"To hold the blade that divides..."

[Jasen "Dreamer" Masters]

(Merlin, Dreamer, and Chase)

Dreamer had been walking for over an hour in the cold rain that poured along the countryside. An odd inconvenience, one he once suspected to be created through magical means. That thought was quickly dismissed, he was merely being paranoid. The rain was natural, so he should enjoy it for once. He removed his coat, tying it around his waist, and enjoyed the cool touch of nature against his skin.

It felt nice to be at peace, to simply be. It was a rare occasion, one he often forgot to take full advantage of. He had another few minutes, at best, to think over his approaching meeting. Merlin had summoned him personally to meet him beyond Camelot's city walls. Dreamer found the gesture nice, and gladly accepted.Although, He was skeptical of the intentions behind the meeting. Not to insult Merlin, but every time Dreamer had been summoned recently, bad things had ensued.

Dreamers last battle with Chase for example.

The memory brought an unnatural chill down Dreamers spine. He had lost himself at the end of that battle. He had lost his control, and had put all of his magic towards killing his opponent, Chase. He had felt so dirty after that, so violated. As if he had been forced into the mindset, when he knew the truth was that Dreamer had desired it.

He had been close to succeeding as well.

Dreamer shook his head and banished his thoughts, seeing his destination up ahead. Deciding to taking a light jog, Dreamer fought against the rain to get to his target. When he arrived, he smiled at Merlin whom was sitting on a boulder beside the river. Merlin seemed deep in thought, so much so that he was unsure if he had heard him speak.

Cough, Cough

Dreamer heard the two coughs behind him, and turned to see whom it was. It came to little surprise that he would find the very boy whom plagued his thoughts, and who tested his moral standings. Chase leaned against a tree, a single leg wrapped along another to brace himself. He wore a blue shirt, tucked in neatly in his fine breaches, and behind his black coat. Not so much as a scuffle in sight, all his clothing were perfectly dry. The influence of a simple spell, most likely.

In contrast, Dreamer wore his white attire. A white shirt, some loose breaches that were a size to big and yet tightened by a belt to stay. His white coat was wrapped around his waist, and he had decided to let his hair fall down without a headband for control. He was dirty, and wet, not as professional as Chase.

Yet, that wasn't what worried Dreamer the most. What worried him was the fact that he had, yet again, been summoned by Merlin along side Chase. Not only that, but he had not been warned of such a paired summons. Dreamer found it to be slightly manipulative, not realizing that it may have been the only way Dreamer or Chase would have presented themselves. At least, not without any weaponry on hand.

Weaponry, that's what he had forgotten!

"What a horrible mistake" Dreamer thought, as he turned his attention from Chase to Merlin. He sought an explanation from him, and knew he would receive one in due time.

[Merlin Emrys]

Merlin perched on a boulder overhanging the river, his arms wrapped around his knees. He had sent a message to both Chase and Dreamer separately to meet him here and was hoping things wouldn't kick off. King Uther had opened a position in the Guild for one mage, and it was up to Merlin to award the position.

At the sound of their approach, he swivelled around on the ground and smiled in greeting at the two mages.

"Hi Dreamer, Chase." Merlin nodded at the boys in turn, noting that they were regarding each other suspiciously.

"I guess you're wondering why you're both here..." he began, "Actually, I have an opportunity, a position in the Guild... would either of you be interested?" Merlin ventured tentatively, hoping that only one of them would be, and his job would be made a whole lot easier.

[Chase Caldera]

Chase leaned against the tree relaxing and watching the rain clouds he had created earlier that day as he waited for whoever was supposed to be coming. When he had tried to talk to Merlin he had said that he would explain the reasons for his being there once the other person who had been summoned arrived.

Now Chase was sitting there wondering why he, Merlin and whoever the third person was were meeting outside of Camelot instead of in Merlin office at the guild. He did like that it was raining though, he didn't know why but he had always liked the rain. However he had decided to look professional for Merlin and had muttered a simple spell to keep the rain off of him.

Chase froze as he saw a figure walking towards them. He recognized that frame. It was Dreamer! This was bad Chase had only brought two knives not expecting to run into any touble. What would he do if there was a fight? He was about to accost Dreamer when he remembered that Merlin was watching him. Chances were it was was Merlin who had summoned Dreamer here.

Chase took a second to compose himself before coughing slightly. He lounged against the tree as Dreamer turned to see who had coughed. Chase smiled to himself at the look on Dreamer's face. Looked like Chase wasn't the only one who hadn't expected the other.

At the sound of Merlin's voice Chase turned his attention away from Dreamer to listen to what Merlin was saying. A position in the guild? Chase was instantly intrigued.

"I'm interested. What would this position be and what would it do?" Chase asked not wanting to say yes and getting stuck as someone's bodyguard or something.

[Jasen "Dreamer" Masters]

"I'm interested. What would this position be and what would it do?"

Dreamer could not think of anything else to say to add to that, for it was exactly what he wished to know. Dreamer was certainly interested, he didn't wish to disappoint Merlin when he had narrowed it down to only them. Yet, why he only narrowed it down to them was a good question. The youngest mages, whom both had an obvious feud, nominated for another position of importance?

Dreamer was more than interested, he was intrigued.

"I too am interested Merlin, please fill in the blanks for us" Dreamer said, waiting for a reply. He wanted to know as much information as he could acquire from Merlin before he instantly accepted. He didn't wish to be stuck charting maps in some foreign country or organizing the Mage library.

[Merlin Emrys]

Merlin ran a hand through his hair, dislodging droplets of rain that clung to his dark hairs. He was beginning to wish he hadn't invited both Dreamer and Chase at the same time. He wouldn't be powerful enough to break up a fight against both of their magics if it came to it.

"I've asked you both here because at such a young age, you show incredible potential." If Merlin was honest, the Guild elders were good, but their view on magic was old and stuffy. Besides, he was young himself and he had proved capable of holding down a job at the Guild, as well as his duties at the castle.

"The position is as a Guild representative. You would be asked to travel to other kingdoms, and throughout Camelot. As you know... other kingdoms haven't changed their attitude toward magically gifted individuals, and it would be up to whoever took the position to often work undercover to find promising natural talent and introduce them to the Guild. They will be vulnerable, and perhaps difficult to convince." Merlin paused, his eyes flicking between the two boys. It didn't take any magical power to sense the tension between the two.

"And of course you would become a Guild representative at Court. You would be given residence in the castle, and would to all intents and purpose be treated as a noble." Merlin tugged his neck scarf away from his throat with a hooked finger. "I was asked who were my best mages. Both of you have excelled through the ranks. You are both powerful, young and with the most potential. That's why you are standing before me. But Uther has been specific. there is only one position."

[Chase Caldera]

Chase listened to Merlin getting more and more excited as he spoke. This position sounded awesome! If he gained this position he would have total control over guild's influence in the court. Not only that but they would also have the job of finding mages from other countries to join. He would wield a huge influence over any mages he found. It would be easy to manipulate them.

Chase spoke up the second Merlin finished speaking, "I would be more than willing to take the post. My qualifications are obvious, the court knows my face, I have traveled in the neighboring countries, and I would be almost impossible to catch." Chase considered continuing listing his qualifications but decided that, for now at least, those would be enough.

Chase smiled confidently at Dreamer taunting the other teen. After all what could Dreamer possibly do about Chase's obviously superior qualifications. What pathetic reasons would Dreamer give for why he deserved the position.

[Jasen "Dreamer" Masters]

Dreamer had nothing but more questions for merlin as he answered their previous ones. A position was available, one of obviously dire importance. As a representative, one would have the responsibility of guiding untrained or outlawed mages to Camelot to join their ranks. Alongside that, a representative at court would mean that the mages guild would have more power to influence court decisions. The representative himself would have a priority influence over both the acquired mages and the court itself.

That fact in itself convince Dreamer that he needed to acquire the position.

Dreamer did not want to consider the consequences for appointing Chase as Guild representative. Dreamer would openly admit that Chase had power, and political influence in both the current nation and possibly others. Yet, Dreamer knew what kind of man Chase was. He was manipulative, and would use the new position to his advantage, and his advantage alone.

He had to stop him, Dreamer had to become the representative.

"I would be more than willing to take the post. My qualifications are obvious, the court knows my face, I have traveled in the neighboring countries, and I would be almost impossible to catch"

Dreamer didn't bother to look at Chase. He knew that he didn't have to mock the boy, he didn't have to ploy him with anything. It was Merlin he would obviously need to convince. Thanks to Chase and his quick words, that may have become easier than he had initially thought. For once, It would be Chases riches and fame that would be his downfall.

"Merlin," Dreamer began," I wish not to trick you into believing that i will handle this position in perfection. Due to my lack of involvement in public affairs, my face is not known to the Royal elite as Chase's is. Yet my face is known to the people, and the merchants, and all those who do the honest work. You say you want someone to acquire talent from those nations whom do not see magic as we do, then your going to need someone who is not known to those that run the very governments you wish to enter..."

Aside from the one event in which Dreamer was forced to attend among the Noble Elite by Merlin himself, Dreamer had not been to any fancy public events. His life had consisted of work, study, and sometimes playing for the Ram. Often he would take whatever breaks he did have out in the countryside, or the woods, where the boundaries for rich folk often did not venture.

"...With this shroud i carry, and this ability to gain the trust and friendship of the very people i was raised among, the common man and those below them, i can acquire any recruit you need me to obtain. This i can do quietly, this i can do to the best of my abilities".

Dreamer waited, and watched, in silence.

[Merlin Emrys]

Merlin looked between the two boys as they spoke. He was in a difficult position. He had watched them grow into the mages that they were today, and because of this, he held them both in regard despite their very different personalities.

"Chase," he addressed Chase as he spoke, "You're right, you are well qualified for this position..." a faint edge of doubt could be detected in his voice, "But I can't help but think Dreamer might be more suited to the position... personality wise." Merlin probably could have drawn out his point, but he wanted to see how Chase would react, and whether it would confirm his suspicions that the boy's headstrong nature meant he was not suited to a job in which he had to empathise with young, naive, frightened magicians.

"I think Dreamer's white magic, and station in life might allow him to approach newer magicians easily..."

Merlin kept an eye on both boys, waiting for one of them to react to this news. The job proposition had acted as kindling; the words he had just spoken a spark...

[Chase Caldera]

Chase grinned smugly waiting for Merlin to pick him. After all his qualifications were so much better then Dreamers. Not to mention Dreamer's claims were ridiculous. First one never said that they might not do well on a job. If one wanted a leadership position one had to be outgoing and confident. Second it was ridiculous of Dreamer to say that it was good to not be known. It was important to have connections with the government in case something happened. Thirdly Chase had never thought of Dreamer as particularly friendly and he was from those countries. If Chase thought he was a pain chances were most of the mages he met would as well.

Chase on the other hand, respected Merlin, would do a good job, and knew the layout of the various countries and their political states. He was perfect for the job. He couldn't wait till he saw how practitioners of magic in the other countries practised magic and whether he would be able to gain anything from them besides the influence over its young mages.

Suddenly everything went wrong. "W..W...WHAT!!" Chase said in such shock that he stumbled over the word. This couldn't be happening. No way would Merlin, his idol who he respected more than anyone else, be such an idiot. Chase was infinitely superior to Dreamer! He continued on getting increasingly more heated as he continued. "My qualifications are better then his in every way! What personality!? My personality is just as good or better then his! And what do you mean his white magic? My elemental magic would be much more useful then white! I have some white anyway! If you really want it that badly I can train and get up to mage real quick in it. Its not like its hard to advance the ranks." Chase ended his protest out of breath looking desperately at Merlin for some sign that his impassioned plea had influenced him. Merlin would surely side with him. The teen was a genius above all geniuses surely he would realize how similar Merlin and Chase were.

[Jasen "Dreamer" Masters]

Dreamer looked at Merlin with surprise on his face as he announced that he was the better choice for the position. He opened his mouth to speak, to question the judgment. Chase beat him to it, and he left no word unsaid as he protested. Chase showed his true hatred for Dreamer in his words, but his expression showed only pain. He looked for correction from Merlin, yet would receive none. Dreamer had never seen Chase so desperate, and for a moment, he caught a glimpse into a different Chase.

The Chase he knew was selfish, power hungry, and had a complete lack of emotion towards others. Yet what he saw now was a boy losing everything he held dear. Chase wasn't losing just a fancy position at court, in his eyes, he was losing the one person he felt was like him. The one person he felt a kinship for, Merlin. Merlin was picking Dreamer over Chase.

Dreamer felt like protesting the judgment again, but stopped himself. He had to remain quiet, he had to leave the verdict. Chase may be at a loss now, but he could not gain the influence that the position would grant him. Too many lives were at stake, Dreamer would still not trust Chase with so much power.

So he waited, cautiously waiting for Chase to strike.

[Jasen "Dreamer" Masters]

Merlin's Point of View

What could be said?

Merlin watched and waited with sadness in his eyes as Chase pleaded with him. Merlin had not consider the depth of Chase's devotion and the power Merlin held over his reality. With only a few words, Merlin was able to crush it beneath his feet.

He had not realized until now how cruel it was to bring them both here, force them both into another battle against each other. Even more so was Chase's brutal defeat, and so quickly. Merlin should have saved his words until later, when he could discuss with both of them quietly, and not let them watch each other like two predators in sight of the same prey.

What a fool he was!

It was too late now, he could hardly take back his words. He was forced to watch, tortured by his choice unfold before him, as Chase finished his plea. Merlin waited quietly for Dreamer to interfere, but the boy stayed silent. Merlin felt he would receive no verbal support from Dreamer at the moment, Merlin would suffer alone.

"Chase..." Merlin began, then stopped as he considered what to say. Every word he considered sparked caution, he didn't know what Chase's reaction would be, but he anticipated it would not be a happy one.

"I must be fair, and i must stick by my word....but please, this is not the end of the world, there are better opportunities just over the horizon" Merlin said, and instantly regretted it. He sounded as confident and supportive as he could, if only it would work.

[Chase Caldera]

"Fair? Better opportunities?" Chase said in a tone that seemed as if he was actually contemplating what Merlin had said. Suddenly he burst out say his voice filled with cold fury that grew as he talked"Never lie to me! Don't try to cover this up with sweet words that mean nothing! There is no such thing as fair in this world! Only the powerful and the powerless. It is the way the world work. It is the few at the top who control this world! Why can't you see that I am one of those just like you. Dreamer is nothing compared to us. Why is it you side with him?" Chase's voice betrayed his inner confusion at the last sentence of his speech.

Chase whirled and faced Dreamer his voice dripping poison as he said, "As for you Dreamer are you satisfied. You finally have what you've wanted ever since I joined the guild. Me humiliated and you raised to the second highest position in the guild. So go enjoy it. Have fun with your girlfriends. But remember I'll always be there. I will prove to everyone that you are no better than me. Still I should probably congratulate you on getting the post and winning Merlin over to your side. In fact I should probably give you a gift. I'll make it something you and the residents of Camelot will never forget." Chase's voice ranged from polite sweet to poisonous as he congratulated Dreamer.

Chase turned. muttered "De" And flew up into the air heading for that rain-clouds that he had created earlier. They had been barely drizzling before but Chase's rage had fuelled their downpour. Merlin thought Dreamer was better than Chase? Let him. Chase would give them a show they would never forget.

[Merlin Emrys]

Merlin watched Chase's outburst sadly. He had never meant to humiliate Chase; it would have been better to have spoken to each mage individually. Hindsight is a powerful thing...

Still, Chase's emotional reaction convinced him that he had done the right thing. Someone whose job it would be to negotiate and tune into other people's emotions had to be emotionally controlled themselves, and Chase, whilst powerful, was certainly fired up.

Merlin cleared his throat.

"Dreamer, don't worry, he'll come round. I'm sorry that it had to be announced in this way, I know this has driven the wedge between you further apart. But, I know you'll do me proud. I'll meet with you later at the Guild to sort out the paperwork."

Merlin had duties at the castle to attend to, whilst his two best mages were sometimes very difficult to work with, it was a problem he would have to address at a later date.

"Oh and Dreamer, I'd watch your back. Chase doesn't threaten lightly."

Merlin shook his head, he hated to have to warn one Guild member against another. He hoped his youngest mage wouldn't do anything rash...

[Jasen "Dreamer" Masters]

Dreamer watched as Chase rose from the ground and began to hover up towards the storm that seemed to be coming towards them. Dreamer was immediatly put on guard, Chase was a mage of the elements at heart, his specialty being the wind. Dreamer only barely listened to Merlin as he spoke, noting only the understatement when he mentioned that he had further opened the wedge between both Chase and Dreamer.

Had he not been preoccupied, his sarcasm would have been grand.

Yet, he was too worried that Chase finally had crossed over. Dreamer was afraid that this was the last straw, that Chase was about to do something so over the edge that there would be no turning back. He could feel it, the magic that was slowly stirring, it was permeating from Chase. It may have been the deep rivalry between the both of them, but Dreamer could almost sense when Chase was up to something.

That and he mentioned he had a gift for him, one that even Camelot will not soon forget.

Dreamer began to stir his own magic, his arm began to glow pure white as Dreamer chanted an incantation under his breath, readying himself for an attack.

[Chase Caldera]

For half an hour Chase stayed in the air manipulating the storm into something a lot more deadly. His constant grin bordered on maniacal as he manipulated the innocent drizzle into a destructive hurricane. It had been so long since he had manipulated a hurricane he had forgotten the awesome thrill one got from controlling one of natures most amazing forces. He could tell that bits of his dark magic were permeating the storm as well perverting the nature of the storm just a bit, making it more deadly and damaging.

Finally it was ready. During the past half an hour Chase and the storm had moved slowly towards Camelot as the storm had grown in power. Until now he had been holding back most of its power afraid that it would run out before it reached Camelot. Now he let it all loose.

The trees below him bent sharply as the wind blasted into them. A wall of rain dropped seemingly attempting to crush the buildings with its weight. Lightning flew across the sky hitting the largest trees and the highest buildings.

Chase gasped as he tried to keep a tight reign on the hurricane. Hurricanes were dangerous since while they provided far more power than a normal spell since he simply used his own power to control nature's incredible force. Unfortunately controlling nature's fiercest natural disaster was not the simplest thing in the world. If he messed up there was a good chance he would get struck by lightning.

Still Chase knew it was the best way to defeat Dreamer. While it was hard to find and destroy one person with a hurricane it was perfect for attacking large areas. Dreamer's stupid ideology would never let him sit by and watch as Chase's storm devastated Camelot. His measly attempts to protect the city would leave himself totally open to an atack.