Chapter Text
It was a confusing time for everyone.
They saved the world. Merlin didn’t die a tragic death, but he was still badly wounded, Morgana also didn’t die, but she lost a hand… again. Arthur died… again. Douxie died… but came back to life. Jim got turned into a beast, then to stone, and for some holy reason, a teardrop from Claire made him go back to be a human. Camelot is in ruins and Excalibur is stuck to a stone with no owner… yet.
It was a confusing time for everyone indeed.
Douxie sighed as he rubbed his forehead. Too much had happened in too little time.
“What are we going to do now?” Jim asked as he grabbed Toby for a tight hug. “The Arcane Order is still out and about. They will come back for Nari.”
Merlin, who had taken to sit by the sidelines over a fallen wall of Camelot, spoke. He gasped and he stood, clenching his wound and walked towards the group. For obvious reasons, Jim couldn’t seem to care much for Merlin’s wound, but he was glad he wasn’t dead. He couldn’t bring himself to wish someone was dead. But he’ll never understand what Douxie saw in that man. He’ll ask him someday.
Douxie was quick to aid his master. Merlin slid one arm behind Douxie’s neck for support while the other held tightly to his staff. “With the mess I made back there, I probably set them back for a few months. We have some time to reflect and think.” Said Douxie.
“Even a bigger mess of giving them the Genesis Seals…” Merlin mumbled to Douxie. The younger wizards gave him a nervous chuckle. “We’ll talk about it later, master.”
Merlin rolled his eyes. Not because he was annoyed, but because he was tired. “While Hisirdoux fought the Order, I created a magical barrier around Arcadia that should keep them away in case they decided to return at this moment.”
Claire frowned. “But you’re hurt. You said most of your magic is working on, well, you not dying.”
Merlin gritted his teeth in slight pain. “Most of it, not all of it.”
Toby spoke. “How long will it last, then?”
“A week… at most. That is, if I don’t die.”
“We have to take you to my mom. She’s a doctor.” Said Jim. Bless the good boy, his compassion knew no walls.
Merlin looked at the boy with a slight sadness and... some other emotion Jim didn’t recognize on the old man.
Douxie smiled. “Let’s go.” He started to walk. “By the way, Merlin, Nari and Morgana can stay in my place. It’s no Camelot, but it’s home.” At the mention of her name, Nari jumped up and down in joy.
The group started to walk when Claire noticed Morgana wasn’t going with them. The girl still felt a bit of fear against the woman that corrupted her, but this adventure had created a large gap between the Morgana that possessed her and the Morgana that striped Excalibur from Arthur. “Morgana?”
The woman looked up in surprise, clenching the place where her left hand was supposed to be. “Yes?”
“Aren’t you coming?”
“Me? Why should I?”
“To get medical assistance. And probably some food. Jim’s mom is a doctor, she’ll help with…” Claire looked down at the witch’s arm. “That.”
Morgana looked away, lost in thought. “I have done many grave things, Claire. Who’s to say I will be welcomed?”
“I’ve seen the real you. And I know you want a second chance.” Claire gave her a soft smile. “If I got possessed by you and I’m giving you a second chance now, I think you will be fine. With a bit more work, maybe we could be friends.” She extended her hand to the former Eldritch Queen. An olive branch of sorts. Forgiveness. Morgana gently took her hand in acceptance.
“Claire… thank you.”