I know it has been a really long time since I updated this story. For more months than I care to remember I had been working 16 hr days, 6 days a week! My schedule has finally calmed down so I will be updating regularly from now on! ^_^ Thanks for the comments! I love feedback! It is also nice to hear that my story is getting read!

I am going to try to avoid so many exclamation points from here on out. I just had to get them out of my system first. ;)

As to Gaius, Gwaine, Gwen and Freya, sadly they won't be making an appearance in this story. It is more having to do with Arthur and Merlin and how things would be if he actually did return in present day. Realistically, I can't see anyone else making it to the future with them, you know? I suppose Freya could make a cameo at some point, but the story just isn't really about anyone aside from Arthur and Merlin.

HOWEVER… I do have other stories! In most of them the whole gang is there. And if you are looking specifically for a modern Merlin story you should check out my story "Double Go." In that one Arthur runs into a descendant of Gwen in present day, as well as Merlin finding an eternal Freya.

Well, without further ado…

Chapter Two - Catalyze This

Arthur tried hard to wrap his mind around what Merlin had just said. He wondered how such a thing could be possible. "Merlin, you can't expect me to believe a story like that."

Merlin shrugged. "I'm sure it will be easier to accept once we get off the lake. You must promise to listen to the things I tell you. The world has changed much over the years. There are many new dangers."

Arthur scowled at Merlin. "Don't be ridiculous Merlin."

Merlin started to worry about Arthur's safety. Just past the lake was a highway. Arthur knew nothing of vehicles and how deadly they could be.

"Arthur, listen to me very closely. In this time, there is so much I need to teach you. If you fail to heed my warnings it could get us both killed! If you have ever considered me as your friend, you have to trust me." Merlin pleaded. He could see in Arthur's eyes that he believed him.

"I know why you don't want it to be true," Merlin added.

Arthur's thoughts were of Gwen, but he couldn't bring himself to voice his pain. Instead he said, "Why am I here, then? Why now?"

Merlin shook his head. "I honestly don't know. I got a strong feeling that you were returning and so I came. Kilgharrah had told me that you would return in a time of Albion's greatest need."

"Merlin, what are you going on about? Who is this Kilgharrah?"

Merlin glanced at Arthur and shook his head. He wasn't even going to try and explain anything from the past at this moment. Right now he had to focus on getting Arthur back to his flat. But how would he do that without Arthur doing something stupid that might get him hurt?

Merlin spoke words of magic and the boat started to drift to shore. Arthur gave a little start of surprise which caused the warlock to snigger to himself.

They reached the shore and got out of the boat. "Follow me," Merlin said.

Arthur cleared his throat self-importantly and didn't move.

Merlin marched back to stand in front of him. "Arthur, you aren't a king here. You don't know anything about the world now! If you don't listen to me you will never make it." Merlin's expression softened. "You will always be my king, and I am ever your faithful servant. But just for a little while, let me take the lead, please?"

After several long moments Arthur nodded solemnly. Merlin headed off again in the direction of his car. Arthur followed obediently behind him. When they reached the highway Merlin held up his hand as a warning for Arthur to stop. Merlin prayed that no cars would pass until they reached his Nova. He was grateful when his wish was granted.

They stood beside his car.

"Why have we stopped," Arthur asked.

Merlin bit his lip. "This is my... It is a vehicle that has replaced the horse and cart."

Arthur eyed it suspiciously. "What pulls it forward?"

"It's called a motor." Merlin unlocked his door and reached in to pop open the hood. He walked to the front of the car, then lifted and propped it open for Arthur to look at the engine. "Don't freak out," Merlin said as he got back inside the car to start it."

"Freak out?" Arthur puzzled over Merlin's words. He jumped when the engine roared to life.

Merlin couldn't help but laugh as he rushed back to his friend's side. "Sorry, sorry. I didn't mean to startle you."

Arthur tried to regain his composure. "Not at all. This is a… fine contraption you have here."

Merlin grinned knowingly. "Shall we," he asked.

Arthur sucked in a great breath and blew it back out. "Yes, of course."

Merlin closed the hood, then led him around to the passenger door and opened it for him. He gestured for Arthur to get inside. When Arthur didn't move, Merlin shoved on him a little until he finally lowered himself down onto the seat. Merlin shut the door and looked at his friend with sympathy as he walked back to his side of the car. He couldn't imagine what Arthur must be going through.

"Ready," Merlin asked once he was seated. Arthur nodded. Merlin reached over and buckled Arthur in. He mused to himself how some things never change and wondered if he would ever be free of looking after Arthur. Then he pulled the car out onto the highway. Arthur clung to the side of the door with one hand and the dashboard with the other.

"How are you doing," Merlin asked. He wasn't used to seeing Arthur scared. Part of Merlin wanted to tease him for it and the other part just wanted it to stop because it was unnerving to watch.

"Fine," Arthur managed out.

The side of him that wanted to tease Arthur won out. Merlin switched on the radio and chuckled to himself when Arthur jumped again. Sweet Child of Mine was playing. Merlin sang along for a minute. "Good music, right," he said with a smirk.

Arthur gave a nod, but said nothing for the rest of the drive.