A/N: I know no one asked for a summary but I'm also aware that people are reading this a while after it's published so just in case there was confusion I'll give a quick run through of what happened in yesterday's chapter. The friends found a cave system while they were exploring the countryside on their holiday and most of them went down to explore them. Merlin stayed above ground with the dogs because of his nightmares and his leg. The cave system collapsed so Merlin went down to try and find his friends. Once they were all back together, they started making their way back but there was another rockfall which squashed them all and that's how the chapter ended. Here is the next part.

Chapter 16

Arthur coughed and opened his eyes. He was aware that his entire body was being crushed underneath something, but he was too distracted by the dust in his lungs to do anything. Underneath him, he felt something move and just about managed to manoeuvre himself so he could see Killi.

"Hey, it's alright, boy," Arthur cooed, stroking him, "It's ok."

Hang on. Arthur could actually see. See with actual, natural daylight. He twisted around and groaned as he shoved a few heavy rocks off himself. Carefully, he heaved himself up and out of the rockpile before looking around. Leon had been right. The entire roof of the cave system had fallen in. Thankfully it hadn't been far underground so Arthur was able to climb and end up standing on grass a few meters away from the huge piles of boulders and dirt.

He caught his breath for a few seconds before returning to where he'd been buried and lifting Killi out. He checked the dog over and was a little worried to see a cut on his leg. After inspecting it further, he decided it wasn't immediately dangerous and gave Killi a hug before saying, "Alright. Time to find everyone else, Killi. You're a little superhero, do you think you can sniff them out?"

"Arthur?" someone coughed from somewhere beneath the rubble, "Is that you?"

"Gwen! Where are you? Can you move?"

"No, I'm stuck."

"That's ok, don't worry," he quickly kissed Killi on the head, ruffled his fur one more time and stood up. "Gwen, can you lift an arm or a leg or something so I can see where you are?"

A few rocks moved and shifted, "That's the best I can do," Gwen's voice sounded.

"It's alright, I saw. I'm coming." He carefully picked his way across the rocks to get to Gwen. "Ok, you have to tell me if I hurt you or anything feels like it's moving."

"I will."

Arthur moved the rocks one by one to uncover Gwen. Some were only small and required no effort at all to lift. Other's took all the strength Arthur had. She was buried quite deeply down but eventually, Arthur was able to take her hand and pull her out.

"You ok?" he asked, "Hurt?"

"Not seriously, I don't think," Gwen smiled, "Just a bit battered."

"Ok, good. We need to find the others."

Killi caught Arthur's attention by barking at a certain spot amongst the rubble. Arthur stumbled over to the dog and told him he was amazing.

"Gwen, are you up for helping?"

She carefully made her way over too, "Who is it?"

"Not sure. I can't see anyone yet."

"Better get going, then," Gwen suggested.

It was a lot easier to lift the rocks with someone else helping. Soon, they'd discovered it was Leon they were rescuing and they were drowning in sweat by the time they were lifting him out and carrying him over to the grass. Killi had been barking at a new spot for a few minutes but they'd been ignoring him. They sat beside Leon and tried to rouse him for a short while before deciding it was probably more important to find everyone else and go back to Leon later. There weren't any obvious injuries on their friend but for all they knew, others could be suffering greatly.

"Hush, Killi," Arthur said as he and Gwen returned to the dog, "We're here. Who've you found, hm?"

"It's Gwaine," Gwen noted, "I can see his feet."

Arthur followed her gaze and nodded, "Can you reach them?"

"I think so."

"See if you can shake him awake."

Gwen sat down and reached out to grab Gwaine's ankle and gently shook it. After a couple of seconds, he kicked out and groaned.

"Gwaine," Arthur called down, "Can you hear us?"

Gwaine grunted something in response.

"We're going to get you out," Arthur said, "Stay still."

He and Gwen had been working for a few minutes when someone shouted loudly. "Guinevere!"

"Lancelot," Gwen breathed, turning immediately.

"Go on," Arthur motioned to where the call had come from, "I'll help once I've got Gwaine free."

Gwaine, as it turned out, had a big piece of sharp rock stuck in his upper arm. "Leave it for now," Arthur had said as they stumbled over to the side, "We'll deal with it at the house."

"I can use the other arm," Gwaine said, "Let me help."

"Alright, but don't push it."

Lancelot's chest was stuck underneath what was definitely the biggest rock they'd seen so far. It took the three of them lifting from above and him pushing from below to get it off him. Then, Arthur heaved him up out of the hole they'd created.

"Ow," Lancelot moaned quietly, but he hugged Gwen.

"Are you ok?" she asked, putting one hand on each of his cheeks and looking him up and down.

"Fine," he assured her, "Just bruised."

"We need to rest for a bit," Gwen said.

"No, we can't. We have to find the others," Arthur said.

"If I lift one more rock, my arms are going to fall off," Gwaine said.

"You've barely lifted anything!" Gwen noted.

"Go and check on Leon," Arthur told him, "We'll keep going."

They found Elyan pretty quickly and he was lucky enough to not have been buried underneath too much. Soon, he was sitting on the grass, rubbing his head and looking a little dazed. Then, Killi started barking once more and this time actually began digging and scratching. Arthur went over immediately. There was only one person who Killi would have that reaction to after finding their scent.

Mere minutes later, Arthur was lifting a crying Aithusa out of the ground and cradling her gently. He stroked her fur and spoke to her quietly but his eyes kept drifting to where Merlin was still half-buried. Gwen took the dog from him and copied his actions. She carried Aithusa over to where Elyan was sitting, still trying to come out of his daze, and Leon was just starting to stir. Arthur, Gwaine and Lancelot finished uncovering Merlin and lifted him out easily.

Arthur gathered Merlin in his arms and carried him over to the side while Lance and Gwaine investigated Killi's new find. Kneeling down on the grass and holding Merlin in his lap, Arthur called out his name and stroked his cheek. Almost immediately, Merlin twitched and his eyelids flickered open. Arthur smiled at him.

"I thought you promised to protect me," Merlin groaned quietly with a glint in his eyes.

"Not my fault you decided to come crawling through the tunnels after me," Arthur chuckled, "You'd have been perfectly safe if you stayed where you were. You ok?"

"Just about. You?"

"Fine."

"Everyone else?"

"Arthur!" Lancelot called across, "We could do with a hand, please?"

"We're still getting people out," Arthur explained, lowering Merlin down to the ground, "Two minutes."

"Who's still missing?" Merlin croaked to Gwen whilst forcing himself to sit up.

"Morgana and Percival."

"Here, I'll take her," Merlin offered, stretching his hands out. Gwen handed Aithusa over to him and the dog seemed to calm at being in Merlin's arms. He whispered into her fur and tickled her behind the ears gently. When Killi trotted over, apparently proud of his hard work, Merlin settled Aithusa in his lap so he could stroke each dog with a different hand.

Before they knew it, everyone was all together once more. Arthur and Gwaine had stumbled over supporting Percival while Lancelot brought Morgana over.

"Is everyone alright?" Leon asked loudly.

Everyone mumbled tired responses.

"We can't rest here," Lancelot said, "We need to get back. There's food and water and first aid stuff at the house. We can rest there as long as we like."

"Who needs help walking?" Arthur asked.

Percival and Leon both said that they didn't think they'd feel steady on their feet alone.

"Lance, how's your ankle?" Arthur remembered, "You hurt it earlier, didn't you?"

"It's a little tight," he admitted, "But tolerable for now."

"It'll stiffen," Leon said.

"I'll manage for now," Lance insisted, "We need to go."

They were glad they didn't run into anyone else. It would have been a strange sight for anyone. Nine people and two dogs supporting and carrying each other through the countryside, all crying and covered from head to toe in blood and mud. The closer they got to the house, the more tired they felt. Exhaustion was setting in deeply and their injuries seemed to have got ten times worse.

Merlin had carried Aithusa the whole way. The poor dog was shaking and whining and wouldn't walk on her own. But Merlin's arms, despite having been numb for a while, were starting to fall and his feet were dragging. He was right at the back of the group, the only one walking alone. Gwaine and Arthur were at the front, supporting Percival between them. Lancelot and Gwen weren't far behind them, arms wrapped around each other. Lancelot was limping heavily and his face was screwed up in pain. Then came Leon, with one arm around Morgana's shoulders and one arm around Elyan's. Killi moved between everyone separately, checking up on every group.

That left Merlin, with a brain still foggy from several sleepless nights, his amputated leg lagging behind the healthy leg and the rest of his body aching. He knew he was no worse off than anyone else but Aithusa was starting to feel like lead in his arms and he could barely focus on which foot was meant to go where.

He didn't notice Gwaine drop back to walk alongside him until his friend was taking Aithusa out of his arms, "It's not far now," Gwaine said.

"It feels like we've been walking so long that we must be in England by now," Merlin managed a smile.

"I know what you mean," Gwaine chuckled.

Merlin looked up to the front of their group and frowned, "Is this a husband swap, or something?"

"My arm was hurting too much to be much help anymore. You looked lonely and Arthur was starting to fuss."

"Of course he was."

Gwaine snorted, "He's right to. You look awful."

"I can guarantee you I look no worse than you."

"Probably not," Gwaine admitted, "It's going to be chaos when we get back. There are only four showers."

"Arthur and I have a bath."

"So do Lance and Morgana, I think. But still, there'll be fights for who gets to go first. It's not like someone can bath and someone can shower at the same time."

"At this point," Merlin tripped over something and stumbled a bit. He regained his footing and continued, "I don't think anyone would care."

"Someone has to cook, too."

"Absolutely not," Merlin said, "I'm having a bath and going straight to sleep."

"To think I dragged you out of bed for this."

"How will I ever thank you?" Merlin muttered sarcastically. He tripped again and stopped in frustration.

"Come on," Gwaine held Aithusa under one arm and wrapped his other arm around Merlin's waist.

Merlin backed away, "But you're hurt!"

"Don't care. We're probably, what, ten minutes away at most? I'd much rather we all got back together than have to send people out looking for you again because you fell over and didn't get back up."

Merlin reluctantly allowed Gwaine to get closer to him and they wrapped their arms around each other and continued together. No one spoke much when they got back to the house. Arthur fished the keys out of his pocket, thanking everything he could think to thank that they were still there. Everyone's phones had also managed to stay mostly in tact but no one was relieved about that.

Gwen silently went over to the kettle, filled it as much as she could and turned it on. Everyone else began tugging their boots of their feet lazily and left them strewn across the room. Killi and Aithusa plodded over to the sofas sadly. Killi leapt up onto one with ease and after trying, but failing to follow, Aithusa starting crying. Arthur quickly lifted her up onto the seat and the dogs curled up together.

Leon got the first aid kit out the cupboard and put it on the kitchen table. Merlin immediately dug out an antiseptic wipe and a bit of bandage. He fetched a packet of treats and went over to where the dogs were already asleep. He carefully cleaned Killi's leg and wrapped it up. "We'll have to take him to the vet when we get home." Merlin said to Arthur.

"We'll take them both," Arthur said, "I'll get them food and water."

"They need a bath."

"Later," Arthur said, "They're fine for now."

Merlin fiddled with his prosthetic leg to get it off. His stump was raw and blistered either because he'd worn the leg too long or at some point the insert had dislodged a little and hadn't been on properly since.

Gwen handed out mugs of steaming tea and they all sat down together to drink them.

"Does anyone think they need professional help?" Leon asked tiredly, slinging his arm around Morgana's shoulders easily.

No one answered, all sipping their drinks and thinking over what had happened.

"I don't know about anyone else," Gwaine said after a couple of minutes, "But I'm going to sleep for years."

"We've got to go upstairs," Elyan moaned, glaring at the staircase as if it were personally offending him.

"It's too far," Gwaine mumbled, "I'm staying here."

Percival smacked him across the back of the head, "You're not. We're going upstairs and we're sorting your arm out and then you're having a shower. You stink."

"We all stink," Lancelot said, "But having a shower sounds like a lot of effort."

"Tough," Gwen said, "I refuse to sleep in the same bed as you if you don't wash first."

"Come on," Percival encouraged, sitting up, "If we don't move now, we never will."

"That sounds ok," Elyan said.

"He's right," Leon agreed.

Everyone shook themselves awake and opened their eyes reluctantly. Merlin looked around for his crutches but Arthur picked him up before he could reach for them.

"Arthur!" Merlin protested.

"It's quicker," Arthur defended, "I want to go to bed."

While everyone else headed upstairs to sort themselves out, Arthur set Merlin down on their bed, "I'll run a bath. Don't fall asleep."

Merlin smiled at Arthur until he was out of sight in the bathroom. Then, his face dropped and he began massaging his temples with his fingers. The constant stream of nightmares he suffered every time he fell asleep were really starting to mess with him. It had happened every year since the fire at Camelot, for a few weeks. He was plagued with images of Will suffering in the flames alone, haunted by his brother's death and traumatised by his own injuries. It left him drained, grumpy and usually with awful headaches.

Arthur returned and looked at him sympathetically. "Are you having your bath fully dressed, then?" he teased.

"Will you help me?"

Arthur looked shocked but recovered quickly and joked, "You are tired, aren't you?"

"Please?"

Arthur softened, "Sure. Come on."

They lay in the bath together, taking it in turns to massage each other's tight muscles and wash each other's hair. Once they were clean and feeling slightly more human, Arthur got out and wrapped himself in a towel while Merlin unplugged the bath. Then, he let Arthur lift him out and wrap him up too. Pretty quickly, Arthur had dug out two pairs of shorts and got Merlin into one of them. He then dried his own hair and took the towel across to Merlin.

"Sit up."

Merlin wined something and nuzzled deeper into the pillow.

"Alright," Arthur sighed and manhandled Merlin into a seated position. He dried Merlin's hair slowly with the towel.

"Can we do this every time I have a headache?" Merlin slurred, "Feels amazing."

Arthur chuckled and stopped moving the towel for a few seconds so he could kiss the top of Merlin's hair.

"Arthur?"

"Mm?"

"Do you think I'll get these nightmares forever?"

"I don't know, Merls."

"I know you don't know. I asked what you think. I'm scared they'll get worse. More things will happen. More people will die. Gaius, my mother, the dogs, Freya, everyone here. You. If this is what happens just after Will's death, what's going to happen after everyone else's? I mean, I know I probably won't outlive any of our friends what with my lungs and my leg. But everyone else. Will it haunt me forever?"

"Do you remember what you said when my father died? You told me you never forget the people you love who you've lost. But you get better. The nightmares will pass, Merlin. Long before you lose anyone else. Will's death was sudden and unfair and it hurt everyone deeply. It wasn't just mourning that you had to go through which is why it affects you so much now."

"It's tiring, Arthur. But it feels like a punishment."

"A punishment? For what?"

"I don't know. Missing his funeral, not visiting home often enough, not remembering him properly."

"Merlin," Arthur chastised, "You've done nothing wrong, you're just tired."

"And I'll continue to be tired until these stupid nightmares stop!"

"Sh, it's ok. I'm here, Merlin, it'll be alright."

"I don't like it, Arthur, I want it to stop."

"It will stop. You know it will."

"I'm scared. Too scared to close my eyes."

"I'll be here all the time," Arthur whispered, "I won't let anything happen. It's ok."

Merlin seemed to make himself as small as possible and curled into Arthur's side. "I love you."

"I love you too, silly."

The next day was very strange. Everyone slept until at least lunchtime and woke up completely starving. They'd stumble out their rooms in their pyjamas to collect some food, grunt in greeting to anyone else they happened to bump into, and then retreat back to bed. The longest anyone stayed up was when Arthur bathed both the dogs, let them outside for a bit and fed them. He'd then left the bedroom door open for them, an invitation for them to come in for cuddles.

Merlin slept but not well. He only ever managed to stay asleep for about three quarters of an hour before the nightmares started and he's either scare himself into consciousness or disturb Arthur and wake him up. He always felt guilty when that happened.

In the late evening, Lancelot poked his head around the door, and smiled. Hearing the footsteps, Arthur opened his eyes, "You ok?"

Lancelot nodded, "It was a bit of a major operation getting down the stairs but I got there."

"Borrow Merlin's crutches," Arthur suggested, "He won't mind."

Lancelot limped into the room properly, "We, erm, we heard him getting upset."

"Sorry if it disturbed you."

"No, don't be silly. We thought you might want a break. Gwen's cooked some dinner if you want to go and grab some. Then you can sleep upstairs in our room if you want."

Arthur had to admit it sounded tempting. He glanced down at Merlin who was somehow managing to sleep soundly through the exchange.

"I'll manage, Arthur," Lance promised, "We've all had plenty of rest."

"It's every hour or so," Arthur explained, getting out of bed and finding a jumper to pull on, "He's having nightmares. Just give him some water, talk to him for a bit an-"

"Arthur. I've got it. Go eat something."

Lancelot took Arthur's place in the bed, being careful of Aithusa who was curled up on his pillow. Killi was draped over Merlin's middle, one paw on his chest and head pointing towards Merlin's. Arthur kissed Merlin on the forehead and gently brushed some hair out of his eyes. He muttered a quick 'thank you' to Lancelot and dragged himself out the room.

Lancelot hadn't been alone with Merlin for half an hour when Killi woke up with a start and began pawing at Merlin's chest. Merlin was wincing and moving about in his sleep. His eyes were squeezed shut tightly but there were still tears managing to break through. Lancelot put his book down quickly and turned to wake Merlin up but Killi had already managed to do that. The dog was standing on his chest licking his face. Merlin coughed harshly and pushed Killi away. Lancelot ushered the dog off the bed and lifted Aithusa down too.

"Merlin?" Lancelot helped his friends up and handed him a glass of water.

Merlin took it gratefully and sipped it a few times, "Where's Arthur?"

"Went for some food. I told him I'd stay with you. Hope you don't mind."

"Of course not. Did you tell him to get some sleep, too? I've been keeping him up."

"He's going up to our room."

"Good. You don't have to stay, you know."

"Don't be stupid. I know what nightmares are like. It's not nice to wake up alone. Or with a heavy dog on you."

Merlin grinned, "Thank you."

"Are you hungry? Gwen's cooked the most amazing dinner. There'll be enough for you if you want some."

"I'm alright. Not really hungry. How's your leg?"

"Not great. We're going to wait until we get home and go to the GP. I won't be driving, though."

"You can't see my crutches, can you?" Merlin asked, "I'm desperate for a pee."

Lancelot looked around, "I can't see them in here."

"Right. Guess I'll be hopping, then."

"Be careful."

"I'm always careful." Merlin grinned and threw the covers aside, "Get out the way, Killi."

Lancelot watched him closely as he hopped around the bed to the bathroom and searched for the light. While Merlin was out of sight, he continued to listen carefully. But Merlin managed perfectly well on his own and was easing himself back into bed in no time.

"Well," he muttered, "Hasn't this proven to be a fun holiday?"