Disclaimer: I own nothing…
Me: *giggling nervously* Heheh… You guys didn't think I was being serious in my last chapter did you? *laughing some more*
Merlin: *blinks* Uhm… I think she just lost her mind but I think she was going to tell you that the nickname that won was 'The Target'… Heaven knows why she even asked that…
OHHHH! I ALMOST FORGOT! cHECK OUT THIS NEW STORY! Merlin: Truth Revealed by Jedi Knight IV. Its great! 8D
In any case... Enjoy!
Merlin stepped further into the thick veil of foliage as he tried to keep his eyes open. Stifling a yawn, he shook his head to try and scare away the sleep that was trying to pull him back to sweet oblivion. When he went to bed last night, he wasn't expecting to wake up by a familiar reptilian voice shouting inside his head at the break of dawn. Cerulean eyes blearily gazed upon the minute speckles of golden light that had begun to shine in the sky. He could see his breath clearly upon the chilly frost of winter as he shivered slightly, having not dressed for the weather. By the time he had arrived at the predetermined place, the sun could almost be seen over the grove of threes. But what got his attention was the sight of the magnificent creature waiting patiently upon the grove. It's golden scales shinning slightly as the few rays of sunshine struck. As he stepped further into the clearing, the dragon's head turned towards the warlock.
"Ah, young warlock. You're here at last." The dragon exclaimed with small bemusement seeing Merlin's thin frame shivering slightly and looking more than miserable. At this, Merlin just threw him a glare which was undermined by the yawn that followed.
"Well, I would have been here sooner but I have this problem where I can't walk and sleep at the same time." He grumbled trying to keep some of his dignity. The dragon simply stared at him with something akin to a smile upon his face.
"You were the one who requested my presence." Immediately following this, Merlin immediately found himself alert.
"Right…" He had asked the dragon for council. And he had thought of the best way to approach the subject once he was facing the dragon. But nothing came up. Soon the two fell into an awkward silence.
"So… seen anything interesting?" Merlin said feebly as an attempt to start a conversation but the dragon simply raised a draconic eyebrow.
"I sincerely hope that you didn't ask me here to ask such a thing." He said "What do you have on your mind young one?" The dragon was surprised to see the warlock's posture and demeanor change immediately. His shoulders tensed as he straightened his back. His eyes steeled slightly as the dragon noticed the slight determination shining through.
"It was my fault that Cenred managed to get as far as he did.Camelotalmost fell because I wasn't strong enough to determine the threat the staff posed." Hearing this, thedragon's eyeswidened slightly in surprised.
"Yes, but the bond you and the prince have created managed to overcome the staff's magic." The dragon argued in Merlin's defense. "Your soul and magic resonated within the crystal chamber of the staff as Arthur began to reach out for you. It struggled and struck out at the incredible dark magic of the crystal because it sensed the danger the prince was in. You subconsciously knew that you were being controlled and your prince was in trouble. That is quite a feat to defeat such an ancient magic young one, you should be pleased." He couldn't understand where this was coming from. The young warlock had always managed to defend the kingdom with his spirit high. But as Merlin heard him speak he shook his head slightly.
"Never the less, there shouldn't have been an opportunity for something like that to have happened. It was just sheer luck that saved us and I can't allow something like this to happen again." At that moment, Merlin's eyes took a slight tint of wisdom and pain. The dragon was surprised to noticed the pain and regret that was reflected in the usually sarcastic but cheerful orbs.
"Destiny states that I will help and protect Arthur throughout his journey in becoming king. The two of us will begin to create a brand new kingdom, where magic will once again be seen as a tool for good and the land will fall into a new era of peace." As he said this, the dragon began to guess the reason why he was called here. "But I feel that I cannot do what it's needed of me any longer. As time goes on, those who have been clouded by rage because of Uther's tyranny are beginning to amass power. Planning new ways to overthrow the king and his son while I sit by and my powers remain the same." As Merlin finished, the two fell into silence as the chirp of birds could be heard around them. Suddenly, the dragon lowered his head towards Merlin's level to face him head on.
"What is it that you want from me?" Merlin's shoulders relaxed slightly as he lowered himself to the ground. The dragon was stunned to see the young warlock kneel before him and even more so by the next set of words.
"I wish for you to teach me."
"I have never been properly train in the ways of magic and the old religion and most of the spells I know are basic energy manipulation and air and fire. The strength of my magic made them as strong as they are and because I managed to find the best way to use them I managed to win in battles. But I lack the proper understanding of runes, enchantments, rituals, artifacts andelemental energy." As he explained this, Merlin began speaking more fervently. "I wish you to teach me. I wish to learn, to get stronger for mine and Arthur's destiny. I will not let our destiny fail because of me." The two fell into silence once more as the dragon appraised the young man before him. A few minutes passed before he spoke.
"There are times, young warlock that you show the incredible wisdom you possess." Hearing this, Merlin's eyes widened in surprise. Never in the years he had known the dragon has he ever admitted to acknowledging this. And apparently the dragon noticed his surprised as he gave him a weary laugh.
"I have seen your progress since the first day you set foot on the grounds of Camelot. You were so confused and lost; wanting to find meaning to your incredible gift. Ever since then, I've seen you progress and how you have defended this kingdom with all you could. You have faced countless assassins, goblins and creatures that many and all have trembled at. Even when I myself have been against some of your decisions, even to the point of hurting those close to you, you've never waivered in your resolve and I am truly sorry to have stood to so low a level to try and manipulate you." Ever since he was released, the dragon had found time to think about his actions while in captivity. How he let his anger and thirst for revenge twist his mind into tricking and misleading the young warlock to gain his freedom. He understood the anger the warlock felt towards him when he realized that his mother was to take his place for the life of the prince. He himself had felt the same rage and anger when Uther had killed the rest of his kin. As he faced the hopeful face of the warlock, his mind hoped that he would forgive him for those indiscretions.
"Then you'll accept?" Merlin asked hoping that the dragon was considering it. If he could train, he was sure he would never fail his friends and family. He would finally protect them to his full capacity and he was thrilled he could do so. But it all depended on the dragon's decision. A few minutes passed before the dragon finally managed to make a decision.
"I shall help you refine your talents and your gifts as the true child of the old religion you are." As a grin began to appear on Merlin's face, the dragon's voice stopped him. "But I warn you young warlock. The journey will be hard and you will face many trials within my teachings. I will push youandyour magic until you are about to break. You will have tolisten to me and heed my lessons. Do you agree?" The seriousness of the dragon's voice stopped him from agreeing straight away. As Merlin looked upon the ancient golden eyes, he could see the truth of his words. He knew that there wasn't any sorcerer or witch in history who had been taught by a dragon and certainly not a creature of such knowledge as the great dragon. The training will be difficult, of that he had no doubt, but Merlin knew that the benefits in the long run will be worth it. Not matter what he was going to have to go through; he was certain that he would do so for the good of his friends and family. Having reached his decision, Merlin raised his head and faced thedragon headon.
"I do." As he said this, he gave the dragon a brief bow, showing his new teacher the respect he deserves. The dragon seemingly accepting this, he gave the young warlock a nod as he prepared to soar to the sky.
"Then I shall meet with you in this same spot in a month's time. You will need to prepare yourself and make the right preparations incase the prince requires your assistance." As his wings began to pick him away from the ground, he heard Merlin's shouts from below.
"How long will I be gone?" The dragon hovered around the grove as he answered.
"That, young one, will only depend on your resolve."
"Then I shall do my best!" As he began to pick up more air, he began to see the man that would become the greatest warlock in all of history. Such is his drive to protect those who are precious to him that he is willing to undergo anything he needs to. Giving a small bout of laughter as it echoed through the sky his last thoughts remained in the beautiful kingdom the young prince and his mighty warlock will one day create.
"I have no doubt in my mind you will."
Me: For those who have been anxious about how I'm going to leave this story do not PANIC! There are TWO more installments of this universe so calm down.
For the next story, you will have some of the iconic symbols of the legends such as
The lady of the lake
Excalibur
The crystal cave
There are also a few surprises along the way. Hopefully I'll be able to show you people what I had plan! I DO have a plan! I just don't write something for the heck of it! It gives it an air of mystery!
And for the final story. We shall have the most amazing fight you shall ever read! *mutters* I hope…
In any case! Until next time! (Yes. There is actually an extra chapter coming up!)