Author's note: Here's the teaser chapter. I told that I would update tomorrow. But I got it done today. So I'm posting it now. Please let me know what do you think about it. A little warning: This chapter is super angsty. Maybe the most angsty thing I've ever written.

On with the story.

Chapter 36

A Glimpse in the Future

Merlin was shaking terribly. His body was cold. That bastard Sauron had made the Nathair bite Merlin for five bloody times.

What's worse was that the Amatan king tortured not a full-grown Merlin but a thirteen year old teenaged Merlin. Arthur didn't know how it happened but when that mysterious liquid touched Merlin on that night in the forest, his body changed and he turned into his teenager self.

Even though Merlin became smaller and younger, he had retained his memory. His body was deteriorating and today, it got much worse than the previous days. Arthur could hear Merlin's screaming from the other chamber clearly. He bet that the entire city could hear his friend's inhuman scream of pain and anguish.

When Merlin had been brought back to the cell they had been held captive, he had been shivering violently. Arthur had gone instantly to help him but there's little he could do. His body temperature had been severely low. So, Arthur held him. He held Merlin so that he wouldn't freeze to death.

At first, it looked like it was working. His shivering was slowing down and his body temperature was increasing. But then, things began to go downhill. He was becoming cold again.

What should he do?

What should he do?

" Ar-thu-r. " A timid voice called out. Arthur almost jumped up in surprise. He looked at Merlin and saw he was looking at him.

" Ar-thur, I ne-ed to tell you som-ething. " Merlin's young voice was hoarse because of all the screaming.

" Shhh. Shhh. Merlin, don't talk. You need to get better. Talking won't help you. " Arthur insisted.

" I am not fool, Arthur. I know I won't survive this time. The Nathair's poison is destroying me. My young body doesn't have the power to repel the poison and it can't wield either the power of The Calling or Emrys. I know what will happen. I need to talk to you before it's too late. " Arthur could see that each word that Merlin was taking a heavy toll on his already weakened body.

" Stop talking like that, Merlin. You'll live. Freya's waiting for you, Rey's waiting for you. Aren, your mother, Gilli, your friends. For their sake, Merlin. Live. "

The words ' For my sake ' went unspoken.

" I'm sorry, Arthur. " Arthur's eyes widened hearing it.

Was he hearing right? Was Merlin apologizing? Why?

" Arthur, I'm sorry for the way I've acted with you. " Arthur was going to stop Merlin but Merlin weakly raised his hand.

" Please don't interrupt. I don't have much time. Please, Arthur. Listen to me. Just one last time. " Arthur was at the verge of tears but he held them back for Merlin's sake. He needed to be strong now. He nodded and a smile beamed on Merlin's face.

Merlin took a ragged breath and started.

" When I was a boy, other boys in Ealdor used to beat me up. They called me bastard, freak, monster and many things. During those days, I only wished for one thing. A big brother. A brother who would protect me. A brother who would love me. That wish was never granted as I was the only child and no big brother figure appeared in my early life.

Then, I came to Camelot and I met you. I admit at first, I have hated you. But then things began to change. You began to care for me. You tried to protect me even though I didn't need it.

Thus I realized, I got my wish. I got myself a big brother. You became my brother that I never had. "

Tears were now flowing freely from Arthur's eyes.

" That's why your act after Dunwall broke me. I never expected you to turn on me. After all, you were my brother. So, I hardened my heart so it could never be broken again. I didn't trust you because I didn't want to get hurt again. I said those harsh words to you to push you away. To block you off. So that you couldn't hurt me again.

But now I know, Arthur. I know you meant every word you have said to me. All the pain and sufferings you've endured for me do make me realize one thing. You still care for me.

I'm sorry, brother. For not trusting you. For behaving cruelly towards you. For hurting you. I'm sorry. "

Arthur could read desperation on Merlin's face and it broke his heart. Merlin didn't deserve it. He deserved to be happy. Not dying here in this cell far from his family.

" Promise me, Arthur. One thing. Promise me you'll tell Rey that I love him. Promise me you'll tell Freya and mother that I love them and I am sorry. "

Arthur couldn't say it because saying that would mean admitting Merlin couldn't be saved.

" Promise me, Arthur. " Merlin spoke forcefully this time.

" I promise. I promise. " Arthur said in a shaky voice.

Merlin smiled a little. " Arthur. Arthur, I'm scared. I don't want to die. Not yet. Don't let go off me, Arthur. Please. "

" I won't, Merlin. I am here for you. " After that, both of them became quiet for some time. Then, Merlin spoke again.

" I've been trying to tell you something for sometime. "

" You're not going to say goodbye. I command you. "

Merlin gave a weak chuckle and said, " Stop being a prat, Arthur. I'm not saying goodbye. I just want to say... " Merlin coughed and through painful breaths said,

" Thank you for being my friend, big brother. "

Then... Merlin's eyes closed . His breathing stopped. His heart stopped beating.

" Hey, Merlin. Merlin! Talk to me. Don't leave me here. What will I say to Rey? Call me a prat, you idiot. I won't hurt you again, brother. I promise. I'm sorry, Merlin. I'm sorry. "

But Merlin didn't talk. He was gone and Arthur knew nothing could bring him back now. He placed a soft kiss on young Merlin's forehead. He looked so peaceful and calm and young. He looked nothing like the powerful king of Elmet. He looked like an innocent boy sleeping peacefully in his big brother's arms.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Muhahahaha! Ain't I evil? I assure you ladies and gentlemen that this scene will take place in chapter 40 or 41. There's going to be a major incident in that chapter. Most of you won't see it coming. So, be ready. I also assure ( or maybe disappoint ) you that this is not a slashy story. Drop me a line, please. I would really like to know your thoughts.

I will try to update in fifteen days. Thanks for all your support. Happy reading and have a good day.

Adios.

- Assassin of Syria.