The theme of secrecy also pops up a lot. Arrow has his own secrets to keep in his fight against crime, and Merlin has to keep his magic a secret in a world that might not accept it. Fanfictions play around with how they both handle their secrets, and how these secrets can either bring them closer together or cause problems in their relationship.
One common theme is self - discovery. As Merlin learns to use the bow and arrow, he often discovers new aspects of his own strength and abilities. For example, in some stories, he realizes he can use magic in new ways while handling the weapon.
A prevalent theme is the exploration of different cultures. The feudal Japanese - inspired world of Naruto and the more contemporary, Western - style world of Arrow offer a great contrast. Fanfictions might explore how the characters from each world react to the cultural differences, and how they might learn from one another. It can be a really fascinating exploration of two distinct fictional universes.
Love and romance can be a theme in some cases, not necessarily between Arrow and Supergirl directly, but perhaps within their respective teams or with other characters they interact with in the fanfiction world. It adds an extra layer of complexity to the relationships and the overall story.
One common theme is the crossover itself. Writers like to explore how the two very different groups from Arrow and Avengers interact. Another theme is teamwork. Since both shows are about groups of heroes, fanfictions often focus on how they can work together to overcome challenges.
One common theme is the clash of different magical systems. Merlin has his druidic magic and Loki has his Asgardian magic, so a lot of fanfics explore how these two types of magic interact. For example, in some stories, they might try to combine their powers to defeat a common enemy.
In sub Merlin fanfiction, a major theme is secrecy. Given Merlin's sub position, he must keep his magic a secret, and this secrecy drives a lot of the plot. Another theme is growth. He grows as a person and as a magic - user while being in a sub role. It's about how he overcomes the limitations of his position. Additionally, the theme of sacrifice is common. Merlin is often in situations where, because of his sub role, he has to sacrifice something for the greater good, whether it's his own safety or his relationships.
The theme of sacrifice is also quite prevalent. In many fanfictions, Merlin's father has made sacrifices for Merlin's future, which Merlin discovers as the story progresses. It gives a deeper understanding of their relationship.
In Merlin vampire fanfiction, the theme of acceptance is quite common. Whether it's Merlin accepting the existence of vampires or the vampires accepting Merlin's power. Another is the theme of transformation. Merlin might transform in some way due to his encounters with vampires, or the vampires themselves may transform, either physically or in their attitudes. And the theme of forbidden knowledge often pops up, as the vampires may possess knowledge that is both dangerous and alluring to Merlin.
Another theme is friendship. The neckerchief can be a focal point for the relationships Merlin has with Arthur, Gwen, and the other characters. For example, it might be a gift from a friend that holds special meaning.
Another theme is self - discovery. When Merlin crossdresses, he often discovers new aspects of himself or how others perceive him differently. For instance, he might learn that he can be more confident in a different guise. Also, it can be about breaking gender norms. In these fanfictions, Merlin challenges the traditional gender roles of the Camelot society, which adds an interesting layer to the story.