He slowly made his way to the bedroom. Everything sounded echoey and far-away, like he was underwater. There was a slight uncomfortable pressure in his ears but he ignored it for the most part. He was going to be fine.

He walked into the room and promptly collapsed on the bed. He burrowed under the covers, stomach churning with anxiety. What was happening? Was this a stress thing? Did it have something to do with his… death?

Carter closed his eyes and pushed those thoughts away. He'd worry about it later. Faintly, he heard the bedroom open and shut. Then the mattress dipped with a new weight and slender arms wrapped around him. Carter smiled to himself and leaned into Douxie, relaxing in his comforting embrace.

Douxie pressed a kiss to his hair, cuddling into him. "Hi."

"Hi." Carter whispered, lacing their fingers together.

"You okay?" Douxie asked softly, burying his nose into the crook of his neck.

"Don't ask me that." Carter grumbled. "Too tired for questions."

Douxie laughed softly, breath fluttering across his neck. "Okay." He pulled Carter closer to him, kissing the back of his neck gently. "Love you."

"Love you too."


Carter woke a few hours later to agonizing pain splitting through his ears again. He flinched violently out of Douxie's arms, nearly falling off the bed. The ringing thundered through his head loudly, canceling out any other sound. He slipped off the bed and onto the floor, covering his ears but it did nothing to drown out the ringing or help the pain. A few tears trickled down his cheeks as the ringing got louder and the pain got worse.

A hand suddenly, desperately, grabbed his shoulder. Carter felt the floor shake with a thud and he opened his eyes, seeing Douxie in front of him, eyes wide and frantic, saying something he couldn't hear. Douxie cupped his face, thumbs wiping the tears away as he asked over and over again the question Carter couldn't answer.

A sharp spike of pain shot through his ears again. He squeezed his eyes shut, trying to level his breathing as everything got worse for a few moments before dulling again to something more bearable.

The ringing lessened and now he could hear Douxie frantically asking what was wrong.

Carter shakily opened his eyes, taking his hands away from his ears. "Doux…" He said, voice low and hoarse. "I think-" he took a deep breath, swallowing thickly. "I think something's wrong."

"Yeah, no shit Sherlock." Douxie said, gently moving his hands towards his ears. "How long have you been in pain?"

Carter tried to think, but it was hard. He still felt dizzy. "Well, the pain just started and it's-it's not even that consistent. But I've had this ringing in my ears for a few weeks now."

Douxie pursed his lips. "Has it gotten worse?"

Carter nodded. "Over the last few days? Yeah."

"It might be tinnitus." Archie piped up, sitting on the bed, watching them. "Explosions and gunshots aren't good for your ears."

Carter frowned. "Douxie was exposed to all of that too."

"Yes, but a wizard's magic protects them from suffering any long-lasting injuries from stuff like that." Douxie explained. "And you… you got caught right in the middle of that explosion. I wouldn't be surprised to find out it may have damaged your hearing."

Carter stared at him. "But when I came back all the injuries I had were healed."

"External ones, anyway." Archie said, voice grim. "Maybe the damage to your inner ears was insignificant at the time so your father didn't see the point in restoring that."

"What does that mean, then?" Carter asked, looking Douxie in the eye.

Douxie and Archie exchanged glances. "Sunshine…"

"Douxie. Tell me."

The wizard sighed. "I could be wrong, but… you might be losing some of your hearing." He tried not to cringe at the way Carter looked at him. "I've seen it happen. Over-exposure to lots of loud noise can permanently damage someone's hearing."

"So what you're telling me is that I'm going deaf?" Carter asked, chest tightening.

"Maybe." Douxie said, gently brushing his hair behind his ear. "But it's a possibility and one we need to be prepared for. Okay?"

Carter buried his face in his hands, trying very hard not to cry. It was just one thing after another. "Yep."

"Love." Douxie's hands were gentle as they ran through his hair. "I know this is scaring you, but it's going to be okay. I promise."

"Okay." Carter choked out.

"If it gets worse, you tell me. Got it?"

Carter nodded numbly. He felt anxiety wash over him.

Douxie sighed and kissed the top of his head. "What do you need me to do, darling?"

"I don't know." Carter mumbled, rubbing his eyes with the heels of his hands. He sniffed and looked up at him. "I'm scared." He admitted, voice barely above a whisper. "It's just-it's just one horrible thing after another and it feels like my life is spiraling out of control. I can't-I can't fix any of it, Douxie. That's the worst part!" He took in a shuddering breath, trembling as he tried to keep himself from crying. "I can't fix it."

Douxie pursed his lips, gently taking his hands. "My love, listen to me." He rubbed his thumbs over Carter's knuckles. "You're not a machine to just fix. You're a complex human being who's suffered injuries and trauma and sometimes there just isn't any fixing that." He squeezed his hands. "But you can adapt to the situation. You're so smart, and strong, and I know that no matter what happens, you're going to get back up and keep going." He smiled at him gently. "I know because you're a survivor. You said that yourself. But even more than that, Sunshine, I think that you persevere."

Carter stared at him, tears brimming his eyes.

"If for nothing else, it's just out of spite." Douxie smiled at the teary laugh that comment drew from his partner. "But, love, you're strong. The strongest person I know. So even though I know this won't be easy and you're scared, I'm here for you and I'm not going anywhere. Okay?"

Carter nodded, wiping his eyes. "Okay."

Douxie leaned forward and gently kissed just under his eye. "I love you."

Carter smiled, leaning into his comforting presence. "I love you too."

Archie smiled sadly at them, his own emotions and anxieties swirling around in his mind. Even through his worries, he knew without a doubt that they were going to make it through this stronger than before.


Over the next few weeks, Carter's hearing did become worse. It was gradual, and most of the time he didn't even notice it. But the pain kept coming like a drill through his skull. Carter tried his best to power through it, and informed Douxie when it was bad. But he kept training and working, pretending for himself that it wasn't as bad as he knew it was getting.

When it got to the point where Carter was missing half the words Douxie said, the wizard suggested they start learning sign language. Carter opposed it at first. Mainly because he didn't want to face the fact that this was becoming their reality. But he knew Douxie was right. Even with telepathic mind-links, they couldn't always rely on magical forms of communication. And Carter needed to have a way to communicate with people who didn't have magic. So, the next time Archie went out for supplies, he brought books on American Sign Language and they got started. Galahad even joined them the very few times he stayed after training sessions.

It broke the old knight's heart to see his pupil struggling through all of this and he wanted to do anything he could to support and help him.

The day that reality came crashing down on Carter wasn't a fun one. It had started normally. He'd gotten up and immediately went to the spare bedroom they'd converted into a workshop for him to get started on the project he'd been working on for weeks now. He didn't notice the lack of noise, dually in part to the fact that he was used to not hearing some sounds now, and the fact that the cabin was mostly quiet at this hour of the morning.

He only realized how silent everything was when he didn't hear Douxie knock loudly on the doorframe. Previously, he'd been able to hear loud, isolated sounds. But not this time. No. This time was different.

Carter didn't turn around when Douxie called his name. It took Douxie calling his name five times for Carter to finally turn around and look at him.

"Love, why didn't you answer me?" Douxie asked, crossing his arms, what he was originally going to say having left his mind.

Carter's brows scrunched in confusion at the muffled, incomprehensible, vague sound that came out of Douxie's mouth. It was like he was submerged underwater. Every noise was fuzzy and muffled and far-away. Panic flickered across his face. "...what?"

Douxie's posture softened and he approached Carter slowly. "Are you okay?"

Tears welled in Carter's eyes. "Doux… Douxie I-" he was breathing heavily in his sudden panic. "Oh my gods."

Douxie gently grabbed his shoulders. "Carter. What's wrong?"

Carter looked at him, eyes wide with fear. "Douxie, I can't hear you."

And just like that, reality crashed in around them.


"Okay, okay." Douxie whispered into Carter's hair, cradling him close. "It's gonna be okay, darling." His heart broke at Carter's muffled sob. "You're going to be okay."

He knew, deep down, that this was going to happen. He knew Carter's hearing was deteriorating fast. He just… hated that Carter was suffering. "Hey." Douxie gently pulled him up to look at him. He brushed his thumb over Carter's cheek, wiping his tears away. "Love. It's going to be okay." He signed slowly, making sure Carter could see his hands. "I promise."

Carter shakily wiped at his eyes, taking in a deep breath. "Sorry." He signed. His hands were shaking. Badly. "I'm sorry-"

"No." Douxie gently took his hands. "There's nothing to be sorry about. You're scared. And angry. That's okay."

Carter drew his hands back, rubbing his palm anxiously. He didn't say anything for a moment. Then, "We're going to have to adapt." He whispered. "But," he took a deep breath. "I'm going to be okay. We're going to be okay." He looked up at Douxie. "Right?"

Douxie smiled at him softly, gently cupping his face. "Yeah."


Over the next several months they adapted to the situation. All of them, (Archie included), became very fluent in ASL, Douxie and Carter started looking into hearing aids, and Carter was slowly getting more comfortable with his new reality.

"Suggestion," Carter signed, leaning forward in his chair, looking at Douxie. "If I borrowed," he grinned, emphasizing the word. "A blueprint for a hearing aid, I could make my own. And you," he tapped Douxie's chest. "Could magic it."

"Carter, have you even finished the sword yet?" Douxie asked with a smile.

Carter made a face. "I'm getting to it."

The wizard smiled, leaning forward to kiss his forehead. "Why don't you finish the weapon first and then we'll get to the next project. Okay?"

"Fine." Carter grumbled verbally, signing as he spoke.

"Is there any particular reason as to why you haven't finished it?" Archie asked telepathically. He gave Carter a look. "Carter?"

Carter pressed his lips together and shrugged. "No."

Archie and Douxie exchanged glances but said nothing.

"Alright then." Douxie signed. He looked at the clock on the wall. "Galahad should be here soon."

Carter nodded. "Okay."

Douxie tilted his head to the side. "You're distracted." He decided, leaning forward on the table. "What's wrong?"

Carter sighed. "I…" his hands dropped onto the table and he looked away. He chewed his lower lip.

Douxie and Archie exchanged glances. "Carter?" Douxie leaned forward and grabbed his hand. "Love, what's wrong?"

Carter rubbed his forehead with the heel of his hand. "I've been having dreams. Weird ones." He pursed his lips. "I don't know how to explain them."

Douxie's brows furrowed with concern. "Sunshine…" he murmured. He rubbed Carter's arm gently. "Can you try?" He asked, pulling his hand away to sign. "Just try to explain it."

Carter nodded. "I think it's easier if I just…" he took a deep breath. "Just watch."

Douxie blinked."What-"

Images flashed in his mind. An old boat, waves crashing against the hull, a storm brewing on the horizon. There were glimpses of fuzzy figures. He couldn't quite see their faces but he was pretty sure it was himself and Archie. Then the scenes started to change. Someone alone in a wet cavern, claw marks denting the walls. The cave opened up into a small field, and in the center was a giant wolf. Its neon blue eyes seemed to stare into his soul. A final image seared into his mind. A colossal monster that vaguely looked like some sort of dragon leered over him, mouth open and fangs dripping with acid.

Douxie nearly collapsed over the table when it stopped. Carter was looking at him, face pale and hands shaking. He looked like he was going to be sick.

"Did you just… share a memory with me?" Douxie asked, forgetting to sign.

Carter nodded. Apparently he was getting better at reading lips. "Yes. It was less a memory and more just… my dream, I guess."

"Love, that wasn't a dream." Douxie insisted. "That was a vision. How long have you been…?"

` Carter sighed. "A few days. They've been getting more intense."

Douxie nodded slowly. He pursed his lips, thinking. "What do you want to do about it?" He signed.

Carter's eyes widened in surprise. "I-" he swallowed thickly. "I think I want- I think I need to go." His jaw tightened. "Something's calling to me. I need to find out what it is."

Douxie felt dread pool in his stomach. "Okay." He felt sick. "Alright. We'll go together."

Carter stared at him. "You're not going to try and talk me out of it?"

He shook his head. "You said you need to go. So let's go."

Carter seemed surprised. Then he smiled. "Thank you."

Douxie blinked. "For what?"

"For trusting me."


Galahad entered the cabin silently, a bag slung over his shoulder. He made eye contact with Archie who was sitting on the couch, body half-turned towards the kitchen. He could hear low voices coming from the kitchen.

"Hello!" He called heartily, stepping into view. He saw Hisirdoux and Carter huddled at the table, discussing something. They both looked worried. "Good morning, lads!"

Douxie smiled and nodded at him. Carter waved.

"What's that?" Carter asked.

"Ah, yes." Galahad set the bag down to sign. "I have something for you." He reached into it, pulling out a small box and a large sheet of shimmering bronze. "These," he signed with one hand, sliding the box towards his student. "Is a little "Well done" gift. And this," he held up the metal sheet. "Is so we can finish your weapon."

Douxie stared at it. "Holy shit is that real?"

Galahad beamed. "Indeed it is! I found a stash of the stuff in the castle!"

Carter eyed the box, then looked at the metal sheet. "What is that?"

"Celestial bronze." Galahad said. "Magic metal. The preferred type used by demigods when crafting weapons. Excalibur was partly made of celestial bronze, actually."

Carter nodded appreciatively. "Super cool." He gestured to the little box. "And this?"

"Open it."

Carter did, staring at the contents with wide eyes. "Oh my god." He said out loud. "I- thank you." He looked up at Galahad. "Seriously, thank you."

Galahad nodded, smiling.

Douxie peered over Carter's shoulder. Inside the box were two hearing aids, shimmering with magic. The casing was celestial bronze. He looked at Galahad and smiled. "Nice."

Carter picked them up, fitting them into his ears. He fiddled with the dials for a moment before he paused, hands hovering. He looked at Douxie.

"Do they work?" The wizard asked. The way Carter smiled was answer enough.

He laughed breathlessly, looking towards Galahad. "Thank you."

"You're welcome." The old knight nodded.

Douxie wrapped an arm around Carter's waist, kissing his temple. "Good day?"

Carter grinned. "Great day."

Galahad cleared his throat. "Well, shall we get to work? That sword won't build itself."

Carter nodded. "Let's."


Douxie left them alone as they went to the makeshift forge to finish the sword. He went to his room with Archie, going through old books, mind wandering to what Carter had told him this morning. A giant wolf, a boat, a dragon-like creature. He was pretty sure he knew what it meant, but he was really hoping he was wrong.

After going through a few pages on a book written in Old Norse, he looked at Archie, chest tightening. "Arch, I don't think this is a good idea."

Archie gave him a sympathetic look. "I don't think so either, Douxie. But it's not up to us."

He sighed. "I hate it when you're right."

"The best we can do is be there for him. Make sure he gets back alive."

Douxie nodded miserably. "Yep."

Archie curled up next to him, laying his head on Douxie's lap. "If it's any consolation, I think you're making the right decision."

"On what?" Douxie asked, scratching behind his ears.

"On letting Carter decide this for himself." Archie explained. "It may not seem like the safest-"

"Or sanest?"

"Or sanest," Archie agreed. "Decision, but I'm glad you let him make it on his own. He trusts you to have his back, and I think that's the most important part of this."

Douxie smiled thinly. "Thanks, Arch."


Carter was covered in dirt and sweat by the time they were done. Galahad was standing nearby as he pulled the finished blade from the fire, dunking it into a barrel of water. Steam hissed and rolled from the water. Carter slowly lifted the blade from the barrel, laying it on a stone table.

Galahad approached him, clapping a hand on his shoulder. "Excellent! Now, gather all the pieces and join me in the field."

Carter did as he was told, sitting in the grass across from the knight.

Galahad helped him lay the pieces on a large cloth, spreading them out. "Now, this part is a bit trickier. You'll join the pieces using magic."

Carter stared at him. "I can't do magic."

"Ah, not the sort you're familiar with." Galahad corrected. "True, you cannot perform magic like Hisirdoux, but you are of magic, Carter. It's quite simple. Spread your arms over the pieces and close your eyes. Concentrate. Think of what you want these scattered parts of a weapon to become."

Carter took a deep breath, following Galahad's instructions. He felt a tugging in his gut and a tingling sensation in his arms and hands. In his head he pictured twin scimitars, the blades folding in and out of the hilts with ease for concealment. With a sharp pop in the air, something metal clattered to the ground. Carter opened his eyes, seeing a pair of hilts on the ground in front of him.

He picked one up. The hilt was about as half as long as his forearm. Carefully, he flicked his wrist and the blade shot out from the hilt. He grinned. "Wicked."

Galahad had a proud smile on his face. "Yes, I believe these quite match your personality. Unique, unconventional, dangerous."

Carter laughed. "Thank you."

Galahad pat his shoulder before getting to his feet. "Well done, Carter. I believe I have taught you as much as I can."

"Wait, what?" Carter scrambled to his feet as Galahad started walking. "What do you mean?"

"Simply that you are progressing much faster than I anticipated. And I believe you have an adventure on your hands."

Carter stopped. "How did you know about that?"

Galahad shrugged. "I don't know the details, but I gathered what you and Hisirdoux were talking about when I walked in." He looked over his shoulder at the demigod. "I must return to Camelot. I must do my duty, and you and Hisirdoux must do yours." He brought Carter into a sudden and unexpected hug. "I'm quite proud of you, Carter. It's been an honor being your teacher."

Carter blinked back tears, hugging the old knight tightly. "Thank you." He said, voice tight with tears. "For everything."

"You're welcome." Galahad smiled. "You will be the greatest of heroes, young half-blood."

Carter pulled back from the hug, wiping his eyes. "Will I see you again?"

Galahad chuckled. "Perhaps. We'll see what the future holds."

Carter watched him walk off, gripping his new weapons tightly. He stared at where Galahad disappeared for a while, trying to organize his thoughts. "We need to go soon." He murmured to himself, as if in a trance. "He's waiting."