As a goodbye present to 2012, and a celebration gift for 2013, a reincarnation chapter.
Spoilers. For pretty much every season.
Set (way way way) after season 5
When Merlin had first felt that wholeness in his body, that buzzing in his heart that signaled Arthur, the Knights, and Gwen's return, he had been ecstatic. He had journeyed back to the United Kingdom (what the Old Kingdoms/Albion was now called) and stayed there for 20 straight years, the longest he had ever stayed there since Leon's death.
He sought each of his old friends out, and watched them grow up secretly (and yes it felt a tad creepy, but Merlin ignored that) He had originally decided to wait until they were all of age to reawaken their memories, but by the time Mordred was 17, Merlin realized that if he followed through on that plan, the others would be fully immersed in jobs and families by the time Mordred could finally drink, and Albion would have to wait another 15 hundred years.
So, Merlin had manipulated them all into coming to the ruins of Camelot, and used his magic to lock them all in what had been the throne room.
That had been 4 hours ago.
Now, as Merlin tried to ignore the giant headache he felt coming on, he decided the old proverb "absence makes the heart grow fonder" was far truer then he had known. He had forgotten that the Great Knights and King of Camelot could be so obtuse.
"You mean to tell me that we are all the reincarnations of King Arthur and his Knights and Queen, and have been dead for thousands of years but have been reborn because this "Albion" needs us?" Arthur stared at him. "You're an idiot."
Merlin glared at the once and future prat. "I have told you the whole story- twice. You really are Arthur Pendragon. You're father was King Uther and outlawed magic. When you were 20, we met. You were a prat-that hasn't changed at least. We hated each other. I saved your life. My "reward" was to be your manservant. I saved your life over and over again because I have magic, and was told by the Great Dragon it was my destiny to protect you so that you could unite Albion. Eventually, you became less prattish and we became friends. I kept saving your life. Occasionally you saved mine. Morgana turned evil, and tried to take Camelot. You made this lot" He gestured to Elyan, Gwaine, Lancelot and Percival "knights. We saved Camelot. This kept happening over and over. You married Gwen. Mordred met you, became a knight, betrayed us all after you killed his girlfriend, then later stabbed you with a magical sword. You killed him, I tried to save you, I killed Morgana, you died anyway, and now, 15 centuries later, you're back. "
They all stared at him. "You're mad." Arthur said. "For one thing, there's no way an idiot like you is the Great Merlin."
"Funny, you said nearly the same thing last time." Merlin muttered. Why did he get saddled with this lot again? Oh yeah. Destiny. If he ever saw Kigharrah, he was going to kill him.
"I'm supposed to be a queen?" Gwen stared at him.
"The Once and Future Queen." Elyan corrected, smirking. Gwen swatted him.
"I think he's telling the truth." Lancelot said thoughtfully.
"Don't know if I'd go that far, but it certainly sounds fun." Gwaine grinned cheerfully.
"I can't believe you think I'm evil."Morgana glared. Merlin was just relieved she wasn't smirking.
Mordred and Percival just stared.
"This is stupid." Arthur said. "Magic doesn't even exist, anyway." Merlin glared at his once- and hopefully still- best friend.
"Don't believe me? Fine. I'll just show you, you condescending, prattish, over-bearing DOLLOP HEAD." As Merlin shouted the last word, his eyes flashed gold and a flame appeared in each of their hands.
The Knights, Gwen, and Morgana all screamed as they each shook their hands wildly. Merlin watched in smug amusement. Yes, it was petty, but oh, so amusing.
Merlin finally took pity on the group and extinguished the flames.
"Merlin! If you ever do something this stupid-" Arthur's eyes widened and his expression morphed into a smile. "Merlin!"
A bewildered Merlin was pulled into a hug. "I can't believe it's really you!" Arthur exclaimed. "Gwaine, Lancelot, Gwen- its Merlin!"
"Wait." Merlin ducked out of Arthur's grip. "Wait. Being in Camelot's ruins doesn't make you remember, seeing the others doesn't make you remember, hearing me tell you exactly what happened three times doesn't make you remember, even seeing ME doesn't help- it's me using MAGIC?" Merlin said, aghast. "You only saw me use magic once, any of you. Well, except Lance. Hell, Percival, Leon, Gwaine, Elyan and Gwen NEVER saw me use magic. Why does THAT jog your memories?" He demanded.
Arthur shrugged. "Its destiny Merlin, obviously. Now come one, We need to go unite Albion, stop wasting time."
Merlin gaped at him. "I- you- save. I hate you. I really, really do."
"Whatever, Merlin." Arthur called, already moving towards where the doors used to be. The rest followed, clapping each other on the back and laughing.
Merlin really hated destiny.
Happy New Year Everyone! Reviews and Requests are encouraged, as always.