A/n: Welcome to the last chapter of the first season. I never knew I will make it till here. But I did... And it was possible by your support. Truly thankyou everyone, who read, liked and reviewed my story. It truly means a lot to me.
@InTheWordsOfTheUchihas-hn: Thank you for being the very first person to comment on my story. When I started it, I never knew anyone would like the plot, but the day I got the notification it made my day. Once again thank you.
@Akrttn: Thanks to you too, for giving me motivation to write further. And about Morgana, we have to wait to see if her future will change or not. As the great dragon pointed in chapter, "To kill a king" and will do the same in this one. Alexia can't change everything, but it won't stop her from trying.
@Amelia: Thank you, giving my story a try, and even reviewing it. It means a lot and definitely motivates me to write more and better. Thank you.
@Crystal-Wolf-Guardain-967: Thank you. For giving some time read my story and also sparing few seconds to share your views on it. It helps a lot to do better and keep story upto the mark. Thank you.
@The otter reader: A huge thanks to you too dear friend. Your reviews were always lovely to read. Definitely brought smiles on my face and surely motivated me to dedicate more time to this story. Once again Thank you.
Thank you, all of you, for being with me on this journey. And with all your support, I made it to the very first phase of the story. At the end of the chapter, there will a bit of information about the story. Do read and suggest your views.
Now I present you the last chapter of this first season.
Le morte d' Arthur
Alexia, Merlin, Arthur and few other knights were sneaking in the forest. They stopped at a point.
"Merlin, spear." Arthur said.
Merlin dropped it on him.
"Do you have any natural gifts Merlin?" Arthur asked irritated.
"No. Well, let me think. I'm not naturally rude or insensitive." Merlin retorted. Alexia rolled her eyes at the banter.
"Just naturally irritating." Arthur retorted.
They moved forward and heard growling noises. Merlin looked frightened, Arthur catched Merlin's expression.
"It's probably more scared of you than you are of it." Arthur said. Merlin looked offended while Alexia shook her head at their antics.
Arthur signaled to his knights where to go. The Questing Beast jumped out at them. Alexia gasped. The questing beast! Arthur dropped his spear and they all broke into a run. They were running when Alexia tripped and fell. The beast was nearing. Merlin, Arthur and Sir Bedivere ran to help her up. As she got to her feet, the run began once again. But unfortunately Bedivere subsequently fell and got attacked by the beast.
Finally when they felt safe. The knights stopped and collected.
"Have we lost it?" Merlin asked.
"Who's missing?" Arthur asked.
"Where's Sir Bedivere?" Alexia asked.
Her answer was given when Sir Bedivere was heard screaming in the distance.
Alexia squeezed her eyes shut.
The man was dead now.
In the chamber of doom, every courtier was standing there. Arthur was standing beside his father. Merlin and Alexia were standing behind the royal pair.
"The creature you describe has all the characteristics of the Questing Beast." Gaius told them.
"Surely that's a myth." Arthur said.
"According to the old books, the appearance of the Questing Beast is supposed to foreshadow a time of great upheaval." Gaius informed. Alexia looked at Arthur, thinking what happened further.
"Gaius, it's an old wives' tale." Uther dismissed.
"Look, whatever it is, it's spreading panic. The people fear it will enter the city." Arthur said.
"Then we must kill it. Arthur, gather the guard together. You ride at dawn." Uther commanded. Arthur nodded and left the chambers. Merlin, Alexia and few knights following him.
"I beg you, Sire, do not dismiss this. The beast is an omen. I've seen it come before, the night your wife Ygraine passed away." Gaius cautioned.
"I've told you not to speak of that night again. I have conquered the Old Religion. It's warnings mean nothing to me now. Arthur will destroy the beast and we will no longer suffer at its hand." Uther said leaving the room.
"This is no ordinary beast, Merlin." Gaius told him as he saw Merlin raising a sword at Alexia. Alexia looked at him and shoved his sword with one of her own.
"Don't worry." Merlin assured.
Alexia gave him a look.
"No, listen to me, you don't understand. Uther may not respect the Old Religion, but it is very real. To face a beast such as this, you must understand where it came from." Gaius said.
"What do you mean?" Alexia asked. Merlin looked at him.
"At the very heart of the Old Religion lies the magic of life and death itself. The Questing Beast carries that power. One bite, you die, and there is no cure." Gaius said.
Alexia gulped.
She looked down. What shall she do? Shall she just stop the beast? Or shall she let it bite Arthur, knowing he would be fine. But she can't, it nearly risked his life, then Merlin's, his mother's and even Gaius's. But this sequence led to the killing of Nimueh. And she needed to die, if not, everything will change. What shall she do?
Kilgharrah can answer the questions.
She raised her head and looked at the pair.
"I have to do some important work." Alexia said and left the room.
Merlin and Gaius looked at her in confusion.
Before anyone could speak, a gaurd entered asking for Merlin and Alexia. Arthur wanted to meet them. Merlin told the gaurd that he was coming.
Alexia entered the dragon's tunnel.
"Hello?" Alexia called.
"What is it young witch?" The great dragon asked.
"I am in a dilemma. Arthur is going to ride for the questing beast. But it will bite him. I can prevent it, but I know that everything will be fine. Merlin will save him by offering his life but Nimueh will take his mother's. Gaius will go to save hunith and then he will offer his life. Eventually, Merlin will kill Nimueh and restore the balance. And everything will be fine." Alexia told the great dragon.
"Then you shall not fear young witch. Let the destiny do its work. You must not do anything." The great dragon said.
"But what if something different happen? Surely things are not set in stone. Arthur, or Merlin or hunith or Gaius, maybe one of them truly dies? I won't be able to forgive myself." Alexia said.
"Heed my words young witch. You can't change everything. Everything that happens is for a reason. And with your knowledge, you can make disasters." The great dragon said.
"But you are also wrong sometimes Kilgharrah. You were wrong about Mordred. You were wrong about Morgana too. What you said and how it affected Merlin, just lead to the fulfilling of prophecies." Alexia exclaimed.
"I am not wrong young witch. My knowledge surpasses many. I know things which are written in stars. And stars don't lie. Even if you are trying to change the destiny of young druid boy and the witch, it won't be easy to change." The great dragon said. Alexia just shook her head.
"I don't believe it. But it's not what matters right now. What shall I do? Shall I save them? Or not?" Alexia asked.
"I have already told you young witch. You shall leave the matters in hands of time and fate." The great dragon said before taking the flight.
Alexia just groaned standing behind alone.
In her chambers, Morgana dreamt of the dragon flaming, Merlin yelling "NO!", Arthur and Merlin running in the woods, Arthur lying sick in bed, and the Questing Beast. Morgana bolted up in bed with a scream.
"Morgana? Morgana?! Wake up." Gwen said.
Gwen struggled with flailing Morgana.
"Wake up, it's me! It's Gwen! Stop it! It was just another dream." She assured.
"It was terrifying." Morgana said looking devastated.
"Oh, it's going to be alright." Gwen said hugging Morgana.
In Courtyard, Arthur was speaking to his knights in the Square.
"You've seen the foe we face. It's a creature of nightmare, but you are the best knights in the realm. We can, and we will, kill it before it harms another citizen of our kingdom." Arthur told them. He drew his sword.
"For the love of Camelot!" He yelled.
"For the love of Camelot!" The knights yelled back.
Morgana rushed out of the palace in her nightgown hysterically.
"Arthur!" Morgana called.
"Morgana, what are you doing?" Arthur asked.
"You cannot face this!" Morgana said.
Morgana tried to grab him while Arthur struggled with her.
"Morgana, go back to bed. There is nothing to be afraid of." Arthur assured.
"Please, Arthur. I have seen terrible things! You cannot go!" Morgana said. Merlin and Alexia quickly moved to her stood beside her trying to calm her.
"She probably had a bad dream, Sire. I'll take her to see Gaius." Merlin said.
"No! I will not let you go!" Morgana said.
"Please, Merlin, Alexia, get her inside. Alexia you are not coming with us. Take care of Morgana." Arthur ordered.
"No!" Morgana and Alexia said together.
"I am coming with you Arthur." Alexia said.
"Please don't go!" Morgana pleaded.
"Alexia I ordered you something. Get her back and stay with her." Arthur ordered.
Arthur handed Morgana off to Merlin and Alexia and motioned for the guards to come down. Merlin guided Morgana and Alexia up the steps.
"I will make sure he's safe, My Lady. I promise."
"No!" Morgana cried.
Merlin handed her off to the guards.
"No!" She cried again.
Guards led her inside.
Merlin turned to Alexia.
"Sorry you can't come with us. Arthur is right. It's way to dangerous." Merlin said.
"I am coming Merlin." Alexia said.
"No you are not. I will protect him." Merlin assured her.
"Merlin please. You don't know what would happen." Alexia said.
Merlin sighed.
"I can't take care of two persons. I am going with Arthur. And you are not coming. I am sorry." Merlin whispered.
"Wha.." her words trialed off when Merlin's eyes flashed gold and Alexia felt dizzy.
She fell unconscious and the knights saw her falling. Arthur and knights rushed forward.
"Merlin what happened to her?" Arthur asked.
"Sire she didn't eat since yesterday morning. I think it's exhaustion." Merlin said.
"Take her to Gaius." Arthur said. Merlin nodded but sir Edward came forward and picked her up. The other knights and Arthur moved back to horses.
Merlin looked at the knight with Alexia and Arthur. He threw a last glare at sir Edward and turned to Arthur.
Arthur and knights sneaked through the woods. Arthur found a gigantic paw print.
"Let's follow the trail." Arthur said.
They heard growling and heavy footfalls.
"Keep close." Arthur said.
They found and entered beast's lair. Merlin and Arthur split from the rest. They heard hissing.
"What is it?" Merlin asked.
"Shh" Arthur said.
The Questing Beast sneaked up on them. Arthur pushed Merlin out of the way and took on the beast. The beast clawed him in the chest, throwing him to the ground. It moved in on Arthur. Merlin tried to distract it by waving his torch.
"Hey! Hey!" Merlin yelled.
Merlin quickly saw Arthur's lying sword.
"Fléoge! Bregdan anwiele gefeluc!" He chanted.
He enchanted the sword and magically threw it into the Questing Beast, killing it. Merlin rushed to Arthur and shaked him desperately.
It didn't bite you. It didn't." Merlin pleaded.
He saw blood on his hand.
"Arthur?! Somebody help me!" Merlin cried.
"Arthur!" Alexia yelled waking up.
Gaius rushed to her.
"Alexia!" Gaius called, placing his hand on her head. Alexia quickly held his hands.
"Gaius, Gaius Arthur! Where is he?" She asked.
"They have gone for questing beast Alexia. You passed out." He said.
"I did not. Arthur he is bitten by the Questing Beast. He..." Alexia trialled off as the door to Gaius's chambers threw open and Merlin along with few gaurds entered the chamber.
Merlin cleared a table with one sweep. Guards placed Arthur's stretcher on it.
"What's happened?" Gaius asked.
He then looked at Arthur's wound.
"He's been bitten." Gaius said gravely. Alexia stood up from the cot and rushed to Arthur.
"I tried to save him." Merlin said.
"You must tell the King." Gaius said to guards and they left.
"There must be something you can do." Merlin pleaded.
"I wish there was." Gaius said.
"I'll find a cure." Merlin said.
"Merlin!" Gaius called.
"Trust me!" Merlin yelled running to his room.
"Can you hear me, Sire?" Gaius asked.
Alexia looked grave.
"Arthur! Arthur wake up! Please!" She cried.
"Here." Merlin came back with his magic book.
"The King'll be here any moment!" Gaius said.
"He can't die. It is our destiny to protect him. We haven't done all the things we're meant to do." Merlin said. Alexia rushed to him.
"That is a lament of all men." Gaius said.
"Gaius, he's our friend." Merlin and Alexia yelled.
"Then save him." Gaius gave up.
Merlin used magic to flip through the book.
"Gestathole." Merlin chanted.
Nothing happened. Alexia flipped through the book again.
"Thurhhaele." Alexia chanted.
Nothing happened again.
"Maybe the spells need time to take effect." Merlin said.
"The bite of the Questing Beast is a death sentence that no magic can overturn." Gaius informed them.
"Where is the Prince? Where is my son?" Uther asked entering.
"Arthur!" Uther called.
Merlin magically closed his magic book.
"Do something, Gaius!" Uther said.
"I am trying, your majesty."
"Gaius will find a cure. He will not let him die." Merlin said.
"I will do everything in my power." Gaius said eyeing Merlin.
Uther desperately picked up Arthur himself.
"I'll bear him to his chamber." Uther said.
Uther walked through the Square with Arthur in his arms, Merlin, Alexia and Gaius following. Uther collapsed in his grief and four knights came to bear Arthur inside as the King wept on his knees.
Merlin looked on heartbroken, while Alexia was looking at the scene guiltily. Morgana opened a window and watched the scene below.
"We have to go to the dragon." Alexia whispered placing his hand on Merlin's shoulders.
Merlin nodded.
Merlin and Alexia ran to the dungeon below, arriving at the cave.
"I have failed Arthur, failed in my destiny." Merlin said with remorse.
"And yet, you would not be here if that were true." The dragon said.
"He was bitten by the Questing Beast. He's going to die." Merlin said.
"Does he still breathe?"
"Only just." Alexia said sadly.
"Then there is still time to heal him." Kilgharah told the warlock.
"We've tried. We cannot save him."
"You do not know how to save him."
"But you can tell us how?" Merlin asked.
"Perhaps. It will not be easy." The great dragon told him.
"I will do anything." Merlin said.
"Anything?" The great dragon asked again.
"Please, just tell me what I have to do!" Merlin begged.
"Very well. The Questing Beast is a creature conjured by the powers of the Old Religion. You must use the same ancient magic to save him." The dragon said.
"But the Old Religion died out centuries ago." Merlin said.
"The Old Religion is the magic of the earth itself. It is the essence which binds all things together. It will last long beyond the time of men."
"But how can that help me save Arthur?"
"You must find those who still serve it. Those who hold dominion over life and death."
"Where?"
"Go to the place that men call the Isle of the Blessed, where the power of the ancients can still be felt. There you will discover Arthur's salvation." Kilgharrah told him.
"Thank you. Thank you." Merlin thanked him before turning away to leave.
"And Merlin, the young Pendragon must live, no matter what the cost." The dragon told him.
Merlin left. Alexia looked at him.
"Why would you suggest him to do this? I told you, it risked so many lives." Alexia said.
"And yet you told me that everything would be fine." The great dragon said.
Alexia sighed.
"Yes. But I can't let this happen. I can't risk anyone's life. I have already been in many situations where I was forced to play god. I don't wish that anymore. I want this to end." Alexia said with tears.
"It's not easy young witch. You, better than anyone, should know that. Knowledge can be good. But too much knowledge of future will harm the very soul and mind of a human. If you are given this power, you must use it carefully. Tread carefully young witch and free us all from the horrids of future." The great dragon said flying back.
As Merlin entered the chambers, Gaius looked up at him.
"Merlin, you're back. I need your help. You must get this to Arthur to ease his passing." Gaius said.
"No. We have to save him." Merlin argued. He started packing food.
"You've already tried." Gaius reminded him.
"The beast comes from the Old Religion. The cure must come from there as well." Merlin told his mentor.
"There are not many left with such an art." Gaius said.
"You said yourself, the Old Religion is still alive, and there is an island beyond the White Mountains..." Merlin started but was interrupted by Gaius.
"No!"
"The Isle of the Blessed...You know it?" Merlin asked. Alexia chose the moment to enter.
"It was said to be the centre of the Old Religion, the focus of its power." Gaius said.
"Why did you keep this from me?" Merlin asked.
"Because it was too dangerous, Merlin." Gaius told him.
"It's our only chance! I have to find it!" Merlin said.
"And once you are there, what will you ask?" Gaius asked.
"For Arthur to be saved." Merlin replied.
"The Questing Beast chose Arthur. That means the Old Religion has decided his fate." Gaius said.
"Then I will convince them to change their minds!" Merlin said.
"It is not that simple! The High Priests have the power to mirror life and death, but there will be a price to pay. They will demand a life in return. Merlin, please, I beg of you." Gaius told him.
"I'm sorry, Gaius. Whatever the price is, I will pay it gladly." Merlin said.
Arthur lied dying in his bed.
Merlin prepared his horse to leave. Gaius approached him.
"Here." Gaius said, giving Merlin rolled parchment.
"You'll need a map. And I'm going to give you this. My mother gave it to me." Gaius said.
Merlin unwrapped tiny package.
"It's a rabbit's foot." Gaius told him.
"To keep you safe?" Merlin asked.
"It was said to protect you from evil spirits. It's rubbish. I don't believe in superstition. I don't know why I gave it to you." Gaius said and reached to take it back.
"No. I want it. Thank you." He said and sighed. "You've got to keep Arthur alive until I get back." He said. Gaius nodded. Merlin was about to mount his horse when he saw Alexia coming towards him with her own horse.
Merlin looked at her confused.
"You don't think I would let you leave alone." Alexia said.
"But it's dangerous." Merlin said.
Alexia scoffed.
"You said the same thing to me this morning. See where it got us?" Alexia reminded.
Merlin looked down.
"I am sorry." Merlin said.
"Don't be. I am not angry at you anymore. But promise me you won't do anything like that again." She said.
Merlin nodded.
"Let's go Merlin!" Alexia said and mounted her horse.
Merlin mounted his and both rode off through the woods.
In Arthur's chambers, Arthur stirred in his fevered sleep. Uther watched him.
"Shh. Sleep, Arthur." Uther said gently stroking his head.
Merlin and Alexia traveled through the countryside with the map.
'You must travel to the place that men call the Isle of the Blessed. Beyond the White Mountains, through the Valley of the Fallen Kings. To the north of the Great Seas of Meredor, you will find a lake.' the directions of the great dragon boomed in their minds.
In Arthur's chambers, Gaius was asleep in the chair next to Arthur's sick bed. Gwen entered and knocked on the door to wake Gaius.
"Gaius? You should get some rest." Gwen said
"He must not be left alone." Gaius said.
"I will nurse him." Gwen assured him.
Finally Gaius left. Gwen took the towel from Arthur's forehead, dipped it in a bowl of water, and sat on the bed to tend to him.
"You're not going to die, Arthur. I'm telling you. Because I know that one day you will be King. A greater king than you father could ever be. It's what keeps me going. You are going to live to be the man I've seen inside you, Arthur. I can see a Camelot that is fair and just. I can see a king that the people will love and be proud to call their sovereign. For the love of Camelot, you have to live." Gwen told the prince, her voice firm and gentle.
In the courts at night, a crowd gathered outside Arthur's window holding candles.
Uther watched the scene from the Griffin Landing window. Gaius came up behind him.
"Is there anything I can get your majesty?" Gaius asked.
"The people have begun to say goodbye." Uther said.
"He's not yet gone, Sire." Gaius reminder the king.
"But he will not recover." Uther said.
"Not without a miracle." Gaius said
"I don't believe in miracles." Uther said.
Merlin and Alexia approached the lake.
They saw a little boat and stepped into it.
"Astyre." Merlin chanted.
The boat started moving forward. Alexia and Merlin looked around to see the surroundings. Finally they reach the steps which lead to entrance. Merlin and Alexia stepped out into the fortress on the island and looked around. They shared a glance before Alexia called, "Hello!" There was no reply.
"Hello?" This time Merlin called.
"Hello, Merlin." A voice called. They both turned to see Nimueh.
"You." Merlin called, shocked.
"Do you know who I am?" Nimueh asked.
"Nimueh. You can't be who the dragon meant." Merlin said.
"And why is that?" Nimueh asked.
"You tried to kill me." Merlin said.
"Before I understood your importance." Nimueh stated.
"And Arthur." Merlin said.
"Arthur was never destined to die at my hand, and now it seems I will be his salvation." Nimueh said with a smirk.
"You are a high priestess aren't you?" Alexia asked.
Nimueh looked at her.
"I don't know how you knew who I was when I came to Camelot in disguise. But you know what? You intrigue me." Nimueh said coming close to Alexia.
"There is something about you. Something which I am not certain of. But I wish to find out soon." Nimueh said moving around Alexia.
"Stay away from her." Merlin said.
"Defending your little friend now, I see!" Nimueh taunted.
"I think you must get what you came for soon. Arthur exactly doesn't have time." Nimueh said moving back to her place.
"So you know what I've come to ask?" Merlin asked
"Yes." Nimueh replied.
"Will you do it?" Merlin asked.
"I do not have the power to mirror life itself and yet give nothing in return." Nimueh told him.
"I know that a price will be asked." Merlin said.
"To save a life, there must be a death. The balance of the world must be restored." Nimueh said.
"I willingly give my life for Arthur's." Merlin said. Alexia's hands formed a fist.
"How brave you are, Merlin. If only it were that simple." Nimueh said giving a glance at Alexia.
"What do you mean?" Merlin asked.
"Once you enter into this bargain, it cannot be undone." Nimueh said.
"Whatever I have to do, I will do. His life is worth a hundred of mine." Merlin said.
"The Cup of Life, blessed by centuries of powerful sorcerers so that it contains the very secret of life itself. If Arthur drinks water from the Cup, he will live." Nimueh said, showing the cup.
Merlin took the Cup.
"Tídrénas." Nimueh chanted and it started to rain.
Merlin collected the water in the Cup. Nimueh took the Cup and poured the water into a small, decorative canteen.
"The bargain is struck. I hope it pleases you." Nimueh said. Merlin nodded.
He turned to leave.
"Let's go." Merlin said.
Alexia nodded.
As he started moving, Alexia quickly turned back and went to Nimueh, unknown to Merlin.
"I know what you are going to do Nimueh. And I know that I am that riddle which you want to solve so badly. I will reveal my truth if you promise me something." Alexia said. Nimueh looked thoughtful.
After sometime, Merlin and Alexia could be seen riding back into Camelot the next morning.
They entered the physician's chambers.
"Merlin! Alexia!" Gaius exclaimed.
"We need to give this to Arthur." Merlin said handing the canteen to him.
"What is it?" Gaius asked.
"Water drawn from the Cup of Life. If Arthur drinks from it, he will recover. Please hurry." Merlin told him.
Gaius began to walk out, but stopped and faced back.
"What are you waiting for?" Merlin asked clearly annoyed.
"What price did you pay to redeem his life? Whose life did you bargain?" Gaius asked.
"We don't have time." Merlin said.
"Alexia!" Gaius asked turning to her.
"Don't worry, Gaius! Everything's going to be alright." Alexia assured him.
They left for Arthur's chambers. Gaius, Merlin and Alexia were giving Arthur the water. Uther entered from behind.
"What are you doing, physician? What are you giving him?" Uther asked.
"It's a... It's a tincture made from the lobelia plant, an ancient remedy for poisonous bites." Gaius lied.
"A cure?" Uther asked, hopefully.
"We hope." Gaius replied.
"Do you really think it will have some effect?" Uther asked.
"It's our last resort, Sire. Perhaps you should allow him to rest." Gaius said.
"I will not leave him." Uther said sitting beside his son while the trio left the chambers.
Gaius, Alexia and Merlin headed down the Red Ribbon Corridor. Morgana grabbed Merlin's arm and pulled him into an alcove.
"Please, Merlin, you must beware. This is only the beginning." Morgana said clearly worried.
Merlin pulled away and continued down the corridor.
After some time, Gaius paced in Arthur's Chambers, Uther slept hunched over the bed. Arthur woke up, while waking Uther in process.
"Arthur." Uther called in happiness.
Arthur looked around and put his head back down.
In physician's chambers, Alexia was sitting while Merlin was moving from here to there.
'What I am going to do will change everything. I am not sure if it is the wisest option or not. But I can't risk anybody's else lives. Maybe Nimueh will live. But if she is destined to die she will die. Surely Merlin won't kill her. Seeing things will be different.' Alexia thought to herself.
But her thoughts were broken and as Gaius broke into the chambers.
"The Prince lives." Gaius said. Merlin and Alexia beamed.
In Arthur's chambers.
"I thought we'd lost you." Uther said.
"Don't worry, Father, I'm not going to die. I think there's someone watching over me, keeping me from harm." Arthur said.
"Maybe you're right. On your long journey to become King, you will need a guardian angel. I shall inform the court that their Prince lives." Uther said and stood up.
Gwen entered as Uther exited. She put down the towels she was carrying and looked anxiously at Arthur. Arthur opened his eyes and turned to look at her. She smiled in relief.
"I knew it. I said you'd be alright." Gwen said.
"I can remember you talking to me." Arthur told her.
"You can?" Gwen asked.
"You stroked my forehead." Arthur said.
"I was tending to your fever." Gwen explained.
"You never lost faith." Arthur.
"I was just talking." Gwen said.
"Tell me again what you said?" Arthur said.
"I don't remember." Gwen denied.
"Yes, you do." Arthur said.
"No, I don't." She denied again.
"Come on. Something about 'the man I am inside.'" Arthur said.
"No, I never said that." Gwen said.
"Guinevere..." Arthur pressed.
"I have to get these washed, Sire." Gwen said and hurriedly exited the room with the dirty cloths. Arthur grinned in amusement.
Merlin sat on his bed, waiting to die, while a thunderstorm whipped through the night. He soon fell asleep. Alexia quickly got up and left the room. Her hands trembling badly. Her face was sweating. Morgana bolted awake screaming.
Morning came. The sunrays fell on Merlin's face and he woke up. He was still alive.
"Alex.." he turned to tell her the news when he saw the bed empty. He shrugged and rushed out of his room.
"Gaius! I'm alive!" He said happily but then saw Gaius was crouching over a collapsed figure on the floor.
"What is it? What's happened?" Merlin asked.
"Merlin, stay there!" Gaius said.
"What's wrong?" Merlin asked.
"No, don't!" Gaius warned.
But Merlin still walked over to see Alexia covered in sores, struggling to breathe on the floor.
"Alexia!" Merlin called shocked.
"Merlin." She replied with a small smile.
"What's happened to her?" Merlin asked.
"She's gravely ill." Gaius said looking at her.
"Do something!" Merlin said.
"If I only could." Gaius said.
"Please, Gaius!" Merlin begged.
"Merlin, this is no ordinary illness." Gaius said.
"This cannot happen." Merlin said.
"Who did you meet at the Isle of the Blessed?" Gaius asked.
"Nimueh." Merlin told him.
"Nimueh?" Gaius asked surprised.
"It was as you said. She demanded a price, but I bargained my life, not Alexia's." Merlin said.
"Merlin. I wish there was something I could do." Gaius said sadly.
"I will make you better. I will." Merlin said walking out. Alexia tried to interrupt his leaving, but he just ran.
"Ga... Gaius! It was my will... I... I forced.. Nimueh.. to take my life.. instead of Merlin. Sto.. stop him.. please." Alexia panted.
Gaius looked at her shocked.
Merlin ran to the Dragon's Cave.
"You knew this would happen! You had me trade Alexia's life for Arthur's!"
"What? But it should not have happened. It was your mother who would have been at her place." The great dragon said. At this Merlin looked shocked.
"You knew my mother would be the one who would have got affected?" Merlin asked shocked.
"I knew the price would be a heavy one. But I never knew it would be the young witch." The dragon said.
"But you sent me anyway." Merlin said.
"We need Arthur to live." The dragon reminded him.
"I'm not one of you!" Merlin said.
"We are both creatures of the Old Religion. It is the source of your power." Kilgharrah told her kin.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Merlin asked.
"Your destiny is to protect the young Pendragon until he claims his crown, and when he does, magic can be returned to the realm. Only then will I be free." The great dragon said.
"Oh. So that's all you cared about? I thought you were my friend." Merlin said
"I am more than that, Merlin. I am your kin."
"No. The only family I have is my mother, and you were going to have me murder her. And the only friend I ever had, who knew everything about me, she is now lying on her death bed!" Merlin exclaimed angrily.
"It should not happen young warlock. Alexia is important for future. You must save her. Things will never take the way they should and everything will end." The great dragon said.
"You will never be released, for what you've done and what you are forcing me to do! I'll make sure you never see the light." Merlin promised.
"Merlin!" The dragon shouted, breathing fire at him.
"Gescildan!"
Merlin blocked the flames.
"You won't see me again." He promised before leaving.
Merlin entered the physician's chambers.
"Where is she?" Merlin asked.
"She's sleeping." Gaius replied.
"I have to save her." Merlin said.
"You cannot." Gaius said.
"If the balance of the world needs a life, then Nimueh must take mine." Merlin stated clearly.
"No, Merlin."
"Yes. I will return to the island."
" You are young. Your gifts, your destiny are far too precious to sacrifice." Gaius argued.
"My destiny? It was ours Gaius. I and Alexia were given the task to protect Arthur. My powers mean nothing if I cannot save her."
"It wasn't her destiny to save Arthur. Her destiny was to save Emrys. She was born to help you. Not Arthur." Gaius told him.
"This doesn't mean I can let her die. If it was my destiny to protect Arthur, then it shall be me who dies for him. You have taught me so much. Taught me who I am. Taught me the purpose for my skills. Taught me that magic should only be used for great deeds. But most of all, you have always taught me to do what is right."
"Merlin." Gaius said.
"I need to say goodbye to Arthur." He sniffed and left.
Merlin entered Arthur's chambers and saw Arthur was pouring himself a drink, the other arm in a sling.
"Ah, Merlin." Arthur said.
"How are you?" Merlin asked.
"Good."
"I'm pleased."
"Yes. I owe it all to Gaius."
"I need to talk to you." Merlin finally said.
"You still haven't got it yet, have you? I decide when we need to talk." Arthur teased.
"Not today." Merlin said.
"I sometimes wonder if you know who I am." Arthur mused.
"Oh, I know who you are."
"Good."
"You're a prat. And a royal one."
Arthur chuckled at this.
"Are you ever going to change, Merlin?" Arthur asked.
"No, you'd get bored. But promise me this, if you get another servant, don't get a bootlicker. Well I am sure Alexia will handle this." Merlin said.
"If this is you trying to leave your job..." Arthur said.
"No. I'm happy to be your servant. Till the day I die." Merlin said.
"Sometimes I think I know you, Merlin. Other times..." He trialed off shaking his head.
"Well, I know you. And you're a great warrior. One day, you'll be a great king." Merlin said, a bit proudly.
"That's very kind of you." Arthur said.
"But you must learn to listen as well as you fight." Merlin pointed.
"Any other pointers?" Arthur asked.
"No. That's it. Just...don't be a prat." Merlin said at last before giving Arthur a long look and leaving.
Merlin entered his chamber where Gwen was sitting by Alexia's bedside.
"Gaius had to go and get some supplies. He asked me to keep an eye on her until you got back." Gwen told her.
"Thank you." Merlin said.
"I'm sorry. I don't know how this happened. But she fell unconscious yesterday. Maybe that was a sign." Gwen said. Controlling her tears as one of her best friends was lying on her death bed.
"No, she'll get better." Merlin vowed.
"I've tried to make her feel comfortable." Gwen said.
"You have such a good heart, Gwen. Don't ever lose that." He said to her.
Gwen left and Merlin went to sit with Alexia.
"Merlin!" Alexia whispered.
Merlin turned to look at her.
"Alexia stay quiet!" Merlin said.
"No, if this is my last time talking to you, I want to say everything." Alexia said.
"Maybe it certainly is." Merlin said thinking how he was going to give his life to save her.
"It was my wish Merlin. I wanted to take your place. I asked Nimueh to do this. She wanted something from me, in return I asked this. I could not have let you or your mother die. Yes Merlin I knew that your mother was going to die. I knew everything that happened since we came here and I know everything that will happen." Alexia said in a low voice.
Merlin looked confused.
"Can you see future?" Merlin asked.
"No. But I know past." She replied vaguely.
"But many things haven't happened yet." Merlin said confused.
"I am from future Merlin. I know things which no one does. I knew Arthur was going to get bitten by Questing Beast. That was the reason I wanted to come with you. But you.. you made me sleep. That is the reason I cry when someone dies. Thinking I could have stopped it. I promise Merlin. I never wished anyone to die. I never... But everytime I tried something happened. The great dragon said it was fate. But somewhere I knew it was my fault." Alexia confessed, looking grave.
Merlin looked at her shocked. His eyes clouded. His mind was rushing at the speed of light.
"You lied to me!" He whispered.
Alexia closed her eyes and gasped. A tear rolled her eye.
"I am sorry. But I couldn't tell you. I know it is not an excuse, but still I am sorry Merlin. I hope I could have told you earlier. But I couldn't. No one would have believed me." Alexia said panting her breathing was becoming harsh from continuous talking.
"I.. I am.. sorry." She said breathing rapidly.
Merlin was about to get up, when he remembered everything they did together. Everything that happened and everything Alexia was ready to do for him. She took his mother's place to death bed.
Merlin closed his eyes.
"No. I am sorry. I doubted you. I am sorry." He said stroking her head, while Alexia gave a small smile before passing out.
Merlin looked up determined. He was going to save her.
Next morning, Merlin woke up, he came out of his room and began packing for his trip the next morning.
"Gaius?" He called for his mentor, but no reply came.
Merlin found a note with his name on it. Merlin read it, while Gaius traveled to the Isle of the Blessed
Merlin read the letter.
Dear Merlin,
My life is already near to its end. There has, for the most part, been very little purpose to it, very little that will be remembered. In contrast, Merlin, your life is destined for greatness. Live by the tenets I have taught you, and I believe you will, in time, become the greatest warlock ever. To have known you has been my greatest pleasure, and to sacrifice myself for you or Alexia is but an honour. You are and always will be the son I never had. And Alexia is a daughter which I always hoped for. I can't see her die, and I knew that even you can't. Now she will live. Take care.
"No!" Merlin cried and ran out. He quickly rode out of Camelot.
At the Isle of blessed, Gaius stepped out of the boat onto the island.
"I never thought I'd see you here again." Nimueh said surprised.
"My Lady." Gaius said.
"It's a long time since you called me that." Nimueh said.
"I come to ask for your help." He said.
"As you did once before for Uther? You did not like the outcome." Nimueh reminded him.
"I offer a chance for you to atone for the death of his wife." Gaius said
"I have saved the life of her son. What more do you ask for?" Nimueh asked.
"That this time, you take a just price. Merlin intends to offer his life for Alexia's. I want you to take mine in his place." Gaius said.
"With all my powers of prediction, I could never have foretold this. Gaius the hero. Why should I grant your wish? You stood and watched as our friends burned in the Great Purge. You are nothing but a traitor." Nimueh said.
"Merlin is the one man who can bring magic back to this land. At Arthur's side, he can help forge a new kingdom. Alexia is the one they will need to lead the way. The three will make a new world. A world of peace and beauty that we can only dream of." Gaius said.
"And you're willing to give your life, Gaius, for the future they will bring? I'm waiting. Are you ready to die, Gaius? Gaius?" Nimueh asked.
"For them I will give my life." Gaius said.
Nimueh looked at him, and then suddenly she laughed. Gaius looked confused, whatever reaction he expected, this was never one.
"So the girl told the truth. You will come to bid your life for her. I was surprised when she told me who she was. But I never thought that it would be true. The girl truly is a time traveler. She came from future to save you all." Nimueh mused.
Gaius looked shocked.
"You know Gaius, what she asked? She asked to take her life rather than Merlin's. She asked me to spare you since she knew you would come. And I accepted her demands at the promise of her truth. Which she gave." Nimueh said, shocking Gaius.
"But you know what she didn't know? That promises were meant to be broken." Nimueh said with an evil smirk.
"How can I forget all the sins you did Gaius? How can I leave you, when you gave me pain which noone should get. Now Gaius, tell me. Are you willing to give your life for the girl?" Nimueh asked.
Gaius looked at her, before he nodded.
"She is the closest thing I have for a daughter. Sure she lied, but she must have her own reasons. I believe in her, Merlin and the future they will build. I am more than ready to give my life for her." Gaius said.
Nimueh smirked again.
Merlin approached the edge of the lake of the Isle of the Blessed, he could hear Nimueh.
"Ic, séo héahsácerd, þe ácwile strengþe ealdan æwfæstnesse!" Nimueh chanted.
Merlin rushed onto the island.
"Stop!" Merlin shouted.
"Back again so soon, warlock?" Nimueh asked.
"What have you done?" Merlin asked.
"Your friend is safe. Isn't that what you wanted?"
"Have you killed him?"
"It was his wish." She replied with a small smirk.
"I bid my life for Arthur's, not Alexia's, not Gaius's!" Merlin said.
"And your friend wished to let you live. Besides The Old Religion does not care who lives and who dies! Only that the balance of the world is restored. To save a life, a life must be taken. Gaius knew this. And surprisingly the girl too."
"It is not the Old Religion that has done this. It is you." Merlin said.
"Come now. We are too valuable to each other to be enemies." Nimueh offered.
"No! I share nothing with you!" Merlin said.
"With my help, Arthur will become King." Nimueh said.
"I will make Arthur King. But you will never see that day. Ástríce!" He chanted.
A golden beam emitted from. His hand moving towards Nimueh. Nimueh absorbed his attack.
"Your childish tricks are useless against me, Merlin. I am a priestess of the Old Religion." She said creating a fireball. "Forbærne!" She chanted and the ball moved towards Merlin, who ducked it. "You, too, are a creature of the Old Religion. You should join me." Nimueh said.
"You think I would join forces with such a selfish and cruel magic? Never." Merlin said.
"So be it." She said before raising her hand. "Ácwele!"
The spell hit Merlin square in the chest as Merlin fell back.
"Pity. Together we could've ruled the world." Nimueh said and walked away. Merlin got up and glared at her.
"You should not have killed my friend." Merlin said, his voice cold like ice. Nimueh looked at him
Merlin raised his hand to the sky, his eyes flashed gold and dark clouds started to circle. He lowered his hand pointing at Nimueh and she was striked with lightening, which blasted her.
Merlin ran to Gaius.
"Gaius! Gaius!" He called desperately and cradled unconscious Gaius.
"No! No!" He cried.
"Merlin." Gaius said.
"Gaius. Gaius. Gaius, you're alive!" Merlin exclaimed, happily.
"What did you do?" Gaius asked.
"Nimueh's dead. The balance of the world has been restored." Merlin told him.
"You amaze me. You've mastered the power of life and death itself. We'll make a great warlock of you yet." Gaius said.
"So you believe in me now?" Merlin asked.
"Well, I would do if...if you could stop this blasted rain." Gaius joked.
They laughed.
In his cave, the great dragon roared, "Merlin! No!"
Alexia jerked awoke.
She panted loudly. Before getting up and rushing out. She saw the letter that Gaius wrote. Her eyes filled with tears.
She ran out of the chambers and went to the cave.
"Where are you?" Alexia asked.
But there was no reply.
"Kilgharrah?" Alexia called again. But still there was no reply.
Alexia stepped back.
This was not going to happen.
Kilgharrah won't answer her now. He and Merlin must have fought earlier. But why would they now, it was not the same.
She quickly climbed the stairs and ran back, her heart beating hard. As she entered the chambers she slumped beside the wall, crying.
"What if Gaius is dead? What if something happened to Merlin? I am alive. It means someone died." Alexia said to herself before crying again.
Time passed and tears flowed freely from her eyes.
Her mind was producing all the negative thoughts it could. But suddenly she heard the door open.
She quickly stood up and exited her room. A huge smile appeared as she saw both Gaius and Merlin standing there.
She ran to both of them and hugged Gaius.
"How can you be so stupid? Why did you go to the Isle to trade your life for mine? You are required right now. Without you we are doomed." Alexia said crying on his shoulder. Gaius looked at Merlin who just shrugged. Gaius patted her head.
"I am fine Alexia." He said.
Alexia seperated from him and hugged Merlin.
"Oof!" Merlin cried as he was hugged by her. His chest was still paining. Alexia quickly stepped back and saw the burn
"I am sorry!" She whispered.
Merlin gave a pained smile.
"It means Nimueh is dead?" She asked.
Merlin flashed a smile.
"Merlin killed her restoring the balance." Gaius said.
"And here I was crying for so long, thinking who might have died for me." Alexia said.
She turned to Merlin who was looking at her.
Alexia looked at his burnt chest, worried at his pain, before she could realise her hand moved towards the burn mark, through the hole in his tunic, resting on the wound.
Merlin hissed as it stinged.
Alexia closed her eyes and gold sparks flew around her as she felt a tingle in her veins. A raw power moved from her source to her veins and passed through her hand to Merlin's chest.
Merlin felt the powerful magic which was being used by Alexia as he felt his wound cooling.
And within seconds, to the astonishment of Gaius and Merlin both, the wound disappeared and on its place was his clear and fine skin.
Alexia opened her eyes and removed her hand from his chest before stumbling a bit.
"It was..." She started.
"Wow!" Merlin completed for her.
Alexia nodded brightly.
"I never felt such thing." She confessed.
"Because you never used your unicorn's power earlier." Gaius explained.
"This can be the only explanation. You are the lady of unicorns and you share their powers. And that included the healing ones too." He said.
Alexia beamed while Merlin smiled.
"So..." He started and both Gaius and Alexia turned to him.
"You really are from future?" Merlin asked.
Alexia paled a bit but nodded.
Merlin looked a bit hurt but shrugged it.
"And for the past whole year, you already knew what all was going to happen?" He asked.
"Not everything, but major ones. In our time, there is a thing called television. And on that television, we had a series, named after you. It contained your adventures and how you risked everyday to save the prat prince Arthur. But on the day I was attacked, I jumped off the cliff and fell in the lake of Avalon and somehow transported to this time. I truly don't know who did this, but when I saw you I was shocked. Soon I adjusted with everything here and decided to help you and change few things." Alexia said.
"And what about your family? Your parents?" Merlin asked.
This was the first time someone asked Alexia about her parents.
She looked down.
"My parents, they are back in my time only. I don't know why, but I like it here more than I ever did in there. I feel like I truly belong here, even without all those technologies and modern world. It took time but I adjusted quite good. Some part of my comfort over here was my craving for love and care maybe." Alexia said murmuring the last part.
Merlin and Gaius looked surprised at this. But Alexia was now far in her memories.
"I had a brother, his name was Jake. He understood me perfectly. We were so close. But one day, when we were out, he was hit by a car in an accident. It was I who would have died that day, but he pushed me out of the way and died. I was totally broken. I regretted it everyday. I always wished it should have been me. My parents distanced themselves from me. Dad became drunkard. He used to come home drunk everyday. Mum became a bit cold, but I knew she still loved me, and from that day, I had another problem, the problem of nightmares. Which sometimes came true. I dreamt of the night when I was attacked about two days before it occurred. I never believed it to be true. Actually I did, but I never wished to. So when I came here, I found a friend in you Merlin, a parent in Gaius and I finally got the love and care which I always wished." Alexia said smiling in her tears.
Merlin wiped the tears which were in his eyes and went to hug her. Gaius did the same and they shared a group hug.
"Thanks Merlin! Thanks Gaius!" Alexia said.
Both just wrapped their arms a bit tighter.
And that night, things changed for the three.
Next morning, Alexia woke up the voice of Gaius.
"Alexia! Merlin! get up." He called.
Alexia rubbed her eyes and opened them. She looked towards Merlin who just covered his ears with pillow and Alexia smirked.
She got up and went to him, picking the nearby jug, she emptied it's content on his face.
Merlin woke up with a jerk gasping.
"Alexia!" Merlin yelled while the said girl just laughed loudly.
After sometime Merlin to gave in and chuckled.
They both got up, ready for the day...
A/n: I believe this was the longest chapter till now. Can't believe I reached till here. And finally some kind of relevation about Alexia's past. It will be explored in future. Slowly but surely.
Now a small note about the story.
This story will have four phases/ seasons. I know Merlin had five seasons, but as the story will progress it will have some more original plots. I definitely won't be going to change the basic plot, but still I will be adding something original. It's still not decided how many chapters each phase will have, but it will be decided soon. I hope you will like the personal additions to plot that I made.
Secondly, I am still not sure if I shall continue the next chapters under the same story, or shall I upload them like sequels. It's your choice. The way you want, I will upload them as such. Voting will be there for a whole month. And the first chapter of second phase will be uploaded by mid-May, 2021. It will give me enough time to make new plots and you all to decide how you want further chapters.
Thank you everyone.