Chapter 11

We all had known it, how many were down there I mean, so when we opened the door and there stood a mute with a gun raised to us…. Well we shouldn't have been that surprised. Not so surprised that Helen started screeching like a… like a banshee or something. Me? Yeah I just covered my ears, it hadn't been the first time one of these dolts put a gun to my head, but I couldn't focus with her screaming into my ear drum, and Percival? He just swung into action. One second he was right in front of me, the next he was wrestling the guy to the floor. This went on until finally, Elena grabbed Helen, twirled her around and slapped her, hard and loud. She shut up and I used my magic to get the gun, glanced at Daegal who stood there in shock, I rolled my eyes at him, awkwardly holding the gun in my hands and bellowed out, "Percival I've got it!"

In a flash, Percival flipped the guy over on his back and had him in a choke hold, "Thanks, Merlin," he laughed.

"Thank Elena, she got the shrieking to stop," I grinned. The guard passed out and Percival stood back up and glanced at me, "Firstly, you're holding that wrong," he snorted, "And, secondly, if she keeps doing that, I'm locking her up in a closet and leaving her here," he pointed at her shaking his head.

I turned around to look at Helen, "I concur."

She squeaked, looking shaken, and Elena just shrugged at me, "I don't know what got into her."

"He had a gun!"

I scratched my head, "Helen, if you can't control yourself even just enough to stop screaming, it's going to be a problem. I get that you're scared, we all are, but you have to suck it up for now, once we get back home you can scream as much as you want but not right now."

Helen teared up and took several steps towards me, wrapping her arms on my waist and crying into my chest, I quickly shifted the heavy gun and was grateful to feel Percival tug it from my hand. I held her for a minute and patted her back, "I'm sorry, Helen, but buck up for now, alright?" She nodded into my chest and pulled back from me, wiping the tears off her face, "I'm sorry, I just suddenly got so scared. I'll do better I promise."

I nodded, "OK. How's your cheek?"

"Stings," she glared at Elena and in return Elena waved her hand exasparedly and answered, "What else would you have me do? I had to get you to be quiet somehow. Merlin couldn't even think!"

I ignored their bantering and turned to Daegal, "You alright, mate?"

He blinked and nodded slowly, "Shite just got real, huh?"

"Been real, mate," Percival answered, "Bout time the rest of you realized that. I know, Merlin's onboard, but are the rest of you still in this? Because if not, I don't see how it's going to work. We're not going to be able to do all the work ourselves. Everyone needs to play their part and be more useful than what just happened."

Daegal took a deep breath and steeled himself, "Yes," he said determinedly.

"Yes," Elena and Helen agreed.

"Alright then," I sighed, giving Percival a worried look, "Anything else we can take from that guy?"

Percival patted a gun, he'd shoved in his trousers and pointedly looked at a blade he had in his left hand, "Any of you know how to shoot?"

"I do," Elena answered, "Dad taught me."

Percival handed her the hand gun and then handed me the knife, "What am I to do with this?"

"Defend yourself," he answered.

"I'm not good with physical confrontations," I shrugged, "But I guess, I'll keep it just in case."

"You do that," he smirked.

"Anyways, two from the left, Helen, you good?" Percival gave her look.

She nodded, and I stiffened up, "Can hear 'em now. Percival get back in here." I shoved the knife in my back pocket and focused on engaging them with my empathy. I wrapped them up and felt them push back. Percival stepped back in the stairwell, and crouched by the door, gun ready, I followed his lead and everyone else crouched down too. I shook my head and began putting pressure on their shields, "Guide doesn't seem too tough," I murmured at Percival, breaking through them quickly.

"Whatever it is you're doing or going to do. Do it now," He hissed at me.

"I have no idea what I'm doing," I shot back, but focused negative emotion through to the guide and felt him struggling to repel me to no avail. He couldn't beat my mental blocks, I hadn't expected him to, I'd spent far too much time working them. I heard a yelp and a curse, then faster running, "The sentinel."

"I've got him," whispered Daegal, "Without his guide, it won't take much."

"What are you waiting for then?" Elena scolded. Seconds later we heard a thump and Percival peeked around the door and nodded, "This is much easier than I anticipated," he chuckled.

"Yeah, that's what I'd thought when I caused the car crash, but they still found me before I could get away properly," I sighed.

"You didn't have me then," he smiled, arching his brow.

I grinned back, "No, I guess I didn't."

"If you two would quit flirting, I think now's a good time to start getting out of this bloody stairwell," Helen huffed.

I rolled my eyes at her, "So commands the screeching banshee."

Percival snickered, "Come on then. Left for now?"

"Why not? It's not like we know where we're going anyway."

"Point," he nodded and stood up. I took a second of taking in our surroundings before joining him. Directly in front of the door, was a huge black pipe, that ran a long both ways, and turned at the end of the hall, together with other smaller ones near it, the right of the wall was bare, except for what looked like emergency lights and warning signs, fluorescent lights flickered in the ceiling, and I could see wiring dangling. The whole thing looked dreary and I shuddered, watching as Percival kept his back against the piping as he walked up. I followed suit, "Where the bloody hell are we?"

"That's what we're trying to find out."

"You realize you look like you're on some mission?" I snickered at him, "You remind me of the Call of Duty game characters walking like that."

"Did I mention I was recently discharged from the Army? I believe I did," he mumbled, "So shut up and follow the expert, will you?"

"There are way too many bossy people in this lot," I huffed back.

"There are three down that way, ae you sure this is the best way to go? You know they know we're coming," Daegal supplied.

"Exactly, which makes me think they're guarding something down this way, hence, why I picked left," Percival answered quietly.

"He's got you there, Daegal," I smiled, "Follow the expert for a reason, yeah?"

"Do you think they'll shoot at us?" Helen asked quietly.

"These guns are loaded with tranqs," Percival responded, "They're not shooting to kill, so don't worry."

"Right," she huffed, "Makes everything better."

"Don't know why you're so worried about getting shot," I muttered, "I'd be more worried about getting sold."

"Are you ready, Merlin? Don't think I'll get too far with them, if you're not."

"Never fought a wizard, but I'll do my best," I answered, "Just focus on not getting hurt."

"Already working on the guide," Elena answered, "Having a hard time of it, Daegal?"

"Same here, must be stronger than the last," he winced, "Fuck that hurts."

"You need to push harder," Helen grumbled, groaning.

"Shut up," Elena growled, "I'm trying to concentrate."

Percival gave me a curious look and I gave him a confused one in return. He stopped walking near the corner, cocking his gun and crouching. I followed his lead, as the sentinel rounded the corner enraged and snarling. Percival didn't hesitate, two shots directly at his chest, but it still wasn't fast enough, the sentinel reached for him but he rolled away in time and I scrambled back as the guard rolled around for Percival. I peered carefully around the corner only to stumble back at a blast from the wizard, I shook myself and raising my hand and focusing, "Here goes nothing," a created a fire and sent it blindly around the corner, before peering around, I hit a pipe and it was spewing steam. I couldn't see anything past it, I bit my lip and pressed against the wall as I crawled around the steam. I could feel the heat from it, but it didn't hit me so I avoided burning.

I caught sight of the guide first, kneeled down holding her head in her hands in pain and behind her the wizard a woman, holding her hand to her chest, she spotted me and raised her hand at the same time I did. Power emerging from us both, our magic hitting each other in the air. Hers burned red while mine glowed a deep violet. A battle of control and I was in no way certain I could win. I could feel the it burning through the air, cackling as we both intensified the energy we were expanding. I broke a sweat as I expelled my magic more than I ever had towards her, I could feel it in my veins in my breath. I should've been scared, but more than anything I felt free and I embraced that. Felt empowered by it, calmed by it. For the first time in my life, I was showing my empathy and my magic, fully and wholly without fear and damn if I was going to let her stop that. It felt too good. I felt the surge through my magic and with a cry I broke through her power and she crumbled to the floor. I gasped as I lowered my hand, taking deep gulps of air, I crawled to her and checked her pulse. Still alive.

I heard a click and looked up to see a door swinging open. A mute stepping out and I could hardly react as his fist landed on my jaw, I cried as I rolled on the floor, feeling his foot slam into my ribs and then I heard a loud bang and a shout and felt him topple on top of me. Another loud bang and another thump as the second mute who'd step out yelped and hit the floor. I cursed as I tried to remove the heavy body from on top of me. Unable to see what was happening, until someone shoved the body off of me.

"Merlin!" Helen cried as she threw herself on top of me, I hissed at the unneeded pressure placed on my abdomen, "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," I grunted, trying to sit up, "Helen, please." She eased up and I saw Daegal kneeling beside her, "Thanks," I groaned, "Fuck he hit me hard," I said rubbing my chin, "You two ok?"

"Yeah," he confirmed.

"Percival? Elena?"

"Right here," I looked up to see Percival inspecting the guards, taking more weapons, Elena stood shakily by the open door, "I shot them," she whispered at me worriedly.

"I told you they're tranqs," Percival sighed, "They're fine. Just sleeping."

"You're sure?" she said near tears.

"Yes, you can check them yourself," he answered.

She nodded and gave me a small smile, "Thank you," I told her.

"You ok, Percival?"

He stood up and turned to look at me, "Yeah, he passed out about 5 of minutes after I shot him, so he didn't do much damage. You?"

"I got a good kick in the ribs, but I don't think they're broken so I'm ok."

He reached his hand out to me and helped me stand as Elena said, "I saw what you did. Your magic. It was amazing."

I blushed at the words, "Thanks. That was a first to me," I grinned at Percival, "You missed the light show."

He shook his head and smiled back, "I'll catch the next one. Good thinking busting the pipe."

I laughed, "That was an accident."

"You know," Daegal started, "That guide was well trained and I'm assuming the one you took out was too," he eyed me carefully, "How on earth did you take the other one out so quickly by yourself?"

I shrugged at him, "Hell if I know."

"Well I'm glad everyone is ok," Helen added, "Now let's see what's in that room."

I winced a bit as I moved towards the door, Percival beating me through it. "Security room?" he questioned.

I looked around, seeing cctvs lined up on a desk, "Looks like it."

"A computer!" Daegal shouted excitedly and hurried to it, "Let's see…" he mumbled and set about toying with it. I peered at the screens, "I forgot I was supposed to be watching out for cameras, I spotted one in my room and burned it."

"I can understand how you may have gotten distracted," Percival said standing behind me, "Look over there. Looks like that might be a way out," he pointed at one that seemed to lead to a tunnel of sorts, being guarded by four people.

"Yeah, but to where?"

"I might have an answer to that," Daegal announced and we both turned to him, "I think we're here," he said pointing to a spot on a map he'd pulled up.

"Wales?" I furrowed my brow, "They've brought us that far already? How'd you figure that out?"

He smirked, "I know my way around a computer."

"Can you send someone a message?" I asked, "If we could tell Arthur…"

"I could send him an email with the information."

"Do that then."

"Sure, what's his email?"

I shrugged, "Dunno, known the guy less than a week."

He scowled at me, so I scratched my head, "We can send it to Lance instead, I'm sure Lance could reach him."

"Alright, what's Lance's?"

I smirked as I answered, "tolanceandbeyond. No spaces. Make sure you tell him it's from me and to tell him to tell Gwen about it. Oh and tell him that the knights better be on this or I'll curse them all for abandoning me."

"The knights?" Percival questioned.

"Long story," I answered.

"Any messages for your sentinel?" Daegal asked.

"Yeah, tell him he better get here soon. My patience is starting to wane a bit."

Percival snorted behind me, "Gee I wonder why."

"Let's get a move on," huffed Helen.

"Let him finish. Getting them here is our best shot," Elena said defensively.

I stretched a bit, wincing at the pain and ignoring it. I didn't have time to focus on those things. "Done," Daegal answered.

"Let's go then," I nodded.

"Give me a minute," he said, "I have to delete this." A few minutes later, he stopped and smiled, "I got a reply already. It's for you."

I walked over to the screen and looked.

Merlin!

It's Arthur. Are you ok? Well it's Arthur and co. We're all looking for you. Email is being traced as we speak and already have wales people on the line. Lance is currently confused as to how you managed to use the computer and write him an email. He said something about you and technology not being friends. Stay put. I'm already 100% sure you've managed to get yourself in trouble in order to send that email. I can't have you getting injured. You do realize I'm already a raging lunatic over here, don't you? Gwen is pissed that you didn't tell her about the guide thing, but that's a talk between you and her for another day and Morgana wants me to let you know that she knew about the wizard thing, but Mordred disagrees with that and says that if anyone knew anything it would be him. And he apparently, did know. We're on our way. Tell the people with you to find a safe place. We'll get to you. Gwaine wants you to know you're a git and Elyan says that if you don't get Helen's autograph for him his disowning you. Don't worry, I already told Elyan to fuck off, but I can't help but agree with Gwaine. Your uncle wants me to tell you to follow your instincts. They're there for a reason.

Morgause is dangerous. Stay the fuck away from her. She was institutionalized by my father for killing her father in front of her family, but I don't know who her family is. I haven't had a chance yet to find out. She has a long rap sheet. Murder, drug dealing, stealing. You name it, it's on there. She's managed to evade authorities for a while now. Not surprised that she's somehow involved.

I want you. I want you. Here. Now. And when I get my hands on you, you're not going anywhere. No, that's not a threat. It's a promise, because I know that you want me too. Even if you're too bloody scared to admit it and I'm probably going to end up ripping the heads off of everyone there for just looking at you. I need you with me, Merlin. It's suffocating without you. I can hardly breathe. Don't worry. I'm staying as sane as I can in this situation. Fuck. Just stay safe. Don't be stupid and stay the fuck safe. If something happens to you, I won't be accountable for my actions. That is a threat. I have one of your scarves wrapped around my face. Just so I can smell you and try to stay calm.

I will see you soon.

-Prime Sentinel Arthur Pendragon

"Do you want to answer back?" Daegal asked.

"Can I?"

"We don't have time for this!" Helen groaned.

"Let him answer," Percival sighed.

Daegal stood up, "Type away."

I looked at the key board and sat down.

Arthur,

Tell Elyan he can get it from her himself and I'm beginning to wonder why he likes her. She's proving herself to be a pain. Tell Gwaine he can suck it and tell Lance that I'm going to make him teach me more about this stupid shite, because, apparently, computers can be useful. Who knew?

Tell Gwen, I can't wait until she sits me down to have a long conversation about why I did what I did. I look forward to being forced to talk about things I don't want to. I'm not at all cringing at the mere thought of how that's going to go.

Also, Mordred probably did know something and if he knew something… Everyone there knows he would've told Morgana about it. Wanker can't keep his mouth shut around her.

Do me a favor and tell my uncle that I have no instincts and if he starts rambling about destiny and fate throw something at him for me. Because that is in no way helpful to me right now.

I am not currently in her presence any longer and if I can help it, I'll avoid her. She did seem insane after all.

I'm ok. Not injured. Well, some scrapes, but nothing big. Don't send me another email, because I can't stay where I'm at right now and I have not gotten myself in much trouble so far. Also, Percival is here with me. Did I tell you he was in the military? He's brilliant. Knocked a couple of guys out in 5 minutes and he's funny. I know the crew would like 'em, which also means you probably would too.

A scarf? Really? You're a fucking creep, Arthur. CREEP. I mean that. I really do. If I find my pants on your head, I'm disowning you. I don't give a shite if you're my sentinel, you fucking creep.

Yeah, I'll admit that I might miss you. Just a little. I think I've so far proven, you can't make me do anything I don't want to… That being said, I think I might want to be by you and maybe, MAYBE I'll admit to not wanting you to let me go. Only if you behave though.

Also, fuck you. Just because I can, I'll say it again. FUCK. YOU. I'm not just going to sit around like a little princess waiting for you to find me. I'll stay safe, but I'm not just going to twiddle my thumbs here either. So far, I've been doing well.

Yeah, I fucking better see you soon, you fucking tosser.

-The indestructible force, a.k.a. Merlin

"How do I send this?" I asked.

"By hitting the send button," Daegal laughed and reached over, "Move I have to delete all of this."

"Thanks," I said, standing back up, "Everyone ready?"

"As ready as we'll ever be," Elena answered.

"One minute," Daegal murmured.

Percival eyed me curiously, before grinning at me, "Had a nice chat?"

I grinned back, "Called him a creep."

He laughed and shook his head, "Sounds like a great guy."

"A nightmare with a good ending, I hope," I answered shrugging lazily.

"You're smiling, but your description of him is horrendous," Elena arched her brow at me.

"Well, I might give a better one, once I get to know him, but I don't think I'd be in this mess if he never showed up, then again, I might be worse off if he never showed up. I don't know."

"Makes a little more sense," Daegal added, standing up, "This whole thing has been a nightmare. How'd you guys meet anyway?"

"He showed up on the pretense of looking for a guide in my home town," I sighed, "He was actually hunting down a guide-wizard that unscrupulously people were also looking for, and both those things turned out to be me. I knew as soon as I saw him and I tried to stay the hell away from him, but I couldn't and then they attacked one of my friends, and I traded places, and now, here I am."

"Here you are," Percival nodded, heading for the door, "Now here we go."

"Yeah," I nodded. Following him out the door and down the hallway, he crept along the side, but I found it pointless this time and just kept pace with him until we reached wherever he was leading us to. Which was apparently what he and I had spotted on the cctv. Four guards. One a wizard. Two sentinels and a guide.

Perfect.

"Reinforce your shields," I whispered to them, "I'm about to do something I'm not entirely sure I can control."

Everyone nodded and I focused on the four guards, expanding my empathy and swallowing them whole in it. I felt them, pushed against the four at once, I closed my eyes and breathed heavily, then began breaking through the shields. I heard steps and shouting. A gun going off, but it was all background noise now. I was engrossed in what I was doing. I wasn't attacking them, but I was sending a strong suggestion, that they were all very, very exhausted. So exhausted they could barely keep their eyes open. So tired that they just couldn't stay awake a moment longer, they needed to sleep. I pushed the feeling intensely to them. Forcing it through every mental block they had, until I felt it sinking in. I marveled at the feeling of my empathy. Part of me wanted to keep going, to keep reaching until I hit my limit, but somebody shoved my shoulder and I knew it was time to pull back. Reel it all back in. I bit my lip, wishing I didn't have to, but doing it all the same.

"Merlin?" I heard Deagal's voice break through as I began to focus my mind again to my surroundings, "You realize you're smiling?"

I slowly opened my eyes, "I've never been able to use my empathy before. It felt amazing, not keeping it bottled up like usual," I sighed, "Almost like finally being able to stretch a limb that I've kept bent for too long."

He gave me an odd look, "You aren't a regular guide, are you?"

I frowned, "I thought we already established that."

"Yeah, 'cause of the wizard thing, but that's not what I meant. I mean you are really powerful. I felt you. Your empathy," he stopped, taking a breath, "I don't even know how to describe it. I never felt anything like that. You just enveloped us and I suddenly felt safe, assured somehow. I don't know. What are you?"

I shrugged and stood up, "I don't know and now isn't exactly the time to find out," I looked around, "It worked then?"

"Yeah, but I shot them all with the tranqs just in case," Percival answered, shoving a small hand gun at Helen. She squeaked, but took it, looking at it wearily, "Here, you two take one too."

I shakily walked over to him, Daegal trailing me and took it, "I really don't know what you expect me to do with this."

"Aim for the chest. Largest part, more of a chance you won't miss," he answered.

"Right," I shrugged, "Whatever."

"Don't hold it like that," Elena frowned, and held her gun up, "Like this." I mimicked her and shrugged again, "Better?"

She smiled, "Yes." We walked to the cage door they were guarding and Daegal reached for the handle, before frowning, "Anyone know how to pick a lock?"

"Merlin, I think this part is on you," Percival patted my shoulder.

I grinned a whispered the spell. Daegal opened the door to what looked like a dark, old tunnel. Percival whistled, "Ladies and Gent's, let the game begin," he announced, cocking his gun and stepping through.

"Yeah, whoop-de-do," I said following him in.

A/N: It's like they open one door... and then there's another... and another... and another...

Anyways, happy holidays!

I don't celebrate, but I think it's nice that other people do.

Hope you enjoy this update!