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Merlin popped some gum as he stared at the senior living facility that Loki had told him Odin was in, with his memories a bit skewed. When he’d arrived, he promptly called Tony asking about travel papers for him and Odin, knowing there was no official documentation for either of them on Earth that wouldn’t be seen as historical documents. Tony had cackled on the phone and possibly fell over, because Merlin heard a chair hit the floor and a groan before the laughing continued. Tony promised, once he’d gotten control of himself, that the’d have something ready in a few days.
Thinking about what Loki had done to Odin reminded him how much he really hated how easily some people found mind magic. He sighed heavily before going inside and looking for someone who knew where to find the old king. He was lucky he didn’t have to look long before finding him staring out the window in his room, unseeing. Gaze lightyears away. He knelt beside him and put a hand on the one resting on his knee, drawing his attention.
“Emrys.” He said, giving him a small grin.
“Odin.” Merlin said, grinning back and squeezing his hand.
“How long did his trick last this time?” Odin asked with a fond smile as he looked back out the window.
“Not sure, honestly. Probably around a year if I had to guess. I’ve been a little out of the know for a bit.”
“Mm. And you visited Asgard and he came to you, as he always has.” Odin said knowingly. “So. What are your plans?”
“Depends on you, my lord.” Merlin shrugged. “Would you prefer to stay here, or would you want to see a bit of this planet while you can. You’re old, Allfather. I fear you have fewer years remaining than we anticipated when we came up with that spell all that time ago.”
“I fear you’re right.” Odin sighed. “Perhaps one last adventure would be alright.”
“Brilliant.” Merlin smiled brightly. “So. How would you prefer we leave? I can twiddle with their paperwork so that they think I’m your son checking you out. Or I can just magic us away to our first stop?”
“Let’s travel as these mortals do. I’m curious how their airplanes work. The rest I’ll leave up to you.”
“Works for me.” Merlin shrugged again before standing up. He helped Odin get to his feet and let his eyes flash gold as he sent magical, fictional paperwork to the nurse station so if they were intercepted leaving it would still have a trail. Oddly enough, no one stopped them. “One quick stop by Stark tower so I can get us some proper travel documents and we’ll be on our way.”
“I’m entirely in your hands for this, Emrys. I trust you.” Odin said certainly. Merlin patted the hand that wrapped around his arm just above his elbow and led him through the throngs of people in the city, pointing out things that he noticed that had changed over the millenia. Essentially giving the old king a brief history of New York.
He got an enthusiastic welcome to the tower when he arrived on the common room floor as his kids were visiting the city and taking in the sights. Natasha and Steve welcomed him as well, Natasha practically lifting him up when she hugged him while Steve offered an awkward handshake that had him blushing and stuttering out an excuse to run off.
“You must be Merlin.” A woman in dangerously high heels and a kind smile said, reaching a hand out to shake his.
“Aye. That’s me. And you are?”
“Pepper Potts. I run Stark Industries, CEO and all that. I have the paperwork he did for you. Your flights are this afternoon out of La Guardia and there is a car waiting downstairs for you if you wish to do some shopping or anything before you go since you don’t seem to have any luggage. This is a gift card that will settle your purchases. It isn’t charity, before you argue,” She held up her hands to stop Merlin’s refusal, “he knows that you’ll probably repay him or find a way to sneak the money back to him someway. He asks that repayment be made in the form of a grant to the Midtown Science Academy in Queens.”
“I suppose that’s acceptable.” Merlin sniffed, while Pepper fought not to smile. “We’re off then. To get a few more sets of clothes and a suitcase each. Suppose it is a bit suspicious to take an overseas flight with nothing on hand.”
“A bit.” Pepper chuckled. “Have a pleasant flight and trip. I look forward to seeing you again.”
“You as well, Ms. Potts.” Merlin smirked giving her a small bow, chuckling when she playfully swatted his arm before leaving again. “Tony has his work cut out for him, I’ll say that.”
“Pepper is amazing.” Natasha agreed, flipping through Merlin and Odin’s travel papers before handing them over. “You can make it through the mall on your own, yes?”
“Definitely.” Merlin said scoffing. “Twats on Asgard had me training all day every day with them while I was there. We’ll be perfectly safe, and I won’t openly use magic unless it becomes necessary. Good? Good. Everyone be good and safe, and I hope I’ll see you in a few months!”
“I was more worried about your fashion choices but, I like your thinking. Keep an eye out for the exits.” She saluted him and walked gracefully out of the room.
There were more hugs and threats that he better keep in touch before they were out the door. The mall was uneventful, as Merlin just grabbed a few changes of clothes for each of them and a suitcase a piece before they were at the airport. They chatted idly in Old Welsh, startling several people around them at the strange sound of the language.
He’d always wanted to visit Bulgaria, but never had the chance. Mostly because he knew there were hot springs that had a ridiculous amount of magic in them and he longed to sink his body into them. He was sure they would do wonders for Odin as well. They checked into their hotel and spent the night in the hotel restaurant and the next week checking out the local sights.
They visited the springs after a few weeks and both men were groaning in appreciation of the magical waters that healed their bone-deep aches. When they were leaving, Merlin accidentally bumped into someone who managed to catch him in a dip before he could hit the floor. There was a cool feel of metal along his back and he looked up into a startled yet familiar face.
“Sgt Barnes.” Merlin breathed, and cleared his throat when he was placed back on his feet. “Erm, sorry about that. Wasn’t looking where I was going.” He chuckled, glad that his face was still flushed from the hot springs and could easily cover any blush. He had been dying to meet Barnes again for years, hoping that they’d meet again.
“You know who I am.” He said in slight confusion. Merlin tilted his head a bit, looking into the man’s eyes hoping to see more than just the glimmer of recognition, but his memories were still clouded.
“Sort of.” He finally answered. “I knew you, once. We were imprisoned together many years ago. In Germany.”
“Emrys. Captain Merlin Emrys of the British Special Forces.” He whispered. Merlin smiled.
“That’s me.” He croaked.
“You look the same. As back then, I mean.” Barnes said, finally taking his hands off of Merlin who had to hold back an annoyed groan at the loss of contact. Barnes’ lips twitched as if he saw what Merlin felt.
“I’m not like you, if that’s what you’re thinking.” Merlin said in a low voice hurriedly. “I’m sorry we can’t talk freely here, meet me later, if you want. I’m here,” he handed him a card for the hotel they were staying in, “Room 327. I’ll tell you what I know.”
“I’ll be there.” He agreed, slipping the card silently in his pocket before staring at Merlin once more. “It’s nice to see a familiar face that isn’t trying to kill or control me.”
“I’m not great at either of those, and I hate the latter.” Merlin shrugged. “I usually talk myself into more trouble than out of. Come by and we’ll talk. I promise. But I have to go or I’ll lose my … friend.” He finished lamely biting his lip. “I’ll tell you about him a bit too, when I see you.”
“Thanks, Emrys.” He said quietly, gratefully.
“Any time, James.” Merlin said, smiling at him before heading back to make sure Odin didn’t wander off with his little bit of rejuvenation.
He found him waiting by the entrance to the springs, just smiling at the people passing by. He fell into step with Merlin as they made their way back into town to get some food and head back to their rooms.
“You knew that man back there.” Odin said as they waited for the elevator.
“I did.” Merlin agreed.
“He’s fairly old to look so young.”
“He was experimented on by Hydra. It must have extended his life span to some degree. They also kept putting him in cryogenesis.”
“I won’t interfere. I think I’ll check out the bakery down the road in the morning. I’ll meet you for lunch. Have a good night, Emrys.” Odin patted his shoulder and headed for his room, leaving Merlin to smile and shake his head.
He took his jacket off and draped it over the chair before slumping into it and kicking off his shoes. He jumped and threw up a magical shield when a light clicked on in his room. James raised an eyebrow at him, the corner of his lips twitching in a near smirk.
“Fuck.” Merlin muttered, dropping the shield. “Way to give a man a heart attack.”
“Man, huh? I’d say wizard is more accurate.”
“Fine, way to give a warlock a heart attack.” Merlin corrected, rolling his eyes.
“So.” Barnes said, waving a hand. “I’m here. Going to explain?” Merlin blew out his lips.
“Sure. Want a drink or anything?”
“Wouldn’t turn down a beer.” He shrugged.
“Erm, well,” Merlin scratched his neck, “I’ve got some, but it’s not … well, not from around here. Doesn’t matter. I’m sure you can handle it. Probably. Most likely.” Merlin continued muttering as he got up and grabbed some of the ale that Heimdall had sent them. He handed a mug to Bucky who took a sip and tilted his head as if it were curious.
“Not bad.” He hummed.
“So. My story. Hm. Well, I was born somewhere around, I suppose it would be considered 500 AD? Maybe? Something like that. Lived on a farm for my early years before traveling to Camelot to train as a physician and try and get my magic under better control.”
“Camelot? As in Arthurian legend?” Barnes asked interestedly, taking another sip and leaning forward, eyes shining with questions. “Fascinating. So you lived through the time King Arthur was rumored to have reigned? I mean, Camelot wasn’t a small kingdom by any means, so you could easily have known him.”
“I did, in fact, know him. He was a prince when we met, though. I saved his life at a banquet where a sorceress was trying to kill him for Uther, his father, executing her son for having magic. In his infinite wisdom, King Uther Pendragon awarded me the position of being the prince’s manservant.” Barnes snorted and started laughing, trying to cover it up.
“Sorry.” He said, trying to stop laughing. “That’s just … wow, that’s not a reward at all.”
“It really wasn’t.” Merlin agreed, smiling at the other man’s happiness. “Anyway, that’s really only the beginning of my life, so buckle up.” Barnes snorted again but slumped down in his chair more comfortably and listened as Merlin told him about his life. About everything that happened, all the ups and downs, and skimmed some years, as he couldn’t remember them properly, before it got to where their stories joined, and they were both taken prisoner by Hydra.
“Your life is insane.” Barnes finally said, blowing out a loud breath. “Good thing we had some incredible ale to go with it.”
“Yeah, Heimdall sent us some when he figured out where we, me and Odin, were staying. I had to shrink the cask a bit to make it fit this space better and more easily carried around.”
“That was kind of him.”
“He’s always had a soft spot for me, I think.” Merlin shrugged, grinning. “They all do, really. Most people they meet on this planet are short lived.”
“But you aren’t.”
“No.” Merlin sighed, looking down into his empty cup, remembering all the years behind him and may yet lie ahead of him. “I am not that.”
“How old would you say you are?”
“Dunno. Somewhere around 2500 or so. Stopped keeping track after the first 500 years. I’d say I was around 1200 years old or so when Camelot finally fell and we had to flee. I got lucky, though. Strucker didn’t know who I was when he first captured me. He just thought I was some run of the mill sorcerer and my magic was aging me slower than everyone else. Which only had them experimenting more when they saw I hadn’t aged in the half a century they held me.”
“They tried getting you to experiment on me, at first. But it didn’t work. I recognized you each time.”
“Yeah. They really didn’t like that and eventually put me elsewhere so I wouldn’t interfere with their programming.”
“I kind of wish you’d have been able to stay. But if you had, I’d have probably complied with anything to keep you safe.” He sighed.
“You sound like Arthur.” Merlin mumbled, setting his empty mug down and standing up to stretch, Bucky’s eyes followed his every move. But not in an anxious way like he was tracking movements of a threat. More anticipatory. Hungry almost.
“I should go.” He rasped, standing up quickly and clearing his throat, tearing his eyes away.
“You could stay.” Merlin offered, walking over to him cautiously.
“Emrys.” Barnes whispered, as Merlin brushed his fingers against Bucky’s gently.
“Merlin.” Merlin corrected. “Stay. We’re leaving tomorrow anyway.”
“No. I’m not taking anything from you.” He clenched his metal fist but his free hand grasped Merlin’s wrist, feeling his pulse. It was a subconscious gesture, one that Merlin knew he wasn’t aware he was doing.
“You aren’t.” Merlin said steadily. “I’m offering. I’m offering to take your mind off of other things for a few hours. I know you prefer women-”
“I don’t have a preference.” Barnes cut him off, but bit his lip and eventually looked up and met Merlin’s eyes. “But I’m not using you.”
“If it makes you feel better,” Merlin purred, trailing a finger along the strong arm holding his wrist and watching him shiver, “think of it as me using you. We could both use some comfort and some physical contact.”
“I don’t want to hurt you.” Barnes whispered.
“Then don’t.” Merlin said certainly, seeing his resolve waiver. He stepped closer and they were chest to chest, noses brushing. “Stop thinking so much.”
At those words, Barnes’ resolve completely crumbled and Merlin was pressed against a wall roughly, soft, warm, lips seeking his. He groaned into it, and Bucky lifted him by his thighs, wrapping them around his waist. It had been a long time since he’d been manhandled so much, and Merlin suddenly remembered why he’d stayed away from it. He melted like butter against the firm chest pressing against him, groaning again when a hand gripped his hair gently.
Barnes pulled his back away from the wall and moved swiftly and surely through the living area to the bedroom, laying atop Merlin on the bed and pressing against him, grinding their hips together as his lips moved and attacked his neck. It had only been a few weeks since he’d been in bed with a god, but here in this room, he could only see and feel and think of James Barnes.
“Jamie.” Merlin moaned, as the man tore his shirt off and leaned in once more, cupping his face gently.
“Call me that again.” He demanded.
“Jamie.” Merlin said again, gasping when his pants were roughly torn off. “Jamie.” Merlin said once more, loudly, unable to hold in his gasp as skin met skin.
“I don’t think I’ll recover from you, Merlin.” He groaned as his fingers were suddenly slick and probing.
“Just-” Merlin gasped, “right there, gods!” he cried out. Barnes flipped him over in one quick movement and Merlin barely had time to think before there were kisses up his back and nibbling on his shoulder.
He lost track of time after that. Barnes, or rather James, was ravenous and Merlin was more than willing to give him what they both wanted. They got a few hours of sleep in, but only enough to regain energy so they could continue taking each other apart.
Merlin startled awake midmorning to a creaking floorboard. He leaned up on his elbows and looked around for the source of the noise before noticing the bed was empty beside him. He got up and went straight for the shower, cleaning off the sweat and other substances from the long night before. He was a little surprised when James slipped in the shower behind him, kissing his shoulder. Merlin turned around in his arms and kissed along his jaw before kissing him passionately.
James lifted him up and pressed his back to the shower wall, careful to make sure he could handle more, before taking him right there against the wall. He used his hand, not his metal one, to hold Merlin’s hands over his head. When Merlin practically screamed himself hoarse and the water turned cold, it sent him over the edge. James followed him shortly after; he kissed Merlin gently as he rubbed his hips to set him carefully back on the floor.
“That’s a hell of a way to wake up.” Merlin croaked, startling a laugh out of James who leaned his head on Merlin’s shoulder as he shook with his amusement.
“It’s an incredible way to wake up.” He finally agreed with a sigh. “I’m sorry I can’t stay.”
“I understand.” Merlin said, reaching up and cupping his face. “I’ve lived on the run longer than anyone on this planet. If anyone would understand it would be me.”
“I hate that you understand.” James grumbled and Merlin chuckled.
“Let me give you my number before you go. If worse comes to worse, you can call me anytime. We’re going to be in Europe for a bit longer before heading for the UK and then old Norse lands. Maybe we’ll meet up again in Rome or Paris or something and be able to sneak a night or two together.”
“I wouldn’t mind that. Like I said, I don’t think I’ll be able to recover from you.”
“The laments of all men, I’m afraid.” Merlin said with a faux dramatic sigh. “I’ll see you again. I know it.”
“I hope so.” There was a knock on the door, and James looked at Merlin in confusion, his shoulders tense.
“Probably just Odin.” Merlin said with a frown. He shut off the water and held out a hand to send his magic out, his frown deepening at what he found. “Not Odin.”
“Get dressed, quickly.” James commanded in a whisper, and Merlin didn’t waste any time, tossing a shirt and pants to James before they both approached the door cautiously; James more or less hiding behind it.
“ Who is it ?” Merlin called in Bulgarian.
“ Room service, sir. Ordered for you by a Mr. Allfather.” Merlin cracked the door open and spied the service tray in confusion, along with the unassuming woman holding it.
“There must be some mistake,” He said, switching to English, “I’m meeting him in half an hour. Which we discussed yesterday. So I’ll ask one more time, who are you?”
“I’m just a maid, I swear. But this note was left for you and I was told to bring it to your room.” She replied in heavily accented English. She handed over the message and left. Merlin took it inside and quickly shut the door and locked it before opening the note.
“You’ve been spotted, you cannot linger even until our appointed meal. Meet me at the train station instead of for lunch. If you delay, they’ll find you. I don’t know who they are, but they are armed and look ready to take prisoners or dead bodies. You must hurry. I’ll be waiting. O.” Merlin set the note alight and scrambled into the room to shove everything he could into his bag, feeling his panic rising, his hands shaking uncontrollably. “I’m not going back. I’m not.” He said frantically, shaking his head as he struggled to close his bag, before a steady hand stopped him and James was looking at him in concern. “I’m not going back to be experimented on again. I can’t, I won’t. I won’t survive it again.”
“I won’t let that happen, but you need to be calm or you’ll draw attention to yourself.” James said as he carefully closed the bag and tossed Merlin his jacket before looking into the hallway and gesturing for Merlin to follow him.
Merlin’s magic was sparking around him until he took a few deep breaths and forced it back down. James led him certainly through the crowds of people diverting them when he spotted someone obviously there for a take down and barely blending into the crowd around them. When they got to the train station, Odin hugged him firmly, and Merlin finally stopped shaking.
“I worried you would not get the message in time.”
“We barely did. I don’t want to think about what would have happened if you hadn’t noticed them.” Merlin said breathlessly.
“Should I wait until you're on the train?” James asked softly.
“I think we are fine now, young man.” Odin said, finally releasing Merlin. “But they may start following you next. You must be careful.”
“I was planning on leaving today anyway, at nightfall. Looks like I’ll just be leaving a few hours sooner rather than later.”
“Here.” Merlin dug a scrap of paper out of his pocket with his number scribbled on it and thrust it into James’ hands. “Just in case.”
“I’ll call when I stop for the night.”
“Ok.” Merlin nodded and leaned into the hug that James offered. He stroked Merlin’s hair and whispered reassuringly to him that he was fine and safe and that he would stay that way.
“Your train is here. Take care of each other.” James said, setting Merlin’s suitcase down beside him.
“If I don’t hear from you tonight I’ll stalk you with my magic.” Merlin grumbled, but James just chuckled and leaned forward kissing his head gently.
“I expect no less, Emrys. Now go. And keep your eyes open. Not every Hydra rat went down with the ship. I’ll let you know if I hear anything. I won’t go looking for it, but I also won’t let you walk into danger unknowingly.”
“Merlin. And thank you. Sorry our goodbye is so rushed. I’m glad we got to talk last night.”
“Among other things?” James asked teasingly, smirking at Merlin’s blush.
“Arse.” Merlin mumbled. “Obviously among other things. Now shut up and disappear again. I’ll talk to you tonight.”
“Tonight. Safe travels. If you can, meet me in Paris in two weeks. I’m sure you’ll find me.” He gave Odin a nod of respect before he disappeared in the throngs of people.
They boarded the train, showing their tickets, not relaxing until the train left the station. Not quite how Merlin had wanted to start their trip off, but all in all it wasn’t terrible.
They stopped briefly in Austria, and then again in Rome. They spent a few days there before Merlin grew antsy and they headed for Paris. Oddly enough, it was easy for him to find James this time. They met near a bar by the Eiffel Tower, before disappearing to Merlin’s room, barely making it inside before they were ripping each other’s clothes off. They only got two nights together before they separated again, not willing to risk being caught, or closed in on, at least since they still had no clues who was targeting them.
Merlin and Odin finished their tour through Europe in Spain a few months later, before heading for England. He texted his kids a few times, but for some reason they’d stopped responding as frequently as the time went on. He knew they were busy, but they never ghosted him. Bucky texted him that something had come up and he wouldn’t be able to talk for a while. Merlin tried not to be upset, but knew that usually the only reason people were unable to talk was if they were in a tight spot such as a battle or something.
They spent a month in London and a few months exploring the Scottish and Welsh highlands, where Merlin had once spent so much of his time. Where all his past hurts lay. In his frustration, lightning struck the once formidable tower that was in the center of the Lake of Avalon where the Sidhe were rumored to live. Odin stopped him from decimating the tower completely, but only just.
“It would not do to destroy all remaining relics of magic in this world, Emrys. Taking out the Sidhe’s source of power would not stop them nor encourage them, with any future help they may yet provide you. Come. Let us to the old lands. It’s nearly time.” Odin said softly.
“Do you hear them yet?” Merlin asked cautiously, leading Odin away from the crumbling tower.
“Faintly.” Odin confirmed and Merlin held his arm firmly. It was hard knowing there was nothing he could do to help Odin. Odin who was eons old compared to Merlin’s measly millenniums.
They hurried back to London and took their last flight to Norway and ventured toward the sea. Odin was walking determinedly. As if he knew where he was going. It only took them most of a week to get where Odin was heading. When they arrived at the cliffs, Merlin put his hand on Odin’s shoulder and he could hear the music too. He gasped and knelt beside him, holding his face in his hands.
“You’re tired, Allfather. And your family calls to you.” Merlin said softly. The singing he could hear was quite beautiful. “Frigga. I can hear her.”
“She always sang so beautifully.” Odin agreed, turning his gaze back out to the sea. Merlin sat on the ground by Odin’s feet, watching the waves crash on the shore, just offering his presence as reassurance and some comfort.
“Father?” Thor called, startling Merlin to his feet to meet the eyes of both Thor and Loki.
“Thank the gods.” Merlin breathed and motioned for them to come closer.
“Merlin?” Loki breathed, looking equally confused and relieved.
“Hello, my sons.” Odin said, gaze still fixed on the horizon, and Merlin could feel his life force ebbing.
“Quickly!” Merlin said urgently, pulling them to Odin’s side. “His time is fading.”
“Father? It’s us.” Thor called again, his eyes looking anxious and scared.
“Look at this place. It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” Odin said, watching as the sun danced on the waves. Merlin stepped back behind where the three sat together, not wanting to interrupt the moment, knowing they deserved to say goodbye in peace. But he could feel the protection for the pocket dimension holding Hela failing, could feel her essence seeping out, reaching for the weakness it discovered. “My sons,” Odin sighed fondly, still not looking at the boys, “I’ve been waiting for you.”
“We’ve come to take you home.” Thor said certainly, but Loki’s brow was furrowed as if confused by Odin still calling him one of his son’s.
“Home. Yes. Your mother, she calls to me. Do you hear it?” Odin looked at Loki as if expecting him to be able to hear the same singing, but Loki looked from Odin to Merlin worriedly.
“It is not their time, sire.” Merlin said gently. “She calls for you, and you alone.”
“What is this magic? Loki? Merlin?” Thor asked accusingly, but Odin chuckled.
“No. Took me quite a while to break free from your spell. Your mother would have been proud.” Odin took a deep breath and let it out after nodding to Loki proudly. “I failed you. It is upon us. Ragnarok.”
“No.” Thor shook his head. “No, I- I’ve stopped Ragnarok.”
“It is already begun.” Odin said sadly, looking back at Merlin. “She’s coming.” Merlin nodded and looked away again, toward where he could feel Hela’s strength gathering. “My life was all that held her back, but my time has come.”
“Father, who are you talking about?” Thor asked in confusion, Loki watching equally confused.
“My first born.” Odin said regretfully. “Your sister.”
“Wh-what?” Thor stuttered. Odin spoke of her violence and thirst for carnage, how she had grown too strong for him to control her.
“I imprisoned her.” Odin said finally, his eyes shifting to Merlin and quickly away again.
“It’s true.” Merlin said quietly, drawing even Loki’s incredulous gaze.
“It’s not his fault.” Odin reassured. “He only did as I asked, helped lock her away more securely by tying her prison to my life force.”
“The spell.” Loki said through gritted teeth.
“Yes.” Odin agreed. “You must listen, now. She draws her power from Asgard. When she gets there she will be unstoppable.”
“Wherever she is, we can- we can stop her together.” Thor said, looking as if he were already making battle plans.
“No.” Odin scoffed. “I’m on a different path now. This you must face alone. I love you my sons.” Odin said, and Loki looked at him with shock written all over his face, and it made Merlin’s heart ache that he’d ever felt unloved or unwanted in his family. “Look at that.” Odin said, pointing out to sea, and Merlin gasped, holding a hand to his chest as he felt his spell being picked apart and unraveled. “Remember this place. Home.”
Merlin struggled to stay on his feet as Odin Allfather, King of Asgard, accepted his death and dissipated into the beams of sunlight that shone down through the clouds. He had his hands up, trying to keep the spell from coming undone completely, to allow the Prince’s of Asgard a few moments to mourn their father, but she was coming.
“She’s here.” He gasped, unable to hold her back any longer, even as he felt the storm gather overhead from Thor’s grief.
He didn’t hear what Thor said to Loki, but he knew it was probably an accusation by the venom in his tone. They transformed into their traditional Asgardian clothing before stepping in front of Merlin when the rift opened in front of him. The woman who stepped out reminded him so much of Morgana, that he fell to his knees. Not in deference or anything, just that the sudden similarity rushed memories through his head. He rubbed his temples trying to focus on their conversation. Slowly he got back to his feet and tried to stay hidden behind the Prince’s.
His movement drew her attention and she narrowed her eyes at him before smirking.
“Kneel. Before your Queen.” She said, no trace of amusement or entertainment in her voice.
“I don’t think so.” Thor said, winding up and throwing Mjolnir.
“No!” Merlin screamed, but it was too late, the hammer had already gotten to Hela, and she held it back.
“This … is not possible.” Thor said in a strained voice, arm still out.
“She helped forge it.” Merlin said quietly. “You cannot beat her with a weapon she had a hand in making.”
“Darling,” She chided Thor, ignoring Merlin for the moment, “you have no idea what’s possible,” before crushing the hammer and lightning exploded out from it, missing Thor and Loki as Merlin drew it to himself, flinging it back at her, causing her to duck and snarl at him.
“Bring us back!” Loki shouted to the sky, when she had donned a strange headpiece and created her own magical swords.
“No!” Merlin and Thor shouted at the same time, but the bridge was already appearing, drawing them to Asgard.
Merlin was next to Thor and Loki in the bifrost, but Hela was coming as well. Thor called Loki’s name, as he was the only one who could make a magical weapon, and Loki threw a dagger at her. She caught it and sent it back at them, knocking Loki out of the bifrost. Merlin hoped he wasn’t lost for good. She caught up to Thor and they fought, Merlin locked wide eyes with Thor, who realized too late that he was also falling from the bifrost into space. Hela turned her sights on Merlin, and grasped him by his collar, dragging him through the bifrost and throwing him to the floor when they arrived on Asgard.
“Emrys!” Fandral called, trying to rush to him, but Merlin held up a hand to try and stop him as Hela breathed in and seemed to heal as her years in captivity fell away from her drawn face.
“No!” Merlin screamed, when Hela threw her magical blades into Fandral and Volstagg and they fell to the floor, before she added another for good measure.
“I’m Hela.” She announced, approaching a man who was holding a mop and putting his hands up, bowing his head in supplication. She yanked Merlin upright once more, dragging him along with her as she made her way toward the castle. The man kept glancing at Merlin uncertainly, as if unsure what to do about him, but Hela hadn’t let go of him by the time they got to the castle. “Before I give you the history, the TRUE history, of Asgard, I need to lock this one away.”
“You really don’t. I wasn’t meant to be here, it was an honest mistake, I’ll just go.” Merlin said shakily, attempting to leave, but she gripped his neck instead of the collar of his shirt.
“I think not, Emrys. It was your magic, after all, that allowed Odin to hold me prisoner as long as he did, was it not?”
“Only partially.” Merlin gasped, holding onto her wrist as she held him up on his toes by his throat.
“Well, as the others who were responsible are no longer alive, then I suppose I must take my annoyance out on you. Even trapped as I was in my dimension, I heard whispers of one who searched for you. And he’s welcome to have you.” She growled, before throwing him to the floor once more and ignoring him when he began coughing and sputtering to get his breath back. Merlin didn’t see what she did, but she summoned something that looked very much like a cage made of the same metal that her blades were made of. It surrounded him and barely allowed him room to sit up, let alone stretch his legs out. When he leaned back he hissed in pain. Some of the bars were actually swords and sliced along his back and hands.
“You don’t have to do this.” Merlin pleaded. “Send me back to Earth, please, I’m not a part of this! I’m not!”
“You’re right, you aren’t. At least not a part of this, anyway. You’ll belong to Him soon enough. Might as well sleep until you arrive.” She waved a hand and the throne room grew blurry before he slumped over, darkness overtaking him as he fell unconscious. He had no idea if Thor or Loki were alright, but he knew it didn’t really matter. They would be fine, he was sure. Himself, however, he was less sure of. There was only one person in the universe who was searching him out, that he knew of. And if he was right, he’d wake up more bound than he’d ever been before.
He actually prayed that he didn’t wake up this time.