Part 4

"I've been thinking, Merlin."

"Uh oh," Merlin said playfully.

"If this will in fact be the time that Arthur returns, his purpose would be to defend Albion, right? If he's returning for Albion's greatest need it would be to fight for it, wouldn't it?"

"I assume so, yes," Merlin answered.

"But also," Ellie pondered, "If Arthur's going to live in this world, we're going to have to acclimate him to it. This is a very different world than the one he lived in. Even aside from the whole rising-from-the-dead thing, this'll be a complete culture shock for him."

"And," Merlin began sadly, "...and I'm going to have to tell him about...about everyone he knew and loved. How they're all gone."

"Except you," Ellie reminded, "you're still here."

There was something different about Merlin's dream this time, even aside from what Arthur had said. Something about the dream seemed very immediate and urgent. Still, Merlin absolutely did not want to get his hopes up. He had done so over and over again only to be extremely disappointed. The pain of the disappointment was almost too much to bear and each time stung his heart more harshly than the time before. He also knew better than to expect that 'immediacy' would mean tomorrow, next week, maybe next year even. Time seemed to flow differently for someone who'd lived a thousand years. Certainly Merlin felt that he and Ellie had more time to prepare for whatever upcoming battle was near. Along with all they were already doing to prepare for a battle, Merlin and Ellie had been putting together information to school Arthur on living in the current world.

Even with all the preparation to preoccupy him, there was something constantly itching at the back of Merlin's mind. Say Arthur returned and they all saved Albion and then went on living life. What kind of relationship could Merlin and Arthur have? Merlin knew what he wanted in his heart, but would Arthur want that, too? 'Probably not' is what Merlin always told himself. In his original life, there was undeniable heat and tension between the two and there had been times when Merlin thought, if only for a moment, that Arthur felt something too. But even Merlin himself had denied his own romantic feelings for Arthur during his original life. Same-sex relationships were mostly frowned upon at that time, most especially for someone of royalty who had to carry on a bloodline. Merlin had buried his feelings deep inside himself, knowing they could never result in a romantic relationship. Maybe in a world where attitudes were different for the most part, they could have that. But Merlin didn't dare hope. At least, that's what he told himself.

Merlin emerged from his room and entered the kitchen where the smell of coffee was waning. Ellie was gone, out getting books or supplies Merlin assumed. She had left him some coffee in the pot but he didn't much care for coffee today. With Arthur fresh on his mind he clicked on the radio, something he didn't do often. Most of the music that he'd ever heard reminded him of Arthur and some of the songs were so painful it was like rubbing salt into a wound. He was feeling a bit optimistic today, though he couldn't say why. He was also exhausted. The past week had been crammed with building up lesson plans to teach Arthur about the world. It sounded simple, but it was quite tiring to brainstorm all the things that someone would need to be taught to live in today's world. It was really overwhelming and Merlin had never been more thankful for Ellie. She seemed to have more of the hang of coming up with all the knowledge Arthur might need. He decided to rest today, figured nothing exciting would be happening.

After fixing something quick to eat, Merlin lounged on the couch, fondly remembering the time he found that Arthur had fallen asleep at his desk and had food in his hair. A lot of the time, Merlin's original-life memories were the greatest source of pain, but there were times when he could look back and laugh at the good times. He missed Arthur so greatly, which hurt, but his good memories filled him with warmth and reminded him of his purpose. Merlin soon began drifting off to sleep, lyrics from the song playing imprinting onto his mind.

"I have died every day waiting for you. Darling, don't be afraid, I have loved you for a thousand years...I'll love you for a thousand more."

***

Suddenly, Merlin sprung awake, eyes wide and wandering. Something had woken him from his doze, but what was it? Ellie hadn't come back, she wasn't here. It hadn't been her he heard. But it must have been something. Confused, Merlin scratched the back of his head, tousling his raven hair. Slowly he rose from the couch, warily looking around. Quietly he crept around, peering in the rooms. He wasn't sure why he was being so cautious, but something had shaken him in his mind.

Suddenly, Merlin felt the most powerful urge to exit the flat. Feeling out of control of his own body, Merlin followed the urge and stepped out the door.

He couldn't quite pinpoint what was happening. In fact, he couldn't think very much at all. It was as if his mind and body were possessed, their only purpose to carry Merlin somewhere. Somewhere in the back of Merlin's mind, the path he was walking was familiar. He walked on, and began to slowly gain control of himself again. He stopped and shook his head, as if to shake something out. He looked up and knew exactly where he was, as he has walked this path so many times before. This was the path to the Lake. Merlin broke into a run.

Could today really be the day? He hadn't expected it to happen yet. He had assumed there would be a few more years before his return. Merlin embraced hope, for he knew this time, something was different. This time was it.

He reached the Lake, screeching to a halt on his heels. He breathed heavily and held up a hand to shield the sun. He stood, waiting. And waiting. And waiting. He didn't move. He stood still in that very spot for so long he completely lost sense of time. Eventually he sat down cross-legged, still peering at the Lake. The sun began to set.

As the moon shone above, creating a glistening on the Lake, Merlin was propped up against a large boulder. He was still exhausted. But he couldn't leave here just yet. He couldn't make himself. He began to nod off, arms crossed and head hanging.

The night was completely silent. Then, one small bubble emerged to the Lake's surface. Then, another. Merlin snoozed, unaware. More bubbles surfaced to the top of the Lake, making little popping sounds. Soon the bubbles became bigger and louder. Merlin jerked from his slumber. The water! The water was bubbling! Which meant that something was...

Before Merlin could finish the thought something came bursting up out of the water. Merlin shot to his feet and was in the Lake in an instant.

A bulky figure thrashed about in the water, completely disoriented. Merlin was at him instantly, trying to help.

"Arthur! Arthur!" Merlin shouted among the loud noise of the splashing water. He tried grabbing onto Arthur, but he was thrashing about so wildly it seemed impossible. Arthur was gasping so loudly, he sounded as if he'd hyperventilate. Normally, Merlin would have used simple magic to stop Arthur's whipping around but he wanted to be delicate with Arthur when it came to magic. He wasn't sure how much Arthur would remember about him having magic, or, how he would feel about it now.

"Arthur!" Merlin shouted again, "Arthur, please calm down."

Merlin finally got his arms around Arthur, in his full chainmail armor, his chin resting partially on Arthur's shoulder.

"Arthur, it's okay, you're okay," Merlin soothed as Arthur began to calm a little.

"M...Mer...Merlin?" Arthur whispered so quietly Merlin might have imagined it.

Merlin carefully guided Arthur to the lakeshore with one of his arms draped over his shoulder. Once on shore, Arthur collapsed onto the ground seemingly faint and disoriented.

"Arthur!" Merlin leaned over him. Arthur seemed to be having a hard time keeping his eyes open. The scene was all too familiar to Merlin.

"Mer...Merlin? Merlin is...is that...you?"

Merlin placed a hand on one side of Arthur's head.

"Yes, Arthur, it's me, Merlin!" he responded, a bit relieved.

"Merlin," Arthur stated matter-of-factly as his eyes closed and his head rolled to the side, a slight smile on his face.

Merlin leaned the side of his face down almost right against Arthur's nose and mouth to check for breathing. When he felt the small breaths on his face he then laid his head on Arthur's chest checking for his heartbeat. It beat so steadily and strongly Merlin almost wept with joy. His King was alive. Though the night was pitch black, nothing had ever seemed so bright to Merlin. A light like the sun erupted in his heart.