Merlin, Arthur, and the knights get trapped in a cave. A sorcerer is involved, betrays are shown, and friendships are put to the test. What could possibly go wrong?

"Told you this was a bad idea."

"Shut up, Merlin. This is simply an inconvenience."

Merlin can only help but snort at Arthur's attempts to ease the situation.

Arthur wanted to take a quicker route through some unstable caves to save a days ride to an outlying village. Funny enough, the cave's entrance collapsed also immediately after they entered. Thankfully, Arthur, Merlin, nor any of the knights were harmed during the collapse.

"Hey princess, is that-"

"Gwaine. Now is not the time. We have important matters to attend to then you pointing at every single thing-"

"Arthur Pendragon. That is not a very kingly thing for you to say to one of your best knights."

All heads turn into the direction of the voice. There lays an old woman in a clock, while holding what looks like to be a very large stick to Arthur.

With all the knights taking out their swords, surprisingly it's Merlin to speak first.

"Who are you?"

The lady gives a crocked smile towards the servant.

"Ah, Merlin. The every so loyal servant. But, I suppose you are just more then a servant."

'It's lovely to meet you, Emrys.'

  Merlin could only stare at the new way of talking, or should I say non talking.

'What do you want with Arthur?'

'Who said I wanted anything to do with Arthur?'

"Merlin?"

Getting concerned at his manservants behavior, Arthur slightly nudges him. That seemed to break Merlin out of his trance.

"Arthur."

"What is she talking about?"

"Ah, the all so curious Arthur Pendragon. Always finding the simple solutions to the difficult problems."

"What are you talking about?"

"Magic of course. Instead of really thinking about it, you just assume it as evil and kill. That doesn't seem very fair, does it Merlin?"

At the sound of Merlin's name, all the knights look over at Merlin. Merlin continues to stare at the lady until Lancelot decided today isn't a very good day for Merlin's secret to be revealed.

"Hey. If you wouldn't mind, we would like to be on our way now."

"Oh the most noblest of them all, Sir Lancelot."

Arthur can't help but feel something stir inside of him. He is pretty noble himself, if he would say so.

Lancelot being Lancelot ignored the sorcerer's talk and tried again.

"Please. Let us leave, unharmed, and we will grant you the same. No bloodshed has to happen."

"Now Sir Lancelot, who said anything about bloodshed?"

'Stop this now. You know who I am and what I can do and I will do anything to protect Arthur.'

"You are all free to pass."

Arthur almost couldn't believe it. Almost.

"What do you want?"

The lady had on a smirk that put none of the knights at ease.

"Simple. I want each of you to reveal your greatest fears."

"I'm afraid of running out of mead. Now, can we go?"

Merlin and Arthur gave each other a look of hopelessness. Now matter how hard they try, Gwaine will always be Gwaine.

"Strength.  It is ever the honor."

Gwaine can't help but think he's heard himself be called that before.

The sorcerer then looks at the rest of the knights there; Percival, Leon, and Elyan.

"Here is courage, loyalty, and duty. Each of you here for your own purpose."

"Sorcerers, what fears do we have to admit?"

She turn back to Arthur with a confused look on her face.

"Are you willing to do whatever it takes to escape these caves?"

"Yes-"

"Arthur."

Arthur looks over at Merlin's plea.

"Hear what the 'whatever it takes' is before you agree to it."

"What thoughtful thinking for a servant."

"He has his moments."

Merlin can't help but feel a hint of betrayal at the sound of snickers around him.

"Each of you will take a potion, one at a time. Then, your fears will be played in front of you. After each of you go through your fears, you may leave."

"Sounds simple."

"Because it is."

"Arthur, you don't know what could be in the potion."

'Emrys, do not fret. The potion will do no more then what I said. No harm will come to any of you.'

"Merlin, it's fine. I know you're just scared to show everybody how afraid of the stocks you are."

Deciding on breaking the tension, Leon speaks up.

"Sire, if you would excuse me, I would like to make a proclamation for all of us to swear to."

"Leon?"

"We all can swear to the knights code that no matter what happens, nothing changes between us. I do have my fears that I wish not to be spoken of again."

"I'm not a knight."

"Shut up Merlin. Yes, Leon. I like your idea. Merlin, you can swear that if you ever bring up one of our fears, you'll be spending a month mucking out the stables."

"Yes sire."

"We're all in agreement then?"

Arthur looks around at all of his knights. They all nod their heads, some faster then others. Lastly, Arthur looks at Merlin. Even though he know he shouldn't, he can't help but wonder what his would be.

Merlin looks away from Arthur's stare. He knows exactly what his fear can be and knowing Arthur, he won't take it very well.

"It's settled then. Who would like to go first?"

"I will."

Everybody looks at Elyan in shock, for the man hasn't spoken at all.

"So be it."

The knights put away their swords as the sorcerer walks up to Elyan. She hands Elyan the potion.

With one last glance at the rest, Elyan takes a deep breath and chugs the potion.

Elyan is standing in the middle of the throne room, facing his sister Guinevere. He, like the rest will, remember nothing but what is happening at that moment. Unbeknown to Elyan, the rest are watching from afar, waiting to see what will happen.

The only thing Elyan can see is the disappointment in his sister's eyes. She is dressed beautifully in a Queen's dress.

"Gwen, I'm so-"

"You have no right to call me that. You lost that right when you abandoned me and father when mother died."

"You have to listen to me."

"I don't have to do a thing!"

"Please Guinevere. You're my sister."

With one last hateful stare, Gwen replies.

"And you are no brother of mine."

She turns around and storms off.

Elyan could be seen with tears in his eyes before the vision goes away.

"Congrats. See, that wasn't so hard. Quick and simple. Now, who's next?"

The knights try to not look at Elyan, who is trying to wipe the tears away. Percival takes a deep breath in before stepping forwards.

"I'll go."

As the same as before, the sorcerer walks up to Percival and hands him the potion.

"So be it."

"Percival! Help me!"

Percival is pressing a bloody cloth to his little sisters chest, but the blood keeps pouring out.

"I'm trying!"

"You're not trying hard enough. Please, save me."

Percival looks around the wooded area, looking for anything to save his sister.

"There's nothing more I can do. Just, please hold on."

"Why aren't you saving me? I thought you loved me! I thought you cared for me!"

"I do! I'm trying my best."

"Well, it isn't good enough."

With one last breath, his sister falls limp in his arms.

"No, no, no, no. Please wake up. There was nothing more I could do."

Percival pulls her close him and sobs into her limp body and the vision fades away.

"Now that one was a tear jerker. Now who dares to go next?"

Leon squeezes Percival's shoulders before speaking up.

"I'll go."

"So be it."

"You are hereby banished from Camelot!"

Leon knows better then to try and argue in front of his king, Uther. But, it wasn't his fault. He worked to hard to be banish.

"If you're ever caught in Camelot again, you shall be executed. You have until sunrise to be gone."

Leon does one more bow before turning around and walking back out. While walking back to his room, he can hear the whispers of servants and knights alike,

"Traitor."

As Leon arrives at his room, he can see all huge bags already packed and left outside his room. They want him gone.

Picking up his bag, he begins walking to the gates. All around him, the word 'traitor' rings through the air.

All Leon can do is look down and keep walking, the traitor he was.

"Oooh. That one was interesting. Not that sad as the previous one. So, who's next?"

Arthur looks over at Leon and sees him with a hard look on his face. Deep down, Arthur knows that Leon would rather die then to ever betray Camelot.

"Might as well get this over with. You, princess, owe me a weeks worth of mead after this."

Gwaine steps towards the sorcerer and she hands him the potion.

"So be it."

Gwaine stands guard in the woods, happily watching Merlin picking herbs.

Suddenly, he hears something to the right of Merlin.

An archer.

Gwaine can only help but stare as the archer stands behind a tree, pointing his crossbow at Merlin.

Then, it goes off.

No.

"Merlin!"

He immediately is snapped out of this trance at hearing Merlin's name being called. Looking over, he sees Arthur running towards Merlin.

Gwaine can only watch as Arthur tries so desperately to wake the obviously dead Merlin.

"Why didn't you say anything?!? You could've told him to duck!"

He did this. He hesitated and now his best and only friend is dead.

He can't be here anymore.

Turning the were the boarder would be out of Camelot, Gwaine begins running, while stripping out of his Camelot armor.

For killing his best friend, he no longer has a reason to be here in Camelot. He no longer has a home.

"Getting your friend killed and then running away? Low move. But, anyways, who's next?"

Merlin runs up to Gwaine and engulfs him into a hug. He always had a feeling that Gwaine mostly stayed in Camelot because of him and now, what he saw was proof. He's never had a friend who's greatest fear was him dying. Well, not including Gaius.

Gwaine silently hugs back Merlin, knowing what he's doing. After seeing Merlin die, it's nice knowing that Merlin's still right here. Like he always is.

Lancelot steps forwards.

"I'll go next."

"So be it."

"You know, you were the last man I ever expected to take us on our deal. You have a reputation you know, Sir Lancelot the noble. Not so noble anymore?"

Lancelot ignores the words being told at him while he hands over Camelot's battle plans for the war. He already knows his reputation, but he needs the money.

"I give you this, now where's my payment?"

The ugly man only grins as he tosses Lancelot a bag of coins.

He weighs the coins in his hand before turning around. Then, he stops dead.

There's Guinevere, Arthur, and Merlin standing there, disappointment running through their features.

"Why Lancelot? Why did you do it?"

His king asks with pleading eyes, hoping that it really wasn't what he though it was.

But, Lancelot only grins as he holds up the money bag.

"Some of us aren't born rich like you. We need to make a living. Apparently, giving out battle plans is the only way to."

Lancelot strides past his once friends, grin never leaving his face.

"Who would've thought? Lancelot the noblest of them all. Now, which side of the coin should go first?"

Merlin and Arthur look at one another.

Arthur was tempted to have Merlin go first, but seeing the fear in his usually calm eyes, made his decision.

"I'll go."

The sorcerer has a grin on her face as she walks up to Arthur.

"So be it."

As Arthur drinks the potion, he feels a squeeze on his shoulder. Right before it all goes black, he sees Merlin's face looking at his.

Dead bodies.

That's all Arthur can see when he looks around. Just dead bodies everywhere.

Not just any dead bodies though. It's everybody he worked so hard to protect.

Now, they're just dead.

Suddenly, he hears the sound of slow clapping from behind him. Quickly turning around, he sees the last person he expected to see there, alive.

His mother.

He tries to say something, only to realize that he cannot speak.

"Look at you. Look what you've become."

Hopelessly looking into his mother's eyes, he can't understand why she's saying these things.

"I would've never given my life if I knew what a failure you would've become."

"My own son."

Hearing the new voice, Arthur turns around, only be face time face with is father.

"You've failed your kingdom. You failed being a king. You alone brought Camelot to the ground."

"It's pathetic really. I give my life to birth you and what'd you turn out to be?"

"A pathetic, heart filled ruler. Now look what you caused your kingdom to be. If I were still king, this would've never have happened."

Only then can Arthur speak the smallest words he has ever spoken.

"I'm sorry."

"Nobody wants to be a failure, especially in their parents eyes, now do they? Now, time for the grand finale."

All eyes turn to Merlin.

'Please don't do this.'

'It's time Emrys.'

The sorcerer walks to Merlin and puts the potion in his hands.

Merlin gives Arthur one last glance before speaking.

"Please don't be upset at yourself."

Before Arthur gets a chance to respond, Merlin chugs the potion.

Arthur's going to kill him.

He's already come to terms with that bit the minute he was dragged into the throne room.

But, he can't deal with the look Arthur is giving him right now.

Arthur is only standing a foot in front of him and he can see the anger radiating from his eyes.

"Arthur, please let me-"

Suddenly, he's on the ground with an aching jaw.

"You have no right to address me anything but what I deserve."

Merlin can't stop the tears that already begun flowing down his face. He always imagined that he would've died protecting Arthur, not from Arthur.

"Stand up."

Not wanting to upset him any more, Merlin does what he is told.... Only to receive a punch to the stomach.

This time, Merlin doesn't fall, just bends over in pain.

"Please."

He failed. He failed destiny. He failed Gaius. He failed Kilgharrah. He was supposed to bring magic back to Albion for a time of peace, and now he might have just brought war.

Little did Arthur know, that please was to destiny, not to Arthur. Merlin just wanted anything to make Arthur see that magic isn't evil, that it can be a force for good.

"Why should I grant you mercy? You are a monster."

"Please Arthur. You are my friend."

Arthur puts one hand on Merlin's shoulders and squeezes. Stupidly, Merlin relaxes, thinking just maybe Arthur will hear him out.

The next thing he knows, there is a sword in his chest.

Merlin keeps eye contact with Arthur as he pulls out the sword and pushes Merlin to the ground.

"You never meant a thing to me."

With one last breath, the world around him went black.

Everybody is brought back to reality when Merlin takes in a hungry breath of air.

"Well, you have all completed my task. Now you may leave."

Right before she leaves in a puff of smoke, she looks over at Merlin.

'I'm sorry Emrys. Nobody should have to endure that pain of your other half killing you.'

Merlin doesn't look up as she disappears. He can only stare at the ground, refusing to make eye contact with anybody while trying to regain his breath.

The knights were all staring at Merlin, questions running through their head, all but one.

Gwaine was staring daggers into Arthur's back. What had Arthur done to make his best friend that afraid of him? When Gwaine figured it out, he was going to kill Arthur, king or not.

Wordlessly, Merlin begins walking to a random direction of the cave. The knights silently follow him.

Arthur walked with them, but just wordlessly stared at the ground. What has he ever done to make Merlin fear for his life? Has he ever gone too far at some point? Has he ever said or done anything to make it seem like he would want to hurt Merlin? Arthur was too busy filling his mind with questions and looking for answers that he didn't even noticed that they were already outside.

That was until he felt a fist collide with his face and he was left staring at the ground.

A chorus of 'Gwaine' echoed louder between them as Percival and Leon tried to grab Gwaine's arms from delivering another punch.

"Gwaine! Stop it!"

"No! He did something to Merlin!"

"Gwaine! You swore on the knights code-"

"Screw the knights code! This is Merlin! My friend before any of you! The King did something to make Merlin fear him and I'm going to find out what! So let me go!"

Gwaine did everything in his power to try and escape Leon and Percival. They were his friends, but Merlin was his best friend. No matter what, he was going to get to the bottom of this.

Lancelot decided he couldn't see this anymore and tried himself to calm Gwaine down.

What nobody really knew was how far Gwaine would go to protect his best friend.

"Gwaine. Calm down. I'm sure this is a big misunderstanding."

"Misunderstanding?!? It may be that way to you, but I know what I saw! Let go of me!"

"STOP! Just stop! All of you!"

Everybody, including Gwaine, stop dead and looked at Merlin. He is standing there, looking at everybody.

"I'll try my best to explain it. Not now, later. The village should be a half a days trip and I, for one, would like to get there before nightfall."

Turning around, Merlin walks off, not caring if he's being followed or not.

Lancelot does one glare at Gwaine, as telling him to leave all alone, and runs after Merlin.

"Are you going to tell them?"

"I don't know what I'm going to do."

"Just know, whatever you decide, I'll be on your side."

The rest of the walk to the village, no one spoke a word, even Gwaine who's usually filled with tavern stories.

The first word spoken is by Arthur.

"Thank you for inviting us to your village. We are all happy to be guests at your feast. Now, if you excuse my bluntness, but we've had a long days travel and would like to rest. If you may?"

"Of course, my lord. Thank you again for coming. It took us a while to prepare this feast, but our village is proud of what we've done and we wish to share it with our king. If you and your knights would follow me, I may show you to your house. I know it might be cramped and not what you're used to, but we hoped it will do."

Arthur looks at the house she brought him to. Sure, his bedroom might be bigger then this house, but he has more pressing matters on his hands.

"Thank you. We shall love to see your village tomorrow."

With that, Arthur opens the door and walks inside, leaving the door open for the rest to follow. The second he hears the door shut, he begins.

"You said when it became nightfall you'd tell us why you fear I would kill you. Now it's nightfall explain."

"First, the fear wasn't that you'd kill me. Secondly, I think we should sit down before I tell you the whole story."

Making eye contact with Lancelot, he nods his head. Lancelot knows that Merlin is going to need his support for what he is about to tell the rest.

Merlin sits down in the middle of the room, the knights in front of his and Lancelot at his side, giving silent support.

It becomes apparent to the rest of the knights on Lancelot's choice of seating. He already knows.

"Has anybody ever heard of the name Emrys before?"

Merlin studies each face carefully, until he gets to Percival. He is staring at him in surprise.

"What does he have to do with any of this?"

Gwaine looks between Percival and Merlin and watches as Merlin gives Percival a small smile.

"What does this Emrys have to with anything? I thought we were talking about why I shouldn't kill Arthur right now."

Ignoring him, Merlin continues.

"Long ago, a prophecy was put into place. The greatest warlock to walk the earth, Emrys, will protect the once and future king and restore magic to the lands and bring peace to all of Albion. When this Emrys was born, he didn't know of this great prophecy. All he knew was magic. Magic that has always been apart of him, that no matter what, he cannot get rid of. All his life, he feared what would happen to him and his mother if he was ever discovered. When he hit of age, his mother decided to send him to Camelot, to his uncle to help him control his out of control powers. What he didn't know was he was going to meet the most giant prat he has ever known. Emrys hated this prat with his life. That was when he was told of this great prophecy about him and the once and future king, the same prat he met earlier on the streets. He couldn't believe his luck and even offered to kill the prat himself if anybody tried. That was until the night of the banquet when some old hag actually tried to kill him. Without a second thought, Emrys used his gift to save the prat. It was then he understood that no matter what, he will always stand by this man's side and protect him. It helped a lot that he became his manservant. He-"

Looking at the ground at this point, Merlin found a sob trying to escape his throat. This was it. He was telling Arthur everything he's been wanted to tell him since he first became his manservant. Merlin knew that he had to finish now or he may not get the chance.

Feeling a comforting hand on his shoulder, he continued.

"He did everything to protect this prat. He also lost everything in the mix. All Emrys wanted to do was tell his now friend all about him, all about what he did for him. He wanted him to know that he wasn't just an idiot or a coward who hid behind the shadows, but somebody who would die for him. Slowly as the years went on and Emrys met a pack of amazing knights, his secret became easier to hide. He promised that once this prat became king, then he will tell him. And he did become king, but at that point, he hated magic more then ever. And Emrys was made of magic. For he cannot live without it. So once again, Emrys hid his secret, just waiting for the perfect time to reveal his secret. He never really worried about the king finding out, but it always stood in the back of his mind. What if he did find out? Would he kill him? Somehow, the idea of being killed did not faze Emrys, but the look in the king's eye did bother him. The look of betrayal that would shadow his features, the look of hatred in his eyes. Emrys couldn't stand the idea, so he pushed it to the back of his mind. The place of pain and hurt where he would stay clear of. Emrys continued to protect and serve his king. And even now, this great Emrys still knows that he will protect his king at all cost. He will continue to serve his king until his last breath. But all Emrys wants to tell his king is that he was born with these powers. He was moving objects before he can talk, doing magic without spells. He only started studying magic when he became too out of control. Emrys didn't choose his destiny, destiny choose him. Whatever the king decides to do with him now, Emrys will follow his orders, even though he's never before. Like he told his king one time long ago, he's happy to be his servant, til the he dies."

Fighting the urge to look up, Merlin kept his eyes firmly fixed on the ground, where he wouldn't have to look at the eyes staring at him. He only looked up to the man next to him when he felt a reassuring hand cover his.

Lancelot could only watch as Merlin kept talking. He, of course, knew of Merlin's whole destiny, but to hear the raw emotion coming from Merlin, he couldn't help but give the man from reassurance.

Merlin smiled at his friend when he smiled at him. What'd he do to deserve a friend as understanding as Lancelot? He was broke out of his trance when he heard a quiet voice speak in the quietness.

"Get out."

Merlin closed his eyes in pain. He knew that he most likely be upset at him. Honestly, he was surprised Arthur hasn't yelled at him to get out when he first gave the indication that he was Emrys.

When he stood up and begun heading to the door, he heard the voice speak again, only a little more arrogant.

"Not you, you idiot. I was talking about everyone else."

Turning around faster then he can say prat, he looked at Arthur looking at him. Arthur showed no anger in his eyes, only sadness.

Looking at the rest of the knights, he noticed the same look in their eyes too. Merlin felt a ping of joy flutter in his heart knowing his friends weren't angry.

His friends on the other hand, felt like crap.

How could they not see the years of suffering Merlin went through to kept from dying? How many times has he been close to dying?

As the knights, besides Arthur and Merlin, Merlin continued to stand where he was and Arthur continued to sit where he was. Even after the door shut, Merlin made no attempts to move, until Arthur patted the seat next to him.

Slowly walking over, he sat down next to Arthur, knees slightly touching.

They were quiet for a few minutes until Arthur decided to speak up.

"This Emrys guy sounds like he did a lot for my and Camelot."

"He dedicated his whole life to you."

"It would be a shame to kill off such a protective ally of Camelot, wouldn't it?"

Looking to meet Arthur's gaze, he nods his head.

Arthur's gaze only saddens as he gives Merlin a small smile.

"Were you ever going to tell me?"

"Maybe one day."

"Knowing you, you wouldn't have told me until I took a mortal blow and was dying."

"I wouldn't have let you die."

"You're right. You would've thrown yourself in front of the blow and let yourself get killed."

"I would've."

They stay silent for a few more minutes while they just each other's gaze. No words needed to be said at that moment. It was just Merlin and Arthur.

"What did I ever do to deserve such a loyal man in my life?"

"Beats me."

Arthur lets out a snort at Merlin response.

This is why they can't have serious conversations.

"Now, how about you tell me all the mighty Emrys did for me and Camelot?"

For the rest of the night, Merlin told Arthur of everything he's ever done, the good and the bad. Arthur, being him, continued to interrupt all night with questions and comments.

They only left when it was bright and early in the morning. As Merlin opened the door, five sleeping knights feel through onto the ground. It was like they feel asleep leaning against the door.

That evening, every person enjoyed the feast.

The village people could only watch the scene around them.

Gwaine and Merlin were standing on the table, drunker then two handmaidens, singing their hearts out, arm in arm.

Elyan was going around, placing bets on who would pass out first..... Merlin won.

Percival and Leon were slowly sipping their drinks, chatting away with one another.

Lancelot was dancing along to the singing, lady to lady, giving all who wanted a dance a partner to do it with.

And finally, there was Arthur, watching his best friend be more relaxed then he has ever seen him. A smile crossed Arthur's face knowing he made Merlin that happy.

The end.

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A/N:

So, what'd you all think of my first one shot?

I had this idea in my head for a while and finally decided to write it out. Seems good enough to me.

Hope you all enjoyed reading!

And don't worry, I'll have more one shots published when I get around to it.