Notes: Warning panic attack, slightly dark thoughts and lip biting (only very mildly though), if you feel this might trigger you please skip Merlins first perspective, I believe the rest should be okie but if you notice any warnings I've missed please let me know.

Chapter Thirteen : Lost and Found

Perspective Merlins

Only after Leon left did Merlin become aware to echoing emptyness drowning the tent. Arthur was gone.

Merlin tried desperately not to panic, after all Arthur had probably just gotten board and wondered off; it wasn't unlike the king to get so caught up with his tasks that he'd forgot to communicate to anyone else what he intended to do.

Despite telling himself this Merlins body didn't seem to listen, the adrenaline he felt matched that of what he experienced out on the battlefield. His rouge thoughts kept threatening him with possibilities he really couldn't bare, like what if Arthur was fully gone again... what if he had never actually come back at all. Merlin shook his head violently, attempting to throw the thoughts away - ignoring the way the world continued to spin even after his head had stilled.

Taking a steadying breath Merlin left the tent to scan the tournament area. Naturally he had expected to see Arthur watching the knights fight, but he was no where to be seen. After searching the tournament grounds again and again, the composure he had forced apon himself moments before had started to falter. In one last attempt he made his way back to Leons tent, praying Arthur would be there so he could focus back on his duties ( he had made sure to glance at the fights taking place incase anyone had needed him, so far they hadn't but there was only a matter of time until they would).

Merlin hadn't relised how badly he was holding onto the hope that Arthur would be there- until he wasn't. As the last remainder of hope crumbled to the ground so did his control. Everything stopped.

The sound of metal clashing, of people cheering and tents flapping faded into nothing. The tent had somehow blurred into a mashup of lights and colours. And when had the world started spinning again?

Merlin hadn't even realised he was falling until his hands collided with the table infront of him. Lucky for him going on these missions with the knights had massively improved his instinctive reflexes, allowing him to catch himself. Part of Merlin didn't want to catch himself, if Arthur was truly gone ... He bit back onto his lip and forced those thoughts to stop in their tracks. Gaius had trusted him. Leon had Trusted him. Every knight fighting in that tournament was putting there trust in him. Whether Arthur is here or not; today he has a responsibility to so many people, he can't let them down!

So, Merlin forced his tight chest to take some deep calming breaths. After the third deep breath Merlin noticed the blur of colours slowly start to form shapes again, the room was still spinning, he felt extremely shaky and there was still no sound- but it was a start.

On Merlins 5th deep breath he felt a warm tingling sensation on his shoulder... Arthur!

(Set slightly before during Merlin's panic attack)

Perspective Arthur

While Merlin was bus helping Leon, Arthur decided it was the perfect opportunity to set up his counter prank - after all, he can't let Merlin think he's gone soft now can he?

Due to the tournament event going on, it didn't take him long to decide on the perfect plan. Especially now that he had figured out how to interact with things in the real world, he could do anything! Especially considering he was also invisible (to everyone except Merlin). So it was absolutely no problem for Arthur to sneak into the results tent and scribble a certain servant's name onto the bottom of the scroll and cover it over.

Arthur was pretty Certain the others would know what to do with this, he had spoken to both Gwen and some of his most trusted knights about wanting to give Merlin proper knight training. He had often brushed it off as a joke over Merlin being so "clumsy" and "useless", although he had admitted to Gwen he was seriously considering it for Merlins own safety. Despite the kind nature of these intentions Arthur also knew Merlin would certainly not see it that way, so really it was a win win.

As he left the tent everyone was gathering around the arena eager to hear the opening speech. This fact alone was fine and Arthur was even tempted to join them if people didn't keep walking through him! He did his best to avoid people but with the crowd as thick as it was - and no one else being able to see him- it was impossible. After not even 3 minutes Arthur couldn't take anymore and walked through a tent and out of the tournament grounds where moving was far more manageable.

Once the Tournament had officially begun Arthur made his way back towards Leons tent. Most people were now seated around the arena so moving around was much easier now. Once back at the tent he had expected to find Merlin preparing the tent for Leons return, however his friend wasn't there.

Had Merlin gone to watch the fighting? No, not unless it was one of there friends but they wont be participating until the later rounds. Merlin hates the fighting. He's likely doing some sort of servant side quest or doing something physion related, so after a quick scan of the crowd but not spotting the servant amongst them Arthur headed over to Gaius. He too would like to watch the later rounds of the tournament, but the beginning levels were never much intrest to him. Besides, he can check in on how Gaius is doing and with any luck Merlin will either be there already or head there later.

Once arriving at Gaius's he noted that A) Merlin wasn't here, and B) Gaius certainly looked a lot like him right now. There had been a few times when there was a particularly tough threat that Arthur would find Merlin burried in the library (occasionally even passed out) surrounded by books that he was scouring with such intensity you'd think they'd hold the answers of the universe. Although he guess's they kinda do. Gauis looks like that right now too, nose so deep in the book that Arthurs not even sure he'd hear a dragon attack. Arthur wished so badly he could help, to be useful, but something tells him a floating book that's turning pages on it's own would only make the situation worse.

Talking of situations getting worse... Gaius, having finished that previous book, had reached for a new one only to knock off the book tower. However, the books did not fall to the ground with a thud as Arthur had expected, instead they remain floating just slightly off the ground.

Arrhurs eyes snapped to Gaius's expecting to see them flash gold like Merlins do. Instead though, Gaius's eyes have not only not changed colour but he also seems to be completely fozen in time -just like the books.

oh no

oh no

"no no no no"

Was Camalot under attack? Or was it just gaius?

What had the power to completely stop time like this ?

After a quick seach of and around Gaius's chambers (to ensure Gaius wasn't in any immediate danger) Arthur ran to find Merlin. Surely Merlin would know more about this.

As soon as Arthur got near the tournament he slowed as he noticed how dead it looked. Everyone was still there, still alive from what he could tell, but everywhere was completely void of sound and movement. Not even the trees or tents seemed to move. It's like the world just stopped.

So maybe Camelot is under attack?

Arthur continued his run to find Merlin. Hoping and praying that Merlins Magic would have kept him from being effected too. First Arthur tried to scan the crowd surrounding the tournament, but when he couldn't see the boy anywhere he headed back to Leons tent.

On entering the tent Arthurs breath got caught in his chest. Merlin was certainly still moving. Pausing for just a second Arthur took in the sight infront of him: Merlin was holding himself up using the table (yet with his hands shaking so voilently he looked as though they'd fail any second.) he was clearly sweating despite being a cool day and his breathing sounded...funny, like it was clear he was trying to control it yet it still sounded far too shallow. Had Merlin had one of his episodes? Arthur thought he only has those when he was struggling with the grief and guilt over the battle, but he had seemed much better since they'd talked ... apart from that conversation with Gaius but that was a very specific circumstance. Although maybe the world freezing triggered it? That actually makes a lot of sense.

Guilt gripped Arthur tightly, when he came back through that portal he had vowled not to let Merlin go through anything alone again -even if he couldn't see Arthur he'd at least be there- but Merlin could see Arthur now and he still was left to go through something on his own. Arthur shouldn't have left his side.

Arthur forced himself out of his spiral, at least he was here now. He could help his friend now. So similary to when they were in his bedroom Arthur reached for Merlin, but this time he actually knew how to.

As Merlin turned to face him, Arthur was met with scared, disbelieving and powerful Golden eyes.

Perspective Merlin

Merlin turned towards the sensation he believed to be Arthur. The second his eyes found glistening blue ones, relief couldn't fill his body fast enough. Arthur was still here. Arthur was safe. He took in the golden boys soft features, at first Arthur had seemed shocked (yeah like he was the one seeing a ghost) but it in a heartbeat the shock had faded into nothing but concern and kindness.

Merlin noticed that his body had calmed down drastically since seeing Arthur, clearly identifying there was no longer any immediate danger. Although, he knew it was more than that; yes he knew that since the adrenaline was caused out of fear of loosing Arthur it made sense that it would go away when he saw that Arthur was safe, however Arthur's presence alone was always calming to Merlin , he knew whatever threat they'd deal with they were stronger together.

Suddenly, Merlin became extremely aware to the fact Arthurs mouths been moving and Merlin hasn't listened to a word that had left it.

" ...estion, sorry.... Merlin, can you hear me?" This was a rare time where Arthurs voice sounded so gentle and caring without even a hint of there usual banter or sarcasm.

Guiltily Merlin rushed to respond, hoping he could dismiss this whole situation without causing too much suspicion; after all the the first couple of battles would surely be over in a second and someones bound to need medical care. "Yeah, uh sorry, yeah i'm listening, and I'm fine, Where have you been?" Judging by the look Arthur was giving him, he most certainly wasn't convinced, but in Merlins defence he's using a lot of his remanding energy to keep himself standing and not swaying.

"uh huh... suuure you are" Arthurs response was still as caring as before however a little bit of there usual banter was back into his tone and expression, his hand still remaining securely on Merlins shoulder. "I was with Gaius, now can you please sit down before you fall down."

okay, so maybe Merlin wasn't doing as good of a job as he thought at keeping himself from swaying, but at least he'd been trying. Reluctantly Merlin let Arthur manoeuvre him onto the chair by the table, greatfull to be sitting but feeling a little unease under the concerned looks Arthur was giving him - he's really not used to this. "Thanks, but i've got to get back outside in a minute, it's been far too long since i last checked on the knights fighting". At seeing Arthurs face Morf into confusion Merlin felt his features take the same shape. Arthur was there when Gaius told Merlin about him acting as both a physician and Leons Squire, so why was he confused?

"Merlin..." Seriously why did Arthur look so confused and sound as if he was about to tell him the world exploded or something?

As Arthur struggled to find the right words, Merlin couldn't stand it a moment longer, he was starting to feel like a wounded animal and he hated it. "Arthur, stop being a such a dollophead and tell me " then sighed "i'm a warlock, incase you've forgotten"

"pretty hard to forget that while your eyes are literally glowing Merlin. And I certainly wouldn't worry about your duties right this minute" then Arthur paused again, seemingly to consider himself before continuing far softer, "the world's frozen Merlin... I thought you knew"

Perspective Arthur

Seeing Merlins shocked expression it was very clear that he had in fact not known. So what had caused his friend to have the panic attack then?

In seconds Merlin had sprung from the chair to take a look at the tournament around them, seeming to freeze himself as he stepped out from the tent. Arthur rushed to Merlin in a panic, letting out a breath of relief when he confirmed Merlin was not actually frozen.

A new realisation hit Arthur at such force it felt as though a fire ball had hit his chest. Merlins eyes were still gold...

"merlin?" He was careful to keep his voice low and soft, he wasn't trying to acccuse the boy, he just wanted to know.

"i .. didn't mean to" Merlin spoke hesitantly "I didn't even realise i had done it".

At this Arthur let out a sigh of relief which quickly turned into a laugh. He placed a hand back omto Merlins shoulder to show his friend he meant no harm or judgement by his response. Merlin was looking at Arthur like he'd grown three heads, only causing Arthur to laugh more.

"what's so funny, my lord ?" Although Merlin was clearly attempting to keep a serious tone, it failed drastically when he too had started laughing.

Between fits of laughter Arthur did his best to respond to Merlins questions "only... only you Merlin... could 'accidentally' freeze the whole kindom, possibly even the whole world, without even realising it"... "honestly I didn't even think it was possible to freeze the world... let alone do it accidentally." They both stood there laughing and Arthur took this opportunity to really take Merlin in. Arthur had always known Merlin was beautiful, he'd always do his best to push these thoughts away, at least anywhere he could be caught doing so- but right now, in a world where it was just the two of them, Arthur couldn't bring himself to stop.

So Arthur un-apologeticly took this moment to really take Merlin in: the bright beautiful smile, golden eyes which were glistening from unshed tears (tears of laughter) and a beautiful light pink that was sprinkled across his cheeks. Merlin caught his gaze, holding it for a moment before looking away almost...shyly? That wasn't a word Arthur often associated with Merlin before.

"I should probably undo the spell, as much as i hate seeing people get hurt keeping the world frozen will only delay the inevitable" Merlin cringed looking towards the fight where one of the knights were mid way through falling what looked to be a horrible landing. But nevertheless Merlin closed his eyes and when he opened them the world around them moved back to life.

Notes: thank you for reading and for all the support. This fic is turning out to be far longer than i had planned but I really hope your enjoying it.

sorry it's had a little more consistent Angst than i had initially intended.

Also Sorry if I've made the characters seem kinda Autistic, I myself am Autistic so some of that might slip into how the characters respond to certain situations.

i'm going to try and use the next chapter to push the story along a little so there may be some time jumps coming