A/N: I'm back from London! It was just great; I enjoyed my trip really much :) So, here's the next chapter ;) Everyone who reviewed/followed/favorited deserves the hugest of thanks; you're great, guys :D

Read and enjoy!

Disclaimer: Hey, I have to tell you a secret. I don't own Merlin! I know - shocking.

CHAPTER 9: HEALING ANGEL

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"I'm bored."

Morgause stated with an emotionless voice and pulled at a loose strand of her blonde hair. She was currently lying on her back at Morgana's black leather sofa and stared at the ceiling above her. Her sister was sitting in an armchair with a tired look on her face while typing away on her phone. "Not my problem." She retorted and didn't look up for a second.

"Hey, since when did you have become so grumpy?" The blonde asked with a quirked eyebrow, her cold eyes flickering over to her sister for only s split second, still without emotion.

"She's just lacking sleep." A voice echoed from the kitchen and a moment later, Mordred stepped in. He held a cup of tea in his hand and walked over to the girls, sitting down on the sofa next to Morgause's high heel wearing feet. "Really, take of your shoes when you're a guest in someone's house." He scolded and sipped at his tea.

Ignoring his last words, the blonde sat up and stared at her half-sister for a moment before breaking into a smirk. "How much longer until she's one of us?"

The boy rolled his eyes at Morgause's enthusiasm but answered nonetheless. "One, maybe two weeks."

The woman's smirk grew wider and she looked at her sister again, this time with a dark look in her eyes. "Aren't you scared?"

Morgana looked up from her phone and turned her head over to her half-sister, eyes shining cold. "Of course not. I can't say I look forward to it either, I just see it as some kind of…necessity."

Morgause started to chuckle and stood up from where she was lying. "Look at you, already void of emotion."

The raven haired girl just rolled her eyes and started typing on her phone again. "Whatever."

The blonde walked over to the other fallen angel and pulled a little at his dark locks. "Mordred, let's go do something fun!"

The boy looked up at her with a grin and nodded. "I thought you would ask never." He quickly emptied his cup and placed it on the coffee table.

"Can I come too?" Morgana chimed in while putting her phone in her handbag. Her sister tilted her head and thought about it for a moment before answering.

"No, you aren't a full fallen angel yet, so you would just be in the way. Just practice your fencing stuff."

The younger girl glared at her sister for a moment, before breaking into a small smile and grabbing an epee that leaned against the wall. "You're right sister, I should do that." She said and left the room with a small smirk on her face. As soon as Morgana had left the room, Morgause walked up to Mordred and bent down to him.

"She's already stronger than both of us and she hasn't fully changed yet." The blonde whispered, her lips barely brushing the boy's ear. He recognized the serious tone in her voice and it sent shivers down his spine.

"I noticed" Mordred growled, quickly moving away from the older woman. "But wasn't that the plan from the beginning?"

Morgause just sighed at how naïve the boy was; he really didn't understand the way things worked for fallen angels.

"You just don't get it, do you? Of course we wanted her to get strong! That's the reason why I spent so much time with her; that's why I advanced her hatred. But now…this stupid angel has to appear here!" She growled and threw a pillow from the sofa to the other side of the room, thus knocking over an empty vase.

"That changes everything!" She continued with a grim look on her beautiful features. "He's a hindrance, and in the worst case he could alert one of the archangel's. Wouldn't look so bright for us if he did."

Mordred stayed silent for a minute, before tilting his head and looking up at the blonde. "Then we just have to get rid of him."

Morgause stared at the younger one, disbelief written all over her face. "It's not that simple. Have you ever fought an angel?"

The dark haired just shook his head, waiting for her to continue.

"Angel's can't be killed just like that. If you want to kill one, you have to get rid of his powers first."

"How do you do that?" Mordred asked, curios about how he would be able to slaughter such a sickly pure being.

"You have to tear out his wings first, then a big part of his powers will perish. Killing him then will be a piece of cake. But of course that wouldn't work with an archangel. We're lucky that he isn't one" Morgause explained with a smirk, already imagining blood covered white feathers in her hands.

"Leave it to me, you focus on Morgana." She added, while getting up to leave their flat.

"Come on, let's destroy some buildings."

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"As you all know, the national tournament takes place in ten days. We can't afford to slack off now, so I trust you to train responsibly. Especially you, Gwaine."

The brunette looked up from where he was chatting with Merlin. "Why me?! You're the one who always get's distracted by Merlin!" He defended himself, while ignoring the guilty look on the raven haired's face next to him.

Arthur just snorted and rolled his eyes. "That's not true. Now get going and start training. Your first opponent will be me."

Gwaine groaned but got up nevertheless, grabbing his epee and putting on his mask. "Just watch me, Merlin. I'm so gonna beat Princess today!"

Merlin chuckled as he watched Gwaine walking over to his protégé. Gwaine said the same sentence during every training session but the closest he ever got to beating Arthur was a draw when both of them were too exhausted to continue. Yet Gwaine never gave up and remained confident. It was something Merlin admired him for.

The angel watched as everyone started fighting, Arthur shouting instructions while parrying Gwaine's strikes with ease.

"Elyan, good footwork but you have to become faster with your swords arm!"

"Percival, don't only rely on your strength, use your techniques!"

"Gwaine, concentrate on your defense, I just landed three hits in a row on your chest!"

"Lance, get out of your shell, be a little more aggressive!"

"Leon….Keep up the good work!"

"Merlin, you're the mascot, do more cheering!"

"Shut, up, you prat! Stop jelling!"

Even though Merlin couldn't see Arthur's face, he somehow knew that his friend was smiling right now. He sometimes felt as if it was more important to keep his protégé smiling than to protect him. But then again, wasn't that some kind of protection as well?

Merlin watched the elegant moves of the blonde with a small smile on his face. Suddenly, the tip of his epee met the tip of Gwaine's epee, both swords bending into round shapes. They stayed like that for a moment until, with a loud cracking noise; Arthur's epee broke into two pieces, one staying in his hand, the other flying through the air before landing at Merlin's feet.

Everyone stared at Arthur for a moment, before Gwaine suddenly started laughing and took of his mask. "Looks like I've won due to combat disability!"

"H-hey, that's unfair!" Arthur complained as he took of his mask as well, revealing a pout on his lips.

"Just take one of the other epees and continue with the match." Lance suggested as he paused in his fight with Leon.

"You know he doesn't do that. Arthur doesn't like the epees provided from the CPC, so he always buys his own." Percival objected while looking at the pile of epees that was stored away in a corner.

Arthur sighed, crossing his arms in front of his chest. "Merlin, you come with me to town, we'll buy a new epee." Arthur stated and made his way over to the locker room.

"What? Now?" Merlin asked dumbfounded and stared at the retreating form of his protégé.

"Of course now, don't ask stupid questions. The rest of you…" He looked over at his men with a little too smug smirk. "Will continue with your practice until I'm back."

"Whaaaaaat?!" Gwaine exclaimed with a disbelieving look on his face. "Knowing you, it will take hours for you to decide which one to buy!"

"I recommend you use your extra training time." Arthur said and left the room, followed by Merlin who waved his friends a quick goodbye.

…

…

…

A few minutes later the blonde and the raven haired made their way through the streets of the city. Arthur walked without hesitation; he seemed to know exactly where he was going compared to Merlin. He just followed his protégé around, hoping that what Gwaine had said was exaggerated. Nobody would be too keen on spending hours in an epee-shop with a prat who couldn't decide.

After a few minutes of walking, the angel decided to start a conversation.

"So…This tournament, how important is it exactly?" He asked and looked into the steel blue eyes of friend. It seemed to him that Arthur would do anything to win, as if it was…vital.

"Well, it's the National College Fencing Tournament, so it is a really big event" The blonde started to explain with a determined on his face. "We usually participate every year, but this is the first year that Morgana's team is taking part as well…"

Merlin didn't fail to notice the bitterness in his protégé's voice and he already feared the day that Arthur and Morgana would meet face to face again. She would definitely hurt him, both physically and emotionally. But Arthur had a guardian angel now; Merlin just hoped he could do something against his friend's half-sister. He somehow had the feeling she would become an endangerment.

"Where does it take place?" The raven haired asked, trying to distract both him and Arthur from their previous thoughts.

"I think this year it's in Bristol, normally the tournament lasts three days." Arthur explained, a small smile making it's way onto his lips. So not everything he felt about the tournament was forced and negative, he also seemed to look forward to it. That fact made Merlin smile too and he decided he would help Arthur with his training as best as he could, he wished for his protégé to win this tournament; he and the other's deserved it. They all had trained so hard!

"Oh, that sounds nice. So you're all going to Bristol for three days next Friday?" Merlin said, his voice sounding a little worried. He was reluctant to leave Arthur alone for a few hours, let alone three whole days. And he was going to Bristol, which wasn't exactly around the corner. And Morgana would be there, together with her whole fencing team.

Only now was it that the young angel noticed the stare of Arthur on him. "What?" He asked, a little uncertain. Had he said something wrong?

"Don't be such an idiot; you'll be coming too of course!" Arthur exclaimed while patting him on the shoulder.

"Huh?" Merlin was surprised to say the least. He sure hadn't expected that. Suddenly, a huge grin appeared on his lips and he felt his chest warm up a little.

"Yeah, you're right; you all would be lost without me." Merlin teased with a wink and his eyes glinted for a second.

Maybe, Arthur thought with a silent smile as they entered the epee-shop, Merlin wasn't that wrong with this statement.

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"That one's got a nice feeling to it…" Arthur mumbled while holding his new epee into the air. "I'm eager to give it a try" He said with a smile and tucked it back into the case. "Let's get going" He added and opened the door of the shop, Merlin following behind.

Arthur's eyes widened to the size of plates as he left the shop and stepped onto the street. "What the hell happened here?!"

He heard Merlin gasp from behind him.

Right before their eyes, the whole street was left in debris. Meter long cracks went through the pavement, some windows were broken and the sharp glass pieces covered the ground. A street lantern had fallen onto a car; another one was bent into an arch.

The street was empty of life, not even a bird was flying through the sky.

"This…This looks terrible! Maybe an earthquake…?" Merlin whispered but thought about something entirely else. This was clearly the work of fallen angels, most likely Mordred and that blonde woman, Morgause. Just then he realized how lucky he had been that Arthur had spent two entire hours in this shop, otherwise they would have left sooner and maybe met one of those two.

The angel didn't even dare to think about what could have happened then…

But just how did they manage to remain unnoticed? Merlin hadn't even sensed them, let alone heard or saw anything… They must have surely made a lot of noise, this was strange… Maybe they had used some kind of spell…?

"We should call the police…" Arthur suddenly said and rummaged through his bag. Just in this moment, something above their heads made a crunching noise and Merlin looked up. His pseudo blue eyes widened almost comically, as he saw how the whole roof seemed to crash down on them any moment. Then his mind and eyes flashed to Arthur, who was starting to type on his phone, oblivious to the danger above them.

"Arthur! Watch out!" Merlin screamed, panic and fear dwelling up inside him, tightening his chest and making it hard to breathe, he had to do something or his protégé would soon be buried under a roof! While restraining his wings, the young angel lunged forward and tackled the blonde to the ground, just in time before bricks and tiles landed where they had just been standing.

Merlin stayed still for a moment, trying to break out of the shock he was in. Arthur was safe, he wouldn't die, no need to get all panicked now.

"A-are you alright, Arthur?" He asked concerned while getting off of the older one. He eyed the blonde who was sitting on the ground, staring at the pile of bricks and tiles.

"I-I'm fine…Thank you..." His protégé mumbled after a little coughing from all the dust around them. This wasn't the first time that Merlin had saved him from a dangerous situation… Arthur wasn't stupid; he realized that there was something off with Merlin having that strange timing… It was confusing and Arthur felt like in some kind of novel.

As he tried to get up, a burning pain suddenly shot through his ankle, making him wince and immediately falling back onto the ground again.

With a groan, he gripped his ankle, flinching as he felt the swelling. "I think it's broken…" Arthur pressed out through gritted teeth and leaned himself against the dusty wall of the epee-shop. He looked up and was surprised to see the resigned and yet worried look in Merlin's narrowed eyes.

"Should I call an ambulance?" He asked while he sat down next to Arthur, slowly massaging his temples. The angel felt a headache growing and he sighed, missing the untroubled life in heaven, yet not complaining about being here with Arthur. He just wished he didn't have to hide what he was; it would be so much easier.

"No, you don't have to…I'll…I'll just go see Gaius later…." Arthur said as he closed his eyes in pain. "Dammit…" He had just realized that he would probably be not able to participate in the tournament with this injury… Then Morgana would win and his father would be utterly disappointed; he couldn't let this happen, but what could he do about it?

With a desperate sigh, Arthur banged his head against the wall several times, until he suddenly found a pair of firm hands holding his head away from the wall. As he blinked his eyes open, he wasn't surprised to meet gaze of Merlin with his own and he instantly looked away.

"Arthur, suicide is not an option" Merlin teased in the attempt to lighten the mood, receiving a slightly forced smile from Arthur.

"I don't have to kill myself; my father will probably do the job now that I'm not able to fight" He explained grimly while pointing at his swollen ankle.

"Don't say that!" Merlin said, surprise evident in his voice. "He's your father, he'll understand."

Arthur just shook his head and closed his eyes again. "You don't know him. All he's concerned about is that I'm successful in sports and academics…" Arthur trailed off and balled his hands into fists.

Suddenly, the hands which had previously rested at the sidse of his face, rested on his own hands, opening and intertwining with them. "Everything is going to be alright" He heard Merlin's reassuring voice and the tight knot in his chest lifted a bit. Somehow he just had to believe in the raven haired's words.

"You don't even know if it's broken, it could be just twisted. I'm sure you'll be able to win the tournament" Even if I have to heal you first. The young angel added in his head.

"Thanks, Merlin. Let's get go-" The blonde was interrupted midsentence by a slightly hysterical laughter. Both men turned their heads around just to see the form of Morgana Pendragon, leaning against the bent lantern. Her long dark hair was bound into a ponytail and she was wearing the protective clothing every fencer wore, just without the mask. In her right hand was dangling a black epee, the tip covered in a red liquid. Blood.

"If it isn't my dear brother and his little angel." She snarled, a slightly wicked grin on her red lips.

She knows! Merlin thought, getting slightly panicked for the second time this day. She was going to tell Arthur and then and then- No. It wouldn't come that far. She was still human, Merlin could feel it, and she wouldn't dare to tell Arthur. Even if she did, there was no way Arthur would believe her. Everything was fine. Merlin glanced at the blood covered epee. Well, everything was fine concerning his secret; the rest would work out as well.

"What have you done?" Arthur asked bitterly, staring at the blood which slowly dripped onto the ground and formed a small puddle.

"Oh, I've just been training a little for the tournament." She replied casually and Merlin could almost see the darkness emanating from her. He had suspected that but now it was confirmed. Morgana was changing; she would eventually become a fallen angel, then there would be three of them. Merlin didn't know with what he had deserved this misery…

"You say training, yet it seems like you killed someone…" Arthur whispered, narrowing his eyes in suspicion and disgust. He couldn't believe what had become of his sweet little sister.

"Whatever" he said with a smirk and waved her hand dismissively. "I'm not here for talking. I'm here to fight you"

Arthur was already about to agree, until he saw the look on Merlin's face. Don't. It said, not more not less. Arthur answered with a look of his own. Sorry.

"Alright" He said to his sister while forcing himself to his feet, just barely able to keep standing. He pulled out his newly bought epee and positioned himself in a fighting stance.

"Arthur" Merlin whispered into his ear, sounding a little disappointed. "Why do you do that? You'll just make your injury worse!"

Arthur nodded and looked into Merlin's eyes deeply. "I know that, but if I don't fight her, she won't leave us alone."

The raven haired looked sad and it seemed like he was struggling with himself. "You stupid prat." He just said before turning around and stepping back a little.

Arthur took a few unsteady steps towards Morgana and pointed his epee at her chest. "Let's get this over with."

…

…

Soon, a heated battle started and Arthur was about to lose it. He didn't even wear protective clothing, dammit! Merlin had to do something, his protégé was being scratched over and over again and he could see the pain cloud the blonde's eyes whenever he strained his ankle.

Merlin took a deep breath and decided to take action. With a silent raise of his hand, the young angel watched as Arthur's ankle made a crunching noise and the broken bone was growing together. His protégé gasped in pain, but was soon relieved as it faded away.

The fight took an unexpected turn, as Arthur managed to tear the protective clothing of Morgana apart. This epee must be worth it's money.

The girl hissed and attacked with new force, letting Arthur look as if he had went through a shredding machine. He suddenly stumbled over a heap of ruins and landed in a crack of the street, staring at the tip of the epee right in front of his face with wide opened eyes. Morgana glared at him with a smirk and thightened the grip around her epee, ready to pirce through her half-brother's eye. This was looking bad, but what could he do? Hoping for a miracle was all that came to the blonde's mind in this moment.

"Stop it, Morgana. Now's not the time." A loud female voice echoed through the street. That must be his miracle; Arthur thought and let out a breath he didn't know he was holding. Everyone turned around to where it was coming from and suddenly Morgause stood next to Morgana, dragging her away from her half-brother.

"What are you doing?!" She protested and tried to free herself from her sister's iron grip.

"Don't worry, I'll explain later" The blonde beauty whispered and dragged the dark-haired girl away into the shadow of some alley.

"Good bye, bother! Good bye, little angel!" She screamed and waved at them before being dragged away.

Merlin just stared after them, eyes narrowed. With a sigh he shook his head and walked over to his protégé. "Are you alright?"

"Just scratches" Arthur said dismissively and stared at his ankle; the swelling was completely gone. Then he turned around to look at his friend. Merlin had done it again; he somehow knew the healing of his ankle was Merlin's doing, he just didn't understand how it was possible in any way.

Merlin was looking at him with confusion, but Arthur examined the raven haired with a stern expression.

Merlin, just who are you?

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A/N: I hope you liked it, sorry for any mistakes ;) I know you know it, but reviews are always welcome :D

The next chapter contains: Heavy fights and heavy poisoning on Arthur's side of course

P.S.: By the way, something I was thinking about…. Are there any guys reading this? I'd like to know :)

Until next time and enjoy your summer~

by DarkChain