In memory of my cousin Merlin. May she rest in Peace.

…

Merlin wasn't prepared for the changes that had taken place when he arrived back home.

His mother and Gwen waited for him at home and bombarded him with questions as soon as he walked through the door. Merlin smiled and hugged them both, answering their questions. He thought he would wait for a while until he asked his mother about who his father was.

On the way home Gaius and Merlin had prepared a story which they would stick to if any questions were asked. They had gone to Nepal and stayed with Gaius's friend. They had relaxed, explored the countryside, and met the locals and so on. Gaius didn't tell Merlin much about his time in India; however he had come home with two more suitcases. Gaius was truly sorry for not telling Merlin everything but said it wasn't his place to say.

"So what's been happening here" he asked. Hunith replied sadly "Ygraine has passed away, just after you left." Gwen said "and I broke up with Arthur, he's really changed since his mother's death. He won't talk about it. His father pulled him out of the camp and he was really pissed." "Language" their mother said as she walked into the kitchen.

"oh fuck" Merlin said. "Language" their mother yelled from the kitchen. Merlin continued "he didn't even know, he must be so angry at his father. I should go and see him." "That's probably not a good idea" Gwen said. Merlin said "well I'll try, if he doesn't want to talk to me thats fine." Merlin thought it really wouldn't be fine and he would be upset if Arthur didn't want to talk to him. "Ok" Gwen said "but I've warned you."

The next day Merlin went over to Arthurs and a maid opened the door. Now that Ygraine was gone and Uther was at work, Arthur had needed adult supervision. "Can I help you" the old women said. "Hi, um, is Arthur here" Merlin asked her. "I'll get him" she said and shut the door. Merlin waited until the door was finally opened. Arthur was laughing at something behind him when he saw Merlin.

Their eyes met and Merlin grinned saying "hi Arthur." Arthur's face changed quickly to annoyance "what do you want Merlin." "I just got home and I wanted to see if you're alright" Merlin said quickly. "Im fine" he snapped. "Can I come in" Merlin asked. Arthur glared at him "I don't think that's a good idea, I don't think we should see each other anymore, I'm sorry."

Merlin was shocked and upset "but, I thought…" suddenly the door was opened wider "who's there Arthur" someone asked. Merlin was stunned to see Lance there in the doorway. "You, you're back, piss off Merlin, Arthur doesn't want to see you." Lance walked out the door threateningly but Arthur put his hand out and stopped Lance. "Leave it" Arthur said. The two boys walked back inside and Arthur shut the door in Merlin's face.

Merlin was really upset and tears ran down his face as he stood outside the door. He didn't expect Arthur to have become friends with Lance of all people. He supposed footy camp and his father's influence had done that. Arthur knew Merlin hated Lance yet he still had become friends with him. He guessed this must all have stemmed from his mother's death. Poor Arthur.

As Merlin walked home he made a pact with himself that he would get their friendship back.

…

The next few years were interesting for Merlin. At school he still hung out with Morgana, Gwen, Bruseius and Leon. Ali had joined Arthur and Lance yet he was still friendly with Merlin's group. Merlin liked and respected Ali for standing up for what he believed in and not bullying other kids. Morgana had become even more stunning; her bright green eyes, pale skin and long dark hair. However she still didn't seem that interested in boys and Merlin doubted she was gay. Merlin himself hadn't changed much, he wasn't very tall, his hair was short making his ears stick out and his face was still rather chubby.

Merlin had noticed that Leon had a crush on Bruseius and she seemed to like him too. She was a tiny Greek dynamite who took no nonsense from anyone. She knew martial arts and was able to beat any boy up. They feared her yet were still attracted to her. Merlin joined her in martial arts which was similar to what he had leaned with Kilgharrah. He enjoyed the exercise and found he was far ahead of the other students. He quickly passed through the different levels and began teaching other students. Leon was still quite and very strong. He had joined the football team yet didn't hang out with the boys. No one bothered him.

Another strange occurrence was that Mordred and Gwaine seemed to always be watching Merlin. The twin brothers had rejected Lance and become very reclusive. They sat alone and watched their surroundings. Merlin was afraid they knew what he was yet they didn't say anything.

On one occasion Merlin was coming out of the toilets when Mordred walked in with Gwaine following. Mordred walked up to Merlin and put his hand up as if to stop Merlin. That was the first time Merlin could feel another person's magic flowing in the air. Merlin shut his eyes and put his hand up a few inches from Mordreds. Merlins magic reacted strongly to that of his own kind. He opened his eyes and Mordred was gone. Gwaine stood in the door and smiled before leaving.

Merlin didn't see the twins again for a week. Merlin was the last to leave the classroom when the twins came through the door. Mordred motioned for Merlin to sit and he did. Mordred sat down opposite him while Gwaine stood near the door. "Merlin, we know who you are" said Mordred in a soft silky voice. His black eyes pinned Merlin to the chair.

Merlin wasn't that surprised but asked "how did you know". Mordred replied "my brother can see the future and I can feel your power." Merlin quickly said "which clan do you belong to, have you told anyone else?" Mordred glanced at his brother before answering "we do not belong to any and I believe that answers your second question. Who would we tell? The Tohan have tried to recruit us while the druids have offered to train us."

Merlin was surprised; he had guessed they worked for the Tohan. "But you'll have to choose eventually, wont you?" "Not if we can help it" Mordred replied. "We have come to offer our alliance to you. We won't become part of the clan wars but we will support you." Merlin was unsure, what if they were lying or betrayed him. They could easily change their mind for the highest bidder. Mordred had stood up "think about it" and they both left.

Merlin asked Gaius however he didn't know much about the twins or their parents. Merlin hadn't provided the brothers with an answer but they didn't seem to mind. Yet he became friends with the twins anyway. Mordred and Merlin got on well; they had the same sense of humour. They played pranks on the teachers and other students. Merlin felt bad for using his magic for pranks but assured himself that he needed to practice. Merlin wasn't as close with Gwaine; he seemed distant and was sometimes in severe pain from his visions. Gwaine had learnt that alcohol prevented the visions so he was often drunk. This meant he hit on both girls and boys.

Merlin joked around with his friends and became the class clown. The teachers thought he needed to grow up however Merlin was going to take his time being a kid. Deep down he knew that he wouldn't have long before he would have to accept his strange destiny and become a great leader. But for the moment he could relax and have fun. It wasn't hurting anyone.

…

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