A Switch in Time

IridiscentPlume

Summary: After a mishap in the woods, Merlin finds himself transported 25 years into the future. Meanwhile, his future-self took his place in the past. They must figure out a way to get back to their respective times before their many enemies in the past and the future manage to take advantage of the situation. AU after season 4.

Disclaimer: Considering that this is fanfiction, I think it is obvious that I do not own any rights to the original characters, settings, plot lines, quotes, or anything else from the show that may be referenced in this story. Writing this is basically just a way to unwind from work and school.

Chapter 1: A Midsummer Daydream

Date: The summer solstice in the second summer after the marriage of Arthur and Guinevere

"Lavender, Mint, Plantain, St. John's Wort, and Comfrey," Gaius listed to Merlin as he scanned the shelf. He spotted two more vials that were almost empty. "Oh, and we're nearly out of Nettle and Shepherd's Purse." He turned back to his ward and frowned as he saw the young man stirring his porridge with a vague expression on his face. "Merlin are you listening to me?" When Merlin still did not respond, Gauis smacked him lightly on the back of his head.

"Ow!" Merlin said rubbing his head. "What was that for?"

"Oh, don't be so dramatic. I didn't hit you that hard. And that was for ignoring me. I'm trying to tell you which herbs you need to collect this morning."

"But today's my day off! It's the first day off I've had in months! Between helping you, plus the chores Arthur gives me, plus all the extra work from preparing for the summer solstice festival and making sure that nobody got murdered in the process, I'm exhausted. I need this day off!"

"Then the sooner you get these herbs collected, the sooner you can enjoy it."

"But Gaius,"

"These vials won't refill themselves,"

"You know, I might be able to do something about that," Merlin mused as he looked towards his bedroom where his magic book was hidden beneath some floorboards. That thought earned him another smack in the head.

"Don't you dare. You know how dangerous it can be to use your magic for frivolous things. Your magic has a purpose, and that purpose is not to get out of doing your chores."

Merlin sighed at the familiar lecture. "Yes, Gaius."

Gaius frowned at him for a moment not quite believing him. Merlin sighed again, resisting an eye roll. "I promise not to use magic for 'frivolous things.'" Gaius raised an eyebrow. Merlin's lips twitched as he saw the expression. They both knew it was a promise that wouldn't last. "For a whole hour at least." Merlin added with a wry grin. Gaius gave him a stern look before shaking his head with a chuckle.

"My dear boy, what am I going to do with you?" He shook his finger at him. "One of these days you're going to find yourself in trouble that you can't get out of. And on that day, I reserve the right to say, 'I told you so.'"

"Gaius, I'll be gathering herbs by myself in the woods. There won't be anyone around for miles. What could possible go wrong?"

"Famous last word, Merlin," Gaius said drily. "Now finish your breakfast and get going."

Merlin shoveled the last two bites into his mouth. He grabbed the collection bag and headed towards the door. He stopped suddenly and turned around sheepishly. "Ah, what do I need to get again?" Gaius just gave him a look. Merlin winced. "Sorry, I'll listen this time, I swear."

Gaius sighed. "Lavendar, Mint, Plantain, St. John's Wort, Comfrey, Nettles and Shepherd's Purse."

"That much?!" Merlin exclaimed. "That's half the forest!"

"You wouldn't have to gather so much today if you had gathered everything I needed the other day, like I asked. You came back with less than half of what I sent you out for."

Merlin opened his mouth to argue but sighed and bit back his argument when he saw Gaius' raised eyebrow.

"Alright," he said, "Lavender, Mint, Plantain, Comfrey," he paused, "wait a minute. I can't get Comfrey. When I looked the other day, I didn't see any. I think the woods are all out."

Gaius raised an eyebrow. "The woods are all out?" he asked, his voice dripping with skepticism.

Merlin nodded, "I didn't see any nearby."

"They I suggest you look a bit further away. I highly doubt that the woods are 'out' of Comfrey."

Merlin sighed and slumped his shoulders in defeat. So much for his day off. He turned. He was just at the door when he heard Gaius call, "Oh, and Merlin?"

Merlin turned back warily. What could the old man possibly have to add?

"Take that basket by the door there." Merlin picked it up and looked at his mentor curiously. Before he could ask why, Gaius continued, "I've packed you a few things for lunch. Take your time gathering those herbs. But do try to be back for dinner."

Merlin peeked in the basket and saw some of his favorite foods packed neatly inside. He grinned up at his mentor who smiled in return "Thanks, Gaius," he said. Maybe he would get to relax a bit today after all.

By midday, Merlin had collected most of the herbs. The only thing he was missing was the Comfrey. But he didn't really mind travelling a bit further to search for it. The stroll through the woods was really doing him some good. It was nice to be able to enjoy the day without having to worry about polishing anything or stopping magical miscreants. There was something both relaxing and invigorating about the forest. He could feel his stress from the past few months seeping out of his body and being replaced by the peace of the surrounding woods. Apparently Gaius really did have Merlin's best interest in mind when he sent him on this errand. Sneaky old man, Merlin thought with a fond chuckle.

His stomach rumbled reminding him of the lunch that he was carrying. He decided that it was time to find a nice place to relax and enjoy his meal. He heard the gentle, bubbling sound of a nearby stream. He headed in that direction. That way he could wash up a bit before eating.

He broke through the trees and saw a small clearing. A shallow brook wove through it, gurgling merrily as the water passed over rocks and pebbles in the stream bed. The floor clearing was covered with a soft, spongy moss with a few ferns near the tree line. In the very center of the clearing, a few feet from the stream was the largest Yew Merlin had ever seen. Merlin could practically feel the age of the tree from where he stood at the edge of the clearing. He felt himself drawn towards it. Before he realized what was happening, he stood before the ancient tree gazing up at it in awe. He couldn't quite put his finger on why he was drawn to it. There was just something about it that called to him. He hesitantly reached out a hand to touch the bark. As his fingers brushed against the trunk, he felt a gentle thrumming. He hesitated but did not remove his hand. It did not feel threatening. After a moment, he slowly pressed his hand all the way against it so his entire palm was flat against the mighty trunk. He closed his eyes and felt the magic of the tree gingerly brush against his hand, almost in curiosity. Then, as if it was glad to see him, he felt more of the tree's magic meet his hand and flow through him. He was soon surrounded by a warm embrace of the ancient Yew. Time seemed to stop; he closed his eyes and smiled. The basket with his lunch dropped to the ground, forgotten as he pressed his other hand against the tree as well. He could feel age, wisdom, and a general feeling of peace radiating from the Yew. If his eyes had been open, he would have noticed small golden lights like fireflies rise up out of the moss and the from the tree and fill the clearing. As he stood there, he felt as though all his worries and troubles were melting away. He had never felt more refreshed.

Unfortunately, like all good things, the feeling did not last. He frowned as he felt his peaceful moment being invaded. Something from the outside seemed to be trying to get in through the golden haze. Something dark and twisted pressed in against the light magic of the clearing. The magic of the clearing flared and tried to get the darkness to back off. It retreated for just a moment before charging with even more force. Merlin's eyes shot open in shock. He saw a golden haze surrounding him, and beyond that a red, menacing force. The red force reared back a second time. His golden shield faltered but held. However, Merlin could feel a crack in the defenses of his magical protector. The dark magic reared back one more time. Merlin closed his eyes and flung out his hand, his own magical instinct taking over and mingling with the magic of the clearing's fauna. The darkness hit his defense just as he felt the golden magic from the tree shoot into him like an arrow. He gasped in shock and was slammed against the Yew. The world seemed to disappear in a blaze of light. Then everything went dark.