'm not sorry for that," Merlin turned his head away. "So I won't apologise."
"Merlin," Arthur huffed in exasperation. "That's the one thing you should be sorry for."
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," Arthur couldn't help but smile. The self-sacrificing idiot. "You, on the other hand…"
"I'm fine." As if to prove his point, Merlin put his arms underneath himself and tried to sit up.
Arthur rolled his eyes and helped him, rearranging the pillows so he would have something to lean against.
"How long until I can leave?"
"Not for a good while, I should think. That hole in your chest is more than a graze."
Merlin frowned, raising a hand to his wound. He winced at the contact and Arthur forcefully pulled his hand away. "That's the deal with immortal blades, I guess," he let his head fall back. "And now I guess I'm going to be stuck eating that awful hospital food."
"Doctor's orders."
"Speaking of the doctor…"
"It's strange seeing him looks so…"
"Modern?"
Arthur shook his head, a smile etched on his face. "You must be thrilled."
"Just so long as I don't have to clean out any leech tanks."
"Is this really necessary?" Merlin grumbled, crossing his arms over his chest.
"You are not putting any weight on that leg until I'm sure the wound's not going to reopen," Gwen replied with an air of authority as she pushed his wheelchair out into the parking lot.
"Gaius," Merlin turned to the doctor helplessly.
"Sorry, my boy," Gaius said, but he didn't really seem all that sorry. "Can't go against the queen."
"Cheer up, Merlin," Arthur laughed. "At least you're going home."
Merlin sighed but relented, allowing them to help him into the back of Gwen's hatchback.
The others were already waiting when they arrived, standing out the front with beaming smiles at the sight of them. Even if Merlin had been confined to a wheelchair.
"Welcome home, mate," Gwaine clapped him on the shoulder.
Merlin nodded, moving to stand up. Gwen put both hands on his shoulders and pushed him back down.
"I can walk fine, Gwen," he protested. "Besides, Gwaine and Elyan's legs are worse than mine but you're letting them walk."
"Gwaine and Elyan know how to take care of themselves," she said, not letting him go until she was sure he wasn't going to try and get up again.
"We've cleaned and put away your swords and the staff is in your room," Morgana informed him as she and the others began heading back into the house.
"Wait," he called.
"What now, Merlin?" Arthur teased.
"I… want to try something."
"Try what?" Gwen raised an eyebrow, an unsaid 'choose your words carefully' hanging in the air.
Merlin placed his hands on the armrests, but was stopped before he could even try to stand.
"Merlin," Gwen warned.
"Oh come on! I won't walk or anything, just let me stand," Merlin groaned. "Someone can hold me upright if that's what it takes. I just think it'll work better if I'm upright."
"What will work better?"
Lancelot stepped forward, slipping his arm around Merlin's back and helping him upright. Merlin smiled in thanks. Before any of them could ask any more questions, he threw his head back and allowed his hereditary powers to flow through him.
"O drakon, e mala soi ftengometh tesd'hup anankes! Erkheo!"
He could feel his friends' eyes boring into the back of his head but he ignored them, keeping his eyes trained on the sky. Three minutes passed with no change.
"Merlin," Arthur called softly, his voice laced in pity.
"I swear to the Triple Goddess, Kilgharrah, if you were lying to me I will put you in a tutu and call you Princess Sparkles until the end of time!" Merlin shouted.
A roar pierced the sky, the silhouette of two dragons blocking out the sun. A tongue of flames erupted from the smaller of the two.
Merlin grinned from ear to ear in a way he hadn't for a painfully long time.
"That will not be necessary, old warlock," Kilgharrah said disapprovingly as he and Aithusa landed in the small clearing.
Nobody tried to stop him as Merlin hobbled towards them. Lancelot helped him to the ground, being careful to keep the pressure off his injured leg. Aithusa happily bounded into the warlock's arms, and while Kilgharrah frowned, he did not try to pull away when Merlin roped him in.
Without warning, Merlin pushed them both back. "Where have you two been?! I thought Nimueh had… especially when the house was in such a state!"
"Nimueh did indeed break through your barrier," Kilgharrah confirmed. "But she had not expected to find us."
"We took her by surprise," Aithusa snickered devilishly. "And and look!" she suddenly spun around, proceeding to set a bush on fire. "We learned to use our flame!"
Merlin couldn't help but laugh as he used his magic to put out the fire. "So I take it the house was trashed because of you, then."
Aithusa had the decency to look sheepish.
"She tried to catch us but we escaped," the white dragon continued. "And flew waaaaay further than I thought we could."
"We heard your call, Merlin," Kilgharrah added. "However our energy ran out before we could make it back here."
"Oooh! Oooh!" Aithusa suddenly darted into the house, returning a minute later with a chalice in her mouth. "Look what we found while we were waiting for you!" she exclaimed around the metal object.
"Is that…?" Leon trailed off.
"The Cup of Life," Merlin shook his head as he took it from her. "Where on Earth did you find this?"
"On the shore of the Lake of Avalon," Kilgharrah replied.
"You're kidding."
"No, it was really there!" Aithusa stopped, catching sight of Morgana and Gwen. With a single flap of her wings she'd closed the distance between them, happily accepting the attention the two women were more than happy to give her.
"Come on," Morgana forced herself to stop stroking the white dragon and stood. "Let's get something to eat that's not that awful stuff hospitals try to pass off as food."
"There's one more thing I want to do," Merlin made eye contact with Kilgharrah. "If it's possible."
"If you are willing," the dragon replied. "If anyone can do it, Merlin, it is you."
They all followed the ancient down the worn path to the shore of the lake. Some could venture a guess as to what he was planning, but others were equally clueless. They watched with mixed emotions as he stood at the water's edge, the Cup clasped firmly in his right hand.
"Freya!"
The calm waters lapped lazily around his now drenched shoes. But the Lady of the Lake did not appear.
"Freya!" Merlin tried again. He was painfully aware of the number of times he'd tried this over the last thousand years without success. But, right now, he needed her to come.
"Merlin," Gwen took a step towards him. "I don't think–"
"No. She'll come. She has to come," Merlin replied without turning. "Freya!"
"Maybe if we tried bribing her with Excalibur?" Gwaine suggested, taking his place beside Merlin. "Oi, Freya!" he addressed the lake. "We don't need Excalibur anymore! It's safer with you, isn't it?!"
Merlin spared him a brief glance before returning his attention to the lake.
"Come on, Freya!" Lancelot stood on Merlin's other side. "If you don't do something about it, Gwaine's going to go around stabbing things to see if they'll explode!"
"I'll do it!" Gwaine threatened.
"Don't leave us hanging, Freya," Elyan added, joining them.
"I never got to meet you properly," Gaius acknowledged. "And I should like to apologise properly for what happened."
"I likewise would like to apologise," Leon frowned sadly. "We did you a great crime that night."
"Freya," Gwen linked arms with her brother. "I'd really like to get to know you!"
"Me, too!" Aithusa cried. "And Grumpy Scales, but he won't admit it," she snickered at her elder.
"Freya, you can't ignore all of us," Percival smiled.
"You'd have to be crazy to ignore Emrys," Morgana threw her arm around said warlock's shoulders. "He has a pretty nasty temper, you know!"
"It's cause he's old," Arthur teased. "These things happen with age." He cleared his throat meaningfully. "Freya, I, Arthur Pendragon, King of Camelot, order you to show yourself!"
The waves started to pick up, the waters moving as if a storm was beginning to form. Slowly, out of the depths Freya appeared, her face tear streaked but a smile on her lips.
"Who am I to disobey the Once and Future King?" she laughed, wiping her eyes.
Merlin pulled free of the congregation that had formed on the lake edge, meeting her half way.
"What is it you need of me?" she asked, embracing him.
Merlin bent down, scooping some of the water into the Cup. "Drink it," he said, holding it towards her.
"Merlin–"
"Do you trust me?"
"Of course, but–"
"Then drink it."
Freya stared at him long and hard. She seemed to come to a decision, taking the Cup in her hands and bringing it to her lips. Even as she drank, Merlin's eyes flared gold, tendrils of magic visibly swirling around her like leaves on the wind. As the magic died down, he clasped her hand, leading her towards the shore.
"Merlin," she stopped at the edge where grass met water.
"Trust me," he repeated, not letting her go.
Freya opened her mouth to protest.
"Trust me."
The Lady of the Lake sighed, taking that final step onto dry land. She stood in a stupor, looking down at her feet then back at the lake behind her. "What? How?"
"Special circumstances," was all Merlin offered before the former Lady was swarmed by the bystanders, all eager to greet her properly.
"I think we should buy a cow."