Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin. I'm pretty sure BBC does. I only own Beatrice.
When Beatrice woke up, she found herself curled up in a ball on the bed next to Merlin. After a few moments of her tall lashing at his face, he sat up and looked at her. "Morning." He said, in a tired voice.
He got dressed and opened the door, letting Beatrice walk out before he did. Gaius was already up, and pouring some sort of liquid substance into two bowls. He placed one on the ground for Beatrice.
"I got you water." He said to Merlin. "You didn't wash last night."
"Sorry." Merlin responded meekly.
Gaius nodded. "Help yourself to breakfast."
Merlin sat down and looked at the bowl. He took his fork and messed with the soggy meat. Beatrice eyed the 'food', and instantly wanted to vomit. Taking this as an opportunity, Gaius reached out and knocked over the pale of water he had brought in. Merlin quickly looked at it, making the water freeze in midair. Gaius looked at the boy, then back at the water. This caused Merlin to lose focus, making the water unfreeze and splash everywhere.
"How did you do that?" Asked Gaius. "Did you enchant a spell in your mind?"
"I don't know any spells." Merlin replied quickly.
Gaius looked at him again. "Then what did you do? There must be something."
Merlin glanced at the old man. "It just happens." Then he proceeded to grab a mop and clean up the mess.
Dose it now? Beatrice pondered, not letting her eyes off the boy.
"Well," Stated Gaius as Merlin cleaned. "We'd better keep you out of trouble. You can help me and Beatrice until I find some paid work for you. Here," He placed a few vials onto the wooden table. "Hollyhock and Feverfew for Lady Percival." He held up one veil which Beatrice knew would cause trouble. "And this is for Sir Owen. He's as blind as a weevil so warn him not to take it all at once."
"Okay." Merlin muttered .
"And here." Gaius handed him a plate of bread, a little bit of meat, and some cheese.
Merlin couldn't help but smile as he took the plate. "Off you go." Said Gaius, taking the mop handle and continued to wipe up the spilled water. "And Merlin?" Merlin looked back at the physician. "I need hardly to tell you that the practice of any form of enchantments will get you killed." Merlin nodded, then opened the door to distribute what Gaius gave him. Once he was fully gone Gaius turned to Beatrice. Do you want me to follow him? She asked. Gaius sighed. "What harm would it do?" Beatrice nodded in agreement before he opened the door, allowing her to run outside of his chambers and into the streets of Camelot.
~Time Skip~
It took about a minute to find Merlin, and when she did, Beatrice sprinted towards him. To get his attention, she knocked into his legs and started walking around them. Merlin paused and looked down to see the bushy she-cat.
"What are you doing here Beatrice?" He asked. The only answer he got was a loud purr. Merlin knelt down to look into her eyes. "Do you want to come with me?" Beatrice lifted a paw and touched his nose. 'I guess that means yes.' He thought as he stood up again. "I'll let you come if you try to walk next to or behind me. Agreed?" She tilted her head. Merlin silently prayed that also meant 'yes'.
Together, Merlin and Beatrice began to walk together through Camelot. While walking, he looked around in wonder. Beatrice purred as she, too, looked around. They made it to a wooden door. Not knowing what to expect, Merlin rapidly knocked. An elderly man with squinted eyes opened it.
"Um, I brought you your medicine." Said Merlin, holding out the vial. Sire Owen reached out a hand, unsure where it was. Merlin guided his hand so it was clasped around the glass. He started to turn when Beatrice blocked his path. She gestured towards Owen with her head. "Oh!" He remembered. "And Gaius said don't drink it all at-" Too late. Owen had already started to gulp down the medicine. Merlin starred as the retired knight finished the whole bottle. Merlin looked down at Beatrice, who was looking back up at him. "I'm sure it's fine." He said finally, trying to convince himself more than her.
Merlin left Owen's home and continued down the street to visit the next person on their list. "Where's the target?" Asked a voice that Beatrice knew so well. Merlin didn't stop walking.
"There, sir?" asked Arthur's new target, Morris.
"It's into the sun." Said the prince, clearly annoyed.
"But it's not that bright." Muttered Morris, who looked terrified.
Arthur smirked before replying. "A bit like you then." His gang laughed. Merlin stopped in his tracks, watching the scene unfold. Beatrice decided to stop as well, to make sure he stayed out of trouble.
Morris didn't know what to say to that except, "I'll put the target down the other end, shall I, sir?"
Arthur nodded as Morris began to move the target. "Teach him a lesson." A knight whispered to Arthur, who smiled. "This will teach him."
In one swift move, Arthur threw one of his daggers at the target which Morris was holding. It sailed until it embedded itself in the middle circle. The rest of the knights laughed loud as Morris brought down the target to look at the knife. "Hey, hang on!" He yelled. Merlin looked between the prince and the servant.
"Don't stop." Ordered Arthur. Morris moved a little. "Here?" Arthur didn't look satisfied. "I told you to keep moving!"
Beatrice swore she spotted Gwen also looking at the scene while drying a long piece of cloth. If looks could kill, Arthur would already be dead and buried. Arthur threw another dagger into the bull's eyes. In a panic, Morris held up the target to avoid his face from being cut up. Beatrice sighed. Had the prince learned nothing from when he was a child. He still had the scar on his arm from the time he kept messing with her tail. One fact: Never. Mess. With. A Cat's. Tail.
"Come on!" Called Arthur, jerking Beatrice from her thoughts. "Run!" Morris stared at the prince in horror. But to keep his head, he started running with the target over his body. Gwen stopped what she was doing and gaped at the situation. "We want some moving target practice." Arthur called as he threw more daggers at the poor boy. Merlin again looked between them.
Morris finally fell, exhausted, and let the target roll out of his hands. Merlin, who was right next to it, stopped the circle from moving with his foot. "Hey, come on, that's enough." Beatrice looked at him, startled.
Child, do you have a death wish? She thought, fearing his safety.
"What?" asked Arthur, surprised to see someone telling him what to do.
Merlin didn't look scared. "You've had your fun, my friend." Arthur started walking forward. "Do I know you?" He asked. "Uh, I'm Merlin." Beatrice rolled her eyes.
Very helpful Merlin. Who do you think this is-
Then a horrible thought strikes her. Merlin didn't know that this was the prince.
Arthur continued to walk forward. "So I don't know you." Merlin started raising a hand to shake, but stopped, and brought it down. "No."
"Yet you called me 'Friend'." Replied Arthur, trying to understand what was going on.
"That was my mistake." Merlin said.
"Yes, I think so."
"Yeah," Agreed Merlin. "I'd never have a friend who could be such a jerk."
Beatrice winced. Did this kid have a death warrant?
"Or I one who could be so stupid." Arthur stated, a clear smirk on his face. The prince started walking closer to Merlin. "Tell me, Merlin, do you know how to walk on your knees?"
"No."
"Would you like me to help you?"
"I wouldn't if I were you."
"Why? What are you gonna do to me?" Arthur was clearly enjoying this.
Of course he is. Thought Beatrice. He's Arthur.
Merlin just looked back at the spoiled prince. "You have no idea."
Arthur smiled once more. It was not a friendly smile. "Be my guest." He spread his arms out mockingly. "Come on. Come on."
Merlin looked around confused. When his eyes settled on Beatrice she thought urgently, Merlin, whatever you do, don't react. Just. Walk. Away.
Arthur bent his head forward just a little bit. "Come on."
Merlin didn't hesitate. He struck out a fist… which was caught by Arthur. He turned Merlin around and pinned both arms together behind his back. Beatrice winced. That has got to hurt.
"I'll have you thrown in jail for that." Arthur told Merlin.
Merlin did his best to look back at the blonde. "Who do you think you are? The King?"
Arthur shook his head. "No. I'm his son, Arthur." Then he proceeded to push Merlin to the ground.
Sorry about the wait. It's hard for me to find time to both watch Merlin and write a new chapter. Don't forget to review!