The Darkness Is Here

11:02 | Tuesday | Home

Arthur took his phone out of his pocket and scrolled down his contact list, highlighting Merlin's name with eagerness. Pressing the green phone, he held it up to his ear and waited. The ringing seemed to never stop and after what felt like forever, Merlin's answer machine picked up.

"Hey Merlin, it's me. Just ringing to check you got back okay. Give me a call when you get this, okay?"

18:34 | Tuesday | Home

"Just wondering if you got my last message, if you did, I'm sorry for leaving you another. Call me."

09:13 | Wednesday | Home

"You said you'd call. Why haven't you called?"

16:20 | Wednesday | Home

"I'm beginning to feel like the whiny girlfriend who keeps calling, which makes me pathetic. Can you just call or text me. Let me know you're okay."

23:42 | Wednesday | Home

"Seriously, don't ignore me. It's not like I can come find you."

01:23 | Friday | Home

Arthur glared down at his phone which he'd resisted using for a couple of days now, except his fingers were itching to dial Merlin's number. Last year he had never expected a response, Merlin had never said he'd phone Arthur. This time was different. "Everything alright?" Morgana asked from his bedroom door and he looked up from his desk to nod in response. It was odd, she had been coming to see him a lot recently. Sometimes for no reason at all and there was often a small frown on her face. "Has Merlin not called?"

"No … I'm beginning to get worried." Setting the phone down, he pushed his hair from his face and tried not to call out in rage. He'd never been so frustrated when not hearing from someone. "What do you think I should do Morgana?"

"You can't really do anything. It's not like he left you an address you could go too," she came over and perched against his desk. "Did he?"

"You know he didn't." Getting up from his seat, Arthur went over to the window ceil and watched the sleeping cat closely. Ever since Merlin had gone, the cat had slowly begun to sleep more, it was now rare to see it awake. He knew it wasn't an ordinary cat but even this was strange behavior.

"Was he okay when he left?" Morgana questioned.

"Yes, apart from being embarrassed. He got dressed, we talked and then he left." Merlin hadn't looked at him in disgust or anger, there was no reason why he shouldn't be calling. It wasn't like him to go against his word. "I'm probably just getting worried over nothing. I bet he doesn't have signal or something over there." His attention remained on the cat that began to stir, its blue eyes staring up at him sleepily and the long white tail wrapped around his wrist. "Hello sleepy head."

"That cat is really strange," Morgana muttered as she moved across the room to join him. As her hand reached out to touch the cat, there was a sudden tension in the air and both of them took a step away from the cat which was now getting to its feet. "What's it doing?"

"No idea," Arthur muttered as he watched the cat leap from the window ceil. Landing on the ground, the cat slowly approached them and he noticed gold swirled in the cat's pupils. Just like Merlin's did whenever he used magic. Suddenly the air around them began to crackle and Morgana grasped his arm as people appeared out of nowhere. Completely surrounding them. "Who the hell are you?"

"Are you Arthur and Morgana Pendragon?" One of them asked.

"Who would like to know?"

"Balinor Emrys," the same one replied.

That got his attention. "Merlin's Dad? What does he want? Is Merlin hurt?"

His questions weren't answers. Instead the world around them began to spin and when he blinked, he found himself standing in a large room where numerous beds surrounded them. Frowning, he went to look at the men who had brought them here, but they were already gone. Leaving him, along with Morgana, alone in a strange, unfamiliar place.

02:33 | Friday | Unknown

Arthur pulled Will to his feet as he appeared in the room and with the help of Lancelot, helped him over to a bed so he didn't have to stand. Over the course of the hour, more people were beginning to join them. Lancelot, Gwen, Gwaine and Leon. Will was the last to arrive. "What the hell is going on?" Will managed to get out as he took a seat.

"I think I should be the one to explain that," Balinor spoke behind them and Arthur spun to see him stood in the open space. He didn't look so powerful anymore. There were large bags under his eyes, it looked like he hadn't eaten or slept in days, the clothes he wore looked like they hadn't been changed either. The sight of a man who had always looked in control, now looking like he was close to death, frightened Arthur. Especially since Balinor was meant to be looking after Merlin.

"Where is he?" Arthur asked.

"I apologise for bringing you here like this," Balinor ignored Arthur and turned to the people who didn't know about magic. "No doubt you are very confused. I shall try to explain myself as simply as I can but I have to be quick. Please, take a seat." He waved his hand and seven chairs appeared. "The only way I can think to explain this is to simply say that magic exists. There are those who possess magic from birth and others who learn it, there aren't many of us."

"Wait, you can't be serious. Magic can't exist. It's only something you hear about in books or see in movies." Lancelot cut in.

"Believe me, it's real. When I have more time to explain, I will. You'll be able to ask me anything you wish." Balinor clasped his hands in front of him, "You've been brought here because I believe one of you will be able to help me."

"Help you with what?" Morgana asked as she crossed her arms.

"I won't tell you until you need to know. If I find that you are of no use to me, I'll send you home. No harm will befall you whilst you are here, you have my word." Balinor turned to leave but Arthur was already on his feet. "Don't ask me anything Pendragon."

"Just tell me where he is. You wouldn't have brought us here unless Merlin was in danger or in trouble. He hasn't been answering my calls, you look like you're dying, something's up and you can't leave us here without telling us more."

"Merlin's in danger?" Gwaine got to his feet at the sound of Merlin's name being mentioned.

"Just get some sleep and someone will bring you some food in the morning, all your parents have been informed that you've gone away for the weekend. I must get back." Arthur walked forward and grabbed Balinor's arm, stopping him from leaving. "Please Pendragon, I have to get back to him." Balinor had the same pleading voice that Merlin had.

"Tell me what's wrong with him. Is he hurt? Did he train too hard?"

"You'll find out tomorrow," Balinor muttered and vanished. Arthur's hand now holding midair. Now he was really scared. There was no way he was getting any sleep tonight.

"Sounds like Merlin's dying to me," Morgana commented. Maybe she was right.

"Please Merlin, you need to calm down. Your body can't take this." Freya was yelling over the sound of furniture being tossed across the room when Balinor appeared and he ducked as a chair was thrown towards him. "He's lost it. He was sleeping an hour ago, then he just woke up and now … this!"

"Merlin, talk to me. What's the matter?" Balinor attempted to approach the crazed warlock who now held a lamp in his hand. Merlin didn't respond, instead he began to laugh and clutch his head with his free hand. He had never been like this. For the past few days he'd remained silent, lying in bed and withering in pain. They hadn't even managed to feed him. Now his body was moving around like a mad thing and at some point he would crash.

"Maybe we should knock him out," Freya suggested as she took the lamp from Merlin as he kept his head in his hand.

"You brought evil here," Merlin spat at Balinor and glared at him. "They will all be killed. I cannot protect them all. The darkness will consume you all and I will be made to watch." His back hit the wall and Merlin slipped to the floor, hugging his knees to his chest. "I should be stronger. Train harder. Focus more."

Balinor slowly walked forwards and crouched by Merlin's side as the young warlock rested his head back against the wall, his eyes glazed over like he couldn't see his Father. "Where is the evil?"

"The darkness to the light."

09:00 | Friday | Unknown

"Merlin, can you hear me?" Freya whispered as she put a cold cloth across his forehead. She had taken over from Balinor since he was due to go and talk to the group of people who'd joined them last night. She didn't know who they were but Balinor believed one of them was responsible for Merlin's condition or knew something about it.

Upon arrival, she had witnessed Balinor tucking Merlin in and whispering to himself. She hadn't seen Balinor take a moment to himself since Merlin had collapsed, it was unlikely to happen until Merlin's condition improved and Freya was beginning to worry what would happen if Merlin didn't make it. A year ago, she would have said that Balinor could get over it. Now, it was different. The two of them had grown closer, gotten to know one another. They might not be the perfect image of Father and Son but considering what their relationship had been, it was a great improvement.

"Is he asleep?" Gaius asked as he stepped through the door.

"I believe so," Freya responded quietly and sighed when Merlin turned his head away from her. "He was awake when I left last night, I returned to find him like this. He might have worn himself out."

"Is Balinor with the others?" Freya gave a small nod. "I hope they can help us. I don't think Balinor can handle this for much longer."

"Arthur," Gwaine said and he glanced over his shoulder. "Do you think Morgana was right? Do you reckon Merlin is dying?"

"Why would he be dying? He left my place without there being anything wrong with him, no one here would harm him and I doubt he leaves this place. There hasn't been a chance for him to be harmed."

"Then why bring us here?"

"If I knew, don't you think I'd tell you? I'm just as clueless as you lot are, well … we know a little more than Gwen, Will, Lancelot and Leon. How do you think they're taking it? They haven't said a word since Balinor left." He looked over at the sleeping figures that held the duvets tightly around them. They'd all fallen asleep because of exhaustion last night, none of them understanding what was going on.

"I think that once this is all over, nothing will ever be the same again."

The lights suddenly brightened in the room and all of them looked towards where they knew Balinor would be standing, looking even more tired then yesterday if possible. "I hope you all slept well. Breakfast is on its way. Through the door at the end-" he pointed towards a door that hadn't been there before "-is a bathroom where you can freshen up and have a shower. There are a change of clothes under the beds you slept in for you to put on afterwards. I must ask that Gwaine comes with me now, it's vital we get started."

Arthur was blocking Gwaine's path with his body instantly, "I should go first. I know Merlin the best. I'm the one who saw him last."

"Your time will come Pendragon. Gwaine, if you would come stand by my side." Balinor watched as Gwaine pushed past Arthur quickly and took his place, "We shall not be long." They were gone in the blink of an eye and the sound of Will moaning was heard before he went back to sleep. The situation too much for him to handle. Better think it a dream then reality.

As a hand rested on his shoulder, Arthur smiled at Morgana as she rested her chin on his shoulder. "He's going to be okay Arthur. It's a good sign they brought us here. It means they still believe we can help cure him." She squeezed his hand encouragingly and went over to sit with Gwen, talking to her quietly about what was going on. As he let her words go through his mind, a small line appeared on his forehead as he thought about her last words.

Cure him.

10:02 | Friday | Unknown

"He's back," Lancelot spoke up from where he sat and Arthur came out of the bathroom to see Gwaine stood there like a statue. His eyes wide in shock and filled with fear. Instantly he was surrounded, all of them asking questions about where he'd been and what had happened. Except all Gwaine did was push through them and go straight to Arthur, grabbing him by the shoulders to hold himself steady.

"Make him take you next," Gwaine whispered.

"What? Why?"

"You should have seen him. He looks dead Arthur, like he's fighting to breathe. His skin is covered in dark marks, every part of his body is cold and black liquid keeps oozing from his eyes." Arthur tensed at the thought of Merlin being that way and looked over Gwaine's shoulder to see Balinor hadn't joined him. He said he'd come back for another and by the sounds of it Arthur had to be that person.

"Did he say what was wrong with him?" Arthur asked.

"He just kept asking me questions about our evening together as a group. Asking if anything strange happened, if Merlin was behaving weirdly. He even asked if you two had been getting along. I was only shown how Merlin was because he thought if I saw him, I'd think harder, find something I'd missed. I tried to get him to talk but he wouldn't even open his eyes. He just whimpered like a puppy who was trapped inside his mind. I can't … I've never seen him like that."

An older man appeared beside the two and smiled softly at them both. "I've been told to bring Will with me-" Arthur noticed Will's entire body tense where he stood "-but I believe you should be the one to see him next." The stranger said and took a hold of Arthur's arm, "Prepare yourself." Arthur didn't even get the chance to make sure Gwaine was okay before the world spun and he found himself in yet another room. "Balinor," the man next to him spoke and Merlin's Father looked up from where he sat.

"I said bring the boy named Will, not Pendragon. He is to be questioned last." Balinor got to his feet and in doing so revealed an unconscious Merlin lying on the bed. Arthur went forward and moved to the other side of the bed, his hand taking Merlin's without hesitation. "He shouldn't be here."

"This is exactly where I should be," Arthur stated and sat down on the edge of the bed. His hand unconsciously moved to rest over Merlin's heart and he felt it beat slowly beneath his palm. Too slowly. "Why didn't you come get me sooner?"

"You think you could have helped? Whatever is happening to him is because of magic and last time I heard, you weren't-" he suddenly fell silent and stared right at Arthur, as if looking at him at provided the answer he needed. "Your sister has magic doesn't she?" Arthur cautiously nodded and was suddenly alone in the room with Merlin, Balinor nowhere to be seen.

Turning his attention back to Merlin, he pulled the sheets up around his neck so he was covered up, keeping his cold body warm. It was strange to see him like this. Even after everything they had gone through, Merlin had always looked like he'd pull through, that nothing was so bad that he was couldn't make it. Right now, looking at him through saddened eyes, Arthur feared that Merlin's luck had finally run out. "I remember you … you were the one from the funeral, aren't you? I believe you also interrupted my phone call with Merlin the other day."

Looking up from Merlin's face, he saw a young girl smiling down at him and he recognised her face. The fact she confirmed she was the girl from the phone told him he was now in the presence of Freya. "You must be Freya," Arthur commented as his thumb brushed across Merlin's palm.

"And you must be the famous Arthur Pendragon," she waved her hand and a seat appeared beside her, which she quickly used. 'She's one of the most powerful sorcerer's I've met.' Merlin's words ran through his mind and looking at her now, he couldn't quite believe it. She looked so fragile and innocent, not dangerous enough that Merlin called her powerful. Then again, Merlin gave off the same appearance.

"Arthur?" A croaky voice broke the silence and Arthur looked down to see two blue eyes staring up at him in confusion.

"Yes, it's me, I'm here." He gently ran his fingers across Merlin's cheek and smiled, "How are you feeling? Are you in any pain?" Merlin didn't respond, instead he turned his head to press into Arthur's palm and closed his eyes. "You're going to be okay. They're going to find some spell to cure you and you'll be better before you know it." Bending down so he was a few inches from Merlin's face, his eyes scanned his features and tried to think of ways to help him. Arthur hated seeing Merlin so weak. "You have to be fine …" Arthur whispered.

He jumped out of his skin when he heard the sound of someone being thrown to the ground and looked up to see Balinor standing over Morgana, her hand clutching her arm where Balinor had no doubt been holding her. A moment later Merlin was letting out a sound of pain, one that made Arthur's heart twist inside his chest and Balinor frown. "I believe we've found the source, time to start talking witch."

Quite a few people guessed why Merlin got ill, congratulations! And so many reviews, thank you!

With the entire gang now amongst a world they don't understand, questions are surely going to be asked and a lot more scenes with all of them in. I hope you look forward to it :)

Please review and I'd quite like to know who you'd like to see more dialogue of from the gang or more involvement. Until next time.