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Challenges of the Heart	By : CrazyEyesChick Category: M through R > Merlin (BBC) > Merlin (BBC) Views: 8727 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: i do not make money or any profit from this. merlin and its charcaters are property of bbc. this is for fun only.

Chapter List
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The sun had risen, and the cold temperature kept Merlin’s poor fragile body alert. Shivers and cold sweats glided down his scarred torso unto the tight rope like vines. Unconsciously, his flesh had small tremors while his mind was in shambles after what he lived through before. The weak mind was locked in its own head, forced to relive the betrayal and the shame of his idol’s actions.

Vacant eyes stared into nothingness. The once bright spark had dimmed down to a dull ache. The hard wood of the thick tree trunk chipped at the boy’s back, not that his brain was aware of it. It was as if a fog clouded his dream, or memory. It kept replaying over and over again, in a never ending loop of misery and pain. The coldness of his King and his rough treatment of Merlin was like a bad aftertaste left in his mouth. The remnants of denied acceptance and love.

Merlin, in his dreamlike state, was incapable of believing the course of events. Arthur’s harsh hurtful words had hurt more than his actions. Why? he repeated. How could Arthur, his friend, his everything, left him to rot with the evil witch. It made all the horrible things that happened to him look like nothing in comparison to the hurt he felt at Arthur’s hands. His will to fight was crippled by the haunting of this recurrent vision.

It could not be said that the witch didn’t enjoy this wonderful view. That memory spell had worked wonders. However long and arduous, Merlin’s downfall was simply led by his most prized person: her foolish brother. She had gotten physical pleasure as well as mental; taking the King’s form had been the best form of vengeance.

For once, she had come victorious against this persistent threat. Pride filled her as well as thrilling tingling sensations. Her dominance over Merlin’s life was euphorical. She was now one step closer to destroy her step-brother and claim the throne. She leaned forward to put the back of her hand on his shivering cheek, almost lovingly. Reminiscing about her time with Arthur’s manservant had somehow dulled her hatred of the man, instead bringing forth a longing to be cared for and loved.

Fleeting memories from the past told her of strong feelings she once held for this foolishly loyal peasant. Qualities she had once admired in the boy, which now turned out to be his undoing. Smiling wickedly to herself, gazing into the prone form of the figure attached to this lump of earthly essence, perhaps she could keep Merlin as a prize after conquering Camelot. How she would love to see the look on Arthur’s face at the presence of her pet beside her? She felt her flush skin prickle as warmth collided with the cold air of the forrest.

Hmmm, maybe I will get to see it sooner than I imagined, she reflected to herself noticing a black eagle descend on a branch.

Taking the little note from the bird’s tiny legs, she read its content, her magic crackling under her flesh in renewed anger at this pathetic mortal written words.

My Lady,

I am on my way to meet with you. It is urgent that we speak as issues have arisen. I shall be present in a half day’s time.

Your Most Humble Knight,
Harold

She crushed the parchment into her tiny hands and incinerated it. Burning with fire, her eyes were murderous. Fool! She thought glaring at the sky, who turned greyer by the second as her anger elevated. Harold had sent news; news that she’d rather put to the back of her head as it appeared to be inopportune ones. If the bird of prey had been used, it only meant one thing. Things had gone south and the idiot got his cover discovered. He would pay severely for his mistake. She had no interest in failures, like Sir Harold turned out to be. No matter, she would deal with it like any other problems.

As she made haste to their meeting point, she looked over her shoulder and blew a kiss in Merlin’s direction. Her plan would soon be completed and the crown would finally be hers. She laughed hysterically on her way, vanishing in the thick leaves of the forest, her screeching echoing into the woods.

************************

In the meantime, Harold held his injured leg with fervor, racing against the clock to join his love. He knew his Lady looked down on failures, but he hoped she would see the efforts he took to bring her this new development.

He had to be careful not to draw attention to himself on the road. By now, Camelot’s guards must have realized his escape, which meant soldiers would be patrolling the nearest grounds for clues.

But keeping their distance, the knights and their King kept a keen eye on their ‘escaped’ convict. The ex knight stupidity knew no bounds; still unaware that his slipping away had been a ruse to lead them to Morgana’s lair, thus bring them closer to their tortured friend.

As they rode silently into the morning light, the worried young King gritted his teeth. Hoping it wouldn’t be too late until they retrieved his manservant. Until then, Harold had to stay alive; once his purpose acquired, he would meet a deadly end at his superior’s sword, that he vowed on his father’s grave.

*******************************

Stepping out of the shadows Morgana greeted her servant.

‘Sir Harold, how nice to see you standing’ she remarqued

Harold’s current situation was worse than before. His broken leg now showed the bone sticking out of the makeshift bandage he did on the way. His injured face was inflamed, black and blue bruises standing out as bright stars in a dark sky. His breathing was shallow, probably from a punctured lung and possibly a few broken ribs. Arthur would pay, he thought.

‘My lady, I come with urgent news’ he bowed as much as he could in respect. He coughed blood, painting the grass below with a red taint. Morgana raised an eyebrow, indifferent.

‘I see...From the state of your appearance; I believe it came at a great cost to you’

‘I...Y-yes.Well, I was duped, beaten and interrogated, but I managed to free myself.’ staggered Harold. His pain was growing insistent. He was surprised that Morgana didn’t rush to heal him instead making him wait, to explain himself.

‘My imbecile of a brother got his hands on you, interrogated you... and suddenly simply decided let you go?’ she inquired, suspiciously. Her head was hurting, her nerves twitching ‘I find that difficult to imagine’

She could see where this was leading.

‘Of c-ccourse not, my l-lady! I only played with him, causing turmoil inside his mind over what I did to his little bitch.’

The witch felt a sudden jealousy, possessiveness overwhelm her. She did not like the insinuation he made of her pet. Only she was allowed to berate her little slave. She had allowed those men, Harold included, to touch her property, because it was beneficial to her plan. This ant is starting to become irritating… she stirred in her imaginative mind

‘ I never told him anything, I swear. He left me unguarded; underestimating me. Never realizing the keys fell from his belt as he beat me up! He didn’t let me go, I escaped before they-’ shouted desperately Harold, sounding choleric.

Her delicate facial features wrinkled in bewilderment, astonished by his attempt to plead for mercy. It was getting old fast. Her patience was wearing thin.

‘Really?? Then, how do you explain your mere presence, incapacitated at best, if he was so angry. For sure, my ill-tempered brother would have killed you on the spot for your trespassing on his property, no?’

‘He did..want to I mean! He swore to kill me, but didn’t! He’s been weak, brainwashed by those commoners and their righteousness. Not killing me was a mistake!’

‘Was it?’ The thought lingered in the knight’s mind, but no answer came. The long haired woman continued her speech: ‘Perhaps the picture isn’t as clear to you as it is to me.’

‘I-I..don’t..understand...’ stuttered the chiseled bearded spy.

‘OF COURSE NOT, YOU BAFOON! Arthur might be too emotionally involved sometimes, but even you couldn’t be as stupid as to miss the signs!’ she yelled pointing at the evidence.

‘ No guards, keys luckily left behind, and beating you within an inch of your life to let you think he showed mercy… Don’t insult me or you will live to regret it!

‘Are you.. implying..he planned to to let ..me...’ Finally the truth dawned on him. They let him live, escape. How could he have been so..blind. It had been too easy. Arthur did not underestimate him, he did. And he would pay the price for such a failure.

‘The King has tricked you, idiot! You probably led him straight back to me!’ she raged, her magic affecting the air around them, sparks of electricity flickering in and out.
She calmed herself and sighed at the inevitability.

‘I’m afraid you have reached the limit of your usefulness, my dear. Luckily, I was prepared for your incompetence, so you might have done me a service by leading him right to me. Of course, he won’t know that...' She raised her hand, ready to strike the man down, but not before catching a glimpse of movement in the bushes nearby. She beamed in excitement. Her plan was going perfectly well. Well, guess who decided to come and play! she said internally at the motion behind the whimpering fool.

‘No..Please, I didn’t know...No one followed...I swear. Please… I did all you asked. No way he planned this…My, Lady… I beg you..I have loved you...’

As predicted, red armor clad men came through the trees, weapons raised, revealing their hidden positions. Arthur’s expression was a cold one.

‘Why don’t you stop embarrassing yourself Sir Harold, clearly she has no further use for you and sincerely, so do I.’ He waltzed in as if it was the most normal thing in the world.

Acknowledging her newly arrived guest, she lifted her plumped rose lips into a semblance of a smile.

‘It seems we agree on something...’ Arthur said nothing, except glare at her, senses on high alert.

‘Hello Arthur...’ she said ignoring the mess on the ground, focusing her attention on the main event. Arthur’s demise.

Morgana’s hair wasn’t combed like he was accustomed to when they were children. Arthur could see the lack of sleep, and her skin wearing signs of malnutrition and exhaustion. Her clothes were lacking joyful colors like she once wore and their quality was poor. He felt pity for her as much as he hated her for what she had done to Gwaine and his merlin.

‘Hello Morgana, this on the run look leaves a bit to desire; such a fall it must have been for you to leave home...’ he goaded.

‘Think yourself clever, don’t you? Think you can stop me and get that slave of yours back?’ she bit back

Rage suddenly filled Arthur’s being. He would rip her heart out, convictions be damned!

‘His name is MERLIN and he is my friend! You have caused enough sorrow, can’t you leave it alone, this feud of yours. We were family..once.’

This time, it was the High priestess’ turn to get enraged, a powerful aura surrounding her, threatening to burst and annihilate everything in its path.

‘Leave it...alone? LEAVE IT ALONE?’ she spat, making Arthur and the knights stumbled back a bit in surprise.

‘I won’t rest until you are dead and I have a crown on my head! I deserve to be Queen, just as much as you! You made me what I am and Uther would have burned me for my magic. I’m stronger than all of you and nothing can stop me; certainly not you! You took everything from me,... so I have decided to take everything from you… How’s Merlin, by the way? Oh wait-’

Strong arms held the furious King who leaped at the taunt.

‘How dare you! He has nothing to do with this? You’ll give him back to me!!’

‘He has everything to do with this! The little bug kept thwarting my plans to kill you; drastic measures were to be taken. It’s not like he didn’t enjoy his little vacation either; in fact, we got to know each other...reaaalll...good’ she hummed and licked her lips seductively conveying her meaning.’ She loved to riled him up.

‘You BITCH!’ screamed Elyan. The other knights grunted in disapproval of Morgana’s words.

‘YOU’LL PAY FOR EVEN TOUCHING HIM! I’LL KILL YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU HAVE DONE TO HIM, YOU HEAR ME!!!!’ struggled the youngner knight, pointing his sword forward to prove his point. His vision was blurred with hatred, thoughts of murder and bloodsheds plagued his mind as well.

Feigning fear, she slowly made her escape over where she wanted Arthur to be. Sir Harold was cowering on the ground, wishing to be forgotten. He knew his lady well, he knew she had something planned up her sleeve and that scared him more than anything. He had to get away from here.

‘Oh! So much anger, it scares me so much..’ she laughed ‘Who knew you had such a violent streak within you. No wonder Merlin left you for my care. But don’t worry I took good care of him. In fact, he’s close by!’ She felt gaudy. Everything was perfect her army of magic users were marching towards Camelot to claim it under her name, Arthur was here to be killed and she had Merlin at her mercy! God it felt good to be bad.

Extending her arms out, the knights sight narrowed on the little beads? grains? seeds? in her soft hands...Whatever it was, it could not be good. Knowing she had hooked the bait, she started whispering an incantation in the old tongue, throwing the seeds to become absorbed by the Earth.

The Earth shook, making it hard to stay standing straight. The ground begun to shift, dirt moving like it was alive. The air was becoming thicker to breathe; the ground inhaling all the oxygen.

‘What did you do?’ accused Leon

‘Nothing really, Just a little distraction! Magic is rooted to the force of the Earth, you’ll find its creatures very entertaining I’m sure.’ she said. Now, facing the heated gaze of her enemy, she added: ‘Once you’re done here Arthur, you are welcomed to join Merlin and I. I’m sure you miss him.’

As she finally disappeared into the woods, Harold felt her gaze upon him. Her voice filled the air, her presence ever still powerful.

‘Also, Harold... I thank you for your loyal service; but it’s time for you to die! Ta!’

She had left him to die! He could not wrap his head around it. After everything he had sacrificed, she just left him to fend for himself. He panicked even more when he saw the grass take shape into some disgusting earthly creatures. It was all this stupid bastard’s fault. Arthur would pay dearly.

‘MORGANA!!!’ yelled Arthur at the top of his lungs. He should have followed her, but the creatures forming from the dirt and the trees prevented him from searching for Merlin. He couldn't leave his men.

‘RAAAAAAAWWWRRRRRRR’

A deep roar came from beneath the Earth as it slowly formed into a big mass of tangled wooden dried roots and leaves. Slimy vines surged from the grass, lacing itself around the body shaped creature rising from the Earth. Shifting against one another, the vines, the roots and the dirt morphed to become sort of shaped like face with glowing red flaming eye sockets. Three or four of these creatures emerged to wreak havoc on the mortals who wronged their master. Powerful dark magic filled the body of limbs to pursue its goal: to kill everything in its path.

Plant like arms swayed in the air and slashed everything in its path in anger. Mindless creatures, they were. It roared and cried for vengeance. The ground was splitting in two, shaking and sliding the pieces of rock around. The knights had to sidestep, making sure to avoid being swallowed by these abominations. In its final form, they were massive and tall. They had to be stopped or they would take out the whole forest.

‘Sire! You need to get out of here! Get to safety!’ advised Leon, stepping in from of the group, assessing their situation.

‘Leon’s right, my Lord! You’ll be no help to Merlin if you are dead!’ said Elyan, urging him to flee

‘I shan’t leave you to fight these vile creatures alone. What kind of King hides from battle? We must kill those creatures; but I worry about Merlin. What Morgana implied….’

‘ Alright.. then you need to go find Merlin and bring him back! We’ll hold whatever Morgana has cooked for us’ coolly explained Percival, taking charge. His look soften, but not his resolve ‘Don’t let Gwaine’s death be vain. He fought to keep Merlin safe, so go do the same’

‘Percival...I’ Never really the man for emotional sentiments, Arthur bowed in gratitude ‘ Thank you’

The knights looked at each other and grinned as they approached the rampaging creatures.

‘Last man standing pays the next round of drinks at the tavern. I’ll make them go back to where they came from’ cheered Elyan as he grasped his sword firmly ready to pounce.

‘I’m in. I bet I will take them all out before any of you reaches for your swords’ said Percival

‘Let’s go kill some grime!’ Leon replied,They all surged, swords raised, screaming as they faced those heartless creatures.

Arthur smiled at his knights’ carefree attitude as he made way to where Morgana and Merlin were. Morgana couldn’t be far ahead.

‘YOU are not going anywhere! shouted Harold, shoving his sharp blade in Arthur’s face, challenging

‘Sir Harold’ he snorted ‘You never beat me in a sword fight, what makes you think now will be any different? He did not have time for this, although he did want to make this man pay for the harm he probably caused his destiny.

‘YOU RUINED EVERYTHING’ he swung his sword, lunging like a possessed man as best he could considering his hurt bleeding leg, slashing left and right. The pain in his leg didn’t matter anymore. If he was to die here, he would take this false King with him.

Everything was moving so fast around them. Loud noises made things difficult. Under the weight of the creatures, the ground shook, making Arthur lose his balance a few times. Harold managed to scratch the King’s thigh. Arthur swore at his mistake; it was hard to focus on this threat when he had vines and roots coming flying near him every once and in a while.

‘I will enjoy killing you for what you have done to Merlin. I won’t let you leave this place alive’ Arthur vowed, running towards a smirking Harold, meeting each sway one by one, paring the other’s blows.

Centered on his anger, Harold never expected Arthur to play dirty and trip him with a kick to his already broken leg, crushing it more, bending it backwards, bone fully out of its sockets, bleeding profusely into the ground, feeding it. He screamed

‘AAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGG’ he dropped on the side, holding with shaking hands his limb.

Losing himself a second, he kicked the man while he was down. To every blow, Harold yelled and coughed, his throat dry. Arthur kept kicking at him, sword lying at his side, forgotten. More cracked ribs, gashes to the face and legs, black eyes, vision lost due to hemorrhaging in his brain probably. His breathing was labored, he panted. He tried to back away from the kicks and punches. The slippery ground made it hard to get a firm grip.

‘Stop..Please...’ he pleaded, tears mixed with blood coating his face.

Arthur, for a moment, felt even more anger and didn’t stop his beating, lost in a frenzy.

‘Is that what he said to you as you abused him? Did he plead you to stop or was it just better to ignore him….’ kicks, whimpers, groan of pain. Harold fought to stay conscious. Arthur pressed on ’How does it feel to be powerless? Hmm?’

As he looked at this sorry excuse of a man, Arthur couldn’t outright kill him. He wasn’t a murderer as much as he wanted the man to suffer. Merlin would never approve; never would wish this on anyone.

For a moment, Harold relaxed when Arthur’s sword arm did not move to kill him. Wobbling, he pushed himself of the soil, grabbing with the only available hand his blade to finally kill the King. Making his move, his eyes grew wide in shock when their gazes collided, locked together.

One fierce monster to another.

The traitor’s mouth was gaping wide open as a crimson liquid dribbled down his chin. A long blade connected with his robust flesh, penetrating his most intimate parts. Coated with traitor’s blood, the sharp blade was pulled back from where it was hooked, leaving Harold to waver slightly. Arthur fixed intensely the hollow form before him, coldly, disconnected. Closing the heavy space between them, he whispered in the other’s ear

‘I hesitated before killing you thinking Merlin wouldn’t approve, because it isn’t who I am’ he cracked a demented smile at the groveling man who could not believe this ‘ but he isn’t here, is he? What he doesn’t know won’t hurt him…..You should never have laid your filthy fingers on him.’

Arthur left the man to die slowly, as he purposely avoided any major organ to make his suffering agonizing. He made way towards the woods avoiding the creatures his knights fought hard to maintain.

Forgotten, the traitor’s flowing blood drenching the cold grass plants resonated with the earthly magical creations. Aware of his impending doom, Harold saw roots and vines slither around him, targeting their prey slowly, engulfing him with dirt and plants. He struggled weakly against his binds

‘Help...Please..H..ee..lllpp...houargg..hmmf’ his noises were muffled by the roots shoving themselves roughly down his throat, piercing through his skull. Vines grabbed limbs by limbs pulling, dismembering every piece from its main core. Blood gushed out everywhere, mixing itself with the brown colored ground. His demented soul left the carcass it inhabited, leaving rotting flesh to be swallowed into the gulf of nothingness, where he would be buried forever.

*******************************************

Arthur followed through the trail his step sister had left on purpose. The leaves were compact, his eyesight restricted to brown and green as he cut down obstruction from his path.

A big, beautiful tree stood proudly in the middle of the grass. As soon as he laid eyes on the tree he knew. He felt it inside him. Merlin was here, finally they would be reunited. His heart was pounding fast, afraid to what would greet him.

As he got closer to the trunk; that’s when he finally got a look. A real good look at his bumbling idiot. his idiot.

‘ Oh God...Mer..lin’ he rushed to the limp figures held back by slimy tentacle things. He frowned incredulously. Morgana seriously had a kink for those thing, which made these ropes even more disgusting to him. He had to get Merlin out of these and fast. It was probably a trap, but it didn’t matter. What did was Merlin getting out of here, even if it killed him.

His calloused fingers reached that feeble head and cradled it in both hands lovingly.

‘Merlin..Please..Can you hear me’ shouted Arthur nervously. He palmed the boy’s pulse at his frail neck. He sighed in relief; the pulse was faint, but it was there. The worried King lifted softly his head to stare into those empty eyes. He was unresponsive, and it broke his heart. What did Morgana do to make him this way? He wondered, his fists held tight as he moved back from the body. He tried to rouse him once again, hoping to get a reaction of some sort.

‘Merlin, it’s me Arthur..’ he said smoothly. That’s when he saw it a flinch. The body flinched at his name. He didn’t know if it was a good...or bad thing. ‘ Come back to me...I have searched for you….You have to believe me….I never stopped looking...P-Plea..se don’t leave me.. I..c-can’t function without you. Forgive me..for everything, I need..you...’ he sobbed silently

He leaned on him to lay a kiss, when he was interrupted by a mumble. Merlin’s.

‘Merlin?’

Why? Arthur….Why?
Arthur…

Don’t do this to me…

Why…? Why?...Arthur

Merlin’s dream kept replaying the nightmare he went through, thanks to Morgana’s spell. What she underestimated was the power of their bond, their destiny. Arthur’s voice had coaxed Merlin’s body to respond to his voice, yet still a prison to the witch’s illusion.

‘Yes! Merlin, it’s me. Arthur! What’s wrong can you hear me? MERLIN?

‘Why Arthur…? No...Please.’

‘What?..! What are you trying to tell me. Come back to me, Snap out of this! Whatever Morgana told you or did to you it’s not true!’ Arthur shook Merlin in vain; pulling at the unbugging vines, keeping his friend trapped.

‘Arthur…..Arthur...I..Why?’ repeated Merlin in a monotone voice, consciousness locked inside this dream.this memory. Merlin’s magic recognized the voice, raging in the confinement of its home, wishing to be freed and help its master.

Desperate, he raised Excalibur to cut the roots off.

Sadly, he never got to as he was magically thrown away by an invisible force to the other side of the field. His back hit the floor, knocking the air out of his lungs, his main weapon ripped from his hand. He was defenseless against her magic. The dark priestess removed herself from her hiding spot, laughing hysterically at Arthur’s pathetic form.

‘If Uther could see you now, he would turn in his grave ahahahha!’ she said walking towards him, her magic keeping him pinned down.

‘WHAT IS WRONG WITH HIM?’ screamed the panicked knight. He would have to stay strong for Merlin.

‘He’s just having a nightmare where you have the main role! His tormentor! Can you believe that I spent days torturing him, hoping to break him. Merlin was quite the test subject, never giving up. His snappy comebacks got him into trouble a lot though, but I liked that in him’ she giggled, contemplating the fond memories of their coupling.

Arthur couldn’t stop feeling pride at Merlin’s stubbornness.

‘Imagine my surprise, when all it took for him to break was…..’ she paused for effect ‘you’

‘Me? What do you mean? What have you told him?’ He was pissed she used him to break Merlin.

‘I always knew there was something about you two. Your feelings for each other would be what destroyed you in the end. He loved you with all his heart, his faith in you is remarquable. So, when you came to rescue him just to abuse him, like these other men did, well, let’s just say he did not take it well...Poor Merlin’ she snickered.

‘What? I never- You did this to him, you pretended to be me and..and..’ He couldn’t even say it. He would never want to be close to him now. ‘I can’t believe you sunk that low Morgana, he’s innocent. Your quarrel is with me not him.’

‘He’s far from innocent, He betrayed me like you all did! I trusted him, but he lied to me...He got what he deserved and so will you.’

Anger filled both their hearts as they stared hard and long at each other.

‘I’m not dead yet Morgana, regardless I will bring him back home’

‘If there is a home left to go back to’ she simply said, leaving the warrior to his own deductions.

‘What are you implying? You might have conjured those creatures, but it won’t stop my knights and I from taking you down. You are alone Morgana and I pity you.

‘That’s where you are wrong, oh brother of mine. You think that after all this, having you here wasn’t part of my plan? I knew kidnapping Merlin would collapse your foundation as he is the voice of reason to you. That argument of yours gave me the opportunity I needed to strike, thus leading you to this very moment. Now, why would I want you here, hmm? Think hard?’

Arthur reflected on her words as he finally figured out her devious plan. Camelot was in danger and he wasn’t there to protect it.

‘My army of sorcerers are on their way to seize Camelot... Shame on you Arthur Pendragon for putting the lives of so many in danger to save only one miserable life in exchange. Rest assured that when I kill you, the people of Camelot won’t have nothing to fear, except me of course.’ she gloated

He lowered his gaze in shame. He never did look at the big picture. He shook his head.

No! I can’t let her get to me I must fight, thought Arthur.

‘Well it was nice to chat with you one last time, but I’m afraid I have a coronation to attend. Don’t worry about your Merlin, I have grown very fond of him. I will take great care of him when you are gone’

As if on cue, the knights burst through to see their King pinned to the ground at the evil sorceress’s mercy.

‘MY LORD!’ they screamed in unison ‘Get away from him Morgana!’ ordered Leon, ready to strike her at any moment.

‘Perfect timing! Now say goodbye Arthur to everyone you hold dear!’ She said, reciting ancient words to finally put an end to Arthur’s life. Leon, Percival and Elyan were frozen in place with strong magic. They could only watch as the sky was covered in darkness and the wind picked up at an alarming rate. A storm brewed, preparing itself for destruction. Sparks of electricity appeared in the sky, thunder howled.

Arthur closed his eyes and hoped to god Merlin would hear him, wherever he was as he came to terms to his mortality.

‘Merlin..I’m sorry I couldn’t be the man you wished me to be. I’m sorry for everything I said before, I never meant for you to go away. As you were gone, I realized something and now is a good time as any to tell you. Thank you for everything you’ve done and I -...’ He paused opening his eyes, which filled with salty waters at the corners of his eyes.

He knew what was to come as soon as this evil wrench was done with her spell.

Smiling a real smile for the very first time, he said what was constricting his heart for the last few days hoping it would make his way to his beloved in time.

‘I-I only regret one..thing and it’s not telling you my real feelings...I love you Merlin and you are the bravest man I have ever known, don’t you ever forget it...’

Suddenly, all he heard was muffled noises and screams. His companions yelling for him and Morgana’s final chant as a bolt of lightning charged downward to where he lay waiting.
It felt like ages before he felt anything. It’s as if time had slowed down.

Instantly, those three little sincere words had worked their magic and bright golden eyes flicked open, letting a surge of powerful raw magic out, knocking everything in its path. The knights were sent flying a couple of feet back, while Morgana hit a nearby rock, cutting her forehead upon impact.

Opening his eyes, Arthur could describe exactly what he was feeling right now, but it sure was a mixture of different things. Relief, Shock, betrayal, happiness and hurt all filtered through at the standing imposing figure standing behind where Morgana had been minutes before.

The illusion shattered; the fog dissipating. Where once hanged a limp figure, now stood with pride and anger the powerful sorcerer Emrys, protector of the Once and Future King.
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Challenges of the Heart