06.02.15 – Well, here we are again. It's been 11 months since I wrote chapter 12 of Being a Friend, and only now have I decided to embark on unlucky 13. Which is probably a terrible idea seeing as I start a teaching practice on Monday (there's that bad luck).

As always, first off, I sincerely apologise for the terribly long wait. If any of you readers are college or university students, then you know how little time you have to get work done, let alone things outside of that.

And secondly, this will either be the penultimate or final chapter in the Merlin crossover – I'm as of yet undecided, but it'll probably depend on how long it is.

Thirdly, it's time for one of my favourite parts, Reviewer Replies! Let's do this!

Frenchie: … I am so sorry I haven't changed that yet. I keep saying I'm gonna do it, then I never do. I need a kick up the arse to get that changed.

Meegan: A rambling Doctor is a happy Doctor. Glad you like the ideas I've got planned for the future, too.

Cookie97: I'm sorry I've made you wait so long for this.

Naire: Well, I've got to leave a bit of mystery somewhere, haven't I? I'm glad you're enjoying it.

BooBear4997: Thanks, I'm glad you're liking it.

Agafa Shelly: I'm going to assume that means you're liking the story, so thank you?

Grac3: Thank you, I'm glad you're liking it! Well, Britain's only got about 10 different actors so it's easy to reference between shows.

SocioTimeLord: I'm glad I can meet your OTP needs.

Yuki Kyuu Aizawa: Rose is definitely one of my favourite companions (but nothing beats the super-temp from Chiswick). I think I've said this before, but I liked Amy less after she kissed the Doctor at the end of Flesh and Stone. In her timeline, she was getting married the next day, you don't just go and try to jump someone else's bones the night before your wedding.

Pocky Ichigo: I think by the time I finish this story, I'm going to know one sentence in French incredibly well. And seeing as I dropped French in Yr 9, I could probably do with the language top-up. Also, glad you're enjoying the story.

Thank you very much, you wonderful people above, you've no idea how good to makes me feel to read what you've got to say.

Right, enough of the stalling, suppose I'd better write the damn chapter now. Here we go!

Chapter 13

A thick fog had descended onto Camelot just like the Doctor had said. Luckily, it wasn't so thick that Rory, Arthur and Merlin couldn't see each other. Not that they could see very far in front of themselves either, but there was nothing they could do about it. Well, Rory knew there was one of the trio who probably could, but he wasn't going to out Merlin as a sorcerer in front of the prince of Camelot.

"Seen anything yet?" Rory asked the other two, his eyes flitting between looking in his mirror, changing its angle every so often, and looking in front of him to see where they were going. The three of them were moving as a triangle, back's to each other so their eyes could see all around.

"Nothing," Arthur answered, his voice low with the gravity of the situation. One hand held his mirror, while the other was resting on the pommel of his sword, ready to draw it if needed.

"Nor me," followed Merlin's voice. Despite his youth, he didn't sound at all scared of the situation. Although, Rory had to admit that maybe with being a sorcerer, this kind of thing wasn't all that rare. It certainly wasn't when he travelled with the Doctor, which had opened his eyes to so many unbelievable things. Sorcery was just another to add to the ever-growing list.

"Do you think the Doctor was right? That the Krafayis has already left?" Arthur asked, looking over his shoulder to glance at Rory.

"I'd be lying if I said he was always right," Rory replied, using the mirror to look back at Arthur. "But I trust him. If the Doctor says that it might have left, then it's definitely an option. But we had still better be on our toes, just in case."

Arthur nodded, and for a moment, Rory thought he saw something shifting in the fog behind the prince. He turned on the spot, hand wrapping around the hilt of his sword as he moved. It was only after he turned that he realised he wouldn't be able to see the invisible Krafayis. Arthur and Merlin both noticed, the men raising their guards.

"You saw it?" Merlin asked, using his mirror to look around quickly.

"I saw something, I don't know. I don't even know what it looks like, so I wouldn't know if I did see it or not."

"Well," whispered Arthur, "I'm guessing it would look like that."

In Arthur's mirror, which was pointed to see what was in front of Rory, was what looked like a cross between a lizard and a bird, and was 10 times the size of either. It had a sharp-looking beak, long quills running along from the top of its head, a long neck, terribly sharp and jagged claws at the end of its arms, and even more quills running down its back and tail. At the moment, it hadn't noticed them, and was sniffing around an empty market stall.

"What do we do?" Merlin asked quietly, turning his mirror to look the same way.

"We do what the Doctor said, try and lure it to the main gate." Rory answered, glancing around to try and find a route to lead the Krafayis through.

"And how will we do that?" Merlin pressed.

"… I don't know. But while we think of something, we can't let it out of our sight." Rory gestured over to another market stall, and the three men quietly made their way over to it.

Unfortunately, as they reached the stall, Arthur bumped into Merlin, which knocked him into the stall. As the stall rocked, a vase toppled off the side and shattered. In Rory's mirror, the Krafayis turned its head to look towards the men.

"Oh, Merlin, you idiot," Arthur growled, scowling at the sorcerer.

"You bumped into me, Prince Clotpole," Merlin retorted. The Krafayis had crept towards them as the two fought, and now it was starting to speed up.

Rory turned on the spot and glared at both of them. "Will you stop arguing and run?!"

"This should do the trick!" Gaius heard the Doctor call from inside the TARDIS. The old man turned from Guinevere, who now had the Species matcher strapped to her and was using its mirror as a look-out, and peered inside.

"What have you found, Doctor?" He stepped inside the ancient machine and looked around. It looked like nothing he'd ever seen before, but he had lived a long life, and was certain this would not be the last thing to surprise him before the end. To his left, The Doctor hurried up the stairs, carrying a small grey cube in one hand and a red tube in the other.

"I've found the perfect things to trap the Krafayis," the Doctor beamed. First, he head up the grey cube. "We're going to lead the Krafayis into this, and shut it inside. It's made from a dwarf star alloy – it'll never get out until I let it out."

"But Doctor," Gaius started, looking understandably puzzled. "You said the Krafayis was taller than a grown man. How is it going to even fit into that box?" The Doctor grinned, and lifted up the red tube, shaking it gently.

"I pinched this off an old mate a few years back. It's a Tissue Compression Eliminator. Basically, he would use it to kill people by compressing their bodies and shrinking them to death."

Gaius was quiet for a moment before speaking. "You called this man a friend?" The old man asked, looking suspicious of the Doctor.

"Used to, not anymore, also not the point right now. I've made a few adjustments and now it does the same shrinking act, without the unpleasant side effect of killing you." The Doctor quickly moved past Gaius and outside into entryway to Camelot.

"Okay, but how is being able to make things smaller going to help?" Gaius asked, following the Doctor outside. The Time Lord had placed the cube on the ground, and unlatched the side facing the portcullis, letting it fall open.

Taking several steps back, he pointed the Compression device at the cube and held down one of its buttons. A bright light shone from the end, and the cube began to grow. Gaius watched as it enlarged, coming up to his waist, then past his chest, until he was looking up to see the top of it. The end of the Compressor stopped glowing, and the Doctor walked over to put his arm around Gaius' shoulders. "It makes things bigger too."

"Doctor, you are impossible," Gaius whispered with amazement.

"Not impossible, just a bit unlikely." He smiled before looking over to Guinevere. "Can you see anything, Gwen?"

Looking up from her mirror to the Doctor, she shook her head. "Nothing, Doctor. But I thought I heard something just now. Maybe it's nearby?" She looked worried at the prospect that the Krafayis was close.

"If it is, we've got our trap all set up. Once we get it inside, I can close it with this," he pulled the sonic out from inside his jacket, "shrink it back down with the Compressor and the job's a good'un." Gwen nodded, getting some confidence from the Doctor's plan.

Suddenly, a shrill screech rang through the night. The Doctor's head snapped towards the gate, and looked into the fog. Something inside it was moving, and he couldn't make it out. He was ready to make a show for the Krafayis and lead it inside the cube, but a relieved smile broke out onto his face when he saw Rory come through the fog, Arthur and Merlin at his sides.

"Rory!" He called, waving the running men towards him. As they ran closer, he saw the fog behind them shifting again, and his smile dropped.

"It's behind us!" Rory shouted, running hell for leather towards the Doctor. "Tell me you're ready!"

"Yes, get it into the box!" The Doctor called, pointing to the large empty cube behind him. He quickly moved aside as he saw the boys getting closer.

Rory quickly looked to both Merlin and Arthur, all three of them knowing what to do to trap it. Rory threw a quick glance to his mirror, seeing the Krafayis still hot on their heels. As they passed under the portcullis, Merlin ran to the left and Arthur to the right, while Rory ran head on and stood inside the box.

He drew his sword and held it out, ready to strike against the invisible creature. As he heard the creature's footsteps on the metal floor of the cube, he gave his sword a couple warning slashes, hoping the Krafayis would take the hint and not get too close.

The Doctor began to ran to the box, desperate to haul Rory out of there. He couldn't close the box with him still inside, he'd be torn to shreds. "RORY, GET OUT OF THERE!" he screamed. He almost got inside, but Arthur was on him, holding him back. "LET GO, RORY!" He struggled to break free, but Arthur's grip was strong.

Gaius and Gwen were also calling for Rory to get out, but he'd been backed into the corner. He gave the sword another swing, and heard the Krafayis cry out, and drops of red started to appear in the air before dripping to the ground.

Merlin stood behind the others, and realising none of them were looking his way, stuck out his open hand. "Astyre," he whispered, eyes glowing orange for a moment as he used his magic. Suddenly, Rory felt himself being lifted up. He looked down to see he was floating up, and was soon at the roof of the cube. Merlin balled his hand into a fist and pulled it back, making Rory fly out of the cube and tumble to the ground.

Seeing Rory get flung from the cube, the Doctor wriggled free from Arthur, drew out the Sonic and pointed it at the cube. The tip glowed green, and the open side swung up to close the cube. Putting the sonic away, he then withdrew the Compressor and aimed it at the box, which the Krafayis was thrashing around in. The tip of the Compressor shone, and the box began to get smaller again, returning to its original size.

The others were around Rory, making sure he was okay, as the Doctor walked towards the cube and picked it up off the ground. "You won't be hurting anyone else now."

"Rory, are you okay?" Gwen asked as she knelt by the Roman, helping him sit up. He was coughing and spluttering from having the wind knocked out of him by the fall, but that was the extent of the damage.

"Fine, Gwen, thanks," he said, managing a small smile.

Arthur clapped a hand on Rory's shoulder. "If half the knights in Camelot were as brave as you, we'd have a pretty decent army," he commented, smiling proudly down at him. Merlin and Arthur helped him back to his feet, before Arthur strode confidently over to the Doctor, leaving Merlin to support Rory.

Rory turned to Merlin and gave him a grateful smile. "That was you, wasn't it? Flying me out of there? You use-"

"I have no idea what you're talking about," Merlin uttered quickly, looking away from Rory.

"Thank you." Merlin slowly looked back to Rory, seeing him with a sincere smile on his face. Not wanting to say anything out loud, Merlin simply winked in response. He looked back to Arthur, seeing the Doctor explain to him how they had trapped the Krafayis.

"I think I understand," Arthur said, staring at the small cube in his hand.

"Long story short, it won't cause any more trouble here. I'll take it somewhere there isn't anyone for it to hurt, and let it go." He gently picked up the cube, and placed it carefully into his jacket pocket.

"Not what I would do with it, but if it's not hurting anyone else, I suppose that's okay." Arthur sighed with resignation. "Father will be glad to know it's dealt with. Doctor, thank you. You've helped keep Camelot safe." Arthur held his gloved hand out to the Time Lord, which he shook enthusiastically.

"I do what I can to help," the Doctor said, smiling. "But I wouldn't have been able to do it alone. Thank you all for your help," the Doctor said, turning to face the rest of the group. He looked at everyone in turn before looking back to Arthur. "You and the others should round up the knights, let them know the threat's over. I'll find somewhere inside to keep the Krafayis for now." Arthur nodded, and the Doctor turned to walk back to the TARDIS. "Rory, with me."

Merlin gave Rory a final smile before letting him stand alone and leaving with Arthur, Gwen and Gaius. Rory hobbled towards the TARDIS, glad to have a railing to lean against once he was inside. He had landed on his leg awkwardly after being thrown from the trap, but luckily he was a nurse, and the Doctor would have something for him to use, so he'd be right as rain in no time.

He watched the Doctor place the cube on the TARDIS console before the Time Lord walked over and wrapped him tightly in a hug. "I'm so glad you're safe," he murmured.

Rory lifted his arms up around the Doctor and held him close. "I'm just glad it worked," he chuckled. The Doctor pulled back, keeping his hands on Rory's shoulders.

"I'm sorry you were put in danger because of me. Again," The Doctor said solemnly. He hung his head, feeling like he was constantly failing to keep the people he cared about safe.

"Hey, it wasn't your fault." Rory put a finger under the Doctor's chin and lifted his head, meeting his big sad eyes. "Everything I do with you is my choice. Every time I'm at risk, I chose to be there. Every planet you take me to, I chose to be there. I'm choosing to travel with you, and I choose to help you. This life, Doctor, is my choice. You are my choice." Hearing the young man's words made the old Time Lord smile.

"Rory…" he sighed, head tilting slightly. Rory was glad to see a smile back on the Doctor's face, and leant forward, placing his lips gently against the Doctor's in a soft kiss.

"You have both done this kingdom a great service," Uther's voice boomed through the hall. The Doctor and Rory, both having taken a knee in front of the King, glanced across to the other and shared a pleased look. Prince Arthur and Morgana were stood either side of Uther's throne, and Merlin, Gaius and Gwen were standing in the front row of the hall which was filled with the citizens of Camelot.

"Both Camelot, and I, thank you." Uther stepped down towards the Doctor, who stood to meet him. "Sir Doctor, you are a strategist that I would be happy to have on my council. I name you Honorary Advisor of Camelot. Should you ever return, there will be a place on the council waiting for you."

The hall burst into applause and Doctor smiled, bowing to Uther. "My thanks, Sire." Uther smiled and shook the Doctor's hand before moving to stand in front of Rory, who stood up as the King stopped in front of him.

"You have proven your bravery and honour after last night's events. You are a true knight, and I am honoured to add you to the ranks of the Knights of Camelot." Applause rang through the hall again as Arthur stepped forward, holding a red piece of folded fabric which had the Pendragon lion on the top. Uther picked it up and let it unfurl before hanging the large red cape over Rory's shoulders and fastening it to his armour's pauldrons.

Rory smiled proudly and bowed to Uther. "Thank you so much, Sire." Uther shook Rory's hand and stepped back towards the throne, giving them a final thank you as the hall rang with applause once more.

The Doctor and Rory had made their way back to the TARDIS, Merlin accompanying them. "So where will you go now?" the young warlock asked the Doctor.

"Oh, I never really know where I'm going. I just leave, and on the way something happens," The Doctor explained with a grin, earning a laugh from Merlin.

Now the TARDIS was within view, The Doctor fished through his pocket for a moment before pulling out a small TARDIS key. "Rory," he called, making the man turn to face him. He tossed the key to him, Rory catching it with both hands. "Go and get her warmed up, she'll have missed us." The man nodded and walked ahead, using the key to unlock the TARDIS and disappear inside.

The Doctor stopped and turned to look at Merlin. "I wanted to thank you, Merlin. For saving Rory last night. I know what you can do, and I'm so grateful that you saved him." He laid a hand gently on Merlin's shoulder.

The young sorcerer looked shocked. "You knew?" The Doctor nodded.

"And I haven't told a soul." Merlin looked relieved at that. The Doctor looked past Merlin to see the castle of Camelot towering behind him "Just so you know, when you do eventually decide to tell him, it won't go as badly as you think." He gave the boy a reassuring smile before turning to walk into the TARDIS.

"Wait," Merlin called, stepping forward. "How did you know, about me, I mean?" The Doctor pushed the door open and had one foot inside before he turned to look at Merlin.

"I've know a thing or two about magic," he grinned. Merlin looked puzzled. "Just wait there a minute, you'll see what I mean."

The Doctor smiled and stepped inside, the TARDIS door creaking shut behind him. He dashed up to the console, pulled the viewing screen around, fiddled with a couple of knobs, and an image of Merlin standing outside looking at the TARDIS appeared.

"What do you know about magic, Doctor?" Rory asked, stepping up beside him.

"That magic is just a science that isn't understood yet," The Doctor answered, turning his head to look at him. "The cape looks good on you," he grinned, leaning over to give the man a peck on the cheek. He then began to move around the central column, flicking switches and pressing buttons. Rory held onto one of the panels as the TARDIS began to groan and shake, the Time Rotor starting to slowly move up and down as it made the living machine dematerialise into the Time Vortex. Rory kept watching the screen, the look on Merlin's face as he watched the event in front of him making Rory smile, and hope that they would be able to meet again some time.

Outside, Merlin watched as the blue box that the Doctor and Rory were inside vanished before his eyes. The wind had swept up, and leaves strewn around the clearing floor were scattered in every direction, and Merlin stepped away, an arm up to shield his face. As the noise of the box leaving died down, he lowered his arm to see the empty space the box once occupied. "Gaius will never believe me," he said to himself before turning and making his way back towards the castle.

08.07.15: So it only took me… 5 months to get that finished. Better late than never, eh?

ANYWAY, that is the concluding chapter of the Merlin crossover, I hope you liked it. Maybe one day the boys will come back to Camelot, maybe not, who knows? I should, but I really don't.

I know I always say it, but please, please, let me know what you think by dropping me a review, it really helps me to know what you guys like and don't like, what I can do better or what parts you liked, anything and everything helps.

In no particular order, coming up in future chapters, we have:

- A tribute to Elisabeth Sladen (which by now is long overdue)
- Another crossover with one of my other favourite science-fiction shows (feel free to make guesses, but hopefully none of you see it coming)
- A chapter where Rory is taken back in time to see his mother before her death, à la Father's Day
- A chapter which makes use of the main plot-line of Series 7, but not in a way you might expect (this could be incorporated into one of the above sections, but who knows)

That's what you've got coming up to look forward to, but don't hold your breath, it could be a while before I write anything.

We shall just have to wait and see. Until then, laters!

~Ryan