The Bat Warlock

by Greymon Leader Batx flashpoint

A mini series, what would have happened if Merlin became Camelot's answer to Batman? What would happen if the boy of destiny became another extension of the Dark Knight? Check out this mini series to see 3 chapters.

2. The Dark Knights Of Steel

Disclaimer on chapter 1

We have seen what would happen if Merlin became Albion's answer to Batman. Now what would happen if Arthur became Albion's answer to Superman? Impossible perhaps but most destines are forged from the impossibilities of fate.

Chapter 2 – The Dark Knights of Steel

Camelot's hall the Very next day

"How could you be so useless!" Uther cried out in anger from his chair, shaking the entire castle with his outrage, aiming his frustration directly towards his son.

Arthur in turn used to his father's outbursts stayed on the opposite side of the room. Ready to take on his father's verbal assault in the same old tired way. "The outlaw, slipped us farther." The prince sighed.

"He slipped you! He slipped you!" Uther bellowed "You allowed a sorcerer, a vigilante to escape this kingdom's justice!" Uther scorned as he approached his son like a thunderstorm.

"Me and my men attempted to apprehend him, but he used his powers to escape, we spent the whole night tracking the outlaw." Which was not a lie, anyone with a calm mind could see the shades under the prince's eyes "I still have men scouting the castle as well as the villages."

"That is not enough!" The king growled "twenty years ago, I saved these people from the oppression of magic. Now this so called 'Bat Warlock'" Uther found it hard to say the name without feeling sick "Could destroy everything I have fought for."

"With respect farther," The prince tried to reason "from my first-hand experience with the outlaw, I doubt the people will begin rallying over to his side just like that." The prince summarized with a click of his fingers.

"You don't know that." Uther countered bitterly looking out of his window.

"Farther, in all honesty I feel the people would fear him. The girl he saved from the red hoods, Morgana's hand maiden." Arthur explained "Before, me and my men left for the witch hunt. She seemed terrified of him. Even more so than her attackers." Arthur motioned through the window watching Gwen and Morgana walking to town from the courtyard.

"No matter how much the Bat Warlock will try to win the people over, it will fail like those before him. Sooner or later, he will make a mistake and they will just see him as another magical radical from an evil age. The age you are trying to save them from. It won't be long before he is snitched on, and we have him ready for the block." The prince hashed out, hoping his explanation could settle his father's anger. Though, while Arthur was no friend of this new outlaw, he did admittedly feel a bit of irony in this situation. His farther was about to rage war on one man who was using similar fear tactics the king had been doing himself since taking the throne.

Thankfully, Arthur's attempt to settle his farther had succeed. Uther began to relax his figure ever so slightly. Uther slowly made his return to his throne, resitting on his destined chair. "Arthur." Uther asked in full seriousness "I do agree with your reasons, but as king I cannot rely on such conclusions. The people can never see magic as a force for good. NEVER!" Uther growled out a chilling slight to his son, unnerving the prince to a small degree.

"If they ever did, if they ever were to be taken in by this 'hoodwinker.'" Uther spat out "A outlaw who can undermine the king. Is a man who can destroy the king! He will turn this whole kingdom against me, against you! The vileness of his kind knows no limits and are willing to use the gullibility of our peasant maybe even nobles against us!"

"Farther" Arthur moaned hearing another of the kings over the top speeches of the evils of magic. It seems his plea went onto death ears.

"No Arthur, we can not allow this outcast to progress any further in his plans for a takeover like his predecessors have done so in the past." Uther warned "He is no different from the witch who tried to murder you."

That statement made Arthur's mouth freeze. The prince never had thought about it that way. Remembering how the Bat Warlock sliced off the red hood's hand was awfully nostalgic to how the witch had stabbed Gaius. Both person's using extreme methods to harm another guilty or not. Perhaps his father was right in his fear. Both people, used magic for extreme measures in order to gain what they wanted.

It made Arthur wonder now. The prince still felt pangs of guilt when remembering Gaius's sacrifice at the hand of the vengeful mother. Bat Warlock despite his resistance claimed he was a friend to the prince. In his twisted wat was he being honest? Or was he just finding ways to seed himself into Camelot like the witch had done by pretending to be the songstress?

Arthur, had to concede, he was planning on tracking down the Bat Warlock, but it seemed he had to put more effort in his witch hunt for the outlaw. If not, another innocent of Camelot fell pray to a new insane sorcerer like poor Gaius had done. Arthur couldn't take the chance.

"I agree with your 'wisdom' farther." Arthur conceded soundly to the king.

Uther nodded, secretly pleased his son was able to see things from his point of view. The right point of view, the only point of view. "I want you to put up wanted posters throughout the kingdom, the castle, the villages all through every spec of my land. I have ordered Sir Geoffrey and his artists to make the posters."

Uther continued "Furthermore, I want a warning to be spread out that anyone who knows of the Bat Warlock's whereabouts or better who he really is behind that cowardly mask shall be handsomely rewarded …. if not, they will be seen as a traitor to this kingdom and will be delt with the accordingly of the laws of Camelot. No trial, no jury, just the axeman!" Uther ordered with as much as force in his voice. No one would be exempt, no one.

Arthur understood perfectly what his farther has degreed. Before the prince left Arthur felt he still needed to ask one more question "As for the reward farther? It might motivate more people to inform us."

Uther took a glass from his table and poured one of the highest amounts of red wine Arthur had ever seen into it. With one giant gulp, Uther drank the whole beverage with one swoop. Remnants of the liquor sprawled out of his jaw like blood.

"The reward is, that they shall be allowed to keep their lives."

Merlin's room

Merlin woke up to the small cavern which was his room. Before the new physician was to be appointed, Merlin was allowed by the king to sleep in the spare room in Gaius chambers. Yet the sorcerer still needed to take the time to find new accommodations and with the pay he would get as Arthur's manservant (He was still feeling ill from the job offer.) The task would not be an easy one.

Merlin at this moment of time didn't need to worry about the subject yet. Now the newly manservant needed to get dressed and get the royal prat his breakfast. Merlin curved in his snugly bed, still unable to part with his lovely warm bed. Not even the candles could tear him off. Especially the candle which indicated it was now midday.

"AH midday." Merlin yawned peacefully.

"MIDAY!" Merlin screamed out his vocal pipes in horror, getting straight up as the blanket fell from his front. The twit realized he overslept. On his first ever day!

"How could this happen! "Merlin groaned outwardly. Young man's question would be answered by his very own Bat Warlock gear suit, Merlin could see his gear laying messily on the floor in a corner of his room. "Oh shit." Merlin whispered to himself dumbfound Ly as he finished dressing.

Merlin rushed to grab every spec of his costume, finding his one cupboard Merlin roughly stuffed the pieces of armour and cloth into it, once he had accomplished that task the young boy casted a small spell bolting the lock of the wardrobe. Making it impossible for anyone to open even if they had a master key.

Merlin sighed a feeling of relief taking hold of him. Merlin laid his back onto the cupboard's door. When Merlin came back to his room last night, the young wizard had been so exhausted from his new night job. The boy only could think of his wonderful bed, so much so he just stripped his gear off without any proper concern. Never did he consider the chance someone a patient maybe, could have walked in and see the dammed suit.

Especially given the fool had overslept. When Arthur had declared his decided Merlin would be in the young prince's service (Hence Uther's wishes of course) Made Merlin to say at least want to gag. Having to serve the royal prat hourly was a daily torture Merlin could live very happily without. None the less, Merlin's rationality got the better of him. Without Gaius's employment finding a stable job in Camelot would be a task. At least, now he would have some standard income.

Not to mention being Arthur's manservant, he could be able to sneakily read the reports of Camelot's crime control. See who was up to no good and have a better advantage of stopping them.

Though Merlin still needed to be sure he had a job to go to. Being five hours late! The young boy wondered if he should have a bag packed encase Arthur fired him on the spot. "Note to self, check on your sleeping pattern when on patrol." Merlin had been foolish to think he could pull an all nightery and wake up on at the right time for his job. The boy's body had yet to adapt properly to this new arrangement of his second life.

"Though, when it comes to Arthur, perhaps still an hour late?" Merlin thought cheekily as he left for his first day. Even braving himself for the prince's probable assault.

Arthur's room

"WHERE THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN!" Arthur roared furiously at the top of his lungs. With the reddest face Merlin had ever seen a human being cable of having.

"Yeah…...he's pissed." Merlin mentality whimpered, seeing the prince right now in this very moment. Even the mightiest of all dragon's would whimper away in fright at the sight of the young prat.

"FIVE HOURS! FIVE DAM HOURS FOR YOU TO BE HERE!" Arthur lashed out as he frustratedly pointed at Merlin in order to emphasise his point. "My breakfast was late, my bed uncleaned, my training armour still in armoury, my documents nowhere to be found." Arthur stopped to hear, the midday bell ringing "Oh great now my lunch is late."

After his tantrum Arthur finally calmed down. Massaging his eyes tiredly, "What do you have to say for yourself."

"Last night I made a deal with the last dragon, got a boost in my powers, saved Gwen from some bastards, escaped your patrol oh and yeah I also knocked you out in a sword fight." Merlin mused slightly begging to tell his mew boss the truth just to see the shocked look in prince's eyes.

"Well…. what do you have to say?" Arthur asked again more rigorously. Like an old teacher telling off his student for missing their homework. Not willing to let the little blighter get away with their negligence.

Finally, after what felt like forever, Merlin finally answered his new boss "I overslept." Merlin innocently threw back.

"You overslept?" Arthur blandly answered back.

"I overslept." Merlin returned simply.

Arthur poured a glass of whine for himself, a nice port from Gawant. One of his favourite brands to be exact, King Godwyn always sent the prince a bottle for his birthday. Normally, Arthur loved pouring the lovely liquid down his throat feeling. It was a small pleasure of his to say the least. However, on this particular- lunchtime, Arthur didn't feel like drinking a cup of his favourite port.

Instead, the prince desired to tilt the cup on his new manservant's head. Allowing the red beverage to drench both Merlin's hair and a small layer of his top. As Arthur finished his humiliation, Merlin remained casual even smiling awkwardly.

Arthur took the cup back, lacing the insides with one finger to see if there were any shreds left. To his luck there had been as Arthur took the finger out and licked the booze.

"Good year?" Merlin quizzed.

"Hmm." Arthur agreed "Cherry's were ripped nicely." Arthur finished his fun as replaced the cup onto his table. "Now, you are to go to the armoury, get my armour, on the way there you are to get my lunch. Ask the cook for no carrots but more potato. Once you have done that, you are to dress me in my armour, make sure the weapons are sharpened and up to scratch. After a few hours of training, you are wash my armour, get my ceremony gowns and dress me for the ball tonight where you will be serving. Understood?"

Merlin nodded basically "Anything else?"

"Oh yes!" Arthur smiled be musingly. Arthur got a small bell from his draw; with a few swings a loud earth-shattering clanging noise was unleashed from the small item. Making Merlin wince backwards. Finally, the prince stopped and forcibly placed the bell onto Merlin's hands. "Wake up on time."

A Few Hours Later in Camelot's Hall

Merlin yawned loudly as he waited by the side with a jug of wine. To say his first day on the job was bad, would have been a kindness. In all actuality the entire day made the secret outlaw realise the ban on magic wasn't the greatest injustice in Camelot. Being Arthur's manservant was the worst crime this kingdom could bestow upon him.

It took Merlin a whole full ear full of the cook about the prince not licking her potatoes. In the armoury the knights took the advantage to tease the new boy and had Merlin get a set of armour which was way to small for the prince, which earned Merlin a slap from the heir and a second trip to the armoury. Thankfully, with Merlin's knowledge when putting on how own Bat Warlock gear on, the new servant had an easier time dressing up the prince up in his own gear. That was the only part of the day Merlin had done well in. Afterwards, the day decided to resume its torture on the vigilante. Even thought the night before Merlin had defecated Arthur in a sword fight, today the prince had unwittingly gotten his revenge. Merlin held back his new sword skills and had to allow the prince to bash, slash and Nash the poor boy as a practice dummy until the sun went down.

Once the banging left Merlin ears, the new manservant took the armour back to his room to wash up, (rather he used his magic to wash and scrub the lot, while Merlin spent the time to relax on his bed). Once his moment of leisure passed Merlin returned to crushing duties. Going to the royal dress makers to get Arthur's new ceremonial garbs. Unlike the armour, dressing Arthur again had been another small challenge, Merlin had placed the cape on the wrong end and forgotten to put the small crown on Arthur's head. Which earned another slap from the prince.

Now, here he was serving wine to the courtiers and looking like the dumbest man in the world. Annoyed as Merlin saw the dead of night take over Camelot once again. The time he could spend patrolling again as Bat Warlock. Instead of helping people, he was helping them with refills.

Arthur wasn't having a better time himself as the prince shook hands with the one hundredth knight this evening. Despite the apparent disruption of the Bat Warlock, his farther still wanted to proceed with the annual duelling tournament. A tournament Arthur needed to win! To assure the people he was worthy to be their next king…...and to assure his farther he deserved to be his son.

It always came down to this. Another year where Arthur had to prove to his farther, he wasn't a waste of space. It wasn't the titles or tournaments; it was Arthur needing to show his farther he was a true Uther JR; to prove to Uther he was worthy of his crown and legacy. A thought which at times grained down on the young heir through out the years.

The king Arthur wanted to be verses the king his Uther wanted him to be. Anytime Arthur did something to displease Uther, to make his farther eye him so dispassionately. The feeling Shaked, the boy's insides. It was one of the reasons why Arthur couldn't truly get into the parties' vibe. Seeing how his farther was welcoming the new knights, seeing the smile, pleasure and the glint of respect in his eyes. Arthur couldn't help but wonder if Uther wished one of these young men were his actual son? Instead of him.

"It's all his fault." Arthur sprouted out.

"Who's fault." A quirky but confident voice asked.

Arthur rolled his eyes, seeing his foster sister come to his side. Morgana wearing one of her beautiful blue gowns "Well this night 'was' perfect." Arthur mused.

"Oh ha-ha." Morgana jibed sacristy back at the heir. "Competition looks good this year." She hummed in a cat like manor "Who knows perhaps this year we might have a real 'winner'." The ward concluded slyly.

"Morgana, I'm not in the mood." Arthur sombrely shot back looking for the nearest jug of wine.

"Hey!" Morgana stopped him, coming right in front of the young prince, stopping him dead in his tracks. Placing her arms on her hips and her face becoming slighted. She was going into her fierce mode. Arthur had been accustomed to it since they were children, it was one of the things which both bugged him but also adored about her.

What he wasn't accustomed to was what she did next. The ward simmered down her expression and became one of sympathy "Is it because of Gaius."

Arthur wished that was the reason, it would have made his depressed mood understandable. "Not really." Arthur admitted guilty.

"Then what?" Morgana knew Arthur, through out all that jackassery. There laid a truly good man, a better man than his farther at least. Her eyes widened in that last thought. Seeing how Uther was greeting the competitors. "Oh Arthur."

"Its not important Morgana." Arthur dismissed.

"It is." She demanded "You're his son."

"A son who couldn't catch a dam outlaw." Arthur barked out tiredly.

"Well…" Morgana tried to change the subject.

"Oh, come on Morgana." Arthur berated "Don't tell me you're a fan."

"Well, it's nice to see someone using magic to help others." Morgana stated. It was no secret how the ward felt about the king persecution. Seeing all those horrible beheadings and burnings. It just wasn't fair. "This Bat Warlock whoever he was, hopefully would be able to convince your farther magic isn't entirely evil."

"I wouldn't give your hopes up. This very morning farther sent out a whole ship's worth of wanted posters across Camelot and two other kingdoms. Even now as we dine, we have men searching the countryside for him."

Morgana pouted. She shouldn't have been surprised. Uther would never allow anyone to undermine him to get off so easily. Especially if they were magic, even though she had not talked to the king about the outlaw. Arthur's explanation made it expertly clear what her guardian felt on the vigilante.

"Besides Morgana, Bat Warlock really is not a fellah I think you should admire." Arthur reasoned taking another sip.

"Oh, and why's that." Morgana quizzed.

"The man's a vigilante, probably copycatting one of the old stories the nannies told us." Arthur countered. "Take the one about that silver haired bounty hunter from Rivia for example. Magical powers, dressed in black, a good sword hand fighting off Vampires and Griffins alike. It sounds all good as a child's fable but in real life a man like that, a sorcerer no less would only cause disruption in the kingdom. No wonder my farther banned those stories." Arthur mused finishing his cup "If he has any sense, he will just keep hiding and not show his face again for more trouble."

"You mean as he did before, when he saved Gwen?" Arthur knew where this argument was about to boil down too. Arthur, saw the handmaiden on the side of the hall waiting for Morgana to re-join her. "If it wasn't for him I…. I don't know what I would have done without her." Morgana admitted mournfully. When Gwen had told her what happened to her the night before. The Ward was horrified beyond words, to know a girl who was as good as her sister, almost was victim to one of the worst possible crimes which could be done to a woman, made Morgana's blood turn cold. She had heard the outlaw had knocked the men out and cut the hand of another. While Morgana despised executions. For those Red Hoods she couldn't help but make an exception. While she was the king's ward, no one would ever harm her handmaiden.

"Look, I understand you may feel indebted to him Morgana. I really do, but I cannot let allow his kind to have their way, it would destroy the peace and sanity in this kingdom with his chaotic stakeouts. I'm sorry but magic or not he must be eliminated!" The prince answered back with a more threatening tone sewed into his voice.

Morgana didn't say quips, or comebacks as she usually would have done with her foster brother. Rather she decided to re-join her maid and the other ladies "I don't know why your worried about not living up to your father's legacy. You seem to be doing a good job of it so far." Morgana answered disappointingly.

Arthur didn't even bother going after her. When they reached a stage like this in their relationship it was impossible for one of them to breck the ice with the other. The stage when he made it, so she was speaking to his farther rather than himself. She was talking to the new tyrant continuing the old age, instead of the new king of a better era.

"Ehh," Arthur tired of this constant hassle around him. His farther chiding him for not being harsher enough, his foster sister chiding him for not being kinder enough. He was to be the future king dammit! Not them, why did he have to succumb to their wills and not his own! King Arthur of house Pendragon, first of his name.

"The king who had to be babied." Arthur uttered miserably.

"Babied?" Merlin asked coming to his master's side refilling his cup "I mean you do have the jaw of one."

"Not now Merlin." Arthur attempted to silence.

"Not to mention the eyes, they have this goo-goo look to them. Kind of cute really." Merlin continued with his amused insults.

"Enough!" Arthur demanded finally. Gods, Arthur knew it would be the day from hell when he took on Merlin, the prince didn't know how bad. True, the boy had some decent skills in being a servant but apart from that he was useless. Gods, if it wasn't for Gaius's sacrifice Arthur would have been very tempted to make him bait for the insane outlaw. Bat Warlock sliced off a man's hand, why couldn't he cut off this boy's tongue. A muted Merlin would make the prince's employment for him far easier.

"Arthur!" Uther's cold stern voice once again clouding the prince's mind. Arthur nearly spitted out his new glass while Merlin nearly dropped the jug of whine in front of him.

The king eyeing both boys' strangely. Cleary not amused by his son's drinking or the manservant's open humour. If one of Uther's servants dared to speak to him in such a way, well let's say it would not have been a pretty sight and his son wasn't even doing anything expect to keep the boy in line.

"What do you think your doing! Allowing this serving boy to talk to you in this manor, the crowned prince of all people!" The king drenched on.

Both boys looked between each other. Merlin feeling slightly more fearful than the prince. True, Merlin had the means to escape thanks to the dragon's ritual, but he could not leave Arthur's side just yet. The boy maybe a prat but Merlin needed him for his crime reports, not to mention the proposed destiny the two shared. "Sire, it was my…"

"How dare you speck!" Uther screamed beastly through the hall, silencing all the guests as they turned to the trio. The king turned angry to glare at this son. A look Arthur had grown to despise throughout his childhood "Arthur, you allow a servant to mock you! The next king of Camelot! Do you have no control of your own household? How do you expect to control a kingdom!"

"I ugh…I….em." Arthur pitted out from his vocals not knowing what to say how to even get out of this situation.

"Perhaps, I could help the young prince your highness." A cold slivery snake voice suggested walking into the trio's rift.

Merlin eyed, this new figure. He was clothed in a tight green leather outfit with a fair bit of jewellery, only his face was exposed. His outfit description wise, despite its emerald colour was the standard clothing's for a noble. Clean, fresh and an understanding of superiority. He wore darkly purple gloves and boots. The aspect which got Merlin's attention was the noble's head. The man was purely bold. Normally Merlin would not focus on something so normal, yet for this lord his boldness felt far more than a key feature. Like this man without any hair somehow made that physical aspect of himself a personal weapon. By having his head exposed fully allowed him to be the most armed man in the world.

Uther slightly embarrassed tried to remedy the situation brought on by his son and his idiot manservant "I am sorry for the outburst lord Luthor." Uther snidely surd back to the two boys "It seems my son had allowed this peasant to insult him."

"I see." Answered lord Luthor. The bold noble went to eye the two boys, "My dear prince Arthur, you have grown." Despite the seeming affection in Luthor's voice, Arthur could sense an insincerity from the man.

"Unfortunately, it seems you still need some lessons in your status." Luthor apprehended a little too smugly for Merlin's taste.

"My lord, the boy is of my household. I will 'personally' see how he is to be punished." Arthur droned directly eyeing an unexpected Merlin with images of using the boy as target practice and piles of dirty boots for him to clean.

"Hmm manual labour." Luthor mused slyly. Now Arthur was unnerved, did…. did lord Luthor just read his mind? "You see my young prince. One day you are going to inherit one of the greatest kingdoms in the lands. Your subjects, will see you as their grace but you must remind them you are their god, their Superman if you will."

Luthor stepped closer to Merlin; the secret outlaw truly wished he could use his powers to vanish from the hall. This Luthor, something about him and his words. It didn't feel like words from a man who was noble. They were words of a man who liked to be a bully.

"Like most gods. You must remind the ants below your feet, who exactly can stomp on them." Before Arthur or even Merlin could ask Lord Luthor what he was talking about. Merlin felt a hard burning slap scorched upon his cheek from a ruthless slap from the bold lord.

Merlin felt a few of his brain cell's shoot out of him and renter inside of him at the same time. The jug he was carrying fell out of his hands crashing down onto the floor, breaking the jar into a million unfixable pieces.

"You see, prince Arthur, unless you keep a tight firm on those who are lower than yourself, you shall never amount to the same heights as your farther. Farmer's will degrade you; washer woman will laugh at you and the unknown will try to tame you. That is something you cannot allow to happen." Lord Luthor foretold with Uther agreeing with everything the man was saying.

Uther placed an affectionate arm around lord Luthor "You see Arthur, this is a man who understands what needs to be done as a lord, as a 'king'!" Uther hogged out "During this tournament I hope you will learn from Lord Luthor. For he is a man right now Camelot needs. Not fools who mock their betters" Uther declared.

Merlin smoothed he cheek as he picked the pieces of the jug. Still feeling the flares from the slap. Taking a brief glance at his surroundings. Most of the guests seemed to be mixed on the situation. Some of them seemed to agree with Luthor's demonstration, while some seemed to be shocked by the display, while most of them didn't mind one way or another and went back to their eating and drinking.

While Merlin couldn't see them, Morgana was fuming at the display. She remembered stories of Alexander Luthor, the man was as anti-magic as the king. The only difference was where Uther feared magic, Luthor didn't want a rival in magic. The man saw himself as 'Superman'or rather a representation of what a true Superman should be. A mortal man being able to tame titans bow to him. Magic wasn't willing to bow to that man, so in turn Luthor threw his lot in with Uther during the purge. Destroying anyone who could be a Superior man to his Superman. Something Luthor would never allow.

Not to mention how he treated his people. Like poor Merlin, Luthor had been known to be harsh with the people he was meant to protect. Uther may have been a tyrant himself but at least he had limits. Luthor had no such restrictions or self-control. It was said his lands once green and sunny now where a darkened clouded wasteland by the over exhaustion of his rule. Anytime a villager dared to reason with the man, Luthor would send them for a round of painful tortures.

Uther may see a friend and comrade, but Morgana just saw another tyrant and an abusive ruler. Gwen was about to make her way to help Merlin with the fallen jug pieces but was stopped by the most surprising of words.

"No."

Morgana eyed in astonishment at the one stated such a word. Arthur stood stall against his farther and Lord Luthor "My lords, I do not feel that is the right way for me to rule."

"Arthur! Lord Luthor as a loyal friend of Camelot offered you some truly sage advice. You insult him by your childishness!" Uther frowned stonily taking his hand off his friends back.

"For himself farther, I believe it is sage advice, but for myself I can only see it as garbage." Arthur admitted not backing down from this confrontation.

"Arthur!" Uther warned pointing his finger threateningly at his son "You will apologize to Lord Luthor at once!"

"No, farther." This was one wish Arthur would deny his farther. "Lord Luthor, I admit a ruler should be strong, a pinnacle for their people. What I do not agree with you is that a ruler must humiliate and demean their subjects into loyalty. To control every single aspect about their people, what they eat, who they will marry even how they breath!"

Arthur went to face Lord Luthor eye to eye. As prince and lord faces were perfectly in front of another. "Yes, as rulers we do need to take some control of their lives but never to a point it could be seen as slavery. You preach about how I should be a good king. The only useful thing you have taught me, is that in order to become one. I should make sure I don't fuck my kingdom like you have fucked yours!"

Uther had enough. He was used to Arthur's reckless but this one, there was no way in hell his son would get away with this humiliation of their house "Arthur! You shall apologise to Lord Luthor NOW!" Uther boomed.

"No, farther. I respect you and I am loyal to you. For those reasons I am obligated to apologize to you directly, but to Lord Luthor he has earned no such loyalty from me to ask for his forgiveness." Arthur finished up making it clear on his feelings of this matter.

The red which surged throughout Uther's forehead. Even a volcano would pout away in fear "For your rudeness and insolence, you are here by band from competing in this year's Autumn tournament! If you dare to repeat this behaviour, you shall be band form all future contests of Camelot until my death! IS THAT UNDERSTOOD!" Uther degreed making sure every ear and mouse could hear him throughout Albion.

Arthur tightened his fist. So hard a pitch of blood dripped from his knuckles. The prince bowed his head to his farther acknowledging his ban. "Come on." He ordered Merlin as both boys left the hall with every eye peering down upon the duo.

Arthur's room

The walk to the prince's chambers had been a quiet one. With each passing a step a pile of gravel waved onto Merlin's heart. The manservant truly didn't know what to make of the situation. At the start of his day, Merlin had only seen his employment to the prince; as a means to an end. He made digs about Arthur's short comings; he had tolerated his orders and abuse during training and was willing to use Arthur's connections in order to benefit his double life.

Looking back on the day. Merlin had not once, since he started this job had taken Arthur seriously as a person. Until the feast, Merlin still just saw him as the ass he had mace fight with. The last dragon preached Arthur would be one of the key catalysts for the return of magic for the kingdom. The king who would bring in a new golden age for their people. An eternity of verity created by the once and future king.

Merlin truly thought the dragon had been smoking his own fumes for too long. How could this spoilt brat, a child who learned on all his father's teachings ever break the cycle of intolerance and division. If anything, it seemed Arthur would just continue where Uther had left off.

Merlin kept this perspective of the prince since the day they met. Until now. When Arthur came to his defence after Luthor's slap. The way he stormed down on the lord and his ideals. Even taking on Uther's wrath all for defending a servant boy against a snubbed bully. It was the first time in their relationship Merlin truly had to wonder maybe, just maybe Arthur could be this king which was foretold?

Finally, the duo had entered the chambers. Arthur just made his way to his bed. Taking off his red jacket and throwing it on the nearest chair without any care. The heir clawed the fronts of his bed posts. Even scratching some marks into the wood.

Merlin could only stand in the back of the dark room, seeing the prince angrily struggle with his emotions. Trying to make sense of the latest events but finding no mental peace or balance. All the prince could hear was Uther's words echoing even stabbing into his mind. Rerunning the haunting cold judgements made by his fatherly monarch.

Merlin could tell the prince was a conflicted within himself. All day Merlin just wanted to leave the prince and go back to his room, in order to prep himself for another night patrol. Merlin's wish had now skyrocketed when coming into moment. The awkward silence, the unpredictable emotions, the horrid feeling the world would crash upon you by muttering a single word. Just an understanding there was a high unsaid ugliness around him. It was a feeling Merlin hated to be in.

"Your grace." Merin attempting to breck the ice.

"You can go back to your chambers." Arthur ordered sourly.

"But Arthur what you did back there." Merlin tried to continue.

"Just go please; Merlin." Arthur groaned sadly.

"But Arthur." Merlin tried with his last attempt.

It was the last straw "JUST GO WILL YOU!" The prince screamed out, turning to face his servant with a fury on his face "I knew taking you on was a bad idea. Your clumsiness one way or another has screwed me over! Now thanks to you my farther has lost even more faith in me. Its typical! Bat Warlock is out there, and you are in here; both of you are getting me into trouble with my farther. On all sides!

"You don't mean that." Merlin tried to reason.

"I do! The only reason I took you on as a servant was because I wanted to repay my debt to Gaius! If I had any idea how much trouble you would be…. I…I!" Arthur tried to fume out, but the prince failed at his words. Tiredness overtaking him with a sweeping of self-loathing. The prince's anger faltered reducing the prince into a weepy state. "This tournament was important to me Merlin." Arthur sulked away back to his bed post.

Even though it may have been the wrong answer Merlin had to say it "There will be others Arthur."

"Yes, yes your right there will be." Arthur admitted with a sad glee "But even missing one can damage how the people will see me."

"I am the crowned prince Merlin, the king after my farther. I am the one in charge of this kingdom's army and security. They were the first responsibilities my farther entrusted to me when I came of age. My first steps towards kinghood. I need to show my people I deserved to be entrusted with their safety. That I am strong enough to protect them from those who wish to do harm to them. That I am treating their safety as a real responsibility, not because my daddy just gave it to me." Arthur rolled his eyes sarcastically.

"This why I must win every tournament. To show I am strong enough to be their defender. Not some uncaring man like Luthor, not some outlawed sorcerer like the Bat Warlock. Someone who can be called their king. Now with this ban, it is just a reminder to them I am just another spoiled brat." Arthur sadly cried out. It was no secret, he knew most of the subjects viewed him as a bully, he heard enough whispers from the servants and truth be told inside, he knew it was a fault he had brought upon himself.

Merlin's gawked at this admission. This Arthur, the one he was seeing right now. Was far different from the one he met on his first day. The Arthur here, the fear and insecurity in his voice. It reminded Merlin of himself or rather the Bat Warlock side of him. A person who wanted to do right, yet fate had positioned them in a situation where they could not easily be who they wanted to be. Out of fear of rejection of those they cared for.

"Arthur," Merlin tried to come near the prince.

The hair put his hand up to halt the manservant. "Just dress me in my night cloths, ask the cook to make me a small dinner. I wish to eat before bed. Once you have done those tasks you may turn in for the evening." Arthur ordered with all the formality he could muster.

"Of course, your grace." Merlin could only comply. No quirks or digs at the prince. Merlin was smart enough to know there was a time and place for his jokes about the prince. Now was truly not one of those times.

The Hallways of Camelot

With his duties as Merlin done for the day, the night patrol of Bat Warlock could finally begin! Once Merlin had gotten the prince his dinner. The young lad rushed to his room and changed straight into his gear. The vigilante entered the dark hallway. Hiding in the sealing cracks to avoid patrolling guards.

Once the last of the guards passed the passageway; the Bat Warlock jumped back onto the floor, the ends of his black coat flapping in a haunting manor. As the Bat Warlock composed him, the vigilante began his mission. In time he spent with Arthur, Merlin was able to see the only major crime in the kingdom had ironically been himself being at large. No other crimes had happened so far, his attack on the red hoods must have given a small scare to other crooks in the Camelot. Making them crawl into the dark for a while. At least until they felt confident enough to try another assault.

Which was fine for the Bat Warlock, let the scum of Camelot have their intermission. It made his current task for this patrol far easier to concentrate on. The only rat, Merlin wanted to stalk out tonight was a very bold one.

Standing outside Lord Luthor's door, the vigilante whispered a spell "Agorwch y clo." A dark spark left his hand shooting into the keylock. After a few seconds a nice click sound ticked out of the doorknob. With a turn of the knob the outlaw entered the chambers.

The room itself was not any different from the chambers Arthur and Morgana possessed. Same size, same colouring, same windows and decorations. What the Bat Warlock was searching for, were the aspects which made this room different.

"Goleuo." A small dark fire lit up in the vigilante's hand, finding a candle on the side. The young man was able to light up the room to a small degree. "Bingo." The Bat Warlock was now able to see throughout Luthor's room were trunks and large bags alike. Now the sleuthing could really begin.

The moment Merlin set his eyes on Luthor; the boy could tell there was something off about him. Not just his malicious mind set or the slap he gave him, but Merlin could feel something more off about the man. Something Merlin couldn't trust. Luthor maybe a friend to Uther, but he was no friend to Arthur. That reason alone was why Merlin was here.

As the Bat Warlock opened one of the bags to start off his series of investigating. The outlaw in the meantime mentally examined Arthur's and Luthor's clash at the feast.

Replaying the scene in his mind. The Bat Warlock, could not help but wonder, had Luthor wanted to get the prince banned? To push him further away from his farther? The way he was advising Arthur, remembering the prince's facial expressions. The prince was seemingly annoyed and aggravated by each word. Luthor must have noticed? Any idiot would known when to shut up. Luthor, must have known that Arthur wasn't interested but he kept talking.

"He was goading him." The Bat Warlock whispered softly. Merlin didn't know why but Luthor wanted Arthur out. He wanted Uther and his son to be at odds more so than they already were; but why? What was his endgame, it couldn't just be humiliation. There had to be something more. There had to be an answer from this mess.

"Dammit." Merlin grunted throwing a shirt back into the bag he had been just examining. "Only cloths in that one." The outlaw kicked the bag in frustration "Still a few more to go." Before the Bat Warlock could continue his scavenger hunt. The creaking off the door got his attention. "goleuadau i ffwrdd" The outlaw casted with haze, making the fire on the candle vanish instantly and the room returning to the darkness it once had been.

Luthor and a servant of his. A lumpy man dressed in similar clothing as Merlin with a short brown toupee like hair cut entered the room. The servant lit the candles, unknowingly that the Bat Warlock was hiding underneath the bed. Using his black coat to blend in the under-bed's darkness.

Once the servant had finished lighting up the room, he went to pour a cup of wine for his master "Your plan worked out very well my lord." He stated timidly.

"Of course, it did Simmons, Uther has always been a prideful ass, even to his own family." Luthor smirked taking a satisfactory gulp. "Thanks to our dear king's pig headiness, he has destroyed the last layer of protection between himself and myself."

"Last Layer?" The Bat Warlock pondered.

"You see Simons." Luthor drank another glass of wine "One thing I will say about the brat, he is far more loyal to his farther than the man deserves. So loyal he would protect the old bastard against any threat. Even one by his side." Luthor mentioned in a very darkly fashion.

Luthor placed the cup down, not caring for a third glass "You see Simmons its very easy. Arthur was the chief of this kingdom's security. Even for his farther. By taking him out of the tournament, it allows me a better chance to win the contest."

"Uther has always seen me as a trusted friend, by winning the tournament, Uther will have to see me as Camelot's champion. Later during victor's feast, as a good friend would do, I will offer my services to take down this Bat Warlock figure. The man's ego will be so flattered and the disdain he has for his son shall be increased tenfold." Luthor gleefully clapped "Once I have delt with the outlaw, I shall convince him to make me his chief of security I would have in that time make Arthur look completely like the whelp he is. Uther will grant it to me without question."

Luthor sneakily pricked his silver ring; his tongue desperate to lick it. "After, I have our gracious majesty in my palm; he will be inclined to invite me to his chambers for a dinner." Luthor knew Uther well enough the King would do this for his favourites "I will make some grand speech about our time in the purge."

Luthor moved towards Simmons. Ever so slowly, like a viper finding a mouse to eat. "I will raise a glass to our old victories. Move to 'his side' and!" Luthor punched Simmons in the gut making the servant gasp in the shock of the physical action "End him there and then." Luthor removed his hand to show Simmons his green, emerald ring. By pressing the gem, a small silver spike came out of luxurious item. With a patch of purple dripple coming out of it "End his life with the same poison he has preached for decades." Luthor giggled.

"Once dead, I shall place the poison into his food. Making it look like he died from his dinner rather than my ring. Who is to blame Simmons? The man who apprehended Camelot's new infamous outlaw. Or the son he has dismissed? A small bribe to the cook and some staged evidence in the prince's room and all of Camelot will see our good prince as a poisonous usurper!" Luthor chirped with a grin on his face.

"Once I am rid of him, the Lady Morgana will meet an unfortunate 'accident'. I thought perhaps an ambush. She visits her father's grave monthly; it would be a shame if a band of bandits ambushed her on the way. Once she is taken care of. My main plan will set its course, I shall name myself king. A fake will of course but enough to take over the throne, but enough to convince the fools of this kingdom." Luthor finalised with an evil happiness crocking up as he poured a new cup for himself "Look at it this way Simmons. Once that beautiful golden circle is placed on my forehead. I shall raise a toast to the Pendragon dynasty. For thanks to their self-destruction, I will have one of the most powerful kingdoms in my hands."

"So that what it was!" Merlin understood. Luthor's whole ploy was an ultimate takeover. He had heard from Gwen, Luthor had pushed his lands to their absolute limit. The man now needed a kingdom to maintain his income and power. Too frame Arthur for his father's death. Even the most loyal of subjects wouldn't be able to condone regicide. Especially those at court. Arthur would be done for. As would Morgana.

"Now Simmons." Luthor pattered his servant's arm. "I need my rest. For tomorrow will be the steeping stones towards my new era." Luthor laughed getting ready for his slumber. Once Simmons had changed his master and put him to bed. The Bat Warlock made his move.

"camau tawel!" The Bat Warlock ordered. The spell made his footsteps silent. The outlaw could bounce and run if he wanted to and not one sound would peep out thanks to the enchantment, he placed onto himself.

Leaving the underneath of his enemy's bed. The Bat Warlock looked at the sleeping form of the king to be. The sword and dagger which Merlin dawned in his outfit. The weapon's called out to the outlaw to be released, to take the life of the cunt before him. The Bat Warlock was sourly tempted to.

But couldn't do. This was now how lord Luthor should meet his end. Killing him the dead of night without evidence. It would push Uther harder in his pursuit of the vigilante, a sorcerer killing a noble in the dead of night. Uther would have field day in his man hunt. No there was another way to get rid of Luthor, a way to fix the damage the man had caused.

If by fate, a book fell from its shelf. The Bat Warlock walked towards it and picked up the small item. "Alexander and Goliath." Merlin mused, turning a few pages. It would appear this book is where Luthor based most of his self being on. A personal bible for the man. The story itself was about human man taking on a gigantic cave man. A mortal taking down a god. Merlin could see some passages which matched some of Luthor's speech. "He seems very interested about people who ruled the world before they were thirty."

Suddenly the Bat Warlock stopped! The outlaw stopped on the exact page of a picture of Alexander the Great. The armour he wore, the Bat Warlock didn't know why but this armour entranced him. Like the picture was sending him a personal message to help him take down the evil lord.

The tournament arena

Morgana entered the royal box of the battleground. Fur's covering her body, protecting the ward from the chills of the deep autumn. Various knights suiting up in their tents on the muddy grass. Spectators placing bets on potential winners. Servants and squires rushing hurrying around with weaponry. This was all common for Morgana since her fostering. What wasn't common for her was Arthur being absent.

The evening before had been a theatrical horror. While Morgana, wouldn't sat it out loud. She had found herself impressed with her foster brother's protection of Merlin. It was a side of the prince she had secretly longed for to appear more often.

Seeing another one of Uther's unjust declarations made her blood boil. Last night she preached to her guardian to lift the ban, but Uther would hear none of it. As far as the king was concerned Arthur was to stay out of the tournament full stop. Neither participating nor be allowed to watch from the stands. Uther did not want any sight of his son near the battlegrounds.

Morgana sighed sitting on her seat. "Trouble my lady?" Gwen asked standing behind her lady's chair dressing in a small fur herself.

"Nothing Gwen sorry." Morgana tried to apologise with a small bashfulness. Since Gwen's attack Morgana had attempted to be more loosen with her maid. While the two had been close since childhood, Morgana wanted Gwen to feel more at ease. To help her recover from her ordeal.

Now here she was missing Arthur and annoyed with Uther. Making it about herself, when another close to her still needed attention from her. "Perhaps you would like to join your farther?" Morgana suggested noticing Tom on one the stands "I think I will be alright without your service for a few hours?" Moraga bargained.

"Thank you, my lady, but I am fine right here." Gwen smiled sweetly.

"You sure? I can see he brought some sweet meats?" Morgana hinted cheekily.

"Morgana, I am fine really you don't need to worry." Gwen explained gently. Appreciative of her employer's concern "Right now all I really want to do is get back on track. Right now, that is you. Now tell me what the matter is?" The handmaiden pressed on.

Morgana mimed her mouth "I assure you Gwen its nothing."

"You miss Arthur, don't you?" The handmaiden guessed. She knew Morgana well enough.

Morgana laughed "Don't be silly Gwen." The ward defended "Arthur ego needed to be brought a peg or two down. You yourself have agreed with me and that fact. Perhaps staying in his chambers for a few days will teach him some humility." The ward finished off formally.

Gwen once would have agreed with her lady. The girls would often joke about the prince. Unlike those previous moments the handmaiden found herself feeling a sympathetic expression mould onto her face.

"I wish he was here too." Gwen answered, seeing through Morgana's pretence.

Morgana down casted; her false smugness washing away from her face. "Yes, me too." Morgana confessed. No matter what would transpire in this contest, Arthur's absence shaded out a certain enjoyment for both girls. The prince despite his arrogance; did bring in a joy to these events.

Gwen placed a comforting hand on Morgana's shoulder, which the lady returned. However, when the trumpets honked, Gwen quickly removed her soft hand. King Uther came from a back door with a few guards, making his way to the royal standing next to his Ward. Walking through the cheers of his subjects.

"Morgana," Uther greeted.

"My Lord." Morgana bowed her head. Still not willing to forgive him for his recent actions.

Uther raised his arms to silence the people's applause "My loyal subjects, it is my honour as your king, to welcome you all to this tournament of champions!" Uther hounded making the people hoot in excitement. "Challengers step forward."

Luthor coated in a bright green, emerald armour, holding a helmet made of the same material with a purple tail coming out of the top, his family emblem; a Dark L m engraved into the armour's chest. With a grey silver sword hanging around his belt waved to the audience as well as his fellow suited up contestants were doing likewise.

While Morgana clapped as well. Her applause was more directed to the other competitors. Seeing Luthor in his emerald armour, made her find the man even more unbelievable. "How much did that armour cost? How many of his people could he have fed from its price? How much money did he waste to glorify himself while furthering their starvation? At least the other knight's armours were humbler in cost and material. They would not exchange the well fair of their subjects." Morgana asked and wondered finding no true resolution.

Uther on the other hand took no issue with the armour; as he continued his speech "Now, the rules are simple." Uther pointed to a drawing board, below the royal box. Two boys showing tournament brackets with various shields of noble house placed at the bottom lines. "Each victory shall grant you a progression to the final stage, your defeats shall be down to your own inabilities to be a victor. I want to make it clear killing will not be allowed in this specific tournament. Noble blood shall not clout these honourable grounds."

Morgana couldn't help but sniff at this rule. The only time Uther had allowed killings in the tournaments was when commoners were involved. Such as the spring melee where any contestant could sign up regardless of background. "Finding a way for less mouths to feed."

"I shall only except a kill if it's in an act of defence. If your opponent has made the unlawfully choice to take their opponents life, then you have my permission to do what needs to be done; but if the murder was brought on by choice and not defence. I shall show no mercy." Uther degreed powerfully. "Now, you have all just seen your match ups. As your king I can now only give you my support; but as your audience I must demand! You gallant men give my kingdom one hell of match!" The crowds cheered louder than ever from the declaration. Getting ready to see the brawls and duels before them.

The page boy took out a small parchment "The first match, Alexander of House Luthor!" Uther raised his goblet to his trusted friend, while his supposed friend could only speak mentally "Now, now this is where it finally begins." As Luthor placed his helmet on his head. Taking out his blade ready to slaughter the trivial opponents between him and the throne.

"Against Sir Kent of House Clarkson!" The pageboy finished. While no one could see It Luthor smirked under his helmet. Sir Kent was a simple boy, a noble yes but a weak-willed child. Luthor could not ask for better in his first match.

Which is what he had thought before the child he discriminated against showed up on the other end of the arena. The crowd, the king even Luthor himself gasped from the appearance of the previously dismissed boy.

Chain mail was made from thousands of metal rings. Coating the mail, were various metaled plating. The chest, wrists, hands, shoulders, feet, legs, waist all had been, padded in pure armour. While the armour was standard what made the audience awe was the colouring. The entire body armour was in a majestic blue. The armour a standard blue, while the chain mail, a lighter blue. A red noble cape flowed down Sir Kent's shoulders all the way down to his feet. The helmet, squarely placed on his head the same blue but had been-shaped like a dragon's head, incredibly like the last dragon's. Red ruby eyes and golden horns, with silver-linings painted across the helmets middle to emphasize the dragon's facial expressions. All this decorated on the helmets top. A metallic shield of the house Pendragon stood tall on the chest plate. Its background coloured in a noble black, while the dragon picture itself a peaceful silver.

Luthor could only stare in amazement. The most experienced dyers in all of Albion could never achieve such perfected colouring of an armour. The rest of the crowd where still in awe from the knight's gear. The blue and the red cape. For only being two colours, they were so hypnotizing. The brightness, it brought on a wave of emotion for the crowds. Like a singing rainbow freeing a land from a doomed rain. An unexpected light in an unknown darkness. A symbol of a new dawn.

Even Uther had been spell bound by the armour's magnificent sight. Luthor, could only frown. The last time he ever saw armour such as the one before was…. was….

It hit him "From my book." Luthor clicked. "Alexander the great. The artist drew, drew him in that armour." Luthor chatted his fangs uneasily "It must be some coincidence." Luthor tried to dismiss "But, it looks so much like picture! It cannot be him! I am the new embodiment of Alexander, the Superman not him! I will not let his tricks stop my destiny!"

"My lord," Morgana brought Uther at of his shock.

The king blinked a couple of times finally getting out of trance "What. What is it, Morgana?" The king asked faintly.

"House Clarkson's symbol is a white dog, why does he your family's crest?" Morgana inquired. Normally she would not be interested in such a trivial thing, but Sir Kent had piqued her curiosity about the design.

Uther tried to think of a reason "I did knight him myself; perhaps Clarkson wishes to show his gratitude for the knighthood by honouring the ones who bestowed it on him." Uther concluded; it was no strange act for the king. A good portion of newly knights Uther had created wore his family's emblem as a mark of respect. A certain time at least. This action would happen mostly for their first tournaments.

Still Uther while hoping for his friend to win. After seeing the Alexander armour, Uther developed a small inkling for Sir Clarkson to be victorious in this match. There were one or two underdogs which had gained Uther's attention in the past. The king never expected Sir Kent to have done so. There was just something about the armour's design. It just made you transfix to it positively.

Luthor however was not impressed by the least. Rather the lord was highly offended. This young knave, how dare he play act as one of Luther's personal idols. "Suck up to his grace all you want." Luthor warned nastily "I assure you; it won't save you from my wrath!" Luthor declared shoving the tip of his sword at the blue underdog.

As for Sir Kent's answer. The blue knight unsheathed his sword and pointed it fiercely towards his enemy. This action was the only words Kent needed to give to Luthor.

Uther raised his hand to stop any premediated actions from taking course. Takin a stand Uther said the words the crowds were pleading to hear "LET THE FIRST DUEL COMMENCE!" Uther declared with a flock of roars and cheers following.

The two knights, shield and swords in hand. Circled each other slowly, swords raised and shields up. One waiting for the for the other to make the first move. The heavy breathing under their helmets feeling the pressure take hold of their minds.

Finally having enough of being a stalker, Luthor made his move "AHHHH!" Luthor screamed landing a blow onto Kent's shield. Making the blue knight back a way. Luthor went for another strike, but Kent got his bulk and stopped the attack. Kent pushed Luthor away with his shield, swinging his sword at the man's arm sling the armour and giving his skin a clean cut.

Luthor growled from this disdainful transaction; "You are going to regret. You stupid boy! Luthor slapped his shield on the left side of the blue knight. Making Sir Kent lose his footing. Luthor took the advantage and swept the knave's legs.

With the blue knight pinned on the ground on his frontside. Luthor went for the attack. Banging his sword like a club on Sir Kent's shield. Each slash broke piece by piece of the shield. It would not be long before the shield would be destroyed entirely.

Sir Kent knew there was no hope for defence. He needed to make a move! Before Luthor could make another swipe of his blade, the blue knight casted away his broken-down shield and rolled over missing the next sword slash. Getting back on his feet Sir Kent kicked Luthor to the side.

The blue knight stampede at his enemy. The two warriors exchanged blows with their swords chaotically at one each other. Luthor grabbed the Blue Knight by his chest, but Sir Ken caught Luthor off guard and headbutted the man. Luthor punched the blue knight in the stomach, hitting his back with the back of his own sword. The blue knight, back handed Luthor away, going for another strike but only to be stopped by Luthor as both swords were locked.

The two knights' swords were stuck in a pure clash, neither daring to loosen. Finally, Luthor broke the lock and spined around whacked his sword on Kent's helmet. Knocking the dragon helmet off the Sir Kent's head. Luthor smiled, now he could look at the boy's face. He would relish at the knave's humiliated exterior.

As Luthor turned the right way around. The Lord gasped in the presence of the blue knight's identity. The face it was not that of Kent Clarkson, not this face. This face belonged to none other but.

"Arthur!" Uther howled sitting up from box in rage. The crowd could only mummer in surprise and shock from this latest revelation. The prince in the meantime kept his cool not willing to be brought down by the reveal. "What is the meaning of this! I directly forbade you from participating!"

"I know farther, I am sorry for disobeying you." Arthur admitted in all honesty. The prince truly did not want to upset his farther any further. Regardless of his own personal reasons.

"Get out of this arena! Now!" Uther ordered rage. Why did the gods dam him with such an importunate child? The boy was embarrassing Uther, the king in front of a massive crowd once again!

"No farther! This I cannot do." Arthur defended not barging from the spot.

"Enough was enough." Uther thought, gritting his teeth bitterly. "Guards! Arrest the prince! Take him to the dungeons!" Uther demanded with a spit of saliva leaving his lips. If Arthur wanted to be disobedient brat fine! If a ban was not enough, then a few days in the cells would beat some respect into the prince.

Luthor smirked childly. There was still a chance for his plans to succeed. If anything, the idiot of a prince made it easier for the frame up to happen. With all these peasants watching Arthur and Uther's backwards relationship so openly. It was music to Luthor's ears.

As the guards made their way to arrest Arthur a giant wall of black fire stopped them! Dividing the two contestants and the Camelot guardsmen. Many were both confused and fearful by the random event, but not Arthur. Looking at this dark fire, the prince knew it could only belong to one person.

From the air, the crowds gasped in united horror as the Bat Warlock descended swiftly to the tournament grounds by the use of his grappling arrows. Once the outlaw landed, crowds attention became firmly focused on the shadowy newcomer. Hysteria, fear, and curiosity. The Camelotian's felt all these uncomfortable emotions from the mere sight of this new event. The way the people had eyed the Bat Warlock; it was almost alien. A foreign object which had forcefully entered an existence; a reality to which he did not belong.

Morgana felt her heart tighten. This Bat Warlock, he looked everything Gwen and Arthur had described him as. She had hoped to see him at least once in person. In her naivety, the ward found herself no were near prepared for this encounter. The Bat Warlock: she had seen him before! In her nightmares. Morgana clawed the handles of her seat from this revelation. The unfeelingness which vibrated out of his covered being, gave the ward such an insecurity she never knew she could have. Those soulless eyes had found a way to tear down her usual enforced barriers.

Admittedly Morgana when she had heard the story of the Bat Warlock, she had developed a small romantic illusion about the outlaw; but seeing him. Actually, seeing him in the flesh. The ward utterly understood now why Gwen had been- terrified of her saviour. Morgana desperately tried to figure out whoever or whatever the outcast was.

Finding no answer; Morgana could only acknowledge one thing of this unknown. "Uther wanted fear to be apart of Camelot. the Bat Warlock in return answered his wish. Uther just did not count on him being his enemy."

Despite not knowing his wards recent thoughts. Uther did not share the ironic sentiments. A vein popped out the king's forehead from the entry. The misgivings of Arthur forgotten the king pure focus was on the traitor which had brought discord to his kingdom and even family "GUARDS! GUARDS! SEIZE HIM! SEIZE THE SORCERER!" The king cried out completely engulfed in rage.

The Guards, knowing they would never breck the fiery wall began to turn around and make their way around the area stands and arrest the fugitive from the other side of the magical gate. The Bat Warlock caught wind of their plan "atal nhw wal!" The exiled ghost commanded; the firewall reformed itself into the style of a whip. The Guards could only back away from the giant enflamed whip. It was not long before the ungodly weapon slapped the guards across the battlefield to a nearby wall.

"IDIOTS!" Uther turned to his page "GET MORE MEN NOW!" The king would have this bastard. Even if Uther needed to bring in the whole army of Camelot to do so. The king vowed he would see the Bat Warlock in cuffs and on the execution block.

"I don't need anymore for this party." The Bat Warlock subtly concluded. Pointing his fingers to various entrances of the area the Bat Warlock proceeded with his plan "peidiwch â gadael iddynt fynd i mewn" The whip exploded into multiple small sparks blasting to various exists. Each spark that landed reformed into a smaller fiery gate preventing anymore solders from entering or anyone from leaving.

Uther snarled "YOU SEE!" Uther boomed to his subjects "This very man, this very abomination! Wish's nothing more to threaten the lives of your king and his people!" Uther degreed pointing venomously at Merlin. "By using vile witchcraft, he has ensnared every one of us onto his evil death trap!" Uther accused.

"I have done no such thing!" The Bat Warlock countered.

"HOW DARE YOU SPEACK BACK TO A KING!" Uther berated. It was not enough the sorcerer worked to destroy all he had worked for; but now he dared to answer back to his betters. If Uther hated the Bat Warlock before, meeting him in person increased the king's hatred for the fugitive tenfold. "Arthur, Lord Luthor you are mine and these people's last hope against this monster. Destroy him before he destroys us all!"

"It shall be an honour your grace." Luthor answer all too happily. Arthur got his sword ready. While he detested the thought of tag teaming with Luthor, Arthur had to put the safety of his farther, Morgana and the rest of the audience's safety ahead of his own personal feelings. Plus, the prince desired to have a proper rematch with his dark rival.

As the two warriors were preparing to gang up on the outlaw. The Bat Warlock didn't flinch or even turn to face his armoured oppressors. Rather, he brazenly opened the left side of his coat and forced a body to land right beside him. The crowd gasped wondering if the lunatic had brought a murdered corpse on the scene.

Their theories: were, proven to be wrong as the body wriggled in a panicked fashion. Luthor examined the thought to be corpse. The lord's eyes shot out of his sockets from identity of the captured individual "Simmons!?" Luthor shouted, his servant? What the in hells was he doing with the Bat Warlock.

Simmons tried to run to his master for protection. Only to be stopped by the Bat Warlock, as the fugitive grabbed hold of the squirming man's back collar. Knowing he had a firm hold of his captive the Bat Warlock decided it was time he explained his reasons.

In hard but calm voice he started his preach "People of Camelot; I have no wish to keep any of you captive." The Bat Warlock lowed his hands to erase the fire gates knowing the solders would keep out of his way for the time being at least. "My only wish is for you too listen. To understand every single man, woman, child even animal in this kingdom including his majesty himself, was the unexpecting victim of a cruel man with far cruller intensions."

The moment the outlaw ridded his gates. Uther was more than to ready to call in the reinforcements, but as much as the king hated to admit it. The outlaw had gained some interest out of him with this announcement. Uther hated the sorcerer and his kind, but if there was genuine threat to his kingdom, his family even. The king would listen.

The Bat Warlock looked down onto the cowardly male. In disgust, the vigilante pushed the weakened servant to the ground "Now. Tell them. TELL THEM EVERYTHING!" The Bat Warlock demanded as threateningly as possible.

Simmons tears raced down. The blubbering mess of a man scrawled over the mud getting his cloths dirty. Just begging the outlaw to spare him. The Bat Warlock's only reply was touching the hilt of his sword.

Simmons gulped, either at the of hands of Bat Warlock or Lord Luthor. The man knew he was a dead man either way. "Your…your grace." Simmon's pitted out feeling the steel gaze of the king weigh down onto him "Lord Luthor…he planned to murder you….and your household!" Simmons bravely startled out.

Gasps for the eighth time this day floured the arena. Many; horrified by the allegation or even the mere thought of such a crime. "Lies!" Luthor bellowed making all eyes turn to him "My grace, I have often proven myself a loyal friend to Camelot time and time again! I would never turn arms against his grace."

Luthor walked up to his servant with thundering steps "I dismissed this whelp earlier this morning for stealing from my chambers. The fugitive must have manipulated this wretch for his own greedy desires!" Luthor spitted accusingly. "Destroying my good name is all part of this demon's plot to take your kingdom!"

"Your one to talk." Bat Warlock snickered earning a death glare from Luthor.

Uther heard enough. The king should have known better to head lies from a sorcerer. The king was about to continue his order for arrest. Until Simmons stopped the king in his tracks "Lord Luthor…he had a ring your grace."

"What?" Uther asked surprised from his stand.

"Ignore him my grace; the boy just wishes to escape your justice." Luthor brushed off. Hoping he could get the prying eyes off him.

No such luck. "If you value your life, you will explain to me about this ring." Uther coolly demanded.

Simmons continued his confession "Lord Luthor, he wanted the prince out of the tournament. The feast yesterday my lord purposely wanted to your son to react badly. Doing everything he could to trigger the young prince so badly he would be removed from the tournament. Luthor planned this, not to be the winner but to gain further favour with your grace." Making Arthur's eyes widen from the revelation. He knew Luthor hated him but to go this far, even the prince found himself shocked.

"Luthor wanted to be your grace's consul. To be always be by your side. Your shadow! Once Luthor had finally integrated himself into your life. He…. he would than assassinate you in private. A dinner. An event where the two of you would be alone. There is a poisoned needle customized into his ring. This is the murder weapon he planned to use on you, my grace. Once dead; Luthor would accuse your son of your murder and eventually the prince too would be killed by Luthor's hand as well as your ward. Once your house had fallen Luthor would name himself Camelot's new king." Simmons finally finished praying for a chance of mercy.

Whispers shrouded the stadium. Arthur and Morgana processes what transpired. The children of Uther knew Luthor was power hungry but to go saw far. To murder their father and destroy Arthur's reputation for another one of Camelot's sad histories of power grabs. Arthur took this reveal the hardest. While the prince and his farther may not agree completely all the time. Arthur loved his farther, he respected him. A Lie or the truth. Never, ever would Arthur consider such an unforgivable act.

Luthor chuckled "My grace, surly you cannot believe this lie! Its just another scheme by the outlaw."

Uther nodded softly. Throughout the whole confession unlike the various people. The king seemed to keep his cool the entire time. Never once bulging from his concentration. Finally, Uther spoke "Alexander, as I have said before I have always seen you as one of Camelot's most trusted friends." Luthor smiled evilly the fool had gotten him off the hook.

"So as a trusted friend. You will have no trouble presenting to me your ring?" Uther finished. Luthor's smile dropped like a stone. "My lord, your king has given you an order." Uther continued losing the friendliness in his tone.

"Well, my lord?" Arthur pressed on. Tapping the hilt of his sword.

Luthor backed away. With a thousand eyes peering downed on him. No one willing to allow him to make a move without being seen. Luthor just tightened his sword "Your grace." Luthor pleaded desperately.

Uther had enough "The outlaw was right. Arrest the both of them now!" Uther commanded. No one, no one would ever betray Uther Pendragon and get away with the offense. Lord Luthor was about be a good example of this lesson.

Morgana was about to remind Uther the 'outlaw' had just saved his families life. Only silenced by Luthor's next course of actions "Never Uther! Never again shall I bow down to your pig headiness! Camelot shall never again bow down to weak men." Luthor declared vengefully.

Arthur. Arthur was in his sights! True, the fallen lord would need to create a brand new away of schemes to take the kingdom but from his previous plan. The death of prince Arthur was still a strong factor into getting the evil lord what he wanted.

"See you in hell boy." Luthor announced aiming his blade at Arthur's chest. Finally, the evil lord made the mad dash; like a rhino Luthor was ready to pierce Arthur's pathetic heart.

Arthur just now saw the new murder attempt. It was too late the speed Luthor was going in. Arthur had no way to doge the blow. Still if he were to die, the prince would die for at least trying to defend himself. Despite the futileness Arthur went to unsheathe his sword. Luthor's sword was only a few meters from his chest.

Luthor laughed manically. After today, the people would fear him. See him as their god. All of Albion would bow down to him like dominos. Luthor's dreams of power and conquest. Just came to a complete end.

The Bat Warlock stopped the attack with his own wing themed sword. Luthor's dreams of crusade halted by the stop. The two warriors kept in a lock, the Bat Warlock keeping his stand unwilling to allow Luthor to pass and carry out his murder.

The two men pushed each other away. Making a good distance between the two fighters. Arthur could only examine the outlaw who just saved his life. Since the unwelcomed Bat Warlock came through Camelot's doors. The prince had wanted nothing but to see the back of him.

He humiliated him during arrest. Knocked out his men out cold and brought an unwanted distance between Arthur and his farther. At the time Arthur saw the Bat Warlock as his own personal bane. Even with Luthor's schemes. The outlaw had created a domino effect of misfortune for the prince.

So why did he just save his life? Since birth all when it came to magic. Arthur head only heard the darkness of the unnatural gifts. The Bat Warlock was an embodiment of this said darkness whichever way you looked at it. So why did Arthur for the life of him see a light in this demon?

The blue armour. When the prince awoke this morning, he planned to wash away his depression with a barrel of whine. Only to find this set of armour waiting for him the table. Arthur never had seen such a good paint job of an armour. Arthur did consider if Morgana or even if his farther commissioned the pieces.

When Arthur touched the set. Something happened to Arthur, his plans of wasted self-loathing vanished from him. The armour it called out to him to wear it. Like it wanted to say to the prince it believes him and in return it desired for Arthur to believe in himself.

The only thing the armour had in terms of information. Was a small note. "Tear yourself into pieces or will you take a stand?"

Arthur looked between the Bat Warlock and Luthor. The sides of one coin. Two forms of darkness. Two people who were evaluating him on the king he wished to be. One day there would be a King Arthur of house Pendragon first of his name.

Arthur walked towards the right side of Bat Warlock holding his sword in the same stand as the outlaw. "The king who saved his people from a monster." The prince nodded to the Bat Warlock, which the fugitive returned. For this moment, the two Dark Knights of Steel would be united.

Luthor growled at the unsaid alliance. "So, you would work with the riff raff. I was right about you Arthur. You really are weak."

"I might be weak." Arthur admitted keeping his guard up.

"But he is not as weak as you are." Bat Warlock finished.

The two warriors charged at Luthor. Luthor tried his best to bat away his two advisories. The Bat Warlock rolled on top of Arthur's back swinging his blade whacking Luthor's shield away leaving the bold man with only his sword.

Luthor grabbed Bat Warlock's sword tightly. His armour protecting his hand from damage, Luthor tried to stab the outlaw but Arthur quickly slashed Luthor's hand making the evil man discard the sword and free Bat Warlock.

Luthor swordless avoided a double slash from the pair. By dogging their duo slash to his front. Coming behind the boys Luthor hand chopped their knacks causing the boys to stumble. Seeing his chance Luthor grabbed the sword he had previously lost.

Arthur sensing the coward was about to stab one of them in the back. The prince grabbed Bat Warlock's hand and swung the outlaw to the air. Taking out his dagger the Bat Warlock got the jump on an unexpected Luthor, grabbing and taking hold of his chest in mid-flight.

Luthor tried to brush off his new parasite off him, but Bat Warlock would not release him. Instead, his soulless eyes started into Luthor's own "Arthur may not be God material, but neither were you!" The last words the lord herd as he was stabbed right on his bold forehead. Ending the life of the to be king for good.

Luthor's expressionless corpse landed straight onto the ground. With Bat Warlock jumping off him. Arthur getting his bearings together went to examine the body. The prince looked up at his farther and foster sister. "Its over."

A clap echoed through the arena. By the local butcher, then a second clap echoed by the royal florist. It was not long before the entire stadium was in a upheap of applause. Morgana especially rose from her seat in admiration for the duo. Even Uther found himself to be in a state of respect and even proudness for his son. Enough for the king to clap himself with a small smile on his face.

After a good three minutes of applause. The king silenced the crowds to address the recent situation "Prince Arthur, I…I don't even know the words to express my gratitude to you. Your actions this day; have saved many lives. of this kingdom. Myself included. This day is a mark. A mark that you are truly Camelot's future."

Arthur didn't know what to say. It was not often the prince would receive such praise from his farther or rather the confidence his farther trusted him to have. The first time in a long time Arthur felt at peace with his future. The succession which waited for him, he found the road to the throne a bit gentler.

"Now to further commemorate this day. I will ask you now to arrest the fugitive before you." Uther pointed to the Bat Warlock in all seriousness the moment of glee had passed for the king. The warrior against magic took over.

Morgana felt flares take over her "Uther you can't be serious?" She defended.

"I have told you before Morgana the creature is an outlaw." Uther reprimanded his ward not budging from his decision.

"He saved your son! He was the one revealed Luthor's true colours. As a king and a farther you are in debt to him!" Morgana reasoned. Gods she knew Uther's hatred of magic was unbelievable; but to attack the man who saved their lives. Just to have him sided away for being different. Morgana could not let this intolerance stand.

"Your right Morgana, I do owe him. Once the creature is apprehended, I shall give him a more lenient sentence than he deserves." Uther concluded to his ward.

"My lord." Morgana argued again not believing how unjust her guardian was being.

"Enough Morgana! Arthur make the arrest." The prince grimly nodded. Turning to face the outlaw. Sword in hand approaching to make the arrest. Unlike the last time the Bat Warlock did not fight back. The vigilante just waited for the prince to come to him.

Arthur, just nibbled at the hilt of this sword. Twirling the blade around. "The Bat Warlock; he is enemy, an enemy of my farther. A rebel trying to bring back an evil age." Arthur tried to convince himself. "So why does this feel so wrong?"

The hesitation which creeped upon Arthur. The prince hated these feelings of confliction. The idea of the grey area. The emotions made their feelings clear as the prince's sword shake aggressively beyond Arthur's control.

Arthur would conduct this arrest, but he would not do it without making something clear to his rival. Two desperate words Arthur would make known to the Bat Warlock.

"I'm sorry."

Bat Warlock just stayed silent. Maintaining his soulless stance. Arthur wondered if the man had heard him.

Thankfully he did "I know, I am just glad you took a stand."

"Took a stand?" Arthur quizzed. The sentence, it was like the one on the…... "You? You are the one gave me the armour." The Bat Warlock remained silent "Well answer me." Arthur hushed angrily "Did you?"

Arthur would get his answer, but not in the way he wanted "Ewch â fi allan o'r fan hon" In damnation Arthur tried to grab the Bat Warlock, but the fugitive transformed briefly into pure dark fire before vanishing all together.

Arthur gritted his teeth in frustration. Again, the shit had escaped again. Already Arthur could hear his farther in the background ordering search parties around the grounds. Still Arthur couldn't help but smirk. The prince would get the criminal one day. For today, he would allow the exiled ghost his bid for freedom.

It was the best payment the prince could offer his fellow Dark Knight of Camelot.

TO BE CONTIUNED