When albion needs it most

Chapter 4

It happened suddenly. Arthur was on his way to meet a friend he had talked to the night before. He genuinely thought that this guy would bring him somewhere in his search. They had talked all night yesterday and the King could feel he was getting close to something. They were supposed to meet to talk some more when Arthur felt it.

It started in his arms. In a matter of second he felt cold, freezing. He pulled his hands closer to his body, trying to collect some warmth. His fingers had become numb and he did not feel them as he moved them frantically. Breathing was hard, as if the air did not have enough oxygen in it. His vision started to tunnel and he became dizzy. The King tried to catch himself on something, anything. He reached out and found only the ground. When had he fallen? He was lying on the floor holding him up in a half seated position, resting his weight on his arms. He held a hand to his throat, panting, desperate for air. The world around him turned dark. The King was blinking badly, trying to get some of his vision back.

He opened his eyes and his mouth filled with water. Panicked he stood up as fast as he could, rising out of a pool of water. The clothes on his back were heavy with dampness. His trembling legs gave in as he fell face first. He kicked and pushed his arms around trying get back to the surface. He found himself holding up on all fours, his body barely out of the water. Arthur took this moment to catch his breath. He looked at the water trickle down his damp hair. He observed his arms and chest. Why was he in armor? When was the last time he wore the cape of Camelot?

Something shinning on at the bottom of the lake got his attention. His sword was inches away from his hands. He had not seen the sword since Camlann. Quickly, he grabbed it, using it to pull himself up into a standing position.

From what he could see around him, Arthur had found himself in the middle of a very shallow lake. The shore was not too far. He started to slowly walk towards it, stumbling every few steps. There was a tall building by the water, taller than his castle had been. It was completely square with many windows and more doors that seemed useful. A metal staircase brought to the doors on every level.

A loud noise came from the road near the shore. It was accompanied by something passing by at a speed Arthur could not believe. It happened again. This time he paid attention. It seemed to be a giant metal armor moving on what could only be called wheels. It must have been the cars people have told him about. And if there were cars on the shore of the lake it meant that Arthur was in the modern world. The thought made him smirk. That couldn't possibly be. He closed his hand, jamming his nails into his skin. He could feel pain. The King was definitely back into the world of the living.

The blonde moved faster as he saw the shore. Someone was sitting on a rock by the water. Eyes closed the figure held a red piece of material in his hands. His thumb going over the golden pattern imbrued in it, carefully outlining the dragon symbol.

Arthur would recognize that stupid face anywhere; Merlin. He smiled as he ran up to his best friend. After all this time, he finally saw him again. He kneeled down and embraced him. Startled Merlin opened his eyes

"Arthur" the wizard whispered. Hearing his name pronounced by his long lost friend touched him deeply. How he had missed him. He took a moment to appreciate the face he had searched for during the past centuries. Merlin hadn't changed much. He was thinner somehow, if that was even possible. But his smile was still pure. His stupid ears had not change and he still wore that ridiculous scarf. His dark blue eyes remained fascinatingly deep. His lips... his lips were on his own.

Arthur froze as he realized what was happening. Merlin was kissing him. Lips so soft upon his own, it was so special. Was his heart beating faster? The King couldn't understand what he was doing. All he knew is that when Merlin wrapped his arms around his neck he lost control of reason. His body was acting on its own, driven by the lust that had been lurking deeply in his subconscious. He took grab of Merlin's waist, pulling the wizard's body closer. A hot tongue found its way to his own, dancing together passionately. There was something more in that kiss, a desperate want. Arthur felt fingers tighten in his back, pulling onto his clothes. Shivers went down his body, all his nerves on high alert. Merlin's hands were everywhere, moving frantically from his back to his hair. The sensation of nails rubbing against his scalp was more than he could take.