"Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
"DANIEL!"
He could hear her cries. They railed against the buildings, rebounding off the bricks, and reverberating inside his skull. Her pain streaked across the bond between them.
"DANIEL! Please, help me!" she screamed again.
Faster. Faster. Faster. He had to reach her. Little else registered above the constant drumming of protect the Guide that burned in his veins and drove his feet on the pavement.
He was getting closer, her scent faint, but it was there. Daniel ran faster, past building after building, street after street. He was faintly aware he had bulldozed over several pedestrians, but none of that matter. All that mattered was getting to his Guide. She was in danger; he could feel something attacking them, trying to sever the bond with what felt like a rusty saw, leaving jagged cuts and gaping wounds.
Another horrific scream tore through the air, echoed by a "DANIEL, PLEASE!"
He growled in response, a spine-chilling, visceral sound. On some level, he realized her scream was louder this time, and the scent – the scent! – it was stronger now; he was getting closer. Close enough to sense that there were others with her, foreign scents that mingled with hers. Foreign voices that ordered her to hold still, that belonged to her attackers. But this rational processing was drowned out beneath the roaring need to save his Guide. Death to anyone who got in his way.
So close, he was so close, just a few more meters and –
An intense pain shot through him, and his legs collapsed beneath him. His body skidded to a halt in the gravel. The Sentinel lied there, hopeless. She was gone. He had felt her; her fear, her pain, her despair. Followed by an overwhelming sadness filled with regret that flashed through the dying link and then … nothing. She was gone.
The Sentinel whimpered weakly as the agonizing emptiness consumed him. If she had left, he would follow her. A tear pooled on the side of his nose, before finally spilling over; hitting the ground beneath him.
Kaitlyn. He thought, as his heart slowed. My Guide. Kaitlyn, my own.
A second attack. A second Guide and a second Sentinel dead. The mugging gone wrong fib was not going to work anymore, and mass panic was inevitable - already beginning to bubble up among the Sentinel and Guide community and soon it would boil over into the rest of the city's population. Because if the people who protected you couldn't keep themselves safe, what were the chances for the average citizen?
Arthur had initially been against the cover up story - people deserved the truth - but he had conceded to the logic that scaring the public is a bad idea. He almost regrets that decision, now they are at risk of losing the people's trust if they find out there is a maniac out on the loose and they weren't warned. One attack is random and unfortunate. But two... Two is more than coincidence.
Another crime where the perpetrators covered their tracks with the exact same brand of clove essential oil and blocked out the CCTV cameras in the exact same way pointed to the same assailants as in the Maria Harper case; making Daniel and Kaitlyn Rogers, the third and fourth victims.
Arthur thought that they had lucked out with the cameras actually. One very long sleepless night spent scouring the CCTV footage had lead them to a small candy shop where Kaitlyn Rogers was last seen alive. Gaius even knew the owners. The car finally slowed to a stop and Arthur followed Gaius and his father out.
Stepping onto the sidewalk, Arthur looked around. He wasn't very impressed. The neighborhood was relatively clean for being in one of the outer districts, but the buildings were still pretty dilapidated; several stores had windows boarded up, probably to stand in for broken windows that couldn't be replaced, and trash floated down the street rather than sitting neatly in bins. But this shop stood out defiantly against the worn down backdrop. It was painted bright yellow with an immaculate black trim framing the dutch door and windows. The door itself was made of red wood, slightly battered but well loved, happily proclaiming 'welcome', while the large window to the right of it proudly showcased a drool worthy selection of sweets with giant, black and gold, old-timey letters on the glass that spelled out 'Emyrs Sweets.'
Gaius unlocked the door and entered the shop first, a bell tinkled as the door swung inward. Arthur's gaze swept around the empty room taking in its homey atmosphere.
"I'll check upstairs for Hunith," Gaius spoke as he crossed behind the window display and headed for the stairs, which opened up near the end of the bar. Arthur exchanged a terse nod with his father before he followed Gaius up the staircase.
Left to himself, Arthur surveyed the room. Directly beneath the window sat a tiered, stadium like display overflowing with an assortment of candies labeled with different stickers like "the Chocoholic's Choice", "the Ultimate Saltwater Taffy Pack" and "the Truth is Salty-Sweet". Further in the room lay a counter of finely finished wood, it wrapped around the room in an L shape, and ended in a glass display case. There sat four old-fashioned bar stools parallel to the longest section of the bar. They were covered in a muted red vinyl that was cracked from wear in several places and probably creaked when you sat in it. On the wall opposite the bar stood a tall and wide cabinet with dozens of brightly colored, plastic drawers; each filled to the brim with a different confection.
Arthur meandered towards the back passing by the display case that housed a variety of chilled pastries at the end of the bar. He would have thought that the concentrated scent of sugar and chocolate would be overwhelming, but instead it was pleasantly mild. Walking behind the vitrine, Arthur knocked on the door that presumably lead to a back room.
"Mrs. Emyrs?" he called. When he got no response, he pushed open the door and called again. When he still got no response, he let the door swing shut and headed towards the stairs. About half way up, he heard the door open and the bell chime, followed by laughter and familiar voices. Arthur crept down the stairs and hid in the alcove just out of sight. He could make five distinct treads, so five people. Amidst the creaking of those ancient vinyl seats as everyone settled, Arthur realized that knew who had just come in: Elyan, Lancelot, Percival, and even Gwaine along with the candy shop owner he saw that the House the other day - Merlin, right?
Arthur had trained with those Sentinels at the Institute. They had grown close, so much so that everyone had started referring to them as 'Arthur and the Knights.' He rarely saw them anymore he thought with a pang of sadness. Maybe occasionally they ran into each at the Institute, but otherwise...
But why are they here? Arthur's brow creased in puzzlement.
He'd like to say he didn't shamelessly eavesdrop on his friends, but he did.
"Explain something to me, Merlin," Gwaine said, hopping up onto the bar, his right leg bent in front of him, letting the other hang off the edge.
"What?" Merlin mumbled distractedly, searching under the bar's counter for clean cups.
"How is it that you personally know every single one of the Knights, but only just last week did you meet our coveted leader?"
"Careful Gwaine, sounds like you've been thinking. Wouldn't want you to strain something," Merlin said with a brash grin.
"Cheeky bastard," Gwaine shot back, leaning over to swat at Merlin's head.
"Now, that you mention it, that is kind of weird," Elyan agreed, sitting in the seat nearest to Gwaine at the end of the bar, resting his elbows on the wood, hands loosely clasped.
"Nooo. Don't encourage him!" Merlin whined, as he reemerged with four clean ceramic cups, and set them up neatly on matching saucers. Turning to the counter behind him, and picking up a coffee-maker pot filled hot chocolate.
"Thank you!" Gwaine exclaimed, "See? I'm not the only one thinking it!"
"Did you really only meet him a couple days ago?" Percy asked looking doubtful, as he watched Lance sit between him and Elyan, digging through his bag for something.
"I didn't actually meet him," Merlin relented, as he poured steaming cocoa into the arranged cups. "I just saw him for the first time. We were both at the House during my extra visit last week." Pause. "He's shorter than I thought he would be."
From his hiding place in the stairwell, Arthur nearly huffed in indignation. He was nearly 2 metres for Christ's sake.
"Oh? And how was the princess?" Gwaine said grinning, as he was handed his cup of hot chocolate.
"Dunno. Tired," Merlin said, "And stressed, I suppose."
"That's our Arthur," Lance assured, finally dropping his bag onto the ground and accepting a cup from Merlin.
"What do you mean?" Merlin said, curious to know.
"He's always working," Elyan lamented, throwing his hands in the air, "We never get to see him anymore."
"Not since the Institute," Percy added, taking a sip of his own hot chocolate. Arthur felt a twinge of guilt, along with a small flare of warmth. At least, his friends missed him just as much.
"You know, not once," Gwaine commiserated loudly, "In all the time I've known him, have I ever seen that boy take a day off. Not once."
"I tried to get him to come down here a couple of times, but..." Lance shrugged, "No luck."
"Which brings me back to my original point," Gwaine paused to take a swig of his drink, then pointed a finger accusingly at Merlin, "How come you know all of us, but not Arthur?"
All of the Knights turned to look at Merlin; wanting to know the answer just as bad as Gwaine.
"There's not much to tell really," Merlin said, "I mean I met Gwaine because you have an unhealthy addiction for our pear crumble."
"Guilty as charged," Gwaine admitted.
"Really now. You've come to the shop everyday since you were fifteen; I'm surprised we don't have to roll you out."
"Careful, Merlin," Gwaine pouted, "You'll crush my delicate self-confidence."
The candy store worker snorted his disbelief, "There's nothing sensitive or delicate about you."
"I dunno," Percy said, "I think he's hair might have feelings."
"Oi! Leave my hair alone," Gwaine whined, running a hand through said hair. "Go on with your story!"
"It's a short story," Merlin said, "I met Lance on patrol one night. Saved me from getting mugged actually, and he brought the rest of you here not long after."
"That was an exciting fable, Merlin," Gwaine said, "But could you tell it again, only this time with dragons?"
There was a collective eyeroll, and Gwaine was rewarded with a swift cuft to the back of his head from Elyan. A short interval of peace followed, but ended the moment Gwaine spoke up again.
"By the way," he announced, "Did you know we have company?" Tilting his head back towards the doorway beside the bar. It was then Arthur heard Gaius and Uther start to descend the stairs, their footsteps creaking against the wooded floors. All five of them turned expectantly towards the stairs just as the Prime Alpha Sentinel and his Guide stepped out. Arthur slipped out from his hiding place to exit behind them.
"Speak of the devil," Gwaine murmured under his breath, hiding a smirk under the downward tilt of his head and moving to drape both legs over the side of the bar.
"Sorry to bother you, gentlemen," said Uther, "But I must speak with Hunith Emerys."
"No bother at all, sir," Lance offered, glancing nervously at Merlin.
Merlin cleared his throat, "Hunith isn't here today, she went out to pick up some supplies and won't be back until later this evening. Can I help you?"
"And who you are?" Uther eyed him imperiously.
"Ah, that is Merlin Emerys," Gaius said stepping in, "Hunith's son."
"Well then perhaps you can help me," the older Pendragon decided, "Do you know a Kaitlyn Rogers?"
"Yeah, she stops by in the mornings for coffee," Merlin answered warily, "Why?"
"And do you know her Sentinel, Daniel Rogers?" Uther pressed on ignoring his question.
"Not as well, no," Merlin answered, his voice taking on a panicked edge subtle enough that a Sentinel might miss it, "Why?"
"Did Kaitlyn have any enemies?" Uther pressed again.
"No!" Merlin, all but yelled, feeling very backed into a corner, "Why do you want to know?" Giving up on Uther, Merlin redirected his questions, "Gaius, what's going on?" His eyes desperately hoping for anything other than the conclusion that slowly dawning on him.
Quietly, Gaius replied, "Kaitlyn was murdered last night."
Merlin bumped into the counter behind him, then slowly slid to the floor.
Immediately, the Knights were on their feet. Gwaine swung over the bar, kneeling next to Merlin, slowly coaxing him to stand. Lance met them at the end of the bar and opened the small partition to let them through. They lead him to the seat Elyan previously occupied. Elyan himself hasn't moved much, remaining close to place a comforting hand on Merlin's shoulder blade. Percival - tempting fate - had practically surged forward to get between Merlin and Uther's small party; planting his feet wide, crossing his behemoth arms defensively, and glowering rather impressively at the Prime Sentinel. Uther, looking a bit shocked as well as baffled, took a couple of steps back.
For his part, Arthur was severely conflicted. He felt a sharp flash of jealousy and simultaneous a swell of pride. He should be appalled at the Knights blatant show of disrespect, but it wasn't there. Evidently, he was pleased the people he trusted most in the world would protect Merlin but resentment over the fact that he could not do it himself. What could possibly be so important about Merlin that people all around him would act this way? Still parsing through his emotions, Arthur nearly missed Gaius push aside his stubborn Sentinel and join the distraught young man on the bar stool. Arthur got the distinct impression that he was sitting on the wrong side of the fence, standing behind his father watching everyone gather around Merlin.
"Merlin?" Gaius asked kindheartedly, patiently waiting for him to respond.
"This is all my fault," Merlin confessed miserably, hunching forward slightly, and burying his face in his hands. Uther moved to interrogate him further, but the four I-fucking-dare-you glares shot in his direction, made him stop. He might be the Alpha Sentinel of Albion but taking on four pissed off Sentinels would still be considered unwise.
"What do you mean?" the old doctor inquired kindly, hoping to persuade Merlin to talk more.
"I saw Katy yesterday," he revealed sadly, "She stopped by for a quick cup of coffee after work, and we chatted for a while. Said she had this creepy feeling that somebody was following her." He dropped his hands and looked up, eyes bright with unshed tears. "I should have made her stay."
"You had no idea what was going to happen," Gaius tried to convince him.
"But I should have known better!" Merlin interrupted angrily, spine straightening in his seat. "Only a week ago, a Guide was attacked! I offered to call somebody to walk her home, but she insisted that she'd be fine. That it was only a few blocks from her house! I should have-" He sat down again. He continued on, in a low broken voice. "I should have made her stay; made her wait until one of you could have gotten here." Merlin gestured to the Knights standing around him, slumping even further in his seat. No longer filled with righteous indignation, just weighed down by grief.
For a split second, everyone was silent. Then, Lance said softly, "I'm so sorry, Merlin."
"It's not your fault," he said weakly.
Arthur decided to pick up his father's questioning. As kindly as he could, he asked, "Did Katy have any enemies?"
Merlin looked directly at Arthur, surprised, almost as if he hadn't noticed that Arthur was there before now. He cleared his throat and said, "I don't think so, but I wouldn't really know. Gwen might."
"Wait, Katy with red hair?" Lance said and Merlin nodded. "I think I remember Gwen telling me that she used to live across the hall from her and Morgana. They are - were really close."
"We need to go interview her now," Uther said, then he strode past Arthur, and was out the door before anyone could protest. Gaius sighed and patted Merlin on the shoulder, before following.
"Gaius, wait!" Merlin staggered out of the chair and caught Gaius' suit sleeve to make him wait. "Are these the same attackers as before?" His face has lost that broken quality, replaced with a stony strength and grim determinism.
Gaius sighs again. "Regretfully, yes. They used identical clove oil at the scene."
Gwaine made a scoffing noise in the back of his throat and muttered, "Idiots."
Everyone still in the room, stared at him. He shifted his weight, and adjusted his position leaning against the bar, before he said, "There are more ways to track someone besides just scent. So you can't smell anything? So what? The suspects would have left a million other traces of their presence."
Gwaine's entire body was rigid, defensive like he was waiting for someone to strike him down, but beneath that there was a certainty, an absolute conviction that what he was saying is true.
"You're sure of this?" Arthur asked, barely allowing himself to hope.
"Without a doubt," Gwaine answered seriously.
Merlin piped up, "Gwaine's the best tracker in all of Albion. If anyone knows, it's him."
The comment threw Arthur for a moment. He knew Gwaine was good, not particularly tied down to a territory, which made him an ideal tracker, but the best?
"Wait, if you're the best, why weren't you put on the teams initially?" Arthur demanded.
"You may not have noticed, but I'm a bit on Uther's shit list," Gwaine said grimly, if not a little petulantly. Arthur's face went slack. He couldn't believe his father wouldn't call on the best to find the attackers all because of something Gwaine had done. Probably ages ago, but with Gwaine it was hard to tell.
"A bit?" Percy said skeptically.
Elyan snorted, "More like at the top."
"C'mon. Be fair, guys." Lance spoke up to dissuade the oncoming fight, "He's really more near the middle."
"I hate you all so much," Gwaine mumbled as he let his head hit the bar top.
Merlin cracked a small smile and added, "That's too bad, cause we're the only ones willing to put up with your arse."
"As much fun as it is to gang up on Gwaine," Arthur interrupted, pulling himself together, "We need to get moving. Gwaine, go to the scene of the last attack - Gaius has directions - and see if there is anything left to track." Gwaine nodded and walked over to Gaius to receive instructions. Satisfied, Arthur turned to Lance, "Lancelot, I need you take Percival and Elyan. Go with Gwaine. If he finds something, I don't want him to be without backup. Understood?"
"Yes, sir," Lance replied easily.
"Gaius. My father was right," Arthur continued, "We need to talk to Guinevere. Maybe Guide Rogers told her something about who might have been following her."
With their orders given, everyone began to leave. When they exited the shop, the car was just pulling up and Uther was arguing with someone on his mobile. The Knights bid farewell them, assuring Arthur that they would contact him the moment they found something, however inconsequential.
It wasn't until heard the jingle of keys that Arthur realized that Merlin had silently followed him the entire time, occupying the space to his right, maybe half a step behind felt something settle inside him, unsure of what it was. But before he could question his actions, Uther ended his phone call and asked contemptibly, "What is he doing here?"
The words were out of his mouth before they really registered with his brain, "Merlin's coming with us."
"Why?" Uther demanded.
Thinking on the spot and taking a rather large leap of faith, Arthur said, "Because the Guide we're going to see might be more inclined to talk to us, if she has a friend to support her."
Uther looked like he was about to protest, when Gaius cut in, "It would help, if the Guide had some form of emotional support while we interview her. Merlin and Gwen are good friends so he volunteered."
"Is that so?"
"Uh, yes - sir," Merlin tacked on hastily.
"Very well," Uther said, getting into the car.
As Gaius entered the car as well, Merlin asked quizzically, "Why did you cover for me? Not that I'm not thankful," he backpedalled, " 'Cause I am, but... why?"
Arthur didn't have an answer for that, didn't have a decent excuse. All he knew is that he wanted to keep this plain, ordinary man close and find out what made him so special. He didn't think that would go over so well, so he copped out and said, "Call it a hunch, but there's something about you Merlin."
Then he got in the car, and Merlin followed.
