A/N:

This is for DarkAngel64 – I hope you guys enjoy!

I don't own Merlin

CHARACTERS: Merlin & Arthur

RATED: T

GENRE: Hurt/Comfort & Angst

Arthur follows Merlin & sees Aithusa hatch.

THE ADVENTURES OF MERLIN

Two Sides of the Same Coin.

The King strode down the corridor leading to the Physician's Chambers, head held high and determined for once, not to let his pride get in the way.

What he and the Knights did to Merlin, although in jest, was inexcusable. In the end, he had been given the food and he grinned sheepishly – but the look of hurt in his cobalt orbs did not escape the King's attention, and he intended to make amends for it.

Arthur was about to begin the trek up the spiralling staircase that led to the chambers, when the door opened, spilling golden candlelight across the grey stone walls.

'You be careful, Merlin.' He heard Gaius warn. 'If you are caught...I will truly fear for you.'

Arthur frowned, confused by the conversation. What could Merlin be up to that could warrant such obvious concern from the old Physician?

Merlin chuckled. 'You worry too much, Gaius. Arthur is probably tucked up in his big warm bed, dreaming of Guinevere becoming his Queen...he will not know until I decide the time is right.'

The King scowled in the shadows and pressed himself against the wall. So Merlin had a secret, did he? A small part of Arthur found it hard to believe that Merlin was capable of hiding anything from him, but when Merlin passed his hiding place, eyes flickering anxiously as he clutched his tattered satchel protectively to his chest, the King grew suspicious.

With a speed and grace that belied his usual clumsiness, Merlin loped across the courtyard – using the shadows and walls very skilfully to avoid detection.

Arthur could feel his anger rising as he trailed quite a distance behind his sneaky manservant, his refined hunting skills assisting to conceal his presence.

The dark haired youth slipped through the city gates undetected, and Arthur made a brief mental note to train his guards further. A mix of both fury and curiosity rushed through the King as he followed Merlin into the forest, surprised that he had not yet fallen over his ridiculously coltish legs. The slightly vindictive side of the King hoped he would.

But Merlin stayed upright as he continued through the trees, and at one point – when Arthur caught a glimpse of his face in the pale moonlight, the King could have sworn he saw that inane grin of his plastered across his lips.

Finally, after thirty minutes of quiet following (Arthur refused to call it stalking) the trees thinned out, revealing a moonlit clearing...the same clearing in which he killed the Great Dragon all those years ago.

So what in the world was Merlin doing out here at this time of night?

The King frowned as he crouched in the bushes, watching the youth reach slowly into his satchel and...

'You lying little bastard...' Arthur hissed, rage consuming him as he clenched his fist by his sides. He watched in silent anger, as the traitor placed the egg gently upon a tree stump and stepped back – looking up at the cloudless sky.

'O Drakon!' He roared in a voice not quite his own, sending shivers of fear and awe through the King's tense body. 'E male so ftengometta tesd'hup'anankes!'

Arthur paled as the air itself thrummed with power, magic and something he couldn't quite put his finger on...until he saw the vast wingspan of the beast, blotting out the silvery moon as it swooped into the clearing and landed heavily upon the hard ground.

Liar!

A heavy sense of betrayal settled upon the King's heart as he crept closer to the traitor, who stood tall and unmoving before the dragon he supposedly killed.

'Is it still alive?' Merlin asked the creature, his voice unsure and slightly pained.

It shouldn't be!

'It can live for a thousand years,' the male voice replied, startling the young royal with its resonating voice.

Much to Arthur's surprise, Merlin laughed with relief. 'So you are no longer the last of your kind.'

The dragon chuckled and bowed its golden head. 'It would seem not.'

There was a moment of silence as the youth eyed the pale egg. 'When will it hatch?'

'Young dragons where called into the world by the Dragonlords. Only they had the power to summon them from the egg. As the last Dragonlord, this solemn duty falls to you, Merlin.' He explained.

Arthur's eyes widened. Merlin? A Dragonlord?

'How do I summon it?' He asked quietly, stepping closer to the egg.

'You must give the dragon a name...'

The King heard Merlin take a deep breath and the power that he felt before trickled through his blood once more.

'Aithusa,' Merlin muttered deeply, his voice rich and ancient.

Arthur heard the unmistakeable sound of an egg cracking, the shell falling apart upon the stump. A small white head appeared with a quiet gurgle and Merlin stepped forward.

'A white dragon is indeed a rare thing...and fitting - for in the dragon tongue, you have named him after the Light of the Sun.' The Great Dragon explained to the now snivelling boy. Arthur's heart began to beat faster, a sense of loss and hurt claiming his soul. 'No dragon birth is without meaning - sometimes the meaning is hard to see, but this time I believe it is clear...The white dragon bodes well for Albion...for you and Arthur and for the land you will build together.'

Arthur's head snapped up at the mention of his name. He wiped his eyes roughly; unaware that tears had began to fall.

The entire shell had fallen away, revealing the tiny white dragon, standing upon the stump with its new wings spread like a sentinel – and Arthur had to admit, that it did not look remotely threatening. He quickly shook his head to banish the thought from his mind. This was a creature of magic and magic was evil.

It had killed his mother and father both, and stolen his sister from him. It was unforgivable.

He watched as the baby dragon first nudged Merlin affectionately, as a gentle as a kitten, before loping clumsily to the older dragon, which chuckled gently as it climbed up its back – still too young to fly.

'We will take our leave, young Warlock – for it is not safe to linger. I have a feeling we will meet again shortly.' It said before leaping into the air, the wind from its heavy wings buffeting the trees.

Arthur stood, fists clenched with a rage he had never felt, boiling his blood.

'You bastard.' He growled, stepping into the clearing. Merlin turned quickly, his eyes widening as the King approached.

'A-Arthur?'

Merlin took a step back, fear flashing in his cobalt orbs. 'I-I can explain...'

'TRAITOR!' Arthur roared, running at the boy and slamming him heavily to the ground. 'I trusted you!'

The first hit resounded throughout the clearing and Arthur's knuckles stung with the force of it. Sweat dripped from his brow as he gripped Merlin's neckerchief – pulling it tight, before slamming the boy's head down. It bounced heavily off the stump that the egg had just hatched upon, but Arthur's rage was too great to register it. He didn't see the dazed and pleading look in those wide, fearful eyes – and he didn't hear the quiet voice of Merlin begging him to listen.

He just struck out over and over, allowing his rage to fuel him as he beat the youth beneath him.

'Get up.' He ordered as he stood, watching Merlin cringe through the blood on his face. Several moments passed and Arthur realised that he wasn't going to obey, and that only served to anger him further. He lashed out with a booted foot and caught the boy in the ribs. 'I SAID GET UP!'

He grunted in pain and rolled over, trying to find his feet. Merlin eventually stood, a bony arm wrapped across his midsection as he gazed at Arthur with a deep sadness in his eyes.

'I'm s-sorry...' he gasped through the blood at his lips. 'I'm so sorry...'

Tears spilled from his eyes Arthur's face hardened. 'I don't want your apologies, sorcerer – I want your death.' He spat, pulling a dagger from his boot and stepping towards the youth.

'No...' Merlin whispered, swallowing convulsively. 'Please...I'm your friend.'

'YOU ARE NOT! YOU ARE A TRAITOR!' Arthur cried, gripping the boy by the shoulder and driving the blade into his gut. Merlin grunted in pain and surprise, his eyes wide as they met Arthur's. The king pushed the dagger as deep as it could go and followed the youth as he fell to his knees.

'You have betrayed me and it can never be forgiven.' Arthur hissed, twisting the knife and yanking it out roughly. Merlin whimpered, gasping as hot blood spilled from his lips. The pain was white hot in his gut and his heart as his vision wavered, but he could not die without Arthur seeing first.

'A-Arthur...' he wheezed, meeting the cold gaze of his master and with the little strength he had remaining, raised his arms and gripped Arthur's face with bloody fingers. 'Y-you...need to...see.'

He closed his eyes briefly and pulled the struggling King forward until their brows were touching. When Merlin opened his eyes again, they shone gold.

Arthur tried to pull away as his mind was assaulted with images and intense emotions.

He saw Merlin, time and time again...saving his life.

The knife thrown by the sorceress, Valiant, the beautiful blue orb in the cave full of spiders.

I am happy to be your servant until the day I die...

Image upon image flashed through his mind, accompanying the feelings of love, hate, sorrow, heartbreak and pain that emanated from the youth before him.

Everything Merlin had done – he did for Arthur and Camelot...for a world without suffering and death, where everyone was accepted.

Arthur's heart thudded painfully against his ribcage and he inhaled deeply as the images suddenly ceased, leaving him breathless.

He pulled away slowly, suddenly aware of Merlin's loosening grip as he fell backwards.

Arthur caught him around the shoulders and slowed his descent, tears glistening in his eyes as the youth shuddered in pain. The king assessed the damage that he caused and was almost sick.

'Oh gods Merlin...I-I'm so sorry,' he whispered thickly, his voice heavy with emotion. 'You've done nothing but save my life...'

'A-Arthur...' Merlin gasped, gripping Arthur's tunic with bloody fingers. 'I forgive you...'

His lids fluttered as the King pressed his hand to the bleeding wound. 'Shh...save your strength Merlin. I have to get you to Gaius.'

Merlin smiled bloodily as he stared up at the stars.

'Kilgarrah is coming...' he breathed as a shadow crossed the moon. Arthur gripped his hand tightly as the dragon landed and dropped to his haunches.

'Arthur Pendragon...we finally meet.' The dragon greeted, although his tone was cold and disapproving. 'You have done much damage this day, King. '

Arthur swallowed convulsively as Merlin's eyes slid closed, his hands falling from Arthur's chest.

'M-Merlin?' he ventured shakily, his trembling hand resting upon the youth's brow. More tears spilled, unbidden as he stared up at the dragon. 'C-can you save him?' He implored.

Kilgarrah blinked his large golden eyes and nudged the youth with his snout. 'He is close to death, Pendragon. I can bring him from the brink and heal him partially, but I do not have the strength to bring him to full health. I will give this gift, but you must do the rest. To prove your worth – you must tend to him without assistance. You owe that to the last Dragonlord.'

Arthur frowned. 'But I have no medical training! I could do –'

The Great Dragon growled. 'You have harmed him so much already; I doubt you could do any worse.'

The King stepped away and wiped his face as Kilgarrah breathed upon the youth, bathing him with golden light. It took only several moments, and the dragon stepped away with a huff.

'I was able to heal the internal damage made from the blade, as well as the wound inside his head – that is all I can do for him...the rest is up to you young Pendragon. His life is still in danger, but I trust that you will only heal now. Goodbye, Once and Future King...and let it be known – if you harm the boy again, I will not hesitate to tear you limb from limb...even if it means the fall of Albion.'

Arthur gulped, as he took his place by Merlin and opened his mouth to swear an oath to the ancient creature, but he was already gone.

*~*M*~*

Merlin regained consciousness slowly, aware of only pain and heat. He gave an involuntary grown and opened his eyes, flinching upon seeing Arthur hovering above him.

The young king held his hands up in surrender as he crouched slowly by his friend.

'How do you feel?' He asked softly, reaching out to brush his raven locks from his brow.

The warlock swallowed dryly and closed his eyes.

'Sore...and tired.' He responded truthfully, licking his lips.

Arthur pressed a damp cloth to Merlin's cheek, and gave him a small smile when the youth opened his eyes again.

'You nearly killed me...' he said sadly, unable to stop the tears from falling as his breaths came quickly.

The King looked away in shame and guilt as the boy trembled. 'I know...and I'm sorry.' He said softly.

Merlin nodded. 'Please...don't feel guilty. I forgive you.'

Arthur looked at him with tears in his eyes and brought a hand up to cup his cheek. 'I don't deserve your forgiveness...You have saved my life so many times...and this is how I repay you – I didn't even listen to you...I was blinded by rage and you nearly died. Words cannot-'

'Shut up, prat.' Merlin said with a soft chuckle, wincing when the movement pulled at his stomach wound.

The King offered a small smile, searching Merlin's eyes for any sign of fear or distrust – but only found loyalty and love. The love of a true friend.

'I lied to you for a long time, although I had my reasons...I do not blame you for your reaction, although I hoped you wouldn't be so rough.'

Arthur wiped his eyes and sat back on his heels. 'I will understand if you wish to leave Camelot – what I did to you is unacceptable...'

Merlin reached across the dirt and gripped Arthur's hand tightly.

'I have told you many times, you stubborn arse – I am happy to be your servant until the day I die...so shut up, because my head is killing me and you're making it worse.' He chided softly.

He looked to his manservant and shook his head. 'You are far too loyal Merlin – one of your many faults.'

Merlin flashed him a grin. 'Ah yes, but at least I'm not a clotpole.' He responded.

Arthur returned the smile and draped his cloak over the youth. 'Now, get some sleep...I need to make you better, or suffer the wrath of your dragon. He is one over-protective lizard,'

He received no response, but didn't expect too. Merlin was fast asleep and healing slowly – and as Arthur watched the rise and fall of his chest, he swore he would never lay a finger on his friend again.

Please let me know what you think? Yes I know – I whumped Merlin again. I can't help it...reviews make my day! The next prompt goes to kiki1607, who has requested an AU tag to 5x08 - a non-whump guilty Arthur one-shot were Arthur asks Merlin who his "girl" is and Merlin mentions Freya subtly.