Chapter 16: Coming Home

It was all a blur. I was taken to real medical professionals. Given x-rays and test. Turns out I did have a couple of cracked ribs and fractured leg, my doctor marbled at how I had been able to walk on it. He assumed it was sheer adrenaline. Thankfully, Gaius stepped in and healed some of it with potions and magic, but they didn't want to over stress my body and decided that everything else had to heal naturally, both of them told me I wasn't allowed to do anything strenuous for the next several weeks. Arthur made a face then sighed and pulled Gaius to the side asking him a question that made the both of them blush.

I asked them both what was said, but neither would tell me. I let it go. At this point I wasn't sure I cared. I was way more concerned about my school work. I was in AP classes and I didn't know how far behind I would be when I got back, even though Gaius told me not to worry.

I told Arthur about Edwin and he calmly told me he'd been apprehended a short time after he'd dropped me off. Very easy to track down a guy with his description, blowing money left and right.

I was grateful to be back in Albion, even though I was stuck in a hospital. I wasn't alone though, since everyone came to visit, but my parents still hadn't been located and Gaius was very concerned. Arthur agreed to have a team look for them for us. I cried when he told me. I've been terrified for months about their wellbeing I just wanted to know if they were ok.

I've been crying a lot since we came back.

I cried when I saw all my friends and when I saw all of my new friends. I cried when I was told I was back in Albion and when I woke up and saw Arthur next to me. I cried after the doctor told me my diagnosis and after Gaius gave me a hug and told me he took the liberty of moving my stuff in and organizing my new room and when Arthur said he was staying with me and that I couldn't be a bed hog. I cried when Mordred told me that he didn't care how young they both were, he was "putting a ring on it" and "locking Morgana down" because he loved her and after seeing what I went through, he didn't want to risk her ever doubting how he felt, but he was waiting until after I got out of the hospital so I could be there. I also cried when Gwen cried at my state and when I word vomited everything to her like I always did.

I cried about my friend who died. Even though she didn't care about me in the end. I still loved her and all our memories.

I cried so much that the doctor had me doing therapy, with both a guide and a regular therapist.

I told them everything, too. They said I was traumatized. Something which I pointed out that I already knew. Arthur didn't leave my side. Rumor had it that his dad came to town, to deal with the mess and to meet me, but Arthur had kept him away. He didn't want me to get anymore stressed. He was keeping a lot of things from me. Normally, that would make me mad, but I knew he'd tell me once I got better.

Gaius gave me sleeping draughts. I kept waking up in the middle of the night, freaking out that I was still in the kidnapping nightmare. I was having a hard time convincing myself that it was all over. It had to be. "Ssh, Merlin, I'm here it's ok," became a recurring saying from Arthur as he soothed me back to sleep.

We hadn't kissed since I'd come back. My jaw was sore from at some point injuring it. I still wanted my fucking kiss, but I didn't push it.

Not yet.

I was in the hospital for two weeks before I was released. Bed rest and pills. It was a struggle to get me up and dressed. My body was still really sore and bruised. Arthur and Gaius had been helping me stay washed up, which was embarrassing in its own right, but the drugs helped deal with that kind of thing.

The teachers allowed me to study at home and have Gaius turn in my work for me. Admittedly I needed help with it more than I wanted, but I had been off since coming back. Way off, I was having a really hard time focusing. It was hard getting back into the swing of things.

Arthur had bodyguards stationed outside of the house. Gaius was severely annoyed by them but told me he was holding his complaints in until I got better. He said I'd more than proven my ability to defend myself and that I didn't need such things.

Arthur had said that until I was bonded there was no way that would let up.

I didn't care.

About a week and half after getting home, Arthur left quietly one morning telling me he'd be back in two hours at the latest. I assumed it had something to do with his father.

I was alone for the first time. I used magic to dress myself and snuck out of bed by myself. It hurt, but I didn't care. Laying in bed all day wasn't my thing. I stumbled into the living room and made my way outside. Immediately, stopped by some guard as I closed the door.

"Sir? Are you to be out of the house by yourself?"

I snorted, "I have every right to be anywhere and everywhere by myself. Either let me be or I'll turn you into an ant."

He flinched and stepped back as I used a cane the doctor had given me to take several steps towards the sidewalk. Surrounded by body guards almost immediately. "Uh-uh nope. You all better leave me alone or this is not going to work."

"We have orders-"

"I don't give a fuck about any orders you may have. I'm taking a walk and I'm doing it by myself."

The bodyguards all looked at each other.

"We are not allowed to leave you by yourself."

I sighed, "I will stun all of you if you don't leave me alone."

"But sir."

"You have three seconds to back off."

"Sir, you have to understand.."

"One," I counted.

"We were ordered by the king…"

"Two."

"To stay by your side."

"Three," I stunned all of them and started walking away. It would wear off in about twenty-minutes. More than long enough to get to where I wanted to go. It wasn't far and it was one of my favorite places when I was a kid.

It was about half a mile out of town in the woods, a cave. Our first find of the knights of Camelot. We wrote all our names in it and came back here every so often. It took me longer than usual to get there. I had to go way slower after all. I climbed in it and started a fire and closed my eyes.

After all this time my parents had been MIA. It was wearing on my mind. Morgana had been Morgause's half-sister. She was terrified of the thought, but I had told her it was important to get to know her. For her own mental health.

I laid down on the ground and took deep breaths. I could feel the comforting energy of the place I called home. I was a wizard.

I was a guide.

I pressed in all of my negative emotions into the ground and felt the earth accept all of my doubts and fears and pains. I felt better. Lighter almost.

"What are you doing?"

My eyes opened and I saw Arthur standing in the cave opening, "You ran away again," he frowned.

"I didn't run away," I sat up slowly, "This is just one of my spots. I used to come here when I was upset and just let everything go, so that's what I was doing."

He came inside and sat down, "One of your spots?"

"Mordred and I found it when I first moved here."

He studied our writing on the wall and shook his head. I patted the floor next to me, "You froze the guards."

"It was only temporary."

"I get that you're feeling stressed, but we aren't bonded and the world knows about you now. It's dangerous."

"I can defend myself."

"You can," he agreed, "But I don't want you to have to."

"You can't keep me in a box," I frowned, "I can't fit in one."

"I'm not trying to," he bit his lip and let out a sigh, "You can go anywhere you want."

"I just have to be followed by ten plus people."

"Pretty much."

"And if we're bonded?"

"I could cut the number down."

"Cut the number down?"

"I always have bodyguards, too and I'm not weak myself you know."

"I guess."

"It's the price of being royalty."

I groaned, "I am so not royalty."

"You are now, Mr. Alpha guide-wizard."

I fidgeted and sat up and looked at him, "Can I ask you a serious question?"

He arched a brow at me, "What is it?"

"Why haven't you kissed me since I came back?"

His eyes went wide, "I didn't want to push you. We didn't exactly get a chance to really get to know each other and then you went through all of this," he waved his hands in the air, "Do you want me to?"

I rolled my eyes, "I'm not a frail little flower and I just fought tooth and nail to get back to you. I think I earned myself at least a kiss from my sentinel, don't you think?"

He snickered, "You earned far more than that," he leaned in and gave me a slow, soft kiss. Molding his lips into mine. I felt him center me and the decision in my mind was made. As he pulled away I smiled.

"When I heal," I whispered, "We are so bonding."

"Are we?" he laughed, eyes twinkling.

"Yes," and then I bit my lip, "But I'm definitely going to need some lessons to be a good guide. I have no idea what I'm doing half the time."

"That could be easily arranged."

"Gaius can teach me magic though. I don't need help with him around."

"Alright."

"I have another question."

"Go on."

"Your father…"

"Yes, he came to visit and wanted to meet you, but I put him off, because as much as I love him, he can be off putting and demanding. I'm sure you'll meet him soon enough though."

"Ok, but that wasn't my question."

"Oh? What is it then?"

"What does he think of me?"

"He's impressed and excited to meet you. Has some commendations lined up and prepared to shove down your throat regardless of what you may want."

"Oh good," I mumbled.

"Don't worry about what he wants or thinks. He'll love you and he'll have to deal with everything you bring to the table. You're family."

"Family…."

"Your parents?"

"You haven't said anything."

"I guess I should tell you, we did find them."

"Really?"

"Yes, on their way. It's supposed to be a surprise, but I think you've worried enough about them."

I sighed audibly, "They're ok then."

"Yeah, just lost deep in some forest for a long time, tracking down a rare dragon. They've been in there for a long time."

"8 months. It's been 8 months since last contact."

He placed his arm gently over my shoulders, "I didn't know that."

"I know. No-one knows that."

"Why do you keep that kind of thing to yourself?"

"I don't want to worry anyone unnecessarily," I sighed, "Why would I put that stress on people I love?"

"Like how your parents do to you?"

"They don't do it on purpose," I argued quietly.

"I know," he nodded, "You know, you worry me unnecessarily."

"Nu-uh," I nudged him.

"Yeah-huh," he said reaching over to nibble on my ear.

I blushed and snuggled as closely to him as I could, "I want to be a doctor."

"I'm not stopping you."

"Actually, it's between that and a rodeo clown in America, I haven't decided yet."

He laughed, "I could see you do that. Not sure how well the clown thing would go over with my dad."

"You said he'd have to deal with whatever I bring to the table."

"And he will."

"I need help with my homework," I whispered, "I'm catching up, but it's hard to get my head into it and I know it's important. I know, but I can't seem to focus on it."

"I'll help you. I'm a lot smarter than you give me credit for."

"You don't think I'm stupid?"

"Of course not. I think you've made some really stupid decisions, but I don't think you're a stupid person in general."

I rolled my eyes, "Thanks Arthur. I can feel the love here."

He grinned, "What? I'm proud of my guide, he's a warrior if there ever was one."

"I'm a mess is what I am."

"It'll get better, Merlin."

My eyes started tearing up, "I don't know. Maybe I'm like Morgause now, maybe I'm not fit to be a guide."

"Don't be stupid. Morgause is violent and dangerous. All she has is anger and hate. You are entirely the opposite. You're love and happiness. Sunshine and rainbows and unicorns," he whispered.

"You're just saying that because you're my sentinel."

"The doctors would've noticed if you were unfit to bond."

"I killed someone."

"To protect the people you love."

I sat upright, "I want to meet your dad."

"What?" Arthur followed me stunned, "Merlin, I don't think now is the right time."

"Now is the perfect time," I stood up unsteadily, "I need an impartial third party's opinion and I have a lot of questions for him anyway."

"Merlin, I don't think you're thinking straight right now."

"I think I'm thinking a lot clearer now actually! Where is he? What's his name again?"

"Uther," he shook his head, "And I think this is a terrible idea."

I stumbled out of the cave to see several body guards pouting at me. "Seriously?" I looked at them, "I'm sorry, guys! But I did warn you and can you blame me? I was going stir crazy, I needed some alone time and fresh air!"

"You didn't have to stun us," one grumbled.

"You wouldn't listen."

"It was embarrassing," another one called out.

"Ok," I shrugged, "Next time I'll try to pick something less embarrassing?"

"There won't be a next time," Arthur groaned, "Please don't make there be a next time."

"Whatever! Get me Uther Pendragon! Stat!"

"What? Wait, Merlin, we aren't done talking about that."

"Yes, we are because I already decided and if you don't help me I'm going to find him myself. Not to mention that would be just plain mean of you considering I'm injured."

He slowly placed his arms around my waist and pulled me to his back, laying his head on my shoulder, "I'll help you, I just want you to make sure you know what you're getting into."

"Whatever it is, I'm sure you'll help me through it," I said confidently.

"No running away."

"I'll do my best not to."

"Merlin," he huffed, "I'll find you wherever you go. There's no point in running anymore."

"I bet I could give you a run for your money."

He lifted up his head, "I wasn't giving you a challenge, Merlin!"

I pouted, "You're no fun."

He placed his chin on my shoulder, "You really want to meet my dad?"

"Yes," I said firmly, "Yes, I really do."

"Why?"

"I want to ask him about Morgause and I want to ask him if he deems me fit to mate. Besides, he's your dad, I have to meet him eventually. Why not do it now?"

"If you weren't fit to mate, don't you think I would notice?"

"Maybe or maybe you're so blinded by my greatness that you don't know left from right anymore."

Arthur was silent for several seconds before saying, "If it'll honestly quell some of your fears I'll call him and ask him to meet up somewhere, but firstly you have to answer some questions."

I stiffened, "What questions?"

"Did you eat after you got up?"

I bit my lip, "Uh…"

"Take your medicine?"

"Err…"

He rolled his eyes, "You aren't meeting my dad without doing those things first and changing. Your clothes are filthy now."

"Only if you help me change," I smirk, "I like how you ogle me up."

"Merlin's a tease," he snickered, "Who'd have thought it?"

"You make me feel unafraid to be daring," I shrugged, "And like I'm losing my mind. It's really confusing."

He snickered, "Maybe you're the one blinded."

"Maybe," I nodded seriously.

He let me go and took my hand, "Come on, let's go home and get straightened out and then I'll call him up, deal?"

"Deal," I nodded and let him lead me back. My new entourage following behind.