I finally got around to reading this. I'm not usually one for modern au's, but considering how much I've enjoyed your Refined by Fire series and Blood Brothers I felt I should check this out properly. OMG! I loved it! I loved seeing things through Arthurs pov, how much both lifes affected Merlin. So much love for this fic ️! Ok, now on to the Emrys Strain.

ASDFGHJKLZXCVBNMQWERTYUIOP MERLIIIIIIINNNNNNN NOOOOOOOOOOOO! (;0;) (TOT) Welp, you successfully ripped out my still-beating heart and stabbed it with multiple poison-tipped daggers until it became a bloody mess of mushy muscle. Oh, Merlin bby plz be okay...I just wanna give him the softest and warmest careful bear hugs in the entire world and gently wrap him in fluffy blanket until he's a burrito baby, and then feed him all his favorite foods and comfort the life outta him in every way possible...️️️️️ Gosh, the unbearable pain and suffering he has experienced as a child...not to mention the excruciating memories of his previous life being thrust upon him at such a young age...I CAN'T, MERRRRRLLLIINNNNNN! *sobs grossly* Why, Author? Why do you do this to us? I should have known this would be a story full of feels, but I definitely wasn't expecting *THIS*! I was vaguely aware Merlin had been mistreated or outcasted as a child, but it never occurred to me that it could be at such an extreme level. Dear god. He's been traumatized in every way...emotionally, physically, psychologically...I can't bear it. He's been through so much, and he's in so much pain...he can't trust others easily. And then the whole incident with the file occurred! Now how will Arthur convince Merlin of anything at all? Merlin certainly doesn't want to be anywhere near them, that's for sure. ;-; Please, Merlin...Let them help you. I just want you to be happy and carefree! Live life the way you want to! *words dissolve into gibberish due to extensive crying and too many feels*

OML Merlin's backstory is so heart-wrenchingly devastating! Awwwwwww, Poor baby...I just want to give him a big warm hug and tell him everything's going to be alright. ;-; No wonder he acts so antisocial and off! *sniffles* But I have to admit, that scene in which Arthur just barges into Merlin's Prius and sits down into the passenger seat next to him and proceeds to hold a conversation with him was both hilarious and heart breaking. Loved Merlin's tired reaction of "What (•—•)" and utter bafflement, but being too exhausted and morose and done with life that he didn't even bother to show his surprise or anger properly. I was laughing like a madman when imagining how Merlin turned just a fraction towards Arthur upon his entry into the car, and his stoic expression complete with sunglasses and a cigarette in his hand. He's so done with Arthur and everyone, LOL XDXDXDXDXDXD! And the radio getting all static-y and changing channels, that's his magic at work, right?! Can't wait to see if Merlin discovers his magic soon, and where it'll be...in front of Arthur? How would he react? Would he get more antisocial and terrified of himself, or will he allow Gaius and the others to help him out and come to terms with what he is? OR DOES HE ALREADY KNOW BUT JUST DOESN'T WANT TO ACCEPT THE FACT THAT HE HAS MAGIC BC IT'S RIDICULOUS AND THE 21ST CENTURY?! Sorry for all the questions... As you can see, I'm quite passionate about this story. As one would be. You're an amazing writer btw. HAHAHA AS IF YOU DIDN'T ALREADY KNOW. *cries*

OMG this is literally the BEST introduction and exposition to a modern au Merlin fanfic ever! Good lord, I absolutely LOVED the character introductions, especially when Arthur met Gwen, AND Merlin! I squealed so loudly during those scenes, I think my brother might've over heard...(•-•;) Seriously, Gwen is so adorable and precious and asdfghjk! 3 They deserve to be together. I was also so looking forward to Arthur meeting Merlin, and can I just say you did everything I ever could of dreamt of in a modern au reincarnation Merlin fic for Arthur and Merlin's reunion, and then went above and beyond? (((\(U)/))) And OMG Merlin had the GREATEST intro in the history of intros! He reminds me of a super sardonic mix of intelligent Jethro from Dr. Who and cheeky Merlin! Was that your inspiration for his appearance? (A WIZARD WITH COMPUTERS, YOU SAY?! BLACK NAIL POLISH AND ANTISOCIAL BEHAVOIUR, EH?! Sounds like Jethro to me!) Dear god, I can already hear the spectacular and scathing commentary and banter going on between these two dorks, Arthur and Merlin. 3 I nearly died when Arthur jumped into the room after hearing the words 'wizard' and 'Merlin' in the same sentence, only to be gravely disappointed. Lol, felt soooo bad for him. Gotta love sassy and sacrastic Merlin, tho!) Oh, I laughed so hard my sides felt like they were going to split open! Hope Merlin remembers, OR he creates a new amazing friendship with Arthur again somehow (they're my BROTP). I'm gonna enjoy this rollercoaster ride...

Awww, Merlin found Freya! I have tears in my eyes, I'm so happy for him.

Oh boy! I'm sure glad I'm reading this cliffie after you've completed the story!

What a great climax.

IAh, i's so nice to have our Merlin back and with a group of knowing and supportive friends. I feel all mushy inside:)

This is one of the best Merlin fanfics I've ever read. And that's saying a lot, since I tend to read canon era reveals. Thank you thank you!

When I finish reading this, I am going to go to your author page, with my fingers crossed tightly, and hope that you have written many many more stories in this universe.

Okay, so who is better than Merlin? Sigan? Bill Gates? Uther is so upset about this I feel like he is the bad guy, but I don't think he is. You really have me attached to this fiction. Thank you.

Very nice reawakening.

Excellent chapter. I'm fascinated that Merlin doesn't realize that radios and TVs are in sympathy with him, or that he wasn't touching the keyboard in the mall when playing with the toy helicopters.

You keep being concerned that you don't know anything about military equipment, well, neither do we. The specifics of the drones are just a frame for the story, and would be OK even if your equipment was a dishwasher that changes the dishes into bunnies! We are reading for the adventure and the interactions, not the assassin drones.

This is wonderful. I'm sorry I haven't been reviewing, I've been too busy reading. I usually avoid the modern-day reincarnation fixed, but I'm really enjoying this. The plot is great, the reactions of people are great, and it's lovely to have Merlin as different. Also, at over 50 years old, I really appreciate the text and translations at the bottom. Thank you!

This is probably the fifth time I have read this fic, and I fall in love with it more each time especially this scene! You did a beautiful job and can't wait to read it all again!

Is this going to be Arwen or Merthur? You need to let the readers know of this things.