Sorry for the wait y'all. I've been super busy with school, choir and tests. I auditioned for the Texas All-State choir a few weeks ago. I got the 2nd-alternate, so I didn't technically make the cut but I'm still happy with the result, since it was my first time auditioning for anything. I'm auditioning for the 9/10 Honor Choir in two weeks and I'm super nervous. I was also failing chemistry, so I was working to get that grade up lol. And AP world history is just kicking my ass.

Sorry for the rant. Let's get on with the story! This one is super long to make up for my absence.

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin

Chapter 13

Arthur growled in frustration. This chase was leading them nowhere. They'd been trailing Morgana and her companion (whose gait looked very familiar to Arthur) for only a few hours, but the amount of people around and the heat were starting to get to Arthur. If he heard the word "y'all", saw a cow or was offered a beer by a cowboy one more time, he thought he would go crazy. At least they didn't have to worry about people thinking they were crazy. Reanna had cast a spell to disguise their weapons, so no one would notice gleaming swords being carried by foreigners. He assumed that wouldn't have gone over well with the locals, but considering he just passed a man who had a gun strapped very visibly to his side, Arthur wasn't so sure.

"When are they going to stop?" Gwaine muttered. "Morgana and Glasses have been walking forever."

"Maybe they know we're trailing them," Merlin said. "They might be trying to shake us."

"No," Reanna disagreed. "If she was trying to lose us then she's doing a very bad job of it. Maybe she's trying to bore us so much that we'll leave."

"I doubt that," Arthur said. "Morgana's up to something. I just don't know what."

"Maybe she's trying to lead us somewhere, then," Reanna suggested.

"Into a trap," Gwaine said.

"Possibly," Arthur agreed.

"Look!" Merlin interjected. "They're splitting up!"

Arthur trained his eyes on the pair. Merlin was right – Morgana and "Glasses" had parted ways. The man forked to the left while Morgana disappeared into the crowd swarming out of a barbeque restaurant.

"Quick!" Arthur said. "Merlin and I go after Morgana. Gwaine and Reanna follow Glasses."

Merlin looked about ready to argue, but Gwaine cut in, "I'll protect her, Merlin. Go!" he gave Merlin a push toward Arthur before running off with Reanna in tow.

Arthur grabbed Merlin's arm and dragged him along, cutting in between people, trying to keep the man in sight.

"Arthur!" Merlin said loudly. "Arthur!"

"What?" Arthur snapped.

"I can use my magic to track her," Merlin whispered, mindful of the people around them. "But you need to slow down." Arthur came to a stop, suddenly sheepish.

"Sorry, Merlin," he said. "I sometimes forget you can do magic." The because you never told me went unsaid, although it was understood, if Merlin's raised eyebrow was anything to go by. Arthur tried not to feel bad at his dig. He was just unused to having a magical Merlin by his side. He cleared his throat. "Do your spell."

Merlin sighed and closed his eyes. To block the gold from being seen, Arthur thought. The warlock's mouth moved in a silent incantation. Merlin's eyes moved behind his eyelids before snapping open, the gold just fading.

"She's this way," Merlin said. "Follow me." Merlin took off at a sprint, ignoring the displeased shouts and mutterings of people around him. Arthur took off after him.

Merlin led him through an open-air shopping strip. On the other side they stopped short as a swirling column of air appeared.

"She's gone," Merlin said.

"Damn it," Arthur hissed. "Where is she now?"

Merlin closed his eyes and did the spell again. Eyes opening, he turned tail and ran the way they had come. Arthur followed close behind.

Reanna turned a corner and ran straight into a large column of wind. She gasped as a strong hand grabbed her arm. She was pulled into the space between two buildings, a BBQ joint to her left and a spice shop to her right. Whoever had hold of her slammed her against the wall, causing her to see stars as her head cracked against the brick wall.

"Merlin?" a female voice hissed.

Reanna's eyes widened and she began to feel the first stirrings of panic. "I'm not Merlin," she said, realizing too late she probably should've asked who Merlin was instead.

"Who are you?"

Reanna looked into the light green eyes of Morgana Pendragon, High Priestess of the Old Religion. The eyes that stared back at her weren't the eyes of a crazed witch hell-bent on killing people. Instead, Reanna saw the frightened eyes of a confused woman.

"Unhand her!" Gwaine shouted. He put his sword up to the neck of the woman holding Reanna. Morgana, her brain supplied. Reanna was beginning to panic. Being in this situation sent her mind back to a time where she had been held in a similar position.

Calm down, she berated herself. She took a deep breath.

"Oh, Sir Gwaine," Morgana whispered. "How lovely to see you. Is this your newest… conquest?" she asked disdainfully, eyes Reanna. "Isn't she a little young for you?"

Gwaine reddened and choked on air. "Of course not!" he protested. "Now let her go before I run you through." He brought his sword to rest in the space between Morgana's shoulder and neck. Eyes flicking over her, Reanna was released from the witch's hold. She quickly went to stand behind Gwaine, who moved slightly in front of her.

Morgana stood there, eyes still fixed on Reanna, who was thoroughly creeped out. Morgana was staring at her like she was an oasis in the desert. Gwaine stepped completely in front of Reanna, cutting off Morgana's view of her.

"You are going to come with us," Gwaine said. "Quietly, and with no magic. You will not touch or harm anyone. Understand?" His sword arm quivered. Reanna knew he was suppressing all urges to run Morgana through. It wouldn't work, of course. Only Excalibur could kill Morgana. But Gwaine didn't know that.

Reanna stiffened as a hand closed over her mouth and nose. She tensed, ready to punch. She stopped as a voice whispered in her ear, "Come with me or I will kill the knight."

Reanna debated fighting, but she felt the strong magic emanating from the man behind her. His magic was much stronger than hers, although not as strong as her father's. She nodded minutely.

In front of her, Gwaine was getting impatient. "Answer me!" he barked.

"I don't think so," she said lightly, smirking. Her eyes flashed gold and Gwaine went flying into the wall. He slid to the ground, unconscious.

Morgana stalked over to where Reanna was being held. Her eyes no longer held a frightened look. She must be a good actress then, Reanna thought. "Well done, Mordred," she crowed. Reanna's eyes widened. It was Mordred holding her?

The witch leaned forward and stroked what she could touch of Reanna's cheek. Mordred had loosened his hand now that Gwaine was down for the count. Morgana grabbed her chin roughly. "I think we're going to have so much fun together," she said. Reanna started to thrash.

Dad! Reanna screamed in her mind, Morgana rearing away in shock. Help! I'm being held by Mordr-

Reanna went limp as Mordred's hand hit her temple.

Merlin stopped running abruptly. Arthur crashed into him. "What is it?" he asked urgently.

"That was Reanna," Merlin whispered.

"What was Reanna?"

"In my head," Merlin said. "Mordred's got her."

Arthur stared. "What?" In their haste he had completely banished the other wizard from his head.

Merlin stared ahead, eyes glazed over. He appeared to be deep in thought.

"Merlin!" Arthur called, shaking him. Merlin snapped out of his trance a moment later.

"That was Morgana in my head," he responded to Arthur's questioning look. "She says they've got Reanna and have transported her to an empty warehouse about twenty miles from here. That must be where they are headquartered. They want us to come. She wants you in exchange for Reanna."

"I'm not going to let that happen," Arthur said lowly. "We need to go rescue her."

Merlin nodded, skin pale. "Yes," he agreed. "I'll go get the car. You round up the others. Tell Gwen and Ciaran to stay here. We might need their help in case this goes south."

Arthur bobbed his head. "They might not like that." He could definitely imagine his great-times-something grandson making a fuss at being left behind, especially if it involves Reanna in some way.

"So don't tell them, then!" Merlin snapped. Arthur was taken aback by his friend's tone. But then, he supposed, the man who killed me now has his daughter. Of course he's tense.

"Are you good to go with us, Merlin?" he asked, just to be sure.

"I'll be fine." Merlin sighed. "Come on, we can't waste any more time."

The next hour and a half was a blur of confusion for Arthur.

Before climbing out of the car after a tense ride to where Reanna was being held, Merlin turned to the gathered knights. "We need a plan that everyone agrees on," he said, looking at Arthur. "What should we do?"

Arthur thought for a moment. He had made his decision while they were following Morgana and Glasses. Speaking of him… where'd he go? Arthur thought. "Morgana wants me in exchange for Reanna. So we're going to rescue her and I'm going to kill Morgana," he stated. "We have to think of the world and not our feelings on the matter. If Morgana – and Mordred by extension – are allowed to live then they will terrorize the world. History will repeat itself and I won't let that happen to innocent people. I wish there was another way, but I just don't see one." He had been too complacent in his war against Morgana in the past. Too many times she had slipped through his fingers. Arthur swore that he wouldn't let it happen now.

Merlin nodded. "I agree. Does anybody say nay?" Nobody did.

"So it's settled, then," Arthur said. "Lancelot, Percival, I want you both to search for Reanna. Split up, it's a big building. Merlin - " the warlock looked about ready to protest, "Merlin, I know you want to search for your daughter, but I need you with me to find Morgana. Your magic will be useful against her. The rest of you, search for Mordred and Glasses. We know Mordred is here, but I want to know just who it is that is helping them." Arthur looked around at the knights surrounding him. These were the men that had stayed with him no matter the bad decisions and mistakes he had made. "Good luck men."

They climbed out of the car and clasped each other forearms. Arthur tried not to think of this as going to battle. Instead, he viewed this as the start of a golden age, provided everything goes well.

Bringing out his sword, Arthur led them to the edge of the building.

Reanna was thinking about every show she'd ever watched where someone got kidnapped. Of course, they didn't tend to have magic that was being blocked from use, but the principal is still the same.

What do they do? What do they say? What do they not say? How do they get out alive?

That was her main priority at the moment: staying alive, without the use of her magic, which she figured was going to be pretty hard to do judging by the predatory look Mordred was giving her. It was creeping her out.

"Did you want something?" she snapped, pulling at the ropes he had used to tie her to a wooden chair.

"Maybe," Mordred answered. "I'm just trying to imagine Merlin as a father. When he brought me to the Lady Morgana as a child, he seemed very incompetent when caring for children. Or in caring for anyone, really. His healing skills were appalling. The intent was there, yes, but he made it worse."

Mordred came and stood in front of Reanna's chair. He crouched down to her level. "You look very much like him. Same hair, same face shape. Same magic. But there's a difference. Not your eyes, silly girl," Mordred snapped as she opened her mouth. He leaned closer to her, so close that their mouths were almost touching. Reanna leaned away as far as she could. "Something tells me you are not like him at all," Mordred whispered. He went back to leaning on the wall and staring at her.

Reanna had had guys stare at her before, but none of them had made her feel as uncomfortable as Mordred had.

"Why did you join Morgana in the first place?" She knew the reason, of course, but she wanted to hear it from the man himself.

Mordred was silent for so long that Reanna thought he wasn't going to answer. "Arthur put my love to death. I hated him."

Reanna noticed the use of past tense. "Hated him?" she repeated. "Do you not now?"

"Even if I didn't, why would I tell you?" Mordred spit.

"Arthur gave her a choice, you know," Reanna said. "Kara."

Mordred's eyes hardened. "What are you saying?"

"She was on trial for murder not, not magic," Reanna said. "Arthur gave her a chance at freedom but she was so set in her ways that she rejected him. Arthur didn't want to kill her but she gave him no choice."

"You lie!" Mordred shouted, but he looked contemplative.

"Why would I?'' Mordred said nothing.

She was trying to think of something else biting to say to him when Morgana stalked in the room, followed by Glasses. Reanna still didn't know who he was. She had observed him checking the time on an iPhone, so she was fairly confident that he was from the modern age. Glasses walked to the back of the warehouse and disappeared into the shadows.

"Your father is on his way here," Morgana said, smirking. "I asked for my worthless brother in exchange for your freedom. I've made Merlin choose between his daughter and his best friend. Let's see what choice he makes, shall we?" She smiled, but it looked more like she was baring her teeth. "What do you think, Mordred? Which decision will the fearless Merlin make?" she mocked, smirking.

"Arthur," Mordred stated. "Merlin would sacrifice anything or anyone if it meant saving Arthur."

"I think you're right." Morgana joined Mordred against the wall.

"Why are you doing this?" Reanna asked, thankful they hadn't gagged her. "Why can't you turn over a new leaf? You've been given a second chance, for God's sake!"

"Why?" Morgana taunted. "Why? I want Arthur dead!" she shouted.

"There is no Camelot for you to rule after his death," Reanna said forcefully. "Camelot fell over a thousand years ago! What do you stand to gain from killing him now?"

"I could have the world at my feet if I wanted," Morgana said. "In Camelot people were scared of me because of my magic - "

"And you think now is any better?" Reanna yelled. "We all live in fear. No one knows magic exists. If we were found out we'd be experimented on!"

Morgana looked on in disinterest. "I've changed my mind," she said.

"What do you mean?" Mordred asked.

"Kill her," she commanded softly. Reanna's heart stopped.

"No, wait!" she shouted. "Please!"

"No," Mordred said. "I don't think so."

"And you think now is any better? If anything it's worse. We all live in fear. No one knows magic exists. If we were found out we'd be experimented on!"

Arthur jerked his head to the sound of Reanna's voice. He signaled to Lancelot and Percival to go that way.

"No, wait! Please!" Reanna shouted, fear lacing her voice.

"What?" Morgana asked. "Kill her, Mordred! I want her head on a stick!"

"No, Morgana," Mordred said softly. He unsheathed his sword.

Merlin sprinted toward the sound of Reanna's voice. Gwaine followed him, sword drawn.

"Merlin, no!" Arthur whispered-shouted.

Reanna watched, eyes wide, as Mordred advanced on Morgana. The witch barked a spell which should've sent Mordred flying, but he raised shield against her. His eyes flashed, wind swirling throughout the room as anger bubbled to the surface. His spell held her in place.

Eyes gold, Mordred shouted, "You lied to me, Morgana. You said Arthur killed Kara without a trial. You lied!"

"Mordred, stop," Morgana commanded. Her eyes flashed momentarily, going gold before fading to her normal pale green.

"I don't think so." Mordred stopped in front of Morgana and forcefully drove his sword through her stomach.

Arthur followed Merlin and Gwaine, not hearing if the others were following him. Weaving his way through metal columns and debris on the floor, Arthur soon came across Merlin, stopped and staring at the scene unfolding in front of him.

The area was full of wind, and inside of the gale Mordred could be seen advancing on Morgana, sword at the ready. Behind them, Reanna was tied to a chair.

Mordred stabbed Morgana and she fell, turning into dust as she hit the floor.

Mordred pulled his sword out and Morgana fell to the ground, already dead. As she hit the ground she exploded into millions of dust particles, which were quickly spread throughout the warehouse due to Mordred's dying wind.

For you are dust, and to dust you shall return, Reanna thought.

"Mordred," Arthur said breathlessly.

Merlin rushed forward. Mordred flinched and raised his sword, but the warlock went right past him. He dropped to his knees in front of Reanna and used his magic to cut the ropes binding her, before wrapping his arms around his daughter. Gwaine walked over to the pair.

"This is my fault," the knight said.

Arthur regarded Mordred suspiciously. He killed Morgana, saving Arthur the guilt, but that didn't mean he was trustworthy.

"Dad," Reanna whispered as she was embraced by her father.

"I'm so sorry," he whispered. "I know you didn't want her to die."

"This is my fault," Gwaine said, joining them.

"No, it's not," she reassured him. "If I didn't go with them, then she was going to kill you, Gwaine. I couldn't let that happen." She smiled at the rogue knight.

"Don't do anything to Mordred," she said. "I think he can be talked around." Gwaine retreated, hopefully bringing her message to Arthur.

"Dad, you can let go now," she said. He sat back, face wet from tears. "While here, I realized there was no way Morgana was going to change. Mordred though, I don't think he ever agreed with Morgana; he just wanted to avenge Kara's death." Merlin said nothing.

She got up and went over to where Arthur was standing with the knights. Arthur pulled her into a hug and the others joined in. She was surprised; group hugs didn't seem to be their thing.

Pulling away, Arthur looked at Mordred. He was slumped, looking at the spot where Morgana had fallen.

"Mordred?" Reanna called, also looking at the young druid.

Mordred slowly turned his head. He dropped his sword to the floor. It clanged as it hit the cement. His eyes filled with tears as he looked at Arthur.

"I'm sorry," Mordred said, dropping to his knees. "For everything. Forgive me."

"I'm sorry. For everything. Forgive me."

Arthur stared. Whatever happened in the last hour had changed the man completely.

When no response came forth, Mordred lowered his head. "Kill me, then," he said despondently. That broken sentence made Arthur's verdict for him.

"I'm not going to kill you," Arthur said. "I can't forgive you yet, but maybe we can start here." Arthur walked up to him and offered him a hand up. Mordred took it and stood. They stood there, two men who had killed each other, a thousand years on, arm clasped in arm. Arthur looked back to his knights. They looked shocked. Quite appropriately, Arthur thought, smirking to himself.

Mordred stared at Arthur. Thank you, the Druid said inside his head.

"You're welcome," Arthur whispered. He dropped Mordred's arm.

Arthur wasn't sure what was going to happen next. He didn't know what the outcome of his decision will be. All he does know is that for too long he has lived with this boy as his enemy.

It's time to turn over a new leaf. A second chance, as Reanna would say.

Arthur decided there was some truth to her words after all.

I think I have one last chapter after this. It's been a fun ride, y'all. I switched perspective a lot in this chapter so if anyone is confused just ask and I'll explain what happened.