The Black Dragon
This is an AU about the fic Merlin. Sorry if the characters are a bit OC, I haven't watched the series since the season 2 when it was on the Fox Kids channel. (Means like 3 years ago) Enjoy and Review.
Summary: In a world where Balinor saved the dragons from the Purge, but lost his life, a young dragonlord becomes the savior of a dying magic, while resenting his destiny. Meeting the other side of the coin will be enough to mend a broken trust?AU
PART 2
CHAPTER 2
Two years later
Present Day
The black death.
The protector of magic.
The Emrys.
The Black Dragon had many names. But for Arthur, Prince of Camelot, the only name for that black beast was "headache."
Since he met the insufferable pest, his father had been after him, ordering his son to track down the dragon. Study him as it was the biggest boar you have ever tried to hunt, he told him. The king only wanted to follow it, not hunted it down… yet.
So Arthur, had the task to keep a record on where was the dragon, his habits, where the people had seen him eating, in which days his other scaly companies were with him and tried to figure out in which part of the forest he was hiding.
He was always on an excursion around the forest and in the limits of the kingdom. Sometimes, it took him weeks to reach the place where the dragon had been seen for last time. Most of the time, the warnings were fake. So, Arthur usually came back to the castle, with a bad humor and a sense of failure.
Worse, for a strange reason, Morgana always scolded him every time he went after the dragon. Since the day she woke up screaming, two years ago, she gave him bad looks every time his father ordered to look for the dragon. It was almost like she felt pity for the magic beast.
In two years, the words about this magical being spread in the entire region. Druids considered the animal their protector. Knights and nobles talked about their encounters with it. Some called him a monster… others, called him the most impressive creature they have ever seen.
And they were also the rumors from the people of the town. The black dragon never attacked the fields, neither hunted down the animals from the farms. On the contrary, he had been seen dropping deer or boars in the backyards of the poorest farmers, supporting them during the coldest winters. Some girls claimed they have been saved from bandits thanks to the dragon. Even Gwen, Morgana´s maid, had confessed once the black beast saved her when a drunken man tried to attack her in the woods, while she was helping Gaius to collect herbs.
Arthur was beyond raging. The dragon was doing his JOB. He was the prince, the protector of Camelot, not him. He swore the animal was very close to Camelot, because he could hear the word prat every time he adventured into the woods.
It was an idiot dragon! Since when that black lizard had become the protector of the kingdom?
When he wanted to learn more about the animal (knowing your enemy is vital to achieve victory), he asked Gaius about it. The old healer refused to tell him at first, but he insisted until the old man gave up. He made Arthur sit down and started to tell him the story of young boy, whose father was a sorcerer, how Uther killed him along with his wife and how the grief turned the boy into a dragon.
The prince was shocked when he learned the dragon had been once a young orphaned boy. How magic corrupted the innocent, he told to the old man. "It was not magic, sire… it was the pain, of seeing his family death" Gaius answered and the conversation ended.
Two years he had been hunting down the dragon. He should hate the animal. Because of the deaths of his knights, making his father angry at him…
Yet, he still felt pity for him. Alone and corrupted because of magic. The boy was death and in his place was a beast.
Winter ended and spring began… as so the week when everything changed for the prince and the boy-turn dragon.
####
The snow had melted away a few days ago. The nights were still cold but not as they were just a few weeks ago. The sky was clear; stars could be seen again in the summer nights.
But this night, it was a moonless.
This time, the thief arrived first. Just in the same spot when two years ago the King had commanded him to find him something very special.
Do you have it?- demanded the King.
Yesss… it took a while. You know, find a dark sorcerer and a bit of torture. But… yess…- the thief opened a wooden box.- What you asked for two years ago, my king.
Uther smiled after he opened the box and saw what it was inside.
Good.- he tossed a bag full of coins to the thief.- I will give you the rest, if the locks work.
I ensure my lord…- the thief smiled, counting the golden coins.- It will be worth. It is going to work.
####
He was sure he had grown older. Taller. Still skinny. And that his ears were still horrible shaped like a fairy.
But he didn't care.
He had grown in size. Longer wings. A stronger cot of scales. More fire burned in his throat.
Merlin was happy as a dragon.
It had been more than two years since he had taken his human form. Kilgharrah had giving up trying to convince him to turn back into a human and find the prince. Iseldir, on the other hand, was after him all the time, trying to change his mind.
But Merlin never heard their words. He loved to be a dragon. He was independent. Strong. Brave. Invincible.
Alone.
He missed his family. He missed his mother´s touch. He missed his father´s voice. Merlin wished to hear their laughs, their stories before going to bed and their voices full of love. Every time he assumed his human form, he could see his father´s eyes and the smile of his mother in his own face.
Every time he assumed his human form, he could hear the screams, the clanks of the swords and the cruel voice of the king. He could see the blood on his hands.
He hated the Pendragon´s name. But he hated more his human weakness.
The young black dragon woke up that morning, ready for his weekly hunt. His pack was staying in a big, forgotten cave near to the Cendred kingdom. Sometimes, he wondered if he had grown up in that land, his family would have been safe from Uther´s wrath.
Aithusa and the older dragon were still sleeping. The white dragon was still young and the older dragon was growing weaker with each season. So Merlin let them rest and went on hunting alone. Some good days, he brought back a few preys to aid them, especially during the winter. Kilgharrah and Aithusa were his only family. He wanted to protect them as much he had wanted to save his parents life.
Merlin opened his wings, feeling the cool air of the morning. He relaxed a bit before launching into the sky, ready to face the cold and lone world as the last dragonlord.
####
Morgana had become a very beautiful, intelligent and stunning young lady, but with a very sharp tongue, to Uther´s disappointment.
The young lady was on the side of the Black Dragon. She always made her point during the council meetings, defending the creature and many times, Uther had to order her to leave the room. Sometimes, the king believed that somehow the dragon had enchanted her.
But Morgana wasn't enchanted. Since her nightmare, two years ago, she had prayed for the dragon´s safety. Such magnificent creature forever chained in the dungeons and forced to live as an exotic pet or living trophy, was a tragedy. The young ward hoped Arthur would never find the dragon. But Uther was growing impatient and Arthur only lived to gain the approval of his father.
Many times Morgana wished to leave Camelot forever and be free. Free of the hate, free of the fear and free of her nightmares.
But, that day, the nightmares were becoming reality.
Arthur was busy, practicing on the field. Sir. Leon and the older knights were part of the practice too. Their enemy: the dragon.
Or two guys using dummy with wings and other two squires, throwing arrows with fire.
Roll over!- ordered the prince, dogging another arrow. He was sweaty, his cot was full of mud and a few locks of his hair had burned.- Remember, that creature is intelligent! He will kill you if he had the chance!
One of the younger knights was hit with a log (which acted as the tail) and he left the field, limping.
One less!- shouted Arthur, angry.- Focus! If you can´t protect your own lives how will you protect Camelot?
Just as he said that, the dummy charged and nearly run over him. Arthur snarled and hit the fake dragon so hard, that the man in front of the disguise lost his footing and fell down.
The second actor tried to stand up and ended ripping the cloth of the dummy. The servants and even a few knights started to laugh, after the "head" of the dragon, tried to walk without the half of his body.
DO YOU THINK THIS IS FUNNY!?- Arthur shouted, making the audience silence.
Servants apologized, a few knights dropped their heads and the two actors-soldiers left the field, embarrassed.
Well done, Arthur.- Morgana said, with sarcasm.- You ruined their fun.
The dragon is not a joke.- the prince answered back, still embarrassed for the incident. – He is a menace.
Bah! The dragon is more a gift than a treat.- Morgana argued.- You know it, but you are stubborn as a donkey to admit it.
Both young adults glared each another. Most of the people from the kingdom knew the youngster's quarrels were legendary. The ward and the prince were very stubborn about their opinions, especially when the subject was about magic... or the Black dragon.
Morgana…- Arthur warned her.
I will said not more.- the young ward announced, just as Arthur´s servant (for the week) approached.
My Lord, the King is demanding your presence in the throne room.- he said.
####
Uther had the wooden box on his hands.
He had held it so hard that he could swear he heard the wood crack. For two years, he had waited for the answer to old his nightmares. For ensure his son´s greatness in history and the revenge for his wife death.
Arthur went into the throne, but he was very surprised when he found only his father in the big room.
Father, did you call me?- the young man asked.
Close the door, son.- Uther told him, with a very serious tone on his voice.
The prince was confused by the order but he immediately knew his father had to tell him something very important. So he closed the great door and approached him.
Do you remember 2 years ago… when the black dragon came?- the king asked his son.
Yes, father.- Arthur remember very clear that day.- He still haunts my dreams. That's by we must kill it before he hurts innocent people.
He is not only a danger to our people, he is a symbol of rebellion.- his father added, looking at him. He show him the box.- If he dies, he would become a martyr to the magic users. His death will bring more destruction and war.
So, what do we do father?- the prince said, very worried.
He must be restrained. Chained. Be an example that magic can be locked and punished.- Uther told him, handing the wooden box to the young man.- Inside of this box, lays the key to control the beast.
Arthur saw with horror the wooden case. Uther opened it and showed him what was inside.
A metal collar and two cuffs lay. They had very odd markings on them, like an ancient language, but the metal was almost as new as the day they were forged.
The man, who puts the collar on the beast, will be able to control his magic.- his father told, with an expression that make shiver go through his body. His father, the king, the man who claimed magic was evil, wanted him to imprison such a dangerous magical creature?
Today, you will march to the woods. You will capture the beast. You will bring him to the castle. And, after you put him the collar, you will show to all Camelot how you control the dragon.- Uther explained him, with a very dark expression.- YOU, my son, will show the Pendragon´s victory over magic.
####
The day was clear.
Merlin was enjoying the freedom of the skies. The clouds and the blue reminded him the good days.
Until, the smoke covered the sky.
Merlin nearly choked when he saw the smoke coming from the woods.
But he choked more when he saw it was coming from one of the druid's secret camps in the woods.
The knights of Camelot had attacked it.
####
Arthur heard the cry of the dragon. The monster was coming.
The prince´s heart was beating very fast as the black dragon approached. He had a murderous look in his almost human eyes. His soldiers were nervous, his own horse wanted to flee and the smoke was making him more difficult to catch his breath.
"PENDRAGON"- roared the beast, with fire coming out of his mouth.
Wait…- the prince ordered to his troops. The knights were insecure but held their places.- Wait…
The dragon was almost over them…
NOW!- Arthur shouted.
Three big nets were launched behind the troops, directly to the dragon. Merlin burned two of them, but he couldn't evade the last one. He was caught in mid air and his body impacted the ground.
Now, while he is down!- shouted the prince.
His troops charged, carrying nets, stakes and chains. Still dizzy for the impact, Merlin saw what they were trying to do and jumped onto his feet. He tried to fly but he found one of his wings was tangled in the net.
He spit a long flame towards his enemies, burning a few of them before the rest of the knights reached him. Many were carrying hooks, chains and shields to avoid the flames.
Lock his mouth!- Arthur shouted, jumping off his horse and grabbing one of the hooks.
"Coward!"- the black dragon roared.- "Killing innocent people to lure me to a trap!"
The prince said nothing.
"You are nothing more than a coward!"- the dragon continued, while throwing in the air a few soldiers who had tried to bound him with the hooks.- "You father is a murderer! And you are the same!"
The black dragon shot a bigger flame towards his enemies. The soldiers jumped away from being cooked alive. Many of the chains snapped as the great beast rise from the ground, ripping the net which kept his wing trapped.
Bind him!- Arthur shouted, throwing the hook towards the dragon´s mouth. But the metal bounced in the cheek of the animal. The black beast saw the prince and roared.
"I will never serve you!"- shouted the young dragon, preparing a second flame.
STOP, BEAST!- one the knights shouted.
Merlin nearly choked with his own flame when he saw the source of the voice. One the knights had a little druid in his arms, with a sword on the boy´s neck. The child was terrified so much that he couldn't move.
Sir. Ector, what are you doing?!- exclaimed the prince, horrified.
He is going to kill us all if we don't capture him now!- the knight said, desperate.- I pains me to do this, but is your chance to stop him!
"Let him go, coward!"-the black dragon roared.
Surrender or the boy will pay the price!- shouted one of the soldiers.
For a few seconds, no one moved. The prince looked at the dragon and then to the boy. The beast could easily use his magic to throw away the knight and then burn the rest of his enemies. But he could also accidentally cut the boy´s throat if he pushed the man.
For a very tense moment…
The Pendragon´s…- the black dragon said to Arthur.- Are cowards and killers.
The great beast lowered his head and let the fire in his mouth die.
The rest of the knights and soldiers saw it as a signal to bind the animal with chains and a muzzle. But Arthur was numb. This wasn't a victory.
This was a mockery of honor.
The beast is contained.- Leon informed him.- We can now go back to Camelot.
The dragon was held with chains that held his wings to his body. His mouth was held by a muzzle and he had chains in his front legs and neck, to pull him o rather to force him to walk.
What we do now with the druid?- one the soldiers asked, looking at the frightened child.
We can't let him live!- other of the knights said.
The black dragon struggled against his bounds when he heard the last comment. He wouldn't let them do it, even if it ruined his plan!
No…- the prince said.- Let him go.
But sir…
I said, let him go!- Arthur said seriously.- We have waste too much time and we must reach the castle before night.- he looked at the kid.- Get out of here.
Sir. Ector let go the child, who fell on his knees before running towards the woods.
Very soon all the magic users will run in fear.- the soldiers laughed, but Arthur didn't listen to them.
The chains were pulled by the soldiers and like a stubborn horse the dragon was dragged to Camelot.
The small child saw from behind the trees how their savior was taken towards his doom. A single tear was shed…
"I am sorry, Emyrs…"- whispered in his mind, Mordred.
####
Morgana nearly knock over her chair when she heard the screams coming from the window. Gwen barely caught the young woman when she fainted after seeing what was causing the commotion in the city.
The maid helped her friend to lie down on the bed, before running to the window. She gasped.
The black dragon… dragged in chains into the city, guarded by the soldiers and knights, with Arthur leading the group. The people were screaming, running or hiding into their houses. A few brave children left the security of their parents to see closer the great beast. One of them managed to touch the scales but he was snatched away by his angry mother.
Other habitants of Camelot weren't nicer (or brave) as the children. They started to shout, taunt and even insult the animal. One man managed to throw a tomato to the beast bound jaws, earning a few applauses and a shove from one of the knights.
Arthur urged the group to go faster, reaching the security of the castle before the crowd grew too big to be controlled. The guards closed the gates behind them, as the shouts of the habitants of Camelot increased.
The dragon was tired. He had been walking from the forest to the city and being a creature of air, it didn't helped either. But he didn't show, he wouldn't let the Pendragon have the pleasure to see him defeated. Meanwhile, he will play perfectly the part of the prisoner… until he sank his jaws into the body of the tyrant king.
Is the dragon secure?- asked the prince, while the guards dragged the still struggling animal into the dungeons.
Suddenly, the guards announced the presence of the king. Arthur tensed as his father approached to them.
He is chained and muzzled, my Lord.- Leon informed.- Even if he managed to break his bonds, his wings are tied up.
The king smiled, looking at the bound beast. It was hardly to believe the dragon had been a little, crying boy a few years ago. Well, magic could corrupt even the most innocent child.
Arthur, well done.- the older man said.
Thank you, father.- the prince answered feeling more insecure than proud.- Father, is this really necessary? There is no other way to contain the dragon? We could try to turn him into a human…
No, son. The beast is dangerous.- Uther said, firmly.- His magic must be contained to any cost.
Suddenly, a roar and screams of terror came from the dungeons. A few guards came out, screaming and with parts of their clothes on fire.
The dragon got free!- they shouted, while trying to put out the fire.
Is time.- the king said to his son.- Quickly, before he burns down the castle.
####
Merlin wanted to kill the guards, but he needed to reach the king first. So, after they led him into the dungeons, he took the opportunity to throw away the soldiers. With a strong swing of his neck, the man holding the muzzle went flying towards the rest of his companions.
He managed to get free from his chains, but his wings were too secure to open them. He didn't care. He only wanted to rip in pieces the king. He wanted to avenge his parent's lives!
The rest of the soldiers lock down the gates of the dungeons cutting his way out. He roared as he charged against the doors. He heard the king shouting orders to his soldiers.
Open the door!
With caring who had shouted the order, he jumped outside in the moment the doors opened. He saw the old king, watching him with the same look when he found his father… just before he cut him with a sword.
The dragon roared and he charged towards the king… when something push him behind. He had forgotten the chain around his neck!
A couple of brave- or very stupid- knights were stopping him from tearing apart the king.
Now, Arthur, do it now!- the old man commanded.
The prince didn't think twice. He grabbed the collar and run towards the mad dragon. The beast tried to crush him with his paw, but Arthur rolled away and jumped onto the dragon´s leg. The magic animal tried to bite him, but the chain around his neck- plus the knights combined force - kept him away from his target.
I am sorry…- the prince said, grabbing the collar.
####
Somewhere in the mountains, a gold dragon felt a chill in his old bones. A smaller white dragon cried.
####
The black dragon´s head was looking at the ground, like a mocking bow. A collar was placed around his neck. Also, two smaller cuffs were placed in his fronts legs. Most of knights and soldiers keep their distance from the beast, still unsure about his "domestication".
Well done, son.- the king said, looking pleased.- Tonight, we will announce the conquer of the most powerful weapon of magic. We will celebrate the capture of the Black Dragon.
The warriors cheered at the king´s speech. But Arthur wasn't celebrating. He could feel the anger and despair of the dragon´s eyes burning his soul.
"Coward"
But, unknown by the humans and the dragon a hooded person was looking at the scene. Someone who wanted the Pendragon´s line buried in the ground for their betrayal.
This… had become more interesting.- Nihume whispered.
Sorry for the delay. Inspiration is difficult to achieve.