Hello dears!

Here, Chapter 3~~ I... think you really need to read Explanation if you haven't until now, or else you will really be confused XD Don't worry though, someone suggested that I put it in my profile, and while I do prefer if people takes the time to check my AO3 and/or Tumblr, I also try to make things easy ;) So, Explanation is on my profile now.

Pairing: Merlin/Arthur. Background Gwen/Lancelot.


The Divine Battle

Chapter 3: Meeting at Avalon.

Lancelot prided himself with being a great knight, full of honour, fairness and self-control. However, when Merlin announced they were going to Avalon to meet Gods, he could only react in one way.

"What?"

And of course, Merlin had been right. Lancelot did almost fall off his horse. The Warlock hid his laughter behind a cough, before explaining what happened when he had woken up-well, when he had been woken up.

"This is… This is amazing!" Lancelot exclaimed in awe.

Merlin grinned. "I know! I would have never thought I would meet Gods one day!"

The Knight smiled softly at his friend, happy to see the joy in his gaze. He knew his secret battles to protect their King made Merlin tired mentally, and sometimes physically; and Lancelot felt sad when he saw the slight depression Merlin sometimes allowed.

Yet, the quick talk with the two Gods had lifted Merlin's spirits remarkably; and it was all Lancelot could have hoped for.

With a smirk at Merlin, Lancelot called for a race; and soon enough the sounds of their horses galloping echoed into the forests.


Merlin widened his smile as they broke out the trees to find Lake Avalon. His magic boiled into his body, happy to be finally here. His ocean blue eyes fell on the Lake, and he blinked in surprise as he saw not only Freya waiting for them, but also Will and his father.

Merlin dismounted, Lancelot doing the same and taking the horses. "Not that I am unhappy to see you, but what are you two doing here?" Merlin questioned his best friend and the deceased Dragonlord.

Will huffed. "Bloody Morgana happened!"

Balinor threw a look at Will, silently telling him to calm down. "Once she summoned the Tripe Goddess, the Isle became tainted by the force of evil. We couldn't stay there. Gratefully, Avalon allowed us to come here." The man explained.

A small growl escaped Merlin. Freya placed a soothing hand on his arms. "Don't worry. I feel angry two that one of the two places of Magic had been tainted, but at least the forces of good are safe here." She reassured.

Merlin nodded, smiling faintly. "Thanks." Then he got curious. "You three know why I'm here?"

They nodded. "I have to say, you really make awesome friends, Merlin!" Will grinned.

Merlin laughed; glad to be able to joke with his childhood friend. "Well, I'm not sure they are all so awesome…" He teased with mischievousness.

Will made a sound of protest and punched his arm. Freya, Balinor and Lancelot laughed; feeling glad to share a light moment in the dark moments to come.

Eventually, the Lady of the Lake sobered, and stepped back from the Lake. The three other men followed her, eyes falling on Merlin.

The young Warlock gulped, a bit nervous. His friends offered him smiles of encouragement, Freya gesturing toward the Lake.

Merlin breathed in, before stepping inside the Lake. He shivered slightly as the cold water licked his boots, his eyes searching around. His magic coiled and surged, almost… calling.

Merlin gasped as the Lake started to glow. Power thrummed into the area, so great even Lancelot felt it. Lighting-like blue energy traveled around Merlin. The young man felt his eyes close as he breathed in the powerful magic.

Suddenly, two power sources tugged at his magic. Before Merlin could react, his own magic welcomed the two powers with open arms.

Easy, child. Do not worry.

Merlin recognized immediately the voice. He grinned, relaxing as he allowed the two Gods closer to his soul.

That's it! The Link is almost complete!

Merlin laughed joyfully at the excited male. His friends looked perplexed, as none could hear the Gods; but they could guess why Merlin reacted this way.

Merlin felt the moment the two Gods connected with his soul. A rush of magic wrapped the Lake, while Merlin swayed as if drunk. His eyes opened, and he tilted his head in confusion as he saw… nothing.

Where are you?

We are here… in spirits. Our body can't quite yet cross into the mortal world. The woman explained with slight sadness.

It felt obvious to Merlin the Gods felt as sad as him to have to wait more. So the Link isn't enough?

Sadly, no. The Link is only the first step. With this Link, we can talk whenever we want. Your soul needs to get used to us before you can summon us.

Alright. I can see why. Indeed, Merlin could almost kneel over from the power he felt so close to his soul.

The woman chuckled. Do not worry, though. The Triple Goddess are also at a stop. While Morgana did summon her, it is different from how you will do it. Morgana used dark magic-blood magic. The Triple Goddess are here physically, but their magic has been… drained you can say. They need to wait before having their full powers.

Merlin shuddered at the idea of blood magic. All kind of ritual came into his mind, and he really preferred not knowing. He heard the man made a sound of agreement. Then, Merlin frowned.

Couldn't we attack while they are like that?

That would be suicide. They are still Goddesses. Only the powers of another God could help you. Problem is, we also need time to help you correctly.

Merlin sighed. And I bet it will be enough time for them to be stronger?

Indeed. This is now a game of patience. We can only hope you will be able to summon at least one of us before the Triple Goddess have enough powers to attack themselves.

And be careful, we have no doubt Morgana and they will also try to weaken Camelot before their assault. It wouldn't be the first time Morgana hires mercenaries, right?

Merlin groaned. He had not been foolish enough to believe it would be easy; but he also had hoped it wouldn't be that hard. Merlin would have to protect Camelot from mercenaries, Morgana and power-crazy Goddesses.

Just the usual, right?

Thanks for the warning. I guess Lancelot and I should head back for Camelot?

Merlin didn't wait for the positive answer he had expected before walking out of the Lake. He met the four pair of eyes full of curiosity and gave them a smile.

Oh, I was wondering…

Yes?

Can I know… your names?

Merlin stopped in his steps with a slight wince when the man cursed petulantly.

The woman coughed. What my friend meant to say is, we would love to; but our names are the door to our summoning. Names have powers; and once you find in your soul our name, it will be then that we can cross into your world.

Merlin thought of that, tempted to try and look for their name into his soul. But he felt the berating waves coming from them, and knew it was too early-even for Emrys. He thanked them mentally, before focusing back on his friends.

Seeing the expectant and puzzled look on their faces, Merlin blushed. It seemed like he actually day-dreamed when he talked to the Gods.

I need to find a way to stay focused; or else I will never hear the end of this from Arthur.

The two Gods went into fits of laughter, deeply amused by Merlin's dry comment. Good luck, child, good luck!

To be continued…