Together We Could Rule The World

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Arthur and Guinevère were in danger.

Merlin had overheard the conversation with Nimueh back in Camelot. Arthur was going to the Isle of the Blessed to face her and save Gwen from the malicious woman. He would die, Merlin was convinced, if he faced her. He stood no chance against the powerful Priestess of the Old Religion. Even he did not stand a chance against the woman. It had been luck that had helped him kill her the first time. He didn't know what he had done, commanding the power of Life and Death. He didn't know what he had done, and therefore, he couldn't do it again.

He had grown stronger, yes, but so had she. And she was more experienced than he. But at least he had magic, whereas the Prince did not. He knew very well that he might die here, but if Arthur was coming here, then his life was in danger to. He wouldn't let Arthur die, no matter how much the Prince wanted to save Gwen himself. He would solve this problem in his stead, or die trying. Whatever Nimueh's nefarious plan was this time, he had to stop her.

But he had to get there before Arthur could. Riding a horse would take longer, Arthur might catch up to him depending on how urgent he thought this, and how much danger he believed Gwen was in. And knowing Nimueh was involved, it was pretty urgent. He also did not want Arthur to catch up if he managed to get ahead, and stop him. He was determined to do this. When he said he'd give his life for Arthur, he wasn't lying, and he'd do the same for Gwen. He would do what was necessary to protect his friends.

The only solution was to get the Great Dragon to take him. He stood in the clearing outside of Camelot, looking up at the sky. He called the Dragon, summoned him with his powers of a Dragonlord. Circling the sky, the Dragon landed in front of him.

"What is it this time, young warlock?" he asked.

"I need you to take me to the Isle of the Blessed!" Merlin answered urgently, readily expecting him to take him. Of course, he also expected the Dragon to already know the reason why, but apparently he did not.

"I'm not a horse, Merlin!"

"If you don't," he said, pausing dramatically, "Arthur might die.."

"The last time I helped you by telling you of the Isle, you couldn't bare the consequences, Merlin." He knew that, but he wasn't willing to admit that. He knew that what he had done that time was the right thing.

"This is different."

That settled the matter and soon they were off, flying towards their destination. It didn't take as long to get there by flight as it would have by foot or horse. Eventually Killgarah landed and Merlin climbed off.

"This is as far as I go," he told him.

Merlin left him with a nod, than hurried off for the lake that would lead him to the Isle. However, when he was there, he noticed... there was no boat. His face scrunched up weirdly, as if to say "Oh, wonderful." and he glanced at the lake... There were rumors of Sea Monster in that lake! To get to the Isle, he would have to swim, it seemed! He tried a few spells to try and summon the boat if it was hiding, but if it was, no spells worked.

With a resigned sigh, Merlin put his felt the water, deciding that it was indeed cold, but knowing there was no other way. Without hesitation, because if he did, he would have a harder time doing it, he dived into the water and swam towards the Isle where, apparently, he was uninvited.

He hoped there were no Sea Monsters...

_{Place: As of the moment, the Isle of the Blessed
Time: Around Noon
Timeline: What If "aftermath" thread to "Die for You".
Tagged: Nimueh Ó Liatháin
Notes: Hehe, I made the Dragon's text pink. He's a girly Dragon! Also: Ending edited.}

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Nimueh was eagerly waiting for Arthur to arrive. She had left Gwen in the cave under the castle as her appearance was only needed in a later task. If Arthur even survived the first one. Swimming across the lake towards the Isle was not exactly a figurative walk in the park. Rumors had it one or two malicious sea monsters roamed the waters and Nimueh was one of the few knowing these rumors were true – and lived to tell. That of course was because she could command them. They would follow her orders and ask her first if the intruder in the water was to be their little snack or not. The very few who had actually dared to cross the waters she had left to them, they were running low on food as it was… not that she would care.

Speaking of calling, she could feel something tugging at her mind, some sort of request to enter, and when she checked the magical bond, she realised it to be one of the very same sea monsters. Of course it was not able to formulate a coherent thought, she only received mental images. Intruder… young… juicy… male…
Nimueh’s heart missed a beat in excitement. Was that Arthur? Already? He must have been riding like the devil himself! Oh yes, what love made men do… wasn’t that even kind of sweet and tragic? Young love, withered before even blossoming into full bloom. And all that because of some hungry sea monsters…
But then something, a distant thought, made her stop as she was just about to give them the order of proceeding, killing him. Maybe it was not Arthur after all? Maybe it was even someone she knew, held dear – as dear as Nimueh was able to hold someone anyway? She could only think of one person that might be stupid enough to try his luck with seamonsters willingly… and she could not allow to lose him!

Let me see! She commanded and took over the beasts mind for a second, seeing with its very own eyes. What she saw made her gasp in surprise and wonder. Neither Arthur nor Wolf was it who made his way across the lake, it was … Merlin! How stupid could he be?! Had Arthur got cold feet already and had sent his servant in his place? But that would require Arthur knowing what Merlin was capable of… and the young warlock wasn’t THAT stupid. Though… doing what he did right now was no measure of sanity either!
In any way, Merlin was someone she needed to deal with personally, this was her one chance to make him pay for almost killing her. It would be like history repeating itself, though this time she was better prepared. This time he would die and at her own hands!

Let him pass! She decided therefore and quickly moved away from the shore up to the place where their last showdown had taken place: the ritual ground with the old altar and stone henge, where the power was most and where she could beat him best.
Just you wait, Merlin Caradoc! This time I will have the last laugh!

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Merlin felt the icy chill of the lake, but kept going anyway. He had to pull through, had to get to the Isle. There was no going back, but he wouldn't have it any other way. Better him than anyone else, right? If he could manage to pull this off -- even better if no sea monsters attacked him! -- then at best, he would be lucky. If not, the worse -- which would surely happen if so -- would be... No, he didn't want to think of that! While he was willing to die here if that would have to be the price, he would not think of it! Death wasn't a pleasant thought, and right now, it was lurking all around him.

What if the sea monsters decided that he would make a good snack? How many people had they eaten in these very same waters? He didn't want to be food, he still had to complete his goal in coming here. And so, swimming through the waters that were so deep they were dark, he kept his mind on the task ahead lest he lose nerve and head back. However, the whole while, he was afraid that sea monsters might eat him. Even as he swam, he thought he felt the waters shift in an abnormal way, as if, perhaps, some creature, or creatures, were circling him far below.

Don't think about that, he continued to tell himself. Only worse that he could feel some kind of powerful magic within the water. Or perhaps, not magic, but some kind of raw strength that had to come from a sea monster, unless Nimueh could turn into one... Actually... that was worse...

Finally, he got to shore safely, and climbed onto land with a profound sigh of relief. Soaked to the bone, shivering, and still somewhat fearful of sea monsters, Merlin laid there for several minutes before he got the nerve to test his legs. Dripping tiny drops of water, he walked towards where he would suspect Nimueh to be if she was there: the place they had first fought.

Deep within the recesses of his mind, he could still hear her "last words" echoing to him, "Pity, together we could have ruled the world." Great... just what he needed, internal taunting when he was about to face the real woman herself.

"Nimueh!" he called, his tone irritated more than angry. He still wasn't happy about having to swim. He came into the ritual ground, which was just like he remembered it...

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Even if she had expected Merlin to look like a drowned rat, actually seeing him in that state was funnier than she would have thought. Like she had grown used to, she had hidden her body with an illusion from any human eyes, only to be heard. This she now used to her utmost advantage, letting a free laugh tumble from her lips, and enhancing it with magic so it echoed from the ruins around them. She would give Merlin a hard time first before she graced him with her glorious sight. Some people might call that childish, but Nimueh was convinced she deserved this kind of merriment every once in a while. Gloating over others was the most pleasant kind of joy in her eyes – though she had been on the other side as well.

“Look who’s arrived to grace my Isle with his heroic presence!” she teased, still invisible to him, while she crept closer. “’The Lord of the algae’ I presume! Or shall I rather say the conqueror of the infamous and invidious sea monsters?”
Now that she mentioned it, a green slick strap of alga really decorated Merlin’s shoulder, actually reaching behind his left ear. Typical that he hadn’t realised it until now. As far as Nimueh knew him, Merlin would forget everything around him, most of all his personal appearance if he was on a mission to save Arthur. Well, good for her, it gave Nimueh all the more opportunities to taunt him. The young warlock really looked so ridiculous it made the High Priestess laugh again, and this time even heartier.

But then she decided the time had come to show herself, to finally get this all over with. Arthur could arrive any minute now and the least she needed was a distraction, mentally and physically. There was still a faint memory in her mind, about the last time this had happened. She had offered Merlin to be with her, join her side, because she knew that with the right guidance he had great potential. She had not been exaggerating when she said that together they could rule the world, Nimueh knew it was true. So when Merlin had refused there had been no other way that to destroy him… which in the end had lead to – NO! She would NOT think about that now! It would only make her hestitant, and the High Priestess knew enough about battles, be they magical or not to know that the hestitant one died first!

Removing the illusion she stepped out between the stones, showing her nost regal face and posture. “Greetings Merlin. Who knew we’d ever meet again!”

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Merlin looked around as he heard the laugh that echoed around the ruins. Nimueh was around somewhere, up to something, he was sure. Trying to play tricks was more like it. He wouldn't fall for anything she tried to pull here. The last time they met here, he had killed her. Surely she would want revenge? Or just try to do something... But he wouldn't let either happen, so he would have to keep his guard up. "Release Gwen, Nimueh!" he yelled angrily, looking around, trying to catch a glimpse of something that would reveal her position.

Lord of the Algae? Well, that was... a rather interesting title. He noticed something now, and blinking, he pulled the alga off of his shoulder and tossed it aside, looking around once more. Then she mentioned the sea monsters, and his face screwed up in an unpleasant look. He was glad that he was out of those waters, but if he succeeded here, would he have to swim again?

"I presume that they listen to you?" he questioned in a growl. "Why don't you stop playing games and show yourself, already?!" So that they could get this over with. Merlin didn't particularly want to stand here and have a conversation with the woman he considered his enemy!

And then she showed herself. He watched her intently, remaining focused lest anything happen that he would have to defend himself against. He wasn't about to just lay down and die for her, and she wouldn't be able to convince him to join her this time either, whatever tricks she tried! "I'm sure you assumed that we would meet again. After all, you are the revenge seeking type, Nimueh. What is your plan to kill Arthur this time?"

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Only like two seconds she had spent in Merlin’s company, and already Nim was enjoying herself. The good at heart were always so easy to tease, and teasing someone was what Nimueh liked to do best. Right now Merlin was again riled up about something that was not entirely his concern, but of course he MADE it his concern driven by this stupid thing he called his ‘destiny’. Why couldn’t he stay out of Arthur’s and even more HER business? And yet, that trait made him predictable and easy to overthrow… if you didn’t happen to give him the key to the power of life and death for a split second… but no, it would not happen again, this time the gates were not open, eager to be balanced and accepting any life they got. If Merlin hadn’t stopped her incantation Gaius would be dead instead of sending Nimueh into the void. But was done was done… and she had made it back!
“What now, Merlin!” she called out in a very taunting way. “Are you stealing Arthur’s lines as well as his quest?” She tutted like a displeased mother. “He won’t like that!”

Nimueh dismissed Merlin’s disgruntled remark about the sea monsters. Yes, of course she commanded them, but it was never good to lay all your cards on the table. Let him guess, that would keep him on his toes for a while. Rumors were often better than the less powerful truth, maybe he would even be inclined to believe she WAS one of those sea monsters? A not so much appealing thought, but it was all for the cause!

Merlin, she observed, had learned something in the time she had been gone. Instead of innocence his eyes were now filled with caution. He maybe had an inkling what she was capable of, though he never would be able to get it all. That was the advantage she still could count on, Merlin might even be a bit reckless now, as he believed he had already killed her once. Only Nimueh herself knew that this had been nothing but luck.
“You’re learning, Merlin!” she praised him with fake approval. “At least now you know revenge when you see it. But why do you want to know? You won’t be here to witness it, so why bother your poor do-gooder heart on its last minutes on earth?”

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Merlin wouldn't let her taunts get to him, he decided. If he did, than she would have an easier chance of getting rid of him, something he knew would just please her to no end. Something she might use to her advantage, or some other nefarious plot. No, he wouldn't act irrationally in this dire moment. He would remain calm, he would act rationally and think his actions through. Perhaps not his words, but definitely his actions, he told himself. Nimueh was dangerous before, she would be dangerous now too. Probably even more dangerous. Those with a goal always were. Those who learned from their mistakes, as she had to have from that "first" encounter, always were. And this time, she would make sure that whatever had happened, wouldn't happen again, he knew.

Yes, this time, she was more dangerous.

"I wasn't aware that saving friends was any one person's 'quest', Nimueh!" he called out in a forced calm tone. Don't let her get to you, he told himself over and over. Arthur might be angry if he found him here, might not be pleased, or might be glad, but either way he couldn't change back time, neither of them could. Therefore, the Prince would have to deal with it. Therefore, whatever happened here would carry on into the future, whether he died or not. "I won't let you harm my friends!" Which was what she wanted to do, he was sure. She was using Gwen to get to Arthur. For whatever reason, she wanted to hurt Arthur, and surely she would hurt Gwen afterwards, if she hadn't already. That thought made him pause, even made him pale a little. Had she hurt Gwen? Merlin didn't know, he wasn't suppose to be in on this whole plot and business between Nimueh and Arthur. So how would he know if this evil witch had hurt her?

When she showed herself, Merlin still couldn't hide a glare. It was impossible, he didn't like this woman. She hurt the innocent, all because of something Uther had done. Something that now, over twenty years later, was unimportant. Well, perhaps not unimportant, but like he had thought earlier, neither could change back time. Be angry at Uther, yes. Hate Uther for what he had done, yes. But go after all he cared for all to get revenge? No...

But would that make what he was doing any different?

Last minutes on Earth? A chuckle escaped him, which sounded even a little arrogant. But in reality, it was a nervous chuckle, something forced to show himself that he wasn't sure if he wanted to be here. No, he didn't want to be here, but he did at the same time, all so that he could attempt to save Gwen for Arthur, so that the Prince didn't get himself killed, so that Gwen wouldn't have to suffer in Nimueh's hands any longer. Yes this whole process was dangerous, was unthought-out. Could be his death.

"Last minutes? I would say the same to you, Nimueh," he forced his tone to come out confident, though how well it worked against this powerful sorceress he knew not. This sorceress who had seen all, and then have it torn away from her by the hands of an upset King. "If you think you will be able to kill me, think again! I have come here for a reason! No one has to die if you just give me Gwen!" Yes, he told himself. He would kill her again if he had to, if she wouldn't work this out peacefully. He'd have to...

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Once again Nimueh could only wonder and shake her head at some threads of fate. Should the weight of the world, the destiny of a great kingdom to come really rest on the shoulders of a young boy such as this? Hardly more than a child, pathetic in his heroic acts, too innocent to believe in the bad in people, never knowing when to back down – the list of Merlin’s flaws was endless, and they all were caused by one major flaw: Merlin’s abilities were hindered by a conscious as vast as the valley of the Fallen Kings and as big as the White Mountains. Whatever his mother had taught him, it was too much to ever achieve anything in life. He probably apologized to every grasshalm he tread upon and didn’t dare to take one more step because he feared on crushing an ant with his innocent feet – pathetic!

“You really think I will let you have a say in this matter, Merlin?”, Nimueh asked with a genuinely amused chuckle. Annoying his demeanour might be, but it was also cute in a very twisted way. “Well then, cling to this illusion as long as you wish. But excuse me if I ignore you until you’ve come to your senses. I’ve got no time for a child’s dreams!”
His glare she answered only with a dazzling smile to unnerve him. She had seen many a man glare at her and she would be a neophyte if she really would let that get to her! She wasn’t on earth to be liked, that goal she had dismissed pretty quickly. That was maybe another big difference between her and Merlin. The young boy strived to be liked by everyone, his tender heart could not bear the thought of disharmony. Nimueh on the other hand had long since learned that being nice got you nowhere and good deeds even less. Life was cruel and so you better were cruel yourself or you didn’t last long.

“Are you trying to threaten me, Merlin?” she asked, still keeping the amused undertone though she was wary inside. She had underestimated the young warlock before, and she had to be careful not to slip into the same mindset again. Yes, he was young and he shouldn’t be any match for her, but luck seemed to favor him and luck had taken out many a powerful being. “And why should I give you your lovely servant friend? What’s in it for me?” Now Nimueh adopted a fake whiny tone, like a young girl being deprived of sweets. She loved games like that, making her victims think they actually had choices, when inside her mind the decision was already made.
No, she would not kill Merlin… at least not to leave him dead. The realisation had come to her like a lightening bolt hitting a tree setting it ablaze. There was one way she could get rid of the Merlin she despised and detract the one she saw in him, when finally all those flaws were eliminated. This new Merlin could become her equal if he got the right teaching, but he would not use his magic to protect Arthur Pendragon any longer, he would fight for Nimueh’s cause. She had not exaggerated when she had once said that together her and Merlin could rule the world. The potential was there!

But first things first, don’t cross that bridge before you get to it!
“I’m sorry, Merlin, but there’s only one condition that would make me release Gwen – Belucan!”¹ she hissed without any more warning, raising her hand in front of her as if she was choking the air. “I would trade her life for yours… but not to see you dead. Join my side, Merlin. Your last chance of agreeing to it!”


¹: Choke!