[With most of Merlin's things gone, the few items left in a neat pile on his bed should automatically draw anyone's gaze. His leather pouch, containing a pair of dark green glasses, a wooden dragon carving, and a (probably familiar-looking) blue hair ribbon. Beside the pouch, lies a ring box. The ring in question is a simple, silver band, with an ivy vine patterns carved into it. On the inside of the band, a few words are engraved: to arturia, with love.

Perhaps the most eye-catching of the items, is a letter, rolled up and carefully slipped into a bottle in the classic Kingdom Hearts style. Courtesy of Sora's teachings.]


Dear Arturia

If you're reading this, then I guess I've already gone, and one of my pokemon has delivered this letter to you as I instructed. If that's the case, then I'm sorry. I'm so sorry, Arturia. In the end, I still left you despite everything, and I've broken my promise. You must know I never would have left willingly, not after everything that I've learned here, and felt with you.

Sometimes I'm not sure how I feel about Johto. Though I've met the most amazing people here, it hurts to know everything could be taken away the moment the forces at work here decide I should return to Camelot. I told you before, that nothing is certain, that it scares me to know I might one day wake up and find you gone. Or that one day you might wake up and find that I've left. Still, I don't regret telling you how I felt. The only thing I would change now is staying longer to have more time with you. I've made so many plans, wanted to share them all with you, and now it looks like I might not have the chance. Even if I return with my memories intact, as some others have done before, I don't know if I'll ever forgive myself for leaving you at all.

All I want you to know is this: you should never have reason to doubt yourself in anything. Sometimes I look at you and wonder how you ever could. You are Arturia Pendragon, the greatest king Albion has ever known. You are also just Arturia, the most noble, the kindest, and the most caring person I've met. You are both beautiful and strong, Arturia, and I hope you will eventually see what I do everyday. My life in Johto would never have been the same without you, and I thank you for being there whenever I needed comfort. I don't think you realise how much I'd come to rely on you, and I hope I was able to give you the same support you have given me.

Please take care of yourself. You are so much more than just a heroic spirit, Arturia, just as you've shown me I am more than just Camelot's wizard. Make a life for yourself in Johto, and let yourself be happy. Please.

I love you with all of my heart. Until the day we meet again, I'll keep you safe in my thoughts.


Merlin