Disclaimer: I do not own 'Merlin'. I only own OC characters!
Please note, the Rating has changed: M for language & fight scenes.
A/N- Please note - You will still be able to follow this story without knowing the TV episodes.
Thank you so much everyone for your reviews, follows and favourites; saya659, maisyformerlin, Sam, Rox Malone, Melody Jane, nycsinger16, KHandFF7fanforever, Crystal-Wolf-Guardian-967, Angel Cauldwell and Guests for your reviews! I really appreciate them and love to read them! They spur me on :) Thank you also to all of those who have added this story to their alerts or added it as a favourite!
So Aria has gone back :O I hope you enjoy this next chapter, it took me a really long time to write and get to where I wanted it to be. I really hope you enjoy it! Please review, it would really mean a lot, and I would also be delighted to know what you think!
Thank you to my fantastic beta AnotherWorld3111! :)
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Chapter 38: The Final Battle
Gaius stumbled towards the cave in the near distance, tears blurring his vision. There was an absence in his heart and he knew it was because of Aria's departure. He grabbed his shoulder bag tighter with his right hand, whilst his left gripped the parchment with the scribbled message on. Stopping outside the cave, he noticed the entrance had fallen in, with large boulders blocking the way inside. He placed the parchment in his bag, before lowering it besides him. He began moving the boulders out of the way, and huffed in frustration at how long it was taking him.
After some time, he paused, rubbing the sweat from his brow. He was an old man and such a task was no easy feat. He looked at his work and saw a small hole through which he could crawl through. Taking a deep breath, he bent down and slowly began to push himself through. Feeling the terrifying weight of the stones pressing around him, he had to stop momentarily to reassure himself that everything would be fine. Using the roots poking from the ground to pull himself through, he scraped his stomach across the mossy floor. After a lengthy struggle, he finally made it. Standing up, he dusted off his robes and looked around the dimly lit space. Looking up, he noticed a hole in the top of the cave, allowing the light to filter through. Grateful for this, he began searching for Merlin.
Noticing a worn out cart which had half collapsed due to the weight of fallen rocks, Gaius carefully walked towards it. As he got closer, he noticed a familiar boot sticking out from underneath the rubble.
"Merlin!" Gaius cried, running towards the mound of rocks and pulling them off the unconscious man.
This is the second time I have rescued him from beneath rubble.
Finally, he uncovered Merlin's scratched face.
"Oh, my boy." Gaius gently checked him over for any serious damage. Relieved there was none, just superficial cuts and a few bruises, he slowly lifted him up and softly shook him.
"Hmmm." Merlin's eyes slowly blinked open, "G-Gaius?"
"Merlin." The old man responded fondly, "Merlin, there is-"
"Argh." Merlin doubled over in pain, gripping his chest tightly.
Did I miss something when I checked over him? No… there was only a small bruise on his side – perhaps a cracked rib? - but otherwise he was mostly fine physically.
"A-Aria." Merlin managed to breathe out, "W-where is she?"
Gaius, still in shock at Merlin's extreme reaction, looked at him vacantly. Merlin started mumbling under his breath, trying to locate her using the protective spells he had placed on her necklace.
When nothing happened, Merlin gripped Gaius's robes, his eyes hardening, "Aria. Where is she, Gaius?"
"Oh, Merlin." Gaius held onto the man's hands gripping his cloak, "I'm so sorry."
"No." Merlin shook his head, before crying out in agony, "No, this can't be. I can feel… she's not here… did Morgana… She said she would…"
Gaius felt magic begin to crackle around them. A low hum vibrated around the cave, raising the hairs on his arms and back of his neck.
"Merlin." Gaius grabbed the young man's face and made him look into his eyes, "Merlin, I am so sorry, but Aria was taken back. She is safe, but she is not in this time."
"B-back?" Merlin's magic calmed down slightly, "She is not dead?"
"I do not believe so." Gaius replied honestly, letting Merlin's face go, "She has gone back to her time."
Merlin stared blankly at his mentor and father-like figure, "She has gone back."
Suddenly, Merlin's magic spiked again, causing the ground to rumble. Gaius looked above and saw cracks appear in the cave wall, the rocks vibrating and bouncing on the ground.
"Merlin, please – she is alive, you must calm yourself. Your magic-"
"She's gone." Merlin's eyes went blank.
"You must control your magic, Merlin. Please-"
"Never to see her again." Merlin stood up monotonously, "This is Morgana's fault."
"I do not think so, Merlin. Aria has been having headaches-"
Gaius flinched as Merlin suddenly turned towards him, his eyes now a constant bright gold, "Headaches?"
"Yes." Gaius nodded warily, "I believe this was due to her not being of this time. She must have had a limited time here, and it finally became too much and she had to go back."
"After all this time? It's been years. She's gone." Merlin repeated, his magic building.
"Merlin, don't do this. Please." Gaius pleaded.
Shaking his head, tears dripped from Merlin's eyes, "No, she can't be gone. No, she couldn't have left me. She is my life. Without her…"
Looking nervously above him at the rumbling and groaning of the rocks, Gaius tried again to calm Merlin down, "Merlin, you must calm yourself, you will bring the cave down upon us."
"I'm sorry, Gaius." Merlin smiled sadly, "Without Aria, I have nothing. I am nothing."
Gaius watched as the gold intensified in his eyes. The ground rumbled and rocks started to fall from above. Merlin hunched over and began to shake. Gaius reached out to grasp him, but as his hand leant forward he touched an invisible wall. Surprised, he reached out again and pressed his palm flat against the wall. Moving his hand up, he realised the wall had completely surrounded him.
Why is there an invisible wall around me? Merlin?
"Aria." Merlin mumbled, before screaming, "NO!"
Merlin's magic exploded from his body. Flinching and covering his eyes at the sudden eruption of power, Gaius expected to be thrown backwards, but realised that the wall around him was protecting him. The cave however, was not so lucky. Gaius watched in a mixture of fascination, awe and horror as the cave walls were obliterated around him, the stones thrown into the air and crushed until there was nothing but dust. Merlin's magic visibly radiated off him in golden waves, his sadness permeating everything in the nearby radius.
"Merlin, you must control your magic. Control yourself. Aria is safe!" Gaius shouted, not even sure if he would be heard. Despite being protected from the immediate collapse of the cave, his robes flapped as a result of the intensity of Merlin's magic, the wind whipping past his face.
"Aria." Merlin repeated, his eyes still gold, "My love, gone from me…"
"No, Merlin." Gaius's eyes were sad, "She will never be truly gone." He looked about and saw his bag split open nearby, "She had a message for you, Merlin."
But he was not heard, as Merlin cried out in agony, his heart broken from the loss of his wife. His head tipped towards the sky and he cried out, his voice spreading like a guttural echo over the land.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Gwen's head snapped up as the sound of a man crying out swept over the camp. It was eerie, loud and made her blood run cold.
"What was that?" Arthur ran into the tent, "Gwen, are you alright?"
"Yes…" Gwen stood up from where she had been sorting through the medicines, "That cry, what was that?"
Another cry sounded out, reverberating off all of the surfaces. Arthur's face went pale, "That voice…"
"It can't be." Gwen gasped, looking at her husband, "That sounded like…"
Arthur ran from the tent, his wife following close behind. The Knights were all stood on high alert, looking around to see what caused the noise.
"Sire, is it Morgana?" Sir Leon asked, his sword unsheathed.
"No, I don't believe so." Arthur replied, "I think it was…" He looked around again at the confused faces before him, "Prepare for battle, the time has come."
"Sire!" The Knights shouted, before hurrying about.
Gwen grabbed Arthur's hand, "Arthur, that sounded like Merlin."
He nodded gravely, "I know." He ran his hand through his hair, "Gwen, stay safe in the healing tent. It felt like a warning, we need to prepare for battle."
"Yes." She leant forward and placed a chaste kiss on his lips, "Be safe, my love."
"And you." He sent one last longing look at his wife before following his Knights.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Merlin collapsed forward, devastation and heartache tearing through him like an earthquake cracking open the earth. He gripped the leaves and soil beneath his hands and cried out at his loss, his voice ringing through the forest. He felt the dirt scratch under his fingernails, but he did not care. He imagined Aria's voice tutting at him for not taking care of his nails, and sighing as she grabbed a brush and cleaned her own, raising her eyebrow to silently tell him to do the same. He tried to smile at the thought of her laughing and chastising him, but the pain was just too great.
"Aria, Aria, no."
He felt his magic flowing through his veins and knew it was dangerous to let it loose, but he couldn't control it.
Aria, my love, have you truly gone? This wasn't meant to happen. To her I would already be dead. A myth. Nearly forgotten.
He cried out again and allowed his magic to take over.
This is Morgana's fault.
Merlin's eyes glinted gold in the early morning light, his magic power overflowing from every pore. He turned and saw that Gaius was safe in the protective shield he had formed. Waving his hand, the shield vanished, allowing Gaius to leave if he so wished. He saw Gaius's mouth moving but could no longer hear the words being spoken. Instead, there was only a high pitched whistling in his ears, his head aching from the magical pressure. Turning, Merlin gathered the wind beneath him, lifting himself into the air so that he was high above the forest. The morning dew swirled around him, giving him an ethereal glow. He turned towards Camlann and began his journey towards Arthur's final battle.
Gaius watched in disbelief as the man he treated like a son rose into the air with little effort and sped off in the direction of Arthur's army. His knees gave in and he sank to the forest floor. Looking around he grabbed his bag which lay forgotten nearby, all of the contents spread around. Furiously trying to find the parchment he had written on, he clawed at the foliage and remnants of rocks layering everything. Eventually he pulled out the parchment and dusted it off, sighing in relief that Aria's message was still clearly there.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Gwen rubbed her hand across her forehead, trying desperately to wipe away the sweat and grime. The battle had only begun moments earlier, but already it seemed like she had been healing the wounded all morning.
Where is Gaius? And Aria? Did Aria find Merlin? Why did Merlin cry out in pain? Was it actually Merlin? Is it Aria…? No, it is no use to dwell on such possibilities.
Feeling a small movement in her stomach she gently rested her hand there, stroking it gently.
I'm sorry little one, I haven't had chance to tell your father. After all this time, we finally managed to create you. He most definitely wouldn't have let me come had he known… Maybe I should have stayed at the castle… No. I should be here with the Knights - my people. You understand, don't you?
"Another one!"
Gwen's head snapped up as Sir Leon came in with a wounded Knight hanging off his arm.
"Here, Leon." Gwen signalled to the desk besides her.
Nodding, Leon gently laid his comrade down before heading out of the tent to continue fighting.
Gwen sighed and began treating the wounded man. He didn't look barely old enough to be a Knight. She looked around and could still see no sign of Merlin, Gaius or Aria. She prayed they were all alright.
Where is everyone?
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Arthur huffed in immense effort as he continued fighting. There were swarms of them and there seemed to be no end in sight. Countless men charged at him, their faces and bodies nothing but a blur. His arms were heavy from the weight of holding his sword and the dried blood cemented into the fabric of his under armour. His blonde hair hung wet across his forehead and sweat dripped down the nape of his neck. He stopped for one brief moment in the fighting and felt the stream of sweat trickle down his back. Groaning in effort, he sliced his sword at another puppet of Morgana's, the man falling down and joining his comrades on the blood soaked floor.
Will this never end? How can we win?
Arthur looked up and saw Percival swinging his sword in one massive movement, taking out two men at a time. His huge frame was tense and ready for battle, his eyes ablaze with glory. Arthur turned to his right and saw Leon attacking in smaller bursts, his lithe frame twisting and turning between the enemy. His smaller slashes and stabs caused Morgana's men to collapse in a heap, gasping for their last breath.
Where is Merlin?
Arthur tried to push his best friend from his mind.
I must focus on the battle. Now is not the time. That moron will be fine, wherever he is.
"Sire!"
Arthur's head snapped up at the shout, his sword automatically coming up to block an oncoming blow. His concentration returned, he continued to slay Morgana's men.
Focus!
"There are too many sire!" Leon shouted, effort clear on his face.
Arthur knew this to be true, and prayed to the Gods that someone - or something - would save them.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Merlin approached the battlefield, his eyes molten gold. Looking down he saw Camelot's Knights were outnumbered ten to one – they did not stand a chance.
How did you hope to win, Arthur? I will save you. For Camelot. For the future. For Aria. It is my destiny.
Merlin's magic howled around him at the thought of his lost wife, his sadness building up inside of him. Gaius's earlier words about not letting the magic take over rang in his head, but he pushed them away.
Aria, my love. Gone… Gone forever….
Howling in agony, Merlin descended upon the battlefield, prepared for war.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
The druids watched the scene playing out before them in fascination and horror.
One of the figures pulled their robe closer around them in an effort to comfort themselves, "We must stop Emrys, surely?"
"No." The elder druid replied, "Not yet. He must continue to play his part as destiny laid out. Only then should we seek to stop him."
"But he could destroy us all!"
The elder druid cast sad eyes on the vision before him, "We shall stop him before that happens."
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Arthur gasped, his arm sore from where the blade had sliced through his skin.
"Sire!" Percival shouted, rushing over and killing the man who had dared hurt his King, "Are you alright?"
"Yes, fine." Arthur shouted, wiping blood and grime from his skin.
Finally, we have disposed of so many men. Surely that must be…
He looked up and his heart dropped as another solid wall of men approached from a short distance away. Looking around, he saw how tired his Knights were, waiting to fight another horde of men above the bodies of their fallen comrades.
They will attack in another front on assault - I don't think they can survive another onslaught. How do they keep coming? How can we win? I must stay strong.
He swallowed bile down before raising his sword in the air, "We have defeated the first round of men Morgana has thrown at us, and we shall defeat the rest! Think of our people - our wives and children at home, we will return to them. And we shall be victorious! For Camelot!"
"For Camelot!" His Knights echoed with a renewed sense of vigour.
I love you, Gwen.
Arthur gripped his sword until his knuckles turned white. The cold metal and cloth under his fingers gave him a strange sense of comfort. Taking a deep breath, he ran towards the oncoming army. He was only metres away when a shadow passed quickly above him, causing him to hesitate and pause, his Knights following suit.
"What is that?" He heard Gwaine shout roughly besides him.
Rubbing the sweat from his brow, Arthur blinked at the familiar figure sweeping across the battlefield and heading straight towards the oncoming army. He squinted at the familiar figure in and gasped in shock.
Merlin?
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
The battleground at Camlann reeked of death and despair. The sky above was strangely and serenely clear, as if ignorant of the battle below. A light wind rolled above the men preparing to fight below, gently caressing Merlin's cheeks. He noticed that the bodies of the fallen Knights had been moved to the side of the clearing, suggesting there had been a mild respite from battle. The bodies of the enemy were also removed, leaving a strange coppery coloured mud that spread between the remaining Knights and Morgana's men. As he got ever closer to the battlefield, Merlin felt his sadness mounting, ready to explode. He tried to contain it, but the pain was too raw. He felt sick at the thought of his lost wife, an emptiness clawing away at his heart.
Morgana took Aria away. Now she tries to take Arthur from me. I won't let her.
He saw Arthur lift his sword up and shout, causing the Knights to stand up straighter, their energy renewed. As they rushed towards the enemy, Merlin shook his head sadly.
You cannot hope to win this alone, but I will help you. Even though you do not know about my magic, you will soon. There is no time to become Dragoon. Please forgive me, Arthur.
Merlin continued his descent, swooping low above the Knights. He heard their shouts of confusion, but he had no time to focus on them.
Aria. Aria's gone. I know you would not want me to kill, my love, but I must do this. For Arthur, for Camelot. Without this, we cannot ever hope for peace. There is a fine line between good and evil and with great magical power, I must ensure I do not cross this line. But this is my destiny, I know what must be done.
His eyes shone bright, his hands flying up as pure magical energy poured from his very soul. Merlin's magic blasted away from him, obliterating the front line of men, turning them into nothing more than dust. He blocked out the shouts of awe and terror and continued his attack.
Merlin watched in fascination as his arms slowly rose, as if with a mind of their own, and stretched out in front of him. An invisible blast of magic exploded from the palms of his hand, causing his arms to jolt backwards with power. The shockwave flew across the land, pushing the Knights of Camelot back. Sharp pains shot towards Merlin's heart and head from the pressure, but he could not stop – he would not stop. He allowed the agony of Aria's departure to seep through, increasing his magic's potency.
Aria.
Crying out in despair, Merlin landed on the ground, his feet causing the land to crack below him. Feeling the hardness of the soil beneath him and the wind rushing past him, he took a deep breath. He began walking towards Morgana's remaining warriors, growling in anger. Looking around for the despised sorceress, he could only see a small army of men corrupted by her darkness. He raised his hands towards the heavens, whilst tipping his head back until he faced the sky above him.
Shouting loudly and deeply, Merlin cried loudly, "Cleanse the filth from this land."
His voice echoed around the Knights and enemy, raising goose bumps on their arms. There was a short pause until the skies above acquiesced, clouds building together to form a dark grey slate above the battlefield. The wind howled whilst thunder and lightning crackled and sparked above. Tears poured down from Merlin's eyes, and at the same time, the heavens opened. Water and lightning rushed down towards the earth at breakneck speed towards the opposing army.
Having seen their comrades already destroyed by the sorcerer in front of them, Morgana's remaining army turned backwards, desperate for their leader to do something to help them. But Morgana was nowhere to be seen, she had forsaken her men. Seconds after they had turned away, Merlin's lightning struck hard, over and over again, striking those who had dared to stay and those who had tried to run. Once he was done, he left nothing but a steam-filled, barren land.
Merlin's hands lowered, his head hanging down and his tears stopping. The clouds departed, leaving a clear sky above as had been before. Looking ahead of him, he knew he had stopped the battle – there were no more men for Arthur to fight.
Is it truly over? Did I at least save Arthur? Aria…
He stood still, the silence surrounding him like a suffocating blanket. The air was thick with heat and the smell of death, and Merlin shook slightly as a result of releasing so much magical energy. His head ached and he pushed lightly on his temple to help ease the pain. His legs felt weak but he stood up strong before turning towards his best friend and the King of Camelot.
"H-how?" Arthur whispered from behind him, his sword hanging limply from his arm as he witnessed Merlin wipe out Morgana's entire army in mere minutes.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Gwen heard a loud bang and screams from outside, causing her to jump up from the floor in shock. She grabbed the sword from the Knight she was tending and held it out in front of her. The Knight mumbled incoherently, but he was on the verge of passing out and would be of no help in such a situation.
Stop shaking. You're not just fighting for your own life.
When no one entered, she tentatively went to the entrance and peeked outside.
What?
The Knights were all grouped in the distance, but they were not fighting the enemy. Instead they were backing up slowly, whilst a figure floated in front of them.
Oh no, what has Morgana… wait… he's attacking her army?
Courage at its peak, Gwen left the tent and ran towards the small mound of rocks nearby, clambering up them quickly so that she could get a better view of the battle. She squinted and saw the figure rising above Camelot's Knights, their back to her. The figure was quite literally obliterating Morgana's men.
She gasped as she recognised the figure clothed in his usual attire, "Merlin."
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
"EMRYS!" Morgana screamed, her shrill voice ringing loud, "How is this possible? You dare to defy me?!"
Morgana stumbled backwards away from her quickly diminishing army, the deafening sound of thunder surrounding her.
I must get away.
She looked around the barren landscape, but could not find Mordred. In her anger she shouted out, "You promised me he would be immobile. Your rock kept him at bay for less than an hour!"
Searching around for the druid who had promised to help her, she hissed in anger, "What caused him to re-awaken so soon?"
Mordred kept in the shadows as he heard her shouting and spitting. He shook his head. He had more important things to focus on.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Arthur blinked in surprise, his sword still held out in front of him as Merlin calmly walked closer. Merlin saw a flicker of hurt on his friend's face, but he did not put the sword down.
"You- you're a sorcerer?"
"I'm sorry, Arthur." Merlin stopped, his face pale, "I did not want you to find out this way."
Arthur shook his head in disbelief, "But-"
Arthur's face went through a range of emotions, from shock, sadness, confusion and then finally, to anger, "How could you?"
He raised his sword up higher.
"Arthur." Merlin held out his hand, then lowered it at the look on his friend's face.
"No." Arthur shouted, "You have lied to me this entire time. It just can't be… can't be… How? You are a sorcerer – just look - look at what you did. You destroyed our enemy in minutes. You are a danger to this land."
"I would never hurt you, Arthur. All I do is for you."
"How can I trust you?"
"Sire." Leon laid a hand on Arthur's arm, causing him to flinch slightly, "This is Merlin."
"I don't know this Merlin." Arthur replied angrily, shaking off Leon's hand, "This, this - sorcerer, is not the man I saw as my closest friend."
As Merlin took a step closer, Arthur involuntarily moved backwards, his sword held high. Feeling another stab of hurt, Merlin lowered his head and suddenly felt very alone and isolated in the world. His eyes began to fill with water again, his sadness bubbling up inside.
Am I to lose Arthur in another way?
"Merlin, you're a sorcerer?" Gwaine spoke up whilst sheathing his sword. He rubbed his arm across his forehead, smearing the blood and sweat resting there. Arthur glared in his direction, but Gwaine ignored him and held up his hands in truce.
"Yes." Merlin replied simply.
"Does Aria know?" George spoke up next, looking torn between a variety of emotions, "Does Nancy…?"
Merlin felt a sharp stab in his heart at Aria's name, causing him to stumble slightly, "Yes, Aria knew. No, Nancy does not."
George nodded slowly at the simple answer, his expression betraying his confusion.
Gwaine flinched slightly at Aria's name, before running his hand through his sweat filled hair, "Yet you did not tell us? Aren't we your friends?"
"How could I?" Merlin sighed, "Uther would have had me killed."
"But I would not have." Arthur angrily sheathed his sword, almost slicing his finger off in the process, "You hid this from me – I was supposed to be your closest friend!" He shouted.
A mumble of discussion passed amongst the Knights, some scared witless at the scene in front of them, others delighted that they would no longer have to battle and could return home. A few of them shivered in the warm sunlight, a strange consequence of the sights they had just witnessed.
Realising they had an audience, Arthur turned towards his Knights, "All of you go back to camp." When they did not move immediately, he shouted, "Now."
The Knights backed off slowly, their eyes never leaving Merlin's form. His eyes implored them to trust him, but he could see that some of them never would. Downcast, he turned away slightly, begging that his tears would not continue to rain down. He felt a dull ache pass up his legs and he swallowed slowly, the effects of using so much magic finally taking its toll.
I need Aria.
"We will stay, sire." Leon spoke up, nodding towards himself, Percival, Gwaine and George. He stood up straight and hoped the King would not punish him for his clear defiance.
Arthur sighed but said nothing further. He turned towards Merlin and scowled.
"You are my closest friend. I would have only done this for you, Arthur. My entire life, all I have ever done is ensure you and Camelot are safe. I would never do anything to hurt you."
"Surely one of us would have noticed?" Percival spoke, his voice laced with confusion, "We would have seen you perform acts of magic – none of us would be so blind."
Merlin didn't reply, causing Arthur to laugh strangely, "Are we all mere puppets to you?"
"No, of course not." Rubbing the rogue tears from his eyes, he continued, "Do we have to do this now? Please just know that I do not ever want to hurt you, I want you to live."
"Do you have somewhere else you need to be? Apologies great sorcerer, that your King has taken up so much of your precious time."
"No." Merlin almost cried.
I need to… I need to find Aria. Please, now you are safe, please just understand.
"Arthur, please." He felt his legs wobble and stumbled slightly whilst trying to stabilise himself.
"Sire, to you." Arthur replied coldly, causing Merlin to pause in disbelief.
"Arthur-"
"Are you deaf as well?" Arthur growled, "I do not know you, so you will not speak to me with such familiarity."
George winced at the King's tone but knew better than to interrupt. He sent Merlin what he hoped was an encouraging look – after all, the man had just saved all of their lives.
Sighing in tiredness, Merlin tried again, "Sire, please listen to me. I would never harm you or anyone in Camelot, you must trust me."
"Trust you?" Arthur laughed again, "I have trusted you my entire life and I have just found out that it has all been a lie! How can I trust you? Or anything you say?"
"I have never let you down." Merlin stood up straighter, "I have always stayed besides you-"
"Except today."
"Especially today!" Merlin shouted, "You don't even realise what has truly happened today, and yet you feel the need to remain your stubborn, clotpole self. Open your eyes Arth- sire."
"They are open; I have seen what has transpired here today."
"But do you really see?" Merlin challenged, "What you should see is your closest friend standing in front of you, begging you to realise he is here for you. You should be able to see that I have had my heart ripped out from my chest this very day. That I am trying my best to save you and Camelot, despite the despair that I am feeling. Look closer Arthur, and truly see." Merlin's voice rose at the end, getting louder and more desperate. Tears began to drip down his cheeks.
Arthur watched him throughout his entire speech and realised he was right. There was something different about Merlin, and not just the golden eyes and magical presence.
Before Arthur could ask any more, Gwen barrelled past the few Knights that had remained, pushing her way towards Arthur, "Merlin!"
Merlin looked up at the new voice, tears still rolling down his cheeks.
"No, Gwen, stay back!" Arthur reached out to grab her arm.
"Oh, don't be so ridiculous, Arthur. This is Merlin." Gwen shook her husband off and ran towards the desperate sorcerer. She flung her arms around his neck, causing Arthur to babble nonsense incoherently.
"G-Gwen?" Merlin asked, slowly bringing his arms up to wrap around her.
"You saved us, Merlin. And you saved Camelot." She looked into his eyes and only saw sadness and despair, making her confused, "But why are you not happy? This is what you sought to do when you left, is it not?"
Merlin didn't reply and instead just stayed still, his eyes now a dull gold. Arthur looked surprised that Gwen had disregarded Merlin's lies and had so perceptively noticed what he had clearly failed to see. Arthur immediately felt his chest deflate, the anger dissipating from him as swiftly as it had built up.
Gwen took a step back and looked around. Moving her eyes towards Merlin's, she felt a strange sickness in her stomach – one that was not due to her being with child.
"Where is Aria?" She whispered, barely heard.
"She's gone." Merlin replied, devastation weaved into his voice.
"No, it can't be." She shook her head, "Aria isn't gone, it's not possible. She's too strong."
Realisation dawned on Arthur, his face contorting in sadness and understanding. He fought back the desire to grab Merlin and pull him into a hug.
The remaining four Knights listened in shock, George taking a step closer as if to ensure he had heard correctly. Leon's face was grave and his head hung low at the loss of such a wonderful woman. All of them looked saddened upon the news – they had been especially fond of the young woman who had brought happiness and joy into Camelot. One Knight looked particularly broken at the news and he stumbled slowly backwards under the watchful eye of his friend.
At Merlin's continued silence, Gwen's legs collapsed causing her to fall to the floor, tears pouring down her cheeks, "No, please, say it isn't true, Merlin."
When Merlin didn't say anything, Gwen broke down into heaving sobs, the mud and blood on the clearing floor soaking into her dress. Arthur, awoken out of his stupor, ran forward and knelt down, pulling his wife close. He allowed her to grip onto his armour and weep. He knew he smelt terrible and was covered in sweat, blood and grime, but also that his wife needed him.
"How?" He asked, stroking his wife's back gently, the venom gone from his voice.
When Merlin didn't reply, Arthur bent his head down in sadness for the loss of his wife's best friend – and his friend also. He cared for Aria a lot, and to know she was gone was a difficult pain to bear.
"And Gaius?" Arthur softly added.
"Safe." Came the quiet reply.
"At least that is something." Arthur mumbled, whilst Gwen continued to bawl besides him.
"Yes." Merlin answered quietly. He was grateful his mentor was alive and well, but it could do nothing to dampen the despair he felt.
As he turned and began to walk away, Arthur shouted out, "Where are you going?"
"Clearly you don't want me around." He turned back to stare pointedly at his friend. Merlin turned his gaze to the now desolate wasteland, where several hundred men had once stood ready to battle only moments before.
Arthur paused for a moment, causing Gwen to elbow him subtly in the ribs between sobs, "Stay with us… Merlin."
Merlin smiled slowly, his pain becoming minutely more bearable.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Gwaine gripped his chest armour tight at hearing the news, sadness flowing through him.
"How can she be gone?" He quietly whispered, "It is not possible. She was safe at the healing tent. She was safe."
He looked up at Merlin, saw the broken expression on his face and knew it to be true. Merlin wouldn't be acting like this if Aria were alive and well.
Aria, no, my dear Aria. It cannot be. And Merlin… Merlin a sorcerer? What is happening with the world? This is Morgana's fault – without her, Aria would be safe.
Gwaine gripped his sword tightly, rubbing the water from his eyes. A new sense of determination, he snuck away from the clearing and the sobbing Queen. Percival noticed his friend slinking away from the group and felt a strong sense of foreboding.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Gwaine ran through the nearby forest, anger and determination flashing in his eyes. His sword was held out in front of him and he used that to slash at the branches and bracken that dared to get in his way. Stopping for a brief moment, he heard a woman shouting nearby. He growled at the familiar screeching, his hand tightening its grip on his sword.
"I will kill you for this, you foul witch."
Gwaine ran towards the voice and pushed his way into a small clearing with a little wooden shack. He looked around and there in front of him was the woman who had caused so much despair and had smite the land into darkness.
She looked up at the sudden intrusion and when she saw who it was, smirked, "Gwaine."
Gritting his teeth, he snarled, "I will kill you."
"I'd like to see you try." She laughed, circling in front of him like a vulture circling its prey. She raised her eyebrow seductively, "Are you sure you can handle me?"
Gwaine took a step forward, his sword held fast in his hand.
She would have been a beautiful woman, had she not sought out evil. How could someone be so fair yet so cruel and full of darkness?
He watched as she sauntered in front of him, her long brunette hair swaying from left to right as her hips moved. His eyes followed the slow swishing of her hair. He blinked and shook his head, breaking the enchantment. Morgana's large, green eyes shone beneath thick, dark lashes, whilst her plump pink lips glistened and shone in the light.
Yes, she could have been most beautiful. It is a shame I must kill such beauty, but it is no less than what she deserves.
Gwaine ran at her, his sword swinging out in front of him. Sweat dripped from his forehead, the result of the battle taking its toll. Morgana laughed, her hand rising up. She blasted him with her magic, throwing him backwards into the thick trunk of a nearby tree. Walking towards him, she flung his sword away, embedding it into a tree. Kneeling down in front of his groaning form, she gripped his chin and made him look into her eyes.
"Pity." She smirked, her teeth shining menacingly in the light, "I think we could have had fun."
Leaning forward she pressed her lips onto his, pushing down hard. He tried to push her away, but she bound his arms above him so that he could not move. Straddling him, she kissed him deeply, forcing her tongue into his mouth. Trying to push her away, he managed to bite her on the lip, causing her to gasp. She cackled, pulling up and licking the trickle of blood away. A light pink trail from the corner of her mouth to halfway down her chin remained, ruining her pale complexion.
"Get off me." He spoke quietly, "I'd rather die that kiss you."
"As you wish." She smirked, getting off him and brushing down her dress, "Pity."
He watched as she clicked her fingers, his arms lifting him into the air, his back rubbing roughly against the bark of the tree. A thick vine fell down and encircled itself around his neck.
"For that, I will give you a slow death."
Gwaine felt the vine wrap tightly around his neck, causing his breathing to become laboured. Suddenly, his arms were released, his neck suddenly taking his entire weight. The last thing he saw was Morgana turn her back and walk away, her hair swishing in the wind.
Left and right.
Then Gwaine succumbed to the suffocating darkness.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Gwen dabbed her eyes for what seemed like the hundredth time.
I cannot believe it to be true. Aria, gone? But she was here just a few hours ago, how is that possible? Who did this to her?
She looked up and saw Merlin standing in the same place, with a forlorn and desolate look on his face. Knowing Merlin would never lie about such a thing, Gwen felt the tears build up again and she gripped Arthur tighter. Smelling the sweat and blood on her husband made her realise how close he could have been to death, and she thanked the Gods that he had been returned to her safely.
"What… What now?" She timidly asked, her voice thick with emotion.
"You should return to Camelot." Arthur gently pulled her off him and ran his hand through her hair, relishing the feel of it beneath his fingers, "Morgana still lives, so you could be unsafe here."
"With all of Camelot's Knights?" She snorted, before it turned into a hiccup, "I want to remain by your side."
"You must return, Gwen." Merlin spoke up, turning towards her, "Arthur is right, it is not fully safe here yet. There is something else I must do."
Gwen looked down and laid a soft hand on her stomach.
Perhaps I should go now, for this one's sake. I also need time to take in what has happened to Aria. My darling, Aria – my best friend, my sister.
"Promise me you will come home as soon as possible." She implored, looking lovingly into her husband's eyes.
He smiled down at her, "Of course, I will be home soon."
Smiling softly, Gwen stood up and dabbed at her eyes with the sleeve of her dress.
I wish I could have told Aria about the child within me. She would have been so delighted.
Tears threatening to fall again, she stood up straight and took a deep breath. Looking around her, she saw the tired faces of the remaining Knights and the filth they were covered in.
I must stay strong, for Camelot. For Arthur. For the little one inside of me.
"I'll accompany you, Your Highness." George spoke up, giving the Queen a swift bow.
"Thank you." Arthur nodded appreciatively, "Please ensure she returns safely."
"On my life and on my honour, Sire."
"My horse is tethered near the healing tent, along with Aria's-" Gwen froze, the sadness biting at her heart, "Oh dear." She sniffed, tears gathering at the corners of her eyes.
"Let's go, Your Highness." George spoke softly, holding out his arm.
"T-thank you." She nodded, turning once more to stare dolefully at her husband and Merlin, both of whom were stood awkwardly facing one another.
Looking around as she made her way back towards the tent, she noticed that Gwaine and Percival were missing.
They were here just a second ago. Perhaps… of course. Poor Gwaine, he must also be distraught at the news. He tried to hide it well, but we all knew about his love for Aria. It seems only Aria and Merlin were blind enough to not see it. Oh, Aria. I just cannot… When I get back to the castle, how will I face your room? Your belongings?
Gwen's grip on George tightened slightly. She gasped, "I'm so sorry, George."
"It's quite alright, Your Highness." He paused, his eyes staring dead ahead, "I have been to battle tonight and I have lost many comrades, but I too feel the depth of loss for Aria. I know Nancy will be… equally inconsolable. I wish there were words to express how very sorry I am at the loss of such a wonderful woman. I will always remember how she came up to me and demanded I take her to Merlin during the dorocha attack. She will always be remembered – and loved."
"Thank you, George." Gwen sniffed again, "I just cannot believe it. She… She was right with me not more than a few hours ago." Gwen stepped over the remains of one of Morgana's men, whilst George propelled her towards a clearer path.
"I also saw her earlier this morning, when she arrived with yourself and Sir Giles."
"Is Giles…?"
George grit his teeth together, telling Gwen everything she needed to know.
"Oh, no." She felt more tears building up, her sadness increasing even further.
"He was a good Knight. A good man."
"He was." Gwen agreed, sniffing, "One of Camelot's finest."
"Yes, Your Highness."
As they neared the healing tent, they saw the remaining Knights gathered around, all trying to make sense of what had happened. Without wanting to attract too much attention, George and Gwen ducked into the nearby trees and walked in an arc around the tent to where the horses were waiting. Walking up to her own horse, Gwen gently stroked his mane. Looking over, she saw Aria's horse staring dolefully at her.
"I'm sorry, boy." Gwen gripped the horse's reigns and laid her head next to his, "She's gone. Aria's gone."
Sobbing again, Gwen held onto Aria's horse while he whinnied sadly, as if understanding what she had just said. George stood awkwardly nearby, unsure of what the best approach to take would be.
After a few moments, the Queen lifted her head up and rubbed the tears from her eyes, "Would you be able to ride him back to Camelot?"
"Of course, Your Highness."
Walking to her own horse, Gwen deftly jumped into the saddle and unhooked the reigns from the tree.
She looked at the path ahead, and could only see a tunnel of darkness through the forest, the early afternoon light not quite filtering clearly through the heavy blanket of trees.
Isn't everything over now? Have we not lost enough?
Gently digging her heels in, she led her horse down the tunnel, with George following close behind.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Gaius huffed as he ran towards the battlefield, his lungs struggling to inhale and exhale air efficiently. As he got closer he saw Merlin standing away from everyone else, his eyes gold and his stance rigid. The King was talking to the remaining Knights, throwing the occasional uncertain glance back at Merlin. Without waiting, he ran towards him and grabbed his arm. Merlin slowly turned to face his old friend and mentor, sadness still etched on his face.
"She had a message for you, Merlin." Gaius immediately spoke and handed Merlin the parchment. He watched as his eyes grew slightly brighter before dulling almost immediately.
Gaius raised his eyebrow and nodded at him, encouraging him to say something. When he did not, he sighed, "You can see her again, Merlin."
"How?" Merlin scrunched the parchment in his hand, crinkling it, "How can I see my wife again, Gaius? When she has travelled a thousand years into the future? Just how can I see her again?! Have you ever heard of a human living that long? I certainly haven't."
Gaius felt Merlin's magic spiking again and knew he had to calm the young sorcerer down.
"Merlin, Aria clearly felt you could see her again. Otherwise, why would she have left this message? There must be a way- you are the greatest sorcerer to have ever lived. You are magic."
Merlin shook his head, tears pouring from his eyes, "It is not possible, Gaius. I shall be alone forever. Now I must end this and kill Morgana."
"I agree that she must be stopped." Gaius laid a hand on Merlin's arm, trying his best to comfort him, "But we must think this through, Merlin."
"I must stop her, there is nothing else to think through. There is no time."
Nodding in agreement, Gaius raised his eyebrow, "What do you plan to do?"
"I will give her no time to talk, no time to even breathe." Merlin's face hardened, "I will smite her where she stands."
Gaius looked into Merlin's golden eyes, "Merlin, you could see Aria again. I am sure there is a way."
"I love you like a father, Gaius. But I can see no way for that to happen. I am merely a myth to those in Aria's time – nothing more and nothing less." He leant forward and hugged Gaius tightly, "Please take care and look after Arthur and Gwen for me."
"Merlin, you must go now?" Tears dripped from Gaius's eyes, "I'm not sure I could bear losing you too."
"I will come back." Merlin replied, hesitation in his voice.
"That does not inspire me with confidence." Gaius pulled away, "I know you must do this, truly I do. I promise you I will look after Arthur and Gwen, for that you do not have to worry."
Merlin nodded in thanks, "I love you Gaius, please look after yourself."
"You too, Merlin." Gaius's voice broke and tears leaked slowly down his face.
I am to lose my son now, as well as my daughter. Dear Aria, how you would be so sad with me for letting Merlin go like this. I must hope that he will come back to us safely after defeating Morgana.
Without saying another word, Merlin took off from where he was standing and flew above the canopy of trees. The wind whistled and whirled past Gaius's ears, causing him to flinch slightly. He heard Arthur exclaim loudly in the background at seeing Merlin taking flight once more.
But wait, Aria, you said… wasn't it Mordred? I have not yet seen him, nor heard of his dark deeds thus far today.
Looking up and gasping in shock, Gaius shouted, "No, Merlin, wait!"
But it was too late, the young man had already gone.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Merlin knew her death must be swift. He could not allow her to continue breathing after the atrocities she had brought upon Camelot. She was a plague. He reached out with his magic, looking to find the darkness that resided in her heart.
There.
Merlin opened his golden eyes and made his way towards Morgana.
I do not have Excalibur, so I must use magic for such a deed. Perhaps a sword made of pure mana might suffice?
As he travelled through the air, Merlin held out his arm and willed his magic to form a solid object. He thought about the shape of Excalibur and felt his magic swirl from him. Opening his eyes, the wind gently caressing his face, Merlin looked down at the golden sword now in his hand.
For Arthur. For Camelot. For Aria.
Merlin descended down between the trees and landed next to the dark sorceress.
"Oh, Merlin. How nice-" Morgana barely had chance to spit out any more, before Merlin drove the sword of pure mana through her heart.
Her eyes opened wide in surprise, having truly thought Merlin could not complete such a deed.
"Goodbye, Morgana."
The sorceress's body fell heavily to the floor, a black web of darkness pouring out of her chest with her blood. It crawled over her skin, causing her to look like she was covered in soot coloured spider webs. Her eyes went glassy and she was no more.
Merlin felt relief flow through him, the mana sword disappearing now its job was done.
It's finally over.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
I need to go there. I must. Just a bit farther… there.
Stumbling towards the now miniature tree he and Aria had planted together on their wedding day, Merlin landed on the wet, mossy ground and cried at how he would never see his wife again. He remembered the joy on her face when they were wed, and how she was so excited to see their sprout grow as they got older.
She will never get to see this.
He rubbed the tears from his eyes, "Unless I make it so the tree grows safely forever."
Holding out his hand he whispered, "Treœkaern."
He watched as the growing tree and surrounding area shone in a golden glow for a moment, before returning to normal.
Will she know where to find it? Oh, Aria, my love. Could you be stood in this very spot a thousand years in the future, hoping to find our tree?
Merlin held out his arms and whispered the tracking spell he had placed on her necklace. Like earlier, he felt nothing and the hollowness grew larger inside his heart. He wrapped his arms around himself, wishing he could touch her skin or smell her hair at least once more.
Is she stood here now? In the future?
Looking about, Merlin waved his arms around in the crazy attempt to feel her in the future.
I've gone mad, it's impossible. She may not even know where to find the tree. And if she is here, she wouldn't feel me.
He laughed manically, the tears pouring down his cheeks.
"And would you be so very angry with me? I just killed over three hundred men. You would most definitely not be pleased. Or perhaps you would at least thank me for preventing the death of Camelot's Knights? No, you would definitely tell me off." He sniffed and chuckled before becoming solemn, "Am I an evil sorcerer, like Arthur said?"
At a rustle besides him, he turned his head sharply, his eyes retaining their gold colour.
"You are not evil." The revealed druid spoke, "You have been dealt a terrible blow by destiny this day."
"Why was she taken from me?" He asked more calmly than he felt, releasing the breath he hadn't realised he'd taken.
"You remember the prophecy, do you not?"
Merlin blinked, "The prophecy stated that I needed to help Arthur, not that Aria would be taken from me."
The druid continued, "Here is not her place, but at the end, not all is lost." He paused a moment, "Remember this, Emrys."
"How is not all lost?" Merlin questioned.
The druid stared at him calmly as if weighing up what to say to him.
Not bearing the silence, Merlin spoke again, "At least I was able to save Arthur. At least…"
Hang on, Aria said… "Mordred! It was Mordred that killed Arthur!"
Merlin stood up suddenly, his legs wobbly beneath him, "Gods, no." His face turned ashen as he looked at the druid's sad expression, "Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
"It is destiny, Emrys."
"To hell with destiny!" He bellowed, almost chuckling at the use of his wife's expression.
Without a second thought he tore away from the clearing, moving as fast as he could towards Arthur.
Don't let me be too late. Please.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Mordred stepped out from behind the jagged, vine covered rock, his sword gleaming and sharp. He saw the King stood near his few remaining Knights, a beige coloured tent nearby, its cloth entrance gently flapping in the wind. The wind picked up, tunnelling between the trees and whistling in his ears. Watching intently, he monitored the King's movements, ready to identify the best time to strike. Mordred did not care for his own life, after all, this is what he lived for. This was his destiny.
The King, unaware of his constant onlooker, ran his hand through his dirty blonde hair spiked with blood. He bent down and quietly spoke to Leon and pointed nearby, towards a small lake that Mordred knew nestled between the trees. He grinned, his smile menacing and his teeth sharp.
Feeling a sudden prick of anger and despair, Mordred's head flicked up suddenly.
I see Emrys is coming. I must be quick.
Slipping between the trees like a wraith, Mordred waited for Arthur to remove his armour and brush down the dirt and grime from his undergarments. Feeling Emrys getting ever closer, Mordred sprinted towards the King, his sword out ready.
The King lifted his under top over his head, his chest bare and covered in grime. He didn't even see the sword plunge into him.
"ARTHUR, NO!" A loud bellow flew across the land.
Mordred laughed as red blood gushed from the King in a heavy stream, before he was obliterated and turned into nothing more than dust.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Merlin flew down to Arthur at such breakneck speed that the ground cracked and impacted upon his landing. He bolted towards his best friend and began chanting a series of healing spells, whilst gently pulling the sword from his chest.
"Sire?" Leon burst through the trees and gasped at the sight before him.
"Bring medicine." Merlin shouted, his voice breaking. When the Knight didn't move immediately, he roared, "NOW."
Leon nodded before turning and running back towards camp, shouting at the few remaining Knights to bring medicines and bandages for their King.
Merlin turned towards Arthur, tears in his eyes.
"M-Merlin…" Arthur wheezed, "I-I'm sorry. I… forgive you."
"I'm sorry too, Arthur. I was too late. I didn't want this to happen. And there is nothing to forgive." Merlin held his hand over the wound and gently sent his magic into Arthur's body, begging it to heal him, to make him well again.
"Merlin… It's okay. You saved… you saved… Camelot. I was just angry before. I did not mean what I said. I just felt betrayed, but I know you never would…" Arthur swallowed, his mouth dry, "I can never thank you enough. You are so brave, and my closest friend."
"Arthur, please, just hold on."
"Ensure Gwen is alright, please." He stared into Merlin's eyes, "She must live happily, do you understand?"
"Always." Merlin sobbed, "But you will be able to keep watch over her, Arthur. You will be fine, I promise you. I just need to heal you - I'll get Gaius to help. He will know what to do. I can even ask Kilgharrah." Merlin babbled.
"M-Merlin." Arthur closed his eyes, causing Merlin's heart rate to rocket.
"Arthur?"
"Merlin, I'm sorry if I was ever mean to you." Arthur opened his eyes with great effort, "You have always been there for me, I was too foolish to see. You are like my brother, I love you dearly. And Aria…" He swallowed again, "I am sorry you are to lose another so close to you today."
"No, no, no." Merlin rocked, holding the King closely, "I won't lose you too."
"You will never lose me." Arthur raised his hand and held it on Merlin's chest, by his heart, "I will always… be here."
"Arthur… I love you like a brother also. Know that everything I did – and continue to do – is for you. It always was."
"I know." Arthur smiled, a sudden contentment passing over him, "Goodbye, Merlin."
"Arthur…" Merlin saw the King's eyes closing, "Goodbye."
Arthur went limp in his hands, a ghost of a smile resting on his face.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
"Oh!" Gwen suddenly clutched at her heart, a searing pain shooting through her chest. She gripped the reins of her horse tightly, the leather cutting into her fingers.
"Your Highness?" George asked surprised, jumping off his horse and appearing immediately by her side.
"Oh, George…" Tears built up in her eyes, a strange hollowness passing over her.
"What is wrong?" Staring at the Queen in fright, George checked to ensure she hadn't been hit by anything. When she appeared absolutely fine, he looked into her watery eyes, "What has happened?"
"I feel the most terrible thing has happened…" She gulped, "Aria and now…"
Gwen then promptly passed out.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
Leon ran as fast as his legs could take him back to the camp, rousing the remaining Knights to gather supplies. He looked around and couldn't see Percival or Gwaine, causing him to curse in anger. He noticed Gaius and quickly told him what had happened in as few words as possible. The old man's face went pale, before he began grabbing a series of healing ointments.
Leon grabbed a bag and stuffed in all of the medicines he could find, before hurtling his way back through the forest, ignoring the pain as the bushes and twigs whipped across his face and neck. Gaius was surprisingly close behind him, his breathing loud and laboured.
As he arrived back at the lake, he looked upon the most upsetting scene he had yet to come across in his young life. There before him was Merlin, gently holding the now fallen King, his eyes brimming with tears, and a silent scream emanating from him. Rain began to fall on the duo, in a quick patter of fat droplets. Leon felt a huge surge of sadness, cutting into his chest like a knife. He had loyally followed Arthur, not just as a King, but as a friend. He felt his legs weaken, causing him to grip onto a nearby tree. The bag of medicine slipped off his shoulder and fell to the flower in a silent clatter. Gaius stood next to him, his legs giving out completely as he fell to the ground, taking in the sight before him.
Suddenly, Leon felt immense power from the sorcerer in front of him, and the most inhuman scream tore from Merlin's throat.
~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~0~
For what seemed the hundredth time that day, Merlin howled towards the heavens, his tears mingling with the water that rained down upon him. He gripped Arthur's lifeless body in his arms and rocked slowly.
"No, no, Arthur, no." He stayed there for a long time, just holding his best friend in his arms and wishing that he could somehow bring him back. He willed his magic to do it, but knew it was not possible.
After some time, he slowly stood up and laid Arthur's body on the ground before him.
Never to laugh again, never to love again.
Merlin cried harder, his right arm coming up to rub the tears from his eyes.
I must send him to Avalon.
Gripping the King in his arms, he lifted him up carefully, before levitating himself above the canopy of trees. He was blind to Leon and Gaius stood nearby, looking up at him with sadness. Merlin turned towards the Lake of Avalon and began his journey, whilst holding Arthur's body close to him. Seeing a clearing by the Lake, he gently descended, laying Arthur on the ground before him. He stared blankly at his best friend and felt the hollowness in his heart grow to such an expanse that he thought his heart my literally break.
Looking around he fashioned a small boat out of wood and vines. He whispered a levitation spell and slowly placed Arthur's body on top of the boat.
Aria would want me to…
Merlin walked to a nearby patch of wildflowers and methodically began pulling them from the earth. Taking his time, he splayed them out around and on top of the dead King, until he was surrounded by an array of blossoms, his face haloed by wildflowers.
Almost like a painting. A beautifully tragic painting.
Crying out, Merlin almost collapsed on the ground in front of his best friend. He took a deep breath and repeated the levitation spell, so that the boat carrying the King moved in front of him. He walked towards the Lake of Avalon slowly, whilst reminiscing about all the times they had shared.
"You were such a clotpole. But I loved you for it." His voice broke, "I wish we could see one another again. I tried… I tried so hard to stop this. Why must destiny be so cruel? Everyone has been taken away from me."
When he didn't get a sarcastic reply, Merlin gripped his own shirt tighter, hoping to quell the ache inside of him.
"I know I promised you I would look after Gwen, but how can I? I have lost you, and Aria… I've lost…" He groaned, as his magic grew in his chest, sending blinding pain towards his head.
Merlin blinked away the pain and laid the boat on the lake. As he pushed it towards Avalon, he watched as Arthur's body floated away from him.
Never to see him again. Never to see any of them again.
Waiting until Arthur had reached the small island of Avalon in the centre of the lake, Merlin slowly held out his arm, the ache from his magical outburst almost too much to bear.
Choking on his tears and swallowing down the lump in his throat, he spoke quietly and slowly, "Furiensho."
Arthur's boat caught fire, the orange flames flickering towards the sky and licking the sides of the makeshift boat. Merlin watched as his best friend was eaten up by flames, never to walk the earth again. The smoke rose to the heavens where clouds had gathered, as if prepared to rain a eulogy down upon the scene below. Slowly Arthur, along with the wildflowers and blossoms, was fully consumed by the flames and he made his final journey towards Avalon.
Merlin screamed out in devastation and collapsed on the ground below him. He felt his magic spike again, agony tearing through him. He looked up and could no longer see Arthur or the boat, making him feel so isolated and desperate. His magic continued to build inside of him, his already worn out body struggling to contain the immense power. His body went hot, sweat slowly dripping down his forehead. Merlin tried to crawl towards the lake, to quell the heat and burning sensation. Ripping off his shirt and necktie he cried out in pain, the skin of his chest glowing golden. Knowing he would not reach the lake, he turned around and lay on his back, the damp soil soaking into his skin. But it did little to quell the heat and despair.
Arthur… Aria… Must I truly never see either of you again?
Tears continued to pour down his cheeks, the cold mud doing little to subdue the ache in his heart. The warmth continued to spread, his vision dimming and the hum in his ears becoming unimaginably loud. His magic flowed from him without restraint. All of the sadness, despair, agony and devastation exploded from him at once. His body shone and radiated heat, whilst his magic blasted across the land.
Merlin went supernova.
A/N I hope you enjoyed this chapter – it took me ages to write and I found many parts tough. I'd really appreciate any thoughts/ feedback; please let me know :)
Also this was the first chapter which Aria wasn't in at all! Please review and let me know what you think! Reviews make my day :)