Approaching the source of this latest disturbance, the four venture to a land known to the world as just a myth...but clearly real

Glad to be back! College is a bitch you guys, hope you had a great Holiday season so far. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays in general :D (I guess now it's Boxing Day haha)

Approaching the end of the 2nd act, it's crazy how fast this has gone

Not beta'd we go in like wild fire!

The three of them were pleasantly shocked to see what Mordred had concocted in his room which was essentially some kind of makeshift laboratory.

"Wait wait wait…you made all of this?!" Morgana was dumbfounded.

"…And I thought you were obsessed with technology…" Merlin muttered, to which Morgana slapped his arm.

"What are they?" Arthur didn't know what the hell these things were necessarily. They just looked like generic modern gadgetry to him.

"Well, we have here an electric stun baton, some night vision goggles, a heavy-duty breastplate, a makeshift riot shield and oh a drone that can shoot lasers and zap you with electricity." Mordred looked pretty proud of himself.

Everyone else just looked at him in disbelief. Well damn…

"I-I well okay…I guess you can come." Morgana was pretty unsure but she can't deny his talent with gadgets. Some of them even looked useful for her, such as the night vision. Using less magic to help her see in the dark is crucial for her nowadays.

Arthur was eyeing that shield and baton, figuring it shouldn't be all that different from his sword and shield…he hopes.

Merlin just looked at everything with clear distrust and a hint of disdain…he didn't realize technology had advanced this far this fast since the 60s…he should have known better obviously but still. He kept himself out of world affairs for a reason. He knew he'd be disappointed.

To think that Mordred could just scrapple whatever together and make decent weapons should be appalling. But alas Merlin felt the point was made, and they were wasting time.

"Fine, now can we get a move on?" Merlin left the apartment complex back to their car to drive towards an open field away from the city in order to summon Cynfab.

Once everyone was settled in the vehicle Arthur asked "So where exactly are we going that's got you spooked?"

Merlin answered tensely "The disturbance I felt from the Earth is directing me towards the Mediterranean region. I'll know more the closer we get to it.

Arthur hummed, knowing the region from his studies both old and new. He wonders what could be the issue that's got Merlin and Morgana so…to say 'unnerved' would be an understatement.

Mordred just made sure his drone was securely tucked way safely in his arm bag and his breast plate was the perfect fit…well duh. He made it so of course it was his size.

Morgana steadied her breathing; this would not be easy for her. But she refused to be left behind again, especially now with Arthur tagging along. She wouldn't be outdone by him!

"So you're calling Aithusa Merlin?" Mordred asked.

"No…you two have her busy. I'll be calling her son, Cynfab."

"Oh, what's he like?"

"You'll see soon enough." They could both hear the mischief in his voice…great…

"Good god…" Arthur couldn't believe the size of this dragon. "He's Aithusa's son…?"

"Her first born yes. Hello again Cyn, I'm sorry to have disturbed your rest my boy." Merlin told his grandson.

"Boy?" Arthur whispered to Morgana, who just waved him off.

"It is fine father…I felt it as well. Had you not summoned me I would have come to you myself." Cynfab lowered himself to allow them passage onto his back. He turned his gaze over to the other two in attendance. "Arthur Pendragon...?"

"Um...hello...?" Arthur slowly waved.

Cynfab merely stared back unblinkingly, causing Arthur to sweat.

"You're mother and I are...acquainted." It'd be weird to call Aithusa a friend, she wasn't.

Cynfab's gaze returned to Merlin who nodded his head, causing the Dragon to sigh and lower his neck.

Merlin helped Morgana get on first, he got in behind her keeping her secure in his arms. The witch in question looking amused at Mordred and Arthur's wary expressions at the Dragon hybrid.

"Sometime this hour would be lovely boys." She called out.

That shook off their inaction and they began to climb on Cynfab's back using his scales to help. Both keeping their equipment securely on them.

"Try and make haste Cyn, the sooner we get there the better."

"Yes father.

As they soared through the night sky, Arthur had to calm his heartrate.

He's riding on a dragon…

Arthur Pendragon son of Uther the slayer of dragons is riding a dragon…

Wow the buildings and trees look so…tiny…

"Try not to puke Arty dear." Morgana taunted.

"Cynfab right? So if Aithusa is your mother, who is your father?" Mordred asked the noble beast.

"My father is here of course little druid." Cynfab retorted.

"Huh? Oh." He was talking about Merlin.

"I believe he speaks of your sire Cyn. I can answer that." Merlin slightly turned his head sideways to look at Mordred while keeping his grip on Morgana. "Da-Fu. The Great Dragon of the East. A beautiful and mighty Dragon that unfortunately did not live to see the births of his children. Truly he and Aithusa were a wonder to behold when they first met."

Mordred nodded, hearing the melancholy in Merlin's voice.

Morgana gently rubbed Cyn's scales, she thought about what they could be facing pretty soon. Was she really in over her head? Merlin's hand gently came to her waist as he leaned forward to give her extra warmth.

"You can still stay with Cyn if you want…?"

"I'm going Merlin, I'm not letting you ghost me again."

"…Okay."

They made it passed France and nearing the Mediterranean.

"So do you know where we're going now?" Arthur asked.

"Hmm…yes, the earth is pointing me westward." Merlin closed his eyes and tried to feel for a more accurate destination.

"I was hoping for something more specific Merlin…"

"Oh I'm sorry Arthur would you like to tell us instead?" Morgana barked from the front.

"Hey I'm just saying—"

"—Greece."

Everyone turned to Merlin as he continued. "Specifically, the Mani Peninsula."

"Greece?" Mordred wondered.

"Yes."

"What could possibly be wrong there?"

Merlin sighed "That's what we're going to find out Arthur."

"Merlin…do you think it's…?"

"Without a doubt."

Arthur quirked a brow "Care to share with the rest of us?"

Morgana snorts "Why bother? If we're correct you'll find out when we land."

Arthur just rolled his eyes and decided to look down…big mistake.

Nothing but dark ocean for miles on end, goodness if he fell well…he isn't the strongest swimmer in the world let's just say…

Cape Matapan, Greece

Here they are, the Mani Peninsula and at first nothing looks out of the ordinary. But looks can be deceiving.

"Fly us further inland Cyn, I have a feeling I know where we need to look…"

Cynfab acquiesced and made his way to the other end of the peninsula, as he did there finally appeared to be some answers as to the earth's call.

"There we are…land us here Cyn than get to cover. I'll call you when we're ready." Merlin got off as soon as they landed and caught Morgana when she took a leap, being careful not to squeeze her too hard.

The others got off without much fuss and finally they turned to the reason of their presence.

"Taenarum, didn't think I'd have any reason to return here." Merlin mulled.

"You've been here before?" Morgana asked.

"Yep, during my years of study I had hoped to separate myth from reality. If anything, it simply confirmed that myth was reality."

Mordred was confused by that statement but figured he would ask later.

"I don't understand, what is this place? It's just rubble." Arthur pointed to the ruined walls and buildings of the Ancient Greek city. Surely nothing here was of any value to anyone anymore?

"Perhaps to those who intentionally close their eyes to the truth. But my eyes have been open far longer than I would like." Merlin began to walk towards the ruins, Morgana right on his heels.

Arthur looked annoyed, what the hell does that mean?

Mordred ran up to follow "So what exactly is this place anyway?"

Merlin hummed "Taenarum was a city of the Greeks and it's history was rather one of darkness."

"How so?"

Morgana, familiar with this knowledge took over "Well for one it was the Helots who were essentially Spartan slaves who constructed many of the temples here. And it was here where many of them met their end by the Spartans during a revolt."

Merlin continued "More importantly, this was always believed to be the location to the Underworld of Hades."

Arthur and Mordred were a bit shocked at the news. "Hades? Are you seriously suggesting that all those stories were real?" Arthur asked.

"Didn't I just say that my journeys have only confirmed that myths were real you prat?"

Arthur didn't even want to retort; he simply was pleased to hear the old name Merlin always used to call him with.

Morgana snorted while Mordred kept looking around the area. This entire place felt like a ghost town from an old American western. He half expected to start seeing ghosts, and considering this is supposedly where the Underworld is located…

"Ah there used to be the Temple of Poseidon." Merlin pointed to what was left of the once great temple to the Greek God of the Sea. In the ruined stoned structure, a small circular space. Barely enough room for many people.

"But what exactly is here that is so troubling? Who knows when this place was last used?"

"It's not in this plane where we'll find answers Arthur." Merlin's golden eyes examined the area, as he thought…dark magic residue. Sigan was definitely here.

"Please start making sense…"

Morgana rolled her eyes "We're going to the Underworld Arthur."

Arthur just gaped "Oh sure…why did I not think of that…oh wait I remember!"

Mordred sighed "Okay, so assuming the gods of Greece were real –"

"—They were." Merlin interjected.

"—Than wouldn't entering the domain of Hades be…dangerous?"

"It would be for most I suppose, if he were still around."

They all looked at Merlin with surprise in their faces. What was he implying?

"It wasn't just the Triple Goddess, the Queen of the Sidhe already confirmed with me that most if not all of the world's deities have now faded into the ether." Merlin explained as he began to creep up into the interior of the ruined temple.

"Wait but…how? They're gods, right?! Aren't gods…well…gods?!" Arthur asked.

"Brilliantly phrased dollophead." Merlin snickered, causing Arthur to groan.

Morgana cleared her throat. "I've been thinking about that for awhile now actually. When Cathair first told me the Goddess was…dead, I had contemplated what could it be that did her in. Then you told me that Freya believed her bringing back..." She caught herself before she can say more, not knowing if Arthur is even aware of it. She eyed Merlin who looked at her with a tired look in his gaze.

He sighed and turned to the former King "The Triple Goddess faded, when she brought you back."

Arthur took a step back in shock, Mordred lost his breath.

"Again?! How does a goddess just…die?!" Arthur was getting impatient for an answer.

Morgana looked grim but continued "As I was about to say…usually the Gods would have no issue performing these seemingly miraculous actions. But I think it's the world's doing."

Merlin turned away, he felt like he already mourned the Goddess' death…and he didn't want to reopen that box.

"I don't understand Morgana, how did the world kill the gods?"

The witch turned to Mordred and replied "What do Gods rely on?"

Neither Arthur or Mordred knew the answer…but Merlin did.

"Belief."

They turned him as he went on. "The mortals' beliefs in them kept them alive. Without them their very existence is at risk."

Morgana nodded "So when you put that into the equation…it makes sense that simply resurrecting you would be enough to kill her Arthur. Her only sources of sustenance were myself, Merlin, the Sidhe and…ugh he who shall not be named." Sigan.

"…To think it's that easy for a god to die." Arthur said.

"But what if people believe in them again? Could they be restored?" Mordred asked.

Merlin shrugged "Echoes of their existence remain in the forms of the domains they inhabited or even the creatures they were associated with. Hence why the creatures of legends are still around. They're not gods, they're no different than any other beast we've come across."

"Well, Ymir isn't exactly on that category." Morgana pointed out.

"He still isn't a god, he can easily be brought back via ritual summoning. But an actual divine entity? I'm afraid no one can return from the ether…this world is practically godless."

Silence just dominated the area as they let that thought sink in. They, the world itself are truly positively…alone.

Merlin clapped his hands together. "Well time to get a move on, yes?" He began to sit in a meditative position.

"Wait what are we doing? You still haven't clarified what's actually going on here?" Arthur asked.

Merlin sighed, opening his eyes. "Do you remember Cornelius Sigan?"

"I mean…"

Morgana groaned "Look he was the one who sent the gargoyles to attack you? Possessed that guy who wanted to be your servant and you foolishly let him? Ring any bells dumb-dumb?"

"You're not amusing…but yes I remember now. What about him though? I thought he was old news."

"He was…until he wasn't. I had sealed his spirit back into a jewel when you were unconscious and sealed it into a cave. Long story short, somehow he escaped decades ago and now I need to stop him."

"WE need to stop him." Morgana emphasized, glaring at her husband.

Merlin made a gesture of peace with his arms.

All Arthur and Mordred could focus on was the world Merlin used "decades"…so Sigan was back this long?

"But if he was around long before I was reborn…why haven't you guys dealt with him than?" Mordred asked.

Morgana held her breath and turned to Merlin who was glaring at his lap before he declared the topic over. "We're wasting time, get ready to enter the Underworld."

The other men knew they'd get nowhere right now, so be it. They'll wait until he told them himself.

Morgana just sat down next to him, getting into a meditative position herself and focusing her magic.

"So…what are you do—"

"Ssshhh!" Morgana hissed.

Arthur held his hands up, Mordred kindly explained that "They're both going to help us cross into the spiritual plane."

"And how are they going to do that?" Arthur was skeptical about all this.

"Well by-" *CLUMP*

The Underworld – Realm of Hades

Arthur groaned as he rubbed his head…than blinked and grew frightened as he saw they were no longer in the temple of Poseidon…

Judging from the fiery mountainous…lava filled…littered with brim stones and screaming land, Arthur would wager this is the Underworld…

He heard Mordred's groan to his left and Arthur was relieved again that he isn't alone in this…place.

"…by doing what they just did." Mordred sheepishly finishing what he was trying to get at in the physical plane.

"What the bloody hell…I hope we're not trapped here forever…" Arthur was not usually one to cower but…for fuck's sake this is practically no LITERALLY hell!

"It's not literally hell, it's the Underworld. The Christian hell is another thing entirely."

Arthur and Mordred turned to the voice which belonged to Merlin, who was helping Morgana to her feet. The witch feeling a bit dizzy but more or less fine.

"How did we get here though? What did you do?"

"Well, the methods to which Orpheus and Heracles came here have long been unattainable or simply destroyed. So we simply sent our spirits to the domain of Hades Arthur. Our bodies are fine, it's simply right where we left them in the world of the living. Of course being in the Underworld it will feel exactly as though we're still in our physical bodies, thus pain, hunger, etc etc are still possible to feel." Merlin explained.

"So…what happens if we die here?" Arthur asked.

"I'd imagine you'd be stuck here forever seeing as your dead and wouldn't be able to join us in returning to your body."

"But don't the legends say that no one leaves the Underworld, even if you're alive?" Mordred was starting to get concerned himself.

"Well normally I suppose…but than again…Hades isn't exactly here to enforce that little rule. Just don't eat or drink anything here and you'll be fine." Merlin than looked around them to examine where to go next. His golden eyes spotted the trail of Sigan's magic leading off toward a ghastly green river.

"This way." Merlin took the front, then Morgana, Mordred and Arthur the rear.

The Underworld itself was quite the sight to behold. Despite it horrific nature it's mere look was something very few people have lived to describe.

Mordred nervously looked around, he kept hearing wails and shouts from spirits as they neared the river. He made sure to keep himself very clear from it.

Morgana was trying very hard not to puke, that spell took much out of her and quite honestly this place wasn't exactly doing much to make her feel better. What could Sigan have been looking for in Greek Hell of all places?

"As I suspected, this is the River Styx." Merlin said.

"Hmm why do say that?" Morgana asked with a quirk of her brow.

"Because of him." Merlin pointed to a figure before them.

They realized they had walked quite the distance to what appeared to be a dock of some kind. A boat was there and a dark robed figure. Hands looking…umm nevermind those are bones.

Charon, the ferryman of the Underworld.

"Yet more of the living enter this realm? Surely I've seen it all." His voice sounded like the way two rocks sound when they smash together. The ferryman looked directly at them but they wouldn't know for sure. His face was entirely covered in the darkness of his hood…perhaps for the best.

Merlin kept a hold on Morgana's arm, not trusting the skeleton for a second. Arthur kept his hand close to his baton strapped to his pants while Mordred…well he was left with the drone but he'll think of something. At least he has the breastplate…

"Though I suppose I should feel honored to meet the infamous Emrys himself…" Charon gave a mocking bow to the warlock in question who simply remained stone faced, eyeing every bit of the ferryman's movement.

"…Charmed…" Merlin kept his magic on standby, hoping that his issues from Mexico won't be so potent here.

"More? Did a sorcerer come through here?" Morgana inquired, she pulled herself away from Merlin's grasp causing his nerves to spike even more…but he kept his gaze solely on Charon. Arthur stood beside with Mordred next to Morgana.

"Oh yes, a delightful speck. Full of darkness that one, it was almost astounding to view so much in a mortal that the light is but only a spark." The ferryman pointed a bony finger straight at Merlin. "You have that same darkness in you Emrys…don't think you can hide it."

His companions looked confused though Morgana just assumed Charon meant the actual Emrys half of Merlin's soul.

Merlin narrowed his eyes "Don't hide behind riddles, I always hated those." He said, fists clenching.

They could see his smirk as the shadows left his mouth. "Make of it what you will…so what could I can do for you four?"

"We want to know what Cornelius Sigan was doing in the Underworld, and if he's still here…?"

Charon tilted his head. "I could care less what his business here was, he simply paid the toll for my ferry. As is what is proper."

Merlin felt anger enter his blood and was about to let him have it but Morgana stepped in quickly. "Fine, what's the payment?" She heard Merlin scoff but ignored him.

To Arthur this was a novel experience, he never really saw Merlin lose his composure like this back in Camelot. This Sigan must really be quite the foe to produce this reaction out of his former manservant.

"One obol…each." The ferryman said.

Morgana groaned. "And where am I supposed to find that in this hellish place?!"

"Not my concern, no payment, no entry."

Arthur stepped up. "Unless we force our way through."

Charon barely took notice of Arthur and merely turned back to Merlin who was glaring at him with molten gold. "By all means Emrys, you and your…compatriots are more than welcome to take a dip on the Styx."

"Yeah you'd like that wouldn't you?"

"I don't get it; sure it looks…creepy but a river's a river." Arthur argued.

Morgana sighed "Didn't you read any of this in Geoffrey's library? The only one that actually entered the Styx and survived was Achilles, and that's only because his mother had him by the ankle. If she didn't, he'd have died Arthur."

"Why would I ever go to a library of my own free will when I could have spent more time training?"

Mordred hushed them both. "Okay okay, so an obol is some Greek currency right? Well…hmm…"

Arthur turned to Mordred "You came up with something already?"

"Maybe…Merlin?"

Merlin turned slightly to the former Druid…not completely, he'd be a fool to let Charon out of his sight.

"Would you be able to get any of the coins required from the living world to here?"

"…Perhaps. I'd have to know where one actually is first."

Mordred smiled "Well an obol if I recall my history lessons well, is simply 1/6 of a drachma. So if you just find us a drachma coin that'd be enough for all 4 of us plus 2 leftover."

Merlin blinked, than gave a smile of his own before nodded in agreement.

Morgana folded her arms looking mildly impressed while Arthur patted the lad on his shoulder, doing so making him feel nostalgic when he recalled the last time, he did this.

Merlin closed his eyes and focused…

Living Plane

Merlin opened his eyes and saw the unconscious bodies of Morgana and the others, he carefully sat Morgana up against the wall to keep her and the children more comfortable.

Now than, the drachma. Perhaps a Greek museum would have one? Or better yet…

He's already in some Ancient Greek ruins…surely someone had to have dropped something here?

Merlin entered the center of Taenarum and began to meditate before he began to look into the history of this place with his time spell.

Going back two and a half millennia was tedious to say the least but once he got to where he stopped when he saw the Spartan Massacre of the Helots. In the bloodshed a Spartan General was struck in the head and down his pouch went. That was bad, Merlin doubts that that generals body was ever found since the event after showed the body essentially was left alone along with the others long enough that it decomposed and his beneath the ground.

"It appears to be by the cliffside."

As Merlin released the spell, he made his way over to the site of the general's death. Now on the surface it appears as though it's simply nothing more than grass and plants. Underneath…?

A flash of gold and about 4 meters in the dirt, an armored skeleton and not far from him, a drachma.

"Perfect."

Merlin didn't bother reburying him. The Spartan died as he lived as far as he was concerned.

As he re-entered Poseidon's Temple, Merlin concentrated in his mediation and made his way back to the others.

The Underworld – Realm of Hades

Arthur was just pacing back and forth while Mordred and Morgana were sitting very carefully on some obsidian rocks that looked very very…uncomfortable.

Finally when Merlin reappeared, Morgana stood. "Did you find any?"

Merlin smiled before turning to Charon, thus wiping his smile instantly. He walked up to the skeletal ferryman and shoved the coin into his boned chest.

The drachma dissolved in green flames as the ferryman once more gave a mocking smirk.

"At least Emrys, no one can say you don't pay your debts…let's see if you can keep it up."

"Since you love word play so much Charon you should write them down, make them into a book. Now ride us across the Styx. You have your precious pay." Merlin didn't even want to know how much time they've wasted playing to this loon's whim.

"Such is my duty, all aboard please…" Charon's bony hand pointed them to his small and humble ferry. What appeared to be simply a wooden canoe…yeah okay.

Mordred entered first, than Arthur, than Morgana who looked at Merlin with a nod. He returned the gesture, if Charon tries any tricks…he hopes that he'll like taking a dip in the Styx.

Merlin got in behind Morgana near the end of the boat, with Charon taking the absolute rear, pushing the ferry away from the docks and off they went.

Sailing across one of the legendary rivers of the Underworld was rather…interesting. That is if you know what to expect. Poor Mordred and Arthur were rather disturbed at hearing the voices of the souls of the damned in its waters that they made certain to stay as reasonably far from the edge of the ferry as possible without bumping into everyone else.

Morgana was trying to keep her nausea under control by doing some breathing exercises. Hearing these spirits try there best to taunt her was annoying. She knew better than to give them any credence but still, bang on a door long on a door long enough and it could make anyone snap. Her only focus was trying to make sure she and Merlin made it out of this safely.

…And the other two also…fine whatever…

"Charon, might I ask you something?" Mordred asked the ferryman who was stoically steering the ferry to their destination.

"Speak Druid, and ask."

"If Hades is gone, than who oversees the spirits who are in here? The ones in Elysium or Tartarus?" Good thing Mordred loved reading…ironic for a former Druid.

The ferryman gave an icy chuckle, as if glass shards were rubbing together. "That duty has befallen over to the Judges of the Underworld of course. With the Furies acting as the main security force. Of course with Thanatos and the Lady Persephone also gone, we simply had to make do ourselves."

Morgana narrowed her eyes "I can't imagine you have much souls entering here regardless, seeing as how hardly anyone still believes in the Greek Deities anymore."

"Which is exactly how we are managing just fine. So, you can imagine my surprise to seeing you all here. Including the one you seek."

"Speaking of which." Merlin interrupted. "The place you're taking us to, is it the same location that you took Sigan?"

"It is the location I bring all who rides my ferry."

"Which is?"

"The Heart of this realm. Where souls can make their journey to the Judges"

Arthur looked confused. "But we're not dead, so where would we go?"

"Heh, that is quite the conundrum, isn't it? You did say you were here to find the one you call Sigan? I'm sure by the time you get off this ferry you'll find what you seek."

Merlin glared at the vile cretin "Meaning?"

Charon spoke plainly "Meaning…it's time to disembark. You have arrived."

They all looked around them to see the approaching docks which to the distance inland they could see torches that lit up the dark never-ending sky of the Underworld. That must be the path souls take to the Judges of the Damned.

"It's been a ride Emrys…don't be a stranger. You're always welcome here." An open grin could be seen from Charon's hood, the shadows still hiding his upper face.

After getting Morgana off the ferry, Merlin turned back to the ferryman. "If I have it my way I'll never step foot here again. I don't know what it is Charon but I know something foul is afoot. If I find out you have a role in it…than yes you could be assured I will return." Merlin turned and walked off into the distance with the others in tow, leaving the ferryman behind.

"Hehe…good."

"So where to next? We're not dead, nor was Sigan so it makes no sense why he would go to the judges anyway." Morgana inquired, trying to think of their next path forward.

"Perhaps it wasn't even in his mind regardless. He had to have come here for something important. Something to aid him in the world of the living. No one dead can provide him that." Mordred hypothesized.

Arthur folded his arms, feeling out of place. Planning out moves were usually his area of expertise but…against other kingdoms of Albion. Here in this place had no lay of the land, barely any knowledge of it, and with what little he does have he doesn't know what creatures remain here. He was truly in shark infested waters at the moment.

Still Arthur was nothing if not determined, and seeing how everyone was contributing he had to at least give it his all.

"If I were Sigan…"

Morgana and Mordred stopped their discussion before turning to Arthur, wondering where he's going at.

"…and I knew that the gods were no more…I'd go for whatever it is they left behind, like secrets or even…"

"Weapons."

They turned to Merlin who was eyeing the distance ahead, nothing more than green foggy mist, mountainous obsidian and the scent of the dead.

"He wouldn't come here for anything else unless it was to access the weapons of Hades." Merlin concluded.

"But why Hades specifically? I know my knowledge of the Greeks is limited but I thought that Zeus was the strongest? Why not go for his weapon instead?" Arthur asked.

"Most likely because it doesn't serve his purpose. A lightning bolt is just that. But Hades' chief weapon was his pitchfork. It could pry a soul out of anyone." Merlin's face grew more concerned at the thought. "But what does that have to do with the Conjunction?"

Morgana's hand instantly clutched her stomach… "Relax, we'll stop him." "So than, we're going to Hades' palace?"

Merlin nodded, he hoped that was the case. Because Sigan's trail ended here for some reason.

"Than we haven't a moment to lose." Arthur placed his hand on Merlin's shoulder, to which Merlin chose to ignore. Nodding his head instead.

Traversing through a rocky plain of death and despair was nothing like they show in the movies. There wasn't fire on every corner but that didn't exactly make it better.

"It's gotten quiet…" Morgana pointed out.

"Keep alert, don't let you guards down for a second." Merlin's golden eyes kept searching around, trying to see if Sigan's trail can be picked up.

Arthur had his baton and shield out, keeping his eyes all around them to prevent them from being taken by surprise.

Mordred bit his lip, honestly in another life this would probably be a very exciting adventure…in this life it isn't…

"Up ahead!" Morgana shouted.

About a dozen rogue spirits manifested before, appearing from all forms of life. Some were dead warriors of many cultures, other's just ordinary folks.

"Brace yourselves, I'll summon runed circle to allow your attacks to harm them!" Merlin clapped his hands together to get ready to perform the spell.

The spirits rushed towards them forcing Arthur and Mordred to dodge their attacks but Morgana brought forth a shield to keep Merlin from being interrupted.

Merlin groaned; he was afraid of this…his potency with his magic isn't as high as it used to be. It was taking awhile for it to build up its power.

"Merlin?! Anytime before we're minced would be lovely!" Arthur shouted as he dodged a pike from what looks like an old Spartan soldier.

"I'm…working…on…it!" Merlin grunted out.

"Merlin…!" Morgana's own powers were depleting,

Shit! Her shield was cracking! Come on damn it! Work!

Finally, they were all encapsulated in a spiritual rune protected circle. The spirits, noticing this blatant weakness now moved more carefully.

"Quickly assemble! We'll watch each other's backs! Cover our rear!" Arthur commanded. For once Morgana and Merlin didn't argue, the former a bit winded from the shield spell which has now dissolved and the latter who was brainstorming ways to circumvent his dilemma and use his magic more effectively.

The four made a circle, their backs to each other. Mordred was in the tougher spot, not having either his magic or an extra weapon. A drone wouldn't do much here since he didn't have time to activate it.

"Mordred here!" Arthur shoved the shield towards the boy who quickly used it to block an incoming strike from one of the ghosts.

Arthur dodged the blow aimed for his abdomen and yanked the spirit closer to zap him with his baton until the spirit dissolved, its essence returning to another section of the Underworld. No doubt the Fields of Punishment…

Morgana manifested her sword, having no choice but resort to physical attacks to conserve her energy and keep from collapsing due to magical exhaustion. She kept blocking attack and attack from the wretched ghosts and really wished she could just smite them all away. But she was concerned if doing so could have negative consequences on the children?!

Merlin was fucked, his magic was all over the place. So by now he would have summoned his spear…but it was damaged in the fight with Cathair.

Why doesn't Merlin simply fix it? Well, he tried. The staff was made by the Sidhe, thus only Sidhe magic could possibly fix it. And honestly at this point he's better off scouring for a new weapon.

Once more Morgana's concerns on Emrys made their way to Merlin's head as he tried to slow down the spirits' movements with as little magic as possible to maintain the best control.

Usually he could just ask Emrys…except thanks to the damn medication it keeps them separate!

The best he could hope for right now was to focus his magic inward and strengthen his body. The stronger the spells he performs the less control and more chaotic they are. He'll have to use it more wisely…until he figures out what the fuck is wrong with him.

If he's the reason why Morgana and their children are hurt…no he needs to stay focused.

He's got an idea!

"Morgana! Let's combine our magic for an all out attack!" Merlin shouted.

Morgana widened her eyes at the smart suggestion before asking "Alright! What spell did you have in mind?!"

"Well I don't know about the rest of you but I'm sweating my arse over here! So let's go for something cold!"

Arthur snorted as he stabbed his baton at a spirit who got too close. "Whatever you plan on doing, do it fast! If more come we'll be overrun!"

Merlin and Morgana grabbed each other's hand and focused their magic outward in a joint incantation. "Chwythu nhw i ffwrdd mewn rhew!"

In a flash of their golden eyes a blizzard of ice spiraled around them simultaneously blowing the spirits back but then freezing them in place as the air cooled around them.

Arthur took the opportunity to shock the trapped spirits, along with Morgana - who felt well enough having shared this spell with Merlin - slashing the immobile spirits away as they finally dispersed back toward their resting place.

Mordred dropped to his knees, he had forgotten just how much energy it took to do battle. He really had it good this go around in life.

Merlin rushed to Morgana, making sure she was alright.

"Merlin, relax. I'm fine. Thanks for coming up with that idea on the spot."

"Don't thank me yet, not until we get out of this place."

"What I want to know is, if all spirits are meant to be secure in the Underworld…why in the world are they roaming around to attack us?!" Arthur's frustrated voice asked.

Merlin glared at the direction they came from. "Either Charon's an imbecile or he blatantly lied to us about the condition of this place."

"Or he genuinely didn't know." Mordred added.

"…? Explain." Merlin narrowed his eyes in curiosity.

"We do know Sigan was here. What if he knew you would try to follow him and thus ensured to make things as difficult for you as possible?"

Merlin couldn't deny the logic in Mordred's words. But that would mean Sigan is deliberately baiting him each time he makes a move…

"Well that justifies our decision to tag along." Arthur gave a smug smile as he folded his arms.

Morgana rolled her eyes and just tied up her hair that kept clinging to her face.

"…Yes. It does."

All 3 turned to Merlin who looked at Arthur with an assessing gaze.

"Thank you Arthur. You and Mordred may have very well kept something far worse from happening."

"…Of course Merlin." Arthur nodded with a smile.

Mordred gave a thumbs up, while giving Arthur the shield back.

Morgana just looked at Merlin with a confused look. "Worse?"

"Without them…I fear I may not have been able to protect you…" Merlin responded.

"Merlin—"

"My magic is having a mind of its own, and it's making things more dangerous fy nghalon."

Morgana looked frustrated at the news, she didn't want to believe Emrys was the cause but…

Given her history, his Merlin's shall we say more…decisive half…she can't put it past him to try even the most outrageous tactics to get his way.

"Well than, shall we continue off?" Arthur was ready to be done with this hellscape already.

Merlin nodded, holding Morgana's hand as they all continued on their journey to Hades' Palace.

It felt as if they've been traversing for hours, but really it was the fact that it began to feel hard to breathe. The very air around them was foul, like decaying corpses. Which was odd because it's mostly souls that enter the Underworld not bodies.

"Good grief…how much further?" Mordred's legs were like noodles.

"How is it that you're the same person I trained as a knight?" Arthur retorted from up front.

"Same soul. Different body. Didn't exactly care for exercising when I didn't remember I was…well myself." Mordred sheepishly said.

Morgana scoffed "So in other words you're a gen z'er."

"Hey! I was a millennial!"

"You're not helping your case Mordred."

Merlin and Arthur at last can say they're on the same page about something for once…they don't know what the hell they're saying.

"Gen Z'er? Millennial?" Merlin wondered if these were yet more terms he was slow on the uptake on.

"I'm a bit surprised Merlin, I would have assumed you knew this already seeing as how you're immortal…?" Mordred asked as they hopped over some gaps along a cliffside.

Morgana laughed "You're talking to perhaps the most stubborn old man in existence. Of course he doesn't pay attention to this stuff. 'Who cares what they call people?'" Morgana said, mocking Merlin's voice.

Arthur had to chuckle at that one.

Merlin's only rebuttal was "Are you seriously saying the current generation of mortals are called the letter Z…?" He dryly asked.

"Okay I'm with Merlin, that's just stupid. Why would you take pride in being called a letter?" Arthur made sure to keep his balance while all four slid across the cliff, keeping their backs pressed to the mountain to make it to the other side.

He also told himself not to look down…an entire landscape of greenish ghoulish fog in which they can all hear screams of anguish.

"I mean what generation would ours even be called?" Mordred wondered.

Morgana hummed "Good question. We'll have to brainstorm a name later."

Merlin groaned…can this get any worse?

Shrieking can be heard in the distance. They were close to the other side of the landscape but damnit…those winged monstrosities didn't look like they were just flying by.

"The Furies! Move faster!" Merlin shouted as the four threw caution to the wind and slid faster along the edges of the mountain cliff.

Arthur made it to the other side first, pulling Mordred on the secure ground. Then Morgana, who rematerialized her sword.

Merlin as he was about to reach Arthur's hand had to pull back as one of the Furies swept across, shrieking as it's talons just barely missed their hands.

"Shit…!" Merlin steadied his balance and kept his back as tightly pressed to the mountain as he could.

"Merlin!" The others shouted.

"Should I just transform?" Merlin asked. "No. Even if I turned into a raven, they have reign of the skies…besides with magic out of control, who knows if I'd turn into a raven or a fish!"

Mordred quickly activated his drone, finally having a use for it as the other furies descended on them.

"Mordred! Do what you can to distract them! I'll try to pull Merlin in!" Arthur ordered, trying to get close to the edge without tumbling over.

"I'll help!" Morgana gave a small blessing to his drone, sharpening its speed and accuracy as it shot electricity towards the Wardens of the Underworld.

The Furies however proved to be formidable. Worthy of their titles, the two that focused on them were easily dodging the attacks but Morgana tried something else.

Carefully using as little magic as possible she turned the wind against them. By increasing the wind pressure and slowing down the speed she is effectively making their wings weaker against the current wind.

"Smart move!" Mordred called out.

"I know that!" Morgana smirked.

Arthur was really hating this place! Every time he and Merlin were about to grasp each others arms the damn overgrown bat would keep trying to separate them!

Alright he has to time this properly…Arthur got his baton ready as he returned to the edge of the cliff and slid closer to Merlin.

"What are you doing?! You're supposed to help me get across, not meet me in the middle!"

"Quiet! I have a plan!" Arthur shouted at the panicking warlock.

"What?! To become minced meat for a demonic bird?!"

Arthur just ignored him as the Fury shrieked and made its way back toward them at high speed.

"Come on…come on…" Arthur braced himself.

"Arthur…!"

As the sharp talons came out, Arthur threw his baton straight at the Fury's abdomen, giving it an electric shock so thoroughly that the other two ceased their attacks on Morgana and Mordred and began to retreat off to the distance, carrying their injured partner along the way.

"Woah, what just?" Mordred turned to see Merlin keeping Arthur steady, as they both then quickly slid over to them.

"That…was perhaps among your top 10 stupidest plans ever." Merlin gasped as he tried to control his breathing. Morgana hugging him tightly.

Arthur too was steadying his heart rate but snorted anyway. "Do you even remember any?"

Merlin paused as he released the witch. "…A few."

Morgana rolled her eyes "Alright boys relax, can we just rejoice that this could have turned uglier and it didn't?"

The other two just muttered nonsense while she was snorted and dragged Merlin forward to continue their journey.

Which surprisingly wasn't much longer.

"Well…I guess this is why we encountered the Furies…" Merlin looked at the sight before him in some wonder before blanking his expression.

"It's about time is what I'll say." Arthur responded.

Up ahead beyond a ravine, surrounded by nothing but hellish landscape was a Greek Temple made of Obsidian, green torches lighting the area. And a dead garden not too far from it.

"Hades Palace, we're in the Heart of the Underworld."

Getting across the ravine was relatively simple. They used Morgana's sword to cut down a large dead tree and used it as a makeshift bridge.

"Well here we are, so we're looking for some pitchfork?" Mordred asked as they made it on the other side, now in front of the steps to the palace.

"We have to make sure Sigan didn't leave with it, and if he did…well who knows what kind of devastation he'll cause." Merlin pointed out as they began to walk up the steps of the palace.

"You think we'll be facing more surprises in here?" Morgana kept her senses high, her grip on her sword firm but honestly…her feet hurt. She can't wait until they're out of this dump and she can 'convince' Merlin to go to the spa with her.

"At this point I'd be suspicious if there weren't any." Arthur pointed out.

"This is a god's palace. I think it's safe to say that not just anyone can waltz in unmolested." Merlin's head began to ache, he gritted his teeth and powered through.

"Merlin? Are you okay?" Morgana asked, noticing the tense movement of her husband.

"Fine."

"Are you s—"

"—Let's stay focused on the task at hand."

Arthur saw how Morgana narrowed her eyes at the dismissal. He wasn't blind he could see why she's concerned. Merlin does seem to be rather stiff in the way he's walking.

"Merlin maybe she's right, we could wait a mom—"

"I'M FINE!"

They all paused, as they saw Merlin clenching his fists before breathing and continuing in quicker pace up the stairs.

"Morgana…is Merlin okay?" Mordred tentatively asked.

Morgana bit her lip, how was she supposed to answer that? "Depends who you ask I suppose." With that she continued on, Arthur and Mordred behind her.

The pounding was becoming harder, Merlin dared not show anymore weakness in front of them. But my goodness if it wasn't getting to be overwhelming, but why?! What could be causing him to have such…

Once he was on top Merlin froze.

Morgana nearly bumped into him and tried to look him over "Merlin? What's going on? Why did you stop?"

Arthur snapped his fingers in front of him but nothing.

Merlin didn't even register them, his gaze only focused on the figure in the distance standing in front of the palace entrance, back turned and darkness oozing from his pores.

"Cornelius Sigan…"

The man in question turned around towards him and gave a smirk. An evil glint in his cruel eyes.

The others blinked and quickly turned themselves to Merlin's line of sight…but there wasn't anyone there.

"…Are you sure you're alright Merlin? Perhaps the current environment is just getting to you?" Arthur suggested. But Merlin shook his hand off his shoulder and stumbled his way forward, hands gripping his head.

Arms strapped to a table, bright lights blinding his eyes. Men in white lab coats poking and prodding him until he couldn't breathe.

"The subject demonstrates limitless reserves of power meine Allgemeine."

My General…

Merlin's hands were nearly ripping his hair out as simply keeping his eyes open were giving him excruciating pain.

"Merlin?!"

Merlin shook off Morgana's grip continuing to move towards the source of his problems…his pain.

Screams of anguish as countless procedures being performed on his body. Arms trapped on a machine draining him of his essence…

"Hmm subject appears to still be durable despite his reserves empowering our operation meine Allgemeine."

His eyes glaring viciously at the human wretch daring to meddle with forces beyond his understanding!

Mordred was at a loss at what to do. "Guys are you sure there's nothing here? Otherwise…" "Merlin was crazy..."

Arthur looked around once more and shook his head, he truly didn't know what was going through Merlin's head.

Morgana tried to enhance her senses and looking beyond the plane they were in, but all she could see was some clouds of dark magic residue. But nothing at all to indicate that Sigan was here in the flesh.

Merlin finally mustered the will to speak. "*Surely…I must be…losing my mind…for how could you…! How could you…not look…any diffe…rent…after so long…!*"

Arthur and Mordred were now looking at Merlin like he was a ticking time bomb, while Morgana was legitimately trying to see if perhaps, they were the ones missing something. But for the life of her she can't find anything…

But while Arthur and Mordred didn't realize what Merlin was speaking…Morgana did…Merlin was speaking in German…

Sigan's smirk merely widened at Merlin's painful attempts at speaking. "Isn't that a bit laughable coming from you?"

"…!" Merlin groaned and grunted as he kept trying to move towards the dark Sorcerer.

"AAAAAGGGGHHHHH!"

Literal shocks of pain, so much zapping. What day is it? What year? Is the war over? What became of his squad? The prisoners? Did they flee? Is Morgana alright? Will he…will he ever leave this place?

"Subject's resistance is remarkable. Despite the siphoning of his power, he still continuously replenishes all that he loses. Or perhaps it is a type of recycling? Further tests will have to be performed with your order, meine Allgemeine."

Merlin groggily opened his eyes, wishing beyond anything that this can stop…if only for just a minute…

These mortals…all trying to pry him open and discover the secrets of his flesh…craving for more and more…they've always been selfish and cruel but…

And than there's him…

Merlin weakly glared at the ringleader who stood off to the side of his scientists with soldiers standing guard by the entrance, arms folded gently behind his back. Uniform neatly worn and officer hat with the badge signifying his rank…

Allgemeine König…General Sigan.

Merlin abruptly stopped and fell to a knee, screaming in agony!

"Merlin! Merlin please stop! Just let me help!" Morgana tried to use any healing spell at her disposal but she didn't know what exactly she was supposed to heal! She can't heal trauma with magic!

Arthur rushed forward but stopped when Merlin shook off his sister, despite her loud protests and saw his agonized look once more dead ahead of them.

Mordred tried to see if his drone can scan anything in the surrounding area…nothing.

"Guys…do you think that maybe…?" Mordred cut himself off…not wanting to be the one to say it.

Sigan's teeth were shown as his smirk became an open grin. "Oh Merlin…you're my precious specimen…I can't wait to devour you whole."

The General's smirk was prominent as he stepped closer to his chief researcher, not once taking Merlin out of his sights. "From this point on you have complete reign over the subject. I expect results by the turn of the year."

"Hahaha you'll not be disappointed meine Allgemeine."

The General than leaned down to Merlin's ear and whispered "Oh Merlin…you're my precious specimen…I can't wait to devour you whole."

As if a switch flipped, the pain turned into rage as Merlin stood – shocking those around him – and charged straight at the monster before him.

"Aaaagggggghhhhh!" His trepidation of his magic momentarily vanished and used it to strengthen his body and quicken his speed. Right fist glowing in golden aura ready to pummel Sigan into paste as Merlin launched forward within striking distance.

Only for Sigan's dark magic to bind him midair.

"Merlin! Are you okay?!" Merlin could hardly hear anything they're saying though, his mind panicking at being trapped once again by this…this disgusting sack of meat!

"Oh Merlin, what's happened? You used to be stronger than this." Sigan's cold rough voice enunciated.

"Fuck…you…!"

Was Emrys laughing at him? Or was he watching in disappointment…? Here Merlin was, once more being at the mercy of a selfish and…if only he can just kill him!

Sigan's gave a soft chuckle before launching Merlin far back below and over the ravine.

"MERLIN!" Everyone ran back down the steps and to the edge of the ravine.

Arthur peered down as Mordred held Morgana back in fear that she may fall.

Merlin was holding on too a dead branch not too far from the top.

"Merlin! Hold on! Morgana's he's here can you get him up?!" Arthur shouted.

Morgana shook off Mordred and went toward the edge, seeing her husband starring at them in horror. "Give me some space!" Morgana tried to muster the energy to perform a levitating spell, easier said than done. The amount of magic she's already used is making it really difficult.

Merlin however was focused on more who was behind her…

"Don't you know Merlin, that the easiest way to subdue someone…is to target their heart?" Sigan's hand mockingly caressed Morgana's stomach…he's touching their children!

The witch in questions abruptly stopped the spell as she felt her skin crawl and a cold shiver. "What in bloody hell was that?!" She felt her magic being subdued, how in the world was this happening?! Was she right?! Is Merlin just able to see the unseeable?!

"STOP HIM! WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!" Merlin shouted at her.

"Merlin whatever it is you're seeing! We can't!" Arthur shouted, noticing Morgana was frantically trying to shake something off.

"Can you lift yourself up?!" Mordred asked, trying to find some way to help. He's never cursed himself for his lack of magic more than now.

Merlin gritted his teeth as he felt his fingers slipping!

One thing has been nagging his mind though…why hasn't Sigan used his magical emp's? He can easily toss one over and do whatever he wants with them!

"Alas Merlin, now is not yet time. But don't worry…soon Destiny shall prevail. And I will finish what I started." Sigan's eyes glowed as the ground began to quiver and the edge that everyone stood on crumbled knocking them all off into the depths of the ravine.

"NO!" Merlin let go of the branch and chased after them.

Everyone of them falling at high speeds, who knows where they'll end up?

"Ugh! I can barely see anything!" It was hard to see an end! How long did this ravine extend towards?

Merlin kept feeling himself getting more and more separated from Morgana as they both tried to grab the other but to no avail!

"Hold on!" Merlin's eyes flashed a bright gold as he used the strongest magic he had to form a barrier around her body.

"What did you do?!" She shouted, but it was getting hard to hear her…

Merlin instead turned to Mordred who was the closest to his wife "Keep her safe! Keep my children safe!"

Mordred's eyes widened as he grasped Morgana tightly to him, hoping to take the brunt of their eventual fall.

Merlin than finally lost consciousness and like a pin, dropped ever quicker toward the bottom. Arthur shouted out to him "MERLIN!" Before finally…darkness.

?

From the mountains opposite of the palace, 3 hooded figures could be seen overlooking the events.

"Everything is going exactly as we have foreseen." One said.

"Not exactly. These events were never to occur at all." Said another.

"Peace sisters, for soon the fabric of Destiny shall be renewed. And all will be right once more." Ah now it's clear.

The Sisters of Fate.

The Fates than saw Sigan dissipate into nothing…as if he were never there to begin with.

"Such a shame Emrys did not heed to our warning."

"Morgana Pendragon continues to neglect them as well, they spit on our authority. The Priestess was never meant to return."

"This is the first step in writing those wrongs."

"But not without invoking the proper punishment." All three spoke in unison.

Yeah I'm turning up the temperature haha

Hope you guys liked it :)