Author's Note ~
Due to publishing issues, we are a day late, sorry!
We're back! We all hope you had very happy holidays and a great new year!
Lady of the Lake
Heavy panting was heard in nothing but darkness. That was until Claire's eyes opened, dressed in her armor as a memory before she had played out.
Jim hated sitting there, watching their future play out with no clue on what was going to happen. What irked him even more was how worried Merlin looked and how he tried to hide it. The stench of worry was strong and obviously affecting Merlin to the point where he struggled to hide it.
That wasn't the full reason on why Jim had such a strong distaste for this either. He was sitting here, shard frozen in his chest and injured while watching his future self clearly struggling with it, weakening him. He couldn't afford to be weak, he was the Trollhunter.
And yet, here he was, worried sick for his friends, especially Claire who was clearly focused on his well being and if he was safe even though she was going through a massive change. A sorceress out of everything!
Then there was Toby, Blinky, everyone in the future. How were they doing? Why was Jim stuck in the dark, not able to do anything? It didn't help the situation that he just witnessed Claire back in her armor, looking more panicked than he liked.
Blinky, Jim, and Merlin had all been standing in the woods, armed and standing with tension. "Hullgar!" Merlin yelled out as Claire turned around, looking at the Dark Knight that jumped right at her, her hands moving up to shield her face.
"Jim!" She yelled before everything went dark again. All that was heard was Jim letting out a battle cry before Claire's eyes opened again, still heavily panting.
When her eyes opened, she was watching Jim fight off against the dark knight before being shot in the chest, his body flying towards her before landing with a harsh thud. He looked up at her with pain-filled eyes as she called for him.
"Jim!"
"Why didn't you help me?" He asked as he closed his eyes. From that, another memory played out, both King Arthur and Morgana standing at the edge of a darkened cliff, skies painted red as they battled each other.
Claire lowered her head, the guilt rolling off her and Jim was quick to sense it. He would have never said that to her! He never said that to her! Feeling angry at himself and the fact that she was blaming herself for his wound made him want to find the Green Knight and end him.
He moved his hand over Claire's and her eyes stared deep into his with a bit of a small smile. "Never blame yourself for something that we would have never seen coming."
"I just wish I knew I could make por—" She was silenced by his lips pecking her's. The minute he pulled away, she blinked in surprise.
"Claire, no." He mumbled. "I love you."
Claire sucked in a breath before a real genuine smile came. "I love you too."
The fight ended the same, Arthur's sword being raised as Claire cried out: "No, no, no, no, no!" She heard Morgana scream as the hand was sliced clean off and tumbled off the edge.
However, this time Claire had caught her before she fell to her death, "gotcha!" But when Morgana looked up at Claire, all the young female saw was her own head on Morgana's body. The site made her gasp and pull back, letting the body fall back down with a scream.
"What kind of feverish dream are you having?" Mary asked as she looked at Claire.
Claire shrugged, but deep down she already knew. Ever since the moment Claire watched as she gained her new skill of shadow magic without a staff, she could already feel the fear creeping up in her throat. And just by the dream, it was obvious that Claire already understood her entire fear that would consume her during the future.
Why worry her friends, especially Jim, who already was panicking over Claire's well-being? Voicing the fear that she would become someone like Morgan was such a bad idea and feeling it would draw more attention to her and the situation she found herself in.
It had to wait.
The moment woke Claire up, her body floating off of the bed in an exorcist manner, purple magic surrounding her and exploding off in each direction. Her body dropped back onto the bed as she sat up while trying to catch her breath.
"Whoa, Claire. You got magic just firing out of you now." Toby mentioned.
"I wonder why it's showing up so suddenly?" Darci asked.
"Maybe because of the emotions she is going through? A possibility," Eli answered.
"It wasn't real," She breathed as a book near the bed had opened flipping to a page where a young sweet girl was stepping through a portal only to return on the other side as a deranged monster. "Oh, no."
"Well…" Steve mumbled.
"I am against the kids being alone with these situations," Blinky stated, not liking the image he witnessed.
The sun had finally risen, the town coming alive as people walked through the courtyards, mumbling about Arthur.
"How will Arthur protect us?"
"Excalibur shattered."
"I didn't know!" in the castle Arthur had been sitting on his throne, holding his forehead in a somber motion as Merlin stepped up to him, holding a cup of liquid.
"Drink this, my lord. It will make you feel better," Merlin stepped closer to the king, only for the man to knock it from the wizard's hands. The contents spilled everywhere, but Merlin didn't look offended as King Arthur continued to mourn.
"Oh, sister."
"You must rally, your Grace. The realm needs you, we all do." Arthur stood, grabbing the handle of the broken sword and coming to a stand, trying to push back his sadness. However, the minute he held it up, the memory of Morgana falling to her death had replayed in his head.
The man gasped, stumbling back in his throne and dropping the weapon as Merlin helped stabilize him. "My sword, shattered, like my kingdom. All is in ruins."
"Who's fault is that?" Mary snared, earning some warning glares. "Am I wrong? You can't sit here and tell me I am wrong."
"I will repair Excalibur," Merlin started, grabbing the shattered pieces and leaving Arthur to himself. "And perhaps mend our shattered hearts."
From that, the scene changed. Douxie stood in front of a decorative window, his head slightly hung, and he wore a look of despair. He hugged himself as Archie stared at him. "Excalibur is busted and Morgana is… is…" He let out a sigh. "This never was supposed to happen."
"You did what you thought was right," Archie mentioned as Douxie stepped toward the flickering time map, sealing it closed as his cat followed him.
"And look where that got us, history's absolutely botched. I've led us astray." Claire stood off to the side, touching the pages of the book that had scared her during the night.
"Morgana tried to help me save Jim," Claire started, staring at the page of the same girl who transformed after stepping through the portal. "But all I saw was anger and darkness. We share the same magic, what does that say about me?"
"She did have purness to her heart, something I'd never thought I would see with my own six eyes," Blinky started. "But she is different, fair Claire. That magic runs on emotion, it was clear that Morgana's emotions were strong enough to where her magic was able to corrupt her. Upset that she went unheard, angered how quick humans were to judge us, led her astray."
"But—" Claire said, quickly interrupted by Blinky.
"There is none. You worry for Master Jim and your friends, but your control is rather different. She had no one to ground her emotions, believing that everyone was against her. You will see that you're different."
To the side, Steve was sitting on the stairs, whimpering as Claire moved to his side, holding the book as she sat beside him. The girl placed down the book to comfort the crying boy, "Aw, Steve. It's okay to cry, it was a big loss."
Steve wailed before putting his head into the crook of Claire's shoulder. "It's just, the other knights think I'm lame. They laughed at me," He sniffled. "Said I hadn't proved my worth as a knight. And Galahad called me a weenie." He sniffled as Claire pushed him back, the boy wiping his nose.
Aja rested her hand on Steve's shoulder, patting it in comfort. "It's alright, hun. You will be a good knight someday with proper warrior training."
"I really wanted to be the hero!"
"You are, in some way," Aja said with unsureness in her voice. "You did save your friend Jim from others and are helping Claire and the magic boy."
"Yeah, I guess that's true. Thanks, my ninja kicking angel." She giggled in response as Krel groaned from the side.
"That doesn't sound like a real problem, Steve," Claire groaned and stood, holding the book. Merlin pushed through the door suddenly, holding the broken sword, alerting the group to his presence.
"Camelot is in chaos and Arthuir is without his blessed weapon to defend it," Merlin said, dropping the sword on the table as Hisirdoux stumbled in, carrying a rather heavy chest.
"See? That's a real problem," Claire mentioned to Steve.
"What's the big deal? Can't he just buy a new one?" Steve asked, coming to a stand.
Eli sighed, facepalming.
"Without Excalibur, Arthur cannot lead Camelot to war against Gunmar," Merlin answered.
"Which would mean the end of humanity," Archie responded.
"And our future, I'll never get us home," Douxie added.
"And I'll never save Jim, but we can fix this, right, Douxie?" Douxie looked away, looking grim, but Merlin had spoken up.
"There's only one who can. Make ready, I must bring Excalibur to the Lady of the Lake."
"She's real?" Claire questioned.
"So, this plan of yours…" Douxie started, walking to Merlin. "Well, surely you'll need help. Maybe, maybe we can fix this together." While Merlin held a slight glare, his answer was shocking.
"Agreed."
"I promise I can make it right– Wait, we are?" Douxie stood straight after bowing, clearly taken aback. "Oh, great. Well, we won't let you down." Merlin groaned before looking towards Hisirdoux who was tidying things up.
"You, mind the workshop," He then turned to Douxie. "You, gather up Excalibur. We ride." As Merlin stepped out, Steve grew excited.
"Sounds like a quest!" Soon, the same group was sitting on a white and golden boat, riding through dark waters. "Chance to prove I'm an awesome knight, get a monster trophy, save the damsel, I'm in!" Steve yelled.
"Uh, who's the damsel in this situation?" Douxie asked as he looked at Steve.
"Jim?" Steve answered with a questioning tone.
"Well, that's lovely," Jim mumbled.
Claire moved to the side of the ship, sighing as she held onto the book and placed it on the railing. Douxie was close behind, placing the time map on the railing beside her, tightening his grip when he felt it slide.
"Do you think Merlin's plan will work?"
"I messed up the timelines," Douxie started. "We've run out of options, and my choices haven't exactly worked out lately." He rubbed his neck, letting the time map go, which was a poor choice as it shook due to the unstable map inside. Thankfully, Douxie was quick to grab it just as Steve walked up beside them. "We can't make any more mistakes. We'll have to trust Merlin this time."
"I just hope Jim made it out safe."
"I'm sure he's nestled safely in the bosom of friendly Trolls."
Steve laughed, "bosom."
Speaking of Jim, the boy was lying on the table, blinking his eyes open as a hand moved over his forehead, dabbing it with a cloth. "Blink? Oh, I just had the craziest dream."
"Did you, now?"
"I was stuck in the past! And Steve had great hair and a goatee. Everything smelled bad, and– and Gunmar was still alive." Jim started, rolling on his side as Blinky wore a glare while his brother was behind him, looking rather nervous.
"Hey! I have great hair!"
"I can smell the massive amounts of gel in your hair."
"I don't wear gel!" Steve cried and crossed his arms. "It's supposed to be scent free. Stupid troll nose," he muttered.
"Gunmar the Black is very much alive. Clearly, he's delusional." Dictatious nodded before slapping Jim, the boy sitting up with a yelp, but Blinky continued. "Snap out of it!"
"Blinky, it's me, Jim!"
"Blinky? For the last time, that's Blinkous Galadrigal to you, outsider," Blinky stepped off as Jim looked deflated.
"And my nightmare's real." As Blinky kept his distance, Dictatious grabbed Jim's hand, shaking it.
"I must apologize for my actions. I have not imagined myself attacking my treasured warrior," Blinky started as Jim chuckled.
"Blink, it's the past. None of this makes sense to me anyway so, I understand where you're coming from."
"It's rather troubling for me."
"Pleased to make your acquaintance. Forgive my brother, your traveling companion was a little more hostile upon waking up." Dictatious turned his head, revealing the massive black eye as he looked at Callista, resembling a punch with his hands.
"I startle easy, that's on you."
"Of course, you're here," Blinky started, talking to Callista. "Whenever there's calamity, there's Callista." He opened the curtain, blinding Callista before the view to the busy world of Trolls was seen.
"Whoa, where am I?" Jim asked.
"Dwoza, safe haven for Trollkind," Dictatious answered.
"You mean some of Trollkind," Callista responded bitterly.
"How do you feel? Can you walk? We did our best to heal your wounds," Dicatious added as Callista tested her injured leg.
"I think so?" Jim replied.
"Superb! Then you'll be able to leave!" Blinky said, grabbing both Jim and Callista and pulling them out the door.
"Hey, watch it! You have plenty more eyes to punch."
"Unfortunately, you outsiders have a habit of making things, um…not safe," Dicatious said nervously.
"Do I even want to know what others did to the point where you kick them out?" Toby asked and Blinky shook his head.
"Which means we've no room for troublemakers here!" Blinky said, throwing them outside, causing the two to land on their knees, but Jim and Callista had stood up quickly.
"What happened to safe haven?" Jim asked.
While Jim dealt with his issues with more than familiar Trolls, his friends are still on a journey through the lake, surrounded by jagged rocks and shipwrecks. However, Claire wasn't too focused on the surroundings, more on the book that was in her hands, the same page of a girl whose personality twisted the moment she went into the shadow realm.
"Ah," Merlin started, raising his hand and shutting the book magically. "If you learned anything from Morgana, it should be that shadow magic leads only pain." The book dropped back into her hands as the others were focused on the surroundings.
To the side, Steve had been picking his nose while Archie was staring down at the water. "I try to avoid water."
Douxie looks rather disgusted as he watches Steve stare at the booger he spoke. "Personally, I always pack my swimsuit. Extra-personally, it's actually my birthday suit." Steve put the contaminated finger in his mouth, the sight grossing Douxie out while Archie gagged at what Steve had said.
Mary leaned over her chair, "I think I'm going to be sick."
"You're kidding, right?" Darci asked as she looked at Steve.
"What? I see nothing wrong."
"Oh, my…" Toby muttered.
"Whoa," Steve suddenly breathed out. "It's a ship graveyard." He stared at all the abandoned ships as Merlin spoke.
"We've arrived."
"The Lady of the Lake is real! I thought she was just a myth," Claire breathed out.
"Oh, no. The lady's very much real. Though only Merlin's allowed to meet with her, till now," Douxie replied.
"Because her power is beyond your comprehension." As they sailed to the small rough docking area, Archie transformed, surveying the area as Merlin continued to speak. "It was from her mystic waters, I helped Arthur first retrieve Excalibar and unite the kingdom." The team climbed up the edge, staring at the massive stone doors. "Hisirdoux, the sword please."
The boy pulled out the hilt of the sword as Steve chanted excitedly. "Yeah! Quest, quest, quest, quest!"
As Douxie handed the sword to Merlin, with a smile on his face. The wizard spoke, causing his apprentice to drop the smile. "Watch the ship, I shall return shortly."
"What? We have to wait in the car," Steve cried out.
"I thought we were doing this together?" Douxie asked.
"You should be thanking me," Merlin said with an ounce of anger, turning to face Douxie. I got you out of Camelot. Arthur's unstable, the people are afraid."
"I thought you trusted me," Merlin sighed. "I won't just sit here without making things right."
"And I will not lose another apprentice!" Merlin snapped, his words echoing as Douxie looked unsure. Sighing, Merlin grabbed the sword out of Douxie's hands and walked to the door that lit in green magic.
Douixe's glare quickly turned into a look of question. His eyes drifted to Merlin, who seemed to be more focused on the screen, never once meeting his eye. What did he mean by losing another apprentice? Was it about Morgana? Or was there someone else who once was beside Merlin and faced an untimely fate?
It also made Douxie wonder if that was why Merlin was so hard and stubborn with him. While Merlin was terrible at showing emotion and care, he did show it in his own and rather twisted way.
He needed to ask about it later, but for now, he seemed to relax a little, knowing that it wasn't just distrust with him, but a little bit of worry.
The doors woke, the right one speaking first. "Who dares to disturb my slumb–"
"It's me, Merlin. Open up, you idiots."
"Oh, it is you. All right, walk in," The left one responded, obviously not offended by Merlin's impatient tone and harsh words. The doors moved open, sliding back for Merlin to pass. He spared one glance back at his apprentice before stepping in.
However, Douxie acted on his thoughts, exhaling as he ran forward. Claire reached for Douxie but stayed back as the boy ran to the doors, only for them to seal shut. "Lake's closed."
"None but the master wizard shall pass," the left one added, Douxie stepped away with a glare. "No amateurs, that's you."
"Causa crepitoose!" Douxie yelled, activating a spell in anger, a blast rippling through the ground and to the doors. While it exploded in the cracks, the doors were unphased, leaving the right one to chuckle.
"Is that all you got, punk?"
"Come on, get close so I can bite your legs off!" The door laughed as Claire joined Douxie's side, groaning in annoyance.
"Ugh! Merlin's magic is so annoying."
"Tell me about it," Jim answered, crossing his arms.
Douxie sighed, leaning against the doors, "The talking door is right, this sorcery's uncrackable."
"Well, at least we don't have to see Steve's birthday suit," Archie added as he landed on Douxie's hunched shoulders. Yet, Steve's yell caused both their eyes to grow wide, and they did not even have to look to know what was happening.
"Too late! Whoo!" A splash was heard and the doors had cried in agony.
"Oh, no! My eyes!"
Mary looked horrified, slowly turning to face Steve as she grimaced.
"Good thing Arcadia doesn't have many pools," Toby added.
"Oh, I can't unsee that now!" The scene changed. Deep, dark crevices were in view as a stalking flew through the dark ravine. Fallen massive skull ships had been wedged between the jagged rocks, Gunmar's voice echoing from one.
"You hold back, General Aaarrrgghh," He stated as Aaarrrgghh roared, the view of Gunmar's teeth was rather close. "Show me your strength, show me the nightmare that mankind fear!" Both Gunmar and Aaarrrgghh battled, the skull crusher managing to toss Aaarrrgghh to the ground before leaping in the air.
Toby instantly sat up, not expecting to see Aaarrrgghh's past, but grateful that he did. His wingman had gone through a lot and Toby was getting some more understanding on what changed and how truly aggressive his friend was before, and why he had grown to be a pacifist.
Obviously, the reminder was sore as Aaarrrgghh hunched in his seat, groaning in sadness. Blinky gently patted his arm in a comforting manner, unsure what to say to comfort him.
Aaarrrgghh reacted quickly, punching Gunmar away from him, but the blow didn't slow Gunmar down as he managed to block a charging blow that Aaarrrgghh was about to deliver. The fight ended quickly when Aaarrrgghh's face was thrown into a nearby rock before he was pulled back, Gunmar still holding his grip on the troll's head.
"Good spar, Skullcrusher."
"Yes, old friend, but you have yet to take me down," Gunamr responded before the sound of a Gumm-Gumm had caught his attention.
"Gunmar, Arthur and his forces crossed Killahead. They're hunting Trolls fleeing to Dwoza, Bular is missing." Gunmar stepped closer, grabbing the Gumm-Gumm by the neck and tossing them against a nearby wall.
"Always killing the messenger," The Gumm-Gumm spoke as Aaarrrgghh watched.
"Then the humans crave war," Gunmar hissed before turning to look at Aaarrrgghh. "General, tell the Dwoza Trolls it's time to pick a side, and if it isn't ours, kill them all."
"Yes, Skullcrusher, with pleasure," Aaarrrgghh's eyes weren't as friendly as the view grew closer to his face before the scene changed. Back by the lake, the three teens were staring at the little camp they had built with boredom, Douxie magically started a small fire with magic before Archie fired at the pit, making the fire bigger.
"Wow. I mean I get why Gunmar is upset. The humans literally kidnapped his kid. But killing everyone else because they might be scared to go to war is not the option."
"I hate learning about the past, this is all so confusing!"
"Thanks, Archie."
"Jeez, how long is Coach Wizard gonna take? It's been forever!"
"What if the old man needs our help?" Archie asked. With that, Steve charged at the doors with his sword, yelling out before the left door opened his mouth, catching a wailing Steve with it. Douxie and Archie looked unsure as Steve resorted to other methods.
"Uh, open sesame! Abracadabra!" Steve was then on his knees, holding the chin of the door and pounding his fist onto it. "I'm begging you, man!" The door laughed in response, angering Steve. "Hey, door dorks, open up!"
The other door scoffed, "Why don't you open up?"
"Maybe I will!" Steve yelled before his posture changed into a much sadder one. "So, I'm– I'm really scared that I won't be a good knight."
Jim raised an eyebrow as he looked at Claire, the girl shrugging in response. "Just imagine him on our Troll Hunting missions."
"Please. I don't want to."
"Well, you won't be, but don't be scared about it, you know, then you worry about, like, what is your purpose on this planet?" Claire looked down at the book in her hands, opening it as Archie stepped up to her.
"Merlin doesn't know shadow magic," Douxie mumbled and perked up before running to the girl. "Claire! You could make a shadow portal and slip us right through!" He magically took the book from her as Claire looked unsure.
"I don't know, Douxie. I don't have my staff."
"I've seen you do magic without it."
"But Merlin said–"
"Merlin's not here."
"I don't want to become her!" Claire snapped before sitting on the log, back turned to the stunned Douxie. Archie nudged the boy before he gathered himself and sat beside Claire. "What if the darkness takes over, like Morgana?"
"Claire, look, I know you're scared, but you're not her. You can make the magic your own." Claire gave him an unsure look, but he simply nodded with a smile. "I never had the gift for shadowmancy, but you do. You can do great and wondrous things, I've seen it."
Claire sighed and smiled before she pushed herself to a stand. "Okay, Douxie, I'll try. But, I need you to walk me through the spell book, teach." Archie dropped the book in her hands as she opened it to a random page. "I don't speak Wizard-ese."
"You want me to teach? I'm not even a good student."
"You've got that right."
"The worst," the doors added.
"Quit it!"
"Who asked you, knobhead?" Archie hissed.
"Why are we yelling? Steve asked as Douxie chuckled.
"Right," He said before they were standing, Claire near him with a determined look as he flipped through the pages with his magic. "Put your hands out like this," He let the book levitate beside him as he showed Claire what to do. She followed, Douxie had to adjust her arm before pointing to the door. "Beyond there is your destination, your emotional anchor."
"Got it."
"Then pull the magic around you, it will be your door to the Shadow Realm." Claire focused, a small black blossomed in mid-air, but her energy faltered. That's it, that's it. Steady." It blossomed again as a vivid image of Morgana called for her but in a gentle tone.
"Claire."
The girl was taken back slightly but continued to work on opening a portal. "Focus, eyes on point, mind on anchor, you got this." Another image appeared Jim, unconscious with the shard wedged in his heart. As it continued to grow, another image of Morgana exhaled loudly, looking as if she was in pain as her eyes were consumed with black.
Claire panted, "I'm scared."
"I would be scared too if I saw that."
"Magic is emotion. Don't let fear control you, use it. Stay true to yourself, that will protect you from the shadows."
"Uh, Doux."
"Don't be afraid, Claire. This is your magic, you can control it." Morgana screamed as Claire's eyes widened, breath picking up. "Keep your eyes on point."
Morgana was growing corrupted, eyes surrounded by black cracks as she laughed evilly. Panicked, Claire pulled her hands back as she was consumed by the portal. Douxie tried to grab her, but Claire was nowhere to be seen.
"EW!"
"Do we really have to see more disturbing images because I don't think my body can take it anymore?"
"Claire!" Steve yelled as Douxie panted nervously.
"Doux, how do we bring her back?" Archie asked as Steve and the cat had joined the boy's side as he flipped through the pages frantically.
"Hold on, I can figure this out, it's gonna be fine."
"Fine?" Steve repeated. "Shadows just ate her alive, man! What are we going to do?" As they panicked, Claire was falling through the shadow realm, looking around frantically as the door sealed shut but she didn't seem scared.
"Awe, you care, Steve," Claire teased.
"Whoa, it actually worked. Kind of." She looked around before light was seen, a rock floating past the light and revealing Morgana's limp body under the softness of the light. "Morgana. I'm so sorry."
Three figures suddenly appeared around Morgana, the Arcane Order staring down her body as Claire gasped. The three turned into nothing but smoke, disappearing into Morgana's body. The girl's eyes opened, her head turning to Claire's direction, eyes filled with nothing but blackness, causing Claire to gasp, startled.
"I know you're scared, but you're not her," Douxie's voice reminded as she and Morgana stared at one another. "Don't let fear control you. Stay true to yourself."
Claire narrowed her eyes as Morgana's expression never changed. "Fear won't control me!" With that, Clarie dropped out of the portal, crashing Steve and Douxie to the ground as she sat on top of Steve, holding her head.
"Are you hurt?" Archie asked.
"Claire, Claire, are you all right?" Douxie asked, grabbing her face.
"Give her some space," Archie stated as he nudged Douxie away.
"I saw her– a vision of Morgana."
"Oh, hot dang," Steve breathed as Clarie picked up the book.
"Was it really her?" Claire asked. "Or was it guilt, or fear, or–" Douxie placed his hand on the book, quieting her.
"The Shadow Realm is a place of mystery. We understand if you don't want to go back in."
"No, it's okay. I'll be alright. Thanks for talking me through it, teach." Douxie nodded before they stepped up to the doors, who already had something to say.
"No way this works, witchy!"
"True, not your fault your teacher's a dunce." Douxie ignored them, waving his fingers up and pointing them at the door, a ball of magic cascading to the doors before vanishing.
"There is your anchor," the doors laughed as Claire raised her arms out, speaking to herself.
"Let go of fear."
"No, no. Don't do that," the door said as Claire pushed the portal open. "No, no, no. Not good. Bad idea." However, Claire focused, grunting as she pushed all her might into the portal, opening a massive one and keeping it steady.
"Yes, yes, yes! Claire, you did it!"
Jim smiled and turned to face her, "that was awesome, Claire."
"I know, right! I just wish I knew I could do that sooner!"
"Yes! That's what I'm talking about, shadow magic!" She celebrated, she and Douxie high-fiving as Steve cheered.
"Uh, it didn't work," the door tried to say.
"Wow, she picked that up fast," Douxie mumbled.
"She had a stellar teacher," Archie nudged him.
"What are we standing 'round for? That magical sword won't repair itself. Let's go! To the lady."
"Gentlemen, after you," Claire gestured to Steve who stepped toward it.
"This will be your doom," the door warned.
"See you later, door dork!" As Claire stepped up to the portal, Steve groaned. "Feels weird, like cold pudding!" However, Douxie pulled the boy in as Claire stepped through.
"That's cheating, fools," The left door yelled.
"Don't leave us alone," the other one said as the portal closed.
"Oh, shut up! You're not alone!" While Claire made progress, Jim was struggling to convince Blinky of the situation he was stuck in. He and Callista were being led through Dwoza, spears pointed at their backs.
"Blink, Dictatious, we're on the same side! I'll show you! See?" Jim stated, pulling out his phone with the picture on it and turning the phone to Blinky, just as it died.
"I see nothing."
"Why do you keep pretending we know each other? Blinkous, do you recognize this youngling?" Dictatious asked right before Callista's attention turned to Trolls hauling loads of necessities around.
"If only I had fallen as well," Blinky mumbled and Barbara gently patted his shoulder.
"Whoa, what's all this?"
"Preparations for the end times," Dictatious answered.
"Once we've gathered enough supplies, we will bravely and heroically hide underground until this dreadful conflict blows over," Blinky responded just as Callista grabbed a sock, ready to eat it, however, Blinky was quick, stabbing the sock with the tip of his weapon, confiscating the food. "And you're not invited!"
"Wait, you're not going to fight? But you have to! There's a war coming and you're in it!" Jim said, worried.
"Who are you to tell Blinkous Galadrigal when to skirmish?" Blinky stomped forward, swinging the weapon but Jim grabbed the end of it quickly.
"You're a master strategist, the smartest Troll I know!" They played a small game of tug-o-war before Jim decided to let go.
Blinky smiled happily, that warmed his heart, he knew his was smart but even had doubted it sometimes.
"Ha! The books are my brother's specialty."
"No, listen! Gunmar's going to attack Killahead. You're supposed to help the humans fight!" Jim had placed his hand on Blinky's shoulder, but the troll moved quickly to throw him off, pointing the spear back at Jim and leading them to the entrance.
Dictatious chuckled, "I didn't realize he's a court jester, too."
"But it's history! It has to happen! That's what makes it history!" As they walked outside, Trolls on the perches stared down at Blinky.
"Where are you going?"
"Oh, we won't be long. Just need to dispose of the rubbish."
"Whatever."
"You can't keep your heads in the sand forever. Sooner or later, you'll have to pick a side."
"Yes, well, we will look forward to that. We hope you enjoyed your stay in Dwoza."
"I've stayed in outhouses that were better!" Callista hissed as she pushed Jim behind her. Before Blinky could respond to the comment, a familiar roar echoed in the woods, Aaarrrgghh leaping over the massive rock, panicking both Blinky and Dictatious while Jim and Callista seemed less fearful.
"The Gumm-Gumms have arrived! It's the end times! Close the gates!" Dictatious cried as he and Blinky ran toward their home, but the Troll above clearly didn't pay any mind, simply closing the gate with the famous response:
"Whatever."
"Not yet, you idiot!" Blinky hissed but the gates had closed, trapping them outside with the current danger.
"Let me in! I'm too young to die!" Dictatious sobbed as the two pounded their fists against the stone gate.
"The Galadrigal line must survive! Brother, we're doomed." From inside Dwoza, the trolls had heard Blinky's scream, causing them to run from the door in panic. Moments after, the stone gate broke, both Dictatious and Blinky flying backward as Aaarrrgghh appeared, both Jim and Callista limp beside him.
Claire didn't like seeing Jim limp beside a past enemy. While Aaarrrgghh had not known Jim while they were stuck in the past, she still wanted to cry at Aaarrrgghh, telling him to be careful. Yet, why would he? It was the past.
Maybe it was the sight seeing Jim laying there, already injured from the start. Oh, how she wished she could have been there with him.
"Aaarrrgghh bring message. Join Gunmar or die." The brothers let out a terrified scream before the scene changed again, back to Douxie and the rest of the group as they exited the portal, making it past the stone doors.
While everyone else landed gracefully, Steve had fallen face first, screaming as he hit the rocks below him. Archie was the last out, landing on Steve's back none so gracefully.
"We made it!" Claire cheered.
"Thanks to you," Douxie mentioned, using his magical bracelet to give them some light. Steve sat up, knocking Archie off his back as he sniffed the air.
"Ugh! This lake stinks like butt thunder!" His words echoed as Archie sniffed the air as well, seeming disgusted.
"I'd say we've arrived," Douxie said.
"Yeah, but where's Merlin?" Claire asked. Her question was soon asked when the raft Merlin had used floated back toward the teens, startling Steve. Douxie pointed his light at the raft, finding the sword pierced in the wood.
"Uh, he can handle himself. L- Let's just stick to the plan and find the Lady." Douxie stepped onto the small raft and pulled the sword out, looking at it with discouragement on his face. "And everything will be fine."
"I, already, don't like the vibe that's coming from this."
"Why does it all look like a haunted lake? I would turn around. I tend to avoid the danger, I'll watch you guys do it, though."
"Glad you have entertainment," Claire responded.
The water was quiet and eerie, causing Steve to whimper. "What the...?" The lights on the raft turned on, and Steve leaping back onto the stone with a scream. The raft began its sail on its own and Steve leaped back on with panic. If it hadn't been for Archie to catch Steve, the boy would have gone overboard.
The boat shook at the added weight and moved through the water, everyone in silence beside Steve who was panting and talking to himself. "Come on, Steve. Get it together. Knights don't scare."
From the water, a blue hue appeared, a ghostly woman covered by a long veil, shielding her face, causing her piercing blue eyes to stand out as she stood tall above them in the foggy water.
"Wow, she looks-" Toby started.
"Creepy?" Darci finished.
"I was going to say cool, but yeah, she's creepy looking too."
"She looks…haunting? Does that make sense?" Jim asked.
"Yeah, it makes sense."
"It's... It's her!" Claire breathed.
"I am the Lady, Nimue, Eldest of Oracles. Why do you seek me?"
"Okay, everyone, just be nice to the goddess. I'll sort this," Douxie cleared his throat, continuing. "Oh, mighty Lake Lady... we are here to request your aid."
"And we're missing an old wizard if you've seen one," Archie added.
"I can give you what you seek," She responded back, voice soothing and calm.
Douxie turned with a thumbs up before continuing. "Only you can help us on our quest to fix Excalibur and save Camelot." She moved closer to Douxie and the boy chuckled.
"That is not which you truly desire. You seek redemption from a scorned mentor. Escape from guilt. Validation of knighthood." The lady spoke, moving to look at each teen, speaking about what they truly were in search of.
"What?" Steve breathed out.
"And you seek... roasted salmon?" The lady questioned as she moved to Archie.
"Guilty."
"What? Come on, Arch!" Douxie mumbled be
"You are not the first to try and deceive me," Her voice grew distorted, clearly angered. "You are not worthy!" The water beside Claire began to bubble, raising her panic.
"I get where she is coming from but where on earth does she believe it's decievement?" Mary asked.
"You can't lie to a goddess about your wants. Just because you are trying to fix something, doesn't mean it's what you are wanting to do."
"Stop speaking riddles, Eli!"
"Uh, guys…"
"Uh, Mr. Magic Man?" Steve questioned, looking over the other side of the boat and finding a massive eye staring back at him from beneath the water's surface. Steve screamed in terror.
The crowd looked disturbed at the sight, "see, now I never want to swim in water. Where is this lady in the future? If she's in the ocean I am never going in it!"
"Just imagine swimming and seeing a massive eyeball staring at you in the dark endless water."
"Yeah, no. Never swimming again."
"That is no lady!" Douxie stated as large tentacles raised above their raft, her voice growing deeper. "You seek, you take, and all receive their final reward."
"Time to prove my knightly skills. I'll protect thou- thee. Uh, huzzah!" Steve said, pulling out his sword, but had no time to attack if he wanted due to the tentacle that wrapped around his ankle. "Huh?"
Steve slouched in defeat and Aja was rubbing his back. "You tried."
"Yeah, but I should have been cooler! Why is this so hard?"
"Being a warrior isn't easy. Look at when I first started."
"You've always been cool." Aja giggled at the comment and kissed his cheek.
"You were too."
"Please, stop!" Krel yelled.
The boy was thrown around, screaming as he headed straight for the water as a massive mouth opened, swallowing him whole.
"Steve!" Douxie and Claire cried before their focus was back on the angry goddess.
"Now, onto your rewards!"
Inside, Steve dropped until he hit a dull, wrinkly tunnel. He sat up quickly, punching at the surface. "Let me out! Let me out, man!" Steve whimpered, his punches growing sloppy before he pressed his head against the tunnel wall, sobbing. "The talking door was right! I'm not- I'm not a knight! I'm just... fish food!"
The crowd blinked as Steve chuckled in embarrassment. This would definitely not help with his reputation, especially for being a brave knight. He had really hoped that this future would give him more success and a chance to be even more cool with how heroic he'd be.
That wasn't happening anytime soon, was it?
Behind Steve, a familiar figure stalked up to him, groaning as he placed his hand on the boy. Steve let out a terrified scream, pressing his back against the surface as he held up his hands, refusing to look at Merlin who looked unamused.
When Steve did open his eyes, his posture changed as if he had been chilling in there calmly. "Oh, hey, Merl. Good to see you. What are you doing down here?"
"Yeah, way to act cool like you were doing a second ago," Toby teased.
"What do you mean? I didn't panic at all."
"Dude…"
"I was negotiating!" Merlin tossed a ball of magic angrily to the side. "But if you're here, then... Hisirdoux!" Speaking of his apprentice, he and Claire were struggling to stay on the raft as the goddess whipped her tentacles angrily.
"Such puny creatures make tasty meals!" She managed to grab a hold of Douxie, but the boy sliced the tentacle with the sword. She pulled away with a groan of pain, thankfully Archie had kept her busy as he blasted her with numerous flames.
"I hate to say it, but perhaps we should've stayed in the ship!" Archie landed on the raft, using his ability to breathe fire to push the raft backward and away from the Lady who roared in anger, following after them.
"We need to subdue her so she'll fix Excalibur! "
"We need to get Steve out of this seaside freak show!" Douxie fired his magic at her, but it never slowed her down. Archie soon ran out of his flames, dropping on the raft with exhaustion. That wasn't the worst part, what was even worse was the monster revealing herself, rising from the water and nearly filling the entire cave as she roared.
"Awe, you care," Steve said, doing what Claire had done when she teased him for caring.
"Don't start."
"Oh, fuzz buckets." She gripped a massive rock formation and threw it at the raft, but Douxie thankfully stopped it with magic. He threw it back with force, the stone colliding with the monster's stomach. "You've been a very bad Lake Lady!"
Both Steve and Merlin flew out from the mouth on impact, hitting the rocky surface, clearly winded from being eaten. Steve sat up, holding a massive tooth as he spoke deliriously. "Oh! Hey, I- I did it. I'm a hero."
"My revenge tasted so sweet," The monster spoke up.
"Wait, revenge? What revenge?" Douxie questioned.
"You attacked us, lady!"
"Long ago, I gave him the blade, but he imprisoned me here in this cave without hope."
Douxie stared at the numerous green symbols that were implanted on the walls. "Wait, Merlin trapped you here?" She growled.
"Now my prison will be your tomb."
"Why on Earth would you trap her in there?" Darci asked, looking at the wizard.
"My reasoning does not have to be explained."
"Because you don't have a good one?"
"No."
"Uh, huh. Don't believe you."
"Take her down, man, or we're all gonna get dead!" Steve cried out.
"But who'll repair Excalibur, Douxie?" Archie asked as the boy stared at the sword.
"Well, she's not going to! What do we do, Douxie?" Claire questioned. Douxie said nothing as he threw the sword in the air, catching it in his other hand as his wrist glowed the magical blue color, the spell covering the sword.
"Tenebris exilium!" He yelled, throwing the sword and watching as it flung past the monster and right to the wall, exploding on impact. The wall crumbled, leaving a massive exit for the creature.
"Wait, you let that tentacle lady bounce?" Steve said with disbelief.
"And destroyed Excalibur?" Archie added as the monster looked at the opening, then at Douxie, staring him down with the massive eye.
"What are you waiting for? Just go!" He turned away from her, sighing with defeat. "I may not know how to fix this... but I do know that you shouldn't be stuck in here."
Douxie was proud of himself. While he seemed to struggle with how to make things right, he was doing other things his way, and maybe that was right. For him, it was. Even if Merlin would disagree.
He wasn't Merlin.
"You are... different. You are kind." Douxie looked at her, the sword rising from the water, fully repaired as green magic filled the diamond center of the sword. "This gift must be repaid. The sword was meant for those worthy. Do good with it."
"I shall return it to its rightful place. Thank you, Scary Monster Lake Lady," Douxie said as he held the sword, watching as she swam away.
"Good-bye! Sorry, I almost slayed you, Monster Lady!" Steve said, waving. From behind, Merlin stepped up, coughing and looking at the massive hole in shock.
"Hisirdoux, what have you done? Uh... oh. Is that Excalibur?"
"Yeah, change up your tone the minute you realize," Douxie mumbled, smiling as he crossed his arms. He didn't feel the right to brag completely, but it was nice to point it out.
"Indeed. I've resecured Camelot's stability, just as you'd planned," Douxie stated, holding it out for Merlin to take, the wizard doing so with a much more relaxed expression.
"Ah. We must return to Camelot, where we will discuss your blunders later."
"Nice work, Teach."
"And I got a monster trophy! Whoo! Quest!" Steve yelled. From his excitement, the scene changed again. This time it had been Morgana's lifeless body floating in the open water. She soon surfaced, floating near a boat as a hand plucked her out from the water. The figure was dressed in a cloak, hiding their features, but as they studied her on the boat, the voice was all too familiar.
"Poor girl," they stated before docking at a nearby rocky surface. They pulled Morgana onto shore as the hood fell, revealing Angor Rot, eyes and voice filled with life. "Rest in peace, young one. May the spirits guide you home."
"The fact that he had saved her, only for her to scam him later on in life is crazy. But, she doesn't even know that he did! This is all confusing! Is she bad, good? I don't know!"
It was clear Morgana had been there for a while because when the screen went dark for only a moment, Angor Rot was no longer standing there, however, the Arcane Order was. Nari studied Morgana, sniffing her curiously, retching at the scent.
"Death," Bellroc hissed. "Disgusting." Nari stood, hand glowing green with magic as she stared down the corpse.
"Your time is not done." With that, Nari let go of her spell, the green orb floating into Morgana's mouth and instantly resurrecting her. Morgana let out a scream, trying to run as she woke, however, she stumbled and fell against the rock.
Nervous, she shielded her stump away as Nari reached out her hand, green magic flowing toward the stump as Morgana let out a weak scream. Morgana stared at the magical green hand that appeared where her real one used to be, while it was stuck in a simple position, there was a hand.
"So, that is how she got her green hand," Toby stated.
"We might see Morgana's story and how she ended up as the evil lady!" Eli said, nearly jumping in his chair. "This is so exciting."
"You're telling me, we might have had the complete wrong impression?" Darci asked.
"Possibly."
"Why?"
"Because you will be our champion," Bellroc answered.
"WHA-"
"Why are they back?! Who said they could be here?"