Merlin hated dark places. He hated the cold. He hated the way the shades touched him, hands piercing the warmth of his skin. It reminded him too much of the Dorocha.
He knew where the shades were taking him. Tartarus; deepest hole in the Underworld. In his late night readings (that happened when he couldn't sleep) he came across some interesting topics. Deep into the night, and even to dawn, he read about the supposed prince of the Underworld, Mortius. The warlock had read the deity lived were no light ever would want to shine.
The shades around him were strong, as he fell limp in their grasp. Morgana had been right; come close to them and they would take him. They were moving, but Merlin was not sure in what direction. The shades' touch muddled his head. He felt just like he had when the Dorocha went through him; weak, powerless, cold, and frightened.
He wasn't sure how long it was, but suddenly he felt them stop. The shades disappeared, withering away. He was alone. Silence. He couldn't see or he couldn't hear anything. It made no difference when he closed his eyes, but in fact it looked brighter behind his closed lids. He tried to move, but found he couldn't. Fear was slowly creeping in.
The world stopped for a moment. Then the floor below him vanished, like dust in the wind. He fell.
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Morgana had explained to Arthur the plan many times. He still did not get it.
"We need a blood sacrifice to open the veil," she explained, as if to a small child. "We need an animal."
"That much I gathered," Arthur pouted angrily. "Doesn't it have to be a human sacrifice? And take place on the Isle of the Blessed?"
The shade of Morgana sighed. If she wasn't already dead, his questions would be killing her. "Arthur," she started slow, "Remember when the Dorocha attacked? Merlin and Lancelot sealed the veil be using an animal sacrifice. Don't you remember how one of your horses when missing? A blood sacrifice, Arthur. Animals have blood."
The king rolled his eyes. "What about the Isle of the Blessed? Don't we need to be there?"
Morgana swore she was getting a headache (shades didn't get them). How many times did she have to explain this? "Arthur," she said through gritted teeth, "I pulled you and Merlin through the veil, and we're not on the Isle. We just need a sacrifice to open it and me using magic (and powers of the dead), it will work."
"Then what are we waiting for?"
"You need to hunt something, but don't kill it. Just bring it back here."
"What should I bring? A deer, a rabbit, a fox, a-"
"Just go!"
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Merlin opened his eyes. He could not see. There was nothing everywhere. He summoned a light, but it did not appear, as when the Dorocha attacked. Sighing, he tried to stand up, but realized he couldn't tell if he already was. If this unknown scared him, it was nothing compared to what he felt next.
"Emrys," a voice hissed in his ear. He felt like he was drowning in the deepest lake, being thrown from the highest mountain, being plunged into complete darkness after just seeing the sun when he heard this voice. It was as if the darkness itself was speaking. "Magic itself. What brings you to my realm?" Merlin could not answer. "I see, too scared to scream. I have other ways."
Merlin felt a hand grab him. He was pulled down, even further, then it stopped. If it was possible, the world went darker. Hands gripped his face on either side. He heard words spoken. Then he was thrust into his mind.
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Mortius wanted power, in doing so he stole memories, the things that define us the most. He preferred those with magic's memory, as they are more enriched because their powers make them "see" more. He sought out shades with magic, the most powerful he could find. When they had brought him Emrys, he knew he should have more than his power. He should have Emrys.
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Merlin was forced to relive every moment of his life. Every happy moment, every tear shed, every shame felt, he watched again, not experiencing, but watching. Mortius was there too. He could sense the deity watching from the dark shadows. The warlock knew Mortius stole memories. Was this how?
Merlin watched his life. He watched himself grow up. He watched himself go to Camelot and meet Arthur. He watched as he slowly became his friend. He watched every adventure and every "prats" and "idiots" fly. He watched himself become a girl.
Merlin was pushed back out of his mind. He could feel Mortius' hands still on him. He quickly scanned his mind, finding that nothing out of the usual was missing from his memories. What had the deity done?
"Emrys," breathed the voice, "You are still alive. I cannot take you like this."
Merlin felt some relief; made he'd be let go. He wasn't reassured went the god's hands tightened around his face. He felt Mortius get closer to his face. "But I can make you mine. My property. Then I can take you."
"Galefs dahts kijs ahenes!" "Turn this mortal."
Merlin tensed. He shook. He felt his body changing, things coming in, others disappearing. His magic screamed. He couldn't make a noise. The nightmare wouldn't end. Minutes past, hours flew, but in reality it was only seconds.
Merlin stilled. He stopped thrashing. His body was different, but it was not an unusual feeling. He was actually quite used to this body.
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"Itheys geatds diugfs kilwa nameh sumama nehor thers!" cried Morgana, eyes flashing gold. She struck the rabbit's heart, piercing straight through to the makeshift stone altar. With the words, something changed. The world was quiet for a moment, then it happened. Screams filled the air. She backed up.
"Arthur, grab my hand," she demanded. The king shook his head with disgust. "Arthur, we haven't much time before shades start spilling out. If you walk through alone, you'll be trapped in there while sealing the veil. You walk through with a shade, you seal the veil and still have a chance of getting out."
Without an answer Morgana grabbed her brother's hand (more like ripped at his wrist) and pulled him through.
Sorry not that much happened in this one, I was pressed for time. Sooooo anyways I've noticed some people want this story to end with a female Merlin and some want a male Merlin. Well, I finally figured out how that could work! Shhhhhh...I'm not telling! It's gonna be a total plot twist! And also for those curious about the old man that keeps comig in...I still have no idea who he is either!
And, of course, thank you to Lady-Blade-WarAngel, Don-V, yanoe, gurrlife, Meegan, and Luka Knight for reviewing! Magical Unicorns to you! :D