The Voice of Albion Chapter 2 - The Battles: Day 1 (M), a merlin fanfic

The Voice of Albion

Summary: Arthur Pendragon, son of famous blues singer Uther Pendragon and world-renowned violinist Ygraine de Bois, has run out of other options. A failed record contract was the last straw and now here he was, standing on-stage on the Voice of Albion. Modern Merthur AU (with other pairings) based on the Voice.

WARNING: This chapter contains some M scenes.

Chapter Two - The Battle Rounds [Day 1]

Arthur spent a quiet few days at home. His father was away on a comeback tour in the US, so he hadn't had a chance to ask about the note Morgana had given him. Some research showed that Gorlois was Morgana's father, though what that had anything to do with Uther Arthur didn't know. Still, he emailed his father the question and left it hanging.

The call for rehearsals came a couple of days later. Surprisingly, when Arthur picked up the phone it was Morgana who spoke back to him.

"Arthur, Hey. It's Morgana LeFay, yeah we're gonna be doing the Battles paring on Friday at 7:00am back at the studio, that and rehearsals."

"I'll be there." He said, then added, "I haven't been able to ask..."

Morgana interrupted him. "Not now, we can talk about it when you're here if you want."

So, that Thursday, Arthur caught the train to London and spent the night in a budget hotel. He shaved in the morning, did his hair and caught a bus to the nearest stop to the studio. From there, he walked the fifteen minute walk into the studio and was soon directed to a large made-up room. The whole of Team Morgana, which from the looks of it was nine soloists, two duets and a trio of teenage girls as a group.

"Right guys." Morgana said. "You sit over there, I stand up here looking fabulous, and I'll call you up to pair groups up for battles."

Arthur went and sat between Morgause and another guy called Mordred, who kind of gave him the creeps.

"Firstly I want to say, Team Morgana is even stronger than last year. We were pipped to the post last year and that will not be happening again. You will all be singing songs in the battle that should put you out of your comfort zone. Now, we have the honours of the first battle. In one corner will be... Arthur."

At least if I fuck it up I can get stolen. Arthur thought.

"He will be going up against... Mordred."

The rest of the team clapped as they did when Arthur was called as Mordred came and stood up next to Arthur.

"You both auditioned with what could be described as power-ballads. Therefore, you two will be singing..." Morgana paused for dramatic effect, "Elastic Heart by Sia."

Mordred sighed in apprehension, whilst Arthur just nodded. The two then sat down, while the next duel was announced.

"Morgause and Powderpuff" called out Morgana. The trio of girls and the blonde and dashing Morgause stood up. "You will be singing Hips Don't Lie by Shakira. Yes, a classic, don't look too frightened."

The next pairing up was a guy called Cenred with another guy called Lance. The two were told they would be singing Touch by Pia Mia.

Next up, Merlin and Gwen were called to sing against a duet of a tall guy called Elyan and his girlfriend Viv. "You will be singing..." Morgana said, again with a dramatic pause, "Halo by Beyoncé."

Christ that's harsh Arthur thought. Beyoncé would be hard to nail for anyone except Beyoncé. Though he was singing Sia and that had proved to be a curse for the three people who had tried to do Sia in the Knockouts last year and had all crashed out.

The other battles were quickly assigned and they all headed off to the coffee room or the rehearsal room. As Arthur and Mordred were up first they rehearsed first.

Morgana took them through the song, assigning different lyrics to each of the pair and advising them to ad-lib and throw in vocal gymnastics as much as they wished, so long as they didn't go too crazy. The two were then shown into another room with another piano player to practise.

Mordred was an intense singer, and very emotional. The pain really shone through with the song, which was for Arthur not a very good sign. The piano player stopped halfway through, taking Arthur back into the main room to have a 'Confidence' talk with Morgana even though he didn't need it.

"I promise I'll be okay on the night." Arthur told her.

"It's a TV thing the producers want. You got picked as a problem one, so we're gonna talk about pressure and you're parents careers etc. and then you can nail it on the night. Hopefully anyway."

The crew soaked up every word as Arthur told Morgana about the pressure due to his parent's success.

"Arthur, if you bring that emotion to the song, I know you'll nail it on the night. Everyone there will be rooting for you."

After the talk and a hug from Morgana, he was pulled back in to keep rehearsing and somehow, even though the talk hadn't done anything for him, he felt that bit better about the performance the following night.

He practised heavily at home, stretching his voice at places. The violin wouldn't make an appearance this time to highlight his voice more, though he would feel less confident without it.

Saturday night rolled around quickly and before he knew it he was in the waiting room while at the front, Nimueh and the other presenter, Kanen, introduced the judges and the first acts.

Then he was being pushed out on stage with Mordred and before he even had time to collect his thoughts the light's were dimming. Mordred was opening so Arthur focused on his breathing.

And another one bites the dust
Oh why can I not conquer love?

Mordred had soul in his voice, and Arthurs voice shook as he took up his first lines.

And I might have thought that we were one
Wanted to fight this war without weapons

His opponent had clearly heard the shake as a rallying cry, so began to belt out the pre-chorus.

You did not break me
I'm still fighting for peace

He held the last note, eyeing Arthur the whole time. Arthur you idiot he told himself don't let this ass walk all over you. That's when he saw Merlin and Gwen in the audience. They weren't performing tonight so weren't in the waiting room. His eyes locked with Merlin's, and a confidence began to flood through him, though quite why it did he did not know.

We'll I've got a thick skin and an elastic heart
But your blade it might be too sharp
I'm like a rubber band until you pull too hard
Yeah I may snap and I move fast
And you won't see me fall apart
'Cause I've got an elastic heart

The new-found confidence in Arthur caused his voice to echo, loudly over the music, the final line full of vibrato.

Mordred began to counter, throwing every single vibrato and vocal gymnastic out there that he could. Arthur caught a glance at Morgana's face, and she was frowning at Mordred.

And I will stay up through the night
And let's be clear, won't close my eyes
And I know that I can survive
I'll walk through fire to save my life

The emotion was showing in Mordred's voice, as he delivered his lines, the crowd applauding every word. As they had rehearsed, the two began to circle each other while Arthur started his pre-chorus.

You did not break me
I'm still fighting for peace

Glancing over, he saw Freya and Lance both nodding and Gaius raising his eyebrows at Morgana. Mordred must have noticed this too as he began to shout his chorus.

The final line was more a shriek than it was sung, and as he held the final note, he brought his voice higher and higher. Then it cracked. And it was horrible.

I've got an elastic heart

Arthur countered, finishing the song. He cut out any vocal moves, simply delivering the line perfectly.

The music halted, and the crowd were on their feet, cheering loudly, as were Morgana and Freya.

Kanen came and stood between Arthur and Mordred.
"Now Morgana, you've got one hell of a choice to make here, so we'll go to your fellow coaches. Freya?"

"Arthur," Freya began, "You had a shaky start but once the chorus came around, bloody hell I wish I could sing like that sometimes. You hit some notes that I couldn't. I would definitely take Arthur through on this one."

Gaius was next. "Mordred, you are an incredibly emotional singer. I couldn't make this decision, definitely, but had you kept your voice under control you would have been put through if this was my call."

"Both of you were good. Arthur, you clearly showed that you can work in this industry and go multi-genre. I would take you through." said Lance.

Kanen clapped. "Well before we go to Morgana let's give these two a round of applause. Now, Morgana."

Morgana cleared her throat. "You are both excellent singers clearly. I spoke with you all about limiting you're vocal gymnastics so that something like what Mordred did wouldn't happen tonight. I'm hoping that my team are all listening when I say this. But Mordred gave more emotion through the song than Arthur did."

She paused, collecting her thoughts. Arthur could feel his heart beat in his throat.

"That said there is a winner in this battle, someone who displayed great skill, and managed to bring it back from a mistake. That person, despite the shaky start, is Arthur."

His jaw dropped as Kanen lifted his arm. Mordred pulled him into a hug and then Arthur was off, hugging Morgana, repeatedly giving her his thanks. "Of course it was you." She told him "You nailed it."

The producers then signalled Arthur to head towards them and to stand and watch Mordred on stage.

"Now coaches, please remember Mordred is up for a steal. You all have your two steals at the ready." The chairs turned in unison, except for Morgana's.

"Now Arthur." said one of the producers. "Whisper Steal at the stage for the camera".

Arthur complied, watching as the lights closed in until...

Gaius' chair spun around, as the lights went crazy. "Mordred, you are now on Team Gaius. Go see your new coach."

Arthur clapped frantically, mostly for the cameras, but he was glad to see that Mordred was still through.

Arthur and Mordred were then shown to seats in the audience as the next battles commenced. Both were also given sheets with instructions on for the knockouts.

Next up was Leon from Team Freya up against a singer Arthur had not seen before, a rather Hipster looking guy apparently called Will. The two were dueting Ship to Wreck by Florence and the Machine and absolutely brought the house down. In the end though, Leon was kept in whilst Will was stolen by Lance.

Gaius then had one of his battles, A woman named Catrina against a rather scruffy man called Halig. The two sang Babushka by Kate Bush, and Catrina wiped the floor with Halig, who was not stolen.

Then came Lance's battle of a guy called Percival against another guy called Gwaine. During the performance, Leon came over and sat next to Arthur, and the two began to chat once the performance was over. Gwaine and Leon had been singing Imagine by John Lennon and it had been a good performance. Percival was however victorious and Gwaine was instantly stolen by Morgana.

The next battle was Morgause against the Powderpuff trio, who had dolled up Lolita style for the occasion. After a smashing rendition of Hips Don't Lie in which halfway through Morgause unexpectedly began singing her verses in perfect Spanish, Powderpuff were sent home with Morgause receiving unanimous praise for her performance.

The rest of the performances of the night (a whole twenty-four performances) were rather typical, the only stand-outs being a couple of guys, Monatgue and Edric, and a opera singer called Elena.

The final of the battle of the night was called in Elena's favour, and she was busy hugging Freya her coach. Leon tapped Arthur on the shoulder.

"Are you gonna be coming tomorrow night to watch the other battles?" he asked.

"Probably. Merlin and Gwen will be performing and I'd like to be there to congratulate them if they win."

"Ah Okay." replied Leon. The two had started talking on the second day of rehearsals for the battles and, along with Gwen, Merlin and Morgause, Arthur considered Leon one of his friends on the show.

"Want to go out and get some drinks." Arthur asked him.

"Yeah sure."

"Not without me." a voice from behind them said. Morgana strutted into view, "I need to talk strategy with you Arthur, and if you want Leon I can give you some feedback."

"Oh my god if it's not any trouble." Leon said excitedly.

The three of them headed for one of the nearby pubs, where they sat with drinks and chatted for a while.

"So, Leon, Arthur, what do you think you'll sing at the Knockouts?".

While Leon umm-ed and ahh-ed, Arthur spoke up. "You have to wait for rehearsal with me, but I have a good idea."

"I look forward to it."

Morgana and Leon then entered a deep conversation about whether singing Sanna Nielson or Taylor Swift would be better. Arthur checked his phone for emails, finding one from his father.

Tell her she has my permission to tell you, and that she should contact me when I'm back in the U.K.

Arthur waited until Leon, who had drunk a little bit too much, headed to use the toilets to show Morgana the email. She took a breath on reading it, and then began.

"I'm your half sister." she said plainly. "Blunt confession, I know, but to the point."

"You what?"

"I had no way of contacting Uther, he's such a recluse in the industry now, but I only recently discovered it. You're mother was my mother, though that was before he married her. So, yeah, we're related."

"Oh. You knew when I auditioned then?"

"Not until you told me your name." she said. "You got through on talent, both times, I promise. I'm not playing favourites. Well, I put Morgause up against the Powderpuff girls because I knew she'd slay them."

She looked down at her watch. "Early start in the morning, so I'd better head off. I'd recommend you do the same."

Arthur waited for Leon to get back, processing the information of his new sister as he did. Maybe it was the alcohol, but the shock didn't really get to him.

Once Leon was back, Arthur took him to the bus. "I'm not too drunk so I'll get you to your room." He had told Leon.

They ended up at a slightly pricier hotel than where Arthur was staying. He tried not to be envious at the lack of mould on the shower curtain in the bathroom when he went for a piss. Arthur did have some money, but his parents had been strict. Both had come from nowhere to the top, and they weren't going to give Arthur an easy way up. Once he had hit 18, he had to pay for most things himself, and as such he wasn't particularly well off.

Once he'd finished peeing, he zipped up his trousers and, at Leon's request, stayed for a cup of coffee.

"I should be off." he said, finishing the cup.

"You know Arthur, " Leon said, "You could just stay."

Leon leaned in and kissed Arthur, which took him by surprise. What was more surprising was that Arthur started to kiss back, and fiercely. He had only ever been with another guy once in uni, at the time which he'd figured he was bisexual, but he had only known Leon well for a couple of days.

The two wrestled and fell onto the large bed together. Leon pushed his hands up Arthurs shirt and chucked when he felt the muscles underneath. Arthur ran his hands over Leon's back, down, down until he cupped Leon's perfect butt. Reaching up, he pulled Leon's shirt over his head, and started to kiss along Leon's neck, warranting a groan from the other party.

Arthurs shirt and jeans soon found their way off, as did Leon's shorts, and then Leon was crouched over Arthurs hard groin kissing his way down Arthurs chest, down Arthurs happy trail until he had his mouth over Arthur's manhood. Arthur moaned as Leon pulled back the plain white boxers and took Arthur in his mouth. He ran his hands through Leon's thick hair, groaning as he did so. Leon moved down, still with Arthur in his mouth slowly inserted a finger into Arthurs ass, eliciting more groans. A second, then third finger were added, until Leon deemed Arthur ready. They then swapped positions; Arthur using his mouth to lube up Leon, until Arthur lay down on his back and Leon pushed in to him, meeting his mouth with a kiss as he did so.

It was a miracle they got as far as they did, with Leon in his drunken state. He was actually pretty good drunk, so would be better sober as he pushed into Arthur who met him with each thrust.

The drawback of the drink however was that the experience didn't last particularly long, Leon pulling out of Arthur, whipping the condom off and finishing on his chest. He did however then return his mouth to Arthur until he too came with a final moan.

They both slept soundly together in Leon's bed that night, though Arthur couldn't shake some feeling of guilt.

Authors Note: I'm really enjoying writing this so you better be ready because some more will be coming soon (hah). This is a Merthur fic but I do quite like Leon, hence the quickie in this chapter. I don't know when more of this will come, but it will. I still intend on finishing my other fics too - This Time and The Scientist - which if you haven't checked out you should if you are a fan of Wolfstar. The song featured this time was Elastic Heart by Sia

Again, Reviews, Faves, and follows are much appreciated. Even if the review says you hate me, I appreciate it and it helps me write more.