Danger Magnet

by Bohdyna

It took one first disaster to make Merlin and Arthur meet and separate. How many disasters will it take to reunite them and make them stay? Overcoming challenges, hurt seeking comfort and secrets revealed... A journey of two souls meant to be together...can they really be together?

2. Part II

A/N: This is the second part of Danger Magnet. Just one part left. Yay!

Thank you so much for reading. I'd love to know what you think. The third part should be up by the end of the week. Please Read and Review.

Warnings: There is a bit of Violence and a very hurt Merlin. I'll make you know when so you can jump it you wish to.

Disclaimer: Too sad I don't own Merlin

Arthur knocked slightly on the door before entering. Merlin was seated with his legs raised to his chest. His puffy red eyes stared accusingly at Arthur which made Arthur shivered. He looked around the room that was illuminated by the chandelier pending from the ceiling. Arthur had chosen to cover the windows because he'd thought might throw himself down in the act of escaping. That was something really ridiculous to think about, but the image of Merlin lying still of the ground scared him, he thought prevention was better.

Merlin's dark glare followed Arthur till he was standing right next to the bed. Arthur ran a hand through his perfect blond hair. He was clearly nervous, probably finding a way to start a conversation. You could start by telling me what the hell I'm really doing here. Merlin thought.

Arthur cleared his throat. " You are here Merlin because some random guys are after you." To Merlin's surprise Arthur's voice was warm and without trace of nervousness. "They think you can open a secured document, and have access to private information." Arthur preferred not explaining the whole Nimueh story. "Tonight we'll be putting out an operation, and by tomorrow you can go back home with your parents". The operation consist of getting back the box Nimueh took. It contained an important government project that still have to be confirmed. Arthur had brought it home to review it, and it would be a big problem if they don't have it in the dew time. He pulled out a Samsung phone and gave it to Merlin who slowly accepted it. " There are all the numbers of the knights, your parents' and Will's too" Merlin eyes widened. He could call Will. But Arthur seems to know too much. Merlin thought his parent where the ones giving Arthur information, that means he could trust Arthur. "You might want to prepare. In less than an hour you'll be meeting with all the knights of the round table , and my sister is coming too." Arthur waited few seconds in case Merlin wanted to say something. Merlin just stared down at the phone in his hands. Arthur signed, and left the room closing the door behind him.

Merlin groaned, and laid back on the bed. These people were just trying to protect for Christ's sake. He should be a little less hard on them, Merlin thought. He stared at the phone Arthur gave him. He could call Will. But there was too much to say that it wouldn't be possible to talk all about it now. In less there than an hour he will be meeting with celebrities. He decided on not calling anyone.

Morgana, Leon and their son Mordred arrived first. Mordred was particularly excited because he was going to meet Merlin. He's heard a lot about how intelligent he is and couldn't wait to know more. "Mum can I sit with Merlin?" he asked Morgana "Please?" he added making a puppy dog eyes.

"Only if you promise to be good" was Morgana reply

" Promise promise" he said excitedly.

Mordred is a very quiet boy. He is just 7 but behaves in a very more matured way. He is very intelligent, and has got few friends of his age. "My real friends are Arthur's friends" he would say. When he's not going to school, Mordred loves going to Arthur's. Most times after school, he is driven to the Camelot where Arthur and his parent work and spend most of his time playing with any free computer. He has a very particular relationship with the knights. Each of them has got a special space in their office where Mordred can do whatever he likes, and they also have a special drawer at their respective desk where they keep , Mordred's favourites. It's their small secret that Morgana and Leon must not find out. Few minutes later, the rest of the group finally arrived, they took their place on the dinning, and waited patiently for Merlin.

"How is your boy toy doing? " Gwaine asked with a stupid smile playing on his lips.

" Don't you dare call him that" Arthur snared.

The chattering in the room suddenly stopped when they saw Merlin entering.

"Now I understand why you are so fond of him" Morgana whispered to Arthur. "He's grown into very beautiful young man".

"Merlin you've already met Gwen, Lancelot and Gwaine. This Percival, Elyan, Mithian, Leon, Morgana, and this is Modred a great fan of yours" Lamia introduced pointing to each of them.

"And you'll be sitting here" Mordred said pointing to the chair next to him. Merlin gave a tight smile, his face heating up, the attention was too much. If I can survive throughout, I can survive any other situation he thought as he sat next to Mordred. He was asked dozens questions most especially from Gwaine. Food were served, and they started talking about anything and everything with Arthur glancing at Merlin now and then. He noticed Mordred and Merlin were in a deep conversation and made others silent. Mordred and Merlin were so carried in their conversation that they didn't notice they were being listened to.

"So what do you like other than reading and playing with computers? " Merlin asked

" Nothing. I'd really loved to have a pet. I love dogs. " Mordred replied

" Me too, I love animals. I prefer smaller ones like Papillion, Pomeranian, Alaska Malamute is big but I like it " Merlin said smiling

" Wow they are my favourites too. Mum said I can't have one because I'm too small " Mordred said making a sad face "Do you think I'm small"

"Oh Erm... well I don't think you're too small to have a pet. But I think your mum has a very good reason to why you can't have a pet. When I was younger, my mum told me I couldn't have a pet because she didn't want animals in the house. I felt really sad. But I found out my dad was allergic to animals' hair, and I definitely don't want my that to get sick. Mum have her reasons"

Mordred nodded. "I like you Merlin. I want to be intelligent like you"

Merlin chuckled rouging Mordred's hair delicately " I like you too"

" So are you getting married to Arthur?" Mordred asked with an innocent smile on his face.

Merlin choked on the water he was drinking. He quickly looked around, but froze when he found everybody looking at them.

Morgana thought it was the right time to give her news. She stood up pulling Leon along. "Leon and I have got something to say" she said getting attention of everyone. "We're having a baby!". There was a loud cheer. Everybody were then talking about the unborn baby.

"I'm going to be a big brother " Mordred whispered to Merlin. He was really excited about the news.

"I think you're going to be a good big brother " Merlin whispered back smiling.

"You know I'll be sleeping here. Mum and Dad and all of them have a special operation to do" Mordred whispered

"Yeah, I know." Merlin whispered in return. Merlin was amused of how Mordred passed from one topic to another.

Arthur and others moved to the living room, drinking and laughing on Gwaine's jokes while Merlin and Mordred continued their conversation in the dining room.

"Honey, go play with Arthur and others, I need to talk to Merlin " Morgana said to Modred who reluctantly nodded and went to join others

"Hello Merlin " Morgana said and took the seat Modred was occupying. Merlin gave a little smile in reply.

" I'll just go straight to the point... Well... I've known Arthur all his life, he'll never hurt a fly, but he sometimes does stupid things, I'm definitely not trying to justify his behaviour... I'm really sorry for all this, everything will be over soon. And as you can see, Mordred really like you"

"Thank you, Morgana" Merlin said. He never thought he would be so comfortable in Morgana's present.

Merlin and Dolores stood at the hall way, and watched the knights leaving. Dolores had arrived earlier introducing herself as Arthur's major-domo, every other workers were under her supervision. Merlin wondered how many workers it takes to ensure the functioning of the house. Dolores had baptised him with every beautiful word, he'd listen to her narrate her life story. Merlin remembered she was an Italian, Gwaine had called her Big Mama no doubt for her status, she was tall and huge and could be mistaken for a bodyguard. Merlin heard their car leaving, every part of him wished they come back safe. What if everything goes bloody? How much risk were they taking?

"Come Merlin, let go inside" Dolores said. Merlin nodded ,and followed Dolores inside. Mordred was already fast asleep.

"One last review" Morgana was standing in front on a large screen with Gwen right next to her. The rest of the group were seated opposite with their bags packed.

"This is the map of Cenred's warehouse" Gwen said pointing at the screen. "We were able to connect to the security cameras. Our target is kept..." She zoomed the image. "...here, Arthur and Lancelot, you guys should take the security passage, two corridors to the left, there are fewer guards. Elyan and Gwaine, You guys will be deactivating the alarm, I won't be able to do that from here. Percival will drive, Lamia and Mithian will do the watching."

"We'll be communicating with you guys all the time, so you'll be informed of any changes" Morgana added

"This is just going to be simple" Gwaine commented.

"Why don't we make you go alone, I'm sure the guards will invite you in" Lancelot joked making the whole room roared in laughter.

"Okay, ladies. One hour left. You guys are driving for about three hours." Leon started. "Sorry, We want to be less noisy."

Merlin listened to the knights merry for their successful operation. They had arrived early that morning, and Merlin couldn't be more happy when Dolores came to inform him. He'd got dressed in a second and flew down the stairs without getting lost, surprisingly. Arthur told him his parent would be arriving, and he would be free to go home. Merlin was thrilled, but watching these people, that barely knew him, but they were ready to protect him at any cost, he felt sorry leaving. Maybe he was just tired, and he's just feeling the debt, like he owed them something.

"Merlin, Merlin" Mordred voice brought Merlin back to the present.

"Yeah?" Merlin replied staring at the young boy.

"Will you come back?" Mordred stared back at him hopefully.

Merlin knew that giving Mordred a negative answer won't be any good. "Yes, of course. I'll come for a visit"

"You know, adult make lot of promises, and never keep them." Mordred looked suspicious.

Merlin smiled. "Well I'm not a full adult yet, So I'm going to keep my promise"

"Merlin" Arthur's voice broke their conversation. "They are here"

They all escorted Merlin out. Freya was held firm by Balinor to prevent her from doing anything stupid.

"I can't leave without an autograph" She cried.

Merlin chucked. He hugged his mum tightly, and whispered how much he'd missed her.

He huge both Freya and Balinor. "Merlin can you help me get an autograph?"

"You didn't miss me then?" Merlin asked in an amused voice

"This is not the right moment" Balinor tried making Freya see sense.

"There is no right moment for being a fangirl." Freya pouted

The group that has been keeping a distance to give the family privacy, now moved closer to bid their farewell.

"You see Freya" Morgana said cupping Freya's face. Freya had stopped breathing, and her eyes threatened to shoot out of their suckers. "I promise to send you a formal invitation. You'll be able to interview everyone of these super models, and me if you wish. Merlin has got our numbers. But right now, we can't sign autograph or take selfies. Can you wait?"

"Oh my... I must be dreaming. Of course, I'll wait." Freya was about to scream. "I love so much Morgana Pendragon" She added in a brittle voice. After hugging everyone, and after confessing her love to each of them, Freya finally decided to get in the car.

Merlin had to listen to her bantering about the questions she would be asking them during the interview.

Merlin opened the door to his room, the familiar smell of lavender filled the air. Everything was in perfect other just as he remembered. His laptop was lying on the bed with his phone next to it. His glasses were close to the pillows. He put them on, and signed in relief, finally he could see clearly again. He opened the windows wider to let in more fresh air. Merlin picked up the laptop and phone, and ran up the few stairs leading to the attic, his favourite part of the house where he spent most of his time. He placed the on the table, connected is phone to it charger, turned on his desktop, and waited impatiently for his phone to give a sign of life, while he pulled out the one Arthur had given him. After scrolling through the contacts for the hundredth time, Merlin placed the phone down on the table and went for his. He held the power button for few seconds, and released it when it started booting. There were 22 missed calls, 178 Whatsapp messages and 57 text messages, all from Will, most of them asking Merlin where the hell he was. Merlin didn't waste any second before he dialled Will's number. The phone didn't ring for long before a thick manly voice screamed Merlin's name so that Merlin had to pull away the phone from his ear.

"What the hell have you done this time? Will asked. Merlin could hear Will breathing heavily.

Merlin laughed. "Hello to you too. Oh. I'm fine thanks. It's good to hear from you" He mocked.

"Gods Merlin it's really you. I'll be at your house in a moment. Better start thinking of how to explain everything that happened." Will was already in his car.

"Okay!" Merlin replied excitedly. He'd missed Will so much

Merlin jumped on Will be for he was even fully out of the car.

"Can't breathe..." Will murmured

"I've missed you so much" Merlin said not making any move to release will from his tight hug

"You too. Maybe we should go inside, so I can at least say hi to your parent"

Will made himself comfortable on Merlin's bed, and waited patiently for Merlin to start talking. Merlin was sitting at the centre of the king-sized bed with his legs raised to his chest, his back resting against a pillow. He explained everything to Will in details.

"So they working for the CIA, not models?" Will was confused. He knew enough of the knights of the round tables thanks to Freya of course.

"I don't really know" Merlin wasn't sure of what to call them.

"So there is someone after you? Someone dangerous who thinks you have the answers to his problems" Will sounded worried. Merlin was in danger, and he couldn't think of any way he could help. Merlin noticed the sudden change in Will's behaviour. He signed and moved closer to Will and entwined Will's larger hands with his.

"Something is bothering you right? I thought you would laugh at me all the time" Merlin voice had suddenly become low.

"Laugh at you? Merlin do you think all this is funny?" Will smiled sadly shaking his head. "This is a political matter, and you are at the very centre of it. You are in danger, and... I just... I can't think of what to do" Will signed deeply.

"You're right" Merlin voice was even lower now. He withdrew his hands from Will's, and curled himself up on the bed. "It's all my fault, and now everyone is in danger." Merlin said in a whisper ignoring the tears that had started falling downs his eyes soaking the pillow. He took of his glasses. "I'm really scared Will" Merlin sobbed quietly.

Will laid next to Merlin, and wrapped his hand around him. "Blaming yourself won't solve anything. We just have to be super alert." Will whispered in a soft voice.

"There is way to solve it" Merlin said raising his head up to look at Will's face. "They want me, they can have me, and leave..."

"Don't be silly Merlin" will cut in. "This is the most stupid and egoistic ideas, among many others, you could ever come up with"

"How is it egoistic?" Merlin asked. He closed the small gap between them, and rested his head on Will's chest listening to Will's steady heartbeats.

"Think of when you'll be gone. How will your parent feel, your sister... me. Things will never be the same. So get that idea out of your head." Will said roughing Merlin's hair gently.

" 'kay" Merlin murmured.

Will signed. He knew what Merlin meant with "Okay". It's just Merlin way of saying "I don't want to continue with this conversation".

"So...what have you been up to?" Merlin asked with his voice more audible.

"Working and... Brenda broke up with me" Will replied without much emotion.

"That's good. I never really liked her anyway" Merlin yawned

Will chuckled. "You never really liked any of my girlfriends if I remember correctly"

"Forgive me for not wanting to share you" Merlin grinned.

Will suddenly pushed Merlin to his back, sat on him and started tickling him. "You jealous git"

Merlin screamed, kicked, and cried begging for Will to stop. "I'm sorry... I can't breathe" Merlin managed to say between laugh. Will rolled off Merlin, satisfied, and laid next to Merlin, both breathing heavily.

"Stay for the night. I promise to wake you up early, so you won't be late for work" Merlin said pleadingly.

"You know I can't say no when you make those puppy dog eyes" Will smiled

They heard Hunith knocked at the door calling them for dinner.

Will jumped off the bed, and pulled Merlin up "Thank god, I'm starved"

"Me too" Merlin said as they climbed down the stairs.

They had to listen to Freya talking about the interview with the knights throughout dinner. "I'm going to have a lot of followers. Thank you Merlin. Your disaster is a blessing to me" Freya said making everybody laugh except Hunith, she watched Merlin laughing, Will she ever find the right time to tell Him?

The knights of the round table were convinced that the danger was not yet over. Cenred will surely find a way to get what he wanted. Cenred and Uther were one great colleagues, but whwen they found out Cenred was leaking information, they became greatest enemies. Arthur would have preferred keeping Merlin for some time before letting him go, in case Cenred had other plans.

Only two days has passed since they got the stolen Project back from Cenred, and it's also been two days since Merlin went back to Ireland. Arthur felt he'd let flipped the only chance he had to express his ever long feelings he had for Merlin. The whole situation was really crazy. Arthur was happy because he was able to see Merlin again after a long time, and he felt completely terrible putting Merlin's life in danger just like that. He hoped this first mistake doesn't make the knights of the round table face another difficult task before getting the complete control of Camelot.

"But this is all my fault" Arthur said to the phone. He threw himself on the large sofa in the living room making loud thud, and yawned tiredly

"Of course it's all your fault little brother." Came Morgana mocking voice which made Arthur groaned loudly.

"You're not helping Morgana. I'm sure Mordred will know what to say in situation. Why I'm even talking to you about this. I'd prefer talking to Leon ". Arthur has known the man all his life, and they were great friends. Leon was good at listening, and giving advice. But now, Arthur prefer not talking to him. He has caused the problem, and now Arthur is sure Leon is finding a away to sort things out. Leon will be the one briefing everything to Uther, and there is nothing more terrible than bringing bad news to his father.

"You've forgotten Mordred is my son. And you're the one calling!" Morgana replied. Arthur swore she was grinning. Arthur was very grateful for having Morgana has a sister. Morgana made his childhood unforgettable, and his youth a memorable one.

"Fine! So do you think Cenred is going to be planning something or would he just let go. I wish he could just forget about the damned thing" Arthur signed in frustration.

"Well let's hope so. If his got another plan, I'm pretty sure knights of the round table will be able to find a solution" Morgana replied.

"Yes right, and if we fail, who knows what your father will make us do" Arthur mumbled. Maybe Uther will make them return to school. He'd probably say they were not yet ready. What will their fans think?.

"Arthur for Christ's sake stop whining." Morgana said. Arthur imagined her biting on her lower lips to prevent her from laughing. "I want to ask you something"

Arthur grunted. "You asking questions is never good"

" Shut up." Morgana said smiling "So, the question is why didn't you ask Merlin. I mean you've been fussing all these years"

"Jeez, I can't believe you're asking this. Do you think the situation we met was so romantic. Seriously?" Arthur said pulling himself to a sitting position. The last thing he wanted was Merlin thinking he'd reveal his identity on purpose because he wanted them to meet again, and then Merlin is going to hate him. Arthur shivered on the thought of Merlin hating him. That's if Merlin is not already hating him.

Morgana burst out laughing. "Since when have you been romantic?" she asked once she had calmed down

"You don't know all of my hidden talents, Morgs" Arthur said. His thoughts went back on all his previous relationships. They were mostly one night stands, and those that lasted more than a day were just sensual relationship. Morgana was right, he wasn't really romantic. Oh right except with one person...

"Christ! I can hear you thinking from here. And I can tell who you are thinking about. That was the only romantic relationship you ever had. Do you want to bet?" Morgana's voice brought Arthur back to reality.

Arthur laughed mockingly. "I'm not betting with you Morgana. You always win somehow. I know you're a witch" Morgana managed to know too many things. Arthur won't be surprise if Morgana was able to predict the future.

"I'll take that as a compliment princess." Morgana replied sweetly.

"How is Leon?" Arthur felt bad asking from Morgana. He could have just talk to the man himself. They haven't really had the opportunity to talk since after they came back from their mission. Or maybe Arthur was not ready to confront the man.

"In the study. He has to write about the situation YOU'VE created. And tomorrow he has to brief everything to the Elders" Morgana replied

"I don't want to find myself in that position" Arthur commented

"You should be grateful it's Leon. Sweet and gentle. I wouldn't make your life any easier." Morgana said.

Arthur never doubt Morgana would have given them the most ridiculous task. "I won't dare upset her royal highness" Arthur said without a bit of seriousness.

The call ended with Morgana having to go check on Modred.

Arthur turned on the TV, after flipping through the channels for about 5 minutes without finding something interesting, he turned the TV off, and spread himself out on the sofa, closed his eyes, and allowed his brain to wander. He didn't go too far before his thoughts rested on Merlin. He imagined the boy lying on his bed reading a book with earpieces plugged in his large and adorable ears. Arthur felt himself getting hard...

"Arthur?"

Arthur blinked his eyes open to be met with Dolores' staring down at him. He quickly pulled himself to sitting position blushing.

Alice smiled shaking her head. "Dinner is ready." She said "And maybe you need to first take care of that" she added before walking away.

Arthur felt his face burning up. "Thank you. I'll be there in a moment"

Merlin sat in front of his desktop staring at one of his invention. He's lost count of how many things he has invented or how many applications he has created. Nobody has ever seen any of his creation. Well, that's because he didn't want anybody to see them except his drawings. He was really scared about what they might think or say. Most of his inventions are result of a situation he'd found himself just like the application was staring at now had been a result of him losing his phone at the shopping centre. He had been mad about it because of all the information he had stored on the SD memory card. He decided to find a way to prevent sure a thing from happening again. He spent weeks working and perfecting the Application Merlin named after his finely made wooden dragon Balinor made for him, Kilgharrah- named after his university professor. Application was able to copy all information from a missing device to a new destination. Kilgharrah could also delete all the information on the missing device and it's got a timer also set when the information should be deleted. Merlin thought Kilgharrah could be use full for Arthur. If they had had Kilgharrah, there wouldn't have been any need to go after Cenred. Merlin look at the phone Arthur had given him. He could just make a simple call, and tell them he's got something for them. It could be a way of thanking them. He should he call?. Arthur? Merlin wasn't sure if he could stand talking to Arthur right now. He thought Arthur was a rude prat. He could call Gwaine? He liked Gwaine really. The man was very funny. Freya had made Merlin watch all the knights of the round table interviews, and there was Gwaine who always had something funny to say, and would end up making everybody laughed till they cry. Maybe Gwaine won't take Merlin serious. And then there was Lancelot, Merlin had no doubt he was very more responsible than Gwaine. Merlin was sure Lance would listen to him ... he could call Gwen! He had been sweet with Merlin, and he wouldn't mind having to see her again. Percival...or maybe Elyan...Lamia... Morgana! He could call Morgana, Merlin thought. She was a lawyer, and no doubt intelligent. She wouldn't waste time in asking Merlin to present Kilgharrah. After thinking for what look like eternity, Merlin decided on who to call. He picked up the phone and swiped a finger across the screen to unlock it. He Opened the contact application, after taking a long deep breath he hit the call button.

Pushing the heavy door open of his room, Arthur was welcomed with a burst of warm lavender fragrance air signalling it has been recently cleaned. He dragged himself into his appointed room that once belonged to his grandfather. Arthur stretched his hands backwards knowing where exactly to touch without having to turn around, and in a second, the once dark room turned ablaze. The chandelier hanged on the high raised ceiling illuminated the cream coloured room, giving it a mood lighting that caressed the soft curves of Arthur's face making his pupil to slightly dilate. The bow window overlooking the large flowered garden outside was half opened allowing in a small amount of air that made the fiery gold curtain to dance. It has been a long day, and Arthur was beyond tired. He pushed himself further into the room, hands working on his trousers belt with his gaze fixed on his large four-poster king-size bed covered in light emerald bed sheet with a large sunflower drown on it, pillows of different colours and sizes were neatly arranged showing off their beauty. A red thick curtain hung over, and were tied stylishly to each column. Arthur knew how soft the bed was, and how much comfort it could bring him at that moment. A throbbing headache had started forming at the back of his head from listening to thousands of people telling him what to do, how his facial expression had to be, and how he was supposed to be posing, while the make-up artists busied themselves with his hair, and adding make up to his face. This was one of those days he preferred being in Camelot, sitting on his chair typing away at his computer. He couldn't remember how Morgana had managed to lure them into becoming models." I need a bath" he murmured sluggishly to himself, he yawned sleepily, and walked tiredly to the bathroom fighting against the temptation to throw himself on the bed. He came out few minutes later with a fluffy white towel tied around his waist, and another one he had recently used to dry his still damp hair, hung around his neck. He walked to the left far end of the room, and pushed a door that opened revealing a smaller room filled with cloths hung on different cloths carriers. The room that had been dark, and left unused by his grandfather was now bright and new, the walls were painted white which made the room looked larger than it seems. Cloths were arranged into different sections with enough space to walk in between. It was Morgana's idea to transform the room into "Arthur's mini boutique" – as she used to call it. Arthur knew where to go to get the cloths needed for different occasions. He walked to the pyjamas section, and pulled on the first one his hand touch. It turned out to be a white pyjama with black kittens drown on it. Lancelot had given to him in one of their Friday evenings saying it was a surprise gift. He'd received more cloths as gift than he'd bought himself, he hated shopping. Arthur was sure Morgana had a hand in all these gifts thing. She was always up doing something. He walked back to the room fully dressed for the night, and didn't waste any second before he humped himself on the bed signing deeply in satisfaction, stress already reliving his body. He was already dozing off when his phone started buzzing, and in a few seconds Tears us apart, of She wants revenge started playing. The song had been used in a scene on American Horror Story when two vampires, played by Lady Gaga and Matt Bomer, brutally murdered two people in the middle of a foursome. Great, just great! He'd manage to forget turning his phone off. He'd listened to that song many times but right now he would joyfully dump the phone, with the music still playing, into the WC and flush it. Arthur pushed himself closer to the edge of the bed, and reached out blindly for the phone, clicked the accept button without looking at the caller ID. He knew who it was already. Only Morgana had the ability of destroying one's peace.

"This better be good Morgana" He grumbled into the phone his voice not escaping any slight of annoyance.

" Oh, sorry" came Merlin soft but clearly nervous voice.

Arthur almost fell off the bed, he was quick to hold himself up placing his free hand on the bed side table. He pushed himself back to a safe distance from the edge of the bed. " Merlin!" He exclaimed. No doubt he was surprise. If this were to be a miracle, then it should never stop happening, because Merlin can't be possibly calling him. He'd told Merlin to call for anything, but he wasn't expecting Merlin to do so. " This is a big surprise" Arthur said in his steady and calm formal voice, that type he used at work. Arthur was a nervous mess, but years of experience made it easier to mask his weak point.

Merlin's heart was pounding against his chest as if seeking for escape." Sorry...ehm...this is not a good time to talk..."

" No, no" Arthur interrupted a bit too quickly but continued anyway. "I wasn't busy" he lied. It worth having Merlin on the phone than Morgana. " So...is there something I have to do for you? Is everything alright?"

" No...yes... I'm fine, thank" Why does he always have to be the perfect protective prat. His mind played back on the last three words and blushed on the thought of Arthur being perfect. " Actually...I'm the one who want to propose one of my inventions that could be useful for Camelot"

Arthur pulled himself to a sitting position, his back resting on the soft large pillow at his back. " Oh ... Okay. 'm listening"

Words easily flushed out of Merlin surprising both himself and Arthur who listened carefully, and would raised his eyes now and then about something Merlin said. He could listen to Merlin talk all day, His voice was like music to his ears.

" Wow Merlin, this is a great invention" But Arthur thought the name, Kilgharrah, was ridiculous, and maybe a bit childish. "It will of a great use. I'm going to inform my colleagues. You'll have to come back so you can do a better explanation, and then you could tell us how much you're willing to sell it."

Merlin was a bit taken. Not only Arthur was accepting his offer, they were going to pay him!. And he was pretty sure it wasn't going to be a small amount of money. "Okay" Merlin said. Not knowing what to say, even if billions of thoughts were flowing in their brains, they stayed in silence for what looked like eternity. "Thank really for listening" Merlin decided the break the silence.

"I'm the one supposed to say thank you." Arthur laughed.

Another few seconds of silence passed.

"Ehm... I've to go now Arthur. We should be meeting again...soon" It was Merlin who spoke up first

" Yes, right. Goodnight Merlin" Arthur said like in a whisper.

" Goodnight" came Merlin's quiet reply.

Arthur waited for Merlin to end the call, and then fell back on the bed. Merlin placed his head on the table. Their body, they didn't know were tensed, stared relaxing. Their mind went back on their conversations.

They were going to meet again.

Merlin called for a family meeting claiming he had something important to say. That evening, they were all seated on the divan in the living room waiting for Will to arrive. Merlin curled himself on the single seat thinking about the right way to start his talk. Freya was busy with her phone as usual. Hunith and Balinor were tensed. Merlin had no doubt they were worried. Gods! How much has he made these two people pass through? The ringing of the door bell startled everyone in the room.

"Finally! I'll get it" Merlin said and hurried towards the door. He opened it to meet a not so happy looking Will.

"I'm sorry" Merlin said pouting with his lips pushed at than normal, he already knew the cause of that look Will was giving him.

"You better be." Will said as he pushed pass Merlin. "Because you can't just text someone 119 twenty times at 5 am just to inform them about one family meeting that will be held in the evening." He snapped glaring daggers at Merlin. The continuous vibrating of his phone had woken him that early morning. He jumped of the bed when he say who the messages was from, and what the contents of each message was. 119. Their emergency number. He murmured curses to himself for not waking on time. He used one hand to dial Merlin number, the other working through his wardrobe looking for anything he could put on. He had to sit on the bed when Merlin had told him the emergency was a family meeting, and that it was going to be held that evening. His accelerated heart was still beating fast, his breath was heavy, and his brain was still processing the fact that Merlin was fine. He had asked Merlin over and over if he was okay. When he finally accepted that Merlin was out of danger, annoyance replaced his worries. Merlin was not supposed to use the emergency that way!

"What will be my sentence?" They've always played the king and criminal games. Merlin remembered sentencing Will to "No going out for a week" because he had had a fight with A random guy at school. The guy had called Merlin a faggot. That was an unlucky day for him because Will was already pissed about their team losing an important match, and was determined to beat up the boy. Merlin had tried to pull him away saying he was fine, but the guy kept on talking nonsense which made Will charge at the boy, he released all the anger, that has been boiling under his skin, on the boy. The boy ended up in the school clinic while Will got a detention. Merlin had been furious, the guy deserved the beating but Will could have just let go. As if not satisfied about the detention, Merlin had said he sentenced will to no going out for a week. For a week Will didn't go out, and had refused every of his friends offer to go out.

"If this sounds important as you made it look, then I will pretend none of this ever happened. But otherwise, I won't talk to you for a week, no calling, no text messaging, no visiting, nothing." Will said trying to keep his voice low. They were still standing at the small hall way.

Merlin eyes widened on hearing the sentence. "How can I survive through that? I hardly survived the few days in Oxford." Merlin complained.

"Then you better have something important to say" Will said before entering the living room. He greeted Balinor with a firm hand shake, and gave Hunith a kiss on her chin. Freya had practically jumped on him, Will had caught her easily and called her a big baby which made her turned bright red. He took the single sofa Merlin had once been occupying. Every attention was now turned to Merlin standing still at the centre of the room.

" I haven't done anything. You guys shouldn't give me that look" Merlin said with a roll of his eyes. The look that says "Confess your crimes" anytime he did something wrong which were mostly serious. He wouldn't blame them for excepting some bad news. "At least, It's not something bad...and no interruption please" He took a deep breath and released it slowly. "So, I don't really talk about what I create...about my inventions. But today I'll be talking about one in particular" Merlin explained as he dipped his hand in his pocket pulling out a small box. He opened it and started passing a small diamond like ball to each of them. They held their hand still, afraid the object might fall, it would take eternity to find it.

"This couldn't be smaller Merlin" Will commented studying the small ball on his hand. It was blue in some part and crystal light blue in the other part. Will was sure it glows at night.

"You won't like this, and I'm not trying to be pessimistic, but we are all in danger" Merlin continued ignoring Will's comment. "And your life could depend on that small ball in your hand. I called it blue light." Merlin continued explaining how the blue light functions. It could localize someone faster than Google maps, and it also functions as a micro camera. He'd worked on it throughout university. "Freya you are going to hate me for what I'm about to say." Merlin said to Freya who just glared back him, she was expecting the worst. "I tested the blue light on you"

"What?!" Freya shouted "You've been monitoring my movements. Even seeing the places I go to."

" Sorry, I didn't tell anyone a thing. The blue ball is connected to that your favourite Gucci bag you carry with you all the time. I could see where you were, and I could also listen to your conversations, but you couldn't hear me. So I'm still working on that."

"And when did you find the time to do this. We shared the same flat at uni, and I've never seen something like this." Will marvelled. The object was so small but with great functions. How did Merlin do it?

Merlin chuckled remembering the dumb excuses he used to give when I was about to go out. "I lied to Will. I wasn't participating in any type of genius club. I told Prof. Kilgharrah about what I was planning to do, he volunteered to help, and he made me use his laboratory and instruments. And that's where I've always been"

"There was no night project with the club, and you had been going out alone, at night?" Will asked again, and Merlin nodded saying yes. Will thought of the possible things that could have happened to Merlin. Merlin was just 15 then, everybody knew him as the youngest boy in uni, he'd made a lot of friends, and also a lot of enemies. He could have been hurt. Will was the only child of his parent, and Merlin was just the perfect little brother he never had, and he felt his duty was to protect him. He wouldn't forgive himself if Merlin should get hurt. The Valiant incident was still fresh in his brain. He knew Valiant had wanted to do something sinister when he gave Merlin the invitation card to his party. Will had asked Merlin not go, but Merlin being Merlin thought it was a nice gesture from Valiant, and that it would be disrespectful not go. Will had refused to go with Merlin, and he knew letting Merlin go alone was the bumpiest decision he'd ever made. He went to the party just to make sure Merlin was okay. The hall was filled with many university students and it might have been too difficult to find Merlin if he hadn't seen Valiant leading a not so conscious Merlin out of the emergency door. Will pushed himself through the sweaty crowd, even if it was mid winter, alcohol was doing its job in generating heat. He made it through the crowd and through the emergency door. In front of him stood a huge building, and at the entrance was lying one of Merlin's shoes. The door was opened, Valiant had forgotten to close it and Merlin was with him. Will climbed up the stair gently, the house was deadly quiet. He walked through the corridor listening to hear noises, instead he had Valiant voice. He kicked the, door and the sight before him wasn't a pleasant one. He pulled Valiant off Merlin who was still half conscious on the bed, thank gods he was still fully dressed. Valiant watched Will carried Merlin, he stringed when Will gave him a look that says " you will pay for this" before he left through the door. Will had been furious with himself, with Merlin. Freya had confided in Will when she had found out about the file containing the documents of Merlin's mutation. She wanted to tell Merlin but had asked her not to, that their parents hadn't told him yet for a reason. And what the hell was Valiant trying to do back there?

The room was deadly quietly, they were all submersed in their own thoughts of horror just as Will, Freya was probably trying to remember the things she had been up to for the past 6 months.

"I'm sorry Will." Merlin was really sorry. Will has passed through hell many times always because of him. He would never forget the day Will got beaten up by a gang of boys. Will had remained in coma for days, they had been days of hell for Merlin, and the doctors weren't giving positive answers. It had been a miracle when Will regained consciousness. Merlin knew how much they cared, but he just keep messing up somehow.

Merlin continued explaining the uses of the blue light. It is use for emergency, it gets activated with a double touch, and the information about where the person is will be shown on Merlin's computer, it had to be attached on something that one carried with them all the time. Merlin had put his on his eyeglasses

"And what if you're the one in danger" Freya asked.

"I'll give Will free access to my computer data, and you'll be having computer lessons with me Freya" Merlin replied

" This is great Merlin" Balinor talked for the first time. " It's something that should go to the public"

"NO!" Merlin shouted. "I mean not yet" he said a bit calmer. "I'm still working on the communication system"

"And one last thing." Merlin cleared throat "I'd really love to become a Detective"

"What?!" They exclaimed simultaneously.

"But, why? Did something happen?" Hunith asked. She was worried, most decisions Merlin made were consequence of something that had happen.

"No, not really... I don't know...but I'm fine" Something happened but not just to Merlin.

Hunith stood up and walked to Merlin. "Me too, I've got something for you. Just a moment" She said as she left the living room

"I know what mum wants to give you" Freya said smiling teasingly at his brother.

"You to know everything" Merlin groaned. What could it probably be?

"Because I have mine already. And you won't like it" Freya said again. It was fun always fun teasing Merlin.

Merlin groaned louder. He sat on Will's lap. Will held him to keep him from falling. "I always wonder who is the oldest. Tell me what it is already"

Freya shook her head. "Not after using me for your experiment"

"But..." Merlin didn't finish what he was about to say when Hunith entered holding a small mahogany box. She opened it to reveal a finely made silver ring with a diamond on it. Merlin got down from Will's lap to take a look at the ring.

"You are not about to propose to Dad, right" he asked.

Hunith took the ring between her fingers, she couldn't meet Merlin's eyes at the moment. " Sweetheart, I want you to make a vow"

"A vow?" Merlin asked confused.

"Yes, a purity vow" Came Freya's voice.

"A what?!, you don't trust me" Merlin sounded hurt. He turned to Will. Will wanted to be anywhere, and definitely not sitting there at that moment. "You knew Will?... And you didn't tell me"

"I couldn't tell. It wasn't my place to tell." Will justified.

"Great, now we keep secrets. I bet there are lot of things I don't know. So how does the vow work" He turned his attention to his mother.

It was a three years vow of purity. Hunith had thought it will be enough to get her courage together before she could tell Merlin about his mutation. And who knows, Merlin could end up with a girl, and there won't be much need for him to know. And what if otherwise. Hunith slipped the ring on Merlin finger.

"Can I at least masturbate?" Merlin thought except he said it a bit too loud because Balinor shoot his head up, Freya busted out laughing, Will choked on his own saliva, and Hunith just stared wide-eyed. "I didn't mean to say that out" He said blushing to his ears. He studied ring. Three years. He'd been pure all his eighteen years, three years won't be really difficult.

The journey back to Oxford hadn't been awful as he had thought. Uther had made one of the guards to get him from the airport. It was nice meeting with the knights of the round table again, and the situation hadn't been like in their first encounter. They didn't look like the most famous group models people die for, they looked more responsible on their suit and tie, interested in what Merlin had had to say. Explaining how the Kilgharrah application functioned hadn't been disastrous. They thought it was a good creation, and Uther wanted it exclusive.

"That's fantastic. Do know what that means. He is ready to pay any amount just to have the app for only his company." Will was happy Merlin has started to do something with the brain of his.

"I told them I was going to consult my partner. And who is he? You." Merlin replied from the passenger seat. Will burst out laughing.

"Will, focus on your driving" Merlin said finding it difficult to keep himself from laughing too.

"So when will you be giving them your answer. You know mine already. Twenty million pounds won't be too much" Will said

" Don't be ridiculous. I'll give them my reply at daybreak though. Stay at mine?" Merlin asked changing the topic.

Will park his car, and they got out bantering about the party they went trying to guess who was drunk than the other, and who was going to wake up with a deadly hangover. Merlin opened the door with his key, and they entered still talking wholeheartedly. They entered the living room to be met with terror. Hunith, Balinor and Freya laid ,unconscious, on the tied floor of the living room. At the centre of the room was Valiant. Valiant! Will protectively pushed Merlin behind him. Valiant wasn't alone. There were other men dress in black with their faces covered, and Valiant had never had any good intention in his whole life.

Merlin was too terrorized to do anything. He stood frozen on his spot with the "Valiant" repeating continuously in his brain. One of the men came behind them, and with a quick move, he emptied a syringe content in Will's neck. Will whispered Merlin's name before falling into unconsciousness. Merlin didn't move an inch, not even when he saw Valiant moving closer to stand right in front of him.

" Well, well, well" Valiant greeted clapping his hands. "Our paths just kept crossing. Don't you think it's destiny?"

Merlin stared. He couldn't think.

"Your dog is always following you still." Valiant nodded towards Will. "Don't worry, they are just sleeping"

Merlin closed his eyes shoot when he saw Valiant raised his hand, but instead of pain he was expecting, he felt Valiant caressing his face. That was disgusting, but he kept his eyes closed anyway.

"You haven't change a lot. Open your eyes Merlin."

Merlin automatically blinked his eyes opened to be met with dreading darker ones. His nightmares are going to start haunting him again. He watched Valiant beckoned to one of the men who handed him a syringe.

"This won't hurt" He said as he took Merlin's smaller hands in his.

"Valiant" Merlin's voice was hoarse. Tears threatening to spill out of his eyes. "Leave them alone. Please... I'll do whatever you want but...just...please..." Merlin begged, tears silently dropping down his chin. He felt the syringe pieced his skin, and few seconds later the world turned dark.

Summer was coming. Cloths company were finding the best ideas to advertise their creations. Everything was just a busy chaos, and the knights of the round tables would love to be in their offices instead of being here, posing for one magazine cover and the other. Just in the middle of this chaos Arthur's phone was brought to him. The caller ID reads Merlin. He was probably calling about the app thing Arthur thought. Instead of hearing Merlin voice though, there was a very deep hoarse one. The man must be worried about something because he just kept on talking, and Arthur couldn't get any of it.

"I need you to calm down, and tell me your name" Arthur said as he beckoned for the others to join him. They went to more private room while Arthur put the call on speaker.

" I'm Will, I'm Merlin's friend, they took him, and they want Arthur Pendragon. They are going to hurt him, you need to...you need to help him...I can't..."

"Calm down Will" Arthur said to stop Will from hyperventilating. He knew Will was Merlin's close friend. "Now you need to tell me where you are."

"At Merlin's house. You need to hurry, Merlin be can't there. Gods I don't even know where they took him" Will didn't know what to do. He just have to get Arthur, and Merlin would be fine.

"Stay where you are Will. We'll come and get you so you can tell us what happened." Arthur said. Merlin was missing! No doubts this was Cenred's plan. Two weeks has passed since they went back for the memory. Cenred hadn't made any move so they'd thought it was over, and everything had turned back to normal since then. Except Cenred had other plans. Arthur was finding it difficult to keep his anger under control.

"We can't continue with the photos. Gwen, go to Morgana and Leon, brief them about the call, and find a way to send a message to Cenred. Tell them we're going to Ealdor to get Will. Mithian and Lamia, go back to Camelot and find much information as possible. And the rest of us are going to Ealdor." They all stared at him as if he was a new person. It's been long they saw this part of Arthur. The leader with the commanding voice knowing what to do even when under pressure.

" Where are guys going. We are still shooting" Came their supervisor's voice. Alice Scelus. She was sweet and kind when she wants to, and most times she was rigid and commanding. Always finding fault in anything.

"Sorry Alice. But right now, We have something to do" Gwaine shouted as they continued walking towards the entrance. They prayed Alice doesn't call the security on them. And strangely, she didn't.

"Will, you need to tell us what really happened from the start" Morgana voice was warm and calming. That was what Will really needed at that moment, he was shivering with a steaming mug of tea seated on the small table in front of him. Few hours ago Arthur and few others had come with a helicopter to get him. They were now sitting in Arthur's living room with all the stars he knew very well – thanks to Freya— seated around him.

"They took him, they took everybody" This was all Will could come up with.

"Yes Will, we know that. You just have to tell us what happened, and why they freed only you" Morgana said quietly

Will explained about the party, and how they'd arrived home only to meet some men already in the house. He woke up in a room where they'd asked him to get Arthur.

"They asked for the Dorocha thing, and Merlin's life depends on in. And all you have to do is give the damned thing to them, and Merlin will be safe." Will voice was changing from being worried to being furious. Tears freely running down his chin. "I know you guys are not really what you made yourselves look like. Just eluding the public. You guys have secrets to keep, and now Merlin is messed up, his family, my family, are messed up. And they are going to hurt him, and you can't just sit there WITHOUT DOING ANYTHING" Will shouted the last part.

"Calm down Will, we'll bring Merlin back safe." Gwen tried to assure Will.

"No, Guinevere Smith" Will said turning to face Gwen who was seating to his right. "You don't understand. He is going to hurt him. Valiant is going to hurt him"

"Valiant? That name sounds familiar. You know him, was he one of them?" Morgana asked. Valiant?...Valiant?...Valiant? Valiant! The boy with the drug trafficking. He was good-looking but very arrogant. Morgana had worked with the police force in accusing him and his gang about four months ago. He was supposed to still be in the prison, they gave him two years.

"Yes, unfortunately we went to the same university. He definitely wants me dead, and he would make Merlin suffer all his life." The thought of Merlin crying in agony made a fresh tears spill out of his eyes.

"No, they won't dare touch him. They want something from us so..."

"No you don't know who Valiant is." Will interrupted " Merlin has always been the youngest. Valiant tried to rape him...he could have...If I hadn't...and now Merlin is alone, helpless against that Monster. I can't even call the police because those bastard probably kept someone to watch over me...They'll kill him if I try inform the police" He paused and took a shuddering breath "You don't know Merlin. He is the sweetest creature on earth, he would never harm anyone consciously. He's like a little brother to me, and this is the first time I feel I can't help him. He deserves none of these" Will couldn't stop himself from sobbing.

" Okay guys" Lamia started. "Boys are you with the ladies." The boys have been strangely quiet which wasn't a good sign. " We don't let emotions take over our mind right?"

"Yes, right" It was Leon who answered. "So, what have we got?"

"I was able to send a message to Cenred asking him to give us some time" Gwen said

"I think Merlin's App would be useful" Elyan suggested.

" Yes, that's very good Elyan" Leon commented. " Percival, get Sigan on the phone, tell him we will need some of his men. What else have we got?

"We haven't got anything really." Mithian said. "We've controlled every surveillance camera in Ealdor. Nothing seems disordered. We don't have any idea of where their position is. They really made themselves invisible"

"Locate" Will said under his breath. "Gods! I think I can help in locating Merlin" All eyes in the room stared at him. They weren't expecting Will to be collaborative. "Merlin invented the blue light..."

Merlin heard his name being called, the voice was distant. He tried to move, he couldn't. Why can't he move? He couldn't talk either. He felt someone touching his face, everything was so dark. He heard his name again, this time, the voice was near.

Merlin blinked his eyes opened but shoot them back, the room was too bright. He opened them again. He had been dreaming, except part of the dream were true. Someone was still touching him. His vision blurred, he needed his glasses. Merlin thug at his hand, but to his horror they were tied, and his leg, they were tied too. What was happening? Where was he? He panicked

"Shh, calm down Merlin"

Merlin eyes widen when his brain finally registered the voice. Valiant. He's breathing grew fasting as memories of what had happened came rushing in. Image of Will lying still on the floor, Freya, his parent.

Okay.

Calm down.

He dared turn his head to right, his crystal blue eyes met with those dreary dark ones. His whole body tensed, he couldn't breathe, he thought his heart has stop beating, he wished. His heart was still very beating because he was alive, and he could still see those eyes staring at him.

"You are so adorable" Valiant whispered "It's just so surreal"

Merlin just stared. He didn't know what to do. What could he do?.

"I couldn't believe when she mentioned your name." Mention? What was Valiant talking about? Merlin eyes follow Valiant as he moved away from the bed, and walk to a table at the other part of the room. It was getting too blurry, he tried zooming his view, closed his eyes leaving just a small space, yet, he still couldn't see what Valiant was doing. Valiant suddenly turned with holding Merlin's glasses up.

"I remember you couldn't do without them" He said walking closer to Merlin. He climbed on the bed and helped Merlin put on the glasses. Merlin surprised himself by signing in relief , because his vision got clearer, and he thought it was good. Merlin tried to talk, but his mouth was dry, he wasn't sure he could make any sound. "I'll get you some water". Don't trust him, don't trust him... Merlin kept on reminding himself. Valiant had always been his nightmare. The only time he tried trusting him was the biggest mistake Merlin ever made. Bless will, his saviour. Right Will. Merlin prayed he was okay. Valiant had always wanted him dead, and nothing seemed to be on his way. Valiant came back with a glass cup of water, and helped Merlin with it. The first swallow had been a bit sore, but then it got better. Merlin watched as Valiant placed the cup on the table. Every of Valiant movement looks suspicious, and Merlin just wanted to stay alerted. Even with his glasses on, he couldn't see the content of the tray on the table.

Merlin gently cleared his throat not to make noise. "What do you want?" Merlin rasped out.

Valiant turned and glared at him.

Merlin shuddered under his gaze, it felt as if his skin was burning his skin. The rope used for tying his hands, and leg where digging in his flesh, any movement was painful.

Valiant pulled a chair to the right side of the bed, and sat on it. He bent forward with his arms resting on his hip, and stared at Merlin. "Merlin" His voice had something mysterious in it, something that made Merlin feared for his life. "If you tell me the truth, I won't hurt you. We know you work for Uther Pendragon. Is that why he tried every means to keep you away from the public, he wanted you all to himself?"

This couldn't get more ridiculous. Work for Uther Pendragon? And what has Valiant got to do with all these? When has he grown the interest into political secrets?

"Is the question not clear or you can't find an answer?" Valiant sounded patient but Merlin still felt under pressure.

"No" Merlin sounded like a little child

"Does that mean you don't know where and how to open the Dorocha?"

"I don't know what that is" Merlin said truthfully, but the look on Valiant face was far from understanding.

Warnings: Torture, Hurt Merlin, don't read if you don't like seeing Merlin hurt

Valiant nodded and stood up. He walked over to the head of the bed, and forcefully pulled at the rope holding Merlin's right hand.

The pain had been unexpected, Merlin's screams filled the room. His struggling made every other part of his body ache. It lasted few seconds but it had felt like eternity to Merlin. He felt a bit of relief when Valiant finally let go off the rope. But the relief lasted just few seconds before his hair was griped and pulled at. Merlin whimpered and bit hard on his lower lip to contrast the pain on his head. Tears rushed to his eyes and blurred his vision, they dripped down undisturbed.

Valiant appeared to Merlin's view with his hands still gripping Merlin's hair. "Don't play games with me Merlin" Valiant snared. He released Merlin's hair only to aim for his throat while Merlin struggled for breath. "Nimueh said you had a connection with Arthur Pendragon. I think the connection must be pretty special, he fucks you right? Is that why you prefer to die?" Valiant was disgusted. He watched Merlin struggled for few seconds before releasing him.

An huge amount of oxygen rush in Merlin's long making him cough violently. His face that was once white, was now as red as tomatoes. He felt something running down his arm. He throat was still very sore, he couldn't turn to look at him arm, but no doubt it was blood. He must have pulled a bit too hard. Everything was hurting. Merlin breathing was slow and shallow. He watched Valiant walked to the table. He turned to Merlin holding a phone in one hand and holding a ...Merlin's eyes widened when he was what the object was. A scalpel. Surgical knife. His breathing accelerated, he heart was beating so fast that he thought it might burst out of his chest.

"I see you recognise what this is." Valiant said as he walked over to the bed. "This thing could tear your skull open" A wicked grin appeared on Valiant face. He always enjoyed look of terror in his victims eyes. And Merlin is a special victim which made it more exciting. "At this point, my victims start pegging for their release. But you Merlin...you're headstrong and suffer in silent"

Merlin felt Valiant gripped his wrist. It hurt, but he knew the one coming would hurt more. He closed his eyes shoot, and braced himself waiting to feel the shape object on his skin. But instead of pain, he felt the rope loosen from his wrist. His hand fell powerlessly on the bed. He silently watched Valiant loosen his other wrist and legs. Merlin instantly curled himself up ignoring his body screaming pain at him. His wrists were covered in angry cuts and bruises with fresh blood still on them. Was this how it's going to end? Was he going to die of pain from the hands of Valiant? Merlin felt like screaming. He wished he should be dead already. But one part of him wanted to live. What about his parent? And Freya? Will? Were they also in the same situation. Merlin closed his eyes shoot. He couldn't cry. He was furious, furious about himself, furious because it was all his fault. Merlin thought he deserved the pain, but the ones he loved shouldn't be part of it. He remembered about the blue light attached to his glasses. He slowly double tapped on in to activate, and then he remembered nobody was home to help. At least, if he were to die, the police will have the video as a proof.

"Merlin, I think you need to see this darling" Valiant voice that was once penetrating now sounded honeyed. Merlin remained still curled up on the bed. Valiant groaned. He gripped Merlin's hair. "I was trying to be gentle, but it seems you prefer me being rough." Valiant said as he pulled a screaming Merlin from the bed, and dragged him to a kneeling position. Merlin hands were over his head trying to free his hair from Valiant grip. His screams died into silent sobs when Valiant finally released his hair. Valiant asked him to look at the wall in front of him. Valiant must have touched something because one part of the wall open to reveal a monitor. In a few seconds the dark screen came alive. Merlin sucked on his breath when his father appeared on the screen. He was standing with his hands tired above his hand to an iron pole. He looked tired and starved.

Merlin shook his head continuously, terrorised about what Valiant was planning to do. "No..." Merlin croaked out. Tears he thought were finished started gushing out his eyes. "No...please...Valiant... I'm begging... he didn't go anything" Merlin said in a brittle staring hopefully at Valiant.

Valiant burst into a grating laugh. "So this is what it takes to make you surrender" He said once he stopped laughing. "Just watch, when you're are ready to tell the truth you can notify me" he said as he took the seat he was occupying before. He picked up the phone, and ordered whoever was at the other part to start.

Merlin watched the screen in horror when a man appeared holding a switch. The first stroke made Merlin jumped. He heard his father groaned in pain. Merlin pulled himself up from his kneeling position, and backed away from the screen with his hands over his ears. Valiant gripped his arms and pulled them away from his ears. " I want you to listen". The striking continued, and Merlin couldn't bear it any more. He screamed and cried for Valiant to make it stop. He told Valiant he would say the truth. He told Valiant he was supposed to be asking Uther Pendragon, and that his family had got nothing to do with this. But Valiant seemed not to be listening. Merlin gripped at Valiant shirt, and shook him violent with the strength he never thought he had. This took Valiant of guard, but he quickly gained consciousness, and with a quick move he pushed Merlin against the wall knocking breath out of him, he gripped Merlin's throat, and held him pinned. He ordered the man to stop with the flogging and threw the phone to the tied floor making a shattering noise. Merlin held on the hand pressing against his throat as he struggled for air.

"You've annoyed me enough Merlin" Valiant snared. "Why don't you tell me everything while I fuck you senselessly" Valiant said and released Merlin who fell to the ground, and automatically curled himself up sobbing loudly. Valiant pulled him up by his hair.

"Look at the screen" Valiant ordered

Merlin did, and he wished he hadn't. On the screen was Freya peacefully curled up on the bed. Merlin burst into a hysterical cry, he was shaking violently.

"Now listen and listen good. Do as I say, or she'll be the next." Valiant said in a warning tone. Merlin nodded not able to talk. He loosened his grip on Merlin's hair, took off Merlin's glasses and placed it on the table. He took his seat right in front of Merlin.

"Strip" He ordered.

Merlin froze. This wasn't happening. His eyes fell on the vow of purity ring his Mother gave him. Three years. How many days it is now? Not even up to a week.

"Come on, Merlin" Valiant said with a grin. "The super model Pendragon must have prepared you very well"

Merlin kept staring not moving an inch. He didn't trust himself to be able to open his mouth and protest. His eyes went to the table where his glasses were placed. The blue light was still active, and it had the capacity of viewing an area of 270 degrees. Everything was going to be registered.

"You know Merlin, I could have taken you for so long" Valiant voice was like acid to Merlin's ears. He wanted the tormenting to stop. Fresh tears started pouring down his eyes. Merlin had never shared as much tears in a year than just in this one day. "I said strip not stare. Have you forgotten about your sister?" Merlin eyes went to the screen, Freya was still curled up. He swallowed hard and brought his shaky hands to his belt and fumbled with it for few seconds. He jumped when Valiant started talking again. "Your belt saved you the last time, and your dog that goes by the name Will. He made those guys beat the hell out of me, and made me apologise to you." Merlin started sobbing louder. He prayed Will was okay. "Will was sent to the Pendragon, if not, I would have already made him pay." Merlin was relieved. Will was safe. Suddenly Merlin froze. Will could have his computer, and might be assisting to this scene. "Stop wasting my time Emrys. Take off the t-shirt first." Valiant voice was penetrating and toneless, but he obeyed anyway. He slowly pulled the white article over his head, and let it slipped to the floor.

Valiant tensed. Merlin skin was bright pale and flawless. Merlin stood still. He tried telling himself he could do this.

"I'm getting fed up" Valiant said with a change of tone. "I could easily go for your sister". Merlin shook his head furiously, his hands started working on his belt. He would glance at Valiant and then at the screen where the image of Freya peacefully curled up was, and then back to his belt. He continued telling himself he could do it for Freya, but the belt just wouldn't give way. Merlin couldn't help himself from sobbing. Will someone come and save them, or are they doomed forever?

Will had waited patiently. The screen finally came alive indicating that Merlin has activated his blue light. One part of the screen was divided into three sections. There was the map of England with a star on Oxford. The second section showed a zooming of Oxford with a star on Albion city, and the last part showed the exact street Merlin was with a star on a building. On the other part of the screen was the camera, and it was clear Merlin wasn't in a good situation. The knights of the round table had sprung into action. Leon asked Lamia and Elyan to stay behind with Will while the rest went to Cenred. The two ex lovers put their personal problem apart and concentrated on keeping Will calm. Three of them had watched the tormenting scene. Will couldn't bear it anymore. And everything was degenerating. He washed has Merlin's trousers fell to the ground. Will stood up and started pacing. "For Christ's sake. Why is Merlin still there? When will they get there?" Will asked.

"They should be there already." Elyan replied.

"Maybe you should start telling me what you know" They heard Valiant said. He was now holding Merlin's around his waist.

"I... I don't know..." Merlin sobbed out in a pleading tone. Valiant bite hard on his neck which made Merlin screamed out.

Will froze. He couldn't bring himself to look at the screen. His knees gave way, and he slowly sat on the floor sobbing loudly. This wasn't happening. Lamia who was now sobbing too pulled Will up to the divan telling Will everything would be fine, she wasn't convinced though.

Nobody can understand. Will thought. They couldn't understand the terrible situation Merlin was. The problem is not only getting raped, the problem is he could get pregnant. Merlin will hate himself.

Elyan was left alone to witness Merlin's torture. He watched has Valiant pushed Merlin on the bed. He was about to climb in when there was a sudden knock at the door. Valiant groaned annoyed.

Will and Lamai froze. They all listened carefully.

"The Pendragons are here. Stop the interrogation" said a lady's voice

Note: Torture ends here, now you can breathe

Whoever that was, Merlin thought she could an angle. He was ready to abandoned himself if this were to be his destiny. He didn't see Valiant walking out of the room before he passed out.

Beep, beep, beep...

What was that sound? He couldn't open his eyes. The continuous beeping was disturbing. Merlin fell asleep.

Beep, beep, beep...

No. Merlin groaned in his mind. That sound again. And he could hear voices now, but couldn't get what they were saying. He went back to sleep.

The next time Merlin woke, he could still hear the beeping. His throat was dry and he wanted water. He tried opening his eyes without succeeding. He tried moving his fingers. They moved. He raised his hand that was suddenly held by someone.

"Merlin?" The voice was soft. It was his Mother. "Can you hear me?" Hunith asked again. I can hear you Merlin thought. He couldn't talk. He heard his mother sobbing. Merlin felt sad. He was determined to open his eyes. And so he tried. Merlin slowly blinked his eyes open. He waited so his eyes could adjust to the small light that was coming from under the closed curtain. He finally opened his eyes. Good. Now he needed to say something.

"Mmu..." He croaked out

"Merlin? Merlin!" Hunith started sobbing louder "I'll get the doctor" She said in a whisper.

Few minutes later, Merlin was surrounded by doctors and nurses.

"Welcome back to earth" One of the doctors had greeted him while he examined Merlin's eyes. A nurses helped him with some water.

Merlin was still a bit disoriented. He couldn't remember the last thing he did.

"You need to rest. Sleep"

Merlin slept.

He woke up still to the beeping sound he was already used to. The room was quiet, except for the annoying beeping sound. Merlin stood still staring at the red light above him. Memories started coming back... Slowly, Merlin started remembering.

Everyone laid still on the floor, he was tied up, and there was Valiant, someone was being flogged...who?...his dad. The monitor registered the change in his breathing, and the alarm went off. Two nurses rushed in.

" Shhh. Calm down Merlin" He heard one says

"It's a panic attack" said the other

"Where is...where is my dad?" He said and broke into sobs. Was anyone hurt? Where was he? What happened?

"Everybody is fine" One of the nurse said as if reading Merlin's mind. "Calm down, Your mum will be here soon"

Few minutes later, they were able to tranquillize him. Hunith entered with a cup of coffee that she quickly abandoned on the table, and rushed to Merlin.

"Sweetheart, how are you feeling?" She asked worriedly as she took Merlin's hand in hers.

Merlin ignored Hunith question, instead he asked about his father, how was Freya doing, and where was Will. Hunith explained to him that they were all fine. Merlin had been out for three days.

"What?! Three days" Merlin was shocked.

"You scared the hell out of everyone" Hunith said between sobs.

"Don't cry mum. Valiant didn't have his way right? And the vow of purity still stands" Merlin said and yawned.

Hunith froze. "Of course. You're perfectly fine." She said nervously. She wondered what would have happened if Valiant had got what he wanted. Merlin yawned again. "Sleep sweetheart, You'll be meeting with the rest at dawn"

Merlin was curled up with his head Will's lap on the divan in Uther's living room, staring at the scene in front of him while Freya and Mordred played at one corner of the room. He had been dismissed from the hospital two days ago.

"Can't believe they've planned my life while I was still in the hospital" Merlin murmured loud enough only for Will to hear.

Will chuckled. "They are still trying to perfect the plan"

"You're not helping... And they are talking about me as if I'm not here" Merlin complained

"You can always intervene" Will said running his hands through Merlin's hair. Merlin said in satisfaction.

"Yes, let them blunter more. Does the media know anything about what happened?" Merlin was sure it will be difficult for the public not to notice anything.

"Are asking if the secret of the Knights of the round table still safe? Yes. They were attacked, and the police had done a great job rescuing them. That's all the media knows." Will explained

Merlin chuckled. "That doesn't sound convincing. What really happened when I was out"

"You should asked one of them to tell you how they got you out. I'll tell you my own part of the story, not just now" Will bent and kissed Merlin on his forehead. "I'm glad you are fine"

At the other side of the room, they were all seated talking about what Merlin should do, where he should be staying. Even if, the argument was interesting, Arthur's attention on the two people curled up on the divan.

"Jealous?" Morgana whispered to Arthur who gave a dirty look in reply. "You are competing with someone who is very more determined." Morgana added with a teasing grin.

Arthur groaned silently. "Morgana for the..."

"Hello everyone!" Merlin voice cut Arthur from whatever he was going to say. All attention was on Merlin who was now standing. He still looked pale, and was too tiny, but he was a far way better than when he was still unconscious in the hospital. " Thanks to everyone for your love and support. I'm fine with some decisions made so far while I was in my dying bed. But some are to be changed. Oxford is great, and I will gladly stay. I'm fine working for Camelot, and it's okay if a thousand of guards have to follow me everywhere. But, there is just one condition, I'm not staying here, neither at Arthur's and definitely not at Morgana's or with anybody else. I want my own flat, in Albion, close to Camelot." This made a murmur pass through the living room "I'm eighteen. Will has promised to stay for a week, and then I'll just be fine. And Dad, now You can buy me the car you promised". That was what Merlin wanted. He has to make his own experience.

"Yes, right" Balinor replied. The idea of Merlin living alone was a bit scary but Merlin was right, he is eighteen, he has to see the world and have a normal life.

"I think we have the perfect house for you then." Arthur said as he walked over to Merlin. "You could have my flat in Albion"

"Oh my gosh, Mum I want to live with Merlin" Freya jumped out of nowhere even before Merlin could say anything.

Hunith eyes widened. Their two children just decided to leave. Well one had to, and now Freya too. "Well...you should finish this semester in Ealdor, if you keep your votes high and don't miss classes then next semester you could stay with Merlin. That's if Merlin is okay with it."

"Of course, he is" Freya faked a smile at Merlin. "You owe me, you know that" Freya whispered.

Merlin rolled his eyes in amusement "Of course Mum I'm fine with that"

"We could go see the flat if you which." Arthur suggested. "That's if you're fit"

"Yeah, I'll be fine. You coming Will ?" Merlin asked

"Can we come too?" Freya asked with Mordred hands in hers. They've become pretty close.

"We need to walk a bit. I packed my car at the other part of the building." Arthur informed

Will, Freya and Mordred took the lead, while Merlin and Arthur walked behind.

"How do you feel?" Arthur asked after few seconds

"Good, thanks." The question was playing on his head. "Can I ask you something?

"Anything" It came out before Arthur could think of it.

"What's the Dorocha?"

Arthur had been expecting that question. He briefly explained. Arthur called the Dorocha "Death of any". It kills whatever come across his way. The Dorocha is a "Smart gun" recently invented by the Research weapons Facility. The gun had the capacity called "moving bullet". When a person is targeted, the bullet could pass every obstacle to get to the designed victim. Sure weapon was too dangerous to get to the public, but the weapon facility suspected an intruder. They'd suspended their research, and every specification and schematics of the smart gun where saved into a special drive that was then handed to Camelot for security. The real Camelot has to remain a secret because it secured important files, documentations, researches, investigation findings, experiments. Cenred probably found out thanks to the numerous spies at his service including her daughter that finally did the great deal.

"Don't you think the Dorocha should be destroyed?" Merlin asked. Something so dangerous shouldn't exist.

"We don't destroy Merlin. We protect and secure, and we are anti-spies" Arthur said. Yes, they were Anti-spies, but Arthur himself had allowed a spy in. He'd been blind to what others could see.

" Does that mean Cenred now have it. That could be..."

"No Merlin. You saved the day" Arthur cut in before Merlin could finish his phrase

Merlin stopped on his track "What?"

"We were going to use the app stuff you made, and have the documents deleted. The alarm of you not breathing went off just before we could give the documents to Cenred." Arthur explained. He had stopped walking too. "Every attention were on you. Our backup were really good. They went into action right in that moment Cenred's men were distracted. They were all arrested. The Valiant guy is in where he belongs. Cenred was sent back to Russia."

"What? Why? He's supposed to be locked somewhere in the prison" Merlin was horrified. Cenred can't be free.

"Merlin, he works for the Russia government. This is politic. And we didn't make the choice. The government did" Arthur brushed a string of hair off Merlin's forehead. "You'll be fine. I promise." They stayed like that staring at each other with different thoughts passing their head.

Will, Freya and Mordred stood and watched. Will was a bit jealous. He knew Arthur was no harm and he liked Merlin. But was just the protective one, and maybe or maybe not he was scared Merlin might forget him.

"Let me tell you a secret Freya" Mordred whispered but Will could hear. "My uncle really likes your brother"

"Holy crab, Will..."

"Shut up Freya" Will cut in before Freya could make any stupid comment "I think we should get going" Will shouted.

Arthur and Merlin were forced to break the eye contact. Merlin blush to the tip of his ears.

Was he falling for Arthur?

They entered the car, and drove off.

Note: Part 3 which is also the last part will be a bit of thriller and lots of fluff

A/N: Don't forget to Review. You can also leave suggestions. Thank you.