JG: Thanks for all the feed back guys! It always makes me smile. Here's the next part! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: JelloGirl323 does not own Merlin or Doctor Who.

Fate Vs. Destiny: The Dragon's call part III

It was getting late on the second day since the Doctor and Merlin landed on the outskirts of Camelot. Needless to say the Doctor wasn't very happy with his son. Sure it was one thing for a teenager to go out without telling anyone and spending the night somewhere. But Merlin…well Merlin wasn't your average teenager. He was powerful. He didn't just have magic, he was magic. His magic ran deep thru his veins—so deep that without it he would die. And it was for that particular reason the Doctor felt so cross with him. He was worried. Worried and angry.

He was worried that Merlin had gotten into trouble, again. That quick-witted mouth of his was always getting him into trouble. One day he'd get hurt if he wasn't careful. But the Doctor was also angry. Not at Merlin per se' (don't get him wrong as he was still plenty annoyed at him that was for sure) but mad at the thought of those people if they ever dared to hurt his son.

-:-

Elsewhere in the night the witch-still disguised as the lovely Lady Helen rode through the gates of Camelot with the rest of her guards. As she walked across the cobble stone courtyard a puddle reflected what she truly was, an old hag. As she was escorted through the halls of the grand castle you can be sure that she steered clear of anything reflective.

Once she arrived at the throne room she took a steadying breath—not because she was nervous mid you, but because she had to contain herself and not kill the tyrant King on sight. Walking in she strolled down the hall to stand in front of that swine Uther.

A smile that seemed to be more of a smirk graced the King's features. "Lady Helen. Thank you so much for coming to sing at our celebrations."

Fighting to not let her contempt for the man before her show Mary Colins smoothed her features into a smile that was only slightly mocking. "The pleasure's all mine."

Still smiling King Uther took her hands in his own. "How was your journey?"

With a slight sigh Mary said a little breathlessly. "Oh the time it took sire."

Forcing herself to not pull her hands away from him as he placed a small kiss on them she kept smiling.

"Well it was always worth the wait." Uther said releasing her hands.

Smirking Mary fondled slightly with the crystal around her neck and replied. "It will be."

-:-

The next morning was a beautiful one. The sun was shining and birds were singing. It was in such stark contrast to the dungeons of Camelot where a certain young warlock was currently sleeping on the straw covered ground.

"Merlin." A voice called out startling the young warlock out of his sleep and forcing him into awareness quite abruptly. "Merlin."

Still bleary-eyed from sleep Merlin looked around trying to figure out where the sound of his name was coming from. Finally he realized that it came from the floor beneath him. He got up and instinctively backed away.

"Merlin." There it was again! That blasted voice. Leaning down to inspect the floor he consequently didn't realize that his uncle had come to his cell.

"Merlin!" Gaius's voice was thick with disapproval and exasperation. Jumping slightly Merlin straightened up and looked at his uncle sheepishly.

Gaius opened the cell and stepped in with a sigh. "You never cease to amaze me! The one thing that someone like you should do is keep your head down, and what do you do? You behave like an idiot." He paused to look at Merlin disapprovingly. "And another thing; you said that you were going to find your father. Well what do you think he would think of your current situation?"

Merlin winced thinking about what his father would say if he found out. "You—you're right Gaius, I'm sorry."

Feeling slightly satisfied Gaius nodded. "You're lucky. I managed to pull a few strings to get you released." That satisfaction was soon gone when he saw how excited his nephew was.

"Oh thank you! Thank you!" At seeing the look his uncle was giving him Merlin quickly added "I won't forget this."

"Well, there is a small price to pay."

-:-

As soon as the castle's morning bells rang The Doctor raced to the gates so he could continue searching for his son. He walked through the market place searching for Merlin's awkward walk but couldn't find him anywhere.

Noticing some children, arms laden with fruit, gathering around something piqued his interest. After a moment of debate his curiosity got the better of him and he went to see what they were doing.

-:-

Merlin groaned from his hunched over position from within the stocks. "Oh no." he muttered while spitting out some tomato seeds. Gaius laughed at him then walked away. Merlin called after him sarcastically "Thanks!"

Having run out of ammunition the children left to go and get some more. Giving Gwen the opportunity to come up to Merlin's side. "Hi Merlin." She said a smile bright on her face.

"Oh hi Gwen," Merlin said attempting to wipe his face off but failing miserably. "You're here to tell me that I was stupid for standing up to him aren't you?"

"No," Gwen said then at his look added, "well yeah it was a little stupid but mostly brave."

"Brave? What do you mean?"

Gwen smiled. "Arthur's a bully and everyone thought you were a real hero."

Merlin cocked his head thoughtfully. "Oh yeah?"

"Mmmm-hmm." Gwen muttered absently, and then she giggled. "Although I am glad you walked away. You weren't going to beat him."

Merlin snorted in amusement. "Oh I-I can beat him."

"You think? Because you don't look like one of those big, muscle-y kind of fellows."

"Thanks." Merlin muttered sarcastically.

Gwen ducked her head sheepishly. "No! No, I'm sure you are stronger than you look. It's just, erm… Arthur's one of these real rough, tough, save the world kind of men, and…well…" She trailed off awkwardly.

"What?" Merlin asked in amusement.

"You don't look like that."

Smirking Merlin motioned for her to come closer. "I'm in disguise."

Gwen looked confused for a moment before she laughed. Just as Merlin was about to reply he saw something that made him go pale. "Oh excuse me Guinevere…My father is coming." And he's mad Merlin supplied in his mind. Gwen looked at him sympathetically and walked away.

-:-

The Doctor followed the children while looking around for Merlin as well. Bumping into someone the Doctor snapped back to attention. As the crowd parted the Doctor's face twisted into a scowl.

Hunched over in front of him, talking to a girl was Merlin. And he was in the stocks. Merlin must've seen him coming because the warlock paled suddenly and mumbled something to the girl and she walked away.

Walking up before the kids could start pelting his son again the Doctor looked at the kids fiercely. "You can go home now." His voice held no room for argument. Once the kids were gone he flipped around and glared at his son.

"I'm sorry," Merlin said looking down. "I know I was supposed to stay at the TARDIS."

"Then why didn't you?" The Doctor asked sternly. "I told you to stay back at the TARDIS and when I tell you to do something I bloody well expect you to do it."

Merlin winced and avoided his father's eyes. "I…I…I-I don't know why dad…I just…I just felt like it was the right thing to do. I felt like there was something or someone asking for help. And I couldn't just ignore it."

The Doctor smiled a peculiar smile and shook his head. "You really are my son." He muttered ruefully. "I would've done the same thing."

Merlin looked up hopefully. "Does…does this mean I'm off the hook?"

"Nope." The Doctor said cheerfully popping the 'p'.

Sighing Merlin muttered. "Well it was worth a shot."

The Doctor laughed while shaking his head. "How in the world did you get in there, or do I even want to know?"

Merlin looked sheepish. "I may have called the king's son an ass."

"A what?!" The Doctor's voice cracked in exasperation. "Merlin…what were you thinking?"

"You sound like Gaius," Merlin muttered quietly. The Doctor's eyebrows rose but he didn't comment. "I was thinking he needed to be taught a lesson."

Taking out his sonic-screwdriver the Doctor walked over and began to unlock the stocks. "He needed to be 'taught a lesson'."

"Well yeah," Merlin said defensively. "He was too arrogant for his own good."

"And you thought you'd give it to him did you?" The Doctor straightened up after the lock clicked. Merlin didn't say anything as he stood up.

Rubbing his wrists Merlin ducked his head sheepishly. "Thanks dad."

The Doctor smiled and pulled his son into a playful hug. "So tell me, who is this 'Gaius' person you mentioned hmm?"

Merlin smiled slightly at his dad's teasing tone. "He's my uncle."

Frowning the Doctor tilted his head in confusion. "Excuse me? As far as I am aware I don't have any brothers…so what do you mean by 'uncle'?"

Just as Merlin was about to say something two castle guards came up carrying swords. They stopped in front of the father and son and exclaimed "What do you think you are doing?"

"Talking," The Doctor said with some level of agitation. "Now hold on a minute, I'm busy." He turned to his son. "Now please explain what you meant by 'uncle'."

Merlin paused searching for the right words but was cut off by one of the guards grabbing his arm roughly.

"Oi! Unhand my son." The Doctor said angrily. He glared at the two guards daring them to contradict him.

"And who are you then?" One of the guards asked arrogantly.

"If you had been listening, you would have known that I happen to be his father." The Doctor explained. "Now do as I say and unhand him."

"Can't do that." The second guard said dully. "King's orders are for him to stay in the stocks."

"Well I'm telling you to let him go."

"Just 'oo do you think you are? Undermining the King like that, you should be arrested for even saying a thing like that." The first guard said hotly.

The Doctor took his psychic paper and showed it to the guards irritably. "I am Lord Doctor from the land of TARDIS and I'm telling you to unhand my son."

Eyes growing wide the two guards let go of Merlin and bowed low. "Begging you pardon sire." They both said awkwardly.

"Oh stop groveling," The Doctor said half amused half exasperated. Merlin smirked from behind him.

"Shall we inform the king of your arrival M'lord?" The second guard asked respectfully.

The Doctor blinked, he hadn't thought of that but supposed he should follow along to make it look like he was a 'normal' lord. "Erm... Sure. You do that." Merlin snickered behind him causing the Doctor to smack his son upside the head. "Hush up you. You are still in trouble."

Merlin didn't say anything as they were led into the counsel chambers although he did groan when he saw the blond haired prince standing next to the king's throne. "Oh Joy…" He grumbled under his breath. "The prat of a prince has graced us with his presence."

"Merlin…" The Doctor warned under his breath. "Be nice."

"Fine." Merlin muttered crossing his arms in annoyance.

Once they were close enough for the Camalotian royalty to hear they smiled brightly. Well, the Doctor did, Merlin sort of grimaced. "Your majesty." The Doctor said bowing; he glared at Merlin who bowed also.

"Ah, Lord Doctor, I had no idea that you were coming." King Uther said graciously, though with a tad of suspicion.

"Our apologies…" The Doctor said smiling awkwardly. "There was a slight misunderstanding. You see, we were just passing through when Merlin here," He pulled Merlin forward slightly. "Had a…er…disagreement with your son Arthur." Merlin blushed as all the eyes in the room turned to him, especially those of his uncle.

"That was him?" Uther asked anger in his voice.

"I'm sure he had no idea he was your son your majesty," The Doctor put in hastily. "And I am also sure he is very sorry. Aren't you Merlin?"

"Yes your majesty." Merlin said after a moment's pause. "I am sorry if I have caused you or your son any disrespect."

"It won't happen again?" Uther asked sternly.

"No sire," Merlin said though he thought 'Not likely'

Uther seemed to accept this and nodded to Merlin. "Very well be sure that it doesn't." He turned to the Doctor. "Are you staying long?"

"We…we were going to leave today." The Doctor said scratching his head awkwardly.

"But surly you will stay for the celebrations?" Uther asked

"Well," The Doctor started not wanting for his son to stay anywhere near this king for more than five seconds. "We really must be going."

"Nonsense," Uther said briskly. "I simply must insist that you stay for the festivities."

"Alright," The Doctor said a little awkwardly. "We'll stay then."

"Perfect," Uther said with a smile. "I'll have a servant show you to your rooms." He gestured and a small serving boy came forward. "You will show Lord Doctor and Sir Merlin to their rooms."

Giving a bow the serving boy turned to the two visitors. "If you would follow me please," He commented leading them out of the counsel chambers. Once they were out of sight of Merlin turned to the serving boy.

"Hey, I know you…" He said brightly. "You're the one who showed me where the noble's wing was. Thanks for that."

"My pleasure Sir Merlin," The boy said with a small bow.

"Hey now," Merlin said teasingly. "None of that, you don't have to bow to me. And it's just Merlin thanks." The serving boy didn't say anything more but just focused on showing them the way. Looking slightly confused he glanced at his father who shrugged.

Once they arrived at their destination the serving boy bowed slightly and said "Your rooms Sirs," Pointing to the rooms on either side of the hall.

"Thank you," The Doctor said smiling brightly. The serving boy walked away without any other word.

Once they were both inside the Doctor sat Merlin down and looked at him closely. "Now, Merlin tell me what you meant by 'uncle'."

And so Merlin explained what both he and Gaius speculated. Once done talking he looked up into his father's face. "It is possible isn't it? That I'm Hunith's son I mean."

"Yes Merlin," The Doctor said slowly. "It is quite possible." There was a note of sadness in his tone that made Merlin frown.

"Dad? What is it?" Merlin asked

"Nothing Merlin," The Doctor replied absently.

"Dad, don't lie to me." Merlin said sternly. "I know something is up."

"Nothing is 'up', unless you count the sky and air and trees…" The Doctor rambled looking anywhere but his son's face.

"Dad, you're stalling again." The Doctor fell silent. Seeing his silence Merlin continued. "Dad, please tell me?"

"It's just…" The Doctor trailed off biting his lip. "I understand if you don't want to travel with me anymore…"

Merlin's eyebrows rose. "What? Dad what do you mean 'don't want to travel with me anymore'?"

"Well, I would assume that you would want to stay here with your real family."

"Dad," Merlin said slowly. "I would never give up going with you. Sure I want to meet my family and spend time with them…but you are my dad…and I can't imagine life without you, the TARDIS or our crazy adventures."

The Doctor looked at his son, tears shining in his eyes. "Merlin…thank you."

"You don't need to thank me dad." Merlin said rubbing his head embarrassedly. "It's the truth."

Before The Doctor could say anything more there was a knock at the door. "Yes?" He called looking at Merlin in confusion. Merlin just shrugged.

The Door opened and an elderly man came in. He wore gray robes and had white hair. Immediately the Doctor felt his eyes widen. 'That can't be possible. How could he be alive? I thought he was dead.' He thought staring suspiciously at the man.

"Merlin," The man said in exasperation. "You didn't tell me your father is a Lord."

"Well," Merlin started sheepishly. "Actually I kind of did."

"You did?" The Doctor asked curiously. "Hang on…exactly who is this man?"

"Oh right, introductions…" Merlin said with a smile. "Dad this is Gaius, he's my uncle. Gaius, this is my dad, The Doctor."

"Ah." The Doctor said brightly, although he could feel the back of his neck prickle. Shaking it off he continued. "So you are his uncle. Nice to meet you." He held out his hand for Gaius to shake.

Feeling bewildered Gaius shook The Doctor's hand. He then turned to Merlin. "Now will you explain what you meant when you said that you did tell me that your father is a Lord? Because I don't remember you saying anything of the sort."

"You don't remember?" Merlin said with an impish grin. "I told you that he was a Time Lord. The last of the Time Lords actually."

"You told him I'm a Time Lord?" The Doctor asked in exasperation. "Merlin, what happened to 'keeping a low profile'?"

Merlin shrugged sheepishly. "He asked about the TARDIS."

"You told him about the TARDIS." The Doctor's voice was flat. "Merlin did it escape your notice that we ware in Medieval Times? The knowledge of the Time Lord technology, no any technology for that matter, would change the future of the world. And you told a—a—I'm sorry what exactly is it that you do?" The Doctor asked suddenly looking at Gaius.

"Oh I'm a physician." Gaius supplied with a slight smile.

"Are you really?" The Doctor asked in interest, a strange look on his face. "That's…well that's…interesting…"

"Dad?" Merlin asked suspiciously. "What is it?"

"Nothing…it's nothing…" The Doctor said dismissively, though Merlin could practically see the wheels in his father's mind turning rapidly. "I'm sorry, it's just well…I feel as if we've met before. Only last time you were bald, living in World War II era, and turned into a gas-mask zombie."

"'World War II era'? 'Gas-mask Zombie'?" Gaius asked his eyebrow rising.

"Bald?"

The Doctor and Gaius both turned to Merlin. "Of course the only thing you'd get out of that is the least surprising fact." The Doctor said rolling his eyes.

Now it was Merlin's turn to roll his eyes. "Dad, please." He grinned his 'impish' grin again, his eyes lighting up. "This is you we are talking about. Stuff like this happens to you all the time."

"Oi! Don't get cheeky with me young man." The Doctor said playfully. "You are still in trouble."

"I said I was sorry." Merlin pouted. "It's not like I did anything that bad."

"Oh yes," The Doctor commented sarcastically. "Like the time you knocked off the great sphinx's nose."

Merlin flushed. "That was an accident! I didn't mean for that to happen."

"Can we get back to the matter at hand?" Gaius broke in looking half amused half exasperated.

"Ah yes sorry." Merlin and the Doctor said in unison. They looked at each other and grinned.

"What were we talking about?" The Doctor asked pleasantly.

"The fact that you are a Time Lord." Gaius explained then looked at the Doctor curiously. "But what exactly IS a Time Lord? Merlin mentioned something about an 'alien race'?"

"Yup." The Doctor said while cheerfully popping the p. "Time Lords are different than humans. We have two hearts, better organ systems, and can see into the Time Vortex."

"I'm sorry but 'two hearts'? You can't possibly expect me to believe that you have two hearts." Gaius said incredulously.

"What's wrong with having two hearts?" Merlin asked looking confused. "Cows have four stomachs…hang on no wait sorry they have four digestive tracts…" He paused in thought. "You have two kidneys why is it so strange that he has two hearts?" Gaius didn't seem to have a comeback.

"Merlin, while I'm glad you are standing up for me…" The Doctor started staring at his son in amusement. "But did you really have to compare me to cows?"

"Uh…sorry?" Merlin said sheepishly.

"I am not cow!" The Doctor protested with a pout.

"I didn't say you were. I was only using a cow as an example." Merlin explained. "But it didn't work so I used kidneys instead."

"I still can't believe you compared me to a bovine." The Doctor said folding his arms in a huff.

"What's the matter? You always compare me to an ape!"

"That's different."

"Oh yeah?" Merlin's tone was smug. "How?"

"Because…because it just IS!"

"Oh yeah, because that clears it up." Merlin commented sarcastically.

"Ooh you are cheeky aren't you?" The Doctor said glaring at him.

"Yup. I learned from the best."

"Merlin! Doctor!" Gaius said impatiently.

"What?" They asked at the same time again.

"It's time for you to go have dinner with the King."

JG: Well? Thoughts? Thanks for Reading! Hope to hear from you! :D