Immortal

The Cave

This chapter is basically the basis of the two other chapters. They are just different ways that this could end. I have one that's just Merlin using magic to troll people with a side of good feels and the other is dark Merlin angst. I hope y'all like these 😊

Also if you see any grammar/spelling errors plz let me know so I can fix it. Thx.

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Arthur and the knights, along with Merlin, rode through the forest, searching for some poor selfless animal to slaughter. Merlin was doing everything in his power to prevent that. This hunt had started as any other. The knights joked as Gwaine told his tavern stories. Merlin rode towards the back, occasionally insulting Arthur with sarcasm.

Crack.

A twig snapped nearby. It was too heavy to be a deer, meaning there were either bears or bandits. Neither would be good. 

The knights drew their swords as a horde of men came tumbling out of the trees. Their eyes held a sickening gleam. It started with 15, but their numbers quickly grew as more came into view. Camelot's knights were largely outnumbered.

They fought with all of their might. The bandits were terrible swordsmen, but their use of magic easily made up for their lack of battle skills. None of them were very powerful, but their spells still took a toll on the knights. 

Leon has just killed 3 that tried to gang up on him. He turned around in time to see an arrow pierce through Merlin's shoulder. The knight could have sworn he saw Merlin's eyes shimmer gold as a branch fell on a nearby bandit. The manservant soon passed out, sparking worry from his friends.

"Retreat!" Arthur's voice rang out as he picked Merlin up and carried him away from the fight. The knights quickly followed suite, holding off the bandits that tried to follow.

They raced through the forest looking for safety. After what felt like hours, they finally came across a cave hidden in the valley. Checking to make sure no one followed, they slipped in unnoticed.

Merlin later woke up surrounded by knights. Lancelot seemed to be attempting to patch up the wound in the servant's shoulder. Percival was passing out food while Gwaine told stories around the fire. They all turned towards Merlin when they realized he was awake.

"What happened?"

Arthur was the first to respond. "We were attacked by bandits. One of them shot you-"

"Yeah I know that, clotpole," Merlin teased. "I mean after I blacked out."

The prince continued. "Well, as I was saying Merlin, we had to retreat. We found this cave we can camp in for the night. We'll head out at first light."

They soon fell back into their normal routine. Merlin didn't have to set up camp on his own since he was badly injured, but he still helped where he could.

From what the knights could tell, they were in a random cave in the Valley of the Fallen Kings. Merlin knew better. He immediately recognized their location. They were in the Crystal Cave. The warlock avoided the crystals at all costs, trying not to see into them. Luckily, no one but Lancelot noticed.

Eventually, the knights fell asleep, leaving Merlin on first watch. Everything was peaceful for a while. Merlin was about to go wake up Leon to start his shift when the warlock sensed upcoming danger.

Not a second later, the bandits came marching into the cave. Luckily, the knight's camp was hidden in between two large rocks. The thieves didn't seem to notice them. Their numbers had lessened, likely because of the knights. The apparent leader of the group sent a few bandits deeper into the cave as scouts. Clearly they were hellbent on killing the warriors of Camelot.

One of the thieves started coming close to their hidden camp. Merlin debated waking the knights but decided against it. It would be easier to take them out with magic.

Power flowed through the warlock, fighting to burst out. Merlin aimed a small blast towards each scout, taking them down without a sound. The crystals around him seemed to glow in response.

Merlin placed an invisible shield around the camp before sneaking towards the bandits. The pain that had previously been flaring from his shoulder barely seemed to bother him as the wound subconsciously healed.

By now, the entire cave had a low glow from the crystals. The ones closer to Merlin shone the brightest. The warlock approached the group of criminals calmly, silently daring them to make the first move. They started throwing their best spells and weapons at Merlin. They hardly left a scratch on the warlock as he defeated them almost effortlessly.

It felt good to finally let his magic free after repressing it for years. It flowed smoothly through the air. Power was radiating off of his skin, filling the atmosphere. Finally, Merlin was truly free.

The leader of the bandits pointed his sword to the warlock's throat. He thought he had won. The bandit's expression of victory slightly faltered when he saw the smirk on Merlin's face.

"You fool," Merlin laughed. "Do you not know who I am?"

The criminal didn't have time to respond before the warlock started glowing a blinding gold. The crystals seemed to hum and light up in response.

Merlin's magic exploded with a blazing energy. Every unprotected bandit disintegrated into ash the moment they were touched by the light.

Words echoed through Merlin's head. Prophecies of his future ran rapid through his thoughts.

Emrys means immortal

Realize your true potential and you shall become all you are destined to be.

No harm shall befall you until your destiny is fulfilled.

Merlin collapsed on the ground, drained from his eruption of magic.

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Ya so that's it. I'm already halfway done with the first ending, so that should be out soon. If y'all have any ideas for it, please let me know. I'm open to suggestions!

Anyways, I figured I should get to know you guys since hardly anyone is reading this. Sooooo who is you favorite Shrek character? (Personally mine is Donkey because he is such a mood)

Love you guys!

...{1050 words}...