Destiny's Harbinger: A(n Unhinged) Merlin and Young Justice Crossover

Chapter 3: Merlin Encourages me to Spread my Wings

Four months later

Merlin's gardens were beautiful in the early evening when the sun was just beginning to set, painting the sky pink and gold. Even when the weather was crummy and the sky overcast, it was still my favorite spot on the property to be in that moment. I liked to watch as the last of the light flitted through the trees. The world seemed most at peace then.

I liked to reflect here in the evenings about the progress I was making. Sometimes, I would read the letters my parents and brother had written in hopes that one day I would wake up. My father's ring hung on a chain around my neck and I liked to reach up and pull it back and forth. It felt familiar against the pads of my fingers. I had memorized each curve and etching.

Since waking up, it seemed that both a lot of things and very few things had happened. Merlin's generous hospitality kept me endlessly entertained. When he was not busy traveling, we would walk his estate in North Wales, picking herbs and enjoying being in the fresh air. Sometimes, we would walk to the local village and grab a pint at the pub as I grew accustomed to the modern way of life.

But I couldn't help but feel at a loss. Merlin was my sole companion, and he was preoccupied with something, although he would not tell me what. The routine was growing stifling. As was the consistent lack of complete answers from Merlin.

He refused to speak on some things, especially about what happened in Caer Leon after I fell into the coma—or what Merlin liked to call magically induced stasis. He told me that Morgaine's plot was stopped, that Jason's life was saved, and that my brother was found alive and imprisoned at the witch's camp. He also told me that Arthur was mortally wounded seven months later in the Battle of Camlann and that Gwenhwyfar took on the burden of ruling. He told me that Garanwyn died at Camlann, my father was slain in battle against the Saxons several year later, that my mother died shortly after of a broken heart. And he told me that despite his best efforts over the course of fifteen hundred years, Morgaine le Fay still lived.

I felt Merlin approaching in the garden. I had quickly grown accustomed to his presence since the beginning of my stay. He wandered between the beds of flowers, coming to a halt nearby.

"Cambria," he said softly after several moments. "Do you have a moment to talk?"

"Yes."

"I am very pleased with your progress, and I hope you are as well. I understand that there has been a lot to grapple with since you've awakened, and my doors will always be open to you for as long as you need. But for you to progress further, you will need tools beyond what I can offer you."

Part of me was glad that Merlin could tell I was ready for the next step. But I couldn't help but feel that, despite Merlin's kind sentiment, I was getting kicked out.

"There is someone I want to take you to see. I believe they could help you navigate the modern world and more importantly, help you gain control of your magic."

"It would be worth a try."

Merlin smiled.

"This contact of mine, Cambria...He lives in America. And for him to be able to best help you, we were hoping you would be open to staying closer to him. Through his connection, you could stay in a...group home of sorts with other teenagers," Merlin explained. He had decided that since I had only been conscious for seventeen years of my life, that should be my real age. "These are not ordinary teenagers, so you would fit in quite well, but you are under no obligation to share your history if you do not wish to. Of course, if you are unhappy with the arrangement, you are welcome to come back here and we can reassess what is in your best interest."

I agreed to the terms. I was desperate for a change of pace.

"When do we leave?" I asked.

"Now, if you're ready," Merlin said, checking his watch. "His afternoon class should be getting out soon."