Work Text:
Strange. Very strange. The walls collided with each other and the other side of this plastic mechanism showcased a world so twisted.
The people I'd sit with everyday turned into beings with long, squiggly, bodi-"
"Arthur, what are you doing?"
Merlin then asked an ignorant question, obnoxiously interrupting my train of thought-"
"Dude, stop."
"Shut up, Merlin." Arthur placed the empty water bottle down, " I'm biographing right now. You know? Important stuff." He gave two knocks to Merlin's head.
Merlin raised his eyebrow, not convinced. "Well, maybe you should stop biographing, though that most definitely isn't what your doing, because you look like an idiot, and these papers arn't going to fill themselves."
"I'm perfectly capable of managing my time."
Merlin shoved the empty papers towards him with a frown. "Fifteen minutes left. Think you can get it all done?"
Arthur looked towards the clock on the classroom wall, almost too crowded by flags and posters to see from his seat.
3:15
Well shoot.
Again there they were."
He held the bottle up to the camera, denting it slightly. The image turned blurred and disoriented. In other words, the 'Other world' was showing itself.
Those foul creatures, seeping through the cracks of the earth, where they should be resting. I have a faint idea of why they were summoned. But the proof wont come so easily.
Would the people believe him?
Can he save the day before it's too late?
How will he fight these horrifying creatures?
-Find out next time on ThePhantomFighter.."
Arthur clicked 'publish' and closed the MacBook, a sense of accomplishment washing over him. But his job was not done. Uploading this 'Call to action' video was only the first step. He needed a plan. Maybe even a crew. And once he got everything in place, hopefully his channel would gain traction as well. And all the secrets of the supernatural world would be revealed.
Chuckling, he stood from his bed and making his way out of the room.
The hall lights of the house were off, leaving a faint glow from the kitchen downstairs. He skipped down, missing a few steps-and almost tripping. Wandering into the kitchen like a duck, he saw his father sitting across the dinning room table tapping away at his computer. Bags in line on the floor beside a counter, from a recent trip to the grocers.
"Did you get the glow sticks I asked for?" He fumbled through the bags, not caring to keep them intact.
"Yes." Uther's eyebrows set straight running parallel to his mouth as he looked up at his son. "Tell me again why you need them?" He leaned back in his chair, with a not-all-too-amused expression.
"An experiment. Just an experiment."
"Well I hope this experiment is educational."
"Very." Arthur found the glow sticks and leapt from the floor. Smiling a little to himself. He grabbed a knife from the covert, using a jagged edge to rip off the pesky stickers.
Once he got them off, and the lift of the box tore open, he peeked in, taking note of their vibrant green glow. "This'll do just great."
He mumbled a "thank you" before disappearing from the room.
____
Phantom Fighters
Arthur created this chat.
Arthur named this chat Ghost busters.
Arthur named this chat supernatural.
Arthur named this chat phantom Fighters.
Arthur added Magic Man to the chat.
9:57 pm
I'm calling a meeting
no
It's important.
I've been feeling this st rsnge activity
Strange*
Like some kind of..feeling in the air.
Have you tried turning the heater on?
Putting on warm clothes?
Drinking something hot?
Thank you, but no thank you.
I'll be ignoring that.
I think more of them are
rising and it's getting bad.
Cool
I'll be parked in the back, be
ready when I get there.
Please dont
seen
___
Tonight I feel something. In the air...and in my soul. They're active, and I don't think they're very happy. I've called on my sidekick to help. I can't go in this alone-though I'll probably end up doing most of the work. He's kind of useless. But anyway- the night air feels cool against my skin, and a shiver is coming- I mean going- A shiver is running down my spine!
Wait..a strong wind just passed..
What was that!?
I whip my head around, looking behind me. It feels like the wind is following me. Chasing me..
It must be..
A ghost!"
"And cut." He shut his phone off, slipping it into his back pocket, switching it for the car keys. He should have brought a coat. why is it so cold? It isn't even october yet. He clicked a button as he scurried to the car door, not wanting to be in the presence of the cold or those pesky ghosts any longer. The car lights turned on, chirping as he opened the driver seat door and got in.
Merlin would argue his 'sudden' obsession with ghost was the result of binge watching Ghost Guy, but he didn't agree. They were always there, that show just helped him realize it. A whole world, just under everyone's noses. One that was going unstable with each passing day. Since he seemed to be the only observant person around, of course it was his duty to protect all the innocent citizens of Camelot. But he needed them to be aware.
So far, he's only gained five subscribers; only one of them being some stranger on the internet. The others: Merlin, reluctantly-after days of being pestered. "No, you're gonna mess up my feed.. you're gonna mess up my feed." Idiot. His father, who probably didn't even watch the videos. Blast him. If he wants to stay ignorant to the dark forces working against the human race, so be it. Morgana. Probably just to laugh at him. Blast her too. And Leon. Great Leon, the only other guy with a brain.
Arthur turned the key, his dry hands shivering as he reached for his phone, waiting for the engine to warm up.
_____
Phantom Fighters
10:15 pm
Arthur added Leon🦁
Leon.
seen by Magic Man
10:22 pm
Yes?
What is this?
An important, top secret, meeting.
Um, okay..
You will keep everything you
learn here, to yourself.
Do you understand?
Yes, I understand.
Good
Merlin get over here.
So, remember those ghost theories
that were flying around school?
With that kids name on the
bathroom walls and stuff.
(Leon🦁)
Oh yeah, I remember that.
(Magic Man)
that was a year ago
Yes, and since then, the ghosts have
been conspiring against us.
We should've kept on with the search.
totally
Merlin, I'm here, hur ry up.
So Leon, do you still have
those notes we took?
😅Maybe, I'll have to look.
Though I might have deleted them.
Let's hope not, the very existence of
all human life is at stake here.
Meet us at school by 10:30
I don't think I can get there that fast.
10:40 then.
Okay.
seen by Magic Man
____
Merlin's face appeared on the other side of the foggy window, his hand cupping his face to peek inside. The tips of his ears were a faint red, and the loose strands of hair peeking from his hood were wet, sticking to his forehead. He blew on the window, drawing a small smiley face before walking to the other side of the car.
Arthur turned the heat up as Merlin opened the door, "did you not know it was cold?"
"I did. That's why I have a coat on." He closed the door behind him, bringing his face close to the heater.
Arthur pressed the petal, slowly moving out of the alley. "Why is your hair wet then?"
He brought his hands near his face, letting the warm up in the heat. "I just got out the shower when you texted."
"Aha, ever heard of a blow dryer?" Arthur said in his usual mayter-of-factly tone, preoccupying his eyes with manuvering out the dark alley way.
Merlin leaned back finally, touching a strand of his hair before letting his arm flop back down on the center console, "I don't have a blowdryer."
Arthur rolled his eyes. "Well, once we get there, we're going to use these," he shoved Merlin's arm off the center console, opening it to showcase the glow sticks tucked snug in a cloth. "To ward them out of hiding." He smirked, shutting it again.
Merlin tilted his head lifting an eyebrow, "Glow sticks? Really? I don't really get what those are going to do."
"The green light will help us lure them, making them easier to capture."
"Capture them.. how?"
"With that." He gestured to the empty bottle laying in a cup holder. It's scrunched and battered body leaning to one side.
Merlin sighed, laying back in his seat. "Arthur, I really don't think ghosts-"
A strong wind hit the window interrupting Merlin. The car shook and the wheels made a horrible screeching noise. Arthur looked at Merlin, eyebrows furrowed in a frown.
Merlin rolled the window down, leaning his body over. He sat back again, rolling it back up. "Just a pothole." He murmured.
____
Leon stood in the middle of the car park tapping his foot as he looked down at his phone. Unfazed by the dry air. His flimsy short-sleeve shirt hung loosely off his body, and his sweatpants didn't look to offer much warmth.
"Leon!" Arthur called out. His hands were full with the sticks and water bottle, thanks to Merlin's inability to be helpful. When he got closer, he held out the glow sticks. "Were you able to find them?"
"Oh, there you guys are." Leon turned to face them, squinting a little through the darkness. "I wasn't able to find the notebook I had the notes in, but I got a copy." He took one of the glow sticks, lifting it up to examine it. "It's a good thing I typed them. I have them in my notes."
He showed his phone screen to them, making the two blink away from the light.
___
Notes 📜
Camelot High Ghost Theories,
. Last year, a kid by the name of Albert was expelled. No one knows what happened to him. -Feb 5th
-Debunked, kid still alive.
.Neil O'Nelson's name was written on the bathroom mirror today. -Feb 14th
-Jarred confessed to writing it.- 2:12 p.m.
.The Trashy Hollows: the trash cans behind the school are creepy. -Feb 15th
-Witnessed cats fighting.
.Animal ghosts?
-possibilitly. -Feb 19th
.The ghosts are possessing people. A guy by the name of Gwaine has been acting very strange. -Feb 21st
-possibilitly no.2
Arthur's Conclusion: World domination.
My conclusion: No conclusion.
___
"Wow, you guys really didn't get anywhere." Merlin chuckled, rubbing his hands on the sides of his coat.
"Well, we stopped the investigation. So of course." Arthur shoved the bottle in Merlin's hands. "Come, we have to set everything up."
"What are these glow sticks for?" Leon asked, following behind him.
"You'll see, you'll see."
The setup was easy. Create a circle of glow sticks and place the bottle in the middle. Arthur was confident this would work, after all, wiki never lies. The glow sticks would work as a fishing rod, hooking and reeling the ghost in, and the bottle would capture them. Sending them back through the gateway to their world.
He finished the circle, turing to them with concentration. Leon, check. Merlin, bottle, not good. He bent down, picking up one of the glow sticks from the circle, giving it to Merlin and beckoning for him to put the bottle in the center.
"Okay. It's easy all we have to do is wave these around, and when you feel something run straight to the circle." He pointed to it with a stern look, "make sure to actually go inside the circle."
Merlin let out a huff, earning himself a glare. Arthur squinted at him, a frown tugging his lips.
"Actually, Merlin, since it seems I can't trust you, you'll be with me. I need someone to hold the camera."
"Fine by me. When are we going to be done? It's freezing."
Leon looked over at him, his eyebrows arched up. "Wait, you're cold?"
"Of course! It's, like, negative zero degrees out here." Merlin gave Leon an up and down, taking in his attire. "What's up with you? Where's your coat?" His voice was tinged with a bit of horror.
"It's not that cold to me." Leon gave a shy smile, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Guys focus!" Arthur clapped his hand in one swift movement, "the sooner we get this over with, the sooner we can get to warmth." He took his phone out of his pocket and handed it to Merlin. "Leon, record any of your findings. We'll discuss them later."
"Okay," Leon hesitated, "Good luck..?"
Arthur gave a reassuring nod, and headed off, dragging Merlin along by his sleeve.
___
They're silent. Or at least, that is what they want us to think. I hear their hushed calls, and feel them as they brush past. They don't escape me. Not before, not now, not ever."
"Do you have to be so dramatic?" Merlin peered over the phone, lifting a brow in a sneering gesture. Arthur glared at him, motioning for him to shut up.
This here is a ghost caller."
He pulled up the glow stick, showing it off to the camera with a proud smile.
Me and my crew have just started, we're on lookout for these creatures. The risks are high, everywhere we turn, we could be met to face the otherworldly beings. But fret not, citizens of Camelot! We, the Phantom Fighters, a team of trained, professional supernatural investigators, will accomplish our jobs in stride."
He turned, facing forward.
Also don't try this at home."
Arthur lifted the glow sticks in the air, waving it around in elegant motions. The glow offered very little light besides the flashlight of his phone. Bushes scraped against their legs, every so often poking them in the sides. And the trees seemed to go on in an abyss.
A sharp breeze violently rustled through the trees, making a loose branch snap. Arthur held the stick out in front of him, squinting cautiously over the terrain. He felt Merlin flinch behind him, inhaling a sharp breath.
He turned his head, a mocking grin playing on his lips, "You're so easily scared."
"Yeah, well, we're in the back of the school at night. And it's freezing." Merlin muttered, sinking into the warmth of his hood.
The wind blew again, soft but cold.
"Arthur, we should probably head back now." Merlin's voice was shaky. His face had gone paler, and his nose and cheeks flushed with a harsh red. He held the phone to his chest, still rolling.
"Don't be such a girl, Merlin. We'll head back as soon as I can lure at least one-"
A trip, thud, and the stirring of leaves played in his ears from behind him. Everything going silent.
"Merlin?" He looked back again. Merlin wasn't there.
"Merlin?" A little louder.
His phone laid on the ground where Merlin had stood. He bent over, examining it for any cracks, touching rims as they shocked his skin.
"Merlin! Come on, this isn't funny!" No response, apart from the periodic rustle of bushes. He turned around in his spot, doing a full one eighty. "If this is another one of your elaborate pranks.." His heart pounded in his ears as he turned.
"Merlin?" His pace picked up, gliding through the underbrush, slipping past trees. He held up the glow stick, letting it catch the wind. Faint light from the car park's opening split through the narrow cracks, giving way to a thick cluster of brush. The exit just behind it. He raced towards them, not daring to look back.
The crisp air carried in the clearing fell on his face, no doubt making the tips of his features red. He ran to the circle, wind following after him. Hopping over to safety, he shoved the stick inside the bottle. It cracked a little at the pressure but he didn't have time to take a look.
There was no chance he would let these ghosts escape. Maybe he caught one, maybe he didn't. But it was there. He felt its ominous presence. And if he was right, this was no friendly spirit. He needed to get Merlin and Leon back here.
He got up frantically looking around. There was no one. No one but him. He ran back to the edges of the woods, squinting with the little light available.
"Merlin? Leon? Are you there?" He yelled towards it, cupping his mouth with his hands.
The woodland croaked, and the leaves of the high trees stirred. There were lingers of moonlight seeping through the dark clouds, and an eerie feeling creeping through the dark.
He tried again, "Merlin, Leon?" His voice came out rough, and he coughed to clear his throat.
There was a crunch of leaves behind him, light footsteps coming closer. He whipped his head around, clenching his fist as his heart raced.
Who knew if a punch would have any effect on a ghost, but desperate times call for desperate measures. He probably should have looked it up when he was at home. This was all very I'll prepared-though, as captain, he has to admit it's mostly the fault of his crew.
"Arthur?" Leon was still holding the glow stick, the faint green illuminating his face. "You look.. are you okay? You look a bit shaken."
He shook his head, loosening his first. "Nothing, it's just- have you seen Merlin?"
"I thought he was with you."
"We need to find him. The idiots going to get himself dragged into the netherworld!" Arthur slid his hand through his hair, biting his lip as he looked into the dreary woods. What is Merlin had been dragged into the netherworld? Ugh.
Leon's concerned eyes met Arthur's, "how'd you lose him?"
"I don't know! One second he was there and the next he wasn't." He sighed. This wasn't good. If these ghosts took Merlin, there was little chance of getting him back. They couldn't speak to ghosts-not yet at least. And no doubt it was getting too late to stay out here much longer.
"We should stay calm. Our first step is to call him." Leon got his phone out, fumbling through the call log. He lifted the phone to his ears and tapped his foot as he waited.
A minute passed with only the faint hum of the phone trying to place the call. With each tone, Arthur's own anxious foot pounding faster into the earth. He sighed, after a long moment of losing patients. "Well?"
"Nothing." Leon removed the phone from his ear, clicking it off, and shoving it into his pocket.
"If he's anywhere, he's going to be in there!" He made a grand gesture to the woods, silently pleading it wasn't true. Whatever force had taken his friend was strong enough to beat the glow stick, that's like breaking a fishing rod!
"Possibly. If that's the case, there might be something to really worry about." Leon looked around the car park, biting his lip and picking at his nail.
Arthur squinted him, "Why do you say that?"
"Um, It's getting cold. And the time, it's almost twelve. It really isn't good to wonder around at night, especially in the woods." Leon slid his hand through his golden locks. He picked at the edges of his nail an began to pace, doing little to soothe Arthur's nerves. "You said he just disappeared, right? Maybe he feels into a sink hole, of is trapped in quick sand. Or-"
"Okay, okay, enough. What happened to staying calm?" It was hard to hide his own apprehension,he didn't want to think Merlin was lying somewhere injured.
Which made Leon's claims outrageous. Of course Merlin wasn't somewhere, hurt and alone, probably calling out for Arthur. It was more likely that Merlin was having one on one contact with the otherworldly creatures..and that thought didn't offer much solace.
"Yeah, you're right." Leon rubbed the sides off his head. "Calm, Leon, stay calm." He picked his head back up and face Arthur, a determined look crossing his eyes. "Listen, uh, we should look around a bit, call out his name, if we find him great. If we don't, we're going to have to call Camelot Emergency D-"
Both boys looked over to the source of the sound. Loud shuffles on grass, as if someone was purposefully stopping on the autumn leaves. A mop of dark hair appeared from the bush, a black and white duo colored coat followed suit, and the full body of the missing boy appeared in veiw.
"Merlin!" They yelled in unison, sloppy smiles gracing their features.
Arthur ran to Merlin, wrapping his arm around him. He stayed there, his nose nuzzled into Merlin's neck as, waiting for his heart to slow. He couldn't believe it. Merlin appeared. Just like that. He tightened the hug before letting go to look his friend in the eyes.
"You scared us half to death." He cupped Merlin's shoulders, cradling him with a tight grip.
"Sorry. Got lost." He smiled, stiffly.
Before Arthur could comment, Leon trudged over, catching a yawn with his hand. "We should get going guys. We still have school tomorrow."
"You're right." He let go of Merlin, turning to the ghost catcher. He grabbed the bottle, and left the rest to sit through the night. "Let's go."
He locked his eyes on the bottle, gently tapping his finger on the desk beside it. The phantom's spirit stayed in the glow stick, bending with the solution-most likely trying to find a way out. It won't be able to. Any moment now, the crunched up piece a plastic will open up a gateway, shoving the it back to the world it belongs.
But it should have by now, right? The glow stick shouldn't hold it that long. It stayed in the small bent corner of the stick that had no glow. Was that how it was supposed to be?
With a sigh, he grabbed his computer from a compartment under his desk and logged in. He'd need to re-read the tutorial apparently; It would be very bad if he missed a step. Who knows when the ghost will try to overpower it's capturing forces, a deep back into the world, where it could do anything. Especially one capable of conjuring such strong winds.
___
WiKiHow
How to capture a ghost:
Step 1.
Get a Glow stick.
-The chemical substance producing light in the glow stick will attract ghosts. Make a small circle of glow sticks, once you have one, step in the circle. This gives you protection from them boarding onto your body in an attempt to escape.
. Green sticks work best.
. Don't break it, it won't capture the ghosts spirits if you do.
. Don't touch the glow! You could be at risk of boarding the ghost on your body.
Step 2.
A plastic water bottle.
-As silly as it may sound, water bottles (or any other empty plastic bottle) are great to retaining a ghost. Place the bottle in the middle of your glow stick circle upon hooking the ghost. This strengthens it's hold on the ghost.
. Ghosts can't tell left from right, or up and down.
. Don't break or squish the bottle! This could damage the portal to the netherworld.
___
Well that's a problem. Arthur looked at the bottle again, some the dents held specks of dirt and rubble. It bent to one side and couldn't stand straight. Right under the bore, was a large cave in, making it look half it's size.
Yup. It's definitely damaged.
__
step 3.
Throw out all materials.
Once you're done with the bottle and the glow stick used, throw them out. When the ghost is transported back to it's world, to ensure you close the portal, put the top on the bottle and throw it away.
. Only when the ghost is transported should you take the glow stick out.
. Wash your hands when you're done.
We hope the helped! If you'd like to see more articles...
___
Arthur let out another frustrated sigh and closed his computer. He probably needed to transfer the ghost from one bottle to another. Who knows how he was going to do that. And it was too late to do anything now.
He checked the alarm clock laying on his bed side table: 1:39 A.M.
He got up from his desk chair and flopped on his bed. Whatever needs to be done, can be done tomorrow. But for now, sleep.
beep
Beep
BEEP
Arthur groaned, lazily swatting at the alarm. Another day, another mission, and another set of classes before the weekend. Reluctantly, he pushed himself off the bed and onto the cold floor, waddling his way out the room and to the bathroom.
"I dont think I should have to ask where you have been." Uther said, appearing from a door with a robe and a newspaper.
Arthur flinched, eyes going wide at the jump scare. He cleared his throat, trying to pass it off. "Experimenting."
"Experimenting?"
"Yes."
"Past midnight?" Uther eyed him, cautioning him to use his words wisely.
Arthur held back from rolling his eyes, "They're ghosts, father. What, you expect them be active in broad daylight? Have you even read-"
Uther cut him off with a wave of his hand, sighing dramatically. "Arthur, stop. I haven't had my coffee."
Arthur followed him down the steps. "I keep telling everyone! This is a serious matter. If I don't rid the world of these creatures, they'll rid the world of us!"
"Yes, yes. As you so eloquently put it on your little internet videos."
"Father, I'm speaking of world domination. World domination. Do you understand what that could mean?"
Uther walked into the kitchen, grabbing a mug from off the counter. "That I should confiscate all your devices."
"Know that when these creatures start attacking, they'll be looking to take over the world." Arthur grabbed a wine cup and went to the fridge. He took the orange juice sitting on the top shelf, and went to the stool, sitting on one side of the kitchen island. Popping the top, and pouring it in the cup, he continued, "Just last year this kid began to act strangely. Gavin, I think his name was."
"Weird in what way?"
"I don't know, I still need to investigate that-"
"Dear God, why do I never have these problems with Morgana." Uther sighed, waiting as the coffee machine filled his mug.
"Because, apparently, I'm the only one not blind to the evil forces working against us!" Arthur dug his hands through his hair. "I can feel them as we speak. The little breezes flowing past. They're here."
"Oh yes, I forgot to close the window last night. I knew I missed something." He went over to a small window above the sink, and closed the little space. "Now, while I'm enjoying this chat with you Arthur, if this continues, well both be late." He took the now-full mug of black coffee walked out to the sitting room.
Arthur grumbled, not bothering to drink the rest of his juice, and went back upstairs.
___
Phantom Fighters
7:45 a.m
I have important news.
7:49 a.m
Fighters Assemble!
7:51 a.m
Leon? Merlin?
Get up.
seen by Magic Man
7:52 am
(Leon🦁)
Oh, sorry! 😅 I was in the shower.
Um, what did you need to talk about?
Good your here.
I have recently found out that the portal to the netherworlds has been damaged.
Portal?
Remember the water bottle from yesterday?
It holds a gateway to the other world.
🤔 I've never heard of this before.
Where did you learn this from?
A valid source, but that's not point.
Now, as I was saying, I've already captured the ghost.
You have!?
Yes, last night.
Wow, I was a bit skeptical when you said we could catch ghosts with a Glow stick.😅
I didn't really see how that would work.
But, wow, you really did it!
Well, now you know not to doubt me.
Anyway, I captured it but I have no way of banishing it.
I'll see what I can find.
But I've never contacted ghosts-or tried to.
Most of my research centers around old Camelot and Camlann folklore of dragons and other mythical beings of that sort.
Interesting,
Do you have any books on old Camelot?
We might find something there.
Tons!
I can bring them to school, if you want.
Perfect.
And If you come across any strange activity, report to me immediately.
Will do.
See you at school.
See you.
Oh wait, what's your email?
Why?
To add you to my notes.
I forgot to ask yesterday.😅
Oh, okay.
seen
____
Arthur tossed his bag over his shoulder and left the room. Leaping downstairs and out the front door.
His car sat with it's frosted windows, right outside the house. Thankfully so. He didn't want to have to do any long amount of walking in this weather.
The car chirped as he opened it with his keys, and scurried in, rushing to turn the car on and the heat up. He plugged the keys in the key hole and waited for the car to warm up, rubbing his already-dry hands.
Once the car went warm, he began his drive to school.
__
That was strange. Merlin was always early to class, and never missed a day. He'd be sitting in the classroom when Arthur came in, or on certain days, right in front of the school, waiting for it to open.
Just like that one time, two years ago, when Arthur was in dire need of extra time to finish a project due in first period. He came an hour earlier than the start time, and who did he see? Merlin. Sitting on one of the steps nearly frozen to death. Arthur was convinced if he'd gotten there just a second later, he wouldn't have found Merlin alive. It was one of those frosty mornings before the fall of snow.
While Arthur was able to save Merlin from being frozen alive, he wasn't able to save him from catching one of the worst cases of a fever he'd ever seen. And still, Merlin insisted on coming to school-even when he was practically bedridden.
It's like he was obsessed with education or something. Always coming, never wanting a break, or a single day off.
Always early, no matter the circumstance.
But today he wasn't.
Arthur got his phone out, scrolling through his contacts.
____
Idiot
8:29 a.m
Why aren't you here?
8:33 a.m
Class is tarting.
Starting*
I won't be covering for you.
8:36 a.m
I'll tell the teacher you're skipping.
Where are you?
8:47 a.m
Merlin?
___
He grumbled and put his phone up. He couldn't get his head off last night's events.
Suddenly Merlin disappears, then reappears, and starts acting weird. Well, weird for Merlin. The strange stiffness, and his lack of comment on Arthur's concern, last night had been strange, but he hadn't thought too deeply on it.
Now Merlin doesn't show up, and doesn't answer his messages.
Arthur didn't like the idea conjuring in his head, but if what he thought was true, then Merlin was in trouble. Big trouble.
____
Ms. Clarke dismissed the class with a final set of notes.
Arthur stood from his seat, grabbing his belongings, and rushing out the classroom. He needed to find Leon, and fast. They had forty minutes of lunch break, and it took about seven minutes to go from the school to Merlin's house. They could make the trip, check up on him, come back, flip through the notes, and get back to class like they were never even gone.
Leon sat in a far corner of the canteen, chewing on toasted cheese sandwich at annoyingly slow speeds. Lifting his head up to meet Arthur's eyes, as he stormed towards him.
"Leon, grab your books and whatever, we need to make a quick trip." He tossed Leon's bag over his shoulder, next to his own, and began shuffling up random papers on the table in an attempt to get a grip.
Leon held his greasy hand over Arthur's with a confused look. His cheeks were stuffed but he attempted to speak anyway, "wait, what's going on?"
Arthur looked to both of his sides and bent in, closer to Leon. "I have reason to believe a ghost has attached itself to Merlin."
Leon scrunched his eyebrows, trying to swallow the contents in his mouth. "What?"
"You know that guy Gavin, right? You said last year he was acting strange. It was right when the whole ghost theory outbreak happened, right?"
"Gavin?"
"In the notes you took. Remember? Well, it doesn't matter, the point i-"
"Oh! You mean Gwaine?" He patted the table, holding back a laugh. "Yeah I remember. But what does that have to do with Merlin?"
"I was saying Merlin is acting strange too."
Leon lifted one eyebrow. "Strange how?"
"He didn't come to school today."
Leon snorted, covering it up with his hand and a forced cough. "Maybe he didn't want to come?"
"Trust me, I know Merlin. And he never misses a day of school."
"Well maybe he's sick? He didn't look too good yesterday, and he kept saying he was cold."
Arthur took it in for a moment before continuing, "yeah but he won't answer my messages either."
The tips of Leon's mouth moved downwards. "Maybe he's mad at you?" He placed the sandwich down on the paper bag. "I don't know, Arthur, saying he has an evil spirit attached to him is a pretty big jump."
"I never said anything about it being evil." He huffed. "And it's not just today, yesterday too." He looked at the clock hanging on the wall.
12:09
Not good, they just lost nine minutes off lunch break.
He sighed, grabbing Leon's arm and lifting him up. "Come on, enough chit-chat. Let's at least just go check on him. You know? Make sure he's okay."
"Yeah. But we should wait until after-"
"Ah-ah. No waiting." Arthur held his finger up to his lips, and beckoned for him to grab his things.
___
Leon sat in the passenger's seat, flipping through his book of Camelot Folklore for anything related to spirit detachment, so far finding nothing.
Arthur stopped at a red light, peering over at Leon's book. "Found anything yet?"
"No, not yet." He skimmed the page with his finger. "Although it does say something about summoning a spirit of the dead. I might be getting close." He flipped further down, stopping to skim through another page.
Arthur checked his messages again; still nothing. He sighed, setting his phone down, and drove as the lights turned green.
___
It was a small house. Nothing grand, a lot smaller than Arthur's own. But it was nice and homely. With a mini garden in the front yard, and a welcome mat at the end of the cobblestone walkway. A little lamp stuck out the grass, it didn't seem to be on, though. And the houses on either side were full in contrast.
He walked up to the door, and knocked. Silence followed. He looked over to Leon, checking if he was still there. He was. Book open in hand, and standing there somewhat awkwardly. He knows again, three times.
Shuffling footsteps and a woman's voice came from the other side as the door clicked open.
"Arthur?" Hunith said with a puzzled expression. She looked over to Leon, "what are you boys doing here? Shouldn't you be in school?"
He rubbed the back of his neck, "oh, we came to check on Merlin."
Hunith opened the door, letting both of them pass. "How kind of you." She offered them a warm smile, taking the bags Arthur carried and setting them on a hanger. "He's in his room right now. I'm afraid he isn't feeling well. I'm sure he would like the company though."
She nodded to the stairs. "I'll go make some tea for you all." She went into another room, with the sound of something steaming, and disappeared.
"Upstairs?" Leon asked, taking a step to line himself with Arthur.
Arthur nodded and began the hike.
__
"Merlin?" The question bounced off the vibrantly painted walls. He walks to the door straight down the hall from the stairs. It had a small sticker with a printed stack of books. Some letters that looked cheaply glued on-that were supposed to spell his name but half of it being missing.
ME L N
Arthur opened the door without an invite. Merlin laid in his bed, tucked snug in his covers, his face shielded by sinking pillows and a thick blanket. His eyes were stuck on his phone screen.
"Merlin." Arthur called, trudging to his bed.
He didn't answer. His eyes moved along with the horizontal screen. He huffed out a snort, eyes still locked on the screen, unaware of the people in his bedroom.
Arthur grabbed his phone, accidentally snapping the hidden earphone plug out of the jack. "So you can lay in bed and watch things, but not spare a single second to answer my texts?" He sat on the edge of his bed, glaring at him.
Merlin looked up at him, then at Leon. Faint eyebags were set under his eyes, his eyes were red, and his skin pale, visible in the little light the shut curtain offered.
He huffed, looking back at Arthur, and pulled himself up in a sitting position. "Sorry I offended your royal high arse." His voice was hoarse and dry. He glared back at Arthur. "Maybe I just need some time to get over how yet again you didn't listen to me when I said I wanted to go back." He coughed, "Now look what you did."
Leon shuffled behind in the middle of the room, and Arthur let out a sigh, rubbing the back of his neck.
"Yeah, okay, sorry for dragging you out there in the cold. Sorry for getting you sick-"
His face went blank. "What are you talking about? You didn't get me sick." He snorted.
"But you just said you were mad about, you know," Arthur looked to him, hoping he'd finish his sentence.
He raised his eyebrow, looking over Arthur. "When did I say that?"
"Just now."
Leon came closer, his eyebrows knitting as he listened to the conversation.
"Are you okay?" Merlin laughed, his features going softer. "I don't remember ever saying I was mad."
Arthur looked to Leon with a puzzled expression. Leon shrugged.
"Well then, since it seems you're...doing well, we'll be heading back to school now." He said cautiously, squinting at Merlin.
"Okay, see you later I guess." He smiled and did a small wave, sinking back into his comforters.
Arthur nodded and tossed the phone back onto the bed. He got up, motioning for Merlin to talk outside the door.
Leon followed him out.
"That was a little weird."
"A little?" Arthur stepped out, closing the door behind Leon. "He just told me he was mad- then told me he wasn't, he did a one-eighty!"
"Yeah, there is most definitely something going on."
Arthur rubber folded his arms and leaned against the door. "I think it's the ghost." He sighed.
"As much as I didn't want to believe it, I think you're right." Leon opened the book, still held in his hands. "Okay, we need to stay calm and see what we need to do."
He turned a handful of pages, landing on one near the back of the book.
"I'll see what I can find in the books I brought, but It will take some time. There might also be something online." He took his phone out of his pocket, turning it on to check the time. "For now, I think we should head back to school."
Arthur sighed but nodded his head.
He walked downstairs with Leon right behind him.
"Boys? Are you leaving already?" Hunith came from the other room with a tea set. It was white decorated with small, pink flowers, and green petals, the steam rose from three of the cups and the kettle.
"Oh, um, yeah, we should be heading back now." Leon nodded. "It's almost time for class to start.
"I see. Will you be coming again soon?"
"Later today actually, we need to make sure Merlin doesn't do anything stupid."
"What he means is we want to make sure Merlin gets back to good health sooner rather than later."
She laughed, setting the tea set on a small, circular table, sitting between two mini sofas. "Don't worry too much, he'll get there soon enough. He always seems to get sick when it's cold out."
"Yes, indeed he will be."
____
You know what would be an actually useful class? Knowledge of the half-dead world and creatures of legend. Learning things from a wyvern's call to how to summon (and banish) evil spirits, phantom's and ghouls- which would be more than helpful right now. But Camelot High didn't offer such a class, so instead, Arthur surfed the internet looking for anything relating to ghosts, attachment, detachment, and the netherworld.
After many unsuccessful searches on Google, he went to YouTube.
____
How to banish a ghost
. Banish a ghost in 5 easy steps! Five step tutorial...
. Can you banish a ghost? Step by step at home tutorial...
. Find out if a ghost is haunting you...
. Is a ghost haunting me. Quiz.
. How to summon a ghost.
_____
He scrolled down further, until he saw a video cover that grabbed his interest.
A boy on one side of the display area, creating replicas, that became more transparent as he morphed into the phantom version of himself.
The boy who became his phantom. (24 min: 45 sec)
He clicked on it, setting his phone horizontally propped up against textbooks on his desk.
____
Hey everyone!
It's me again,
Gwen, with another chilling story to tell!
Today's story is all about things we can't see, but are always there. So grab your blanket, and a snack, and get ready!
Once upon a time, a time not too long ago, there was a boy. This boy's name was Albert Morris.
He always watched the other kids as they played, but he never, ever, joined. He was a shy and quiet boy. Hearing everything but responding to nothing.
Whenever the kid's would order him around, he said nothing.
When they'd offer him to play, he would say nothing.
When they said mean things, he said nothing.
One day, Albert's mother asked him to pick up some groceries for their dinner, and he did. He went out to the store, bought the groceries, but when he came back, he just wasn't himself.
One second he would shout and yell, the other, he would smile and laugh. One day he would be fine and well, the next a deathly sick.
When his mother asked him what was wrong, he told her nothing was. He told her that on the day he went to pick up groceries, he decided to take a shortcut through the woods. But nothing had happened-or at least nothing he remembered.
To him the woods were always spooky. A strange breeze would flow by, and he'd feel a bit like he was being watched, or followed.
A few weeks later, his mother decided he should go see a doctor. But even then, nothing seemed to be wrong.
When school started up again, Albert went. At first he didn't see any problem. After all, he was always invisible. But now, no one, not even the teachers would acknowledge him!
Arthur paused the video, looking up from his screen to think. He really hoped this wasn't what was happening with Merlin. But then again, how could it be? Him and Leon had gone there just not to long ago, and it was hard not to see him when he looked like the grim reaper. But then again, it had only been a day since the strange incident, maybe the attachment takes time to settle in.
Blasted ghosts.
He unpaused the video and continued watching.