The Future King - Chapter two
The Future King
Chapter 2 - AO3
Author: angel_kink
Rating: Varies by chapter. Up to: PG13 (so far)
Characters/Ships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Word count: 4400 (so far)
Summary: Merlin works on his de-aging spell and Arthur continues to be baffled by technology.
Merlin returned just before dawn and found Arthur fast asleep on the futon. The overhead light was still on and Merlin mentally chastised himself for forgetting that the Once and Future King had never before encountered a light switch. He had no idea how to operate it. Getting Arthur caught up with modern technology was going to be a challenge. Merlin had learned to adapt quickly to new technology over the years, but Arthur was starting at square one.
Merlin turned off the main ceiling light and flicked on the much dimmer light above the door. He quietly set down his shoulder bag and began to unload it’s contents. He’d gathered the rare herbs and potions from the Smiths, a pagan couple who owned a home in nearby Glastonbury. They were well versed on magic and more than willing to assist Merlin whenever he needed it. Though neither of them were technically sorcerers, they were well aware of the power that existed in the world and always willing to help.
The Smiths knew Merlin was powerful, but they didn’t know the whole story. To them, he was Emrys. The legends of King Arthur and Merlin had become widely known - and often exaggerated or remembered wrong - but ‘Emrys’ was only familiar to a small handful of people. He’d found it safer to use that name around most people. The last time someone had known him as Merlin had been over three hundred years prior. As technology developed and information began to spread globally, Merlin found it increasingly difficult to use his real name.
When Arthur began to stir, Merlin paused. The King rolled completely over on the futon and was facing Merlin, but his eyes were still shut so Merlin remained completely still. When it appeared that he’d settled back down, Merlin continued to unload the ingredients for his spell. He grabbed a bowl from a cabinet and began to mix the everything together, pouring the contents in slowly and carefully, hoping that Arthur would be able to sleep for just a little bit longer.
“How do they work,” Arthur said groggily. Merlin looked up from the bowl and noticed that Arthur was looking at the light above the door.
“Light bulbs,” Merlin said, taking a whisk to the substance and abandoning his efforts to be quiet.
“And what are ‘light bulbs,’ exactly?”
“It’s not magic, I assure you. It’s science. It’s a piece of wire that’s heated with electricity until it glows. Genius, really.”
“‘Electricity?’”
“Again, not magic. Just science. The light bulb’s relatively new. Only a couple hundred years and they’ve only been mass produced for maybe half that. Or maybe a little longer. I’m not sure. I’m starting to lose track of time, myself.”
Merlin continued mixing the contents together and said a few magic words as he stirred, eyes glowing as his magic infused with the potion. Arthur sat up on the futon and watched as the sorcerer did his work. For Merlin, using magic was second nature. Though he’d become accustomed to hiding it from most people, he had fifteen centuries to get used to the idea that Arthur knew he had magic. For Arthur, however, it felt just like yesterday that his secret had been revealed.
When the substance was adequately mixed, Merlin poured it into a glass. It was a dark brown mixture that looked about as appetizing as mud and smelled just as bad. Arthur sneered at it, but Merlin simply smiled and raised his glass to him. He downed the contents in one gulp and slammed the cup down on the counter triumphantly.
“We’ll know if that worked in, oh, about a minute.”
Five seconds later Merlin collapsed to the floor, moaning in agony.
“Merlin!” Arthur was up off the futon and immediately crouched next to Merlin on the kitchen floor. “Merlin? Did something go wrong?”
“No,” Merlin croaked as he curled into a ball. “I said it wouldn’t be easy. This is - ah - this is part of it.”
Arthur set his hand and Merlin’s shoulder and squeezed, hoping to steady his friend as the spell took hold. The sorcerer squirmed on the floor, clutching his sides and hyperventilating as his body was wracked with pain. Arthur began to panic, wanting to trust that Merlin was right and that it would all pass soon, but worried that he would lose his friend to the spell instead.
Suddenly Merlin went completely still. Arthur watched him transform right in front of his eyes. The long grey hair receded and turned dark, the lines and wrinkles on his skin smoothed, and the facial hair vanished leaving behind the smooth young face that Arthur knew from so very long ago.
Merlin jerked awake, gasping for air, and reached out to grab onto something solid. The closest thing was Arthur, whom he held onto tightly as his body surged with adrenaline.
“Merlin?” He blinked a few times, seeing the world through his sharp, young eyes for the first time in centuries. He looked up at Arthur, who was cradling him looking panic stricken. “Merlin, are you alright?”
“I’m... I’m fine, I think.” His own voice felt funny in his throat and he coughed, hoping the strangeness would pass quickly. “I think I just need... well, breakfast, for one, and something to drink, for another.”
He climbed to his feet, with the help of Arthur, and began to fumble around the kitchen. His movements were clumsy, but determined.
“Merlin, you’re not well. Sit down.”
“Arthur, you didn’t know your way around a kitchen back then, what makes you think you’ll know how to do it now?”
“Merlin,” Arthur scolded. “Breakfast can wait. Sit down.”
“You say it can wait. My body just de-aged by a millenium and a half and I’m starving so you can just sit there and watch me eat if you’d like, but I’m eating right now.”
Merlin brushed past Arthur and opened the pantry.
“Still stubborn, I see. Good to see hundreds of years hasn’t changed that.”
“Of course, Sire,” Merlin said as he pulled out a loaf of bread and a can of beans. “My attitude problem is just the same as you’d left it.”
He set both objects on the counter and prepared the kettle for tea like he did every morning. Doing something familiar with such an unfamiliar body seemed to help him adjust to the change. Despite a complete change at the cellular level, he still had muscle memory of making his morning tea and it felt good to do it.
When he was satisfied with the state of the kettle he turned his attention back to the objects on the counter. He removed four slices of bread and popped them in the toaster, but out of the corner of his eye he could see Arthur staring at him and he couldn’t help but smirk.
“Again, no magic involved here,” Merlin said as he pushed the lever down on the toaster. “Just science. Mechanics, physics.”
“Is magic legal?”
“What, now? Nobody really believes in magic,” Merlin said as he took the can opener to the beans. “There are a few who know the truth, but most attribute to myth and legend. So it’s not illegal, exactly. Just not practiced openly.”
“Has it ever been legal and openly practiced?”
“For a time. Guinevere...” Merlin paused. Arthur averted his eyes, not quite ready to tackle that topic, but Merlin cautiously pressed on. “She lifted the ban. I lived freely for a few hundred years, but the tides turned. It got banned again. This time it was banned for so long most have forgotten that it’s real. Magic is thought of as being the stuff of children’s tales. Nobody would believe me if I told them.”
Merlin poured the beans into a small pot and set it on the other burner.
“It’s just us here. Why bother using science when you can just use magic?”
“Old habits die hard. I’ve gotten used to being very cautious. Even when I think nobody’s watching I tend to avoid using magic for simple things.”
“Why?”
“Figured it’d be easier to make a habit of it,” he said with a shrug. “I know you know. Believe me. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time. I wish I could have told you sooner than I did but... but making tea with a kettle and stove? I’ve gotten used to doing it. It feels good to have a routine. I think I actually enjoy it.”
Just then the toaster dinged and Merlin hurried to finish preparing their breakfast. He set Arthur’s plate and mug down first before serving himself, another old habit that showed no signs of dying any time soon. They ate in relative silence for several minutes before Arthur broke their silence.
“Why am I back?”
“I wish I knew.”
“But before I... before I died, you talked of prophecies. You spoke of destiny and you seemed to know I’d come back and now you’re telling me you have no idea why I’m back.”
“Yeah, pretty much.” Arthur scowled at him and Merlin shrugged. “What? Kilgharrah wasn’t exactly clear when he told me things.”
“Who?”
“The dragon.”
“The one that nearly destroyed Camelot?”
“Yes. He told me things. He’s the one who told me about our destinies. He told me you’d come back.”
“But he didn’t tell you why?”
“No. He just said Albion would need you again. He wasn’t the best at giving straight answers.”
“Did he tell you how long I’d be dead?”
“No. Didn’t have a clue. Stuck around for around three hundred years before my age started to attract unwanted attention from nearby villagers. I had to move on every few decades after that.”
“And what, you’re immortal now?”
“Guess so. He left that part out too. He left out a lot, actually.”
“What else haven’t you told me?”
“Let’s see - dragon, magic, vague destinies - I think that just about covers it.” There was silence for a minute as they each ate their toast. “Oh, I’m a Dragonlord. Last Dragonlord, actually. That’s not much use considering all the dragons have died out, though. Still, figured you should know. All of our cards on the table and such.”
“Hm,” Arthur said as he continued to eat his toast, seemingly unphased by the new revelation. Several more minutes passed before Arthur broke the silence again. “We should figure out why I’m here, then. I wasn’t resurrected to sit here and eat toasted bread in your cottage. What’s been happening? What have I missed?”
Merlin laughed and Arthur scowled at him again.
“I can’t exactly summarize fifteen centuries worth of history. Everything is different. You’ve seen electricity and light bulbs already. We also have motorized vehicles that can travel great distances without the need for a horse. There’s buildings taller than any castle you have ever seen - some are even called ‘skyscrapers’. It’s a perfectly fitting name, believe me. We can make pictures move, capture images from real life in so many ways, communicate instantly over a great distance... I don’t know where to begin, Arthur.”
“How about with the problems affecting Albion? I’m here for Albion. That’s what the prophecies said, right Merlin?”
“Things are more global, now. Albion is within the United Kingdom, but there’s wars all over the world in far off places that we never knew existed back then. There’s terrorism, bombings, shootings, diseases, famine... Merlin trailed off and he turned to look at Arthur who was staring at him, “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to overwhelm you with so much at once, but I really don’t even know where to begin. I don’t know why you’re back. I don’t know why you’re needed. But you are. And I’ll be at your side the entire time. That I know for certain.”
“Merlin, I never had any doubts that you’d be by my side,” Arthur said. They looked at each other for a moment, Arthur’s words sinking in for the both of them. It was the truth. Arthur trusted Merlin wholeheartedly. Even with all the secrets between them, Arthur believed in him just as much as Merlin believed in Arthur. Merlin smiled, happy that their faith in one another had survived everything that had happened. “Well,” Arthur said, setting down the piece of toast he’d been holding. “I think the logical place to start is the seat of this ‘United Kingdom’ that you speak of. If Albion lies within it’s borders, then I need to be there.”
“That’d be London. It’d take us about four hours to get there if we head to Bath and catch a train into Paddington.”
“Then that is what we’ll do,” Arthur said confidently. A moment later he coughed nervously. “What’s a ‘train?’”
Chapter 2 - AO3
Author: angel_kink
Rating: Varies by chapter. Up to: PG13 (so far)
Characters/Ships: Merlin/Arthur Pendragon
Word count: 4400 (so far)
Summary: Merlin works on his de-aging spell and Arthur continues to be baffled by technology.
Merlin returned just before dawn and found Arthur fast asleep on the futon. The overhead light was still on and Merlin mentally chastised himself for forgetting that the Once and Future King had never before encountered a light switch. He had no idea how to operate it. Getting Arthur caught up with modern technology was going to be a challenge. Merlin had learned to adapt quickly to new technology over the years, but Arthur was starting at square one.
Merlin turned off the main ceiling light and flicked on the much dimmer light above the door. He quietly set down his shoulder bag and began to unload it’s contents. He’d gathered the rare herbs and potions from the Smiths, a pagan couple who owned a home in nearby Glastonbury. They were well versed on magic and more than willing to assist Merlin whenever he needed it. Though neither of them were technically sorcerers, they were well aware of the power that existed in the world and always willing to help.
The Smiths knew Merlin was powerful, but they didn’t know the whole story. To them, he was Emrys. The legends of King Arthur and Merlin had become widely known - and often exaggerated or remembered wrong - but ‘Emrys’ was only familiar to a small handful of people. He’d found it safer to use that name around most people. The last time someone had known him as Merlin had been over three hundred years prior. As technology developed and information began to spread globally, Merlin found it increasingly difficult to use his real name.
When Arthur began to stir, Merlin paused. The King rolled completely over on the futon and was facing Merlin, but his eyes were still shut so Merlin remained completely still. When it appeared that he’d settled back down, Merlin continued to unload the ingredients for his spell. He grabbed a bowl from a cabinet and began to mix the everything together, pouring the contents in slowly and carefully, hoping that Arthur would be able to sleep for just a little bit longer.
“How do they work,” Arthur said groggily. Merlin looked up from the bowl and noticed that Arthur was looking at the light above the door.
“Light bulbs,” Merlin said, taking a whisk to the substance and abandoning his efforts to be quiet.
“And what are ‘light bulbs,’ exactly?”
“It’s not magic, I assure you. It’s science. It’s a piece of wire that’s heated with electricity until it glows. Genius, really.”
“‘Electricity?’”
“Again, not magic. Just science. The light bulb’s relatively new. Only a couple hundred years and they’ve only been mass produced for maybe half that. Or maybe a little longer. I’m not sure. I’m starting to lose track of time, myself.”
Merlin continued mixing the contents together and said a few magic words as he stirred, eyes glowing as his magic infused with the potion. Arthur sat up on the futon and watched as the sorcerer did his work. For Merlin, using magic was second nature. Though he’d become accustomed to hiding it from most people, he had fifteen centuries to get used to the idea that Arthur knew he had magic. For Arthur, however, it felt just like yesterday that his secret had been revealed.
When the substance was adequately mixed, Merlin poured it into a glass. It was a dark brown mixture that looked about as appetizing as mud and smelled just as bad. Arthur sneered at it, but Merlin simply smiled and raised his glass to him. He downed the contents in one gulp and slammed the cup down on the counter triumphantly.
“We’ll know if that worked in, oh, about a minute.”
Five seconds later Merlin collapsed to the floor, moaning in agony.
“Merlin!” Arthur was up off the futon and immediately crouched next to Merlin on the kitchen floor. “Merlin? Did something go wrong?”
“No,” Merlin croaked as he curled into a ball. “I said it wouldn’t be easy. This is - ah - this is part of it.”
Arthur set his hand and Merlin’s shoulder and squeezed, hoping to steady his friend as the spell took hold. The sorcerer squirmed on the floor, clutching his sides and hyperventilating as his body was wracked with pain. Arthur began to panic, wanting to trust that Merlin was right and that it would all pass soon, but worried that he would lose his friend to the spell instead.
Suddenly Merlin went completely still. Arthur watched him transform right in front of his eyes. The long grey hair receded and turned dark, the lines and wrinkles on his skin smoothed, and the facial hair vanished leaving behind the smooth young face that Arthur knew from so very long ago.
Merlin jerked awake, gasping for air, and reached out to grab onto something solid. The closest thing was Arthur, whom he held onto tightly as his body surged with adrenaline.
“Merlin?” He blinked a few times, seeing the world through his sharp, young eyes for the first time in centuries. He looked up at Arthur, who was cradling him looking panic stricken. “Merlin, are you alright?”
“I’m... I’m fine, I think.” His own voice felt funny in his throat and he coughed, hoping the strangeness would pass quickly. “I think I just need... well, breakfast, for one, and something to drink, for another.”
He climbed to his feet, with the help of Arthur, and began to fumble around the kitchen. His movements were clumsy, but determined.
“Merlin, you’re not well. Sit down.”
“Arthur, you didn’t know your way around a kitchen back then, what makes you think you’ll know how to do it now?”
“Merlin,” Arthur scolded. “Breakfast can wait. Sit down.”
“You say it can wait. My body just de-aged by a millenium and a half and I’m starving so you can just sit there and watch me eat if you’d like, but I’m eating right now.”
Merlin brushed past Arthur and opened the pantry.
“Still stubborn, I see. Good to see hundreds of years hasn’t changed that.”
“Of course, Sire,” Merlin said as he pulled out a loaf of bread and a can of beans. “My attitude problem is just the same as you’d left it.”
He set both objects on the counter and prepared the kettle for tea like he did every morning. Doing something familiar with such an unfamiliar body seemed to help him adjust to the change. Despite a complete change at the cellular level, he still had muscle memory of making his morning tea and it felt good to do it.
When he was satisfied with the state of the kettle he turned his attention back to the objects on the counter. He removed four slices of bread and popped them in the toaster, but out of the corner of his eye he could see Arthur staring at him and he couldn’t help but smirk.
“Again, no magic involved here,” Merlin said as he pushed the lever down on the toaster. “Just science. Mechanics, physics.”
“Is magic legal?”
“What, now? Nobody really believes in magic,” Merlin said as he took the can opener to the beans. “There are a few who know the truth, but most attribute to myth and legend. So it’s not illegal, exactly. Just not practiced openly.”
“Has it ever been legal and openly practiced?”
“For a time. Guinevere...” Merlin paused. Arthur averted his eyes, not quite ready to tackle that topic, but Merlin cautiously pressed on. “She lifted the ban. I lived freely for a few hundred years, but the tides turned. It got banned again. This time it was banned for so long most have forgotten that it’s real. Magic is thought of as being the stuff of children’s tales. Nobody would believe me if I told them.”
Merlin poured the beans into a small pot and set it on the other burner.
“It’s just us here. Why bother using science when you can just use magic?”
“Old habits die hard. I’ve gotten used to being very cautious. Even when I think nobody’s watching I tend to avoid using magic for simple things.”
“Why?”
“Figured it’d be easier to make a habit of it,” he said with a shrug. “I know you know. Believe me. I’ve been thinking about it for a long time. I wish I could have told you sooner than I did but... but making tea with a kettle and stove? I’ve gotten used to doing it. It feels good to have a routine. I think I actually enjoy it.”
Just then the toaster dinged and Merlin hurried to finish preparing their breakfast. He set Arthur’s plate and mug down first before serving himself, another old habit that showed no signs of dying any time soon. They ate in relative silence for several minutes before Arthur broke their silence.
“Why am I back?”
“I wish I knew.”
“But before I... before I died, you talked of prophecies. You spoke of destiny and you seemed to know I’d come back and now you’re telling me you have no idea why I’m back.”
“Yeah, pretty much.” Arthur scowled at him and Merlin shrugged. “What? Kilgharrah wasn’t exactly clear when he told me things.”
“Who?”
“The dragon.”
“The one that nearly destroyed Camelot?”
“Yes. He told me things. He’s the one who told me about our destinies. He told me you’d come back.”
“But he didn’t tell you why?”
“No. He just said Albion would need you again. He wasn’t the best at giving straight answers.”
“Did he tell you how long I’d be dead?”
“No. Didn’t have a clue. Stuck around for around three hundred years before my age started to attract unwanted attention from nearby villagers. I had to move on every few decades after that.”
“And what, you’re immortal now?”
“Guess so. He left that part out too. He left out a lot, actually.”
“What else haven’t you told me?”
“Let’s see - dragon, magic, vague destinies - I think that just about covers it.” There was silence for a minute as they each ate their toast. “Oh, I’m a Dragonlord. Last Dragonlord, actually. That’s not much use considering all the dragons have died out, though. Still, figured you should know. All of our cards on the table and such.”
“Hm,” Arthur said as he continued to eat his toast, seemingly unphased by the new revelation. Several more minutes passed before Arthur broke the silence again. “We should figure out why I’m here, then. I wasn’t resurrected to sit here and eat toasted bread in your cottage. What’s been happening? What have I missed?”
Merlin laughed and Arthur scowled at him again.
“I can’t exactly summarize fifteen centuries worth of history. Everything is different. You’ve seen electricity and light bulbs already. We also have motorized vehicles that can travel great distances without the need for a horse. There’s buildings taller than any castle you have ever seen - some are even called ‘skyscrapers’. It’s a perfectly fitting name, believe me. We can make pictures move, capture images from real life in so many ways, communicate instantly over a great distance... I don’t know where to begin, Arthur.”
“How about with the problems affecting Albion? I’m here for Albion. That’s what the prophecies said, right Merlin?”
“Things are more global, now. Albion is within the United Kingdom, but there’s wars all over the world in far off places that we never knew existed back then. There’s terrorism, bombings, shootings, diseases, famine... Merlin trailed off and he turned to look at Arthur who was staring at him, “I’m sorry, I don’t mean to overwhelm you with so much at once, but I really don’t even know where to begin. I don’t know why you’re back. I don’t know why you’re needed. But you are. And I’ll be at your side the entire time. That I know for certain.”
“Merlin, I never had any doubts that you’d be by my side,” Arthur said. They looked at each other for a moment, Arthur’s words sinking in for the both of them. It was the truth. Arthur trusted Merlin wholeheartedly. Even with all the secrets between them, Arthur believed in him just as much as Merlin believed in Arthur. Merlin smiled, happy that their faith in one another had survived everything that had happened. “Well,” Arthur said, setting down the piece of toast he’d been holding. “I think the logical place to start is the seat of this ‘United Kingdom’ that you speak of. If Albion lies within it’s borders, then I need to be there.”
“That’d be London. It’d take us about four hours to get there if we head to Bath and catch a train into Paddington.”
“Then that is what we’ll do,” Arthur said confidently. A moment later he coughed nervously. “What’s a ‘train?’”