K, so I started this before ever watching the finale for season 5 and wanted to finish it because of how the finale left me feeling. All of you who watched it know exactly what I'm talking about! Anyways, it's AU of course, but not too far off the beaten path. I origianlly was writing it to combine the magic of Sorcerer's Apprentice and Merlin in one fic. I think it fit fairly well but you'll have to decide for yourselves! Enjoy!

Merlin should have been asleep by this time of night. He should have been but he wasn't. He had gotten a hold on one of Gaius' spell books, one that had just been aquired and was devouring it. He had never seen such powerful spells in his life and was eager to commit them to memory. It makes sense that as he was so engrossed in this magic that a new presence of it did not register for a few moments. But as Merlin turned a page, his concentration breaking, he felt as if he had hit a brick wall.

Mordred.

Mordred had made his way into the castle. Merlin could feel it. He sprang from the bed and hurried out of the room. He reached out with his magic and felt instead of saw what was happening. They had drugged Arthur. The king was in danger! He dashed towards Arthur and Gwenivere's chambers. He threw open the door but neither the King nor the Queen were there. Merlin vaugely remembered Gwen saying something about visiting the neighboring queen but Arthur had to remain here in Camelot. Merlin cursed himself for letting his defenses slip so easily.

Merlin struggled to feel out for the source of the magic. He closed his eyes briefly pauisng the corridor for only seconds before he was on the move again. Mordred had Arthur outside. They were heading to the southern gate.

Merlin dashed past the knights ignoring their shouts. "Arthur's in trouble! We have to help him!" He shouted over his shoulder at them. He didn't even stop to look if they were following. No matter who was there to help, he had to save Arthur.

He took the stairs two at a time, not caring if he were to trip. He slid to a halt at the bottom and paused again, getting his directions from the evil radiating off of Mordred. How a young innocent boy like him could end up so twisted, he would never understand.

"Get him into the cart. The knights will be on us soon enough!"

Merlin sprang into action again running across the marble floors. He dashed out into the courtyard and past the guards at the gate. If he was going to get to them, he'd have to head them off in the woods. That was their only chance now.

His lungs were on fire as he darted through the narrow dark streets of the lower town. He knew this path like the back of his hand and had taken it in less than ten minutes before but for some reason he felt as if it were taking hours. What if they had already killed Arthur? What if they killed him on the way? What if he didn't reach him in time? What if-? Stop it! Merlin shouted at himself. This was no time to worry about what could happen. He needed to focus on the present and get there as soon as he could.

The forest was thankfully lit by the full moon overhead and it made an easy path for Merlin to travel. He couldn't keep himself from running, no matter how much his legs and lungs protested. He ducked under branches and past trees heading for the southern road.

And suddenly he was there, on the cliff above it. He stood there, catching his breath and trying to listen for Mordred again.

"The alarm bells have rung! Run the horses faster!"

This time Mordred's voice was so overpowering that Merlin reeled back under his power. Merlin shook the force from his mind and looked at the road below. There! The cart!

Merlin looked around for something that he could use, something to stop them. He grinned. He reached his hand out and hs eyes flashed orange. Seconds later there was an ear-splitting crack and one of the large oak trees plummetted to the earth landing directly on the road blocking any chance of escape for the younger wizard.

But the tree was suddenly split again, this time in half and the two peices were sent flying off the road. It was clear again! Merlin nearly felt like cursing. He reached out and set the rocks on the edge of the cliff tumbling to the road below. He had forgotten for a moment that Mordred was now able to use his magic to manipulate matter, not only to speak to people in his mind. The rocks would not be there for long but it would give him enough time to get down there and delay them long enough for the knights to catch up. He slid down the side of the cliff, half using magic, half relying on his own skills to get down. He stepped out into the middle of the road behind the boulders that Mordred was now trying to move and waited.

The rocks went flying in every direction, threatening to crush everything in their path. But Merlin raised a hand, creating a sheild to protect himself. The rocks bounced off of it leaving him unscathed.

The cart did not slow however. It was still coming at him at full force. Merlin reached into the horse's mind and calmed it. The horse slowed, ignoring the shouts and whips of it's driver. The whip flew out of the driver's hand and one of the smaller rocks hit him over the head knocking him unconcious. Merlin smirked. But this game wasn't over yet.

Mordred hopped down from the cart and slowly made his way to face Merlin. Merlin could hear his voice not only with his ears but in his head. The power the boy held was greatly increasing, pushing against Merlin's inner defences.

"I knew you would betray us. Again." He stated, his voice cold and hard.

"It's over Mordred! The fight against magic has ended! Arthur was going to tell it to the world tomorrow! Could you not have waited a little longer?!" Merlin cried.

Mordred laughed. "Am I really to believe that? That Arthur would forget all the battles he ever fought, all the lies his father told him and just let it go? You're a fool Emrys!"

Merlin stepped closer his voice strengthening. "No, no I'm not a fool. Morgana is the fool for believing that everyone in Camelot hates her and her kind because they have magic. It's not the magic they hate. It's the person. The person who lets their hate and fear build inside of them until they no longer care for others, until they're so evil and twisted that there is no love left in them. That's what the people are afraid of. Magic can be a force for good Mordered if you only use it for that!"

"Oh Emrys, you are so naive." Mordred grinned. He waved his hand and a circle around them burst into flame, illuminating not only the road but the opponent as well. Mordred began to walk the circle. "You believe what everybody says. You always think the best of them. You always welcome them with open arms. You don't ask questions or pay any attention to what they may be hiding. You just, 'care for them'. That is your weakness Emrys. That is why you will die, and Arthur will die. Because you didn't have the sense to see what was in plain sight!"

The boy barely lifted a finger and a boulder was sent hurtling in Merlin's direction. Merlin barely deflected it at the last second, having to duck backwards as it flew only centimeters above his nose. But Merlin reacted quickly, turning the boulder on his opponent. Mordred expected this however and flicked it away sending it rolling down into the river below.

"You haven't taken the time to reach your full potential Emrys. You are no match for me. I have been trained by Morgana, given instruction out of books and stones that were passed down in the time of the Old Religion. I have spent years training, studying and fighting. Morgana may have been quickly subdued but I will not be so easily vanquished you will find." He spoke the words and drew a blue energy from one palm and it sat floating above the other. Merlin recognized the feel and the look of that spell. It was the one he had used when Lancelot was going against the Gryphon. It was the weapon used to kill a creature of magic. He was a creature of magic.

"Oh yes Emrys. This is meant to kill you." Mordred remarked with an evil smile. "It is a spell that no other sorcerer has been able to master. Most of them were killed in the attempts. But I survived. My powers are greater than you could have possibly imagined."

"Run Merlin! Get out of here while you still can!"

Merlin turned at the shout and saw Arthur standing on the cart, unbound and attempting to pull the driver's sword from it's sheath. He grinned. He had saved him. He'd gotten there in time!

"Look out!" Arthur cried.

Suddenly Merlin felt the energy of Mordred's powers focus on him. He barely had time to turn his head before the blue fireball was inches from his face. Instinctivly Merlin's hands flew to block the attack. The blue fire hit the sheild Merlin had created and vanished. Merlin pulled his hands away and saw Mordred with two fireballs, one in each hand this time. But he wasn't angry. He was laughing.

"Your insticts give you credit Merlin, but nothing can defend you against the secret that you have just released."

Merlin's smile dropped like a rock. He had used magic. In front of Arthur.

"What do you think great king, now that you know the truth about your trusted servant? What do you say to having a sorcerer under your roof for the past seven years, one who's never told you who he was, or what he could do, or what he has done? The betrayal must be impossible to bear!" Mordred taunted.

Merlin wanted to turn, wanted to face him, wanted to explain. But he knew that the minute his back was turned Mordred would strike again, not just at him but at Arthur.

"Your friend and sister Morgana would rather have you dead than see you on the throne. Your uncle whom you trusted to guide you and protect you dropped you right into the lion's mouth. And the of course your father betrayed you, by using magic to bring you into the world, trading your mother's life for an heir. But that you did not believe did you? It is true. Uther knew that a life would be taken in exchange for your life. But this will intrest you too Merlin. He had bargained Giaus's life for Arthur's."

Merlin could help the feeling of anger that swelled in his gut for the dead king. But he knew it would do no good. No, anger would not help him. It would only hinder his powers.

"Uther did terrible things we know Mordred! But that doesn't justify killing Arthur and taking over the kingdom for a woman who has no right to rule anyone! She will only bring misery and destruction to the kingdom! Don't you see that?!" He stepped around the circle, drawing Mordred's attention away from Arthur and putting his king out of the line of fire.

"No, she would create a new world where we would be the ones who had the power! We would be the ones to rule and command whomever we wished!"

"Your's and Morgana's greed will bring you nothing but endless pain and sorrow Mordred! You must see this! You cannot live on hate! It will consume you!"

Mordred snarled. "It is the fuel to my fire Emrys! It is the source of my true powers!" He blasted a fireball at Merlin.

Merlin could feel the fear rising in him. If this truly was a magic he had never heard of, had never mastered, how would he continue to fight it?

Magic requires spells, incantations; it takes years to study. What I saw you do was elemental, instictive.

Gauis's words came back to him like a blow to the head. He needed to use his magic as he had done before, let his insticts guide him. He needed to forget the spells, forget the amount of power it would take to block one of those blasts and just react. But how? How could he just let go of everything he had ever learned? How could he use his old tricks and flimsy skills to counter such a power?

He closed his eyes for a moment and images, memories sprang up in front of him. He rewatched them, listening, feeling.

"I remember the bumbling idiot that came charging into my chamber all those years ago. Who would believe?"

"You know Merlin, You're the one Arthur should Knight. You're the bravest of them all and he doesn't even know it."

"It's... lonely... to... be more powerful than anyone man you know and have to live like a shadow... to... to be special and have to pretend that you're a fool."

"Listen to me. You are my son. I've seen enough in you to know that you will make me proud."

"The young warlock is a great power and a future that has been written since the dawn of time."

"From the moment I met you, I saw something that was invisible. Now, it is there, for all to see."

"You know, Merlin, your braver than they give you credit for."

Merlin eyes opened, determined. The world around him had slowed. Mordred's blast was still headed towards him, intent on taking his life. But Merlin's fears had vanished. He had found himself. He had found the source of his strength. The ones he cared for. He glanced to his right and saw Arthur standing at the edge of the ring. He recognized the warrior's stance, a sword in hand and ready to leap over the flames to help, but that wasn't what Merlin saw. It was his face. It was not the look of betrayal he had seen his friend show those few times when his family had deserted him, betrayed him, the face he had expected would be there when he finally was told the truth. Instead he saw the stubborn look of his friend who wouldn't let him sacrifice himself for his king. Merlin smiled. That was all he wanted to know.

Time resumed as Merlin clenched his fists and crossed his arms forming an X shape across his chest. The fireball immediatly bounced back towards Mordred. The boy, though surprised, deflected it knocking it to the ground and scorching the earth where it landed.

"You cannot kill Arthur and destroy the peace of Albion. I will not let you." He said, his voice deeper, stronger.

"You cannot stop me Emrys!"

The blasts came at him in quick succession, causing Merlin to panic slightly. He ducked out of the way and raised an arm as he would have if a shield were on it. The blasts fizzled out as they hit the invisible barrier that was keeping Merlin safe. Merlin took stock of how he was doing and on what he had done to protect himself. He split his focus on maintaining a sheild and trying to egnite a blast himself. He tried to remember the words.

"Merlin! What the blazes are you doing?!"

Merlin's head jerked up and he saw Arthur crouched behind one of the boulders.

"Arthur!"

"Yes it's me you idiot! Now let's get out of ehre before he blasts us into oblivion!"

Merlin flinched when the shield he was mainting begn to crack under the presssure. "You have to leave now! I can't hold him off for too much longer! If you get out now, you'll have time to get back to Camelot! The knights are already on their way here to help. Just get to them and I'll know you're alright!" Merlin exclaimed.

"I am not leaving here without you!" Arthur growled.

"Well, you're not leaving here with me!"

"Do I have to make it an order?"

"I could throw you far enough down this road that you wouldn't get here before the knights got to you after you came to again. Now get out of here!"

Arthur looked at him, frustrated and annoyed that he had to be put in this situation. He didn't say anything but Merlin could see it now in his eyes, the question of why.

"I'm sorry I didn't tell you before. But I'm not sorry I've been able to protect you and be your friend through these past years. Now leave before I have to do something we both with regret!" He shoved Arthur back with his magic and pushed away from the the boulder, drawing the fire on himself again.

But this time, he didn't think about making a fireball. He made himself think of already having one in his hand. He pulled his arm back getting ready to throw as if there was one there, and suddenly, he felt it. A warmth in his hand, a power that he had not felt before coursing through his arm. The blast was there for only a few seconds and then it was sent barreling towards Mordred.

He hardly had time to react and it grazed his shoulder, singeing the cloak he wore and lighting it on fire, Mordred paused to tear it off and throw it to the ground. But then he had started again.

"That's impossible!" Mordred screamed. "You can't have mastered this! Those who know it are long gone! It's impossible!"

"I'm a quick study Mordred! You ought to know that by now!" Merlin replied, not giving him the satisfaction of the truth.

Mordred fired even harder at him. Merlin's defences were weakening, as well as his strength. This was a fight he was not sure he could win. But for the sake of his friends and the people of Camelot he woud try.

"It's over Mordred! I have you surrounded! Give yourself up now and you will not be harmed, I promise!"

Both the sorcerer's looked up and saw Arthur standing on the cart again, only this time, he had been joined by the knights of camelot. And at least fifty soldiers who had lined the edge of the circle.

Merlin's head whipped back to Mordred as he felt the rage begin to escape the boy. He had seen this before. One scream and they would all be dead. One scream and there would be nothing left of those soldiers. Merlin had to do something and fast.

Another fireball formed in his hand, but this one took the shape of an arrow, straight and true. Merlin launced it from his palm and it cut through the air like a lightening bolt and shattering Mordred's scream with a deafening crack.

By the time Mordred saw it, it was too late. The bolt plunged into his heart sending him reeling in surprise. He blinked once then looked as if he would fall backwards. The bolt reacted, exploding outwards, disintigrating Mordred and sending a shockwave that extinguished the ring of fire and sent the soldiers flying backwards. Merlin's strength was gone and he dropped to his knees. He felt numb. The only sound he could hear now was his own heartbeat pounding in his ears. He had done it. He had destroyed Mordred. He had killed him.

He looked back at Arthur who was running towards him shouting his name, horror written across his face. Merlin's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. They had won. What was he- Merlin looked down at himself and saw the hilt of Mordred's dagger protruding from his abdomen. Oh.

The sounds of the world around him came rushing back with an unnatrual volume. He could hear the cheers of the soldiers, the shouts of the knights riding for aid and Arthur diving to his side.

"Merlin! Hang on Merlin!" Arthur demanded, turning the young warlock's head to face him.

Merlin gasped as the pain finally registered, gulping in the air, but never feeling as if he had got enough. He looked up at Arthur who looked as pale as a ghost. He had never seen Arthur this scared before. Frightened of what may lay ahead for him in battle, but never trully scared.

"Merlin, come on, you've got to talk to me. Stay awake! They knights have gone for Gaius. You're going to be alright but you have to stay awake!" Arthur pleaded.

Merlin tried to smile but it came out more of a grimace from the pain. "You-you're worried about me. Must've done- somethin' to your head." He whispered jokingly.

Arthur laughed, pushing back the lump forming in his throat. "You'd think that would be true!" He held his friends hand in a tight grip. "But you see, I've come to be very fond of you."

"Really?" Merlin asked in mock surprise.

"Really. There is no one else I rather enjoy throwing projectiles at than you Merlin." He replied seriously.

Merlin started to chuckle but then hunched up in pain. He felt Arthur's other hand on his shoulder, trying to give him comfort.

Finally, when he was able to breathe again, Merlin looked up. Arthur's eyes were misting over with tears. Merlin felt them coming to his own eyes. "I'm sorry friend. I'm- I'm sorry I didn't tell you. I wanted- to, but I never- never-"

"Shh! Save your strength Merlin!" Arthur shook his head. "There'll be plenty of time for me to berate you later. You just hang in there. You're going to get through this!"

"No- I need to tell you. I- I couldn't help my magic. I tried-not to use it. But it was- was my destiny to protect you- Arthur. And I did. I didn't like you- at-at first. Thought you were a prat."

"Well, no change there." Arthur chuckled.

"But now- you're my best friend Arthur. You're- you're the one person- in Camelot that understands me. That- that cares what happens to me. You're not just my king. You're- my brother."

Arthur pressed his forearm to his eyes trying to blot away the tears, ignoring the fact that there were dozens of other knights there. He pulled it away and squeezed Merlin's hand. "And you're mine Merlin," He choked on the words. "You're mine."

Merlin smiled faintly. He could feel the numbness starting to creep up from his legs and into his arms. He didn't have much longer. "Stay out- out of trouble?" He joked, coughing slightly. He could taste blood on his tounge.

"Never!" Arthur replied as enthusiastically as he could.

Merlin nodded, his smile brighter. Then his eyes started to close of their own accord. He didn't want to go. He wanted to stay and see the world that Arthur would create, but that was not his destiny. He had fulfilled his destiny. He had saved Arthur. His time was over.

"Don't- don't forget. Magic can- can be good. Use it." He mumbled, trying his best to stay coherent enough to get his point across.

"I'll remember Merlin. Everyone will. Camelot will know what you did for their king this day, of your bravery. I promise."

"Hmmm," was all he could manage.

"God speed my brother. My friend."

"We're under attack! Get down! Get down!"

"Archers take your mark!"

"No! Hold your fire! He might have the power to save Merlin!"

"That thing could kill us all with one flick of his tail sire! And you want us to let it take Merlin?!"

"Can you save him?"

"It is not his destiny to die this day. There are many dangers ahead for you and for Albion that he must overcome. Yes, I can save him."

"Then please,-please help him."

How did you all like it? I prefer this version to the finale personally. But that's just me... And for the sake of those who haven't watched it in horrible quality on youtube yet I will say nothing of the finale as of yet. :)