With much regret I have to say, I don't own Merlin or any of its characters. Though I would gladly take them all in change the ending and love them all unconditionally.

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It had been a few days since Arthur and the Knights had sat Merlin down and tell his secrets, well most of his secrets. Merlin wouldn't say he was trying to avoid everyone... But he was trying to avoid everyone. It didn't help that he was already in a bad mood. It was his sixteenth birthday, not that the others needed to know he was that young.

It was going great too till someone threw a sack over his head while he was collecting herbs and threw them over their shoulder. He yelled and struggled only relaxing slightly when he heard Gwaines familiar laugh.

He let out a grunt when he was dropped unceremoniously onto the ground, though he was thankful when the bag was pulled from his head. He really couldn't say he was happy seeing the grinning faces of his friends the Knights and the king.

"Congratulations Merlin we're going hunting." Arthur said smirking and pulling Merlin to his feet.

"Should I be happy about this?" Merlin asked wearily as he looked over the group.

"Of course you should, and even better, we've already packed everything." Gwaine said with a laugh and handing Merlin the reigns to his horse.

Merlin rolled his eyes, but climbed onto his horse. "Let's just get this over with." Though it was improper he led the group out the gate toward the woods only slowing with Arthur commanded him to do so.

He fell back close to the middle but more toward the back. He dodged the worried questions and light hearted jabs. When they reached a spot to stop for the night, Merlin started setting up camp.

Though he was still weary about them being there, he did use magic from time to time. None of them seemed to notice till he used it to light the fire. He heard a few gasps and saw Leon reach toward his sword, Elyan stepped away, and Arthur tensed up where he sat.

Merlin stood slowly looking slightly like a scared puppy before anger swept across his face "Really... this is. This is what you do? Now? Today?" He asked anger flooding his words.

Gwaine stood and Lancelot moved closer but Merlin backed away "Do you think I wanted this?! I was born the monster parents tell their children about at night! I'm only sixteen!" Merlin yelled unable to help the hot tears sliding down his face as his chest tightened.

Before anyone could speak Merlin turn and ran into the dark woods. Between his choked sobs and lack of sight, he never saw the bandits creeping up until his world went black.

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At the camp everyone froze wide eyed. No one had seen Merlin lose control like that. Gwaine was first to recover turning and glaring at Arthur, Elyan, and Leon.

"What is wrong with you?! He's our friend! Magic or not he is Merlin!" Gwaine yelled fury running deep through him.

Lancelot turned to face his fellow Knights slowly "Did... Did any of you know Merlin was so young?" He asked concerned. They all shook their heads slowly before worry covered their features. Grabbing their swords they rushed into the woods were Merlin disappeared, calling out for their young friend.

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So I know Merlin is young compared to the actual plot, but I liked the idea of them realizing just how young he was as he suffered with his struggles. Thank you to everyone who has read and left me comments. I really appreciate the feedback.