Metanoia

"Killed Instead Of Kissed"

Arthur

"Wake up."
My eyes strained, crust edging my caruncle. I waved my hand through the air, catching smooth hair in my grasp, as my eyes then cracked open, seeing Merlin giving me a grave look.
"Merlin, what on earth are you-"
"Bandits," he whispered in an urgent reply. His hand stuck out, waiting for me to accept it; and with reluctance, I did.
"Again?" I replied. This was the second time. "Exactly how many bandits are in this forest?"
Merlin quietly scoffed in reply. "Not sure..." he trailed off, suddenly deciding to switch topic. "I heard voices come from there." He pointed towards a darker part of the grove.
"Great," I mumbled in reply. "Well our chances of surviving this battle are grim." Giving a sigh, I turned my head to see Merlin trying to fish out something from his jacket.
"Merlin..."
"Here," Merlin breathed, bringing out a small dagger, unsheathing the weapon, then releasing it to put it into my grasp. My eyes widened in surprise. What else had changed about Merlin when the years had passed?
"That's my good dagger too," he continued, giving me a stern, yet collected look. "Don't mess it up."
"Of course, your majesty," came my sarcastic response. Rolling his eyes, Merlin ducked into a crouched stance, silently shuffling towards the noises emitting from the forest. "We'll take them by stealth."
I didn't heed to his comment—just stared in shock at his balance. "When did you manage to escape that clumsy stance of yours?"
Glancing back with a disarrayed look, Merlin turned back, turning his sword to get a better grip on the handle. "What is that supposed to mean? Should I be alarmed by your retort?"
I gave a weak laugh in reply, stepping closer to him, soon imitating the same stance as him. "No, not at all." My eyes traveled to the silhouettes in the dark. "Now let's attack some bandits."
We split, Merlin on the right, me on the opposite side. I decided to let Merlin take the lead, swiftly knocking over one bandit's feet, then resuming to drag it aside and out of everyone's sight. A bewildered smile hit my face by watching Merlin. He was amazing.
I followed his moves, kicking the man's legs in front of me, as he clumsily tripped, landing on his back, then letting a loud screech escape from his lips.
I called it.
Upon hearing the noise, the other bandits instantly unsheathed their swords, swiping at foreign air, the darkness not aiding them in their situation.
"Arthur," a gruff voice mumbled.
I jumped from the sudden noise behind me. "Merlin?"
"We'll charge in. I'll take the two men on the right, the other one left to you," he replied, ignoring my comment.
A small pout spread onto my face. "Why do I only get one?"
"Because you have a dagger that does little damage compared to my sword, you prat."
My ears twitched upon hearing the word, as a wistful look etched on my face, the memories beginning to protrude into my brain.
"Arthur?" Merlin questioned upon receiving no retort. "Is something wrong?"
I couldn't see him in the dark, but his voice gave away enough.
Why did I have to stay at that damn lake for so long?
"No," came my reply. "No, not at all."

_________________

My sword was at the bandit's throat, ready to slice if necessary.
"Well, if it isn't the ghostly prince," one of the bandits grinned maliciously. "Arthur Pendragon."
Tilting my head upwards, I gave him a defiant glare, repositioning my fist to hold the man in a tighter, more forced grip. "Yes, that is my name. Now speak of what you were commencing in these woods."
The man just gave a dark chuckle in reply, turning to one of the men Merlin was holding steady with his magic. "He mustn't know of his kingdom," he started, his face turning to meet mine with fierce eyes. "Of how it's now in ashes."
Eyes widening, I took a quick glance to Merlin, who seemed to be avoiding eye contact. It was clear he wasn't in aid of answering me right now.
"What do you mean?" I sternly questioned the bandit, trying to compose my expression. Ashes? My kingdom—Camelot? I couldn't possibly fathom the idea.
"To think the King of Aeyland would betray you like that..." the foreigner mumbled teasingly. Merlin continued to stay silent, his hand tightening in grasp, as the man in front of me began to choke.
"Merlin!" I growled, glaring at him. "What in the Gods' name is he speaking of?"
Merlin stared to the bandit, releasing both his fist and a ragged breath, before striding over to the bandit. Giving him a collected look, Merlin proceeded to plunge his sword into the man's gut, an expressionless gaze etched onto his face. My eyes widened when I saw Merlin kill the man with ease. Blood silently oozed from the wound on the foreigner, as he then collapsed, his lifeless body now on the ground.
It happened too fast for him. Merlin's hands twitched, as his body flinched away in sudden disgust and fear. The sword dropped from his grasp, as it hit the ground with a suppressed clatter.
Merlin then turned to face me, tears pooling in his eyes, mentally pleading me to stay with him. "Arthur," he choked.
I had never wanted Merlin to end up like this.
He would never be the same man he once was.
"I didn't want to kill him—I just..." His lips trembled, cheeks now stained with liquid. Merlin stood there, gazing at my feet; as if he was waiting for something. For something horrendous.
My eyes cautiously scanned him over. How Merlin had changed over the years.
I thought everything would be alright.
I had imagined we would have a happy greeting.
My mind sought for any detection of empathy—something to show that Merlin was indeed not a monster.
I'd like to think this was a date for him and I. A returning welcome.
Falling asleep together.
A kiss, perhaps?
But no.
This date was not like most others—for he had killed instead of kissed.
Merlin killed a man on our first date.

A/N: Hello everyone! This chapter was honestly pretty intense! If you've liked this story so far, please leave a comment or vote! The support means so much to me! Thanks y'all! Bye!