The Reasons for Treason

by CoLdBlAdE

What would happen if Merlin saved Morgana after poisoning her in The Fires of Idirsholas? What would they have to say to each other? And what might unfold from there?

25. When You Wish Upon A Warlock

So here we are. Coming dangerously close to the end of the story now people BUT I have good news, depending on your point of view. In fact I have two bits of good news. The one I have to say first is that my girlfriend very kindly told me yesterday that I am going to be a Father in six months! On a Trainee Psychology Doctorate Salary! Which people is not very much, and I've got it for another two years before I become an actual psychologist should I even pass so won't that be fun! I'm not freaking out…like at all…stop looking at me like that… Forgive me but I'm telling everything that breathes, including some very bored vegetation out in my back garden. Photosynthesis – breathing – whatever.

The second bit of good news is that I have decided to write a sequel to this story. All I have at the moment is an idea, and I am going to need to work out a few things, but the intention is there and do feel free to leave ideas in your reviews or PM them to me as to what you would like the plot to be for the sequel to this. Also prepare yourself because I also now plan on making fortnightly updates. My first year is coming to an end and pretty soon I will have all the time in the world! So prepare not to wait at least a month for an update. Ok, rant over. I do like the sound of my own keyboard don't I? On to your brilliant reviews!

Remjeyy: First of all thank you, and I'm not even remotely surprise to took you two days to read it all. Yeah Mergana are by far my favourite pairing in Merlin, gotta love that hate in love. Just to clarify they aren't engaged, it was just a sort of spur of the moment / drug overdose thing, and I quite agree that I should put more Mergana moments in and in this chapter I have. Now without revealing too much there is a reason I've had Morgana and James bond so well, partly because they're reasonably similar characters but there is another more important reason which you will see down the line. Lol yeah people seem to like the Arthur Merlin banter parts and to be honest their really fun to write, very natural to write. Arthur and Gwen do sort of bore me in the show, but I always wanted other stuff going on rather than just Merlin and Morgana and they fell into it. On more than one occasion I wished I had left Gwen in Camelot lol I'm glad you like Imogen because as you say it is a risk. I was just determined not to make her into a mary sue and I think that helped a lot. How did Imogen make it so Merlin was the one that saved Morgana instead of Morgause? She put the reversal spell in his spell book, there is a scene in The Fires of Idirsholas where Merlin is furiously looking through his spell book in hopes of finding answers, so I threw that in there. I'm always surprised when people say they like James so much but it always makes me smile as well. With him I basically just wanted a character so incredibly flawed and yet potentially brilliant at the same time, plus I wanted someone who could bail them out at a moments notice which gave me license to make things more dramatic. The reason I made him so powerful was because I loved the idea of giving a mad man the powers of God, and I wanted someone to be a possible teacher to Merlin to make him step out a bit more and become who we know he will be. With the two Anna's, little Anna was always going to die so chapter 26 could happen unfortunately and the same with the crush on Merlin. With future Anna I wanted a proper confident for Imi, a powerful ally, another comedian and also someone who connected to them all at the same time. Oh and yes, future Anna totally still has a crush on him :P You know the meaning of Malum? Cool, I was wondering if anyone would pick it up…albeit because there was a slight part of me that wanted credit for all the bloody research I did for this fic. Seriously loads. I mean Avalon, Faery, the names of every single character I made up, even the name Imogen I found on a website that claimed it was the name of Merlin's daughter (though I'm not sure about that). And with Malum's little sexual fantasies I had the distinct priviledge of being male and naturally twisted, but it's nice to know you are too lol makes me feel that little bit more like getting up in the morning knowing I'm not alone. Not too happy with the archangels? Very understandable if you are religious. I myself was raised very Christian and though I chose not to continue my beliefs as I got older I certainly respect that you did. I did it because I was always so interested in them as a child, mainly I think because information about them isn't so well known as the rest of the faith, and because I've read a fair few parables about the jobs they do and power they wield. I hope you know that's really all I did it for and not for any malicious reasons, simply pure interest. As for Merlin's lineage what makes you think he's related to Michael? Ay? There we are, but yes I do intend to explain that. In reply to your last little paragraph in your review I absolutely don't take offence to any of it, genuinely. In fact I'm always glad when I can clear up a few things for people especially when I snuck in as many little hints as I have in this story. Wow, I have no idea how to thank you for taking such an interest in this story to leave such a great review, but I want you to know that I really do appreciate every word. Really thank you so much.

Anonymous: Yeah I know, I'm a bastard aren't I? lol Poor James indeed, and I'll briefly touch on how difficult it is for Imi in this chapter to see him like this. Only briefly though. You don't want this to be a sad ending? Well I can't promise that I'm afraid, and as for James and Merlin teaming up against the bad guys well let's hope James doesn't become one of the bad guys first ay? I really hope you like this chapter. It's a bit of a fun chapter, which given everything that's happened in the last chapter was well needed I think. Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a review.

Paladinobr: Thank you :P And yeah that's one of the main reasons I introduced James, was to show Merlin what he could be or even to be better than. Anna's crush on Merlin was always in my head. Why else would she be so mean to him? And as I said the Regus family are mean to those they love the most. Unfortunately I can't ever see Uther finding Merlin and Morgana a good pair lol but I did want to get across a sort of begrudging respect for who Merlin was because after all how could you not. With Morgana protecting Merlin and telling Uther how good he was was just something I could so easily see. Morgana will always fight what she believes in and in this story that something is Merlin. Yeah Malum was always going to be the one who killed Anna in my head, in fact I wrote it down when I started this story so I would remember. After all it doesn't get any more evil than killing a child. Fair enough if you're not a big fan of James, he was never really meant to be liked anyway lol just tolerated, but to give you a little spoiler for chapters to come there will be a moment when they do face off, so that should be interesting. Anyways as always thank you so much for your time and interest and hope you like this chapter.

MaryandMerlin: Lmao reading the awesomness? That's officially my fave word of the year. You're doing your G.C.S.E's and you still make time to leave such a review? I am actually a little touched…NOT the bad touch as in I call the police and you end up on a list of sex offenders I mean the good touch. Ok I'll stop talking now. Oh and btw, totally ok to crush on James so far be it from to judge you, especially when I'm incredibly twisted as I am so it's all good. Yeah it was difficult to know who you were rooting for between James and Borin, a true puzzler, and I would suggest you don't tell your BF about James lol that could awkward real fast. I do love to build stuff up it's true, it's a nasty habit but there are worse and ALL of them involve being nude unfortunately. Oh and don't worry, if I ever write a book I will immediately cast you as my most awesome reviewer…Mary Warburton? Anyway relation to Patrick Warburton? Or the guy who made the bread? Coz that's good bread. You enjoyed the dead baby bunny talk huh? That was a bit of a risk but given all the people who review that I've talked to I realised you're all just as sick as I am lol you certainly being no exception – and I mean that as a compliment. Yeah I always had it in my mind that Anna had a crush on Merlin but never really put it down. Seemed like the time. Morgana knew all that stuff Merlin had done because he told her…at some point…I didn't actually write him telling her but…well…it was implied alright! Lol. Loved your reaction to the ImoJames (Jimogen? Jimi? I can't remember what I settled on calling them) raunchy scene. I did laugh I must admit. Lol you noticed the doctor who thing did ya? Call four times? I obviously wanted to change it once I realised but I'd already put in chapter 10 or whatever it was so I was stuck with it. I also couldn't help but laugh at your reaction to Malum killing Anna, which though it sounds wrong I hope you it's because I find it incredibly charming that you're so into this story. Really makes me feel good about it, but yeah I always knew Malum was going to kill her. I even wrote it down before I post the first chapter because as you will soon see (chapter 26) it's a huge plot device. But you should be afraid of what James is going to do now, in fact that is what chapter 26 (the chapter after this) is all about. Please never apologise for a so called late review I mean look how long it's taken me to update? Anyways I wish you the best of luck with your exams. I remember how tense they can be and I do not envy you at all :P Wow! This is your number 1 fic? Really? That's awesomeness mixed with side dish of chocolate and a photo frame of a crushed to death Jedward. Thank you so much. And as much as you like reading these reply things I do trust me when I say I enjoy reading your reviews a lot more. Hell yeah I watch Doctor Who! Loved "A Good Man Goes To War" twas brilliant. And yeah I am slightly pissed that we have to wait till autumn for more episodes but look at it this way, it means it's less waiting over all I think. Rather than having the 13 episodes and then having to wait a year there's only a few months in between. Oh and yeah I totally saw the river thing comin' lol not until that episode mind you but yeah. Can't wait to see what they do with all that now. Anyways I can't wait to hear from you again. Always look forward to it.

MorganaElenaLeFay: Thank you :P Btw I haven't read your book yet but believe me I will, just a matter of finding the time really. But forgetting 1930's Dracula I shall move on to your review. Glad you find James so amusing, since that was one of his original purposes. Oh and about Imi not knowing when to shut up that was a trait I gave to her from her mother. It's like the best intended and most passionate flaw that they both have, but it's also kind of charming in its own way. Yeah Merlin simply had no clue what they were trying to cover up. I got that from my when my sister would come in late at night looking rather dishevelled and just outright lie to my dad, and he just believed it! Unbelievable! And yet whenever I tried he could see through it before he could even blink which frankly I find unacceptable :P Glad you had the same with your dad. Maybe they just don't want to see it with their daughters. I'll get back to you lol Anyways thanks for yet another review and as always would love to hear from you again.

Lonewolf: Well…well well well. Where the hell do I begin? I'm both extremely touched and frankly honoured that you would take so much time to review this story. Thank you so much, and thank you for that last review that had them all in it – otherwise this reply thing that I do would have become quite difficult. Lol you and/or your sister singing about angels? Well I'd have to recommend the song "Angels" sung by the band Within Temptations. Trust me it's a good song. You're right though put all of your reviews together and it is impressive lol I'm not sure there will be 50 chapters I'm afraid as I'm starting to wind the story down now, but as I said above I am thinking about writing a sequel to this. I am a little confused as to what this suggestion is that you keep reminding me of. If you were to repeat it I would answer it for you gladly. To answer another question of yours though is that I have written a story similar to this one, it's called "The Time Of Angels". It has James in it even and it's a buffy the vampire slayer story. Visit my profile page and you'll see what I mean. How long does it take it to write a chapter? Well each one is like 12,000 – 14,000 words, and I have to write that in between working 58 hours a week, being engaged and having a social life then it usually takes me a month to write a whole chapter. Anyways don't forget to check out my other story "Time Of Angels" and to look up at that song "Angels" by Within Temptations. I have no idea how to thank you and your twin sister for all your reviews. Thank you so so so much.

Angela-Bennet: Lol Thanks, I guess I'm a little bit proud but to be honest whenever I write something I just see what's wrong with it. I guess I'm not what you would call an optimist :P But it really does mean the world when brilliant people such as yourself say how much you love it, because whenever I post a chapter (like this one) I'm always really worried people won't like it. Anyways thanks so much as, again, it's people like you that make me sleep easier. I'd love to hear from you again.

Narutoske: Hello again, and thanks. Sorry about the long update…again. However in a week I will updating every fortnight when I get a couple of months off. I hope to actually get the story finished soon and chapter 26 will be a massive chapter for that, in fact it will be the beginning of the end so to speak. Anyways thanks for taking yet more time to write another review. Every syllable matters.

No name: Hi, I don't know how to refer to you but this was your review "i love this story...my friend sent it to me & i am sooo glad she did." I just wanted to say thank you and to thank your friend whomever they might be. Ah to hell with it who are they? :P I have the most pathetic curiosity so I do apologize and feel free not to answer, but thanks again for taking to the time to leave a comment as every one of them means the world to me.

Catindahat: Hello again, and yeah I killed little Anna. I was always going to have Malum kill her right from before I even wrote chapter 1, but yeah the chapter after this (chapter 26) will be all about James Revenge which I have had plenty of time to think about. I'm glad you liked it so much I really am because I'm always worried you know like have I gone too far or will people get it so it really means a lot to me. The attacking furniture came from watching fantasia with my little sister, and I had to get something from those two hours that made me wanna die lol And one of the original purposes of James was to show Merlin what he could be, so when he made that James like speech it was really him just learning how to be the man we all know he will become. Anyways thanks for another review and cannot wait to hear from you again.

Aigneadh: Lol thanks, and sorry about your traitorous laptop. Make sure to put it on the naughty step :P Yeah Uther stood up for Imi. I hate these stories that only have Uther as the evil tyrant, and I'd noticed that Uthers' hate of magic can be pushed to the side when someone he loves is in danger e.g. When Morgana was dying he ordered Gaius to use magic to save her. With the James/Borin Imi/Morgause fight was just to have a decent fight scene in this story and that was an opportunity. I LOVE Arthur, because yes he's brave and loyal and strong but it's also very easy to have the people he loves bring him down a peg or two because you know he loves them. Yeah Merlins James like speech was a long time coming as one of James original purposes was to show Merlin what he could be. Lol sorry about the emotional whiplash I truly am. I can only recommend several hours of good comedy films and having an uptight friend trip over something :P Although I am glad you enjoyed the James/Imogen moment. I figured he could only turn a blind eye so much before he realised how much she loved him, so I had them get (and forgive the term) jiggy with it. Oh and just to let you know there will be an extremely manic chapter of "The Time Of Angels" up sometime this week. Anyways you know how much I love to hear from you and thank you so much for yet another great review.

EbonyK: Woah Thank you. Some ego boosting words you threw in there…and now I'm even more worried about this chapter because honestly I don't think it's one of my best. More of a comedy chapter to counter-act the horribleness of the last :P but the chapter after this, chapter 26, is going to be very dark. Yeah with James and Imogen I figured there were only so many times he could ignore all her affectionate stuff and considering she had just risked her life for him again it was time I think. Yeah Merlin's James like speech was a long time coming as one of James original purposes was to show Merlin what he could be, and unfortunately Malum was always going to kill Anna in my mind even before I posted the first chapter. Mainly because James reaction was going to be a huge plot point which you will discover in chapter 26. I figured Arthur and Anna had also become close so it was surprisingly easy to write Arthur being so upset, and since Arthur and James are cousins James initial reaction (in this chapter) to Annas death will be a lot like Arthurs when he discovered the truth about Morgana at the end of Series three. So devastated that all he can do is just sit and do nothing, but the difference will be that whilst Arthur got up and saved Camelot James will take a completely different approach. And you want more Arthur/Merlin moments? Well your wish has been granted :P And thank you so much for your incredible words truly.

LM Quin: Lol I know and sorry this one took so long as well, but no matter how long I leave it never worry that I won't finish it. I LOVE this story with everything I have so never worry, and besides I haven't forgotten that you are it's wife and therefore could not only kill me but could also then sue me and emotionally rape me lol. Yeah obviously with Malum I knew I would have to make him as foreboding as possible given all the build up and that's why, before I even wrote the first chapter, I planned to have him kill little Anna. This was because not only would it make him all evil but James reaction would also be the beginning of the end so to speak (a mahoosive plot point.) So don't worry, I'm not bringing her back because it would destroy my entire plot. Firstly, regarding your suggestion, you could never bother me so don't worry. Secondly I completely agree about Merlin and Morgana getting a bit lost amongst the story and James/Imogen. Thirdly, I have because of your suggestion thrown them together a bit in this chapter, and while it might not be as much as it should I am going to be doing it in every chapter from now. I got a bit carried away with splitting them up so people wouldn't get bored of them to the point where I realised I had done it almost every chapter lol So get ready for some Mergana goodness (partly excluding chapter 26 for plot reasons). Anyways I simply love reading your reviews. So much energy with them it's intoxicating to read lol and I sincerely hope to hear from you again.

Bookgirl 121: Thank you, and sorry about the long wait. The next chapter will be up within two weeks I promise, if not this week but don't hold your breath for that. Thanks again for taking the time to read and review these chapters. It really means a lot.

Awed by awesomeness: First of…LOVING the name. I mean I would call it awesome but, well, I think it's implied. Aha! Love and hate scenario going on is there? Ah…you hated how long I took to update…um…yeah…sorry about this one then. I am wincing right now if that helps? But I'm glad to inform you that they'll only take two weeks each from now on. Promise. Glad you like the whole Imi and James finally getting together and I feel great that you hated Malum so much. I had always planned to have Malum kill little Anna from chapter 1 believe it or not so there we go. And also glad you liked Merlins James speech as James original purpose was to show Merlin the way to greatness. And I'm sorry but little Anna is staying gone. It's a huge plot point which you will see soon. Anyways thank you so much for taking the time to review as it means the world to me and hope you enjoy this lighter chapter as much as the intense one before.

Morgana101: The first thing I did when reading your review was laugh lol GOOD BLOODY GOD lol and thank you so much. One of what I call my climactic episodes :P I have four names for different types of chapters despite knowing how sad it is. There's character chapters, build-up chapters, weird chapters and climactic chapters. It really is sad isn't it? But this chapter is a build-up one and a weird one :P Did you not like the dead baby bunny tactic? It is a bit gross but that's James for ya. And Malum hitting on Imi was another thing I just thought someone who had no soul would just blurt out because he simply doesn't care, and I don't think he would be asking her permission either…yeah…basically he's a douchebag. I am sorry though for crushing your (recently established) lifelong ambition of blasting Malum right back to hell, although he did kill James sister so if it helps he is going to be majorly pissed. Although I really didn't mean to give you sniffles. Sniffles are bad. Very very bad. YES! Borin and Morgause are indeed dead and whilst Morgause did say she would serve James if he ever became king you would never trust her, and he already has enough people on his side so I thought screw her. Glad you enjoyed Imi delivering the final blow to Borin. Somehow I just couldn't picture James being able to kill his own father despite everything. Yeah Angels. I did my research on them especially archangels and found out just how powerful they were, second only to the God they serve so to speak. Like how they used to smite other Gods who supposedly claimed to be the real deal so I liked that these Angels were more powerful than the old gods. Yeah sorry about throwing in that extra bit of evil and killing Anna, but it was always my plan that Malum would kill her from before I even posted chapter 1 for plot reasons. Anyways thanks so much for your review, they always make me smile your ones.

Firedragonheart: Hello, thanks for taking the time to review yet again. Each one really does feel great so thank you.

Virus-of-blossoms: Lol glad you you think they're getting better…although that does kind of put the pressure on and this chapter is more of a funny weird sort of thing than dramatic. Yes James does still have older Anna but that will not satisfy him in the least trust me, in fact for most of this chapter he's just out of it. And I'm glad you enjoy the humour because this is supposed to be a relatively funny chappie. Anyways as always love to hear from you and hope to again soon.

Whitepurity: You love having your own shout out? Well then…Ahem…READ WHITEPURITIES STORIES! SHE HAS AN AWESOME MERLIN TRILOGY STORY AND ANOTHER GREAT MERGANA STORY CALLED "A YEAR AND A HALF" SO READ IT OR I WILL SET MALUM AND JAMES ON YOU! There we are :P did you like that? Never think you're annoying to me again. I'm glad you didn't see it coming as that's what I like to do the most in this story and I can't believe you went back and re-read the maze of Avalon. That really made me go wow, then I banged my little toe and well yeah, but then I went back and said wow again so thank you for taking such an interest in this story. Lol I'd forgotten about our little talk when I revealed – I MEAN JOKED – about me being high when I wrote these. I'm not sure this chapter will prove my innocence either but hey ho. Anyways I really do love every single one of my reviewers. You all have such great senses of humour which is so rare and incredibly beautiful and you are certainly no exception. Thank you.

ArthursCamelot: Lol thank you so much. I get really uncomfortable when people offer so much praise and when you told me to tone down my awesomness I practically broke out in a sweat lol I figured it was time Merlin sort of become a bit more like James when he done that speech, since that was James original purpose to show Merlin the way and likewise. Unfortunately we won't see James on the warpath until the next chapter, but there will be hints in this chapter and as I've already started writing chapter 26 I can tell you it's gonna be pretty intense. Anyways as always I adore hearing from you and hope you like this chapter as well.

Haley Renee: Orcas means killer whale! Bugger. I just thought it sounded cool lol but yeah you're right they can be pretty dangerous right? Yeah Uther defended his sorceress granddaughter lol I did it for two reasons. One, when it comes to the people he loves Uther tends to give a blind eye to magic despite how much he hates it (Like when Morgana was dying and he told Gaius to heal her no matter what, including using magic) and two I hate fics where he is just an evil tyrant because I think he has more layers than that. Lol reminded you of the matrix a little did it? That's probably where I got the idea of if the mind does so does the body without realising. Couldn't be happier that you enjoyed the duel so much, and that Imi and James did the deed as I was a bit nervous about how people would react to the latter, so thank you. Yea Merlin giving the James speech was an idea I took ages to put in, as James original purpose was to show Merlin how great he could and will be. Yes Anna died. It was always my plan to have Malum kill her so people would hate him basically, and James reaction will be not only extreme but also necessary to the plot. Ok so here we are then with chapter 25! Now this one is a bit of a fun weird chapter (because their my favourite to write) and it was needed I think to break up the drama a bit, especially since the next chapter will be all about James and his revenge and will be VERY intense. So as always I love to hear from you and thank you so much for taking the time to review again. Really thank you.

Seddie lover: Ah now, you say you feel like killing me for updating the last chapter so late? Well then you just must wanna destroy me this time BUT let me make a case. The next chapters will all be updated every two weeks now I'm off till September HELL YEAH! I'm glad you liked Imi and James v Borin and Morgause, and Merlin's arrogant James taught speech. And I also thought it about time for James to stop turning a blind eye to how much Imi loves him, especially when she was willing to die for him. I'm especially glad that you got the over-all theme that was to hate Malum. It was always my plan to have him kill Anna right from chapter one, because not only would it make people hate him but it will force the next phase of the story into action, which will be James fury at Malum. And you're right, this story with the exception of this chapter will be a lot more serious. In fact this chapter will be the last of the funny weird ones I think so if you like them do enjoy it. Wow, thank you so much for your compliments and I really hope you enjoy this one as well. Always love hearing from you.

FireChildSlytherin5: Lol you thought the last one was long? Well wait till you try this one. My word count says 20,000 including the reply to the reviews thing. Anyways thank you so much for yet another review. I don't know what I would without you regulars :P

Phew! Right now they're done let's get to the disclaimer:

So...don't own Merlin; have a dog named Henry; I find Seagulls to be oddly creepy; milkshakes rock my world; I enjoy the occasional prune; one of my legs grow whenever I see a pretty lady; I've been known to sweat laxatives; Doctor Who reminds me of my crazy Jewish uncle; I am one of the rare people to still say swell; I believe in the underpants gnomes; having just re-read this I'm beginning to think I have MAJOR issues; I have suspicions that Stevie Wonder is actually the tooth fairy; I giggle whenever I hear someone sing "She'll be coming round the mountain when she comes"; I once saw a three year old girl punch a horse to the ground; I heard Tom Cruise once kidnapped and trained a small Asian child to be a ninja pirate; I'm starting a rumour that Captain Crunch is in rehab recovering from sex addiction; Is it just me guys or does Miley Cyrus both repel and attract you at the same time? In my wallet I carry a picture…of my wallet; Have you ever wondered what cheese says when it gets it's picture taken?; Knock knock, whose there, no one your insane and can you believe the person who wrote all this randomness I going to be a father in six months?

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Chapter 25 – When You Wish Upon A Warlock

"When the Gods wish to punish us, they answer our prayers." Oscar Wilde.

Merlin stared into ice blue eyes of the ever beautiful Lady Morgana, a slight smile playing with his now rosy red lips thanks to her favourite brand of lipstick. He knew he must look like an absolute moron just staring at her the way he was but found it very hard to care. She was just so beautiful, so stunning and elegant that he found himself wondering just how exactly he had got her. He had a girlfriend that was dazzling, caring, passionate and intelligent. Was she perfect? No, and he couldn't help but be grateful for it. If she were perfect then she would be dull, but instead her very voice excited him to the point where nothing else could muscle into his mind.

Not always a good thing when you were trying to save the world.

She smiled back at him, sending him into deep turmoil about what she must think of him and once again making him realise that she was so far out of his league that it should be made illegal. He had Arthur's constant reminders to thank for that particular insecurity. However even as he thought it her hand came up to tenderly trace the outline of his face with her thumb, and in her magnificent eyes he saw his own love reflected back at him.

"Stop it," she whispered, her voice edging into husky territory. "Merlin, I love you for who you are. Besides you are so much cuter than you realise, so stop this pointless wondering about how we ended up together and realise that it was just meant to happen. Imi is the absolute proof of that."

Merlin just gazed back at her, eyes wide with questions. Could she read his mind now too? "Did James teach you how to do that or did you just sort of pick it up?"

She let out a soft laugh, idly brushing a stray hair behind her ear as she looked back at him, eyes shining like a teenage girl with a crush. "Let's just say you're not as hard to read as you think."

Merlin's smile widened as he allowed his hand to rest on her stomach, knowing their baby was in there somewhere. A brand new Imogen growing inside the woman he loved. "Really?" He asked with a smile.

She nodded animatedly, the muscles tightening at the corner of her lips as she tried not to grin at him. "Really," she mumbled, leisurely stepping into his personal space and wrapping hers arms around his neck. "What's to know? Heroic, clumsy, funny, cute, self-sacrificing and of course completely insecure. Have I missed anything?"

He mockingly looked off to the side, pretending to be in deep thought whilst sliding his hands around her hips. "Yes, you forgot intelligent."

"Now you know I can't say that out loud," She breathed out. Their noses were now pressed together, foreheads resting against each other with their smiles only a hairs width apart. "If I ever called you intelligent I'm fairly certain Arthur would never speak to me again."

He sighed contently. "So then everybody wins."

The two shared a panting laugh before their lips finally met. Their pouting mouths crashed against each other, as expected thoroughly enjoying the feel and smell of the other. What did surprise them was how the exchange made their hairs stand on end, shockwaves of impulsive tickles vibrating throughout their entire nervous system, urging and stimulating them to give in to nature's ancient yet brilliant design. It didn't amaze them because this was new. It confounded them because it was so familiar. It had been months since their first kiss, way back when they had first met James and Anna, and yet every time insisted on feeling exactly like the same but with far less apprehension. Whenever they did it felt like they were standing alone, entwined within each other in a black void. Nothing else mattered and more importantly, they highly doubted anything else could disrupt it.

However they had forgotten that they were surrounded by the strangest and most abrupt people to have ever existed.

As if on cue James Regus came pounding through the doors in a tidal wave of panic. He staggered forward, dripping in sweat as his feverish eyes landed on them. Now unfortunately the two love birds had become used to the mans' rather strange ways of entering rooms, but what they were not accustomed to seeing was the new sorcerer king acting so afraid. Not to mention the fact that it had been two days since little Anna had been murdered and James Regus had not moved, spoken, eaten or acknowledged anything around him for even a moment since. He had been quite literally dead to the world.

"James?" Merlin enquired baffled, eyebrows firmly knitted together.

The sorcerer king snapped his head in Merlin's direction, eyes wild. "Wolf babies."

Merlin raised an eyebrow. "Pardon?"

Morgana stepped cautiously forward, eyeing him as the immortal kept looking behind him in apparent horror, reaching out to him with a friendly hand. Slowly she lowered her palm onto his shoulder. "AGH!" He yelped dramatically, jerking away from her as if she had scalded him.

Morgana gasped and placed a hand on her heart. "What is wrong with you?"

"What's wrong with me!" His voice was frantic as he firmly grabbed her by the shoulders and began violently shaking her. "IT'S. GONNA. EAT ME!"

Merlin leapt forward and pried the deranged man from Morgana's shoulders. "I'm not sure anyone will even want to be around you never mind eat you," the young Warlock thought out loud.

"Ah! You see!" James bounded toward him. "What made you think I was talking about a person? It's happening already, what Malum AND the masters wanted all along – Malum wants a challenge and the masters want their salvation so he kills Anna."

Morgana gave the panicked man a sympathetic look. "James, no one has any idea what you're talking about."

"EMPATHY!" The new sorcerer king screamed, shocking the two love birds. "Merlin feels sorry for me because of Anna meaning we now have a stronger bond and therefore pose a bigger threat to Malum. Sorry about the yelling, I've got all this anger but the spell Malum cast over Merlin is blocking it, sometimes it leaks through."

"What spell?" Merlin asked, his tone revealing that he was becoming slightly annoyed. "Why does everyone keep telling me there's a spell on me?"

That was when Arthur appeared from behind James, a creepy smile on his face. "My Lord Merlin, you grace us with your presence," The fair haired king whipped out a boot polishing kit. "May I polish your boots?"

James pointed to Arthur. "Tell me that wasn't strange."

Morgana shook her head. "Arthur what are you doing? And where did you even get boot polish?"

"Morgana!" Arthur replied, sounding more than a little offended. "Merlin deserves the best and I will serve him to the best of my ability. I will do whatever it takes."

Morgana raised an eyebrow. "With boot polish?"

"James what's going on?" Merlin rather worriedly interrupted. "The last time we saw you you weren't even blinking and now you and Arthur are-"

"Shh!" James hushed in a rushed whisper, planting a finger to his lips. He swallowed nervously. His eyes widening to an extent Merlin once thought impossible. James sluggishly parted his now quivering lips, obviously fighting through his fear to say something. "It's…here," he breathed out.

A certain chill entered the atmosphere at his words, causing both Merlin and Morgana to share a look as James extended a shivering finger to point behind them. Slowly, cautiously, the only sane duo in the room turned to view the beast that had sent the usually fearless James Regus into fits of panic…to see the most adorable looking puppy they had ever seen. They snapped their heads back to look at James with utter confusion.

"Don't move," the sorcerer king whispered. "I think its vision is based on movement."

Merlin raised an eyebrow. "The puppy?"

"What puppy?" James asked, not taking his eyes off of the adorable canine. "That's definitely some kind of foul man wolf mutant hybrid thingie."

"Is Merlin in danger?" Arthur was worried. All three pairs of eyes frowned at him, and Morgana was pretty sure she saw the puppy cock its head to the side a little before it began innocently trotting over to them. Needless to say James looked horrified.

"Every man for himself!" The immortal yelped and shot off at a pace they were all quite impressed with.

"Do not worry fair maiden!" A strong authoritative voice called after the fleeing fire and the rage.

Morgana's eyebrows hit the roof. "Gwen?"

Gwen strode forward with a confident stride, her chin sticking up and Arthurs sword in her hand. "Yes it is I. Now fear not, good people, for I shall quell the fear within the sorcerer king and save the day," she lifted the sword into the air. "Have at thee!" She called and ran after James.

Morgana turned stunned eyes onto Merlin, hoping to see a kindred spirit. However what she did see was Merlin's boggled expression looking down at Arthur, who was at his feet feverishly polishing Merlin's boots.

"Have I done well Master?" The King eagerly fished for praise.

This was when the warlock turned his wide eyes to see Morgana's. "What the hell is going on?"

---

Four hours earlier – The Venemagus kingdom

The magnificent double doors that lead to the Venemagus throne room burst open, the boom echoing throughout the gracious chamber. Malum stepped through them with a casual arrogance, eyes travelling over the golden decorations and blood red tapestries adorning the walls. His yellow orbs halted when they landed upon the paintings of the former kings of the Venemagus kingdom. His dry lips twitched at all the familiar faces. He had known all of them in his many years, stranded on this planet whilst his ancestors ruled in both heaven and hell. He had even served under some of them like some snivelling dog, whipped like a damned slave and treated with disdain by every single one of them.

His eyes trekked along the many portraits until they came across King Arden Regus of Leones, Borin Regus father and the man who had imprisoned him in that hole over a thousand years ago. He snorted. If only he had known that his son would be the one to release him and ignite the fire of destruction. The demon lord then turned his attention to the next two portraits, yellow eyes dancing with amusement. Borin and James Regus looked over at him through watercolour green eyes. His plan had worked out perfectly. The current sorcerer king had been killed by his son, and then Malum himself had taken away the boys soul by murdering his beloved little sister. Neither one of them would pose him any threat now.

Of course now he had to deal with Emrys himself, a harder target to dispose of. He may not be the most powerful sorcerer at this point in time but one day he would be. The boy had no limits, a pure soul and unlike his friend James Regus appeared to have no obvious weakness. Sure he could kill Morgana Le Fay but he doubted that would do it, the young warlock unfortunately liked putting the needs of others before his own desires no matter their conviction. Arthur Pendragon was also off limits. The fair haired king was more of a distraction to Merlin than help anyway, certainly in this time period. After all how many times had he saved him exactly? He couldn't just kill the young warlock either. He needed his daughter to produce an heir for his new kingdom, and regrettably the very inexperienced young James had placed a bréoste charm on the lady Morgana, meaning their fates were tied. He could only hope they did not remember that they had aged Imogen by three years, despite her being an anomaly – meaning they could affect the future and therefore him. No. He would have to be both delicate and creative in his attack.

He allowed himself a heavy sigh before strolling up to the royal throne. He did not swagger; he did not swing his arms as he moved. He simply put one foot in front of the other until he reached the golden cathedra and lowered himself onto it, taking a sick sensuality in the motion until his rear landed. He closed his eyes, sucking in large amounts of oxygen through his nose, savouring the feeling. Ten years from now this entire castle would be destroyed during a battle, as would the throne and Malums chance to sit in it, but no more.

His eyes opened as he heard footsteps rap against the marble flooring approaching his new throne. Before him strode three guards, holding on to a small boy who had to run to keep up with them. A tight lipped smile stretched out across Malum's fake flesh face as he leaned forward, eager to indulge himself.

"Mordred," The demon lord purred with interest. Seeing his long-time ally so small and vulnerable was enough to make him smile. "Well look at you. Thank you guards, that will be all," he excused his new men with false sincerity. The three men chanced a glance at each other before bowing their heads and fleeing the scene.

"Are you him?" Mordreds voice rung out in Malum's mind.

The Demon lord leaned back once more in his throne. "That would depend, young one. Who do you wish me to be?"

"I would have you be my sire," Mordred responded quickly, recognising the question as a test. "I would have you be my Lord."

"And so I shall," Malum responded, his voice croaky, almost tired sounding as he stared of to the side with a thoughtful expression. "What do you think makes Emrys so strong, Mordred?"

Mordred looked up from his bow to stare at his new master. "I don't know."

"Of course you do not you are still but a child," Malum stated harshly, causing Mordred to lower his head again. "Back in my world, time after time, he would survive. Every time he would manage to thwart my advances on Camelot until one day I was forced to attack it myself, and even then his daughter managed to escape my grasp and bring him back again in this time," he shook his head. It was frustrating, and Malum thought it beneath him to harbour such emotion. "Well what if we gave him everything he wanted. After all his hard and noble work has he not earned it," Malum let out a breath through his nose. "Yes. From what I have observed they have become far too reliant on the sorcerer prince, excuse me, sorcerer king. Let us see how Merlin manages when everything he wishes comes to be, and with no James Regus to save them."

---

Merlin flipped through yet another dusty old book, tired eyes blurring the words into incoherent babble. He couldn't concentrate. He didn't know how any of them were supposed to concentrate given everything that had happened the day before. He relinquished his hold on text before him and fell back in his chair, looking around at his companions. Arthur had his head in his hands, Gwaine was leaning against the bookshelves and he was pretty sure Lancelot was asleep. To be honest it was a gift of fortune that Kalladine had ordered half of the empaths to assist them. The magnificent library was crawling with them, each one sifting through texts about angels and Archangels without any sign of fatigue. Merlin and his friends however were a completely different story.

Their minds had wondered. Covering such notions as Malum, the death of little Anna, James in his coma like state of grief and even what the difference was between angels and Archangels. As it turns out angels were powerful warriors of a certain deity, said to be the greatest God of all. However there were loads of them, countless in fact. Now Archangels were in short supply, only seven in fact, but certainly formidable. Some were deemed more powerful than Gods, only second to their creator, but two names kept re-occurring and teasing them. Michael and Lucifer. Michael, James mighty ancestor, was said to be this God's right hand man and had cast his brother Lucifer, Malums ancestor, out of paradise and into the mortal realm. There he had assumed the name Satan and created hell itself to mirror the paradise of his deity father, the birth of the devil himself. Merlin snorted. It would seem this war was destined to happen. Michael and Lucifer waged war on each other, and now countless years later their most powerful descendants, James and Malum, were doing the exact same thing.

He sighed once more, consciously changing the depressing thought to observe Arthur. His friend and king had not uttered a word since asking Kalladine for help. A part of his brain told him that he should enjoy the rare silence, whereas the majority recognised it as a warning and the quietest alarm bell in existence.

"Arthur?" He called cautiously, not getting any response. "Arthur, are you alright?"

The king looked up, eyes tired. In fact if Merlin didn't know any better he would have thought he had been crying. "Oh yes, Merlin. I'm jumping through blazing hoops. I haven't slept in almost a day, we just found out all our efforts have been for nothing with our best hope, James, going catatonic because my little cousin was murdered!" He suddenly bolted up and furiously swept the book he was reading off of the table. Merlin averted his gaze when Arthur placed his hands behind his head.

"You're right, I'm sorry," The young warlock apologized quietly.

Arthur closed his eyes. "It's not your fault…for once. I'm just tired. Tired of the reading, of the danger, of waking up in strange places every day, of the constant threats on my life and most of all tired of all the pain that comes with our lives," Arthur ranted animatedly. "Do you think other people all have these sorts of things going on in their lives? Talking dragons and…and little girls being murdered like they never mattered in the first place?" Gwaine and Lancelot shared a look before turning their gazes back down to the texts in their hands. This conversation wasn't for their ears.

"I wouldn't have thought so," Merlin answered with a raise of his eyebrows. "I hope not."

"Then why us?" Arthur demanded, slamming his open palm down on the desk. Merlin gazed up at him, for the first time seeing him as a normal human being in pain and not as the arrogant royal. It didn't provide him with the satisfaction he would have expected. "Why do we have to save the world? Why do we have to give up what we want the most for the good of the people?"

Merlin briefly looked down at the table before turning sad eyes up to Arthurs' blonde head. "Because who else will?"

"James," Arthur abruptly stated. "He is the sorcerer king now, isn't this his territory? Don't we just slow him down anyway? Instead he's still up there with the girls like some pathetic statue. He hasn't said a word for two days-"

"The man just lost his little sister," Gwaine interrupted at this point, earning him Arthur's glare. "And from what I've heard from you fellas she was like a daughter to him. Maybe we should cut him some slack huh?"

Arthur sighed. The strange man with the wonderful hair was right. "I know that," he responded sharply. "Lancelot can you see if anyone has found anything yet?" Lancelot nodded and walked off.

Gwaine turned to Merlin. "Your girl seemed like a nice kid, how's she doing?" Arthur felt a plug of shame open up within him. How long had he just been focused on himself?

Merlin bounced his eyebrows. "Not good," he breathed out. "She saw the man she loved melt away right in front of her. I just wish I could take away all her pain," Merlin answered, the quick flash of gold in his eyes going unnoticed.

---

Imogen sat at the back of the room; unable to take her eyes off of James completely still form. It may be hard to believe, but the new sorcerer king literally hadn't moved for a whole two days other than to occasionally blink. That meant no food, no water nor the intention of a by now well needed lavatory break. No. He just sat there, knees up, against the wall with dead unfocused eyes. Imogen sighed as she looked around the almost silent room. Her mother and Gwen were whispering inaudibly over a small table in the room, most likely discussing something they thought her too vulnerable to hear. The Adult Anna, or the only Anna now she realized, stood with her back against the wall. The young beauty had simply refused to leave her precious brothers side and had even obtained a pillow to put behind his back so he wouldn't become uncomfortable.

Imi sighed. The thing about her best friend was that by all outward appearances she appeared to be her brothers' twin. She was powerful, easy on the eyes, fearless and possessed that certain charm that made people love to hate her…but in reality the two Regus siblings couldn't be more different. Where James was wild, angry, spontaneous and hard on the inside Anna often thought things through before acting, she was tame and whilst her brother retained what she called the mad mind skills she had a compassionate soft side that was in complete contrast to how she liked to be seen. Imogen had learned a long time ago that Anna in reality just wanted to be like her brother, having idolised him all her life. Imi felt tears sting her eyes once more as she tried to comprehend just how tragic and agonising it must be to see her life-long hero, the man she had celebrated, hero-worshiped and adored since birth quite literally die inside. Not to mention that she was so convinced that it was all her fault.

Her empathetic thoughts however were abruptly brought to a halt as a surge exalted through her, shaking her entire being. The girl from the future arched her back and craned her neck, her whole body tensing and convulsing as a strained gasp escaped her pouting lips. Her calm blue eyes sparked with gold energy, infusing her soul with startling mystical energy. Morgana, Gwen and Anna looked up with a start as the young girl vaulted from her seat and was sent crashing to her knees.

The physical magnificence of the leap Morgana performed at the revelation actually shocked Gwen a little. "Imi!" Morgana called, falling to her own knees, wrenching her daughter up and completely ignoring the sharp pain that came with it. "Imi are you alright?"

Imi lifted her gaze with a gradual sense of oncoming ease. Her eyes darted around the room, confused wonder shinning in her eyes. "Actually yes," Imogen smiled, surprised. "I feel…fine."

Morgana frowned at her daughter, more than a little suspicious. She had expected the girl to put a brave face on but not quite so well. "You do?"

"Yes I do," She gave her mother a toothy grin before rising to her feet with a happy sigh. "Does anyone want something to eat? I'm thinking something chewy."

"Maybe you should sit down Imi," Gwen stated, stepping forward. "We should probably be on high alert about everything at the moment given everything that has happened, and I would say you having a convulsion would fall into that."

"Pfft," Imi brushed off with a simple wave of her hand. Gwen raised her eyebrows. "Nah, I want some grub. Something really fattening."

Anna stepped forward with her arms over her chest, a heavy set frown on her face. "Imi, I don't think any of us are really hungry."

"Oh," The girl from the future pouted, disappointed. "Why not?"

Morgana looked at the girl as if she had completely lost her mind. "Are you…? Imi, we're trying to get James out of this stupor he's fallen into. I thought you off all people would understand?"

Imi scoffed. "Please," She walked over to James, casually sank onto the ground and punched the new sorcerer king in the arm. "He's fine. I once saw him chug 2 litres of milk before I could blink, the man is an animal," she abruptly started roughing James hair. "Aren't you ay?"

"Imogen, what has gotten into you?" Morgana nearly gasped. "Get up here and sit back down, now."

"Oh stop it," Imi responded, rolling her eyes and rising to her feet. "Look I know you're technically my Mother, but you didn't actually raise me did you? The future you did, so maybe it's time you stop pretending that you did."

Morgana actually quivered when those words hit her. Her lips parted, her eyes grew dangerously bruised and a small yet devastated whimper escaped her lips all before she had time to stop herself. That had hurt. Not just hurt but she in fact felt wounded by them. Did she really think that? Could she honestly believe that she didn't love her more than life itself? She wanted to rebuttal but found her voice missing, just empty pants forcing their way through. It seemed though that Gwen was ready with a very clear and angered voice.

"How dare you," The future Queen chastised bitterly. "I have never seen anything more powerful than the love I have in your mothers' eyes when she looks at you. I suggest you sit down and regain your thoughts."

Imogen looked at her Aunt Gwen lightly surprised and nodded her head solemnly. "No actually I'm alright," She suddenly blurted out, making everyone in the room except the dead to the world James recoil their heads. "I think I'll go find Daddy and Uncle Arthur. They're a lot more fun," And with that demoralizing little statement skipped happily from the room, humming a jaunty tune. Silence rung out as the door closed behind her, its loud thump echoing through the stunned chamber.

"So," Anna sighed. "Everyone agree that she's under some sort of spell?"

"Definitely," Gwen nodded, if a little bored by the obvious conclusion. Always a spell.

Morgana tensed her jaw. "Well then whoever cast such a spell over my little girl will wish they had never been born."

"And just how do you plan to do that?" Gwen asked with a raise of a quizzical eyebrow.

"By unleashing our secret weapon," Morgana replied quickly. The other two women watched as Morgana's hurt eyes turned to James Regus. "The fire and the rage."

Anna scowled. "Morgana he isn't going to be any help in this condition. Look at him; it's not fair to ask anything of him at the moment."

"Yeah, well, Imi needs him and therefore I have lost my patience," Morgana whirled away from an appalled looking Anna and got down on her knees in front of a still unfocused James. "Time to wake up Jimmy, you're needed."

"I do NOT like this," Anna whispered vehemently.

Morgana craned her neck to look back at her. "You said he will unleash a vengeance like no other, then why not have him exact it on the right people? I mean he's just been sitting here for a whole day."

Anna charged up to the black haired beauty, fired up like a supernova. "My brother is not your lapdog! You can't just send him out to do your bidding whenever you please! And for once he needs our help and all you can think about is what he can do for us? We need to fix this ourselves, after all how useless are we? What did you do before you met him? Just wait around and hope for miracles?"

Morgana twisted her neck further to lock gazes with Gwen at the sorcerer princess words. "To be quite honest, things did seem to just sort themselves out most of the time," Gwen admitted, her shame coming through in folds.

"Arthur or as we know now Merlin always used to do something," Morgana reluctantly agreed. "Truth be told we never really did much to help, merely assisted in most cases."

Anna folded her arms. "Then why don't we try thinking before we immediately go running off to James or Merlin or Arthur. Are we women or are we plants?"

Morgana cast her eyes downward, biting her bottom lip as she mulled over the young woman's' words. She was right. How could they demand the same respect as their boys if they never did anything to help?

She smirked dangerously. Maybe it was time that changed.

---

"So you were just left standing there then in front of the great Uther Pendragon?" Gwaine laughed along with Merlin and Arthur as the fair haired king regaled them with stories from his childhood.

Arthur had to wait until he could talk again. "Yes I was, and so Morgana walks in and asks me why I'm in her new dress!"

The three men laughed in simultaneous glee, the very idea of the whole situation sending their bodies (especially Merlin's) into shockwaves off uncontrollable laughter. They had soon realised that they were never going to find anything regarding how to destroy angels by moping around, and so Arthur had begun telling them stories of his and Morgana's youth in Camelot. Needless to say it was nice to see the king with his old swagger back a little, even if it might be a fleeting sensation.

"You wore a dress?" Merlin called out hysterically, now holding his aching stomach.

Arthur lost his smile. "I was nine years old, Merlin."

"You must have made one ugly woman," Merlin continued, ignoring his king completely. "Were your legs as hairy then as they are now?"

Arthur looked appalled. "I'll have you know Merlin that I did make one ugly woman, whereas with you one can never quite identify which gender you belong to. Even as I look at you now I'm still not sure what I'm looking at. Are you a man? Woman?" He narrowed his blue eyes. "Both?"

"You do have soft skin," Gwaine chimed in reluctantly.

"Not to mention the small frame," Lancelot's voice flowed to their ears as he re-joined them.

Arthur stretched out his hand to grab Merlin's in what he hoped was a soothing manner. "It's ok, Merlin," The king began, looking into his advisors wide eyes. "You can tell us your secret. By day you're an extremely simple servant boy, but by night, you cruise the streets as Lady Merlina don't you? Remember you're amongst friends…and me."

Merlin yanked his hand away from the smirking king. "I am NOT a woman, Arthur, and second I was a great servant."

"Merlin," Arthur scoffed, leaning back in his chair. "You were an awful manservant. Remember when I found you sleeping in my dresser? My breakfast was hanging out of your mouth and you were clutching my still dirty boots to your chest that I had given to you three days before."

"You know what?" Merlin stood from his seat in heated frustration. "I think it's a bit hypocritical for someone who has never even cleaned behind their own ears to criticize someone else's cleaning capabilities."

Arthur barely contained his smile. "Of course I've cleaned behind my ears," The king replied evenly. "Once. I think it was a Tuesday."

Merlin tilted his head to the side. "Sometimes I wonder what Camelot did to deserve you."

"Would you Gals like us to leave?" Gwaine interrupted. "Because from here it looks like you should just find a bed that could handle a bit of rough and tumble and get it over with."

Arthur glared daggers at him, possibly trying very hard to make him spontaneously combust. "You know, Gwaine, I knew thirty ways to kill a man when I was just nine years old."

"Yeah but I imagine your days were too busied enjoying fine satin dresses," Lancelot threw back at the king, a charming smile on his face.

Merlin tensed his entire face to stop the inevitable laughter from pouring out of him. "I think I'll go call the dragon now," He said before walking off, silent yet violent throbs shaking his entire upper body.

"Shut up Merlin!" Arthur called warningly over his shoulder. "Do not forget I am still your king!"

Merlin whirled round to face him as he reached the door. "Right. I'd love to see how you would do if you were my servant. I bet you wouldn't even be able to last a day."

Arthur's eyes turned red as he picked up a nearby candlestick and lobbed it in Merlin's direction, only narrowly missing the warlocks head. Merlin ducked around the corner before leaning back around again. "I hope you'd make a better servant than a marksman-" Another candlestick soared by his head. "Ok you know what? I wish you were my servant! Then I could show off how rubbish my aim is too!" He darted off, only just managing to duck underneath something that looked suspiciously like a knife.

Gwaine shook his head good naturedly. "And they say men don't know how to show their feelings," His smile fell as he caught a glimmer of gold flash across the kings eyes. "Arthur, are you alright?"

"Maybe Merlin's not so wise words have got to him," Lancelot lightly joked, still scanning a book with particularly small print.

Arthur leapt to his feet in a fever. "Everything out of Lord Merlin's mouth should be considered wise peasant!" The king demanded, not a slither of humour found in his voice. Gwaine and Lancelot simply gaped at the fair haired man. "I would advise you against keeping your silver tongue in your mouth."

"…Lord Merlin?" Lancelot repeated, eyes searching Arthurs features that this was some kind of a joke. "Is this a joke? Because it isn't funny."

"I heartily disagree with ya there fella," Gwaine contradicted as he propped his feet up on the table and lazily crossed them. "But there's definitely something wrong with him. Maybe he's cracked?"

Arthur looked at them as if they were the ones who had gone insane. "I do not have time to waste on the likes of you. I must ready Lord Merlin's quarters for when he arrives," And with that, the king proudly marched from the room to attend to his new masters chamber. Gwaine and Lancelot simply watched him go, utterly flummoxed expressions etched onto their faces. In fact even some of the Empaths had stopped what they were doing to gawk at the scene. Eventually Gwaine got up, travelled over to the window and stared wistfully up at the sky.

Lancelot frowned at him. "What are you doing?"

"Waiting for pigs to fly."

---

Morgana, Gwen and Anna walked side by side down the corridor, talking in muted voices in sincere attempts to keep Imi's recent attitude to themselves. Despite her apparent lack of care toward everything around her they still didn't wish to embarrass the girl any more than they usually would. It was also their plan to keep the recent events away from the boys, wishing for once to save the day themselves than to have to swoon over either of their male counter parts once they had. For Morgana she was tired of feeling unworthy whenever she thought of being with Merlin. For Gwen she was fed up with looking at Arthur with the adorning eyes of a love struck puppy, and for Anna it was always being called a copycat of her big brother…even if she did steal his lines from time to time.

"So what's the plan?" Morgana asked as they turned a spiralling corner, veering into yet another beautiful white corridor.

Anna nodded. "Have you two ever heard of the Wicca Seiren?" At their blank faces she explained. "It's basically a creature of passion in the guise of a beautiful woman. They're powerful and can reverse any spell no matter how powerful it is. They specifically go after men to provide them with offspring."

"How nice, but all that sounds too good to be true," Gwen added.

"That's because it is," Anne reluctantly confirmed. "Because whilst it's easy to summon them, it's almost impossible to control them. You can't use magic because they would just reverse it and you can't convince them because they are literally only focused on one thing, which is how many people they enslave to do their bidding."

Morgana pursed her lips. "This isn't sounding like a very good plan Anna."

"Hear me out, because there is one way to control them, and we just happen to have that answer right here in Zao," Anna continued.

"Fantastic," Gwen said, happily surprised. "How do we do it?"

Anna sighed. "We have to retrieve a scale from a mermaid."

The three women stopped, both Morgana and Gwen rounding on the royal. "A Mermaid scale?" Morgana repeated, sounding more than a little cautious. "As in a scale from the flesh eating monsters that live under the sea?"

"That does not sound pleasant," Gwen said quietly. "So we would have to take a scale from a Mermaid without any help from the boys and come up with a way to keep them out of it at the same time?"

Anna smiled, shaking the other two women to the core when the resemblance between the princess and James became creepily similar. "Yes, and I am open to ideas as to how we would go about doing that."

"I bet you are," Morgana rolled her eyes. Just how were they meant to come up with all this? However their well needed scheming was interrupted by Merlin cluelessly coming toward them.

"Hi," he greeted with that friendly smile Morgana loved so much.

She smiled back, tilting her head a little subconsciously. "Hi, where are you off to?"

"I'm going to call the dragon and find out if he knows anything about angels," Merlin answered innocently enough, completely missing the nonverbal alarm the three girls all sent each other. The Dragon might know about the other problem plaguing the palace of purity.

Morgana swallowed. "The Dragon?"

"Yeah," The warlock nodded. "Where's Imi? Is she alright?"

Once again the three women all shared cryptic looks. "She's fine," Gwen rapidly answered, surprising him a bit. Morgana sent her a scathing look, to which she shrugged.

Anna laughed nervously. "She's looking after James."

Merlin nodded slowly, contemplating eyes shining with compassion. "Maybe I should go check on her."

"No!" Gwen rather abruptly yelled, earning her a quizzical look from Merlin and two glares of death from her partners in crime. She gulped. "No you should go see the dragon. I think she wants to be on her own for a bit," she covered smoothly, getting an eventual nod from her long-time friend and warlock.

"I've got an idea," Morgana chirped. "Why don't I go with you to see the dragon?"

Merlin sent her a suspicious look, knowing all too well the disdain between his new girlfriend and the ancient scaly beast. "Are you sure?"

"Merlin, how much time have we spent together since we became a couple?" She asked with a tone she hoped would make him feel guilty. She smirked when he shrugged. "Exactly. Perhaps after we've spoken to Kilgharrah we can go visit the lake and get a little-" she turned to the two women. "-distracted." Gwen and Anna smirked. Not only was she luring Merlin into a trap to help them with the mermaids without knowing it, but she was also answering the puzzler of how to obtain a Mermaid scale and keep them distracted. The black haired beauty was a complete genius. No man was ever going to say no to getting distracted with the Lady Morgana.

Sure enough Merlin's cheeks soon flushed a deep red, followed by a large gulp. "Su-sure. Ok, but what about all the monsters in the woods?"

"Oh don't worry about them," Anna brushed off with a wave of her hand. "Thanks to my little speech they won't go anywhere near a human for weeks."

Merlin nodded. "Well then I suppose-"

"Great!" Morgana squealed, bounding forward and wrapping herself around his unsuspecting arm. She threw a look over to the girls and smiled. "Why don't you two find out how to do that thing we were talking about earlier and wait for us to get back?"

Gwen shook her head with a barely contained smile on her face. She had known the Lady Morgana most of her life and yet even she was sometimes surprised at how well she could manipulate the opposite sex. "Sounds like a plan," she finally replied. The three women shared one last smile before walking off in different directions, Morgana hanging off Merlin's arm as if afraid to let go.

Anna looked back at them over her shoulder, seeing the couple disappear around the corner. "It's alright to love another woman isn't it Gwen?"

Gwen smiled at her. "When it comes to Morgana, anything's possible."

---

Arthur frantically straightened the sheets, muttering such evil words that his father would place him in the stocks just for thinking them. Merlin could return at any moment and it simply would not do to have his bed in ruins. His lord and master deserved better than to rest in some shoddy bed. He winced as something pricked the side of his hand. Sending a blistering scowl down at the bed he saw something shiny out of the corner of his eye. Deciding to investigate, though he knew a good servant wouldn't, he leaned down and picked up the small gold object. He lifted it up to reveal it to be an earring. Morgana's earing to be exact.

A wicked smile grew on his face. "Merlin, you're amazing," he stated in hushed awe of the warlock.

"Since when do you think he's amazing?" Asked Imogen as she sauntered into the room and decided to leap on to her Uncle's back.

Arthur's eyes sprung open in horror. "Imi! This is my masters room not a child's play area!"

"You're what?" The girl from the future asked with a frown.

"My master and your father," He swung around in an attempt to free himself from her grasp, but instead knocked over a rather valuable looking vase Arthur had just placed some freshly cut flowers in. "Ah! My Gardenias!" The king squealed, shrugging off a now laughing Imi and feverishly picking up the shattered pieces.

"Uncle Arthur you need to relax a little," Imi breathed out, hurling herself onto the bed he had worked so hard to make perfect. He actually looked like he was going to vomit. "Just let your entire worries slide away."

He stood slowly, menacingly, his eyes burning with rage. "Get. Off. The. Bed."

She looked up. "What was that?"

He grit his teeth. "I said…Get. Off. The. Bed."

"Did you say get off the bed or bet on the dead?" She repeated, her eyes dancing with amusement at the rage in his. She glanced over to the mirror to see an especially prepared meal fit for an emperor lying in front of it, and a dangerously sinful smirk grew on her face. "You're the boss," she finished as she casually rose from the bed.

Arthur breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you Im - what the hell are you doing?" He abruptly shrieked when he saw her pick up one of the two sausages and stuff her face with it.

"Oh," Imi mockingly gasped. "Was I not supposed to do that?"

Arthur merely gaped at her, beyond mortified now. "Merlin loves sausages. He even stole some from me once."

She smirked. "Is that so?" She asked, playing with the one left over sausage.

He narrowed his eyes at her. "What are you doing?"

"Nothing," she replied quickly in a sickly sweet voice, offering him a toothy grin.

He turned his head to the side, a grave look in his eyes. "You wouldn't," he whispered.

"How much would you wager?" She asked, raising one eyebrow.

"You're Merlin's daughter, you wouldn't," He responded, still whispering even though he didn't know why.

"I'm also Morgana's daughter," she smirked back at him. He narrowed his eyes. "And your niece," she added. His eyes narrowed even further. "And James Regus girlfriend-" He suddenly sprung forward to thieve the meat from the plate, but she whipped it away before he could reach it. "Catch me if you can Uncle Arthur!" She called over her shoulder as she darted from the room. He growled and pounced off the ground, sprinting in a full out charge to catch up to the girl.

---

Morgana watched in amazement as the last great dragon elegantly drifted down to the ground, spreading its wings in a vision of majestic authority. Despite their rather contemptuous relationship she could not deny the power of the last great dragon in existence. Regally he glided down before them and lowered his ever intrusive gaze. Morgana frowned at him. For some reason she had the distinct feeling that he was scowling, and for once not at her.

"You should not have brought me here, Merlin," Kilgharrah's dusty grandiose voice bellowed down to them. "This place is not safe anymore."

Merlin squinted his eyes in confusion, his neck craned to look at him. "This place is never safe-"

"You do not understand!" Kilgharrah scolded, his angered voice echoing. "I cannot be here. Something has shifted in the world, young warlock. Dark forces are at work. Powerful forces even I cannot fathom."

"We know," Merlin replied rather dejectedly. "Malum has come back to this time."

Kilgharrah brought his head back in frustration. "Do not be naive, Merlin. I know about the darkness Malum has brought with him. You should not have brought me here because of the darkness growing within the palace of purity, a force of pure hate that could overthrow even Malum himself. The creatures of Zao can sense it just as I have, Merlin, that is why there are running for their lives."

Morgana shook her head. "But Anna said they were running because of her speech," she said confused. Why else would such fierce creatures be running?

"Young Anna has too much confidence in her abilities, much like the rest of her family," Kilgharrah brushed off in his own way. "You would both do well to remember one absolute fact in magic. Nothing is more powerful than when a good man gives in to hate."

Merlin's eyes widened as realisation hit him. "You're afraid of James," he whispered.

"As should you all," The great dragon responded in a fearful yet soft voice. Merlin and Morgana shared a look of panic. Anna was right. "I can feel his pain wherever I go. He is an honourable man, but a man with the powers of a God and he is in such agony. You are forgetting that whilst he was born with a hero's heart, he was raised to be an unstoppable evil by his father. Up until now he has chosen to use his talents to help you but I fear that time is over. Imagine a man with all his powers being used to spread evil. A man who knows no fear, especially now that the one person who grounded him has been taken away from him. You must stay away from him, both of you, for no one deserves the fire he will reign down upon this earth," Kilgharrah sighed. "A vengeance like no other."

Morgana turned to face Merlin. "That's exactly what Anna said."

"He's right though, James isn't afraid of anything. How would we stop him if…when he decides to exact his revenge?" The warlock sighed. "Maybe it would be better if he was afraid of everything," Merlin finished with a heavy heart, his eyes momentarily flashing gold. Kilgharrah narrowed his yellow reptilian eyes at the scene.

"But if he was then how far would we have travelled?" Morgana fought back. "Who would have to gotten us all this way? Gwen?"

Merlin allowed a reluctant smile to cross his face. "I wish," he said off handedly, but once more his eyes flashed gold. This time Kilgharrah widened his eyes.

"There is more at work here than meets the eye," The dragon hummed, his tone that curious brand of charm only he could accomplish. "A spell has been cast over you Merlin. You must tread carefully."

Merlin looked back up at the dragon with a deeply concerned expression. "Spell? What Spell?"

"I do not have time for this Merlin. Perhaps it is time you tell me why I am here," The Dragon said impatiently, clearly wanting to get out of there as soon as he was able.

The young warlock tightened his lips, knowing that he was not going to get his answers once Kilgharrah had made up his mind. Besides he needed to find the right words. "We need to know if there is any way to kill an Angel," He settled grudgingly, deciding to figure out exactly what spell had been cast over him on his own.

"No wait, Merlin," Morgana interjected, placing a soft hand on his chest. "What spell?" She asked the last great Dragon.

Kilgharrah merely ignored her. "You cannot kill an angel young warlock. They are beings of immortality beyond that of your comprehension, sentient warriors more powerful than any God other than their own. You must adhere to my warnings this time Merlin, for Malum cannot be beaten by your hand."

Merlin narrowed his eyes in suspicion. "So…you're saying he can be beaten, just not by my hand?"

"There is but one way to kill an Angel," Kilgharrah eventually continued. "And that is by the hand of another Angel."

Morgana looked down from him as she thought over his words. "So James or Anna could kill him but we could not?"

"I very highly doubt it, witch," The Dragon spit out.

Morgana's nostrils flared at the disrespect in his voice. "Well thank you for your infinite help, but shouldn't you be running away by now as a true coward would?"

Kilgharrah threw his head back and roared in his fury. "You mind your tongue, witch! For once your ignorance lifts and you discover the evil in James Regus heart you will soon follow my example!"

"Enough!" Merlin yelled himself this time, stepping in front of Morgana as if shielding her. "This has gone on long enough. You will treat her as if she were me from this point onwards."

Kilgharrah growled, eyes flickering dangerously. "You cannot ask this of me, Merlin. I have nothing but respect and admiration for you as a person and as a Dragonlord. It is out of the question that I could fathom such emotion for someone who would betray everything she holds dear."

"She has not done these things," he angrily called back. Morgana stood behind him, trying to decide if she wanted to kiss him for standing up for her or physically hurt him for thinking she could not fight her own battles. Dragon or not he did not frighten her.

"She would have done and that is what matters," Kilgharrah responded quickly.

"You don't have a choice," Merlin stated, his voice resolute. "I am a Dragonlord and you will do as I command!"

The great Dragon sneered down at his master, bearing his teeth. "As you wish Merlin, but allow me one piece of advice. A traitor will always be a traitor as I will always be a Dragon and you shall always be the light to her darkness. She is corrupt and forever will be."

Merlin nodded, his jaw tense. "Have you finished? Because I happen to trust her with my-"

"Hi Daddy!" Imogen suddenly appeared and wrapped her arms around her father. Morgana frowned when she noticed a sausage in her daughters' hand.

"Imi…why is there a sausage in your hand?" The black haired beauty questioned the girl from the future before her eyes snapped open. The spell! She had almost forgotten. Imi was under some sort of spell that was making her act incredibly childish and placid, the spell the girls were trying to keep away from Merlin so they could save the day themselves for once.

"Oh yeah," Imi gave the meat an odd look. "I stole it from Uncle Arthur. He's a very fast runner – Hey! That rhymes! How funny."

Merlin lowered his gaze suspiciously at her. "Imi are you alright? You're acting kind of funny."

"Oh she's fine," Morgana brushed off with a wave of her hand. "Imi how do you feel?"

Imogen smiled. "Fine."

"See she's fine, now let's go to the lake," Morgana said without pausing for breath, grabbing Merlin by the shoulders and attempting to lead him away.

Merlin looked around with wide innocent eyes. "But I was going to –"

"I'm sure you were," she interrupted. "Thank you Kilgharrah for all of your splendid advice but we have to go now. Goodbye."

The Dragon seethed. "I do not take orders from you."

"Oh!" Imi seemed to get excited over something. "Oh I just realized something! My father died, isn't that wonderful?"

All three, Merlin, Morgana and even Kilgharrah gave the girl on odd look. "Yes, how wonderful," Merlin said sarcastically.

"No silly, not you Daddy my future Daddy," when no one seemed to get her point she shook her head. "Just watch," she said, throwing away the sausage and taking a large breath. "RAAAAAAAGH! DRAGON! FLEOGON FORBWEGAS NU MA TENDE DIVERES!"

Merlin and Morgana could watch with horrified interest as their daughters. Her voice had sounded like it could have echoed for miles around, and the way it had sounded. It was like something else, some sort of wild dangerous animal, had belched it. It had clearly come from the very bottom of her gut, from her soul, meaning only one thing. Imogen was a Dragonlord. Kilgharrah seemed shocked, but almost as if the action was against its will he bowed his head and sprung from the soil beneath his claws. With a spread of his mighty wings the dragon had disappeared amongst the stars, leaving a very excited Imi and her two devastated parents.

"Did you see that?" Imogen squealed.

Morgana it seemed was the first to recover. "Imi sweetheart, do you fancy calling him back and making him retrieve a mermaid scale for Mummy?"

Imogen gasped. "Oh pretty!"

"Wait," Merlin interrupted the girly tirade he was sure would follow. "Imi you're a Dragonlord? Dragonlady? And why do you want a mermaid scale? And Imi why are you acting so weird? And –"

Merlin was interrupted by Morgana placing a finger to his lips, her gaze holding his. "Merlin, I want you."

"Want me for what?" He frowned at her before shaking his head. "No, look Morgana something weird is going on here and I want to know what it is."

Morgana lowered her head slightly, now looking at him through her eyelids. Her ice blue eyes in complete contrast to her dark eyebrows and lashes. "No, Merlin, I want you as in now. As in alone."

Merlin's eyes shot open, his questions all mysteriously vanishing from his mind upon his realisation. "Oh…" he swallowed. "Ok."

"Good boy," She smirked and whirled around to look at Imi. "Imi, once you have the mermaid scale you must take it to Gwen and Anna as quickly as possible."

Imi slumped her shoulders. "That sounds boring. I think I'd rather attempt to seduce Lancelot again."

"What?" Morgana almost screamed.

Merlin shook his head. "What!" He sounded distinctly more horrified than her mother.

Imi sighed. "Don't worry, Uncle Arthur chased me away before anything could happen."

Merlin damn near charged toward her. "What's going on Imi? There's no way you would suddenly decide to forget about James and…" he squeezed his eyes shut tight. "And seduce Lancelot."

"She's joking Merlin," Morgana laughed off nervously, grabbing Merlin's shoulders and leading him away. "She must have spent too much time around you boys growing up," she spun around to look at Imi. "If you do this I'll let you get a puppy on your way back."

Imogen's grin exploded onto her face. "Wow! Thanks Mum."

---

Anna and Gwen flipped through the many pages of the book containing ancient summoning spells, each page larger than their entire upper body. They had been looking through the book now for what felt like an eternity and still they were nowhere near finding anything to do with summoning a Wicca Siren. Gwen placed her chin in her hands boredly.

"I think I just realised how much we've taken your brother for granted," The future queen said in a monotone.

Anna bounced her eyebrows. "You and me both. Maybe I should try just clicking my fingers and see if everything goes back to normal. Fortunately though I do have a few of my own tricks up my sleeve," the sorcerer princess provided her friend with a smirk. "Merum ágan," she murmured. Instantly the huge papers began flipping through by themselves at a rapid rate.

Gwen brought her head back and smiled. "Oh wow. You know I remember the time I used to fear magic."

Anna laughed, looking down when the heavy set pages ceased in their movement. "Here we go, Wicca Sirens. Ok I was right. All you need to do is mutter this incarnation and show them the mermaid scale. Then they should do whatever we tell them."

"So now we just wait for Morgana to get back and…and…" Gwen abruptly swayed on her feet, her hand coming up to her head. Anna frowned and leapt forward, grabbing the other woman and stabalizing her.

"Gwen?" She asked concerned, only growing more concerned when she saw the former hand maidens' eyes flash gold. "What the…? Gwen are you alright?"

Gwen suddenly stopped swaying and squared her shoulders, bringing firm eyes up to Anna's concerned ones. "I am quite alright damsel," she stated in her deepest, most heroic voice. Anna brought her head back a little.

"Ok, whatever. So long as you're ok?" Anna replied with one eyebrow raised.

"Of course I am alright," Gwen shrugged of the other woman's hands and tied her own behind her back. "A warrior always knows when to accept defeat and this is not one of them. Now cease your infernal maiden concern and prepare yourself for the spell."

Anna just stared at the usually always compassionate and quiet Gwen with utter bewilderment. "Um, Gwen? I think that whatever spell has taken over Imi has also got to you too. Maybe you should sit down?"

"Absolutely not," The future queen refused. "You said it yourself, princess. We are women, not plants, and we must save the day."

The sorcerer princess offered her a tight lipped smile. "That I did. Having said that, surely a warrior must rest until they are required to save the day?"

The sound of a very deep scream caused the two women to snap their head in the direction of the double doors they had entered through. Before either of them had time to question it however the doors burst open to reveal none other than James Regus, covered in sweat and a horror struck expression on his face. Anna's mouth fell open. He was up. He was finally up after two days of nothing. She felt tears rush to her eyes as she considered her hero with a watery smile. He had obviously forced himself out of his stupor so he could save them all in a blaze of glory.

"There's a spider in my room!" He yelped like a three year old girl.

Anna's smile fell harshly from her face. That hadn't been quite what she was expecting, but with a shake of her head she let it slide. "James…you're up," she began moving toward him, opening her arms for a well needed embrace. "I've missed you so –"

She cut herself off when her brother jolted away from her, terror in his eyes. "Woah," James halted her. "Have you washed your hands? Because you must have spent a lot of time in the woods on your way here and frankly by now you must be a walking talking dancing springing parasite…slash bacteria trap. What if I get hives?" He gasped as hands shot up to his face. "My face would be ruined!"

Anna turned her head to the side, now utterly confused. "James what are you –?"

"No!" James shrilled when she began walking toward him again. "Be gone maiden of menace and torment me no longer!"

"You!" Sounded the voice of Arthur Pendragon. All eyes turned to see Arthur storming toward the sorcerer princess, Gwaine and Lancelot trailing him in an obviously stunned silence. As soon as he arrived he shoved an accusatory finger in Anna's face. "Where is your best friend? She owes me one well-tended sausage."

Anna created an upside down v-shape with her eyebrows, beginning to feel a little overwhelmed. "I beg your pardon?" She asked, her voice sounding exhausted.

"Apparently Imi stole a sausage Arthur had specially made for Lord Merlin," Lancelot attempted to fill in the gaps but only seemed to cause poor Anna even more confusion.

Gwaine raised a calming hand. "It's nowhere near as dirty as it sounds." He looked over to see James eyeing them suspiciously. "Oh, look who's up."

"What new hell is this?" Anna slid down a nearby wall with her head buried in her hands.

James though seemed more pre-occupied with the three warriors' belts. With all the steadiness of a woman in labour the sorcerer king raised a shaky finger, aimed at Arthur's belt. "Is…is that a sword?"

"Oh no," Came Anna's muffled voice. This was so far beyond ridiculous now her head was beginning to hurt.

"Yes, well done, it is indeed a sword," Arthur patronised his cousin, before kneeling down and brushing the carpet underneath their feet. "And we call this a carpet."

James frowned. "Wow, that was uncalled for. You are going to wash your hands before you eat though right?"

"I agree," Gwaine squinted his eyes at the fair haired king. "Sometimes he can be really quite hurtful and for no good reason."

Gwen raised an eyebrow as her stony gaze travelled over the supposed men in the room. "This is preposterous. I thought I was surrounded by warriors that would help me overcome whatever spell is plaguing this castle, but all you do is whine."

"What have I done?" Lancelot complained. "Or more importantly how long has Gwen been harbouring the spirit of Uther Pendragon?"

James snapped his head up. "Spirits? You mean…you mean like ghosts? I hear they make love to your insides."

Anna gasped horrified at her vulgar brother, whereas Arthur looked intrigued. "Really?" He quizzed his cousin.

"Absolutely," James nodded animatedly. "You know when you see people having convulsions? Well they're really being raped by ghosts."

Arthur winced. "How horrible."

"Quite."

"Alright that is enough!" Anna yelled, sounding a tad hysterical. She turned to her brother with judgemental eyes. "You. Are. A. Moron."

"So, to sum up," Gwaine began with his thinking face on. "Arthur worships Merlin, James is afraid of everything, Gwen believes she is some kind of hardened warrior and Imi has become some sort of carefree child?" Gwaine held his hands up. "I would really appreciate an explanation please."

Anna frowned. "How'd you know about Imi?"

"I'm so glad you asked. Lance, let our friends know how we came by this information," Gwaine answered, crossing his arms and grinning.

All eyes turned to an uncomfortable looking Lancelot. "Well, she sort of attempted to…seduce me."

"What!" Anna screamed.

"But I don't want you to worry," Gwaine threw an arm around Lancelot's shoulders. "Arthur chased her off before he could even respond, and then me and Lance had a nice long talk about the birds and the bees," He held his hand over his mouth and whispered as loudly as he could. "I explained everything." Lancelot pushed him off with a disgruntled shove.

"Should I be angry at this?" James frowned.

Gwen shrugged. "Probably. Of course it might lead to confrontation."

James eyes widened in his alarm as he turned to Lancelot. "I'm most terribly sorry sir."

"Anyway that's how we found Arthur again," The former knight finished off, throwing James a concerned look. "What is going on?"

Anna sighed, blearily brushing some hair out of her eyes. "Basically someone, three guesses who, has cast a spell over this castle and making people act in ways they never normally would. The problem is we don't know what the source of the spell is."

"Maybe we should poison Morgana just to make sure," Arthur commented.

Gwaine frowned. "What was that?"

"We are not poisoning Morgana," Gwen spoke up. "The princess has come up with an idea."

Anna gave the sudden warrior an odd look. "You can call me Anna, Gwen. However since we don't know what's causing it we have to-"

"It's a wishing charm," James interrupted, checking his finger nails for dirt. All eyes turned to him.

"It's a what?" Anna asked. Surely he couldn't just know when she had been wracking her brain for hours. She felt so stupid sometimes when next to him.

James looked up. "It's a wishing charm," he repeated with a non-committal shrug. "Most likely a diversion so Malum can do something MEANING he would have cursed an individual rather than a whole group – someone who he perceives as a threat. Only a wishing spell can cause such an odd occurrence of effects so now we have two choices of victim. It won't be me because I've had my own distraction so we're looking at either you Anna, or Merlin."

Anna bit her bottom lip and shook her head, once again feeling ashamed that she hadn't been able to figure out something her brother, even whilst under a spell, could with a quick scan. "Right, well, I don't think it's me."

"They never do – look why don't you just wish for something and see if it comes true," James attempted before looking at Arthur. "Do you know if the kitchens are clean? Because I want something to eat but I fear for my bowels."

Arthur nodded, understanding. "Of course. From what I've seen they make sausages that are to die for."

"You know what? I can't take you seriously with a sword," James said, diverting his eyes away from Arthur.

Arthur scowled. "You what?"

"It's looking at me funny…"

"It's a sword."

"Yeah just get rid of it please," James pleaded, an actual bead of sweat running down his forehead. When Arthur just continued to scowl at him something shifted in the sorcerer kings eyes, smothering the fear in them with something else. Something dangerous. "GET RID OF IT!"

The atmosphere in the room transformed immediately, changing from one of light banter to one of astonished anxiety. The air became thick as they all looked at James Regus, watching as his chest heaved with the strain of his laboured breaths. He suddenly jolted back, bringing a hand up to his head. Anna stared at her big brother with eyes full of trepidation. During all the craziness she had forgotten what was gathering just under the surface, and it seemed like it was beginning to leak out. Rage and hate on a scale that could never be stopped.

"I'm sorry," James apologized with a shake of his head. "I don't…I don't know what that was."

Anna nodded, feeling her eyes well up unexpectedly. "I think I do."

Gwen wearily leaned toward Arthur and slowly, carefully, took his sword from him. "Anna, make a wish so we can know who has been cursed."

Anna looked down at the floor in an attempt to hide her sudden vulnerability. Silence ensued all over the room, no one it seemed daring to break the humid stillness. It was thick with danger, warning them all of what was to come once this spell had been broken. The true fire and the rage. "I wish my brother wasn't in so much pain," She finally whispered with a slight tremor in her voice. She received a sea of sympathetic glances from everyone other than the man she wanted it from. "I wish I could take his broken heart and replace it with my own so I could forever bare his burden. I wish I had never come back and lead the way for Malum, so I could never have ruined my hero's life."

They all waited, holding their breaths, as Anna closed her eyes and waited to fade away. The sick part was she actually wanted to. She wanted to be whisked away into nothingness, to leave all this behind and forget it ever happened. She wasn't sure if she would die or return to her time but she was sure that this world would have been better if she were never here. However nothing happened, and she found herself opening her eyes in disappointment.

"So…," Lancelot began. "Does that mean its Merlin then?"

Gwaine frowned as he recalled something. "Hang on. I remember Merlin saying he wished he could take away all of Imi's pain and worries, and he said he wished Arthur were his adorning servant. Not to mention I was sure I saw something flash in Arthur's eyes straight after."

"Then its Merlin," Gwen sighed. "Typical that he's not here is it not?"

That was when Imi walked in through the doors, snuggling the most adorable looking puppy in her arms. "Hello everyone," she greeted with a huge smile. "Kalladine gave me a puppy! I call him Mr Hugs."

James hand shot out and grabbed his sisters' arm. "Oh. My. God."

---

PRESENT MOMENT – THE PALACE OF PURITY

Merlin raised an eyebrow. "The puppy?"

"What puppy?" James asked, not taking his eyes off of the adorable canine. "That's definitely some kind of foul man wolf mutant hybrid thingie."

"Is Merlin in danger?" Arthur was worried. All three pairs of eyes frowned at him, and Morgana was pretty sure she saw the puppy cock its head to the side a little before it began innocently trotting over to them. Needless to say James looked horrified.

"Every man for himself!" The immortal yelped and shot off at a pace they were all quite impressed with.

"Do not worry fair maiden!" A strong authoritative voice called after the fleeing fire and the rage.

Morgana's eyebrows hit the roof. "Gwen?"

Gwen strode forward with a confident stride, her chin sticking up and Arthurs sword in her hand. "Yes it is I. Now fear not, good people, for I shall quell the fear within the sorcerer king and save the day," she lifted the sword into the air. "Have at thee!" She called and ran after James.

Morgana turned stunned eyes onto Merlin, hoping to see a kindred spirit. However what she did see was Merlin's boggled expression looking down at Arthur, who was at his feet feverishly polishing Merlin's boots.

"Have I done well Master?" The King eagerly fished for praise.

This was when the warlock turned his wide eyes to see Morgana's. "What the hell is going on?"

"Well," Both Merlin and Morgana looked up to see Anna Regus in the doorway. "It's kind of a long, weird story. However I can tell you that Malum has placed a spell on you to make everything you wish come true."

The couple looked at her as if she had grown a new head. "Would you mind explaining that?" Merlin finally spoke up.

"Yes actually I would," Anna sighed. "Now, come with me. Arthur, heel."

Arthur sprung to his feet and placed himself behind Merlin, ready to slouch after his master like a true servant. Morgana could only gape at her half-brother with a look ranging from stunned to bewildered. Merlin however allowed an amused twitch of his lips to spring up.

"So Arthur believes he is my devoted servant?" Merlin asked, not taking his eyes off of his king.

Anna rolled her eyes. She should have seen this coming. "Yes, Merlin, my cousin believes that."

"Hmm," The young warlock pondered with an evil stroke of his chin. "Arthur?"

"Yes master," Arthur responded alarmingly quickly.

Merlin smiled. "Slap yourself around the face." Arthur immediately did as he was told, much to the dismay of Anna and radiant joy of Merlin. "This is the best day of my life!" The warlock chirped.

"Merlin I think we need to get this reversed quickly," Morgana attempted to scold, although her badly hidden smile didn't seem to back up her point. She leaned over to whisper in his ear. "Make him kneel before me."

Merlin only grinned wider. "Arthur, I command you to praise Morgana."

Arthur bowed to his lord and master before throwing himself to Morgana's feet like the unworthy pile of horse manure he viewed himself as. He reached up and grabbed her hand, kissed it and bowed his head. "It is my most humble honour that my sister is worthy of such a great man," he stated, genuinely declaring every word. Morgana raised her eyebrows and tightened her lips, trying so hard not to laugh. She could not even imagine how angry the king was going to be when this spell was removed.

"Why thank you my good man," She responded with a gentile curtsy and her most regal posh voice. "I have one request, if you would be so kind."

Arthur gazed up at her with a sparkle in his eyes. "For the lady of Merlin, anything."

Morgana bowed her own head as thanks. "How do you rate Merlin's intelligence?"

Anna couldn't help the snort that escaped her at Morgana's question. "There it is."

"Oh my lady," Arthur said, slowly rising to his feet. "I can honestly say, without a shadow of a doubt, that Merlin is the most intelligent man I have ever or will ever meet."

And that, it seemed, was that. Both Merlin and Morgana descended into wracks of painfully hysterical laughter, having to hold on to each other as they fell slowly to the ground. Even Anna it seemed had to turn away and bury her face in her hands. Arthur could only look at them all with concerned confusion.

"What is it?" He asked, sounding very vulnerable. Of course though that only hardened their laughter.

That was when Imi came out and knitted her eyebrows together upon seeing her parent flinging around on the floor like children. "What's so funny?" She asked Anna, feeling like she was missing out on the best joke ever. Anna leaned over and whispered something in her ear. Immediately Imi's faces morphed into one of complete hilarity. "Really?" She turned back into the room she had just entered through. "Hey! Hey Gwaine! Lancelot! Come here!"

"Am I missing something?" Arthur sounded a little more annoyed now as the crowd grew in numbers, briefly glancing down at Merlin and Morgana who were still crying on the floor.

James and Gwen returned, seemingly out of breath, as Anna whispered in Gwaine and Lancelot's ears. The two warriors burst into their own hysterical forms of laughter. James frowned. "What's so funny?" He asked when Imi fell onto him, clutching at his shirt to keep herself standing.

Arthur shrugged. "I honestly don't know. All I said was that I thought Merlin was the most –"

"Stop!" Anna stopped her big cousin before he could finish, knowing they had to move on. "Don't tell them otherwise we'll be here all night," she wiped away a stray tear that had fallen from her eyes. "Imi gave me the mermaid scale, so we can summon the Wicca Siren to remove the curse on Merlin."

James shook his head, disappointed. "A Wicca Siren?" His eyes suddenly boggled, looking away from his sister with a thoughtful look on his face. "Wicca Sirens…"

"What is it?" Morgana asked as a still giggling Merlin helped her to her feet.

The sorcerer king twirled around, ignoring the question, to face his sister once again. "Anna you're thinking too hard," He stated, not missing the roll of her eyes. "No listen, just think of the most simple thing given all the facts you now know and that will be your answer. You're trying so hard to prove yourself that your overcomplicating things when you are SO much smarter than you give yourself credit for. So go on, say the first thing that pops in your head – don't even think about it."

Anna brought her head back, a little surprised by the compliment, but hastily spoke without thinking. "Malum placed Merlin under a wishing spell making everything he wishes come to be – Morgana went to retrieve the mermaid scale in order to summon the Wicca Siren despite knowing how dangerous they are because we didn't know the source of the spell – but now we know it's Merlin and he is under the enchantment why can't we just ask him to wish everything away – ah – oh…"

James smiled at her shocked expression, watching as it morphed into one of nearly delirious exultance. "Well done princess," he whispered so low that she didn't hear it, not that he had intended her to do so.

"I can't believe I did it," Anna gasped, ecstatic eyes rounding on her brother. "So all this time you just thought out loud?"

His head swayed from side to side. "It's a little bit harder than that, but most of the time pretty much yes."

"Ok then," Morgana spoke up, turning all eyes on her. She snorted when she looked at Arthur before she could stop herself. "Merlin, wish everything back to normal."

Merlin though didn't seem to hear her. His pensive gaze was locked on the ground, a million thoughts running through his mind. "What if I didn't?" He posed, looking up and between them.

Morgana frowned. "What do you mean?"

"I mean think of all the things we could do with this!" He yelled excited. "I could wish Malum away, I could bring back little Anna just think of it."

Anna stepped forward. "I'm afraid not Merlin. Malum could release his hold on you at any time and then we would be right back where we started. I'm sorry…but it's not possible."

"Oh," was all the young warlock could stomach. "Ok, then, I wish for all the spells made by the wishing spell to withdraw, and I wish I no longer possessed the ability to make whatever I wish come to be."

With a simultaneous lurch Imogen, Arthur, James and Gwen all plummeted to the floor in a violent rage of convulsions. The rest of the group could only gape down at the scene, feeling an overwhelming sense of hopelessness until finally they slowed to a stop. Without pausing to think both Merlin and Morgana rushed to Imogen's side, not even noticing how Lancelot and Gwaine had attended to Arthur and Gwen.

"Imi?" Merlin was the first to question whilst Morgana stroked the sweat drenched hair from the girls face. "Imi are you alright?"

At first she didn't reply. In fact she seemed a little mortified if anything. Her mouth hung open, sweat glistening from her forehead as she gazed up at her parents. "Did I try and seduce Uncle Lancelot?" At her mothers' attempt at hiding a smile and her fathers' rather distinct look of repressed rage she looked like she was going to cry. "I…I think I'm going to throw up."

"You and me both," Merlin murmured, closely followed by a wince as Morgana slapped him round the arm.

"You," Sounded a cold menacing hiss that sent chills down to Merlin's very marrow. He gulped, his skin tingling with fright, as he ever so slowly turned to face an Arthur Pendragon that was physically shaking with rage. The Kings' eyes were wild. Wilder than he had ever seen. They shone with a danger that the young warlock could never have perceived was humanely possible. Merlin rose to his feet, proceeding to take a shaky step back.

"Now, Arthur, let's not lose focus-"

"You made me SLAP myself!" Arthur roared, interrupting his advisors petrified plea. "YOU made me throw myself to my knees and praise Morgana! But you know what really stings Merlin?" Merlin shook his head, still stepping away from him. "What really crossed the line, was when you made me call you intelligent."

"Arthur, it was just a bit of fun," Merlin attempted once more to calm his deranged looking friend. "Surely we can overcome this. I mean, after all, we are going to be brothers in law someday."

"Oh dear," Morgana placed her face in her hands.

However Arthur's face twitched with a sadistic smirk, making him look positively insane. "Today's the day Merlin," the fair haired king said with a hint of relief in his voice. "Today's the day I finally kill you." And with that he lunged forward in a fit of infuriation, only just being grasped by the arms by Gwaine and Lancelot before he reached the terrified Merlin. The King proceeded to lash in the two men's grasp, his blood lust blinding him to Gwen sidling up beside him.

"Oh, by the way Arthur, I'm fine," She said, every word dripping with sarcasm. "Thanks for your concern."

Arthur kept his wild eyes on Merlin. "Not now Guinevere! I am trying to skin a chicken!"

Merlin raised an unsteady finger. "Pluck…"

"What?"

"You pluck a chicken," he responded in a small voice.

Arthur squinted his eyes at him. "Are you serious?" He looked at Gwaine. "Is he serious?"

"Arthur?" Anna's quivering voice reached his ears.

"No Anna! No! He has to learn right now!" Arthur growled at his protective cousin. "Merlin, I am going to pluck, skin and then boil you alive so that when I'm done, I can serve your remains on a plate to my father."

Anna sniffed. "Arthur," she tried again.

"Did I mention my father doesn't enjoy bones in his meat Merlin?" Arthur continued, ignoring his cousins' plea. "Because he doesn't, and you trust me when I say I'm going enjoy breaking every single one with my bare hands."

"Arthur!" Anna yelled this time.

Finally Arthur snapped his head to look at her. "What!" He yelled. However all of his anger drained from his face when he noticed the girl crying. "Anna what is it?" He asked, though his voice was a lot softer and more concerned this time. Anna shook her head and buried her tear stained cheeks in her hands.

That was when Imi stepped forward, having noticed something. "Anna…where's James?"

Merlin scowled heavily and looked around for the new sorcerer king. He was right here, having convulsions on the floor just like the other three only a moment ago. Yet even as he looked around he saw no sign of the immortal. He had simply vanished into thin air, somehow not alerting any of them in the process. He had no idea the man could be so invisible. He was always so loud and conspicuous that he found it hard to understand how he could simply slip away unnoticed, even with Arthurs' abrupt explosion.

"He's gone," Anna's teary voice brought him out of his revenue as he looked up at her. "It's started."

Merlin shared a look with Morgana before stepping up next to Imogen. "Where is he? What's started?"

She looked up at him, stretching the silence out unbearably long. However no one dared rush her. Whatever was going on it had the girl shaken to the core. All eyes now lingered on her, the previous fight being instantly forgotten as the sorcerer princess finally opened her mouth.

"A vengeance like no other."

---

So? What did ya think? I had this chapter in mind for donkey's years but it took me this long to write it. A comedy chapter amidst such obvious darkness :P In the next chapter: James finally lives up to the title fire and the rage; Death sweeps over previous characters from earlier on in the story; and the group desperately go in search of an out of control Sorcerer King...but what happens when they find him?

Dramatic no? I think you need a French accent to pull that off…