OK, try to imagine, 'evil Merlin'. Go on.

I know – I laughed too.

But it is an interesting concept. What if the goofy, loveable sorcerer we all know suddenly turned evil? Things could get very, very bad. Here's that story…

Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin but I do hope to soon perfect my inter-dimensional transporter and enter the world of Camelot through my TV.

Merlin had not had a good day.

Since early morning, he had been running around after Arthur, most of the time carrying heavy armour in his arms. The knights were having a tournament and they had spent all day in the training arena, Arthur fighting and Merlin clearing up after him. After what had felt like an eternity, he had been dismissed and told to be early tomorrow so he could polish Arthur's armour and sword. He had seriously considered punching Arthur in his smirking face.

Still feeling a little miffed and unappreciated, he had headed away from the field, muttering. His joints felt stiff and sore as he trudged through the rain to Gaius' chambers, thinking only of food and bed. How come Arthur had managed to avoid injury all day?

He found the rooms darkened and empty.

Concluding that Gaius must have left to attend to a patient, the young warlock paused only to grab an apple and a chunk of bread on his way to his bedroom. He kicked at the door wearily so it swung open and revealed the mattress he had been dreaming about.

Then he stopped.

Leaning against his bed was a large package, taller than him, and wrapped in brown paper. This, he decided, was probably not an early birthday present. Curious, he advanced further into the room. He set the food down on his bed and examined the mysterious object before him.

It resembled a frame, almost flat and thicker around the edges than in the middle. For some unknown reason, a chill ran down his spine as he touched it. With a sense of trepidation he reached up and took a hold of a fold in the wrapping. He tore downwards and stared at…

… himself?

It was a mirror. Laughing a little at his foolishness, he peeled back more of the paper to reveal a beautiful gilded frame surrounding a full-length mirror. It was a true testament to craftsmanship. Flowers and animals were carved into the design with words woven between the images. But why was it here? Merlin couldn't't think of anyone who would want to send him a mirror, and such an expensive one at that. It looked like it belonged more in Arthur's room than his.

Maybe that was it? Had it gotten delivered here by mistake or could he possibly be meant to take it to Arthur? He groaned at the thought and wondered how the hell he was going to carry it up the stairs. He took a step closer and wrapped his fingers around the edges of the frame. He lifted it an inch off the floor for less than a moment before setting it down again. The thing was unbelievably heavy.

Merlin rested his forehead against the cool glass, his breath fogging up the image. He began to examine it again, carefully tracing his finger along the delicate metalwork. He then realised something that gave his cause to jump back. All his uneasy feelings about the situation returned and he regarded his reflection warily.

The words on the frame were written in the Old Language. It was magic.

More cautious now, he once again approached the mirror in order to make out the words inscribed. Merlin mumbled softly as he read:

"Smēagan hwelc ic sēon in se woruld of ongēans."

The mirror surface rippled. Merlin blinked. His reflection didn't.

He reached out a hand, watching the Mirror-Merlin do the same. He paused, a millimetre away from the seemingly solid glass.

"This is a bad idea."

He touched the glass.

Without warning, his whole body fell forwards as his arm was pulled through. Panicking, Merlin tried to yank it back. Realising that it was doing no good, he yelled for help.

"Gaius! Somebody! Help me!"

A cold, gleeful and horribly familiar laugh echoed around the room. The Mirror-Merlin looked positively delighted as he observed the young man's struggles.

"It won't do you any good, Merlin. You're alone. It's just you and me in here and no one can hear you scream." He spoke with Merlin's voice but, somehow, he sounded different. He sounded evil.

"What are you?"

"Let's just say that I'm you on a really bad day."

The cold laugh continued to ring out as Merlin was viciously pulled into the Mirror World.

A/N: The words around the mirror are supposed to say 'Reflect what I see in the world of opposites'. I'm not really sure if I've got it right but, hey, it looks good!

Evil Merlin isn't so funny now is he? I honestly don't know where this fic is taking me. Apologies in advance for how long it will take me to update. I do have a valid excuse – wait for it – I don't actually have the internet at home. I'm currently typing on a school computer and since the holidays are about to start…

I will, however, find a solution so despair not! Please review! They make me so happy and offer an occasion for imaginary cookies.