You sighed and looked around, trying to see if Colin was still circling the club. And he was. "Fine. If you really do want to talk about this, let's go somewhere more private." The kitchens would definitely be private enough. Plus, the chefs also loved gossiping, so they wouldn't kick you out.
The kitchen smelt delightful, like it did every night. Caleb had managed to get the most talented chefs of all time to work there (even the dead ones).
Willie began to explain how Caleb had stamped Alex and his friends, trying to force them to join his house band. You honestly did not understand. He had such a huge band already. The best band in the world, according to a lot of critics. Why did he need more people?
Especially when those people were 17 year olds from 1995?
Willie then said how he was helping them finish their unfinished business and cross over. You really hoped from the bottom of your heart that he succeeded. That Caleb's stupid stamp would not claim any more afterlives. It had already claimed enough as is.
I NEEDED a good Mordred story (so not the title haha)
“Get some more wood, Merlin.” The young man mimicked his King as he walked through the forest picking up any burnable wood he could find. He had already cooked the knights dinner and took care of the horses. Surely one of the knights could have gone for the wood. But no, Arthur said they were exhausted from the small skirmich earlier that day and that Merlin could fetch as he hadn’t fought. Lancelot had at least looked a little apologetic at the comment. The knight being the only one to know Merlin had been using his magic to help out. Merlin had just sent him a ‘it’s all good,’ grin and wandered off to get the wood.
Tired and feeling like he had enough wood to last through the night, he turned and started back towards their camp. It took longer than he expected, he had wandered off farther than he realized. Pushing through the trees he started to hear the sounds of screaming and yelling, fear spiked through him and Merlin dropped the wood he had been caring. The clanging of metal reached his ears and he ran closer. He must have missed the start of the fight because even before he could see the camp’s fire the sounds faded. Worry and dread settled in his stomach and he sprinted his way through the trees. He wasn’t paying attention to anything around him as he ran. His sole focus was his friends. To worried about his friends to worry about himself. Which is way he missed the figure hiding behind a large tree.
In fact, Merlin didn’t notice the man until he was grabbed and pulled against the other man’s body. One arm came around his waist trapping him against his attacker while the other hand quickly covered his mouth to cut off any cries for help. A spark jolted through him when the hand touched his skin, but he was too busy panicking to really notice it.
Be still, Emrys, a smooth calm voice echoed through his mind. Before he could reach for his magic. He froze, A druid! The druids were peaceful and more often than not, his friends. Maybe this man could help him save Arthur and the knights. He relaxed his body feeling the man behind him do the same. Though he didn’t remove his hold of Merlin.
My friends? He silently asked back, bringing his hand up to pull at the hand over his mouth. It didn’t budge.
Captured. The druid said.
Ignoring the hand he pushed his body backwards trying to shove the man off him. The druid just tightened the arm around Merlin, almost painfully so, and let out a frustrated sound.
Stop! You’ll only get yourself captured. If we wait for the guards to fall asleep we can save them. As much as Merlin didn’t like the idea of leaving his friends at the hands of whoever had attacked them. If he waited, he had a better chance of getting in unnoticed and he would have this man’s help. It was a better plan then him just running in and hoping for the best.
Fine. He sent back and relaxed again. Strangely not bothered that yet again the man hadn’t let him go.
What’s the plan? He thought to the man. He heard the man sigh, he turned his head to look at the man and blue eyes locked on his and he felt his breath catch. He knew those eyes.
Mordred? He asked without opening his mouth.
The man smirked, Hello, Emrys.
Mixed feeling rushed though Merlin. He was happy to see a face he knew and have help to save his friends, but this was Mordred. The same person The Great Dragon had warned him about years ago, the same person he saw in a vision would kill Arthur someday. He swallowed.
What are you doing here? He thought at the druid.
Mordred was giving him a searching look. Like he had caught on to Merlin’s mood shift but didn’t understand it. My people have a camp nearby, Mordred told him, I was on my way there, when I heard the fight and recognized Arthur. I was hiding, waiting to see if I could help when I felt you coming.
Felt? He asked.
Mordred smiled at him, you are Emrys. You have a strong presence. How do you think we know who you are?
Huh, he hadn’t thought of that. But he also never understood how some people knew him while others didn’t. He turned back around and searched through the trees for his friends. He could see Gwaine and Eylan tired to a tree off towards the edge of the camp. But couldn’t see any of the others.
Arthur is over there. Mordred’s voice was still calm as he pointed over Merlin’s shoulder towards where a group of men sat. Arthur was chained and kneeling next to a large blonde man. The man looked smug and kept patting the King on the shoulder. Arthur sending the man deadly glares as he did so. Merlin go the impression the blonde man was showing off his captive.
Lancelot? He asked Mordred, moving his eyes away from the king. Trying to find the two others they had been travelling with.
Who? Mordred replied. Merlin cursed under his breath. Of course Mordred hadn’t met Lancelot. In fact, the only knight he could think Mordred might recognize was Leon, another missing member of their party. He was sure Leon had been part of the group that had been searching the castle for Mordred when he was younger.
Do you remember Leon? He tried to picture the man in his head. Not even sure if imagains could be sent. He felt Mordred jerk a little.
There. Mordred said, sounding unhappy, Merlin felt a little guilty it up as he watched Mordred's hand move to point at two bodies lying on the ground. Almost hidden in the shadow of the trees. Neither looked to be moving and Merlin’s heart skipped. He shifted and probably would have moved for his friends had Mordred not still been holding him.
Wait! Mordred ordered. Merlin froze. For a second it was like he couldn’t move. He hadn’t felt magic. So it had to have been his own surprise by the command. Ignoring it he looked back over at his friends. He wanted to ignore Mordred. The desire to see if they were okay was strong but he knew it wouldn’t help anyone. Not right now. If Leon and Lancelot were dead, running in now wouldn’t save them only put the others in danger.
So, they waited.
The only thing that made it easier was Lancelot stirring about an hour later and Leon soon following behind him. Merlin started to breath easier as all the knights woke and he could seem them looking around and from the narrowing of eyes and shifting of feet and shoulders, he knew they were planning something. It took forever for the men around his friends to start to drift off. The large blonde man by Arthur being the last.
Without a word Mordred moved away from him. Sneaking around the back of the party towards Gwaine and Eylan. They were the furthest away, making them the easiest to get too. Merlin aimed for Lancelot and Leon. As badly as he wanted to go for the King, he was the most surrounded and they would need the knights to get to him. It was strange that he could feel Mordred as they moved apart and he sought his friends. It was like a humming in the air. He briefly wondered if it was because they were both using magic to remain unheard. He pushed the thought away as he snuck up behind the two knights. Lancelot jumped when Merlin put his hand on his shoulder, causing Leon to startle as well.
“Just me.” Merlin whispered and saw both men relax.
“Took you long enough.” Lancelot joked looking over his shoulder to send Merlin a smile. Then the man leaned in a started whispering to Leon, hiding Merlin and the chain that connected them from the other knights view. Merlin grinned. He loved that Lancelot knew about him and didn’t mind. He made things like this so much easier.
“Aliese.” He whispered. The chains separated easily and fell to the ground. Leon startled and looked at Merlin and then at the chains. The knight grinned at Merlin and slowly gathered the discarded chain in his hand.
“What about Gwaine and Eylon?” The curly haired man whispered.
“Umm,” Merlin said looking over his shoulder, “a friend. You guys wait here until you see my signal.” He said then he backed away. Before Either man couldn’t question him. He didn’t have to wait long before he heard, Ready, in his mind.
He looked at the fire by the sleeping group of men, “Bærne,” he commanded and watched as the flames flashed, burning higher and brighter than before. It was so sudden and large that it caught a couple of the sleeping men’s bed rolls on fire. A few screams filled the air and while they were distracted Arthur’s knights attacked
Arthur mustn’t have been asleep because the second he noticed something was going on he threw himself at the man that had been next to him. Bring them both to the ground. Merlin didn’t bother with any of the other men, just dodged his way through the fight until he was by Arthur.
Not that the King needed any help.
“You just standing around, Merlin?” Arthur said, grinning as he pushed himself back on his heels and tried to stand. His hands were still tied behind his back, so he waveried a little. But the stubborn man found his feet and Merlin rushed over to help untie him.
“Well fighting is your thing. Sire.” He said as he undid the rope. He heard Arthur chuckle.
The second he was free Arthur moved to see if his men needed any help. They didn’t. The bandits or slavers as Merlin was starting to suspect from the chains the men had with them, were either dead or unconscious.
The only issue Merlin could see was the look Leon was giving Mordred who was standing away from the group bloody sword in his hand. The knight’s head was cocked to the side and his eyes narrowed. He looked like he was trying to place the druid’s face.
Worried Merlin grabbed Arthur’s sleeve, “Distract Leon,” he whispered hurriedly.
Arthur raised his eyebrow. Merlin gave him a pleading look.
“Leon, make sure the survivors are secure. We will take them back to Camelot to stand trial.” The knight looked between his King and the druid, clearly battling with himself. Then sighed and grabbed Eylan to help him.
When the two men were out of earshot, Arthur looked at Merlin, “Now why did I do that?” He asked.
“Me.” Mordred whispered as he approached them, “Hello again, Arthur.” Merlin watched as Arthur tried to place the young man in front of him. It took all of about two seconds before the blonde’s eyes widened.
“Mordred?” He asked and before the druid could answer Arthur reached grabbed his arm, just like Merlin had seen him do when he greeted on of his knights, and pulled him into a quick hug,“It’s good to see you again.” He heard Arthur say before they broke apart.
Merlin’s stomach sank. Not because Arthur was happy to see Mordred again but because it worried him how easy Arthur greeted him. Like old friends and Merlin didn’t think that was good. He was grateful for Mordred’s help but he needed to get the druid away from the King as quickly as he could without causing suspicion.
“Do you feel like your missing something?” Gwaine asked cheerfully looking over at Lancelot, “I feel like I'm missing something.” Lancelot just chuckled. “Princess who’s the pretty boy?”
Merlin looked at Mordred just in time to see a surprised look cross his face. He wondered if it was the fact that a knight called his King princess or the pretty boy comment.
“And why did you send Leon off?” Lancelot asked, because he was a little more observant than Gwaine.
Arthur looked at his friends then at Merlin and then back at Mordred. It took him a second then he looked back at the knights. He looked serious and when he spoke it was in a clear controlled voice, the one he used when sure his words would be obeyed.
“Mordred is a druid. One that Leon was once sent to capture by my father. And he is my friend.” Merlin almost groaned. He really needed to get rid of Mordred fast.
“Oh,” Gwaine said before walking over and sticking his hand out to shake. “Well I’m Gwaine, thanks for the save.” Mordred smiled and shook the knights hand. Lancelot quickly introduced himself as well, then he turned to look at Arthur.
“What are you going to tell Leon?”
“The truth.” Arthur said with a sigh.
“Leon, Elyan come here.” He called out. Merlin’s heart raced. He told himself it was stupid. Neither knight would do anything to Mordred, not with Arthur protecting him. Not that he should be worried about Mordred. The druid was destined to kill Arthur. But still something in him was worried.
“Yes, sir?” Leon questioned, clearly noticing that Arthur had positioned himself between the two knights and Mordred.
“This is Mordred.” Arthur said, “He is also a friend. And a druid.” Leon’s eyes widened. Then he looked back at Mordred. And Merlin saw it click in his head.
“You helped him escape.” the knight asked. Arthur nodded. Leon seemed to think about it for a second and then nodded his head. “It’s nice to meet you Mordred. Thank you.”
Merlin could see Mordred’s relief as he took the knights hand and shook it. It seemed things were going to be okay. Right up until Eylan spoke.
“Does that mean you have magic?” The dark skinned knight asked, looking intrigued and worried at the same time. Merlin froze. Mordred sucked in a breath and his eyes quickly darted to Arthur and then at Merlin.
Emrys? Mordred asked in his mind.
“It doesn’t matter.” Arthur said, saving both Mordred and Merlin from answering.
“It doesn’t?” He asked because he had not been expecting that. The knights looked just as shocked.
Arthur shook his head. “No. Now we don’t have to hang about chatting. Sun’s still hours away. We need to move these bodies and make sure our prisoners aren’t going anywhere.” Merlin ached to ask Arthur questions. Why didn’t matter? Was it just because it was Mordred? Was the King changing is thinking on magic? But he didn’t get a chance. The small group broke apart doing as their king said.
Some time later Merlin found himself sitting back against a tree far away from the rest of the group. He smiled when Eylan walked over and stood in front of him.
“You okay?” Eylan asked.
Merlin nodded. “Just tired.” he said with a small smile.
Eylan laughed, “Me too. Can’t wait to get home.” The knight grinned at him, “thanks for saving us.” He said sounding more serious, “Arthur may not have said but we all know we would have been in serious trouble if you and Mordred hadn’t come back for us.” He patted Merlin on the back and then hurried back towards the rest of the group. Almost crashing into Lancelot who was right behind him.
“His right, you know?” Lancelot said reaching down for Merlin’s hand, “Though we both know you didn’t need the help.” Merlin laughed as he was pulled to his feet.
“At least this way it was easier to explain.” He replied as Lancelot dragged him over towards the group.
“Finally decided to join us, I see.” Arthur said looking up at Merlin. Merlin normally would have had a come back but seeing Arthur sitting there next to Mordred both smiling and happy, sent a spark of anger through him.
“How long until you head back to your camp?” He asked Mordred instead of replying to the King's comment. He noticed the hurt look that crossed Mordred’s face but forced himself to ignore it. He couldn’t allow himself to see it because then he would feel guilty and then he might forget that Mordred was not a friend. He couldn’t be.
“He’s coming back with us.” Arthur said. Merlin saw the glare the blonde sent his way. Merlin was sure that while the King didn’t know why he had caught on that Merlin didn’t want Mordred around. Merlin sighed. Which only resulted in a more intense glare from Arthur.
He sat next to Lancelot and tried to ignore the various looks he was getting, curiosity from the knights, annoyances from Arthur, questioning from Mordred.
Merlin closed his eyes and rested his head on Lancelot’s shoulder. He had been tempted to just get up and find a spot on the ground away from the group and sleep. But doing so soon after what had just happened would have made him look petty and only caused more questions later. So he leaned against his friend eyes closed as he tried to figure out what to do.
He couldn’t tell Arthur about his vision. Because well everything about it. But he couldn’t lie and say that Mordred had done something to earn hs mistrust. Arthur would only question Mordred about it and know Merlin was lying wish would make things worse.
Somehow he fell asleep like that. Only woken up hours later when it was time to get up and head back to Camelot. He tried to ignore the jealous feeling he got when Mordred and Arthur rode side by side the whole way back. And the hurt feeling he got when Gwen spotted their returned and how she hugged Mordred when she recognized him. He didn’t stay for the conversation just took his and Arthur’s horses to the stable. When he was done he headed for his chambers. Hoping to ask Gaius for advise. The physician wasn’t in and in a moment of frustration Merlin throughout his magic sending a water bucket across the room. It broke and the water went everywhere.
Feeling guilty he cleaned it up, without magic, and went to bed.
OOC: Guards are entering now to administer punishments. If you are being released you will be taken straight to the infirmary and kept there until collected by someone for aftercare, likely Friday morning.. All wounds will be seen to. NO ONE can leave without an escort that commits to doing aftercare. If someone has no aftercare partner, they will remain in the infirmary until Friday afternoon.
All students will be released Friday at 6 am and taken straight to the infirmary to be checked out and to meet up with someone for aftercare. Everyone must leave with someone or stay in the infirmary until considered safe to leave.
CHOICE #1 No punishment. Sub is released to the infirmary.
CHOICE #2 20 hard smacks with a studded paddle on the ass
CHOICE #3 30 hard hits with a cane on the ass
CHOICE #4 20 hits with a riding crop to the genitals
“Okay,” you start, reaching out to take Lorelei’s hands in your own. “Where do we start? How are we gonna do this?” Her long, slender fingers wrapped around yours, and you could see a slight smile on her lips. “Alright, listen up.”
As it turned out, it was rather simple. The plan was you’d go to the HGC and scope out the place the coming night. Lori had composed a list of possible places the souls could be - all you had to do was check. Again, it was pretty simple.
Lorelei hesitated, looking at you. “We could get Willie tonight. I still think it would be wise to wait. Colin knows you’re with us now, We might need a person on the inside, but I know how much Willie means to you.”
Her words meant so much, but… would Willie even want to come with you? You would have to try to talk to him again, and after last time… Last time it didn’t end up so well. He’ll need time to get back to his normal self.
“I think waiting is a good idea.” You let out a deep sigh. “We should focus on one task at a time,”
You were taken by surprise when Roxie spoke up from behind you. “You should at least try to talk to him, Rookie.”
“We have plenty of time for that.” You told her, sudden determination coursing through your veins. “First, I’m going to get your soul back.”
~
When Roxie said she wanted to make an entrance, you didn’t expect to poof into the middle of dinner rush. She was always one for theatrics. It was good to know she was the same Roxie even without her soul.
Colin looked even more insufferable. You wondered whether that was due to the soul stealing, or just him being himself. Either way, you hated him now more than ever.
Roxie was tired from that small trip here. She was still very much getting used to existing without a soul. So she sat down at an empty table. Lorelei gave her company, because the last thing they needed was Roxie giving away their cover.
You looked down at the list of places Lori had asked you to scope out. Where do you go
"please don't tell me I have to train with Lori today." You said, with a small pout. "If I have to do another high kick, my leg is going to fly off." You joked with a grin.
She laughed briefly, but stopped with a slight whimper. "Lori's a tough teacher, but She'll make you a better fighter than I will. The only thing I can really teach you is dancing."
"I've always wanted to learn how to dance." You mumble, pushing a sweat soaked strand of hair out of her face. That's when you realized her pained expression.
"...is everything okay?" you regret asking as soon as it slipped from your mouth. Of course she wasn’t okay, she was laying on the floor.
"Yeah, yeah, everything's fine, Rookie." She said with a gentle smile, but you could tell it wasn't fully genuine.
“Did you get it done?” You ask her, offering her a hand. “Is Colin back at HGC?”
“About that…” Roxie’s voice trailed off. “I don’t remember… I think I got busy…”
“Then where’d you put him?” you raised a brow. “Tell me you hid him somewhere?”
“He’s around,” Roxie steadied herself on her feet. “I’ll find him, I just need some rest.”
“I can walk you to your room-”
“No,” Roxie put her hand up. “I can get there myself. I’ll see you around, Rookie,”
You watch Roxie sluggishly drag her feet down the hall and around the corner. You know there is something she isn’t telling you, but right now Colin is the bigger priority. Roxie deserves some rest and you make sure you’ll check on her later.
Colin could be anywhere, and the last thing you need is for Lori to stumble upon him. In the time you have gotten to know Lori, being blind sided by anything never ends well with her. You have to act fast.
You looked down at your BOO issued jumpsuit and decided that an outfit change was needed. No need to draw any unwanted attention to yourself. If you were lucky, nobody other than Willie noticed your absence. You could go without Colin’s annoying voice questioning you non-stop.
You poofed over to your room. It was weird how unfamiliar it felt after all that time at BOO. You walked over to the bed that you slept on ever since Caleb scooped you up from the side of the road nearly 10 years ago. You were such a different person back then.. So trusting.. So naive. Just thinking about Caleb's wicked smile as he convinced you to hand over your soul in exchange for shelter still runs chills down your spine.
You picked up a change of clothes, baggy jeans and an oversized sweatshirt, and wore them over the jumpsuit. You didn’t want to waste any more time than you already have. Once dressed, you headed in the direction of Willie’s room.
You didn’t have to reach his room for the slim chance that he might be there, because he was standing right outside your door.
You stared at him, heart almost beating out of your chest. He looked...fine.
You let out a deep breath and wrapped your arms around him. Relief flooded through your chest. "I'm so glad you're okay."
He seemed...a little confused. "I'm fine….enough. why wouldn't I be?"
You opened your mouth to say something, but hesitated. How do you tell him you had a dream about him being tortured? What if he thought you were crazy. "I…" you started, but you couldn't find the words, so you just hugged him again.
Willie took in your appearance. "Where have you been?" He asked, suddenly sounding suspicious as he eyed your jumpsuit that poked from beneath your sweater..
"It's..a long story. I'll explain, I promise. I just...can't right now. I have to go back. Just...wanted to check on you."
"I'm fine." He said, but his voice sounded icier than when he'd last said it.
You could sense he was less than thrilled with you. You always could. Because it was like being angry at yourself. He was an extension of you, after all.
"Since when do we keep secrets?" Willie asked, folding his arms. "I told you about Alex. I *lost* Alex. And my best friend wasn't here to help me mourn."
You bit your lip, looking at the floor. He had a point. "I know, I know, I'm sorry. But it wasn't my-- I didn't leave. I didn't want to leave you behind.."
"Didn't stop you from doing it." He said simply, and you couldn't believe the words coming from his mouth. The ever smiling Willie hadn't smiled once during this entire conversation. His posture spoke volumes. It looked like he hadn't slept in days.
You felt guilt clawing at you again. "Come with me." You told him, hoping he'd oblige and the two of you could leave this place behind for good.
"I'm fine right here. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to get back to work." He walked out, leaving you there alone.
Head hung low, you poofed back to HQ, to find Roxie in the training room. She stood over someone with a bag on their head. "I think I got your friend." She grinned.
You looked at her incredulously. "I obviously followed you! Couldn't let you go off by yourself now, could I?"
She pulled the bag off of the man's head, revealing the one and only….
"COLIN?!" You’re sure if you still had a beating heart it would have stopped right about now.
The younger Covington looked annoyed as he pulled his arm out of Roxie's. "Let go of me! My father will hear about this!"
He continued on in his angry rage until Roxie blew something that looked a lot like glitter into his eyes.
He fell to the ground with a soft thump, appearing to be sleeping like a baby.
Roxie looked up at you with a sheepish smile. "This isn't Willie? Oops."
“How long was I gone?” you don’t know why you were asking Caleb and Colin this. It wasn’t like them to even answer anyone’s concerns unless it directly affects them.
“Gone where?” Caleb looked down at you. “You just collapsed onto the floor for a few seconds,”
“It wasn’t a few seconds,” You shook your head at them. “It felt like… It felt like forever,”
“Are you calling my father a liar?” Colin huffed, obviously trying to put you in a bad situation.
“No, I’m not,” you replied defensively.
“Colin, enough.” Caleb addressed his son over his shoulder, then told him to walk you over to the nearest seat backstage.
You thought that would be the end of it. Caleb would walk away after dusting his hands of you and continue with the rest of his night hosting. But no, he occupied the seat beside you.
“I think a few nights off would do you good.” He told you.
“I don’t need a few nights off,” you replied. “I need…”
Your voice trails off as you struggle to remember something you think is very important.
“What do you need?” Caleb leaned back in his seat looking slightly amused by this whole situation.
You stare at him, and try to focus. It takes you a moment but you finally start piecing things together. You were knocked out, and were in a dark room with Willie. “Willie! I need Willie. He was with me when I was gone,”
“You haven’t gone anywhere,” Caleb’s voice lost all traces of amusement and was now holding back irritation. “I’m offering those few days off to come to your senses one last time, how does that sound?"
