Kagome sighed for the thousandth time. Arthur and Merlin had been gone for several days. Her only comfort came in the form of Gwen, who was just as worried as she was. The two often waited up most the night hoping to hear word that they had made it back safely.
As she continued to stare out the window, she could not help but fear that something has happened. They should have been back by now. She knew they were still alive the talisman Merlin held would let her know if anything happened to him, but she knew there were worse fates than death sometimes.
She had another concern on her mind as well. She had been feeling Morgana's hateful glares. The woman was no longer hiding her hatred from her. She told her soon she would be gone from her sight, which meant she was planning something. She had tried following her one night, but lost her due to her fatigue.
"Kagome, what are you doing?" Gaius calmly asked her. He noticed that she had not moved from her spot by the window in several hours, without saying a single word. He had watched her over the past few days. Each day Merlin and Arthur were gone the worse her worrying got. It was starting to affect both Gwen and himself.
"Gaius." Kagome turned to acknowledge the man. She had not even felt him enter the room. Perhaps she had been thinking too hard. "Sorry, I was just thinking."
"You should not worry so much." Gaius reassured her. "Merlin will be back, the boy has a knack for returning from dangerous quests."
"I know, Gaius. I just have a bad feeling and it has only worsened as the days go on." Kagome told him with a sad look on her face. "Perhaps I am over….." Kagome did not finish her sentence. Her head whipped around towards the direction of Cenred's kingdom and a look of complete worry crossed her face. Her entire body was tense as she started sensing the dark presence of something unnatural enter the forest surrounding Camelot.
"What is it Kagome?" Gaius was concerned. He had never seen this side of the girl. Her body position was one that he had only seen in seasoned warriors. She looked like she was ready for battle.
"Something dark and evil is heading towards Camelot." Kagome told him. Her face became one of determination. "They will be here by nightfall."
"What is coming?" Gaius asked her. Kagome had started to write on the parchment papers she had cut earlier. She told them they were talismans and would ward off evil. She kept scribbling on each one until she had bout ten talismans.
"I don't know, but whatever it is, it is not natural." Kagome told him she started plastering the inside of the closet with the talismans, one on each wall, one on the ceiling, one on the floor, and one on the door. The rest she tucked in her dress sleeve for later use.
"If anything happens this closet is sealed, barricade yourself in it." Kagome explained to him. She was talking as if they might be separated during the fight. He knew that he would be unable to fight whatever it was that Kagome sensed, but he did not like the idea of leaving her alone to fight it.
"What about you?" Gaius asked, watching as she dashed around gathering herbs and tonics, ones that helped with wounds and fevers.
"I need to make sure the people of Camelot are safe. I will try to protect as many as I can." Kagome told him putting all the supplies in a bag and slinging it over her shoulders. They stared at each other for a few moments, neither wanting to break the silence. However, Gaius needed to tell her one last thing before she left.
"Promise me, Kagome. Promise me that if the city should fall you will leave and seek shelter elsewhere. Morgana will try to have you killed if you stay here, she sees you as a threat. You are the last hope Camelot has." Gaius told her. He was now worried something terrible happened to both Arthur and Merlin. Kagome was not the only one with the power to stop Morgause and Morgana.
Kagome hated to agree, not wanting to let others perish for her survival, but she knew that it was for the best. If she did not survive, she could not figure out a way to stop whatever it was that was coming.
A knock echoed throughout the room and slowly the door opened. "Gaius the king has summoned you." A servant boy told him quietly. The whole castle was on edge. The some of the knights have returned with fear written across their faces.
"Of course." Gaius set one comforting hand on Kagome's arm, silently telling her to be safe, before following after the boy.
Kagome walked along the palace hallway. Clanking of swords and armor could be heard as she walked closer towards the source of the noise. Sir Leon would be leading the knights as they defended the castle. The knights knew they were outnumbered and had rounded up every able-bodied man that could fight. All the women were being ushered into the castle for their protection. Kagome had been asked to stay within the physician's chambers several times already, not that she was going to. She had a duty to help defend the castle.
Kagome navigated her way through the numerous knights, towards the one she was looking for. Sir Leon was scared and nervous. He was gripping the crossbow like if it left his side he would die. "Sir Leon?"
Leon looked up at the young woman in front of him. She had changed out of her dress, opting to wear clothes that allowed more maneuverability. She had on a brown blouse with a black corset and tan skintight pants that were tucked into black knee high boots. Her wrists were covered in bracers that stored small throwing knives and a dagger was strapped across her right thigh. On her back was a beautifully carved wooden bow and an elegant longsword was attached to her belt.
"Lady Kagome, what are you doing here?" he asked, though he had a feeling that he would not like her response. "You should be in the main part of the castle with Guinevere."
"I am here to help and before you say no, remember you need all the help you can get" Kagome looked at Sir Leon with a fierce determination. She was not going to back down and he needed her help, whether he liked it or not.
"Lady Kagome, a battle field is no place for a lady."
"Sir Leon, I am a warrior first and foremost." Kagome crossed her arms over her chest. "I am a skilled fighter and an expert swordswoman, which is something you will need in the upcoming battle."
"Lady Kagome…" Leon started. He needed to get his men ready for battle. The tension was already high and all the men were scared.
"No." Kagome interrupted. "I have been taught how to use the sword and have far more experience than most of the men in this room. If you would let a man who had never wielded a sword to join, then you have to let a woman with skills to join. You need all the skilled swordsmen you can get."
Sir Leon looked around. The woman did have a point. Many of the men that they had recruited only had basic knowledge on sword fighting. If she had any skill, she would be useful. He looked over towards the young woman. She did not show the awkwardness that most people did when first receiving weapons. Usually they would fiddle with them trying to get used to wearing them, but she did not. In fact, she looked like she was used to wielding weapons. Perhaps, she could aid them.
"If I allow you to fight, you must promise to stay alongside me. If anything should happen to you, I will be punished for even letting you get involved." Leon sighed. If he could keep her close then he could keep her safe.
"That is acceptable." Kagome nodded. "But I assure you. I will need no protecting. I am perfectly capable of taking care of myself."
"We shall see, we shall see." Sir Leon whispered watching the young woman turn around to help the others in passing out weaponry.
The whole castle was tense. All the soldiers were lining the streets in preparation for the battle. Night had come, with no rest, in only a short while it would be dawn and the assault will begin. Kagome spent most the night meditating and resting her body. When she was not meditation, she was trying to help the new knights with their battle stances and sword techniques. Many did not appreciate the help of a woman and many did not understand why she was there. Sir Leon interceded and told them that I showed more knowledge on sword fighting and that my advice was sound.
She knew he had been watching her and could feel his surprise when she advised the men. He probably figured she was bluffing when she had told him that she could fight, or did not realize how skilled she was. She was determined to show all of them that not all women had to be damsels in distress.
Sounds of trumpets reached her ears, followed by war cries. They enemy had started charging towards the gate. Kagome pulled out her sword, named Yorukaze or Night Wind. She had asked Elyan to make. He had been hesitant to make her one, but she had told him it was to be a gift and he seemed to relax. It had a simple yet elegant look with a black leather handle. It was light, allowing her faster movement.
"Remember, stay near me." Sir Leon told her as he readied his own sword.
Kagome nodded before they both ran into the charging battle. Swords clashed against swords. Kagome ducked and blocked all attacks coming towards her. However, every attack she made only stunned them slightly. They recovered from mortal wounds. Noticing a soldier creep up behind Sir Leon, Kagome quickly grabbed a sword from a dead knight and tossed it at the man, impaling him and sending him back.
Sir Leon had not noticed the man creeping up behind him, until he heard the pained grunt. He turned towards Kagome. They had been separated slightly during the fight, but she did not appear to be in trouble as she was now taking on several men on her own. In fact, she was doing better than most of the trained knights. She had not been lying when she said she was skilled. The soldier behind him stirred taking out the swords from his gut and returning to fight him. What on Earth were they fighting?
Kagome looked around at the knights. Many of the knights were dead or severely wounded. She had already deduced that Arthur and Merlin had failed to reach the cup in time and now it was in the hands of Morgause and Morgana. The army was immortal. Kagome looked back towards the citadel, there was no way she could fend off this entire army by herself and even if she could, the king would kill her for witchcraft afterwards. She needed to get to Sir Leon.
"Sir Leon! They are immortal! Pull the men back!" Kagome shouted as she blocked another series of attacks.
Leon looked around and noticed that she was right. None of the bodies on the ground were the enemy soldiers. They were all knights of Camelot. "Retreat!" He called and started to run back towards the castle. He did not notice Kagome slipping off towards the back gate
Kagome had promised Gaius that if they should fail in protecting the gate that she would flee the castle. She only hoped Sir Leon and the other knights would be safe. She was not separated from the rest of the group, no one but the enemy soldiers would see her now. She fused a little of her power into her sword. It would allow her to kill the enemy soldiers.
A group of soldiers noticed her and rushed to attack. She dodged the attack and brought her sword down, slicing one of the man's back. He started to scream as he was purified before shattering into dust. "You are not immortal, only undead."
Kagome said aloud to no one in particular. She could purify the undead, meaning these men posed no threat to her. Snapping her head towards the other soldiers, she charged. She needs to get out of here and find shelter. She would return when it was safe to look for survivors. Her mother always taught her to choose her battles wisely and it would be stupid to stay and fight the entire invading army.
Sheathing her sword and holding up her index and pointer finger, she summoned her whip. Smirking slightly to the men surrounding her she whipped her hand around, disintegrating the men. Quickly she started to make her way towards the rear gate. Hopefully, she could find a safe place to hunker down at.
The city was covered in bodies, everything was silent. The only thing moving was the fires and the three men that were slowly making their way throughout the city streets. Nobody dared to speak a word, either afraid it would attract enemy attention or they were just shocked by the devastation.
Arthur hobbled down the city streets, his leg wound was causing him great pain, but he had to find Gwen before returning to the castle. As quickly as he could he hobbled over to her house, trying desperately to open the door.
"Here let me." Gwaine offered. He helped Arthur move out of the way before breaking down the door. All three men entered the room. The house was ransacked much like the rest of the castle. That meant that Gwen and Kagome could be dead or in danger.
Slowly entering further into the house, they desperately hoped for some sign of life. As Arthur approached the back rooms, a figure jumped out at him, sword drawn. However, before the two swords met Merlin called out, identifying the assailant. "Elyan!"
"I'm sorry." Elyan gasped out. He looked shaken and his voice only confirmed it.
"Where is everyone?" Arthur asked. The other two men had been pondering the same question, as they made their way through the streets. They had not seen a single live soul and all the bodies littering the streets were soldiers.
"I- I thought that..." Eylan could not seem to get the words out of his mouth. He was still in shock seeing both Arthur and Merlin. When the army had arrived and no word had been heard from the two they had assumed them dead.
"Elyan, please, what happened?" Arthur needed to know how bad the situation was. They had not seen a single enemy soldier, which was making him wonder where they were.
"They came out of nowhere, a mighty army. Weapons were useless against them." Elyan paused still not believing what he saw was real. He had never encountered anything like what he faced on his travels. "Th-they were men, Sire, but not men. Nothing could kill them. Nothing."
"Wh... Where's your sister? Where's Guinevere?" Arthur asked. He needed to make sure she was safe. She obviously was not here and he could only hope she was in the castle.
Elyan's voice lost its shakiness as he replied. "She was in the citadel when they attacked."
Relief filled Arthurs hurting body. He started thinking about what his next move would be. "Then there's still hope." He sighed out in relief.
Elyan realized the prince did not truly comprehend how dire the situation was. "Sire" He softly spoke, making sure he had the princes attention before continuing. "The citadel's been taken."
Everyone in the room went silent at the news. They knew things were bad, but they did not know how bad they actually were. This meant they had nowhere to go and regroup. They would need to find a place to camp outside Camelot and hope to gather forces from outlying villages.
"We need to get inside the castle. I need to find my father and Gwen." Arthur said, breaking the silence. He needed to make sure they were alive and he needed to see who all he was up against.
They all exited the house following the limping Arthur. His wound would need tending to if they were going to make it into the castle and out again alive. The limp had gotten worse since he had been walking on it. "Let's go." Arthur said trying to run. Gwaine jogging right next to him.
Elyan grabbed Merlin, slowing down a little to put some distance between them and the prince. He knew Merlin worked closely with Gaius and was close to Arthur. He hoped Merlin would be able to answer his question. "How much longer can he keep going like this?"
Merlin looked concerned as he replied. "I don't know." The truth was that Arthur could collapse any second. The wound was bad and he looked feverish. The magic he tried might have helped a little, but they would need Gaius's medicine.
The castle was quiet, much like the rest of the city. Much like the streets, the hallways were covered with dead knights. As they approached the castle stairwell, they heard sounds of footsteps echoing in the passageway. Cenred's knights were rushing down the stairs blocking that way up.
Turning back, they headed down another dark corridor. Once again seeing the bodies of Camelot's fallen on the floor. Arthur rushed ahead only to falter in his steps, catching one of the window openings for balance.
"Where now?" Gwaine asked occasionally looking back at where they had just came from, making sure there were no possible enemies coming in behind them. He noticed that Arthur was growing weaker. They would need to hurry before he passed out again.
"Now, er... Now we, er..." Arthur said trying to stay focuses. His body was hurting and he felt light headed, but he needed to find Gwen and his father.
Merlin grabbed Arthurs falling shoulder, turning him slightly to face him. "Arthur, you can't go on." Arthur needed to focus on himself. He was Camelot's last chance, if something were to happen to him it would not matter if they could stop Morgana, no one would be there to take the throne.
"We must. We must find the others..." Arthur managed to say through heavy breaths. Walking with his injured leg was starting to take its toll on the rest of his body. He could barely make out images and he felt out of breath.
"You can't go on without treatment." Merlin tried to be the voice of reason, but Arthur did not seem to hear him. "...Guinevere and my father." Arthur continuing what he had started to say before Merlin interrupted him.
Knowing Arthur would not give up until her knew that both Gwen and the king were safe the only option was to finish the search without him. "Elyan."
"Yeah?" Elyan replied as he moved closer to the servant boy.
"Do you know your way to the dungeons?" Merlin asked. If Gwaine and Elyan could continue the search, he could try to find some medicine for Arthur.
"Yeah, I think so." Elyan replied. He had only been in the castle a few times and the only time he had been down in the dungeon was when Gwen was being charged with witchcraft.
"Go with Gwaine. See if you can find them." Merlin told them. They needed to move fast. He was not sure if he could find medicine for Arthur and if he could not they would not last long.
Elyan and Gwaine turned around to head back towards the stairwell. They could only hope that the soldiers were no longer there for it was the only way to the dungeons. Seeing the two run off towards the dungeons caused Arthur to speak up once again in protest. "I'm going with them."
"No, you're not." Merlin stated firmly. He did not care what the prince thought he was going to do. He would drag him to Gaius's quarters if he had too.
"That's an order." Arthur told him, hoping that it might scare Merlin into obeying him. I did not surprise him too much though when Merlin did not comply.
"No, to hell with your orders. You're coming with me." Merlin wrapped Arthurs arm around his shoulders forcing the prince to head down the hall opposite of were their two friends went. He needed to find medicine, and then he could search for Gaius and Kagome.
