Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Camelot, Albion - Midnight

As bullets rained down at makeshift barricades in a rundown neighborhood, the police weren’t getting much hits on the criminal gang of sorcerers holding people hostage with their bounty of gold they procured from a bank until they got caught and made a run for it.

Commissioner Leon was gritting his teeth, he really didn’t want to have to call the SRD (Sorcery Response Division) because in his opinion they tended to take things to the extreme. And he really didn’t want to have to once again be shown that he can’t take control of a chaotic situation.

“Men! Hold your fire, we must make recovering the hostages our priority!”

If only it were that easy…

One of the sorcerer thugs combusted one of the vehicles which shielded at least 4 officers, Leon being one of them.

“Shit…!!!” Leon expected to feel excruciating pain…but he didn’t feel a thing.

He opened his eyes and saw the explosion being contained into what appeared to be a sort of force field. The officers around him were confused while the Sorcerers were outraged.

“Who…who is responsible for this?” 

“Dunno sir, I was surely ready to say my prayers for a moment there!”

When the gang ringleader performed a spell of great wind in an effort to blow the officers away to make their escape, it took all Leon had to keep himself from being launched sky high and fall to his death.

His fingers gripping the lamppost were slipping and finally he along with his team were about 100 meters into the air.

“Well, not exactly how I wanted to go out…” Leon wasn’t particularly religious but he was hoping for some kind of miracle, if not for him than for his officers of which many of them have families. 

He then felt his fall however slow until he was merely hovering above the air, slowly moving back towards the ground. Leon was shocked, once again he and his officers were saved!

“Come on! Let’s leg it!” The criminals began to hijack one of the remaining police vehicles not caught by the wind, they began to panic at someone foiling their heist and decided to go for broke. The hostages took the opportunity to flee from this madness. 

Leon snapped out of it and ordered his men to shoot the tires. One of the criminals however gave them a magical shove as the driver accelerated the gas and made a break for it.

“Quickly! Get in a car and chase them! For those without a vehicle call for backup!” Before Leon could get into his car however…the criminals were all bolted back along with their stolen vehicle.

They appeared unconscious, the car a bit on the damaged side but it looked like the four vermin were fine.   

“Sir? I don’t understand what is going on?”

Leon wished he had an answer to give them. Fortunately however it came in the form of a what appeared to be a young man? Silvery gray hair, slender but toned body, pale skin tone, red cloak with dark brown garments and black boots.

What caught Leon's gaze however were the man’s eyes…

Pure Gold .

Usually, sorcerers can’t maintain such flow of their magic for longer than a minute…yet this stranger made it look effortless.

“Halt! Sorcerer! Don’t move!” His lieutenant and fellow officers trained their sights on the strange sorcerer, who cocked his head at them with an innocent expression.

“Warlock actually. You’re welcome by the way boys.” A whirlwind spiraled around the man who vanished once the dust settled.

“Search every corner! He couldn’t have gone far!” Leon barked orders to his crew, who began to search in every direction, calling HQ for more backup.

Before Leon could breathe however 3 large vans with the letters SRD pulled over right by the rubble. Well-armed soldiers marched their way out leaving a path for their commander…Aredian.

“Commissioner, I must say I’m quite surprised. You actually caught some magical scoundrels for once, why do tell me what’s changed?”

If Leon was annoyed by the smugness in the SRD leaders voice, he was good at hiding it. “I would like to say we did it ourselves but…I believe it was the sorcerer vigilante Emrys who came to our aid.”

Aredian scoffed “I knew you were too incompetent, not only did you arrogantly try to keep us from being informed as soon as this crime had occurred, but you even dare to allow yourselves to rely on a Sorcerer for help?”

“Commander Aredian, it’s well known that the SRD’s methods of detaining magical practitioners are as inhumane as keeping animals in a zoo.”

“As well they should be. Sorcerers are nothing more than animals themselves.”

Leon kept any further emotion from breaching his face. He knew a losing battle when he saw one.

“Chain them up, we’ll deal with them at the facility.” With that Aredian made sure to tip the media as the SRD drove off with the unconscious criminals in tow.

Leon sighed, telling his officers they did a great job even though they all knew that if anything the SRD just had a major power boost at yet another one of their failures.

If only Leon knew why Emrys keeps trying to help them anyway…?

His eye however caught a glimpse at a figure hopping off a roof a fair distance away, getting closer to the main city.

“Emrys…who are you?”

As Leon just stood there watching the man disappear into the night, his officers started to ask what he was looking at.

“Hmm? Oh just thinking about all the shit we’re going to get in the press come morning…” Smooth.

“Hang in their boss, surely the Mayor won’t have you resign. You’re the best in Camelot, he needs you." His subordinate said.

Leon was flattered they felt that way but honestly, he didn’t know just how many more failures Mayor Lot can tolerate.

Leon turned back to the direction Emrys fled to. “Why do you do this at all? When the entire world just hates you anyway?”

An hour passed midnight – Downtown Camelot

Emrys landed on the roof of his apartment building and magicked the door to enter open. As he was walking down to his apartment number his body shimmered. Gone was the strong and fearless form of the sorcerer vigilante…now the lanky, scrawny, raven-haired body with blue eyes that required glasses to see with properly.

Here we have Merlin Ambrosius, part time superhero…full time loser.

“I really hate Aredian, he has a stick the size of the moon up his ass…”

As he got to his family’s apartment, he quietly…ever so quietly opened the door with his key, dreading waking up his mother or brother.

The door kept making squeaky sounds as he tried to close it, frustrating Merlin to no end.

“Ssshhhh…!” He whispered as if the door had ears…

Finally closing it shut he left his shoes back by the door where his mother last saw them and tip toed over to his room. On his way past he saw Mordred’s room with his little brother deep asleep holding his dragon action figure that their father gave Merlin when he was a little boy.

Merlin gave it to Mordred for his birthday recently, it really brightened the kid’s face when he saw it. Honestly Merlin didn’t really need it, he had a plethora of memories of their dad that Mordred doesn’t…

His mother’s door was shut so hopefully that meant she was fast asleep herself…

Nope.

The second he entered his room his bed lamp switched on; Merlin froze like a deer caught in headlights!

“Merlin.” There was his mother sitting in his bed, arms crossed and looking alarmingly not happy…

“Hey…mum…”

Hunith was unimpressed at her son’s nervousness and sighed.

“Do you want to explain yourself? Why is it that I woke to find that you’ve snuck out in the dead of night?”

“Well…”

“…?”

“You see…”

“Yes?” Hunith’s hand motioned in a ‘go on’ gesture.

“…umm…”

Hunith heard enough. “Merlin, this can’t keep happening. Ever since, ever since your father died you’ve been neglecting your studies, you keep coming home late and when you are home you sneak out to do gods know what.” It was worse because his mum didn’t even shout…she just sounded tired.

“Mum, I’m sorry, I promise I’m not doing anything bad.” “ Fighting criminals doesn’t count as bad surely…?”

“No? You won’t even tell me what you’ve been up to!” She barked out.

Both heard Mordred turning in the next room, Hunith than looked down. This time in a lowered voice she said. “Your father’s death was hard on all of us son, but things need to change around here. Especially now since I’m working extra hours just to keep us from being kicked out onto the street. You need to come home early and stay home.”

Merlin looked a bit guilty, but how can he just tell his mum that what he’s doing is because of dad? How can he tell her that he, wimpy Merlin was the crime fighting vigilante that took Camelot by storm early this year?

“Promise me Merlin that you’ll be home tomorrow straight after University.”

“But mum! I have a—”

But Hunith cut him off “Responsibility to look after your brother while I’m gone Merlin.”

He knew that, of course Merlin knew that. It’s just…being out there, being Emrys…it’s like he’s making a difference. He can pretend he isn’t weak and worthless. He can keep people from experiencing all the pain and hardships he’s felt.

“Okay mum you win, I’ll be here.” Merlin nodded.

Hunith stood and moved closer to her son, who was now taller than her these days, she looked him in the eye trying to search for any deceit.

“Promise?”

“Promise.”

Hunith smiled, and hugged her boy. “Than please go to sleep, and I mean it. You have class in the morning. Actually it’s what nearly 2 in the morning? You have class in 6 hours young man. Off to bed with you.” Hunith laughed at the horror in Merlin’s eyes as she went to close Mordred’s door before going to bed herself.

As soon as he heard the door close, Merlin quickly went to his laptop and searched the media websites to see the latest news.

MAGIC VIGILANTE SPOTTED AT SHOOTING EVENT

Neutral, good enough.

MYSTERIOUS WIZARD A SUSPECT IN THE GOLD HEIST?

Merlin had to scoff at that, these publications really love smearing him.

SRD COMMANDER PLEDGES TO APPREHEND EMRYS

“He can try.” Still Merlin shuddered at the thought of being anywhere near Aredian’s crosshairs.

MP UTHER PENDRAGON DEMANDS EMRYS BE BROUGHT BEFORE PARLIAMENT IN CHAINS

Ugh Uther...

"Really weird that he's actually Arthur's father. They’re almost nothing alike."

OFFICER AT SCENE SAYS VIGILANTE SAVED THEM

Huh…this is interesting. He can’t recall ever having officers saying anything factual about him. Mostly just ravaging that he’s a lawbreaker and that magic should be locked away.

Who is this officer?

Merlin clicked the link to the article and read some of the dialogue.

Officer…Leon.

“He was a great help to us, without him my officers and perhaps even myself would not have survived the ordeal. I don’t condone vigilantism don’t get me wrong, but to say that Emrys didn’t save our lives would be grossly disingenuous,”

Merlin kept re-reading it over and over again…

He didn’t think he would be making an impact on people this quickly, least of all a police officer. It honestly made him feel fulfilled, as if all the sleepless nights of patrol and constant evasion of the law and anti-magic crowds were worth every minute.

It would be a slow process, but his dream is that one day magic and mundane and live side by side in harmony. That way, no one else’s fathers will ever be stolen from them.

Merlin wiped the tears flowing down his face, putting his glasses down on his night table.

He printed a copy of the article and taped it on his wall, to serve as a reminder that Emrys…no matter how hard the struggle is beginning to make a difference out there.

He smiled to himself as he removed his shirt and trousers and just flopped onto the bed, not even bothering to get under the sheets.

“Dad, I won’t let you down…”

Merlin was abruptly woken up a few hours later when a large weight jumped onto his back.

“Oof…ugh…Mordred…” Merlin groaned, so exhausted.

“Morning Merlin!” The smile on his brother's face was so hideous…

“Mordred you’re like 9…why are you such a morning person???” Merlin moved him to the side as he sat up and rubbed his eyes awake. 

“I’m not tired.”

“I can see that…”

Hunith than stepped in, her nurses uniform on neatly. “Ah good your awake, breakfast is on the table. Quickly get ready, you need to drop your brother off at school before you get to Uni.”

“Sure mum…” Merlin said idly as he checked his phone for any messages. Shooing Mordred away when he tried to snoop.

1 new message from Will 

Will: Holy shit Merls! The news are going bananas over you! That prick Uther practically shat a pickle xD

Merlin snorted while checking for any more.

1 new message from Freya

Freya: Merlin are you alright? I saw the news, I hope you you didn’t stick around for the SRD. That Aredian bloke looks like a cutthroat… :/

Merlin typed a reply, confirming he’s fine.

2 new messages from Prince Prat

Prince Prat: Hey dollophead thanks for the notes, you may have just saved me a lecture from my father on maintaining ‘proper grades’…so thanks

Prince Prat: Also if anyone asks, I totally passed the exam on my own!

Merlin rolled his eyes as he sent a tongue emoji at Arthur. 

You: 😝

His eyes widened at the last message sender however.

1 new message from Morgana

Every time she texts him it sends butterflies in his stomach. They met through Arthur, by all rights Merlin shouldn’t be friends with either Pendragon but well…his father Balinor was friends with Uther in their youth. However, according to his father they had a falling out not long after Arthur’s birth and it was only until he was in secondary school did he meet and befriend Arthur…after helping the prat pass maths. 

Through him he met his sister, Morgana. The most beautiful girl in the world. Who couldn’t possibly notice a wimp like Merlin…

Somehow though he hasn’t ticked her off yet, she still finds him amusing enough to talk to pleasantly. He considers her a friend and hopes she views him similarly…even if he wishes it were more.

Morgana: So apparently I saw Arthur doing all of his maths work in record time. Be honest, you helped didn’t you?

Merlin stifled a laugh, she got him. 

You: Maybe? ;)

Morgana is typing…

Morgana: Ha! Knew something was odd! You’re way too nice Merlin 😹

You: Eh well, how else will the prat last through freshman year??? 😂 I’ll see you soon yeah?

Merlin would have waited ages to see if she responded but his mother cleared her throat.

“Merlin, I gave you that phone so that I can contact you easily, not so that you can ignore me whenever I speak.” Hunith said dryly.

Merlin turned to her with a cheeky smile and waved her off. “Not ignoring you mum, get to work safely. I’ll make sure the little rugrat gets to school safely.” He said rubbing Mordred’s head earning a pout.

Hunith sighed and kissed her boys goodbye while they both got dressed. 

“Merlin, why do you always smile so weirdly when you talk to your friend?” Mordred asked, eating the oats and toast their mother prepared.

“Hmm? Smile? Weird? Friend?” Merlin was nervous as to this line of questioning. 

“Mhmm.”

“…Which friend?”

“Morgana. You get all weird whenever you talk with her.” Mordred always made sure to talk after he swallowed his food. His mother would be so proud.

Merlin blushed at the insinuation…I mean he’s right but still!

“Oh look at the time it’s getting late we should get going pal!” Merlin instantly swallowed the remaining oats and quickly ushered Mordred to get his jacket and shoes on.

While they were about to leave however, Merlin's phone pinged.

1 new message from Morgana.

Morgana: Like always 👍🏻 

“You see! There it is again! That weird smile!” 

Merlin groaned as his blush worsened. “Just start walking Mordred! Sheesh!” 

Mordred’s giggle is perhaps his only redeeming quality.

Chapter Text

Camelot Primary School 101

“Alright Mordy, I’ll be here to get you when I’m off class. Please please please don’t get into anymore trouble with those friends of yours.” Merlin pleaded.

Mordred just grinned, “Oh don’t worry, can’t get in trouble if we aren’t caught.”

“Hmm, that’s what you said last time. Then you got caught.”

“It was one time! And I had to pee!”

“I’m sure Kara could have done those pranks without you.”

“Nuh-uh! It was teamwork!”

Merlin looked unimpressed, “Really? Than what were Sefa and Daegal doing?”

“They were the lookout! It’s an important job.” Mordred said looking mighty proud doing it.

“…Than they’re quite shit at their jobs than since you got caught anyway.” Merlin responded dryly.

“You said a swear word!”

“Oh come off it you twat, you’re certainly not going to tell mum about it.” Merlin laughed, ruffling his brother’s hair which annoyed him.

“…No.” He admitted.

The two are very close with each other. Merlin wasn’t much older than Mordred when their father died while Mordred himself was a toddler. Given the fact that their mother is worked to the bone it only made Merlin feel more responsible to being the good role model Mordred needed in place of their dad.

Some days it’s easy, others not so much. Some days Merlin himself needed a pick me up, but they always stood by each other.

“Brothers before mothers.” They both said, chuckling to their little motto.

“Mordred! Come on!”

They looked by the school entrance and saw Mordred’s friend Daegal waving at him.

“Well rugrat, I’ll see you later.” Merlin went to pat his brother on the shoulder as Mordred than ran to greet his friend.

Merlin smiled, he hoped that his mother would have good day as well. She thinks she’s clever, but he saw the bills in her desk piling up. It’s only a miracle that their landlord hasn’t yet given them their eviction notice.

Merlin looked at his phone for the time and perked up at how early it was.

“Hmm, seems like I’ll be on time for once, maybe I can take the scenic route for change?”

Perhaps this was good karma for a job well done?

*BOOM*

…He really played himself huh?

Merlin turned to the sound of the explosion as everyone around him starting running, while some idiots actually stayed to film the entire scene with their phones.

It appeared to be some typical muggers robbing a jewelry store, what made them not so typical were the tattoos on their forearms.

A crescent, full, and dark moon, the symbol of the Triple Goddess.

Merlin read about the fabled goddess of course, but he didn’t think there were still true believers…

In any event he had to act, so much for being on time…

Merlin quickly shoved his way out into a discreet alleyway, stuffing his sack into a skip before double checking his surroundings.

“Coast is clear…”

Magic swirled and shimmered throughout Merlin’s body as his wimpy frame toughened into the body of Emrys. Black hair turning silver, blue eyes to gold. Finished with his trusted cloak that thankfully didn’t get too damaged last night.

Emrys jumped onto the roof to evaluate the situation.

“Hmm they’re holding hostages; a direct approach would be catastrophic. But I also don’t have much time before the police and the SRD arrive. If I’m going to make a move it has to be now.”

Emrys’ golden eyes examined the building and notice some choke points in the structure. No back door and a not a very large space overall. 5 bogies total, 3 inside and 2 on lookout outside.

“Perfect.”

Emrys leaped high across on top of the store, directly beneath him were the lookout guards keeping anyone at bay with magical attacks.

“Madame N really wants this job to go without a hitch.” The guy on the left spoke.

“Yeah, she was pissed when the other blokes got caught by that fucker Aredian. I’m scared to see what she’ll do if we fail here…” His partner replied.

Emrys took note of that name however. “Madame N? Interesting. I should file that away for later.”

Time to get to work.

Emrys dropped down and stomped the guy on the right hard into the ground, scaring not only his partner but the thugs inside.

Emrys quickly dispatched the other man with a push of magic, knocking his head against the wall, before binding the both where they laid.

“Shit! It’s him! It’s that vigilante that was all over the news!” One of them shouted.

“He’s the bastard who fucked up the operation last night!” Thug number 2 shouted.

“NOT ANOTHER STEP! WE’LL KILL THEM WE MEAN IT!”

The hostages were panicking, haven’t there been enough sorcerers to wreak havoc on them? Now this so-called vigilante was here to make things worse???!!!

Emrys said nothing as he turned toward each man, 2 of them had a steady heartbeat, but the one keeping his hand pointed at a hostage was panicking on the inside. Good he’ll use that to his advantage.

Emrys smirked as he erupted in smoke, causing everyone to cough incessantly.

“Fuck…where’d he go?!”

“I don’t know but don’t stray off! We stick together!

“Guys I’m fucking scared!!!”

 “Shut the fuck up! And you, hurry up with the fucking jewels don’t think this clown can save you from us!” The thug aimed a fireball at the store manager who…didn’t look scared? Rather he was in awe.

“What the fuck are you looking at?! The thug turned around and saw his 2 remaining partners unconscious with a serious looking Emrys staring him down.

…What the hell???

“Look at what befell your friends. Now tell me, what do you think I’ll do to you?” Spoke the vigilante.

“…Shit…I’m not going down with a fight!” The crook charged at Emrys with some flaming punches and aerial kicks.

Emrys weaved and danced around this sad display, the adrenaline was thick. He can read every movement he’ll make before he makes it. Crouching beneath a jab to his head and jumping over a sweeping kick. Waiting just a bit more for this guy to tire himself out.

Now!

Emrys did a cartwheel kick to the man’s gut and sent him flying to the jewels display, smashing the glass entirely.

“You all can go now.” Emrys told the hostages, who finally blinked out of their stupor and ran like he was about to kill them all.

He sighed but made his way over to the leader of this little group, and lifted him up before shoving him to the wall by the collar of his shirt.

“So tell me, who’s this Madame N character? She your boss? Why is she planning all of these random heists for?"

The thug glared and spat at Emrys’ face. “The only thing better than a snitch is a dead snitch. Go fuck yourself you traitor!”

“Hmm? Traitor?” What in the world is he on about?

“You turn your powers against your own kind! You’re a bloody turncoat! And when Madame N finally gets her hands on you, you’ll be sorry you ever stood against us!”

Emrys wanted to ask more but than heard the police sirens in the distance. Shit, he has to go!

“I’d like to see her try.” Was his only response before knocking the prick unconscious.

He had to get out of here, otherwise well he wouldn’t be able to leave without doing questionable things to the good coppers…

Still the only way out was the front door…great…

Flashes of lights kept littering his vision as the media had now arrived as well as the bystanders still filming with their bloody smartphones.

“HALT! HANDS IN THE AIR! DON’T MOVE!

Emrys slowly raised his arms at the officers command, as two of them slowly walked over. Guns pointed at him, but just as Emrys was still trying to see how he would get out of this without hurting them an SRD van pulled up.

Soldiers came pouring out and dispersed the crowd and reporters.

“We have this under control!” An officer shouted.

“The damage here proves otherwise; the Commander was wise to believe the police would fail once again.”

“We were just about to bring Emrys into custody before you dramatically waltzed into the scene!”

“Really? Then where is he now?”

“Huh? He’s right…..what???”

Everyone looked at the now vacant spot where Emrys just stood not just a few moments ago.

“But…how…???” The officers were all confused and bewildered.

“Hmph, as expected. The police department are ill-equipped to deal with sorcery. Not only did they fail to arrive at the scene rapidly but they let the dangerous Emrys escape right under their nose.” The SRD Captain told the media reporters who stubbornly remained.

“And yet you didn’t show yourselves either until now?! What’s your excuse?” A more senior officer demanded.

“That is precisely why we need Parliament to increase funding for the Sorcery Response Division. Constructing new departments which means more eyes on the field…and deconstructing those that are worthless.”

“Why you--!”

A hand held the shoulder of the officer as he was about to rant. It was Commissioner Leon.

“Tell Aredian we’re not intimidated by his scare tactics. And the people are not so foolish that they can’t see this is just you playing politics with their lives.”

“Be that as it may Commissioner, the public grows weary of your departments inability to keep them safe from the evils of magic. Hopefully when we get a better Prime Minister, he will see sense.”

“The good policemen will not cave to this pressure campaign. We will continue to do our duty to our people and make to sure to serve the law faithfully. We don’t need you interfering with that.”

The SRD Captain merely smirked as he ordered his soldiers to apprehend the unconscious sorcerers.

He than leaned towards Leon’s ear and whispered. “Commander Aredian doesn’t need to pressure you Commissioner. Merely allow you to continue as you do. Once your failure’s pile up…the people will yearn for new leadership and Uther Pendragon will provide that.”

Leon jerked in shock “Uther??? What makes you think he’ll win the election?”

A smirk was his only reply. “Take care Commissioner. For your department’s time may be very limited indeed.”

Leon and his officers glared at the leaving SRD, with the reporters now asking them countless questions.

To the distance on a roof however was Emrys.

“Nothing like a classic distraction to make a quick getaway. Only time I’ll thank the SRD…still that wasn’t the best work I’ve done. I have to move faster if I want to avoid being put in that position again.”

He got a bit cocky with that last guy, he should have just put him away immediately. But he needed to know more about their leader, this Madame N.

These people, they keep robbing places of wealth. Banks, jewel shops, the rich houses. Are they just enriching themselves? Or is there a reason why they need wealth?

And then there was the discussion he just eavesdropped on, so Arthur’s dad was running for Prime Minister...

Merlin only met Uther Pendragon a few times but never long enough to have a discussion and never alone. His father’s words always sticking to the forefront of his mind whenever he thinks of Uther.

“He has hated magic ever since his wife died. That was the end of our friendship.”

Ygraine had died due to the fact that apparently no doctor could treat her illness while she was pregnant. So, Uther went to a sorceress and she killed her.

Or at least that was what the official story was.

Even his father didn’t know the entire truth, and if he did he never told Merlin. Nor can Merlin ask him now.

In any event, Emrys had to keep an eye on how the political scene in Parliament is going. Whoever becomes Prime Minister could either make his job easier or harder.

He jumped down behind the building he was on and shimmered back into Merlin.

“Well…that was a workout.”

OH SHIT!

Merlin checked his phone, he only had 10 minutes left! And it was a 20 minute walk!

He quickly ran towards the direction to Uni…and then

“FUCK I FORGOT MY SACK!”

University of Camelot

As Professor Gaius was ready to begging, Merlin barged into class all sweaty and hair all messy with crooked glasses.

“Hmm…Mr. Ambrosius, late again I see?”

“Sorry sir, it won’t happen again?”

“I doubt it, you’re just lucky the lesson hasn’t begun. Kindly take your seat.”

Merlin blushed and made his way to the back of the room, hearing all the jibes and snorts going his way.

Alvarr another student stuck his leg out causing Merlin to trip and fall.

“Oops.”

“What’s the ruckus?” Gaius turned around to see Merlin on the floor.

“Oh, nothing sir, just helping Merlin up on his feet is all.” Alvarr said innocently as he roughly dragged Merlin up and to his seat. Causing the boy to glare at the jock who just smirked and jeered.

“I see, very good.” He than turned back to write the scientific equations on the board for everyone to copy.

Merlin remained laser focused on the lesson; he can’t afford to fail any classes. He’s only here because of an academic scholarship so if he loses this than it’s not just him who’s screwed. His mother can’t afford college period. Besides getting a degree in chemistry can open up so many different opportunities not just for Merlin…but for Emrys to take advantage of every bit of knowledge he receives. It’s only fortunate that his father taught him to tinker with computers at a young age.

“Alright see you next week, and Mr. Ambrosius please remain for a moment.”

Merlin heard Alvarr chuckle with his buddies as he waited by Professor Gaius’ desk until the room was empty save for them.

“Merlin, I don’t think I need to tell you that punctuation is crucial to being productive in society.”

“I’m really sorry Professor I was simply caught in a sticky situation this morning.”

Half-truths are the best lies…

“Such as?”

“Well…I was near the robbery attempt at that uh jewelry store. You know that the sorcerer’s were robbing. I even saw Emrys stop them.”

“Okay too much, don’t show too much self-enthusiasm!” Merlin cursed at himself.

Gaius quirked his infamous brow. “No Merlin I don’t know. I was in class…if what you say is true so be it. However, this is not your first tardiness and you have been absent multiple times from my class before. You are simply lucky that you get good scores on the exams else you’d be dropped from the class.”

“I’ll try my hardest to do better sir, really.” Merlin nodded.

Gaius sighed “Look I know things are hard at home, I’ve known your mother since she herself was my student and you in mere diapers. If there is anything I can do to help please don’t hesitate to ask. I just ask that you be more responsible.”

That word again…responsible…

“It’s not like I don’t try…”

Merlin bit his lip and nodded assuredly at his mentor and pseudo-grandfather.  

“How is she anyway? And young Mordred?”

“They’re doing fine Gaius, as fine as can be anyway. I just dropped the rascal off at school before I arrived. He seems to love being there with his friends.”

“Can’t blame him, if I actually had time I’d hang with mine too over going home.”

Then again, it’s not like even if he did have time he could. Will and Freya both didn’t come to his university. Will decided to just go straight to finding work. While Freya is actually interning at the hospital his mother works in, deciding to get some experience before going to medical school.

Arthur…yeah, he does go here but combined with Merlin’s more…nocturnal activities and Arthur’s need to perform light duties for his father in Parliament, they don’t have too much time to just hang about.

Then there’s Morgana…

…Moving on

“That’s good to hear, I was concerned how his view on life would be after the death of Balinor. I’m glad to see that you yourself have also picked up well Merlin.”

“…Thanks.”

A professional would argue that Merlin never got ‘picked up’ at all. Since he clearly never got over it in the first place. Emrys is sheer proof of that.

Luckily Hunith can’t afford a therapist…

Merlin’s phone pinged, causing Gaius to roll his eyes.

“Now than I know you don’t have a class this hour, so I’d recommend instead of wasting your free time on your phone you instead either catch up on the work you missed the last time you were tardy. Or prepare for your upcoming one with Alice.”

Ah Alice, Gaius’ wife and his maths Professor. Not a nasty thing to say about her.

“Good advice heh.”

Gaius waved off his student as he then went to prep his next class as well.

Merlin steered clear from the jocks on his way out, not wanting to attract too much attention.

It was weird, as Emrys he wouldn’t even blink at guys like them. But the second he’s back to being Merlin it’s like his balls have shriveled up.

Logically he knows he can deal with them but if he does than his family gets involved. The SRD will absolutely want to interrogate Hunith and Mordred to see what Merlin’s been doing. Which isn’t fair since they have zero clue that he’s even doing anything other than maybe drugs or something with shady people at night.

Not exactly a good image but it’s better than them knowing he’s Emrys…

Merlin’s thoughts were interrupted when he bumped into someone.

“Oh sorry I wasn’t looking where I was…”

Oh it’s Morgana…

Well that’s splendid…

“…Going…”

Morgana looked amused.

“Sorry Morgs, you alright?”

“I’m fine Merlin, honestly you weigh about 40 kilos soaking wet. I think I’ll survive.” She jibed, laughing at Merlin’s red tinted cheeks.

“Haha. So how’s your morning so far?”

“Oh you know how it is, little brothers always tend to make things harder than it has to be.”

“Hmm not really, Mordred’s a boy scout when he’s home. He’d never dare cross mum.”

Morgana snorted “Great want to exchange?”

“God no! But what did Arthur do now?”

“Aside from chatting it up with his mates all night and then needing to catch up on his work early in the morning, it was a miracle he didn’t get me late trying to drag his arse out of bed when he finally crashed.”

“…Yeah he’s all yours.”

“How sad. You however look worse for wear. What’s going on with you?” She asked looking at him inquisitively.

“Well…”

“May have gotten involved into some kind of magical organization and high on the list of wanted men in the country…”

“…Nothing exciting.”

“Hmm…”

Merlin began to sweat when Morgana kept trying to drill him down with her gaze.

She really needs to stop looking at him like that, those green eyes always seem to turn him into a tongue twisting idiot...!

“Ah Merlin there you are!”

Merlin could kiss Arthur.

Both of them turned towards an approaching Arthur who was looking pretty sweaty.

“Sheesh did you take a swim on your way here?”

“Oh shut it you harpy! Here are your notes back Merlin.” Arthur handed over the sheets of paper to Merlin who thanked him before stuffing it in his sack.

“So how was rugby practice?” Merlin didn’t care one bit, but hey anything to keep Morgana from asking too many questions.

“What’s there to say I was the best as always.” Arthur huffed up his chest like the prat he was.

“Hmm, so your team lost huh?” Morgana teased.

“Of course not!”

“Sure.”

“Well, I’m sure you did your best.” Merlin joined in on the fun with a chuckle.

“Oh stop always taking her side Merlin.” Arthur rolled his eyes.

Merlin stiffened a blush as Morgana chuckled “Not my fault Merlin just has common sense Arty.”

“Didn’t I tell you never to call me that again?! Especially in public!” Arthur’s own blush was dominating his face.

“Arty?” The first Merlin’s heard of that.

“Shut up!”

Merlin and Morgana both laughed at his embarrassment.

“Anyway! Merlin, can we talk? Alone?” Arthur asked him, looking pointedly at his sister.

Morgana rolled her eyes “Whatever, just remember we need to go straight home to help Uther with his campaign.”

“You really need to start calling him Father.”

“I will when he acts like one.”

“Or you can stop being immature about it.”

“Oh look at the pot calling the kettle black.”

“Ugh whatever! Just go already!”

Morgana snorted “Cya Merlin, don’t let this fool lower your IQ points, yes?”

Merlin just waved goodbye, not trusting himself to say anything especially with Arthur watching.

“Hmm, trouble at home with Uther? Wonder what that was all about…?”

“Finally, thought she’d never leave. So look I need your help.”

“Hmm? Another exam?”

“No. Well maybe? I don’t know yet but look has Gwen…said anything about me?”

Merlin quirked a brow “Like what?”

“Well…maybe that she fancies me?”

Merlin took a second to process that…

“Huh?!”

Arthur snorted “Well come on Merlin I know you two are friends, she had to have spoken something about me."

"She’s Morgana’s friend too why not ask her?”

“I’ll pretend you didn’t just ask me a stupid question.”

“Prat.”

“Twat.”

“Dollophead.”

“…A what?”

“In two words?”

“…Sure…?”

“Arthur. Pendragon.”

Arthur grabbed Merlin and gave him a noogie, causing the daytime nerd to try to free himself.

“Sorry Merlin couldn’t hear you over your constant prattle, what was it again?”

“Get off me you smelly prat!”

“Hmm my hearing’s getting pretty shit, I don’t know…”

“Look Gwen may or may not think you look handsome. Happy?!”

Arthur finally let him go with a satisfying smirk on his face. “Only handsome? I guess I can work with that.”

Merlin scoffed “You know you could just talk to her like a normal human being right? It shouldn’t be this hard…than again you are emotionally obtuse.”

Arthur tried to whack Merlin in the head which Merlin actually dodged…bumping into Alvarr. He and his buddy Valiant looked like pillars.

“Oh Merlin you just can’t seem to stay out of my line of sights huh?” Alvarr smirked at the now nervous Merlin who cursed himself for not noticing the jock sneak up on him.

Arthur stepped forward. “Don’t you have someone else to annoy?”

“Aww, going to protect your little pet? What would daddy think of this?”

“I’m not sure I need to know what your pimp thinks Alvarr.”

“What?!” Alvarr turned tomato red in rage!

“Bugger off, before you see just why I’m the best rugby player in the entire city.”

…Did Arthur really need to brag about his so called skills NOW?! Merlin face palmed.

Valiant noticed they were drawing the eyes of campus security. “Hey let’s do this later.” He whispered to Alvarr’s ear.

Alvarr glared at Arthur before turning to Merlin, the message was clear. This wasn’t over.

Merlin, finally released his breath. Sheesh that could have turned ugly in an instant.

“You alright?”

Merlin turned to Arthur “Yeah…thanks.”

“Nonsense, the likes of them aren’t worth thinking about.”

“Easy for the captain of the rugby team to say.”

“Anyway cya later yes?”

“Yeah, thanks again Arthur.”

“We’re friends Merlin, remember that yes?” Arthur pat him on the back before jogging over to the locker room.

Merlin sighed as he sat on a bench, watching everyone just go through the motions of their schedules.

I’d be so easy to just reveal his secret. Lash out and defend himself. In a perfect world he wouldn’t need to he supposed. But he could never forgive himself if his actions got his family hurt. They’ve been hurt enough already.

???

A news livestream was playing on a computer with the feed showing Uther Pendragon on a podium. It appeared as though it were a rally of some kind.  

“It is quite clear that the rise in sorcerous crimes are in direct relation to the feckless leadership of our Prime Minister! His soft approach toward dealing with the creatures allows our enemies to fester and grow right under our noses! Soon they will grow too powerful that they will overthrow the legitimate government of our country! We my fellow countrymen must take decisive action and pluck out these villains, root and stem!”

Clapping can be heard, drowning out any questions from the press.

“If my party is victorious, I swear I will take the fight to the sorcerous filth that pollutes Albion! The SRD will be the true driving police force on all matters of magic! In 5 years following my appointment, we will be free of these terrors forever!”

Loud applause was heard for the remainder of the speech. Uther waved at the crowd before stepping off, shaking hands as he did. With the SRD Commander nodding his head at the MP while they walked and talked off screen.

The live feed ended and a woman could be seen glaring at the dark screen.

“Nimueh more of our men were apprehended by the SRD. This is getting repetitive, we can’t move forward with our operations like this with so much working against us.”

Nimueh rolled her icy blue eyes and looked at her apprentice Morgause. “Not ‘many things’ just one. Emrys.”

“He was there?”

“Of course.” As she stood her triple moon tattoo can be seen from her left shoulder. “How curious that there’s a practitioner of magic out there who is working against our cause.”

“Than he’s simply a traitor, we should find him and kill him.”

“Hmph you speak that as if it were easy apprentice.”

“Surely with your power you can easily do so?” Morgause asked.

“Flattering…but no. No there’s something…different about this one.” Nimueh opened a new video showing a bystander’s footage of Emrys stopping her operation earlier in the day. The way he moved and used the tight space to his advantage. He used his magic masterfully. “He is something interesting even.”

“…I’ll admit, seeing him in action like this does make me wonder why he isn’t on our side. With him there’s no way Uther Pendragon or the SRD could prevail in their crusade!”

“The question remains however…how do we find him?” Nimueh though aloud.

“Mistress…if I may propose a plan?” Morgause asked with a devious smile.

Nimueh heard her out, and a smirk of her own made its way to her rose-colored lips.