I'm an ass. I am the worst ass to ever ass. I am so sorry. God it's been... it's been a while. Holy crap, I really am sorry. Wow.

So, thank you to those who patiently waited for this chapter, thanks to those who reviewed, alerted, favorited, and/or read last chapter, and a very special thanks to those who kept hounding me for a new chapter. Seriously, if I go this long without a new chapter again send me a PM. Send me several PMs. Hound me because this is a bit ridiculous.

So, thanks for reading, drop me a comment if you have the time, and I will see you guys in the next chapter.

Bye!


Merlin gasped awake, a cascade of water raining down on him. He sputtered, blinking the cool, clear liquid out of his eyes, looking up at a familiar face. He coughed, clearing his throat, and hoarsely said, "If you wanted to get me alone you could have asked. I could have done without the obsession thing."

"Believe me," she started with a small sneer, "the last thing I wanted was everyone obsessed with you. They were supposed to hate you. I didn't take into account the hidden protection spells you put around the castle."

"I like to think ahead," Merlin retorted sitting up. He was surprised to see that he wasn't tied up, but he could still feel a slight tingling around him, signifying he was trapped in some sort of invisible force field. "How'd you get into the castle, Morgana?"

"I'm full of secrets," she stated conspiratorially, her features flickering for a moment, looking years older before returning to normal. She chuckled softly, looking down at Merlin, and softly said, "I've been looking everywhere for Emrys, and here you are; hidden in Camelot."

"Surprise." Merlin shoved himself to his feet, looking around the room. They were in some sort of mausoleum, cobwebs visible in every corner, dust so thick Merlin was sure his footsteps would be muffled if he could walk around. His cage rippled when he moved, a bright blue color shimmering around him for a second before dissipating, and Merlin made it a point to not touch it.

"Why did you come back, Morgana?" Merlin asked curiously, looking back at the woman that had once been his friend. He still couldn't believe someone who used to be so kind could turn into someone so cold and ruthless, and in that moment he could really see how much like her father she had become over the years; she really was Uther Pendragon's daughter.

"I heard a rumor," she started, pacing slowly back and forth, her cloak brushing the dirty floor. "I heard the ban on magic has been lifted in Camelot. Is this true?"

"Yes," Merlin answered nodding. "Arthur, uh, Arthur found out about me and he lifted it."

"For you?" she sneered at him, shaking her head. "Of course, my precious brother would do anything for his little pet."

"What choice did he have?"

"What choice indeed," she muttered absentmindedly. She stopped mid-pace, pulling out a familiar dagger, brushing her thumb against the sharp side, a drop of crimson blossoming from the new wound and rolling down her pale flesh. "I've been meaning to pay my brother a visit."

Panic settling in his stomach, Merlin quickly said, "Look, Morgana, let's go back to the castle. You and me. I'm sure Arthur will hear you out, allow you to return to..."

"To what?" she snapped brandishing the dagger towards him. Instinctively, Merlin took a step back, running into the wall of the force field, crying out in pain when a jolt of power ran through his body. He fell to his knees, gasping for breath, his eyes screwed up in pain.

When he was capable of standing again, Merlin's limbs trembled beneath him as he dragged himself to his feet, only to come face-to-face with himself. "What are you doing?" he demanded and his counterpart smirked.

"Relax Emrys," Morgana answered, her face flickering for a second, revealing her true form. "I'll tell Arthur you said hello." She shifted back into Merlin again, giving him a mocking bow, and walked out of the mausoleum, the entryway crumbling behind her.

"Morgana," Merlin screamed slamming his fists into the force field. "Morgana!"