Arthur's reunited with an old friend. Mordred knows what to do. Detective Harrison has a breakthrough. The group doesn't give up. And Merlynn's done.

With the jingle of the overhead bells, Nimueh glances to the cafe's entrance and recognizes the clothes she strategically selected to camouflage the royal prince. 'Back corner. Brunette, red lipstick,' she texts. She observes him read the message and his gaze lifts to meet her own. Right on time.

Ah, so his mysterious 'friend' is a woman, beautiful woman that carries an air of status around her not unlike a queen. She is definitely someone of prestige and knows it, and Arthur needs to stay wary. People with that vibe of supremacy are master manipulators and rarely act for the common good. No, this woman is not here for him. She needs Arthur for something. He winds his way through the cafe's tables and patrons. "Hello."

"Your Highness." She gestures to the seat across from her. "I thought I would order some coffee. Would you like some? It's on me."

"Just some Earl Gray. Two sugars please."

"Certainly. I'll be back." Nimueh joins the cue at the counter. While waiting she fingers the pipette that's tucked safely in the folds of her pocket. The priestess knows Arthur won't be watching her. Any trained royal knows to always face the wall and never turn around in public places. She thought about lacing his drink and giving it to him unknowingly, but judging by his past, he will likely want it anyway. If she gives him the choice he'll consider her trustworthy and be more inclined to agree with the plan. After receiving both mugs and doctoring them accordingly, she returns to the prince. "Here you go."

"Thank you." He let's his tea sit untouched in front of him. He's not stupid. He's not accepting anything from this woman without more information. Once she's slid in across from him and he can have an eye to eye conversation, he begins probing for answers. "Alright. So, who are you? Why did you contact me? And how can you help me get Merlynn back?"

While taking a sip of her cuppa she eyes him amused at his candor. "Straight to the point. I like that. Doesn't waste time. Alright, but first, I have something for you." She lays the glass ampoule in front of the blonde and regards the dawning of realization.

"It's you? You're who's been giving Morgana those tube things?" On one hand he's grateful, but on the other he's suspicious. His sister wanted to prevent his guilt, but what reason would this woman have? No this... this was a completely different motive entirely. It doesn't make sense. He plucks the item off the table, twirling it in his fingers. "Why?"

"Let's just say we have mutual interests."

Mutual interests. That's vague and doesn't clarify anything. She's deliberately hiding something from him, and he should tread carefully, but at the same time does it matter? If at the end of the day Merlynn is in his arms then what else matters? Nothing. He pops the top and swallows the solution. The wicked smirk should be concerning, but he'll do whatever it takes for his soulmate. "There. Now, you want to explain what's going on and how you can help me."

"Of course. My name is Nimueh. I'm a high priestess, like your sister."

"Nimueh...? I know that name."

"Probably. I'm the most powerful mortal magical on the planet. You can understand I want my power back, and therefore, want your other half awake just as much as you do. Unfortunately, there's only one way to accomplish this."

"Hold on. You told me you had something for me. What's the point in reviving Merlynn if I can't even touch her?" He watches her curiously as the brunette digs into her handbag.

Nimueh finds the small stone submerged in the bottom of her purse. "Here. This is what you'll need. As long as you keep this somewhere on your person any spell or enchantment will be rendered obsolete." Arthur tries to snatch the amulet from her palm, but she closes her fist and pulls away. "Uh uh uh. First things first. This is a priceless artifact, and I'll only give it to you if you agree to do what needs to be done to wake Emrys."

"Of course, I will! I will do anything." He makes another attempt for the stone, but she keeps it just out of reach.

"Really? Anything? Even murder?"

That makes him pause and lower his arm back to the table. "Explain."

Now that Nimueh has his full attention she begins to divulge the plan and the necessity of his role in it. She of course omits her endgame of Emrys leaving the timeline. He doesn't need to know that. She promised Merlynn would awaken and he could hold her once again, and he will. Well... he'll be capable at least. Once the priestess finishes she relaxes and gives him time to ruminate over all she's revealed.

"So, let me get this straight. The only way for Merlynn to wake is if Mordred dies. And since he is a high priest, the only thing that will kill him is a sword forged in a dragon's breath. Excalibur. And I'm the only one who can find it, because I apparently have some bizarre pull to it. Once I do find it, I kill Mordred, Merlynn wakes up, and with that stone you have, I take her and ride off into the sunset. That cover it?"

"That's it."

He mulls this over. Mordred would be gone, and he'd have his soulmate to himself. And really it's only fair. Hasn't Mordred killed him every lifetime for centuries? Well, now maybe it's his turn. "Fine. What happens now?" Her smile is borderline diabolical.

She's so close to the end, she can taste it. Breathe, Nimueh, and focus. A little guidance and your job is done. "I need you to concentrate. Close your eyes, and try to tune everything out around you. Focus on your inner core, the depth of yourself that is yours and yours alone." She can see the meditative state take effect. "It's there you will feel your connection to Excalibur. It might be a hum or a vibration. Your connection is strong if you just listen. Similar to a mother knowing her son's call in a sea of other children."

He can feel it! To think it's been there all along. It's not even faint. The analogy of the mother and son is accurate. His child is screaming for him... and he's coming. "I got it. Now what?"

With his eyes shut he doesn't see her devilish smirk. "Now... you go. Text me when you find the sword, and I'll tell you where Mordred is."

That brings him back. "What? You're not coming with me?"

"Fraid not. After all this is said and done, there will be two women quite angry with me. I think it's best I go for a little bit 'til they calm down."

"What about the stone?"

Oh yes. The stone. Mustn't forget that. She has full intentions on reclaiming the topaz gem when this is all over. Such a priceless relic doesn't belong in the hands of a mundane, especially a Pendragon. The precious objects of the Old Religion must stay in the possession of its priests and priestesses. Nimueh begrudgingly passes it to Arthur.

"You're just going to give it to me? How'd you know I'll even follow through with this?" He holds the item with reverence. This little rock is key to a physical relationship with his bride.

Nimueh stares, baffled by his foolishness. "Because you want your queen, and this is the only way to get her back. That stone means nothing to you unless she's awake, and she'll only wake with Mordred's death, a death that can only happen by Excalibur, which only you alone can wield." The witch scoots to the edge of the booth. "It's not me that's convincing you..." and stands to her feet. "It's you. Godspeed, Your Majesty."

"I'm not the king," he mutters under his breath, but Nimueh hears him anyway.

"Yes, you are. You always have been."

With those parting words, the mysterious brunette exits the cafe. Arthur wonders if he'll ever see her again. Still facing the wall, he cloaks his vision and focuses once again on the nothingness. Once his attention is consumed with the void, he hears the sword. It's not a whisper but a shout. His child is calling for him... and he'll answer.

--

"Harvester Bank, people, on Seventh. Anyone close? Over."

"Gwaine and I are. Why? What's going on, Sefa? Over."

"We just had a ping. A Nimueh Swansea just withdrew a substantial amount of money. That has to be her. Over."

"She's running. Of course she's running. Just like her. Wreak all kinds of havoc, then disappear. Well, Merlynn's not awake, so at least we know nothing has happened to Mordred yet. Over." Thank goddess Leon was able to secure the sisters a couple coms. Handy this.

"Why wouldn't she want to make sure the job is done? Over." Mithian asks.

"She doesn't need to. She won't kill Mordred herself, and there's enough incentive for Arthur to do it. She doesn't doubt he will. Over"

"And why would she stick around for the aftermath. It would behoove the bitch to make herself scarce once the shit hits the fan. Over." Gwaine says.

"While we're all on, Mithian and I found out something interesting. You know how she was fired for unethical reasons. We were able to hack the Essetir Pharmaceuticals' servers. All the paperwork regarding her termination has been redacted. Whatever she was doing, that company is going to a lot of trouble to cover it up. Over."

The sisters look at each other warily. If the group discovers the reason Nimueh was sacked they might put two and two together. They don't have time for that kind of fallout. Luckily they're saved by the first knight.

"It's neither here nor there. That information isn't going to help us find Mordred. All we're learning is that Nimueh is all kinds of batshit. We already knew that. Gwaine and Lance, you need to get to Harvester Bank, now. Over."

"Already on our way. Over."

"Good. Ladies, can you give us a description of what she looks like? Over."

"Certainly. She's a tall brunette, pale complexion, and almost always wears fire engine red lipstick. Over."

"Wait a minute. I thought Percival and Mithian already verified she's an old woman. Without magic she wouldn't be glamoured, would she? Over." If she's forced to be old again Elyan thinks that might slow her down, and they need any advantage they can get.

"Magic isn't flowing currently, but things already spelled or stowing their own magic will still be so. That's why there were sparks when Arthur touched Merlynn. Over."

"Okay, so leggy brunette with red lips and probably walking around like she owns the place. Got it. Lance and I should be there in five. Over."

"All right. Beyond that I think we should switch tactics. We know Mordred's plane landed on Sunday. What if we find out when his plane arrived and follow him via CCTV cameras? Do you think that's something you can do, Percival and Mithian? Over."

"I can't believe we didn't think of that. Yeah, we can certainly try. Over."

"Good. Now, Sefa and Elyan, can you suss out possible locations she could have hidden our warlock? We know it has to be within the area as Arthur would have to be able to get there fairly quickly. I know it's a long shot, but, unless Gwaine and Lance catch her, Nimueh seems to be a lost cause. I think we should try to find Mordred directly. Over."

"Yeah. Yeah, we can do that. Over."

"Excellent. Remember, people, we have until midnight tonight before we lose our witch to madness. We can't give up. How about the cuffs? Any progress there? Over."

"Unfortunately no. Morgana and I have been searching this expert's library to no avail. I think our next bet is to go back to the temple. Maybe Nimueh has a book in her own collection. Over."

"Okay. Just do your best. That's all you can do. Over."

"Nimueh is not here. We must have just missed her. Over."

"Then we have a choice. We can continue to go after Nimueh. If she's running we can try to find out where she's traveling from. We can check flight lists or perhaps if a bus or train ticket has been bought. Or, we can put all of our focus on Mordred."

"Elena and I can help. Arthur isn't here anymore, so we don't have to stay with Merlynn. We can join the search."

"I don't know if you all heard, but Gwen and Elena want to help with the hunt. Over."

"That will work. I think Lancey and I should remain on foot and go where Sefa and Elyan tell us, and maybe the girls can keep on Nimueh. I know Elena is an expert hacker and she should be able to find any ticket purchases. Over."

"Sounds like a plan. Alright, everyone has there jobs. I'm going to see if I can get some of the Guard to help. There's going to be a lot of possible locations, and I don't think only Gwaine and Lance are going to cut it. Over."

"The more the merrier! Over." Everyone appreciates Gwaine's good humor. It helps take the edge off the gravity of the situation.

"Okay, people. Let's save Merlynn's warlock."

--

It's already getting later and later and Arthur still hasn't found that fucking sword! He would have thought the pull would have gotten stronger the closer he came to it, like that children's hot and cold game, but it hasn't. All he has is that innate sense that tells him he's going in the right direction. He just has no idea how close he is, and it's really pissing him off! All Arthur wants is that little bastard dead (who has murdered him every century for fifteen hundred years, mind you) get Merlynn, and get the fuck out of here. The problem is every time his emotions overwhelm him he loses his focus on the sword, and he has to calm himself. The prince would relish the fire inside of him, the courage to finally rid the world of that boy that dared to think he could have his soulmate, but it keeps slowing him down. Focus Arthur. It's all about the sword. Find Excalibur. It's the key to unlocking your queen.

--

Detective Harrison is angling back in his chair, disbelieving what he just heard. "He said what?"

"You heard me," his colleague says while erect against the doorframe to his office.

"Are you absolutely sure?"

"I wouldn't be here if I wasn't sure, sir. I am quite aware of the position this puts the department in."

That is an understatement. "And they are willing to go on the record? Testify?"

"Only if we promise protection."

He snorted. Protection. Protection from who? How can they possibly... from them? There's no one who would even be willing... Or is there? There's one, and she would be more than willing for this cause. "Do it. Get their statements and to a safe house, somewhere new that we've never used and not on file. I only trust you with that information, detective. The less people that know, the better. Also, this case needs to be rock solid, no doubt. We need more evidence. Get everyone to stop what they are doing. This is now top priority. It is our only hope to save the prince." He's not even sure Emrys could fight this, but if anyone could it would be her. He wonders how she must be faring with magic's virtual disappearance. Didn't she say she was Magic itself? What would that mean for her, and is she all right? He hopes so, for her sake and his highness. Without her he's as good as dead.

--

"This sucks! Is anyone doing any better? Over."

"We can't give up, Gwaine. Failure isn't an option. Over."

"I know, Leon, but Lance and I have been out here for hours searching every location Elyan and Sefa give us. I'm assuming your radio silence means your Guard hasn't had any luck either? Over."

Leon is quiet. He knows Gwaine is right, but they have to stay vigilant. "No. You all would be the first to know if they had. Over."

"You see. It's already dark out and we're looking for a needle in a haystack. Over."

"What do you suggest we do? Over." Elyan understands what he's saying, but frankly he could do without the defeatist attitude.

"We were able to access the CCTV cameras. As of right now we can tell you it's in the southwest of the city. Percival is still watching though. Over."

"Okay. That narrows it down, at least. I will send the Guard that way. Where are you, Lance and Gwaine? Over."

He knows the group can hear Gwaine cursing in the background, so Lance responds. "Unfortunately, we're northeast. We'll start heading there now, though. Over."

"Perfect. Elyan and Sefa, focus on locales in that area. Think abandoned buildings, places without a lot of foot traffic. Over."

"We're on it. Over."

"Excellent. How are the cuffs coming? Over."

"Awful. We shouldn't have stayed to clean the professor's office. We should have left a note explaining the urgency of the situation and could have gone back later. I'm the bloody princess! He would have understood. What a waste of time! Over."

"It's all right, Morgana. We still have time."

"Yeah, but only a few more hours! We didn't have time to waste, and if they can't find Mordred he's going to die and Merlynn's going to go mad and... shit! Over."

"Calm down, Morgana. We don't have the luxury of meltdowns. Shoulda, coulda, woulda. It's too late now and nothing we can do. Just get over to her place and start looking. Over."

"Mith's right. I've never been the religious sort, but all we can do is what we can do. Beyond that it's in the Triple Goddess' hands, isn't it? Over."

"That's correct... uh, Sefa. We must follow through with this path and may the Goddess be with us all. Over."

"Well said, Morgause. Over."

"What about Nimueh? Have the girls located her? Over."

"Girls, have you found her?"

Gwen and Elena look at each other and sigh. "Yes and sadly she's not anywhere near you. No one will get there in time. She leaves in twenty minutes."

"I don't know if you all heard Gwen, but don't despair." Leon knows he can't let this news discourage anyone. They need hope, not gloom. "All this means is that we know Nimueh is out, and we can put all of our focus on Mordred. Over."

After a moment of silence Lance realizes his leader needs some back up. "Leon's right, everyone. This could be a blessing in disguise. Who's to say we would be able to convince her to give up Mordred anyway? Could have been a complete waste of time. Over."

"That's true. Nimueh can be a right bitch, especially when she knows she holds all the cards. Over."

"There you go. So everyone put all of your focus on Mordred now, except the sisters. Get those cuffs. I'm sending Gwen and Elena out now. May the Goddess be with you all. Over."

--

Finally! It couldn't have been easy and just buried somewhere. No, the hum is clear. His legendary sword is stuck in a fucking tree! Obviously, the previous Merlin didn't remember Arthur doesn't have magic. How in the hell is he supposed to get it out?!

Crack.

What the?

Crack. Crack. Crack.

"Holy hell!" Well, apparently it's a moot point because the sword is coming to him. Shit! Run, idiot! Can't wake Merlynn if you're crushed under a tree.

The bark splits down the middle as cleanly as it would with a circular saw. Once both sides have fallen to the forest floor Excalibur is revealed, standing proudly embedded in the remaining trunk.

What is this? Some Disney 'Sword in the Stone' shit? Arthur cautiously approaches the legendary blade, suddenly feeling unworthy of its power. His reverence only grows the closer he gets, in awe of the ancient magic radiating off of it. It's not just the strength but the sanctity that practically brings Arthur to his knees. This weapon was forged in dragon's breath fifteen hundred years ago for him alone and by rights of extension, his soulmate. Together they are one, and with Excalibur the Once and Future King can collect his Emrys.

With that in mind, Arthur grasps the hilt, letting the magic wave over him, soaking his form in otherworldly energy dated back to the dawn of creation. The knowledge and belief in his status and role in history has him drawing the sword from the oak like a hot knife through butter. As he holds the sharpened steel in his palm, it's as if the prodigal son has returned and reacquainting with his father. The prince swings and slices the weapon through the air creating a faint whistle as it cuts through the atmosphere. He notices the perfect balance and how the sword has molded into his hand. No longer are they blade and limb but his arm has lengthened, flesh faded into brushed metal. Arthur continues to strike at an invisible foe with his newfound toy, giddy as a schoolboy at its beauty and power when the 4-mora resurges and the influx of rage and jealousy reminds him of his mission.

Arthur retrieves his mobile from his pocket and texts Nimueh. 'Have the sword. Where's the warlock?' He waits only a moment, having lost all his homage for his previous hallowed experience at being united with Excalibur. He's too incensed to even remember the sacred ritual of releasing the blade of its confines for this lifetime. His phone vibrates with a new text and an address is displayed across the screen. Arthur smirks coldly to himself knowing there's only one final step to freeing his love. "Here we go, Mordred. Avalon awaits."

--

The high priest is surprisingly calm under the circumstances. He supposes it is divine intervention stilling his nerves for what is to come. The white dragon said he would save them all, but he's still clueless to how. Mordred paces his 'cage' to keep his muscles warm and not stiff from sitting on the concrete for three days. Oddly enough he's not worried. He's not even afraid to die. It's like whatever he is being called to do has been willed inside him by the Goddess herself.

Step. Step. Step.

It seems he has company. As the door rolls back Mordred glimpses the silhouette of Arthur brandishing a sword, looking almost feral. After seeing him in such a state, the warlock knows he must first save his King. "Your Highness."

Without a word the prince charges forward, swinging like a mad man. Now Mordred may not have a weapon, and he may still be shackled in magic restraining manacles, but he is far from defenseless. He's been in training just like Merlynn most of his life. Mordred is well versed in martial arts, weapons, hand-to-hand combat, all manners of self-defense. He may have only been on this Earth for barely fifteen years, so he hasn't had as much training as his beloved, but the clan made sure Mordred was as close to an even match to her as he could get. All that and the fact the future king obviously does not yet have his legendary sword prowess and is clearly hindered by his own emotions, gives the young priest a strong advantage. Arthur's moves have no rhyme or reason to them. It's just point and swing and hope he connects. He's like a clumsy child practicing with a wooden stick swinging haphazardly. Mordred is easily able to dodge each strike. "You don't want to do this, Your Highness."

"Oh no. I think I do. I really... do!" He makes another swipe at the warlock, who parries left.

"You aren't yourself, Arthur. Can't you see that? This isn't you."

The prince swings again, but Mordred fades back. "Quit telling me who I am! You don't know me!"

"Anyone with magic knows you! You're the savior. The hope for all of us!" Arthur lunges forward again, and Mordred only has to pivot right to escape the blade.

"I don't want to be the savior or anyone's hope! I just want... my... soulmate!" He's holding the hilt with two hands and crudely wields the sword in a chopping motion towards Mordred.

"I want to wake her as well, Arthur. We can figure this out together." The prince's moves are made with such power behind them, he's putting all his strength into each maneuver with no finesse, working harder not smarter. It's clear Arthur's exhausting himself by the red face and panting. The glossy sheen on his skin is also a dead giveaway, whereas Mordred feels like he can go all day.

"Never! I will never work with you! And she will wake, because you will die!" Arthur spins and slashes the sword at a diagonal, but the move is awkward and predictable.

All Mordred has to do is step right. Nimueh couldn't have realized how much she handicapped their savior by affecting his emotions to this extreme. He has no doubt that should his King be in his right mind, Mordred would have quite the fight on his hands, even without Arthur yet having his famed swordsmanship. As of now, this battle is embarrassing and completely unworthy of the Once and Future King. He's ashamed this great man will even have it as a memory. Arthur has ceased his assault a moment to catch his breath, and Mordred straightens to stand tall and speak clearly. "I can't let you kill me, Arthur."

Arthur is taken aback by his tone. It's not of a man trying to defend himself but protect his opponent? "Why?" The two have paused in silent agreement for a momentary truce.

"You are the savior. You were chosen fifteen hundred years ago because you are pure of heart. You're not perfect, but the core of who you are is as pure as they come. In all those centuries not once has King Arthur committed murder. Oh, he's killed, probably thousands, but always to defend and protect. Never have you killed an unarmed person and certainly never in anger or jealousy. To do so would be to taint your soul and curse all your future lives. And since you share a soul you'd be cursing Emrys as well. Can you imagine what that would be like? A Goddess with darkness in her soul? As much as she doesn't deserve that, neither do you, my King. None of this is your fault. Everything you have done has been the result of outside influences. You are a good man, Arthur, and you don't deserve the guilt that will surely cripple you if you do this. The atrocities you've committed against Merlynn the past few months will already plague you, but Emrys' forgiveness will triumph and you will eventually forgive yourself. But to cause the malicious death of another darkens a heart to no return because it throws away Mother's most precious gift of life."

"That's not true. What about redemption? Atonement? Restitution? Like my sister? Like yourself? Why can you all come back but not me? Not Merlynn?"

"We are not the chosen ones. You are held to a higher standard. The evils we have done were born from fear that became revenge and hatred. They were an action, a choice. For you, for Emrys that is not so. Evil that comes from you... that will change your very identity. You would not be you anymore."

"What about what I've done to Merlynn? Isn't that supposedly evil?" Arthur is bitter. No one could possibly understand his perspective on the recent past. No one can fathom what it is like to have the enmity and rejection of your own soulmate. Still everyone insists they know better.

"What you have done to Merlynn is abhorrent, but if I am right, you have been under the influence of some exceptionally potent drugs that have controlled your actions. Emrys will learn this. What has been lost between you will be restored with the Triple Goddess' help. But death is final. There is no coming back from it, no resurrection. Therefore the darkness remains."

Arthur doesn't know what to say to this. Drugs? He's been on drugs, unbeknownst to him? How is that...? The vials. All those tubes. He thought they were to prevent his guilt, but they weren't. They were pushing him to act, to do the things he would have originally felt regret for. What did Mordred say? She would forgive him. It would all be okay. They will be okay. But... they won't be if they can't wake her up. Her forgiveness will mean nothing if she still sleeps, and she won't wake until the warlock dies. He doesn't care. Arthur doesn't care if his soul is tainted or he's not the savior anymore. He doesn't want to be. He just wants his soulmate. That's all that matters. Without a second thought he swings Excalibur at Mordred once again.

Taken off guard by the unexpected strike, Mordred barely evades connection. "Arthur, what are you doing?!"

The prince continues flourishing gracelessly. "The only thing that means anything anymore is my soulmate and the only way she will ever be mine is if you... die!"

He knows now there is no talking to his King. Arthur's not in his right mind and can't see beyond his own desires. Mordred has to end this. With the next sweep of the blade he ducks and spins a roundhouse kick to the savior's gut.

The wind is knocked out of Arthur with the surprising offensive move. It's all the distraction Mordred needs to gain the upper hand. He kicks the legs out from underneath the larger man until he's flat on his back, then stomps on his wrist to release the sword. He snatches it from the prince's grip and twirls it until the tip is at his throat. "Yield, Your Highness." Arthur just glares at Mordred, who sighs in defeat. He brings down the grip into the future king's temple until he lies unconscious at the warlock's feet.

What is he supposed to do now? He can't kill him. He won't. None of this is Arthur's fault. But he also has to protect Merlynn for once she's awake. What's trapped her from the beginning has been the damn summoning stone. No one could have even conceived the Once and Future King would have used it for such perverted purposes. But if the prince remains under Nimueh's influence then Merlynn will remain at risk. He looks to the sword in his hands and wonders... Maybe Excalibur could help. The stone would have to be on him at all times, a place where it couldn't fall off and get lost. It has to be jewelry. Any bracelet or ring would be too cumbersome based on the size of the stone he remembers. That leaves a necklace. Mordred pats down the blonde's chest and sure enough finds the rock centered over his heart. He grins proud that he's solved the source's site of his beloved's pain... and now he will destroy it. He can't remove it. He knows Merlynn would have ensured that wasn't an option. He stands and carefully positions the blade's tip over the stone and softly applies pressure. As predicted Excalibur does all the work. The two magical objects glow until finally the amulet breaks in a minor explosion. There. Now Merlynn will have to devise another way to protect the King while keeping her free will. She can do it. He smiles thinking of his dragonlady's ingenuity. Now that that's been dealt with he can tackle waking his love.

Mordred once again notes Excalibur. Could the sword cut through her shackles? Dragon's breath is very powerful magic, but is it stronger than Emrys? Unfortunately, he knows the answer is no, and somehow the bracelets Merlynn's made are even stronger than her. Excalibur doesn't stand a chance. Even more so Arthur could have used the sword, and Aithusa said specifically only Mordred can save her... Then it hits him. He knows. He knows what he has to do and oddly he has peace with it. In fact, not only peace, but happiness. He knows right here, this moment, this is his redemption. His Mother has given him a gift, saw him worthy of it, and he will not fail his people, his King, or his beloved. He will save them all.

Mordred takes the sword and starts scraping into the floor a message. She must know he did this of his own free will. Once he's satisfied with what he's engraved in the stone he fishes an item from his pocket, bestows it a kiss, and strategically lays it in place. "Until we meet again, my love." Then he takes Excalibur... and impales himself.

--

Miles away in a flat, on the Camelot University campus, the magic restraints of a Goddess snap... and she awakens with a heart-wrenching cry on her lips. "No!"

--

Across the globe a magical surge releases, unbalancing some sorcerers to fall. Most are rejoicing, but two specific high priestesses currently in the bowels of an ancient temple know the powers have only returned at a very high cost. On the heels of their triumph, not finding what they needed for the cuffs, they instead find a receipt for a storage unit with an address for delivery written on the back. So close, but too little, too late.

"Maybe we can still save him?"

"Only one way to find out."

--

Ugh, his head feels like it's being squeezed in a vice. He hears a congested sputtering behind him. Arthur's eyes slowly flutter open and the sight of the metal box with a rolled back door floods his mind with memories of what happened. He rises and sights in the corner Mordred spitting out blood with the prince's legendary sword protruding from his abdomen.

"Ha! You wouldn't let me kill you, but you ended up killing yourself? What an idiot. Well, good riddance. You dared to think you could have MY soulmate, a woman that was literally made for me?! The only place you belong is the grave. She is mine!" He leans in closer to the boy and whispers, "and I'm going to take her far from here, warlock. Somewhere no one will ever find us... and I'm gonna fuck her, fuck her in the morning, noon, and night, and if she ever even so much as mutters your name I'll take her in the arse." He stands back and his lips curl cruelly, grinning at the dying priest.

Mordred listens, hears the vile declaration that flows from the prince's mouth. He sacrificed himself to save her! To save everyone, and he'll be damned if it's in vain, condemning her to a life of sex slavery!

Arthur sees an opportunity to drive his point home and drives the sword deeper through Mordred's flesh.

But Mordred realizes he still has a chance before he dies to deliver her once and for all from this madness. "You will never... hurt her... again." He barely spits the words out, but Arthur hears him loud and clear. The warlock swipes his manacles over Excalibur, which slices through them like paper. He immediately feels the influx of magic returning. He's dying, so there won't be as much power to it, but hopefully it will be enough, and he blasts his future King across the room. With Arthur lying still and silent, Mordred doesn't even notice the rapid loss of his magic, a consequence of a previous oath, nor the flickering of his red eyes to the purity of luminescent gold. The high priest's final breath is a sigh of relief.

--

"Aargh!" Merlynn's scream acts like an EMP device, shorting out all the electronics in the flat, including Leon's com, which gives him a minor shock in his ear. He doesn't even have a chance to go to her before she's sprinting out the door and into the night. "Merlynn!" He bolts to the open entryway she didn't bother to close, hoping to catch her before she dissappears, but his 'sister's already gone. She must be using magic for speed. "Shit!" His com doesn't work and the mobile is fried. Leon doesn't have a choice. He'll have to search for a phone on foot. Hopefully he can borrow one.

--

He has to tell him. Why does it have to be him? Because you're his personal assistant. You're in a highly prestigious position, one that hundreds of people would kill for. Still, this part of his job makes him feel like he's walking the plank on a pirate ship. He apprehensively knocks on the king's door.

"Come in."

He takes a deep breath and steels himself for what's to come, then enters the room.

"Mr. Sellers."

Does he even know his birth name? He's only been working for him for five years. Why would he know his christened moniker? "Uh... y-yes Your Majesty. Um..."

Uther waves, annoyed. "Spit it out, man! Don't waste my time."

"Yes. Sorry. I apologize. Um..." Get a grip, Sellers. "I'm here to inform you..." Just say it! "...that magic has returned."

"What?!"

Oh god.

--

Merlynn's not thinking straight. Her magic seems to know where it's going, and she's just a willing passenger. Her mind is gone anyway. No Mordred! Not Mordred! No! No! No! The Goddess must be nearing her destination as her magic decelerates her momentum. It appears to be an abandoned building. Mordred must be inside. She dashes through the entrance and spots the storage unit back in the corner. The hatch is fully rolled back. As she advances closer Merlynn notices Arthur laying in the opening of the unit. She knows he isn't dead, or the Goddess would have already reverted to infancy. She maneuvers around him... and stops short at sight of her beloved.

"No, no, no, no." Instantly she's at his side, collapsed to her knees and extracting the sword, then tossing it away. "Come on, Mordred. Come on. Wake up." Desperately patting his cheek and shaking him, foolishly believing the jostling will be his salvation. Merlynn can't accept it. She won't. "Please Mordred. Please. Come back to me." She presses her palms into the hole in his stomach and wills her magic to start working... but it's no use. After some undiscernable amount of time, reality is starting to seep through the fantasy and with it a pain that surpasses all others. That's when... the Goddess... shatters. "No Mordred! No!" Merlynn drags her beloved into her arms enveloping him from behind. "No!" She wails and sobs and wails some more. Merlynn's magic knows what's coming and cocoons the couple in a protective barrier. Then she screams, the screams of heartbreak and a crushed soul. Her love is gone. The only light in what's become her world of darkness. Even when she would never see him again, knowing he still breathed was enough to sustain her. When Merlynn finally calms and only silent tears fall, her magic dissolves the shield. The witch tenderly rocks her warlock, softly singing one of his original ballads, one he wrote just for her. Eventually Merlynn quiets and stills. That's when she notices the script etched into the floor at her side.

'Live free, Dragonlady,' and in place of the O is a heart. But what really draws her attention is the object centered inside the symbolic shape. Her betrothal ring, restored and made whole, magicked to the original sapphire and entwined with Mordred's thin band of platinum. Merlynn gently settles her beloved against the wall and reclaims her ring, then slides it home, where it should have never left and always been.

In her periphery Merlynn sees the weapon that ended her betrothed's life. The power from the sacred relic is palpable, and she can't help but be in awe, but resentment of its previous action latches onto her like a parasite. Even knowing it was her love's choice doesn't ease the pain of the anguish it has caused her. "Excalibur... 'Take me up, cast me away'..." Emrys glowers at the prophesied king with a vengeance she battles to contain. Her Mordred is no more. His crumpled form, pathetic and degrading to his sacrifice and life. She reverently lays him on his back, situating his hands over his heart, then kisses him one final time on the cheek and lips. "I will, my love. I will live free." She rises fully erect and determined, decision made. "But not here." Merlynn's eyes glow gold, and instantly she's standing in her room. This time she won't be coming back.

--

"Goddess! Hurry!" Morgana identifies Arthur first, the limp flaxen head peeking outside of the unit. In seconds she's there placing two fingers to his pulse point, relieved to feel a steady heartbeat. "Oh thank goddess. Come on. We need to get him to the hospital." The brunette starts to lift him, but his dead weight is too heavy. "Little help here." But she glances at Morgause who's frozen solid, staring at something over Morgana's shoulder. She turns around and instantly understands her sister's state and gasps.

Morgause inches her way to the warlock, obviously positioned affectionately with deference. Merlynn had been there. "Poor Mordred. We couldn't have saved him, not from that," she says inspecting the fatal wound through his belly. Under closer observation the scrawl in the floor comes to view. "Goddess."

"What?" Morgana joins her sister and follows her line of sight to the wording in the concrete. She crouches and runs her fingers through the jagged edges of the crude carving, remembering the young priest fondly. He truly loved their witch.

"It looks like we wouldn't have been able to save him even if we were here. Arthur didn't kill him. He killed himself."

Morgana thinks about that statement and it doesn't apply in this circumstance. Suicide implies a selfishness or cowardice. This... this was anything but. "No." Morgana looks between their brother and Mordred and understands. "He saved Arthur." She smiles warmly.

"He saved everyone."

They both are anchored to the floor for a moment, unable to drift from their wonderment at the young man until Morgana is pulled from her veneration. "Then let's not let his sacrifice be for nought, yeah? Arthur needs a hospital. We can come back and ensure Mordred gets a proper burial later."

Morgause nods to her sister and has one last look at the late high priest. "May you find peace in Avalon, Mordred." Together the priestesses collect the Once and Future King.

--

Merlynn scavenges through her drawers searching for what she absentmindedly left there, believing she would never use it, but not willing to part with the selfless salvation Morgana had gifted her. Her friend had struggled deeply, but in love, put Merlynn's needs before her own. Merlynn could never treat such a blessing with the bin, so she tucked the incantation in the safety of her wardrobe.

The spell requires the Crystal Cave, needing the extra boost of power from the birthplace of magic and home of her infant stasis until the reincarnation rebirth begins. Google is unable to produce a photo of the actual cave, but Merlynn does have some success finding an image from a location in the vicinity. "There you are."

Too disturbed from the day's events, Merlynn doesn't pay attention to her crimson painted hands that are beginning to flake or the dark stains of Mordred's life that now grace her hoodie and jeans. None of it matters. This life is over and she's going to where it can begin again, where Mordred is still alive and she can breathe once more, where the weight of destiny is an honor and not a curse. With her deliverance in hand, Merlynn focuses on the snapshot on the screen, and with a simple wave... the Heart of Magic disappears.

‐--

Pacing the corridors of the hospital, the sisters wait for news on their brother. Well Morgana paces. Morgause just helplessly watches her fall apart.

"Morgana?" She startles the princess from her thoughts. "We need to notify everyone. No one knows what's happened yet."

"Yeah." That's right. All of their friends must know her shame, her sins. "Uther probably needs to know his son is in a coma, too."

Her guilt is as clear as the nose on her face, and Morgause is at a loss how to ease her pain. "He'll be alright, Morgana. Whatever Mordred did was only to incapacitate him."

"I know. Just... this whole thing is a mess, and it's all my fault!"

"You aren't alone, sister. I'm just as much to blame."

"No Morgause, you're not. The decision was ultimately mine." Morgana props herself against the wall, staring off into nothingness. "And I made the wrong one."

Well, what's she supposed to say to that? She's right. The ball was ultimately in the Morgana's court. So Morgause doesn't say anything and only squeezes her sister's shoulder in support. "You can stay here and wait for news. I'll go make the calls."

Morgana doesn't respond, too lost in thought.

Morgause reluctantly leaves to inform the others. "Goddess be with my sister."

--

"What?! What is going on now?!" Magic has returned. What could possibly be worse than that?!

The assistant found the king angrily flouncing around his office as soon as he opened the door. He visibly gulps, well aware of the source of his employer's rage. "I'm sorry, sire. I've just been informed. It's your son, sir. He's in a coma at Lothian Hospital."

Arthur. That sobers the elder monarch from his fury. "How did that happen? I thought he was in Ambrosia."

"It's unclear. We were only told of his current condition. He and Emrys must have decided to return early."

" I see... Has there been word of his prognosis?"

Finally, some good news. He nods. "They're hopeful." But his words are returned with an expression of inscrutable vacancy. "Would you like me to send for a car, sire?" Sellers asks after what he believes was ample enough time for the father to process his son's status.

Uther jerks his head up at the honorific after being lost in thought. "Hmm? Oh Yes. And be quick about it." He gestures for the assistant to go.

"Of course." Well, he came out of that one fairly unscathed.

As soon as Sellers leaves, the king collapses back into his chair. His son... is in a coma, but they are hopeful. The man sighs and rubs the bridge of his nose between his fingers. Wonderful.

--

Merlynn finds the entrance to the cave. She didn't need a map. As soon as she was close enough the crystals called to her magic. "I'm here." Emrys slowly steps inside reveling in the beauty around her, crystals everywhere that appear to be reacting to her power. It makes sense. It's home. Merlynn knows not to look directly at any one stone. She's heard enough horror stories and... no thank you. She reads through the spell again. It's definitely complicated and she'll need some items, but luckily the Goddess knows exactly where to get them. She summons ingredients from the apothecary in Ambrosia, then a bowl and pestle from the labs at CamU. She's never stolen anything in her life but desperate times, right? With all the items now lined up in front of her, Merlynn begins. To freedom.

--

"Are you sure?"

"Yes sir. Quite positive. This case is air tight."

"And we have signed affidavits?"

"From all witnesses. Once they knew what we had, they all began to 'sing'."

"What about evidence?"

"All locked up and heavily guarded. But we have DNA, phone calls, emails. They really didn't cover their tracks."

"No. What happened with the residence warrant?"

The detective pauses at the foolish question. "You know we were never going to get that."

"No, I guess not. Is the Crown Prosecution here?"

"Right outside." The detective retrieves the solicitor.

"DCI Harrison, I presume?" A tall man probably in his mid forties with dark curly hair and a long face enters his office.

"That's me. Thank you for coming, Mr. Evans. I know it's late, but I'm sure you understand the urgency."

"Of course." The prosecutor perches on the edge of his seat across from the investigator.

"And you've been apprised of the case?"

"I have."

"And? Do we have enough?"

Evans sighs. "You know this case is unprecedented?"

"We are well aware sir, but what else are we supposed to do?"

"You misunderstand me, detective. I'm not judging you for pursuing this. I believe you are doing what's right. I am saying that this will not be easy, even with all the evidence and witnesses. We will have to go to the very top and we will have a hard time finding willing people to help us."

"So, what are you saying? Do you not want the case?"

"Oh no, I want it. I love a challenge." The prosecutor rises to shake the investigator's hand. "I'm your man, Detective Harrison." Evans grins widely ready to make history.

"Then I guess we need to go get our prince, and we'll go from there. We'll need to let Emrys know as well." They exit the office on a mission.

"Who's Emrys?" Evans asks.

"His personal bodyguard."

"Surely there will be enough security under police protection."

Harrison snorts and faces the other man. "Not like this."

A constable rushes towards them. "Sir! We've just been notified the prince is in a coma at Lothian!"

The detective stares at the young man wide eyed. Did someone get to him? And where was Emrys? Without so much as a second glance Harrison sprints from the precinct, officers and the crown prosecutor closely behind.

--

By now everyone has joined the sisters at the hospital, including the king. The Camelot Ten and Morgause are scattered around Arthur's hospital room, given a royal reprieve for the number of visitors. He's in a secluded area anyway. The mood is solemn, not just because of the blonde prince lying reposed on the bed, but they know they didn't save their Merlynn's betrothed. They failed.

"And you're sure Mordred meant for him to survive?"

"Yes, Gwen. He will live. We just don't know when he'll wake."

"Well, it's only a couple minutes now until our founders' birthdays. We know Merlynn's back... so maybe the memories will spark the princess?"

Elena gasps in horror. "Oh my God, Merlynn! Where's Merlynn?!"

Calm down." Mithian, always cool, calm, and collected pats the blonde's back. "Who was the last to see her?"

Leon indicates himself. "I guess I was. She woke screaming and blew out my com and mobile, then was flying out the door before I could even blink. I tried chasing her, but by the time I got outside she was already gone."

"Do you know where she was going?" Gwen asks desperate to find her friend who must be beside herself with grief.

Leon shrugs. "She just kept repeating 'no'. I don't know if it was some mad reaction to having her magic free or if she actually had a destination in mind."

"She went to see Mordred." Morgause informs them.

"Yeah, and when she killed your electronics she set off a tremor worldwide. That's how we knew he had died, that and the return of magic."

"What are you talking about? What tremor? We didn't feel a tremor." Elyan wonders if they had been so engrossed with their task they actually missed an earthquake.

"It was a magical tremor. Only sorcerers would have felt it. When Emrys woke it was the equivalent of a defibrillator shock to the heart of Magic. Knocked Morgana and I nearly off our feet."

"Okaay. But how do you know she saw Mordred?" Sefa asks.

Morgana remembers the reverent placement of the warlock. "Because he had killed himself with a sword, but he was laying flat on his back when we found him with his hands centered over his heart. Doubt Arthur would have graciously adjusted him into such a honorable position. No, Merlynn had definitely been there. Where she's at now, however, no one knows."

Morgause eyes widen and jaw drops in realization at the likely possibility. If Emrys wasn't thinking straight it is highly probable she did. "Morgana! Goddess, you don't think she...?!"

"Shit!"

Everyone's alarmed by the priestesses panic. "What?"

"What are...?"

"What's going...?"

But all questions come to an abrupt halt as the clock strikes midnight. All the legends' eyes begin fluttering and their balance falters as memories start flooding each of their minds. Images of chainmail, swords, and medieval gowns fill their consciousness. Love gained, love lost, battles, and alliances. All memories of a time long past, but now refreshed affect heroes and villains alike. Who were they, and who are they now, and how can they reconcile them both together? Once the last vision has been restored the Camelot Ten all regard each other in new and old lights. Some are wary of the witches, but acknowledge their redemption. All are rejoicing the reuniting after years of grief and are starting anew previous relationships that were unfairly cut short.

"Merlynn."

The reunion is interrupted by a voice temporarily forgotten resting between them. With a determined gaze in his eyes the patient mounts to his feet, ignorant of the swarm of people already invading his room.

The Once and Future King is awake.

--

Almost ready. She finishes the last of the requirements for the spell and is ready. Live free he said. She will... "I will, my love." With strength in her resolve at thoughts once more of her warlock, she opens her mouth to chant... but instead is blasted with reels of history with two key characters in the center of it all.

Merlin and Arthur battling a magical creature in a forest.

Merlin and Arthur building a dyke between Mercia and Wales.

Merlin and Arthur assist writing the Anglo-Saxon Chronical.

Merlynn and Arthur reading humorous works of Geoffrey of Monmouth's accounts of King Arthur.

Merlynn and Arthur housing orphans during Bubonic Plague.

Merlin and Arthur at the knighting of Sir Francis Drake.

Merlynn and Arthur help expose The Gunpowder Plot.

Merlin and Arthur fight in the Battle of Waterloo.

The good, the bad, the ugly. It's all there. When the final memory falls into place the Goddess' eyes open.

"Arthur."

15. This brings up an absolute must have for me. I won't read stories that don't have it. A happy ending. I have enough doom and gloom in reality. I read as an escape to something better. A sad or bad ending sort of negates that. I love Mordred, people, and I will not let him go. You'll have to read on to find his happy ending.

Fun fact: I researched all those British history events. I tried to time things every two hundred to two hundred fifty years. Otherwise Arthur would be his own great grandfather. I realize he actually will be, but I tried to ensure about six generations between incarnations. He also had to be king. No offense to my British readers but I had to replace your historical monarchs with Arthur.