A/N:

Welcome to Venom Part two! I would just like to take a moment to thank you all for your kind reviews! They keep me motivated! And also noticed – the smut idea was not well received! No worries, though! I am happy with (As TeganL74 put it so amazingly) Whangamance, which is a mix of whump, angst and bromance! Epic, loved it Tegan! My new favourite term! (Maybe we should write FF and get it added to the Genre list :D)

CHARACTERS: Arthur, Merlin & Kilgarrah (Now featuring Gwen, Morgana and creepy, undead skeletal soldiers)

RATED: T

GENRE: Hurt/Comfort

WHAT IF...S03EP2, The tears of Uther Pendragon - Kilgarrah is unable to cure Merlin of the Serket's poison and he has no choice but to return to Camelot in his state.

THE ADVENTURES OF MERLIN

Venom – Part Two

As Merlin rose from the dark of unconsciousness, the first thing he became aware of was the cool wetness on his brow, but it was the next observation that made him long for the oblivion of sleep once more.

A fierce burning agony pulsed through his limbs – every nerve ending was aflame as though caught in a dragon's inferno.

His lids fluttered as smells and sounds evaded his foggy senses. The air was heavy with the smell of coppery blood mingled with the sharp stench of sweat.

Beyond the walls, Merlin could hear shouting and the clash of steel and suddenly, he was awake.

The battle was upon Camelot.

The young Warlock shot up in bed and peered around, trying desperately to ignore the dizziness that sent the world tilting at the sudden change in position.

They were in the dining hall, which had been converted into a temporary hospital for those wounded in battle. He was among the wounded and dying...not outside in the battle with Arthur, protecting him – like he should have been.

A pair of small hands gripped his shoulders firmly and pushed him back slowly.

'Don't move, Merlin – you are quite ill,' came a soft voice somewhere above him. A young, beautiful face swam before his gaze, almond eyes filled with concern and fear.

Guinevere.

She cupped his too warm face with long, delicate fingers and ran her thumb softly along the ridge of his prominent cheekbone, a sad smile upon her lips.

'You've given us all quite a scare, Merlin,' she whispered, finally withdrawing her hand to reach for the cloth. 'Especially Arthur. He's been by a few times to see how you are,'

Merlin swallowed dryly, and tried to wet his cracked lips. Noting his discomfort, Gwen unstoppered a water skin and held it to his lips. 'Slowly,' she admonished gently as he began to take long draughts, the coolness soothing the ache at the back of his throat.

'He shouldn't be,' Merlin began; his voice soft and rasping from disuse. 'Coming to see me, that is. He's more important things to worry about at the moment,'

Gwen smiled and pressed the cool cloth back to his brow. 'You are important to him, Merlin. He's always known it deep down...I think it was this, your condition that made him admit it. Gaius has had to order him away from you several times because he was getting in the way,' she explained with a small laugh.

The young man tried to return the smile, but he was just too tired. The pain was sending his mind foggy and his back was throbbing fiercely.

Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to open his eyes, watching the black sky outside of the window light up as an explosion rocked the castle.

Making up his mind, despite the illness and the pain, Merlin swung his legs out of bed and sat slowly.

'What are you doing boy? Lie back down!' Gaius ordered as he approached with clean rags and a bucket of water.

'I need to get to Arthur,' he began, noting that he was naked from the waist up. 'Where is my shirt?'

Gaius shook his head. 'You are in no condition to be going anywhere, foolish child!'

Despite his exhaustion, Merlin managed a wry smile at his guardian's expense. 'I have not been a child in sometime Gaius,' he pointed out, wincing slightly as his movements pulled at the wound on his back.

The old man sighed, and handed him a clean tunic as well as his travel-worn leather boots.

'You will probably go anyway, even if I forbade it,' he murmured.

Merlin nodded. 'I would.' He admitted gently, allowing the Physician to pull the coarse material over his head.

'Please reconsider...'Gwen whispered, tears pooling in her gentle brown eyes, even as she pull his boots on.

The young man gave her a quick smile and stood slowly, pleased to note that the world wasn't tilting nearly as violently as it had been.

With a sad sigh, Guinevere handed him a sword – It had once belonged to a Knight, but seeing the form next to him, covered completely by a white sheet, Merlin knew he had no use for it now.

He gripped the pommel of the weapon and gave Gaius a nod.

The old Physician pulled the boy close and gave him a gentle squeeze. 'You come back, you hear boy? Don't you dare go where I can't follow,' he choked, the emotion in his voice clenching at Merlin's heart.

'I will Gaius,' the dark haired youth replied quietly, pulling away from the embrace.

He turned and gave Guinevere a quick kiss on the cheek, and gripped her shoulder. 'I will take care of Arthur...you have my promise.'

Merlin strode purposefully through the rows of beds, determined not to let the venom overpower him. The room was filled with moans of pain, but he kept his eyes locked on the door as he pushed them open. He hesitated a moment, but did not look back.

*~*M*~*

With renewed determination, Merlin leapt down the steps, two at a time – his cobalt eyes taking in the madness around him.

The smell of blood and burnt flesh permeated his senses, and he was almost sick on the spot, but he shook his head. He had to keep running. He had to find Arthur, whatever the cost.

He was just rounding the well, when he saw the great ball of flame, heading for him. Feeling the searing heat against his skin, he dove to the ground and cried out as he rolled onto his back. The stitched skin tore, and hot blood gushed down his back soaking his tunic in seconds.

How he would have just as easily gone to sleep, right there – but he had a prat to save.

Get up Merlin! He screamed to himself.

His lips clenched in a thin line of pain as he forced his screaming muscles to obey, and eventually, he found his feet beneath him as he stumbled through the wreckage of battle.

Merlin could hear the cries of battle increasing as trebuchets in the distance flung their burning projectiles over the citadel walls.

Trying to avoid another deadly barrage, he dropped and rolled, yelling as his shoulder slammed into the stones with such force that it jerked free of its socket.

The pain threatened to pull him under, but he forced the black dots from his vision and climbed to his feet with the aid of only one arm.

'Arthur, where are you?' he muttered through clenched teeth as he rounded the corner.

Eyes searching the crowd of retreating Knights, his eyes landed upon a familiar blonde mop, its owner struggling to drag his father, the King back from the battle.

'Forbearnan,' he incanted as the enemy rushed forth. A wall of flame exploded outwards, stopping the charging men in their tracks.

He wasn't prepared for the massive power drain, and soon he was on his knees, gasping for breath.

Arthur quickly passed his father to a pair of Knights who are heading towards the makeshift hospital and crouched by his manservant, lifting his chin so their eyes met.

'What the hell do you think you're doing?' he growled.

Beneath the fury in his cerulean eyes, Merlin notes the worry and the unshed tears that intensifies his gaze.

'Had to make sure you weren't killed, clotpole,' he replied softly, his breath hitching as another wave of pain wracks his weary body.

The anger melts away from Arthur's features, leaving only fear and deep concern for his friend.

'Come on, idiot,' the Prince said gently, trying to lift him. Unknowingly, he grabs his injured limb and pulls.

Merlin screamed; a raw and harsh sound that Arthur never wanted to hear again.

Bewildered, Arthur stepped back, as his friend slumped against the wall, drawing in deep gulps of air.

'M-my arm,' Merlin muttered, glaring at the offended limb, hanging limply by his side, while the other held the sword in a white knuckled grip.

The Prince pulled away the material of his jacket and bit his lip at the deep violet bruise that had begun to blossom.

'Dislocated,' he muttered, placing a large hand at his collarbone. 'Merlin, I have to pop the bone back in – I'm sorry...'

Arthur pressed down on his chest firmly and with a quick jerk, slipped the joints back into their correct place. Merlin cried out again but allowed his friend to pull him up.

'I think my stitches have torn too,' Merlin murmured, still feeling the stickiness against his back.

Arthur pursed his lips and held him up as they walked towards the hospital.

'You should have stayed in bed, like you were probably told,' he pointed out as they climbed the stairs.

Merlin flashed him a small smile. 'Yeah, but you know me...I don't often do what I'm told,' he responded weakly, despising the warmth that was drenching his body with sweat.

Very slowly, the pair made it into the makeshift hospital. Gaius fussed over Merlin, but the boy waved him away. 'It's not that bad, Gaius,' he assured, though he was lying to himself as much as to his mentor. He knew the Physician didn't believe it for a second, but out of respect, the older man ceased his constant ministrations.

'Where's Morgana?' Merlin asked the old man softly, his tired eyes sweeping through the mass of people.

'I...she was here only moments ago, Merlin. What is going on?' he asked, pulling him away from the throng.

'Morgana...she led me into a trap. She and Morgause...they are the ones that left me to the Serkets. They are behind the attack, and I know there is more coming.' The youth explained as he watched Arthur argue with his father.

He turned back to Gaius, trying to ignore the concern flickered in his eyes.

'I must find her.'

Without speaking to Arthur, he gathered what little strength he had left and ran for Morgana's chambers, hoping to head her off.

He was disappointed as he burst into her chambers, only to find in abandoned but as he turned, that is when it hit him. A wave of magic so dark, reverberated through his being, threatening to pull him to death – for a moment, he feared his heart had stopped.

Merlin took several deep breaths, trying to evict the darkness from his blood, and frowned. Cendred's attack...It must have been a diversion, so the pair of witches could prepare their magic for the battle...

Upon this realisation, the young man ran. He had to find Arthur again – but what would he tell him? He knew Arthur would throw him in the dungeon if he confronted him about Morgana. The Prince would never believe it unless he saw it with his own eyes.

No that was out of the question...but what? Maybe just not tell him at all and try to defeat her himself?

Merlin exited the castle once more, bounding down the stairs and into the courtyard, spying Arthur helping a young Knight hobble along in the predawn light.

'Merlin!' Arthur called, spotting him as two guards took the injured Knight. 'Where the hell have you been? One minute I'm talking to my father – the next I'm looking for you among the injured hoping you would follow orders like a normal servant for once, only to find out from Gaius that you had something you needed to do that absolutely could not wait!' He ranted.

'You were worried,' Merlin responded. It wasn't a question.

Arthur looked taken aback. 'Of course I was, idiot,' he murmured gently, pulling the boy into a one armed embrace.

Merlin peered over Arthur's shoulder, and the smug grin that was just beginning to form, fell from his features. He pulled away, staring as they melted from the shadows– magically reanimated skeletons grasping swords that approached with such swiftness it was frightening.

Noticing the look of utter fear on his comrade's face, Arthur frowned.

'What is it?' he inquired gently.

The young man could not find the words, so he settled for pointing with a trembling digit, his blue eyes holding disbelief.

Arthur turned, and stared for several moments before stepping towards them, sword raised.

Merlin gripped his heart. The adrenaline from the battle was waning and he was beginning to wish he had listened to Gaius. A thought struck him that should have occurred to him awhile ago. All the running around had likely pumped the Serket's venom faster around his body, and he could feel it, pulsating through his veins, entering his heart.

But it was too late for such fears now. There were more pressing matters to deal with first.

Merlin watched on in horror as the skeleton raised his sword and swung. Arthur easily parried the blow and struck back, steel clanging.

The creature dropped its defences momentarily and Arthur thrust his sword into where its lungs should have been.

Both he and Merlin knew it to be a futile attack, but anything is worth trying at least once when you're desperate.

The young man watched as the battle commenced once more, but his eyes were drawn away, when one approached him.

He swore internally, realising that he had left his sword in the infirmary, and searched desperately for one to use.

Merlin spotted a full scabbard draped over a barrel and pulled the weapon out in time to deflect the falling blow.

The young man grunted as the vibrations jarred his still sore shoulder and back, but he had watched Arthur enough in training to defend himself.

He slashed out, and surprised even himself when he caught the skeleton's arm with the blade.

It dropped to the stones, and the beast looked up, its eternal grin sending shudders of fear through his heart.

But the 'wound' did not slow it down, instead, its onslaught was more powerful and vicious.

Within moments, it had Merlin flat on his back, the wound hitting the stones tearing a cry from his lips.

A sword flashed above him and a new Knight took over the battle.

Close by, the detached limb twitched, and Merlin's eyes widened as it began to scuttle towards him, like a wayward crab.

Sure it no longer had a sword, and it was only an arm, but that arm could just as easily throttle him to death in moments.

Shuffling back in panic, Merlin lashed out with the sword, trying to crush the bones but missing every time.

He tried not to notice the trail of blood he was leaving in his wake, for it appeared to be an alarming amount.

Just as he began to hyperventilate, a strong hand gripped his shoulder, eyeing the trail too, with much concern.

'C'mon Merlin!' he cried, helping him to his feet. 'We need to get you to Gaius,'

The young man tried to argue as they raced up the stairs closest to the kitchens. They knew the skeletons would pursue them.

They turned back, only to see the shadow of one of the unearthly creations approach them

Merlin was willing to bet these skeletons came from the crypt, deep beneath the castle – and he knew that's where Morgana would be. Any second now, Arthur would tell him to get to the hospital. Merlin would argue – then he would run...but he would not be getting his wounds seen to. Not today.

Arthur turned back to Merlin. 'You need to get to the hospital. You're bleeding everywhere, and frankly I'm surprised you haven't keeled over yet.' He began. 'Warn Gaius and seal the doors.'

Merlin opened his mouth to argue, as was his way, but Arthur cut him short with a look.

The young man nodded, and continued up the stairs, but was stopped again by the Prince's voice.

'Oh and, Merlin? Don't go off and do anything stupidly heroic...I think you've done enough of that today,'

Merlin nodded, but guilt bubbled in his chest.

Sorry Arthur, he thought to himself, knowing he was about to disobey a direct order.

He headed for the infirmary, knowing he still had to warn Gaius, but he would not be told to stay.

'Gaius!' he called, entering the dim hall. 'You need to seal off the hospital. Camelot is under attack from within,'

'What are you talking about?' Gaius asked, his eyes searching his ward for further injures. The boy looked like he could pass out from exhaustion at any moment, but the old man knew he wouldn't. Not when the fate of Camelot hangs in the balance.

'Morgana,' Merlin replied after some hesitation. He had to keep his voice down, so the King could not hear him.

'She's summoned an army of the dead. They're everywhere,'

He could not stay any more. Gaius had been warned, the hospital would be sealed, and hopefully he could get to the crypt and defeat Morgan before any of them killed Arthur.

'Where are you going?' Gaius called as the boy retreated. Merlin turned back, his eyes glazed with pain, yet so full of determination; the Physician couldn't help but feel immense pride in the young man.

'To try and stop her,' Merlin replied, dashing away before his mentor could stop him. Running away from the sounds of battle, the Warlock descended into the bowels of the castle, bypassing the dungeons and being wholly ignored. This suited him perfectly.

The journey to the crypt was swift, and as Merlin bound through the high stone entranceway, Morgana flinched, gasping in surprise.

It took her only a moment to smooth her shocked face into a dark smile.

'You should leave now...while you still can,' she said coldly, her jade eyes flashing.

'Morgana, please...I beg you-' the young man began before he was cut off by the sound of an explosion overhead. The ceiling cracked, sending a shower of dust and stones upon the pair. 'Women and children are dying. The city will fall,'

Her eyes held no emotion as her lips quirked into a lopsided smile. 'Good,' she growled.

Merlin shook his head slowly, feeling pity for the woman who stood before him. 'No...you don't mean that,' he whispered.

'I have magic, Merlin! Uther hates me and everyone like me. Why should I feel any differently about him?' she cried angrily, stepping forward.

Merlin desperately tried to hold back the tears that were threatening to spill. Guilt, fear and pain riddled his weary body.

'You of all people could change Uther's mind. But doing this...using magic like this will only harden his heart,' he said gently.

Morgana glared at him incredulously. 'You don't have magic, Merlin. How can you hope to understand?' she shrieked in reply.

The young man flinched slightly as she took a step towards him.

'I do understand...believe me,' Merlin began softly, his cobalt eyes pleading. 'If I had your gifts...I would harness them for good. That's what magic should be used for – that's why you were born with these powers.'

Merlin could tell he was failing – his words, which were only meant to placate only seemed to anger her further. That was when he began to fear it was too late to change her mind.

'You don't know what its like to be an outsider, to be ashamed of how you were born, to have to hide who you are!' She cried. 'Do you think I deserve to be executed because of who I am?'

The warlock shook his head slightly, and even that movement caused great dizziness. He was out of adrenaline – the pain taking over with a vengeance...but he couldn't stop now.

'No...It doesn't have to be like this. We can find another way,' Merlin pleaded as sweat beaded at his brow.

'There is no other way,' Morgana growled in response.

Merlin nodded sadly, surreptitiously eyeing the staff that was imbedded in the stone. He could feel her eyes on him as he pretended to leave, but she anticipated his next move.

He tried to swing his sword through the wood, but faster than a viper, Morgana lashed out with her own, the tip catching his abdomen and slicing through the pallid skin.

'What are you going to do, kill me?' Merlin asked gently, pressing hands against the fresh wound.

The witch smirked. 'I don't need too...the Serket's venom seems to be doing a fine job,'

She was right, it was...his vision wavered slightly as she began to retreat, turning her back on the young warlock.

Without hesitation, Merlin picked up the sword and tried to attack, but she turned, meeting her blade with his.

Swing, parry, swing, parry...

Those were Merlin's thoughts as she descended upon him. At the moment, she had the advantage. The young man was gravely ill and bleeding, and her excellent skills gave her the upper hand.

But Merlin had a secret weapon up his sleeve.

Sweat dripped into his eyes, and he blinked to clear them, leaving him open for Morgana to slash him across the chest. He cried out and fell to his knees, spent.

She stepped towards him to strike the killing blow, but very quietly, Merlin incanted a quick spell. His eyes flashed gold and the ceiling crumbled.

With one last burst of adrenaline, he grasped his sword and raced for the staff. Swinging with all his might, the wood was severed in half – the resulting magical explosion sending him flying backwards.

He only managed to stay awake long enough to watch the ceiling fall...

*~*M*~*

After many hours of looking, frustrated and exhausted – Arthur finally found his useless, stubborn manservant. Morgana had been found also, unconscious, but relatively unharmed.

Merlin, on the other hand, was another matter entirely.

Once the young Prince caught sight of the neckerchief, bright crimson against his pallor, he rushed forward – heart racing, to shift the rubble that landed upon him .

He almost didn't make it, but if Merlin was stubborn – Gaius was more so, and he wasn't about to give up on his ward.

After hours of bloody, dirty work; Merlin lay in a comfortable bed, his wounds tended to and the venom leaving his body.

This was an unpleasant experience for Merlin, so Arthur did not leave.

He gripped the young man's hand and gently stroked the back of his knuckles with the rough pad of his thumb.

And he would stay like that until his friend protested.

Sorry that took a while – bit of the old writers block! I have another request from Fran! I must admit, i do feel somewhat nervous about the next one!

SE4EP6 - A servant of two masters - Merlin manages to kill Arthur, and comes to his senses with blood on his hands.

Character Death...

Thanks for another hard one Fran :P