Merlin can't get a good nights sleep

But damn...he chose death huh?

Getting some more main plot developments

Not beta'd


Act 2 is looking to be a decent size, of course everything is still in flux but I think I have the general idea of the length

Hope you guys like it :)


2 months later

Once Morgana had finished castrating Merlin…not literally…it was remarkably quiet.

Now usually that should be a good thing, but for the life of him Merlin cannot help but shake the feeling of dread on the horizon…

Arthur and Mordred were doing their own thing, he and Morgana asked no questions nor did they want answers. As to them mending their relationship well…it's still a work in progress.

It's just awkward. He and Arthur still haven't really taken the time to be alone with one another in person. Sure there's the occasional phone call, but well according to Morgana it's "the saddest 2 minute phone calls in our entire existence" so yeah…work in progress.

There's some headway with Mordred, Merlin feels that perhaps the Druid boy was yet another person he betrayed in a long list of people in the name of Destiny. It didn't appear as though Mordred still held that grudge, if anything he himself was happy to see that they can move on from that portion of their history. As least for Morgana; while it's hard for her to view Mordred as a son like she did in the old days, she does see him in a more positive light given that she now has the knowledge that the will of the Fates have been defied...of course on that Merlin remains staunchly skeptical.

Still, she's been very relaxed. It's hard to imagine that pregnancy can change that even when it progresses.

Speaking of, Morgana's now getting all bumpy in her belly. It's something so marvelous that Merlin fell to his knees once they both actually took the time to realize something had changed.

He knew it was real before but now it really was happening. He's going to be a father...

For a second, he wished he didn't take that vile medication so that he can hear what Emrys has to say about it. Merlin can still always feel his other half's presence but given that the effects of the pills were predictably beginning to lessen the longer he takes them, it's reasonable to expect Emrys to once more bluntly make his presence known.

But he isn't even showing up.

Not a single word.

Merlin didn't agree with his other half's extreme philosophy but, this is the furthest they are to healing their soul and he should be here front and center to witness the creation of their own flesh and blood with him. Together.

He told Morgana to give her search for a cure a rest, she needs to focus on the pregnancy without the added stress. Of course she continues to insist that she's fine and that Merlin is blowing smoke.

Merlin secretly has been losing hope of ever healing his divided soul…probably best not to make it obvious in front of her.

After a rare occasion of walking amongst the mortals in the park, they finally decided to get an early night's rest.

At least until Merlin staunchly woke up in startled confusion.

What was this feeling?

It was like the Earth itself was calling to him but from where?

It wasn't in Albion that was for sure…

This feeling was too strong to ignore, it was the very planet itself asking him for help. But from what?

He thought about calling Aithusa but, well she did say she was going to focus on helping Arthur and Mordred figure out their purpose. Fine, but he hopes that they get that done with fast because he really misses her.

Well, he hopes Cynfab hasn't gone back to sleep yet…

He turned back to his wife, still sleeping soundly. He softly caressed her face, he should wake her but…he fears she'll want to come. It's not like he wouldn't want her to, of course but…

Merlin recalls the fight with Cathair, how her magic and overall energy just failed her. Being pregnant was always going to have its challenges but this one was particularly dangerous when it came to battle. While she isn't helpless without it, Merlin is terrified at the thought of something happening to her and the babies.

Babies…it seems with each day it feels like the vision of hers seems to be more real. It's odd, if Destiny can be altered than who's to say they'll have twins at all? But it feels like they're having twins. He can't explain it but he's confident it'll happen.

He magicked a quill and paper…yes a quill. He gets old when he's stressed okay?!

Once he folded it he placed it on her night table, he magicked on his clothes and a brown hooded cloak over them. Luckily his magic kept his footsteps silent, else he'd have much explaining to do to the missus…


Yucatan, Mexico

Merlin figures he should wait until he reaches deeper into the forests before calling Cynfab, he wonders if this is only him who's feeling this disturbance in the wind. Do the Dragons sense it as well?

"O Drakon, e male so ftengometta tesd'hup'anankes!"

Around thirty or so minutes later, Cynfab finally landed.

"Father? What is wrong, did something happen to Grandmother?"

"No Cynfab. But judging from your question it's safe to assume that you haven't felt this unnatural disturbance in the world?"

"Disturbance? Of what kind Father?"

Merlin turned toward the direction he felt the planet pointing him towards. "That's what I aim to find out Cyn."

Merlin got on his back and they flew off west, over the Atlantic.

"Father I must say I'm surprised that Grandmother chose not to accompany you. Usually for matters this serious you're hardly apart."

"…"

"Father…?

"She isn't even awake Cyn. She can't come with me."

The Blue Dragon was confused "But why?"

"Morgana's pregnancy hinders her ability to properly utilize her powers."

"Ah yes she's carrying my sibling."

"Essentially."

"I forget Father that for human females they don't lay eggs like mother."

"…Well now I can't get the image of Morgana laying an egg out of my mind…"

The closer they got to the New World the more precise the disturbance became.

"Hmm it seems to be coming from Mexico…"

Merlin wondered what could have happened there; he directed Cynfab toward what appeared to be the source of the disturbance.

When they landed, it still seemed like nothing was making sense to Merlin.

Here they were in the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza…except it's essentially destroyed.

The ominous moon looking gloomy at the witching hour, the very air around here was foul…filthy. Merlin had to keep himself from gagging, while Cynfab growled at the atmosphere.

"Fly around Cyn, no need to wait here until I call for you." He patted his snout while his grandson leaped into the air and flew somewhere close by.

Merlin observed the destruction, with golden eyes he saw leftover traces of magic filtering the air. Was there a fight? And even if there was…who was fighting?

It didn't feel like Sidhe magic…that leaves only one suspect.

Cornelius Sigan.

The Mayan pyramid that was already in a ruined state before this was practically unrecognizable now…being nothing more than large rubble. Of course, as Merlin got closer to the site he saw it.

An entrance, leading beneath the ground.

Remarkable, this was hidden beneath the Pyramid? Merlin guessed the Mayans had their own way of getting to it and Sigan being Sigan got impatient and simply blasted the thing to bits.

"Well, time to see what brought him here." Merlin's eyes enhanced his vision to see clearly in the dark. If he were a lesser man, he'd probably be scared right now.

But he knew what real fear looked like, felt like.

As Merlin walked down the stone stairs deep into the tunnel, he noticed that there was hardly any dust.

"Well makes sense, since Sigan was just here. But what could be down here and how did no one else discover this until now?"

Finally, he reached the bottom which had lit torches on the walls. Curious. But there was a forked path, a diverging hallway that Merlin now had to choose which to go through.

"Hmm now what?"

Good thing Morgana forced him to watch those architectural films…what was it again? Indiana Jones? Which means surely one of these passageways leads to a trap.

However…

Merlin's golden pupils dived into a deeper plane and saw the power oozing from the path on the right, which was the only path without lit torches.

"Sigan is clearly trying to play tricks on me."

Merlin carefully walked toward the dark path, once more enhancing his vision to pierce the dark shadows. Keeping an eye on everything in sight, the carvings, the statues of Mayan mythological beasts, even the insects. Anything could strike him at any moment.

He reached an abyss, a chamber appeared on the other side but with no clear path Merlin was going to have to improvise.

"If Cornelius truly thinks this can stop me, he's gotten arrogant in his new life."

Merlin's eyes gleamed with power as he transformed into a raven and flew across the abyss to reach the chamber entrance. The entrance itself looking worse for wear.

Once he stepped through, he could spot a small orange light at the end of the tunnel. Keeping his guard up he made his way to it, upon entering the lit room he was astounding to see that many of the inscriptions and carvings have been destroyed. The room's ceiling looks to be a sort of map of the solar system itself.

"Goodness, what was Sigan doing here? What could he have wanted at a place like this?"

And it seems that Sigan feared he would be followed, destroying the only means of deducing his plan was something meant to stifle his efforts…but it won't work.

"He forgets that time bends to my will. His delay tactics won't help him."

Just as Merlin was about to perform the spell necessary to tell him what happened here, he ducked to his knees before blasting his would-be assailant to the wall.

Merlin rose back up and glared at the figure, the dust and rubble gathering making it a bother to see clearly. But once the…woman…?

"You're not Sigan."

This woman looked…unnatural. What looks to originally have been tanned skin also had a palish tint to it, blood red eyes, fangs, claws. Her only garment being what looks to be an old Mayan white and red women's dress.

Fascinating, Merlin thinks he knows what he's dealing with.

"You're a Tlahuelpuchi."

The creature cocked its head and gave a wide smirk.

Great so essentially Merlin is dealing with a Mayan vampire…fun…

"Yet another interloper dares to intrude upon this treasured ground. The last human to defile this place may have escaped me, but you won't live to regret coming here." The Tlaxcala seemed very bloodthirsty…oh wait duh.

Merlin deduced that the fact that she spoke the Mayan language must mean…

"You've been here for centuries?"

"My duty was to guard these catacombs from outsiders! Only the Shamans have authority to enter this place of knowledge!"

Merlin almost felt bad for her, does she even know that the Mayans haven't been around in ages?

"But your people are gone, why do you still hold your post when you could have been free?"

Look who's talking…

The Tlaxcala cocked her head "I was brought forth by the last Shaman for the sole purpose of protecting the secrets that lie here. I can never leave. And even so I failed."

Blood magic. To turn a woman into a creature so hideously foul is sickening.

How easy it became to now pity the creature before him. Merlin pondered his options as he began to wonder.

"…No spell is beyond my reach. If you want, I can free you from the shackles your Shaman placed on you and set you free. So long of course as you don't cause any trouble."

"No. I decline."

Merlin blinked, that wasn't the response he expected.

"What? You deny yourself freedom?"

"My people may be gone, but their descendants live on. I will only be free from one of my own. I will never accept the aid of an outsider."

Merlin sighed "Those descendants much like many mortals today, don't even believe beings like us exist my dear. They dismiss us as mere myths. Fantasy. A child's fairy tale. You hope for the impossible."

The Tlaxcala growled "And yet I failed in my duty, by failing to keep not one but two outsiders from breaching these catacombs. So if you and he could find this place so too could the children of my people!"

Merlin wondered if he had been this overzealous back in Camelot.

"I'm sorry about what Cornelius Sigan did to this place. I assure you though I'm not here to defile anything. I'm here to discover the truth of his intentions in this place and to put a stop to him once and for all."

"A convenient way to let my guard down, but I will never trust an outsider…"

Well shit…

The Tlaxcala charged at Merlin who merely pushed her back with a gust of wind, not really wanting to fight her but hoping she'll tire out at some point.

That is until she let out a shriek that made Merlin cover his ears and made it feel like the earth itself was shaking.

He barely had anytime to dodge her claws, as he aimed to blast her away again he was shocked to see that she herself erupted a barrier.

"You have magic?"

"Shouldn't Emrys know this by now?"

"…Fair enough."

"Look just because I'm the center of magic doesn't mean I know everyone who has it…"

Still, it doesn't look like it's anything related to the earth at all. This Tlaxcala is using dark magic.

Great, as if Merlin didn't feel dirty enough already…

Merlin gripped his fist trying to shatter the barrier before him...something's wrong he should have easily shattered it by now...?

Merlin actually felt his magic pulling against him the more he exerts effort...

Damnit! Of all the times..!

Despite this the former woman's barrier shattered, aghast at this the Tlaxcala turned invisible.

Merlin cursed his lack of knowledge on Mayan mythology, never did he expect to have to battle one of their creatures. At least fighting someone invisible is relatively simple...now if his magic can be composed long enough for him to win that would be great.

"I hope you realize that this isn't going to accomplish anything for you."

Merlin kept himself from using his enhanced hearing, those wails of hers could prove dangerous if he isn't careful.

Chuckles could be heard all around the room.

Merlin kept looking around in circles, getting frustrated at not being able to spot her. As soon as he heard a sound, turns and still nothing to be seen.

"…"

Just as Merlin was about to finally just collapse the entire chamber, he felt the vampiric sorceress tightly grip his neck and bite him viciously!

"Ugh…get off of me!" Merlin tried to pry her off but her grip was surprisingly strong, he felt himself losing control over his body. His skin turning ashen pale and veins turning black.

"Emrys, your blood is the best I've ever tasted, if only I were not bound to keep outsiders from entering…I'd keep you as my meal forever." The Tlaxcala licked the blood off her lips in a satisfying grin as Merlin wobbled to his knees, trying desperately to keep himself up.

Well shit, it feels like he's poisoned.

He doesn't have much time…he needs to think of something fast.

"Think! What's a Tlahuelpuchi's weakness?!"

Merlin really wished he brushed up on all his mythology, he sure as hell will once this is over…

Ah yes…!

Merlin removed his wedding ring and tossed it over at the Tlaxcala who kept hissing, backed away from it.

"Metal. That's your weakness."

The vampire stood clear of the tiny metal as her power began to weaken, Merlin with the last of his strength placed her in cold iron chains hooked to the wall.

Merlin vomited out black goo as his body began shutting down, hearing the words of the Tlaxcala before he saw black.

"Ughhh! Emrys! How dare you?! The spirits of my people will never allow you to have a moment's peace for this!"


Unknown time later

Merlin gasped awake…was it a dream?

Ow! No…he feels awful.

He looked in his surroundings and saw that he was in the ruined chamber. Yep it was real.

And there was the Tlaxcala who seems to have settled down and glared at him with such hatred.

Boo fucking hoo…

Merlin looked at his arms, his skin was still ashen pale but at least the black veins have lightened up a bit.

Merlin must have died.

"Not everyday that that happens."

Gods…Morgana's gonna be so pissed.

Merlin doesn't even know how long he was dead for. It doesn't look like things have changed all that much.

"You've returned to finish your work than, tck…as if the secrets of my people haven't been pillaged enough."

Merlin steadily got up to his feet, before looking at the vampire.

"For the last time, I'm not here to desecrate anything. Don't you think I would have simply brought this place down if I were? An earthquake, an explosion, it'd be very simple. I'm only here because I have my own vendetta against Cornelius Sigan. I won't rest until his evil is purged from this world." Purged. Ironic.

"…"

Merlin turned to the now even more ruined inscriptions on the wall. Looking around this place appears to be how the Mayans used their knowledge of the stars and greater cosmos at large to leave something behind but what could it be?

"Only one way to find out."

Merlin sat in a meditative position, closing his eyes. Once he cleared his mind, he reopened them in a flash of gold. The clocks turned back, once he stopped he began to play everything back.

He saw the early Mayans constructing this room, then killing off the builders to avoid them spreading the knowledge to others. It looks like the carvings on the wall were the planets…

The largest of them all being the sun with the rest of the solar system next to it.

The Conjunction…

The Mayans studied the alignment of worlds so much so that they kept it inscribed.

The inscriptions that they wrote…those were telling the tales on how the Conjunction lessens the distance between the world of man and of the gods.

But what does that mean necessarily? Why protect this secret?

Perhaps they must have thought that the divine lived on other planets he supposed?

But that's just one interpretation out of many. Merlin needed to learn more…

He sped through some centuries and saw what looks to be a Shaman and a woman.

"This must be her…"

The Shaman sliced off his palm and dropped it on the woman, chanting a ritual and the blood began to transform her from a person into the Tlahuelpuchi she is today.

"Abominable…"

Merlin sped through the rest of the events until finally he got to what brought him here. A robed figure binding the Tlaxcala in place with dark magic, then reading through all of the carvings and inscriptions before destroying it all.

Merlin couldn't see Sigan's face…but he doesn't know if he's annoyed or relieved.

He ended the spell and breathed, what a mess. Clearly Cornelius has something planned with the Conjunction but as to what specifically he doesn't know.

"Lessen the distance between man and gods…that's all I have to go on. A rough translation, it couldn't be more vague."

Merlin got up; he was done here. He had to leave now less he lose himself in endless speculation.

He made sure to pick up his ring and place it back on his finger…in a way Morgana saved him.

Oh…Morgana…right…

Right before Merlin left the chamber, he turned back to the Tlaxcala who at this point just looked relieved that he was leaving.

"Those chains will disappear in a matter of hours…just long enough for you to calm down. I do hope that one day you'll change your mind about staying here. It can't be a happy existence for one like yourself."

The Tlaxcala turned away, not wanting to be pitied.

Merlin shook his head and began his exit.


Things outside however were hectic to say the least...

For one, the sun was out. Didn't help his worry on how long he's been dead. Making sure his hood was in place, Merlin hid behind the large rocks of rubble that surrounded the entrance to the catacombs.

Second, mortals. Mortals everywhere.

It Makes sense, you can't just destroy an ancient ruin and tourist spot without attracting attention from the entire world…

Pompeii says hello.

Merlin cursed at the development. Mexican authorities and media personnel littered the entire area. How was he going to escape undetected?

He could just use magic, if he didn't still feel the after effects of the vampire's bite. It'll be a bit before he's 100%.

Still, he needs a distraction…

Merlin mentally reached out to his grandson.

"Cynfab? Are you close by?"

"Father?! What happened?! I felt that your presence vanished two days ago!"

"Two day?! Shit!"

"I didn't know what to do, I wasn't sure if you were dead or not…"

"I'm sorry for worrying you my boy, but I'm alright now."

"The Mortals came here not long after your aura disappeared, perhaps I should have gone with you…"

"Never blame yourself Cyn! I'm the one who sent you away and I'm glad I did. As for these mortals, can you start a forest fire that will spread?

"Of course! These humans will scatter like rats!"

From his location Cynfab breathed his mighty blue flames on the trees closest to the ruins, the flames themselves turning a typical orange upon contact. Can't exactly show blue fire just willy nilly around these critters.

Merlin chuckled as he saw everyone panic and flee on their vehicles as they noticed the fire and how quickly it was spreading.

"Remind me to fix the trees when we're a distance away Cyn."

"I doubt you'll need it Father."

Finally, Merlin ran towards the spot they originally landed on as Cynfab landed in front of him. Hugging his grandson's snout for all his worth, he began to call forth rain from the Amazon Rainforest to the south. Surely it can spare some rain for an hour or two? He'll have the spell send it back after that.

"Come Cyn…let's leave this place behind."

As they took off back across the Atlantic, Merlin was lost in thought.

"Aside from Sigan's goal…something else is bothering me."

He should have been stronger than this. His magic was there as always, his control superb but…it felt off balance somehow…

He didn't feel like himself.

Merlin bit his lip, well he sure as hell wasn't pregnant so that's out.

"Emrys…are you there?"

No answer.

He was still ignoring him it seems.

"Emrys please, I don't know what's going on."

Still nothing.

"Aren't you concerned at all what's happening to us?"

Merlin may as well be talking to a wall.

"You know what fine, behave this way if you want! I'll figure it out myself!"

Merlin really wished Emrys would just answer him…even if it's to insult him.

"Father, did you find what you were looking for?"

"I'm not sure Cyn. All I know for certain is that our struggle has only just begun. I fear that the battle ahead will be one unlike any I've ever been in."

"Was it that bad?"

"…"

Taking his silence for an answer the Blue Dragon quickened his pace, no doubt to give the good news to Morgana that hey…he's back…

Once they landed near the cottage, Merlin took one more look at himself.

His clothes were fucked, black blood everywhere, rips and tatters.

The only thing still looking good as new was his ring. That counts right?

"Well…can't drag this out forever…"

"I mean technically you can Father. You and Grandmother are immortal."

"Thanks Cyn…real helpful."

"My pleasure, good luck." With that, his grandson took off.

Merlin with trepidation walked toward the front door…but just as he opened it he was sent hurling back towards the tree.

"Ow…."

He dizzily looked up as he saw a very very pissed off Morgana standing in front of him.

Now normally it's never a good idea to make his wife angry…add onto the fact that she's now pregnant and you pretty much chose death.

Merlin can't even tell which are her own emotions and which are the hormones.

Probably would be smart if he just didn't ask…

"You motherfucker!"

Yep…she's mad…

Maybe he can talk his way out of this?

"…Honey I'm home?"

Her response?

She giggled then started to laugh.

Merlin feeling like he just won the lottery gave a soft laugh of his own.

Pretty soon they were both laughing their asses off…

Until Morgana suddenly stopped laughing and knocked him unconscious…

Yeah…fun.


Yeah...Morgs doesn't like being left behind haha

It just feels cool mixing other cultures into Merlin...because the world can't just be Albion lol

What do you think is wrong with Merlin now?

Anyway I hope you guys were satisfied :) Please leave a comment if you have any suggestions or thoughts :D