Movie night... yeah, not good. Merlynn says goodbye. Mordred is assigned a new role. And the group deals with Arthur once and for all.
Warning: Again, if you are reading this when any of my previous warnings trigger you, you should not be.
Morgana can see her brother's cracked and she has no idea how to stop it. She wants to kill Nimueh!
"When the fuck are you going to get it?! You are MY soulmate!" He glares, then turns his attention to his so called friend on the floor. "She's mine! Not yours!"
"Arthur, it's not like that. I just need to heal him, and then we can go." Merlynn's trying to calm the irate royal, who's obviously unstable.
"Heal him?! Heal him?! You want to heal the man who's trying to take you from me?!"
"Arthur, I'm not..."
"Arthur, he's not..."
"Shut up both of you! You know what? I think evidence is needed. Prove Merlynn is mine!" He lifts Merlynn over his shoulder, then tosses her on the couch.
"Arthur, what are you doing?!" The prince is kneeling at her feet. She's kicking, but magic is stopping every blow before it connects. He unfastens the button and zipper of her short trousers. "Goddess! Arthur stop!" He easily slides the garment down Merlynn's legs, leaving her half nude. "Arthur!"
Elyan and Leon try to pull the mad prince off of her, but the magic sees them as a threat, their anger read as harmful intentions, so they're blown back.
"Stop! Stay away! Everyone stay away!" There is no helping her. Merlynn can at least save her friends.
"Put a shield up now, Merlynn."
With tearful eyes she pleads for any shred of humanity, pointlessly blocking him with one arm while balancing on the sofa with the other. "Arthur, please don't do this. We can go back to yours. I'll do whatever you want."
"No! This has to be in front of them, in front of Percival. You are mine, Merlynn. Now put up the goddam shield, or I'll fuck you in the middle of CamU commons!"
Suffocated by yet another threat, the shock of the reality, the humiliation... she has no choice and lets the magic free. A transparent barrier shimmers around them, and she lays back while he situates himself between her legs.
The legends are speechless. Arthur is actually going to rape her in front of them. This can't be real.
"Now Merlynn, I have been nice..." He unfastens his own jeans. "...I've been gentle, and how do you repay me?" He drags them down just enough to release his member that's absolutely pulsating with want. "By snogging your ex in the middle of CamU's corridor and flirting with one of our friends." The blonde lubricates his palm with his own saliva and tugs on the shaft.
"Aaar th thur, I was n't flir ting. Pl please st stop."
Arthur lowers his body until he's barely hovering over her and lines himself up to her entrance. "No, you were, Merlynn, and both you and he need to learn a lesson. This is what happens when you anger me, Merlynn. Maybe you'll appreciate now how gentle I've been with you." And with the force of a piston he impales her.
"Aaaaaaaa!" Pain! Pain! Pain! Merlynn feels like she's being ripped in two. It burns like fire between her legs. Goddess, it hurts so much!
"See. There you go. Don't like that too much, do you? Appreciate me now? It could have been like this, but I've been extra careful not to hurt you. This is what you needed, a comparison. The other way's better, isn't it?"
She knows he's talking, but it isn't computing. All that is registering is pain. She's screaming. She's aware of that much. Her face is drenched with streams of tears pouring from her eyes.
The group is all huddled together, facing the other direction to give Merlynn some dignity, but they hear the cries. Arthur is speaking, but the ear piercing wails are muffling his words. Each knight has their arms around one of the Camelot Twelve women, all weeping into a strong chest. Mithian laying on the floor next to Percival, who can't turn around because of his position, but has his eyes tightly shut.
Morgana is in the kitchen leaning against the refrigerator. What has she done? Every scream is on her. Every tear is her fault. All the pain she caused. All this suffering. She is the villain. Who is she kidding?
Merlynn thought the pain was insurmountable, but she was wrong. She wishes she can return to the pain because all that is left is the ignominy. She is being raped in full view of all her friends.
"Take a good look, Percival. This arse is mine."
"You're a monster, Arthur Pendragon! A horrid beast!" Gwen is angry and her heart is breaking for her friend whose painful screaming has stopped, replaced by tears of being violated and publicly assaulted.
"Had to make a point, Gwen."
"A point! You fucking arse! All because of your stupid possessive jealousy, you're raping who's supposed to be the love of your life in front of all your friends! You're the worst kind of bastard, you prick! Aargh!" Elena screams at the injustice of it all. Having to stand and listen to her roommate violently sob and nothing she can do to stop it.
"I wasn't going near her, Arthur! If you think that, it's not true. You don't have to prove anything. Just stop!" The giant pleads for their raven beauty.
"Not on your life, gentle giant." The prince responds mockingly. "I'm taking this to the end. Maybe you can have a picture of my jizz flowing from her fanny. Would that be enough for you to realize she's mine?"
"For fucks sake, Arthur! What is wrong with you?!"
All Merlynn can do is cry. She knows her friends want to help, but every time someone speaks it's just a reminder they're not alone.
Arthur continues pounding into her. She feels so good. He hasn't had sex since their first time, and fuck, has he missed it. The sensation of her walls closing around him. He doesn't like causing her pain, but he'd be lying if he said that tightness around him, the more she tries to squeeze him out, then the more incredible it feels. The royal's been bracing himself on his fists while he thrusts, but he wants to feel her skin to skin. He reaches behind his neck and starts curling his own shirt up pulling it over his head. Then he yanks apart the opening of Merlynn's top exposing her breasts to the cold air.
"Arthur!" When is the degradation going to end?! She tries to cover herself, but her wrists are grabbed and pinned to both sides of her head. "Arthur, please stop!" But instead of listening he sinks on top of her and ravishes her neck and collar bone. "Aaaaa, stop! Goddess!"
After making his mark all over his angel's neck as she screams, he restrains both of her wrists in one grip above her head and moves the other hand to her breasts. "Mine." The open mouth is an invitation to Arthur, and he slides his tongue right in.
Merlynn feels like she's going to be sick. Maybe that would serve Arthur right. Let her throw up all over his tongue. Finally, he pulls away, but it's only just enough to be face to face. She keeps her eyes tightly shut, desperate to block everything out.
"Hello beautiful."
Goddess, don't talk to her.
"Open your eyes, sweetheart. You shouldn't be embarrassed. You're gorgeous. Fuck, I've missed you. You feel so good, Merlynn. Despite the audience you're gonna still make me come. That's the power you have over me, my love. Transcends any reservations or insecurities. I don't care what anyone else says, what anyone else thinks, it's you and me together. All eternity." And he kisses her again.
Dear goddess, let this be over, please!
"Oh love, I'm almost there. Just. A little. More. Aaaa!" He explodes inside of her, continuing to pump his way through it. When the last drop has finally secreted he collapses on top of her, caressing her arms and thighs and soothing her tense muscles. "Amazing. Fuck, you're amazing. How'd I get so lucky to have you? Don't worry, I know you didn't get to come. I promise I'll take care of you later." The future king wishes he could hold his precious soulmate forever, but soon after he's softened, he knows regretfully it's time to separate. He forces himself to slide out of her regardless of his persistent desires, then tucks himself in.
As soon as he's away from her Merlynn bundles her almost completely nude self into a ball as tight as she can. Only her arms remain sleeved.
The group hears things have finally stopped and Mithian sees Arthur in her periphery plucking Merlynn's short trousers from the carpet. She leans in to the giant. "Keep your eyes closed." He nods. Mithian boosts herself off the floor and collects one of the blankets immediately cloaking the trembling witch. Merlynn wraps it tightly around her. The eldest woman of the Camelot Twelve then envelops the shattered woman in her arms. "It's all right, love. It's over. It's all over." Mithian glares at the prince with such anger and hatred. "Give me the damn trousers and get out, you bastard!"
Arthur passes the legendary queen Merlynn's clothing after collecting and donning his own shirt. He then kneels by the sofa and threads his fingers through his lover's hair. "I love you, sweetheart."
Merlynn shies away from him and nuzzles closer to the solicitor.
"Get the hell away from her! Haven't you done enough?"
"Arthur?"
The blonde pivots to face his sister. "What?"
"Here. I'm sure you worked up quite a thirst." She hands him the laced glass of wine.
"Thanks." Arthur swallows the contents in a single gulp.
Morgana eyes the group knowingly. The rest of the Camelot Twelve realize the princess has slipped her brother the known narcotic and will crash any minute.
Arthur returns to his girlfriend. "Let's go back to mine, love. You're next."
Merlynn practically crawls into Mithian's lap to escape his approaching clutches. Goddess, why can't he just leave her alone?
The prince reaches to help his queen to her feet. "Merlynn, come on. We're leaving.
"Leave her alone!"
Arthur rounds on the brunette. "Keep out of this Gwen!"
"Stay back, Arthur." Lance blocks his wife from the daft royal.
"Tell your wife to butt out!" He spins to face his girlfriend once more. "Merlynn."
She trembles at the firmer tone. It's not a request. This is an order from the master.
"Why can't you give her a break, mate? Just let the poor woman be." Elyan has to bury his own anger and hopefully diffuse the prince.
"This is between me and Merlynn, people, no one else!"
That does it. "Are you kidding?! Between you and Merlynn?! You just assaulted our friend on my fucking couch!" It's good Percival is injured. With his current intentions, Merlynn's magic would likely kill him. "You arrogant, self-entitled... and all because you thought there was something between us?! I. Can't. Touch. Her! This was all for nothing! NOTHING! You terrorized this girl for no reason and you know it!" Unless... wait a minute. Perce's mind is churning with a sick realization. "No, you had a reason, didn't you Arthur? And it wasn't me. Is this because you're so hard up, Arthur? Can't wait until your birthday, so just looking for an excuse? You used me. Used me as your in to break your word and fuck your girlfriend. Her will be damned." The man can't even stand to look at who he once called friend. "Fuck... Just get out. Get out of my face. Get out of my flat. Get out of my life."
The group can't believe all those words came from their quiet, gentle giant. The whole situation is bringing the worst out in all of them.
"You want me gone? Then I'll go. But I'm not leaving without Merlynn. So either we go or I stay."
"Arthur, come on now. Give her one night. That's the least you can do. You have to see how traumatic this has been for her. If you love her just give her some space. It's one evening."
He whips his head towards his hypocritical sister, who originally encouraged this path. "You!"
Morgana's affronted by the venom in his tone.
"This is on you! You were the one who... who... uh..."
Thank god. She was wondering when it was going to kick in. And that begins her brother's descent. His squinting eyes, swaying, and slurred speech. Yes, he's easily moments from crashing.
"Problem there, princess? You're not looking so good you bloody knob."
They all anxiously wait for the mighty royal to fall and end this nightmare of an evening. It's obvious when he recognizes the drugged wine with his eyes widening at the empty glass and accusing glare towards Morgana. When he finally collapses, limbs too weak to keep him upright, the legends rejoice.
Before the darkness claims him, Arthur has a final word for his sister. "Trai... tor." Then the savior knows no more.
"Thank fuck, piece of shit."
"Merlynn, honey?"
The witch stares at the crumbled heap of her tormentor, a man who'll awaken at some point and it all begin again, maybe better, maybe worse. She'll never know what horror she'll face from day to day, what embarrassment or suffering she'll be forced to endure. There's only one way out, one way to salvation... and she's going to take it.
Without saying anything Merlynn surprises them all when, with the blanket still closely swathed around her, she stands to her feet.
Merlynn glances down at her abuser and sees her short trousers still dangling from Mithian's fingers. She can feel Arthur's spend trailing down her legs, and she knows. With silent tears continuing to flow from her eyes she speaks to these wonderful people she calls family. "I want to thank you all for everything." She's sure to look at each individual directly. "I love every last one of you, truly. Never forget that... but I'm done." And with a golden flare of her eyes, their beautiful raven witch disappears.
The atmosphere is vacant of sound as the Camelot Twelve confront the reality of what's transpired and the harrowing words of their friend.
"What the...?" The younger knight pauses the groups' pondering with a discovery.
"What is it, Perce?" Leon asks.
The gentle giant extends his limbs and flexes his muscles, then buoys up off the carpet. "I'm healed."
--
Merlynn materializes back in her room. She's still mostly naked, which she remedies with a wave of her hand, then is dressed in her CamU hoodie and a simple pair of jeans. She trudges over to her desk and collects all the letters from the bottom drawer. With just a finger to her lips the soft flesh is painted red, and she locates the letter labeled Mordred. "Goodbye, my love," and she tenderly kisses the ivory envelope. She has letters for the 'Camelot Ten', Will and Freya, and her parents. Merlynn fans them out at the foot of her bed, so they won't be missed, then she locates the box in the back of her closet, the one under her suitcase, behind her workout equipment. When she pulls back the lid the light is almost blinding. She can already feel Magic shrinking from the luminescent gold, and she smiles wickedly. "What can I say? You chose the wrong side." She settles herself back into the pillows at the headboard of her bed and comfortably reclines back. She unlocks the cuffs and Magic is stirring in fear. Good. Time for someone else to be afraid. Let it be Emrys for once and not Merlynn. Merlynn is taking charge of her own destiny. She lays her wrists into the open bracelets, and with her last feat of magic her eyes glow gold. Click. Then Merlynn knows no more.
--
Only a fifteen minute walk away in another student housing flat, a priestess nearly falls to the floor and a prince awakens. Both have the same name on their lips.
"Merlynn!"
--
A broken warlock springs to his feet, his chair crashing to the floor at the abrupt movement. "No!" He wails in pure dispair. His father's guests startle and panic with the display of the young man's anguish. But the bastet and dragonlord are suffering their own phenomenons.
"Freya!"
"Mordred!"
"Balinore!"
It's obvious that whatever is occurring is only affecting magic users. They all dash outside to see the condition of the rest of the compound, already hearing the cries of magical creatures. What they see can only be described as mayhem. Family, friends, neighbors, even mythical residents all flooding their equivalent to town square.
"What's happening?!"
"What's going on?!"
"My husband collapsed!"
"My brother fainted!"
Stories were pouring in of sorcerers and sorceresses experiencing some sort of rapid decline of their magic.
Ambrosian leaders climb to a makeshift platform and Iseldir speaks. He knows. He knows, but he thinks Mordred is the best to provide the explanation. "Quiet! Quiet everyone!" He waits for the silence to spread until only the crickets can be heard. "Mordred?" He pauses for the young man's attention. "I believe our high priest can inform us best of the situation."
With tears rolling down his cheeks he surveys all the faces of the crowd, each one his responsibility. This is his duty as a supreme master of all things magic, starting with his own community. He nods to the town leader and follows the now cleared path to the raised platform. He ascends the stairs as if walking to his execution and centers himself on the stage. "My fellow Ambrosians. For whatever reason, somehow, someway, the heart of magic... has stopped."
Just those few words send the residents into a frenzy. An uproar of confusion, shock, grief, and horror permeates the air, the loudest wails from a dragonlord and his wife. Only the reverberation of distant wings approaching quiets the multitude. Soon an ivory ancient beast is upon them.
"I am Aithusa for those unaware, and I come to give hope. Emrys is immortal as known everywhere, and they will rise again. However, the Once and Future King is powerless to save Magic this life, paralyzed by one of his own. But do not despair, the Triple Goddess has provided us other salvation." You could hear a pin drop in all the land. "Once King Arthur's bane, now fully redeemed, Mordred... he and he alone will save us all."
Everyone's gaze instantly is directed to the high priest, who's frozen in shock. He's the savior?
"You must go young warlock. Emrys believed magic could survive a few weeks without them. They were wrong. Even as I speak, the power born since the beginning of time is dying and with it, the world. Neither they or the priestess think of more man. More man. More draw. More die. Emrys make purge never again. No Emrys will be purge of all. Your time has come, young one. Become the hero that you are." With those final words the dragon takes flight.
No one speaks. No one can. Their Goddess, no, their friend, their daughter, their family is trapped in eternal sleep and only her beloved can save her. A genuine love story for the ages.
"Go my brother. Go and save our girl." Of course, it is Merlynn's reincarnated forever childhood friend that breaks everyone out of their stupor. Always a man of action, never one for delays, especially for those he loves.
"I will, friend. You shall see her again, Will, I promise you that. Now, I have a flight to catch." He vaults off the dais and sprints home to the sound of the compound's cheers. 'I'm coming, Dragonlady. I'll always come.'
--
"Morgana!" The first knight runs to the stumbling witch.
Arthur shoots up off the floor as if the carpet's burning.
"Are you all right, Morgana?" Leon stabilizes her.
"Why the fuck is the princess already awake?"
Gwen looks between them. "What is going on? What about Merlynn?"
The two royals eye each other drawing the same conclusion. Then before the others can blink the prince and princess are flying out the door and racing across the campus flats.
Alarmed by Morgana's staggering and Arthur's abrupt resurrection, the 'Camelot Nine' speed after them. If anyone finds it strange eleven people, including their country's monarchy, are running through the residential buildings, no one says a thing.
Arthur doesn't wait for Elena to unlock the door. He throws his weight into the wooden slab and with a surge of adrenaline busts it down, falling in the entrance. His sister is already leaping over him with the rest of the group hot on her heels. By the time Arthur can even rise off the floor he's last to enter the flat.
The first people to Merlynn's bedroom are her original roommates and priestess.
"No!" Elena flings herself on the bed and drapes her form over her friend, already wailing in grief. Her boyfriend promptly by her side, while Morgana stands fused to the floor.
Gwen takes the other side echoing the blonde's actions.
One by one each of them file in. For some, the tears fall instantly. For others, they have similar reactions as the princess. Still, for the rest, despite the scene in front of them, are in denial, one in particular.
"What happened?" Arthur has finally joined them.
Gwen glares daggers into the prince with a hatred the devil himself doesn't possess. "What happened? What happened?!" The brunette rises off the mattress and inches towards the royal. "This..." She gestures to her comatose friend. "...my dearest Arthur, is how an immortal Goddess commits suicide." Suddenly, the recent bride is before the future king pounding into his chest. "You fucking bastard! You killed her! You're a monster! You killed her!" His hands are up to block the surprisingly powerful punches, but that doesn't stop her from her own violent assault against him. Her husband finally has to pull her away before the future king decides to press charges.
"No. She can't. It's not possible." Arthur pushes himself through his cluster of friends until he's standing over his soulmate. Disbelieving his queen could fall, the prince clutches the invisible stone over his chest. "Emrys, Emrys, Emrys." Only a slightly brighter glow to the cuffs is evidence of his attempt at magic.
"So that's how you've done it. That's how you've summoned her for all your 'romantic trysts'. How you've yanked her from anywhere at anytime so you can violate her and break her down. Something she entrusted you with to save your life and you've used it to take hers." Leon has never been more disappointed in anyone and his faith in Arthur's innocence is hanging by a thread.
He's not listening. He couldn't hear even if he wanted to. His queen, his guardian angel, his... soulmate is gone. No! He won't accept that. He won't! "Morgana, aren't you powerful? Can't you get the cuffs off?"
"Arthur, yes I'm powerful, but it's nothing compared to the Emrys. See the glowing aura around the restraints." She gestures to the witch's wrists. "That is pure magic of the highest order. No, Merlynn made those bracelets herself, and only she has enough power to remove them."
"Look, she wrote letters." The raven's roommate spots the envelopes that must have fallen on the floor. "Well, would you look at that. There's one just for Mordred, sealed with a kiss." Elena makes a show of flaunting the personal message. "There's one for Will and Freya, her parents..." She sees the final one slipped under the bed. "...and here's one for the 'Camelot Ten'. Isn't that interesting? Not a single letter for the Once and Future King, her very own soulmate." The blonde watches Arthur, relishing in his pain of rejection. "Let's see what our resident witch has to say." She rips open the envelope, careful to not tear the contents.
"'My friends,
If you are reading this, that means I've achieved my freedom. Please don't despair. This lifetime was not for me and I'm thankful for passing on. My only regret is leaving you. I will not...'" Elena pauses scanning the next words and is stunned by what she reads. "Oh my god..." She gazes directly to the prince. "She killed you."
All the legends stare at Elena confused, especially the prophesied savior.
Noting all the bewildered expressions Elena clarifies her bold statement. "No listen...
'I will not remain there long. As the heart of magic my restraints will block any flow and the world will temporarily be magic free...'
They all turn to face the priestess who tries casting a spell only for it to sputter out before it could fulfill it's purpose. Her eyes widen in horror, and all the blood drains from her face. Oh my goddess... what have they done? The princess falls to her knees in misery and guilt.
"'...However, I will never leave my people wanting. I have saved the prince no less than five times in the short time I've lived there. Each one of them were rescues that only I could have accomplished. Considering the police have yet to catch his current assailants I give him two weeks, maybe three.'"
Elena eyes her fellow legends, then directs her gaze to the prince. "See."
Arthur is shocked. She actually wants him dead, his queen, his own soulmate that he has loved for fifteen hundred years, the woman that was created for him.
"I don't blame her. You destroyed her, Arthur. You took her fiance, her home, her virtue. You even restrained her so other men could see her half naked and grope her. Then you rape her in front of all of her friends. No, I don't blame her at all. She saw an out and she took it. You're just collateral damage in saving her people." Sefa savors every flinch from the royal at each accusation.
"There's more...
'Upon the death of the Once and Future King, Emrys reverts back to infancy waiting for the savior to rise again. Hopefully, I'll meet my true other half in the next life. Needless to say, the man I've served this century has been a heartbreaking disappointment. As an infant my wrists will slip from the cuffs easily, and the heart of magic will beat once again, allowing the power to flow. Don't worry when you see my newborn body. I've chosen my male form for the next life. I would appreciate if you could take me back to my parents. No matter which lifetime, Emrys is always raised by Balinor and Hunith. They will return me to the Crystal Cave before they pass, where I will wait for their next incarnation. The magical creatures in Ambrosia will also need my closer proximity as they will suffer the most from this current magic drought. You must continue to fight Liberty. I imagine Uther will attribute this magic famine to the success of the drug. He will have a very rude awakening when I arrive back 'online'. Honestly, I wish I could see his face when their's a magical surge like never before. This dry spell will only be a precursor to a downpour. Morgana, you should gather the high priestesses and Mordred and be prepared. Our people will need your guidance.
So I will live on. However, you will not see me as the Merlynn you know again. I never meant to harm any of you or cause you suffering. But please understand I could not be beholden to that man anymore.
Knights of the Round Table. You may be Arthur's, but so you are mine. You made every effort to protect me, and I will be forever grateful, literally. I'll remember this life for all eternity. Don't feel like you failed me. After all, there's not much you can do when my own magic works against me. You are my friends and brothers and every last one of you have earned your titles. Loyal, noble, gentle, fun, and wise. I couldn't have named you better if I tried. Leon, it was an honor working for you and you will always be my first knight.
Ladies, I haven't forgotten you. You are my friends and sisters. To my beloved roommates: your welcoming, your acceptance, and your guidance meant the world to me. I loved every moment of our life in our cozy flat. Even in the aftermath of everything, you surrounded me with so much love, sometimes you were the only air I could breathe. All of you, my sisters, helped me through the darkest hours of my life. The comraderie we shared I have no doubt has been rooted deep in my heart, that I'll be able to draw from the rest of my days.
Morgana, you are the second most powerful magic user in the world, equal only to my beloved, Mordred. You will also be queen. I know these are big responsibilities, but I also know if anyone can do it, you can. You were born a priestess and a princess for a reason, my friend. You're are one of the legendary heroes for a reason. Lean on that. Remember it. Remember your true identity, unparalleled compassion. If you can know in your core who you are, everything else will fall into place.
That goes for all of you. Remember who you are. Accept it and live it. Your actions will always follow your beliefs. If you can do that you will be the legendary heroes of this lifetime once again.
End Liberty. Protect my people. Assist Morgana in any way that you can. She has a monumental task ahead of her. But she can do it with your help. Rely on each other. Lean on each other. The prophecy states the Once and Future King and Emrys together will restore magic to the land and unite all of Albion in a time of peace and prosperity. Well, not this time. This time I abdicate my position and delegate the responsibility to my friends. This lifetime the 'Camelot Ten' will fulfill the prophecy.
I love you all. May the Triple Goddess be with you always.
Love,
Merlynn'"
There isn't a dry eye between them. Everyone contemplates the words and requests of their witch, moved and humbled by her confidence.
"She actually thinks you're going to die." Elyan is addressing who was the future king, but apparently is now a dead man walking.
"She doesn't think it. She's counting on it. Only when he's gone will the cuffs come off." Mithian gestures to the prince.
"Morgana, what will happen if the restraints stay on?" Percival knows the answer, but he's hoping he's wrong.
The priestess glances up from where she is kneeling on the carpet at the sound of her name. "If the heart of Magic remains shackled and can no longer flow, that will be the end of magic."
The mood is somber. The binding of their witch will cause more damage than Liberty ever could.
"Oh, it gets worse. Much worse. Magic is in everything. It is the life force of the Earth, of you and me, every man, woman, and child, every animal, bird, or fish. It's in the ground, the air, the oceans. It's everywhere."
"What are you saying, Morgana?"
"I'm saying, Lance, that if we can't get those bracelets off, it won't only be the end of magic, but the end of everything."
Well, what do you say to that? The end of the world always sounds like a blockbuster movie plot, not reality. It's hard to even comprehend the possibility of all of life as you know it gone.
"I am angry. I am so very angry, probably more than I ever have been. But I don't want Arthur dead. I'm still holding out hope that something is seriously wrong with him."
"I am too, Leon. As disgusted and as appalled as I am with tonight's... events, it also confirmed to me there is something foul and unnatural going on. This is not our Arthur."
"What are you talking about, Lance?! There's nothing wrong with me!"
"Oh really, you fucking arse! I've known you forever, Arthur. The man I knew only six months ago would sooner kill himself than hurt anyone the way you've hurt Merlynn. Hate to break it to you, princess, you are seriously fucked up... I don't want you dead either, though."
"Well thank you, Gwaine. I'm grateful you're not plotting my demise."
"We all might not be, Arthur, but she did. Now, we have to find a way to save you, save her, and hopefully in turn save the planet."
"Don't be discouraged, Mith. We'll find a way. We apparently always do." The gentle giant wraps his arms around their solicitor.
That was the encouragement the born again high priestess needed. Once vertical she addresses the room. "We will find a way, but there are some immediate problems we have to deal with before we tackle the apocalypse. One is that Merlynn's right. Uther likely has his minions on the hunt as we speak to discover the source of the magic decline. We can't let him know the truth. Also, if the magic community ascertain what is really going on, Arthur is going to have a lot more than a single assailant coming after him. The good news is that magic can't be used, so we will only have to battle mundane methods. Leon, I think you should stay here and guard Merlynn and Arthur."
"That's fine. I'll call Galahad. With Merlynn incapacitated we'll need additional security for you."
"Hang on, this is my flat! Well, Merlynn's and mine. I may not want him dead, but I certainly don't want to be around the bastard. And I definitely don't want him around Merlynn. What about now, Arthur? You think you can keep from mounting her while she's in a coma, or will Leon and I come in here and find your arse in the air on top of her?"
"I am not a necrophiliac!"
"Of course not. You prefer them squirming, screaming, and crying!"
"That's not true!"
"Nice to know you at least draw the line at death."
"Hey! Both of you, shut it now! Elena, I'm sorry, but Leon is the best Guard, and we need him protecting both of them. He can't be in two places at once, so Arthur will have to stay here."
"I'm not leaving anyway, Morgana. I'm not leaving Merlynn."
Elena rises and closes in on the prince. "Why, because you love her oh so much? Because she means the world to you? Because you're her soulmate for all eternity? Are you her knight in shining armor, Arthur? Are you her hero? Well, where was that hero when a certain motherfucker was assaulting her an hour ago? Wait a minute... that's you!"
A gradual rage has been building in the prince at the barage of insinuations and accusations, and the screaming centimeters from his face is his breaking point. Without even thinking his arm is raised to backhand her, but Gwaine catches his wrist before the connection.
"You lay a hand on my girl and you're gonna lose it." He doesn't yell, but that makes it worse. The group has never seen Gwaine appear so menacing. He softens when he turns to face Elena. "You can come stay with me, love. You don't have to stay here."
"I'm not leaving Merlynn, either." She glares at the royal before allowing her boyfriend to pull her away.
"I've got something I want to say before we do anything. I agree that the cuffs need to come off, obviously. But I don't want to do a damn thing until I know she's safe. Think about it. She basically killed herself, couldn't stand another moment in this life, was willing to lose all her family and friends just to get away from you." Leon's eyes are booring holes into Arthur. "And we're getting ready to bring her back to her worst nightmare? Uh uh. I want a guarantee. I want to know that what just happened there..." He gestures to the other flat. "...can never happen again. In fact no more violation of any kind. You can't even touch her." There's a pause in the room knowing the first knight isn't finished. "I want the amulet. Or whatever it is you touch to summon her."
The group is all nodding in agreement except for one. Actually two, but one in deep thought.
Lancelot has a concern. "I agree that I don't want him capable of summoning her, but we also have to remember she gave that to him for a reason. And especially now, his life is more in danger than ever. Even she knew that."
The hope they had for protecting Merlynn is dashed by the truth of the noble knight's statement.
Something Leon said, however, sparked an idea in Gwen. "I think I might know a way."
Everyone turns to the kinky haired brunette desperate for a viable solution.
"Morgana, do you think you can put the same spell on Arthur that she has? You know... the one with the sparks?"
The princess' face brightens in comprehension. "You know. I think I can."
"If she could do that, why the fuck didn't we do it before?"
Morgana is still staring at her best friend in pride. It's perfect! "Because Gwaine. One, we never thought about it, and two, we couldn't have done it anyway. Her magic wouldn't have allowed it. Gwen, you're brilliant!"
Beaming smiles spread throughout the group.
"Now hold on! You want to spell me, so I can't touch her! My own soulmate!"
"Absolutely, Arthur! I won't need to take the amulet then. You can still summon her. It just can't be for sex. Gwen, I could kiss you!"
"Hey!"
"But I won't, Lance."
Everyone snickers at the light teasing, levity they've been starved of for quite some time.
"Wait a minute! What if I refuse?"
"You don't get a choice, princess. Remember you're guard dog is a bit out of commission currently. If I have to hold you down, I will. And I'm sure I'm not the only one."
Almost in unison the Knights of the Round Table cross their arms and glare at the prince, clearly displaying they're united. Arthur swallows. Legendary warrior or not. Not even he could take on his own knights. He knows he's lost.
"Cheer up, brother. You might actually appreciate it. I can't only spell you from one person. I have to spell you from all. So, all those unwanted touches you get daily from your royal fan club won't happen anymore. So you see, you get something out of it too. You already can't have sex with anyone else. This should be a blessing. Maybe you could become a monk."
"God, I forgot all about that. You just went celibate, mate. Hey, we can get you one of those purity rings."
Elena snorts at Elyan's comment while the rest quietly chuckle at the prince's plight.
"That's all well and good, but you all forgot something..." Arthur thinks he has them now. "Once she's awake her magic will protect me, even if she won't."
"Protect you from what, Arthur? The spell is for you. It's not that you can't touch her, but she can't touch you."
The prince wags his head. "No. No. That still won't work. She's Emrys, and she can't be shocked. Her magic won't allow it." There, he's got her.
"Why? Because her magic will protect her? You're right, no one can hurt her. That is no one except one. Emrys is completely defenseless against the Once and Future King. You, my dear brother, are Emrys' only weakness."
Arthur's eyes widen, unraveling what his sister's saying. She's right. He said those exact words to her himself the night he... Yeah, that night. But still... "Wait a minute. I may be able to force her to have sex..."
The room is disgusted by how impassively he speaks of violating Merlynn.
"...but I'm sure it won't let me cause her actual harm, physically I mean. It's not like it will let me punch her in the face or something."
"Oh really, Arthur? You think her magic will save her from you causing her pain? Well, let me tell you Pendragon, it doesn't feel good having an unwanted cock shoved up your vagina. I think tonight was exhibit A. Those screams in the beginning were sheer torture, and that magic knew you had... ill intentions, and it didn't save her. In fact, if I caught some of those words right, that was your goal. You wanted it to be as painful as possible, so she had a... what was it?... oh, yes, 'a comparison to your previous gentle ways'. Where was her magic then when you were purposefully causing her pure agony? So, you think it's going to save her from a little shock? I don't think it would save her even if you shot her. Her only saving grace would be her immortality. And even that is so she's around to protect you!"
Everyone knows what Mithian says is true, and it does not paint the Triple Goddess in a positive light. How could she leave her child so powerless?
"All right. You're right. I can hurt her. I'll give you that, but you are forgetting one thing... the spell only shocks people who are attracted to me. And you all have made it very clear she despises me, loathes me even..."
The blonde snorts drawing everyone's attention. "Sorry, I uh... I find it funny that you're counting on her hatred so you can keep molesting her. A little ironic, don't ya think?"
"I'm not talking about molesting her!"
"But you're also not talking about not molesting her either, are you?!"
Arthur ignores Elena's comment and turns back to his sister. "I'm right, aren't I? In order for her to be shocked she would have to be attracted to me, and she's not."
"Ah, yes, but Merlynn isn't just Merlynn, is she? No, she is a package deal. SHE absolutely detests you, but Emrys... Emrys would have your babies if they could."
"You're telling me your magic would actually shock Magic itself? The Goddess?" He asks incredulously.
"No... I'm telling you it would aim for Magic, but it has to go through the vessel to do so. Merlynn is just an unfortunate casualty. Case in point, Arthur, look at her. Magic restraints on anyone else block their magic, but the person can still live a normal life. But restraining Merlynn's magic means restraining Merlynn. She doesn't have magic, she is Magic. What you do to one you do to the other. That's why this whole situation is more devastating than you realize. Remember when she told Uther that the only reason he still sits on the throne is because she allows it?" Arthur nods absorbing all of what Morgana's trying to say. "Well, when you raped her that first time, when it actually helped you violate her, kept her from defending herself... In that moment her entire world view, how she's perceived and understood her life and identity since she was born, she discovered was wrong. She always thought she was the one in control, that her magic was like a talent, a talent that she was very good at, but still just something she could do, something she uses to help others. She thought she was choosing to protect you, because that's how she was raised. No, what she found out in that moment was that Emrys to Uther is like Magic to Merlynn. Her so called freedom is actually permission from her magic. So when people say that you destroyed her... You revealed that she's been nothing but a puppet her entire life and Magic has always pulled the strings, and those strings have only ever had one purpose... save the Once and Future King."
That's rich, coming from her. He wonders what the group would think if they knew she was the one who advised him to do it in the first place. But he won't say that. He won't vilify her in the eyes of everyone. But still... they will be having words later. "Okay. Fine. You all want to do the spell. But isn't everyone forgetting Morgana no longer has magic?"
He's right. No one did remember, and in a flash all hope seems to drain from people's faces. Morgana can't cast it when she has her magic back, because then Emrys will be awake as well.
The princess is contemplating their dilemma while staring at her friend lying on the bed. Hmm... maybe... she wonders. The heart... "Arthur come here. Actually stay there. You're already standing next to her." The priestess goes to stand by her brother between him and the Goddess. She perches herself on the mattress' edge and with one hand grasps the Merlynn's and with the other lays flat on Arthur's chest. She feels it, and her lips curl in a knowing grin.
The 'Camelot Nine' are captivated with Morgana's actions, and watch in anticipation for the outcome. As she whispers an unknown language and her eyes glow gold hope rises amongst them. And then she smiles. They can't help but follow suit.
"What? What just happened?"
"That Arthur... that was the spell you thought I couldn't cast."
"But how? I thought you didn't have magic."
"It's not that I don't have any. It's just what I do have no longer flows. And I got to thinking, Merlynn is the heart of magic. Well, what happens when a heart stops? The blood no longer flows, but it's still there. If you were to cut open a dead body it doesn't bleed because the heart isn't pumping it out. But the blood is still present. You just have to manually extract it. Now Merlynn is Magic. It's no longer streaming in and out of her, but it is still there. All I needed to do is to connect hers to mine to Arthur's and then let magic touch us all."
"But I don't have magic."
Morgana rolls her eyes. "We've been over this. You do have magic. In fact you probably have more than most, including me, because you have half of the Goddess of Magic's soul. You just don't have access to it. Everyone has some magic. It's their life force, but the Triple Goddess chooses who can use it. As the Once and Future King connected to Emrys, to keep the balance, you were not allowed access. The world needs magic and non to work together. Not Magic and magic."
"Can we see if it worked?" Elyan asks.
"Only one way to find out. Touch your soulmate, brother. And I swear to the Goddess if you touch her breast..."
"I'm not going to touch her breast!" He does bend closer to touch her shoulder, though, but it turns out it's nothing more than a tap before the sparks fly. Arthur distantly hears cheers and cries of elation in the background. He's tuning it out. All he knows now are his own thoughts as he slowly grows more cognizant of the ramifications of the spell. His soulmate can never touch him again. In turn, he can never touch her again. Not in this life, anyway. Not unless he wants to electrocute her. And he can't so much as hug anyone that is even remotely attracted to him. He plods over to a wall and leans against it. After a moment his limbs can no longer hold him upright and he slides down the surface until he's sitting with his legs tucked in, arms and head resting on his knees. Fuck, what has he done?
No one's paying attention to the melancholy prince. No one really cares. He's lucky they're even trying to save his life, especially since his death would literally save the world.
"I take it you are now satisfied, Leon. Merlynn is now fully shielded and protected once she awakens."
"Yes, absolutely. Thank you, Morgana." He gives her a broad grin that just might have a little additional meaning.
"Don't thank me. I think we all want Merlynn safe."
The legends all comment or gesture their agreement.
"Now, that that's dealt with, does anyone else have any concerns?"
People either shake their head or say no.
"All right then. It was decided Elena is staying here. I'm assuming so is Gwaine." The duke nods in agreement. "Leon will also be staying to guard both Arthur and Merlynn. We also need to ensure Uther doesn't find out about those," Morgana says tipping her head towards the glowing jewelry. "Cuffs that have the power to restrain a Goddess... I'd hate to even think about what he'd do with them." She shudders at the possibilities. "The rest of you need to continue working against Liberty. We have to move forward believing we'll succeed. We need to have the same faith in ourselves that Merlynn had... has in us, all of us. Otherwise we've already lost."
"What are you going to do?" Gwen asks.
"Me?" She gestures to herself. "I'm going to contact the other priestesses and Mordred. See about getting these damn cuffs off. Leon, please call Galahad. I'd like to leave." The first knight nods and is already scrolling through his contacts. "All right everyone.
Let's save the world."