Lancelot turned around to the voice and lowers the sword to the ground. He saw the rest of the knights beside a armadillo. "This is the one you were talking about your majesty?!" He asked in distaste. He soon realized that he had snapped before the king. "I am sorry my lord I didn't mean to...lose my temper..."
"Don't worry about it..." Arthur answers and gave Lancelot a rather disappointed look.
"Demon?" The starved hedgehog asked in confusion, he wasn't quite sure about neither the situation nor the subject. But it had made all of them tense as if something bad would soon happen.
"Lancelot go with the knights...I need to speak with mighty..." The king ordered more than said.
"Not before you answer my question!"
Arthur gave Lancelot an annoyed look as the starved hedgehog disobey him. Even the knights froze in place as Lancelot went against the king.
"Do I need to say it twice?" The cobalt one asked with an irritated tone. His emerald eyes glared at Lancelot seriously making the starved one flinch. He never thought such soft green eyes could turn to look so threatening.
Lancelot gritted his teeth and tightens his grip of the sword and had a sudden urge to attack the other. "No." He frowned knowing well enough that it was a king he was dealing with. But the feeling of being left in the dark was frustrating. Arthur's glare softens and smiled in triumph with Lancelot's answer. Percival went over to ebony hedgehog and took the opportunity to skillfully unarm Lancelot. The ebony hedgehog was surprised by that; also that she so easily took it from him. He wasn't sure if he were angry or impressed by it. But it sure took away his attention from Arthur.
"Let's go."
His ebony ears perked and suddenly his feature displayed annoyance.
"Fine.." He muttered and followed the feline who took the front while the others seemed to walk on each side and behind him. Like they were escorting a prisoner. Galahad casted angry glares at him that was impossible to ignore. But right now Lancelot just wanted to remain silent. The ivory one obviously wished to fight him and waited for an excuse to do so.
Lancelot didn't want to admit it but he was in their mercy, it reminded him of how exhausted he truly was. Wasting energy on a dummy wasn't a good idea after all, even if it was his pride on the line. His stomach decided to then groan in hunger, it had gotten so bad after the soup. Lancelot just wanted to numb the pain, in other words eat. He looked to his left side and frowned as Galahad looked amused of the sound. He just wanted so badly ask for food but yet again the pride didn't allow him to. Suddenly they stopped to his surprise and Percival open a door of a restroom. "You will stay here Lancelot until told otherwise."
He was about to respond but was pushed inside by Gawain and had no time to turn around before the door was shut and locked.
"Gawain you guard." The feline said on the other side of the door. "Sure as long as someone bring me some food." He chuckled. "Alright."
Lancelot tightens his fists and slowly approached the window. Mostly to see if he could escape, but it was too high up and jump down would be a certain death. Lancelot sighed as he saw the birds freely fly in the sky. Oh he wished he was back in the forest now. Soon enough a scent of food reached his nose and forced his attention away from the window. He had a slight hope that he would receive some food too. He frowned as he heard the servant leave done with its duty.
Another groan from his stomach added a painful sting in agony. It developed anger and sadness; he moved to the bed and curled into a ball trying to numb it. But instead he drifted off to sleep.
"He must be a demon..."
Mighty muttered after Arthur had explained what Lancelot had done. The king approached the damaged dummy and scanned it. "This power shouldn't be taken lightly.." Arthur said and kneeled down to take a closer look. "That old sword is incapable to even harm the dummy. It was all thanks to those flames.." Arthur said and threw a burned piece from the dummy.
"No memory huh.." Arthur frowned and stood up to face mighty again. "You believe he is lying your majesty?" Mighty asked and received a shrug. The armadillo sighed before he shakes his head. "But I know someone who can find out." Arthur said before he took his sword and dashed of leaving mighty with a cloud of dust.
Lancelot was still sleeping peacefully in the bed for some hours until someone shakes him awake. He uncurled to see no other than the king himself. Lancelot sat up straight and glared at the other. Arthur grinned at Lancelot's reaction and backed off the bed. He had no fear of Lancelot demon or not, he was the wielder of Caliburn. But the ebony one also was too weak to do anything, and Arthur intentionally left him to starve a bit longer. That would keep him vulnerable and easier to have control of. Even though he doubted it would be different if he was in better shape.
"What do you want?..." Lancelot finally asked after a long silence between them.
Arthur leaned back to the wall still grinning at the other. "It's not about what I want it's about what you want." The king said and received a growl. "I want my memories back! And..."
"And?" Arthur asked and pointed his sword as he suspected he had to use other methods to get out the information. Lancelot frowned but sighed in defeat. "Food.." He muttered and heard the other one chuckle.
"I already know those things...now I want the truth." He said and stared at the other impatiently.
"That is the truth."
This time it was Arthur who frowned in annoyance.
"I will find out if it is not." He muttered and turned to open the door. "Follow me."
He ordered and left the room, Lancelot went out from the bed slowly. He left the room and didn't see the echidna around for his surprise. They walked in silence passing servants and guards along the way. "This castle is big." Lancelot thought out loud and heard a small chuckle from the king. "Of course it is, it's the castle of Camelot after all." Arthur said and made a last turn and entered a large room. There the knights and mighty were sitting by a round table. They stood up and bowed as their king enters the room. But there was one more that didn't seem to belong in the castle. It was a human standing with a wand in her hands staring at the ebony hedgehog in curiosity. It was a woman with red hair, purple coat and a tiara with a red jewel on it.
But one thing that caught Lancelot fully attention was her blue eyes. Something so familiar with it, something important he just couldn't remember what. He wasn't aware that Arthur was calling for him. Lancelot felt like he was about to remember something, but no matter how hard he tried he couldn't.
He was in trance and didn't notice that the female human had approached. He was lost in his own world but couldn't reach out for the memories that were teasing his mind.
The human put up her hand gesture Arthur to be silent. The king wasn't bothered by it; she is the wizard Merlina after all. Everyone was staring at the odd scene but didn't dare to interrupt.
Lancelot suddenly gasped as his trance was over and returned to the present. He had gained nothing from it; he almost jumped surprised when he saw the human suddenly one meter away.
Merlina eyed him for a bit before she smiled and reached out her hand. "Greetings, my name is Merlina."
The ebony hedgehog hesitated before he accepts the hand shake. "Lancelot." He muttered and got a nod from the human.
"I have heard a lot about you Lancelot." She started and could tell the hedgehog got uncomfortable about it.
"I heard about your amnesia." She continued after Lancelot let go of her hand.
Arthur study the two hoping Merlina could get some answers, she knew the risk that the outcome could be dangerous. Lancelot was not a normal hedgehog and that's for sure, it also had caught the wizard interest fast.
But Lancelot just frowned as reply to Merlina's statement.
"I think I can help you." She smiled as the ebony ears perked.
"How?.." He crossed his arms and gave a stare of disbelief.
"Oh I forgot to mention, I am a wizard. I can access to small pieces of your lost memories. But I cannot return them that is something only you can do. But a peek of it could help you out, but that's up to you."
Lancelot continued to stare thinking over it for a while. He had been called a demon without answers of why, then suddenly this human appears. His ruby eyes turned to look at the king, he knew that Arthur was up to something.
"Alright...what do I have to do?" He asked and returned his attention to Merlina. She smiled and reached out her hand and placed it on Lancelot's forehead. The ebony hedgehog flinched at the contact, he glared up to the human but didn't move away. "You must allow me to enter, just relax and don't fight against the spell."
"Fine.." He muttered and blushed as Merlina patted his head gently. So familiar and it even forced a smile from him. Only Arthur took notice of it and reflected the smile with his own.
"Close your eyes." Merlina said and continue to pat the other
Lancelot hesitated but obeyed, he could feel a weird sensation in his head. Merlina tensed up as she searched deep inside the abyss of Lancelot's lost memories.
"Space..." She stared and saw some flashes of water in the picture. "Born...in water..." She said uncertain caused it felt more to it. Lancelot listens carefully and observed her as she continue. "Purpose..." She whisper as she tried to uncover it but couldn't. She gasped as she felt pure sadness in a sudden image of death; it was too fast for her to comprehend what caused it. But it affected her deeply and she pulled away to take a breath. "Give me a minute..." She said and got a concerned expression from the king.
Arthur frowned in confusion upon her expression, which actually told him nothing about her feelings deep inside. What had she seen? What just happened? Lancelot, he noticed, was as confused. The king got closer to the wizard and placed a hand over her shoulder, in deep concern. "Merlina, what's wrong? What you saw in his memories?" He couldn't hide a glimpse of curiosity that he had been feeling.
Lancelot growled slightly as the king asked the question only he had the right to know. Obviously it was a terrible part of his memory and he was quite sure he wouldn't like Arthur to hear about it. "I didn't see...that memory piece is blocked...I could only pick up the emotions...of pure sadness." She said and was greatly bothered by it. The ebony hedgehog did certainly not like what he just heard. Lancelot frowned as the wizard gave him a sad look out of pity.
Arthur's glance softened as well, sharing the pity Merlina seemed to show at Lancelot. Now it was confirmed, the ebony hedgehog's memory was quite blank. The king trusted his wizard a lot, and her answers were always charged in truth. He patted her shoulder and gave off a warm smile. "Thank you for helping us Merlina. It must have been exhausting, you deserve some sleep." Then his emerald eyes turned at the ebony's crimson eyes. "Well it seems you weren't lying... You don't have a clue of who you are..."
Lancelot crossed his arms and dared to glare at the king. "I want to try again." Merlina insisted before the starved hedgehog could make a nasty remark that even she could tell that he was about to do. "May I?.." She hesitated and got a small nod in approval. She finally got her senses back and determined to do another search. Lancelot sighed as she put back her hand on his forehead, the weird sensation returned as she made the spell. And this time she got wider amount of images, but it didn't make sense. She pulled away and shook her head. "I can't see anything more." She lied as she found this new information better handed to the king himself. "Pointless..." Lancelot muttered as he fixed his fur on the forehead.
Arthur frowned at Lancelot right away upon hearing the word. "You should be even thankful that she tried helping you recover your memories." He was far too angry to actually speak more and looked at the wizard. Then she noticed something in her eyes... As if she knew something she wanted to tell him only. He walked over her. "Thank you again. Come on, I will take you to a safe room so you may rest." He gently took her by her arm and walked away, giving a quick glance at his knights so they would keep an eye at the pissed ebony male.
"Your majesty..." Merlina sighed as they finally arrived to a quiet room where nobody could eavesdrop. She settles down on the couch and leaned lightly against her wand."His memories...don't make sense..." She started and looked up to the cobalt hedgehog. "I could see many images of you the blacksmith and sir Gawian...I can't tell why...it looks like you have crossed paths with him before."
Arthur blinked in total confusion. From all the things he could be expecting to listen, that was the least into his mind. "How is that even possible... I am pretty sure this is the very first time I cross paths with him... is it possible he may remember me?"
"I don't know your majesty...I had hoped you would understand it..." She closed her eyes in deep thoughts trying to solve the puzzle. But for the first time she couldn't relate this to anything she was aware of. "But one thing is for sure..." Merlina said and open her eyes. "Lancelot is powerful, a strong energy reside inside him. I can't describe it but he is living on it...I wouldn't be surprised if he is immortal. I see no traits of a wizard though… he is a being of his own..."
Arthur allowed his back to rest on the wall as he scratched his chin in deep though. He was starting to doubt his decision about getting such an unknown being which seemed of great power into his castle. What if he did remember his past and decided to attack them? Maybe all of the knights and himself wouldn't be enough... But at the same time, they could teach him good and make him understand. "He is a mysterious demon... But since he is like a child, we can teach him to be good and be a great warrior." He said firmly.
"You are right, but I can't clarify if he is demon or not...letting him roam free is dangerous." She said seriously and gave Arthur a small smile. "It will be difficult to teach him the ways to live in Camelot when his spirit is so rebellious. But if you can't control him I suggest you end it." She sighed meaning taking the others life if necessary. Merlina is not the type of person to suggest those things, she usually avoids such decisions.
Arthur was truly shocked at her suggestion, but he was very aware it was, maybe, their only option if the ebony hedgehog refused to obey and was to do anything stupid. "Well... So far I know... There must be a test around here.. With which we can determine that... But it's not that trustful... It's the only way we can determine that..." He stopped leaning against the wall. "For now, I appreciate your effort, but you should rest." He smiled and bowed respectfully before leaving the room, not knowing what to do.
Lancelot however had been taken care of; the knights had managed to convince him to return to the room yet again. Percival had added that he would get some nourishment if he obeyed. Desperate as he was for food he obeyed and was once again locked inside the room. But no food came and he had a feeling he had been tricked. In a way he had, Percival didn't give the food as she had promised but waited for Arthur's approval. If the king wanted him to remain weak it would a bad idea to give the possible demon food. The knights had agreed and waited for Arthur to return before doing anything. The ebony hedgehog lost his patience and showed that by suddenly slamming the door in attempt to break it open. Thanks to his weak state he didn't even damage it, which only made him feel silly. Like a kid getting outburst over something.
"Yikes! He is loud...and angry" Galahad pointed out but with a small chuckle. "It's to be expected. His lack patience as any other starved mobian would be..." Percival sighed.
Gawain chuckled a bit. "I can't blame him, though. I mean, I wouldn't stand such a long hunger..." His voice trailed off at the noise of the door opening. When he turned to see, he noticed his king walking inside, rubbing his temples at the hard task he had at his hands. The red echidna approached him and bowed down into his knee. "Sir, we have accomplished the task as you asked us. The hedgehog seems hectic since we haven't given him any food. That decision is to be taken by your wise word." The least word Arthur wanted to hear in the day. He had already many important things to think of.
"You may allow him to eat more; we need him in a bit more of shape." He only said as he sat down on the couch.
Gawian nodded and left to tell one of the servants to do its bidding. The other knights returned to their duty and left the king. Lancelot had calmed down as he got the food he had been promised. He didn't even care to rebel and escape the room now with the bowl of soup in his hands. He still felt captive as the door was locked and left alone in the room. It was late anyways and even though he got a nice nap before he still felt tired. Now satisfied with the food he could finally focus on what the wizard had said. It wasn't much other that he had been greatly traumatized in his past. But then also the question about the demon part was yet to be answered. He patted his belly as the pain numbed and he felt pleased. Lancelot sighed but kicked off his shoes and pulled off his gloves before settle down on the bed again. It was pitch black outside and no reason to remain awake. So he allowed himself to fall asleep.
Arthur, however, didn't have that pleasure at all, for he had to think what he had to do, what was going to be his next decision for Lancelot. For first, he was sure he wanted to make him a worthy knight capable of defending and serving Camelot, but the ebony one acted like a kid, and for so it was going to be hard. Second, he had to confirm whether he was a demon or not, though all clues said yes. Too many thoughts were tiring him down. He ended up walking over his room and sitting down his bed, rubbing his temples.
"This won't be easy, not at all." He repeated to himself over and over.
Author Note: Sorry for late update...also getting many requests to continue bloody love...I am more busy lately and I am personally more intrested in continue Reborn which i appolgize for. I cant say I discontinue bloody love cause I will continue it someday when I feel for it, and when I have time. Also want to remind those that reads Reborn that this is a new version of New Beginning. Reborn will contain ArthurxLancelot or if you preffer the Word Sonadow. I am still struggling with this new version but got help from a nice friend of mine. And got a lot of encouragement from Zena HellFire that made me start Writing once again. I am also very happy to read the kind Reviews i have received from you guys. Thanks a lot for supporting and Reading my fanfics, it makes it more Worth Writing it^^ I will try be more Active with the updates and I would love to hear the Reviews of this new chapter. :D