Chapters "By the Nine there is nothing to do!" I shouted in frustration as I lounged in my chair.
It had been like this for weeks now. I would go have a decent quest only to come back home and wait for another quest to come my way. I didn't introduce myself did I? Well my name is Raddin and I am the Dragonborn! Yeah it's not as big of a deal as most people say it is trust me.
I was a Nord and a native of Skyrim hailing from a small village near the border. I was tall like most of my brethren standing at about six foot three with pale white skin with dirty blonde hair that I had cut to fell to the back of my neck and forest green eyes. Yet unlike most Nord's I wasn't a tower of muscle and actually had a pretty lean build but my muscles were much more defined. So I was a little different than most Nord's in appearance but it didn't bother me, I liked being unique.
Across from me one of my companions snorted in amusement making me glare at them. It was my underling/friend from the Dark Brotherhood Erane. After all the crap with Astrid and the Penetus Oculatus she was one of the newer initiate's that joined up. She was a fairly short Nord women with short dark amber hair, piercing blue eyes and a fairly pale complexion. Her curvy figure was defined nicely due to her form fitting Dark Brotherhood uniform.
In the beginning I thought of her as another assassin looking to strike it big with the Brotherhood but over time I found a respect for her. She took her contracts very seriously and her success rate was nearly as good as my own, which was flawless by the way. We went on a few contracts together and now we were as thick as thieves so to speak.
"Oh go to Oblivion Erane!" I shout at her in annoyance. We may be friends but she still annoys the hell out of me most of the time.
"Can you both please stop your childish antic's for more than a few minutes. Some of us are trying to work here." Said someone from behind me with annoyance clear in their tone.
Turning around I smile sheepishly and say, " sorry Aranea but you know how we are. So what you working on this time? Another new enchantment or are you studying those dwemer schematics again?"
After my quest for Azura and repairing the Daedra's artifact Aranea basically had nowhere to go as her whole life had been spent serving her matron. I couldn't just leave her alone up there so I took her with me and she has been a major boon to me. Her knowledge of the arcane arts far surpassed mine though I possessed more power than her. Later on she grew a fascination with dwemer technology and enchanting so when we weren't adventuring she was usually trying to either make a new enchantment or trying to replicate the dwemer's creations. So far she has managed to make some worker spider's that won't blow up in five minute's of use and was now working on dwarven sphere's.
The dark elf wore her traditional dark robes only now the hood was down and showed her dark red eyes and long black hair that she put into a long braid. She was still giving me an annoyed glare before finally relenting and letting a smile cross her face.
"I guess I should be used to your two's antic's by now. But if you really want to know I've been reading some dwarven scrolls and found something you may be interested in. It appears that there is a dwarven ruin not far from here hidden in a cave. I would bet a hundred septims that it hasn't been touched yet and is ripe for the taking if your up for it."
Now this was what I was waiting for! Finally after two whole days of just lounging about in Lakeview Manor I can finally get out and do something! I may even get some cool new souvenir's!
"Well what are we waiting for lass!? Pack your gear and let's get moving!" I say excitedly before running off in to the armory wing of my home hearing the two of them laugh at my excitement but I didn't care. It was time to have some fun!
Stepping into my armory I go and start to put on my favorite armor set. It was the symbol of my loyalty to the Daedric Prince Boethiah, her Ebony Mail. This armor was great for taking on most enemies due to the poison effect that activates during combat. While for the helmet I donned a simple ebony helm enchanted with water breathing. You won't believe how many times I nearly drowned when in a dungeon. The boot's and gauntlet's were ebony as well yet they were both enchanted to resist magicka.
After getting my chosen armor on I walked over to my weapons rack and think about what would fit this particular situation. Thinking about it for a few second's I eventually reach out and grab another Daedric artifact only this one was the blade of one of the better Prince's. It was the sword Dawnbreaker. After sheathing the blade I then reach out and grab a simple ebony shield enchanted with increasing my blocking ability.
My weapons and armor in place I walk out to see Erane and Aranea ready with their own hoods up and Erane carrying a small orchish dagger at her waist and an elven bow I had given her as a gift, with a quiver full of glass arrows on her back. Aranea only ever needed her magicka or so she says.
After a final check to make sure all of us have what we need we head outside where after passing through I turn and lock the door. Can never be too careful in a wild land like Skyrim after all. We pass by the stable's where I gently pet Shadowmere before passing by. Normally I would take my loyal steed and ride him to my destination but I just felt like walking for once and actually take in the sights. If I was lucky a group of bandits may attack!
Sadly no bandits had attacked and a little while later my friends and I found ourselves standing outside of the cave entrance that Aranea had spoken of. The cave was pitch black so Aranea had to cast a candlelight spell so we could all see as we went farther into the cave. For the first few meters or so we saw nothing but more cave and I was beginning to question the legitimacy of the dark elf's source. That was until we came across a dwemer elevator that from what I could see only went down. Did I mention it was also being guarded by two dwarven Centurions? Guess I should have mentioned that first.
Instantly upon our arrival the behemoth's activated and as they began to move the three of us burst into action. I drew Dawnbreaker and readied my shield, Erane melded into the shadow with her bow drawn and Aranea's hands flared with magicka ready to use frost and fire magicka. It was unfortunate that my Ebony Mail's effect was only effective against flesh and blood enemies.
I charged the Centurion on the right as Aranea fired a few ice spikes and firebolts over my head to collide against the machine's chest denting the metal but not piercing it. Erane meanwhile was keeping the other Centurion occupied by sending arrows into the giants joint's causing some damage but not enough to put it down.
Quickly I closed the distance on my opponent who upon seeing my approach brought it's hammer arm up and when I was close swiftly brought it down on my head. I leap forward and in-between the Centurions legs feeling the ground shake as the hammer hit. Getting to my feet I slash backwards striking the back of the Centurion's left leg making it drop to one knee. While it was down I leaped onto it's back and drive my sword into the exposed back of the neck instantly killing the machine as it fell forward laying flat on its front making it nothing more than a huge hunk of metal and parts.
Looking to see how my friends were doing I see That they had defeated the other Centurion as it had arrows protruding from it's neck and joints but what looks to have finished it was the giant icy spear that had pierced its head.
"Good work guys! Now let's head down into the ruins and loot some crap. Though I seriously hope there's a better challenge down there then these two rust bucket's." I say kicking the fallen behemoth to emphasize.
Aranea and Erane though spent the next few minute's taking what they could from the machine's such as a few soul gems and mechanical parts. After that though the three of us got on the elevator and I pulled the lever to make it move. Nothing happened for a second before with a sudden jerk the elevator began to move downwards.
I expected the ride to be nothing but a few minutes at most but ended up being an hour long trip. Why the hell did it take so long!? The three of us actually started a game of Daedra Bones just to pass the time. For those who don't know Daedra bones is when you roll a pair of dice with symbol's for the Aedra but with on side being a Daedra symbol. In order to win you must roll three symbols of Dibella on both dice, one Kynareth on each, and finally one Julianos on just one die all without getting the Daedra symbol on either die at any time or else you must start over.
"Damnit all to Oblivion!" Shouted Elane as she rolled the Daedra symbol again.
"My turn." I say before rolling the die and getting my third and final pair of Dibella leaving only for me to get my Julianos pair. Yet before Aranea could take her turn we had finally reached the bottom.
Getting up we all stretched to get rid of the stiffness before stepping off of the elevator. Now usually we would have ended up in a room with a door at the end or even just another hall that we would need to go down all the while avoiding traps and fighting dwarven machine's along with the occasional Falmer that may have made the place their home.
What we now stood in was nothing like that. We were instead inside a large room that stretched at least a hundred meters length wise and was about seventy meters wide. The ceiling was actually so high I couldn't even see it in the darkness! There were no doors, hatches or pathways anywhere around the room from what we could see but at the end of the hall sat a small pedestal with a floating sphere on top of it.
"Well this is pretty boring. Honestly I was expecting a huge fight to the death or some shit but no such luck. I think you gave this place too much credit Aranea." I say disappointedly as I started walking across the hall to get the orb and leave since there was nothing of interest here.
"No wait Raddin!" Shouted Aranea but it was already too late as I felt one of the plates I stepped on sink into the floor a bit.
I instantly hop back to the group and we all draw weapons wondering what kind of trap I had just activated. Our answer came soon after as a large circular hole in the middle of the cavern opened. We waited in angst for a moment before a large bronze claw clutched the edge of the pit before pulling the rest of the creature out. I don't know about my comrade's but I was in at what had just stepped out of the hole which closed soon after the beast had left it.
In front of us was a dwarven made dragon about the size of an Elder dragon. The things entire form was made of dwarven metal that even I had to admit was insanely well made and detailed. The things eyes were glowing bright blue as steam came from it's fanged maw. This was the first time I had ever seen such a creation and it looked more dangerous than an actual dragon if you could believe it. That must mean whatever that orb is must be very valuable to have a security measure like this. Plus this actually may be fun!
Thinking quickly I thought up a plan and said it to my companions. Aranea I need to to it that things joints with some frost spells to try and slow it down. Erane I need you to take out it's eyes with your arrows. This thing if anything like a real dragon was made to take a lot of hits and dish out a shit ton of damage so we need to be fast and strike it's vulnerable points. Now move!"
Following my plan to the letter Erane started firing at the Dwarven dragon's head aiming to take out it's eyes but the machine was moving it's head so the arrows just bounced off of it's metal hide. Aranea for her part was having much better luck with her frost spell as ice started forming on the dragon's joints making it slower and harder to move.
That was when I moved in to attack the beast up close with Dawnbreaker raised and my shield up. When I was close enough I changed up my approach by lowering my shield and changing my overhead swing into a side slash before using my dragon heritage in the form of a shout.
"WULD NAH KEST!"
In an instant I had reappeared behind the dragon with my blade outstretched while the beast behind me roared in anger. This was due to the large steaming gash left in it's side when I passed it. The machine tried to turn around and bit me but the freezing in it's joints by Aranea made it easy to avoid. The tail however wasn't so easy and I had barely had time to bring up my shield before the damn thing stuck and sent me flying across the ground leaving me a bit dazed but otherwise fine.
As I was getting to my feet I saw the large dent in my shield and knew it would take some serious work to repair it after this was all over. Another roar from the dragon brought my attention back just in time to see one of Erane's arrows hit home into one of its eyes. This proved to do more harm then good though as the beast glared at Erane with it's lone eye before unleashing a stream of fire towards her!
Using my Whirlwind Sprint shout once more I arrived in front of Erane with my shield raised to block the fire which was fortified by a ward spell from Aranea. The stream of fire lasted a good minute before finally dying off. Putting my shield down I see the thing is mostly melted and chuck the melted shield to the side and grip Dawnbreaker in my right hand as my left hand blazes with sparks.
I charge the giant once more while shooting Lightning Bolt spells. Aranea meanwhile was firing numerous Icy Spears that actually started to dent the things ridiculously strong hide. Erance had continued to fire arrows hitting the thing in all of it's joints making sparks fly as it started taking more damage.
Seeing my coming the dragon lashed out to bite me in half but I leaped over the strike and landed on it's head. The thing started to thrash around wildly to shake me off but I had long since mastered dragon riding and held fast. Brining my sword up I plunge Dawnbreaker down and into the beasts skull all the way to the hilt with the heat from the blade melting the metal. The dragon went completely rigged for a second before finally falling to the ground. I kept my blade in place though until the light in it's remaining eye died.
Pulling the blade out of the defeated machine I slide it into my scabbard and take off my helmet to wipe the sweat from my brow before replacing my helmet. Aranea and Erane approached me both lightly panting but I think I spoke for all of us when I say we were glad that we finally won. The bastard put up a great fight but nothing we couldn't handle.
"I take back what I said Aranea. This was SO not a waste of time." I say happily.
"Glad you think so. Now just grab the orb while I scavenge some parts from this machine and let's get back home. That fire singed my robes a bit." She said while gesturing the singed edges of her robes.
Shrugging I walk up to the pedestal at the end of the cavern and observe the sphere for a second. It looked dwemer made definitely but it was also somewhat unique. The sphere was made with dwarven metal sure but it was the glowing green runes that intrigued me. they looked similar to the Eye of Magnus but there were also some runes that were completely new. Shrugging it off for later I reach out and take the orb before depositing it in my satchel.
By that time Aranea and Erane had finished stripping the dwarven dragon leaving only it's skeleton and a few scrap's of it's hide Looking at the duo I see their satchel's a little bit fuller than before and they seemed to be struggling to carry them. Sighing to myself I take both of their satchels from them to carry myself but even with my natural Nord strength I struggled a bit at first before getting the hang of it. Damn now I wish I would have brought Shadowmere.
*a few hours later*
Here the three of us were again sitting at the dinning room table at my Lakeview Manor home. Only this time we were all staring intently at the orb we had acquired earlier from the dwarven ruins. We were all wondering what was so special about this thing that the dwemer had made a dwarven dragon to protect it. So far we couldn't come up with anything.
"Maybe it's some kind of key?" Suggested Erane.
"No I've seen and used dwemer keys before and this is nothing like a key. Plus those ruins are definitely Aedra in design so I doubt it would be as simple as a key." I said.
Aranea was quiet the whole time going through her notes on the dwemer but seemed to not be having any luck so far. I myself took a look at the ruins on the orb and found that some of them were out of line. Curiously I picked up the orb and tried twisting it. Surprisingly this worked and the orb's ruins began to glow once more. Feeling happy with myself I started to smile only to drop the orb as it grew unbearably hot in my hands.
Instead of dropping to the ground though the orb floated in mid air as the ruins on it began to glow even brighter to the point it was nearly blinding. If that wasn't enough the whole house began to shake as my various wall mounts and such started to fall from their perches while my companions and I fell down due to losing our balance.
The light from the orb grew more and more until all I could see was white, even with my eyes closed! I then heard a loud boom and suddenly I knew no more.
"Raddin"
What? Who's calling my name? Where am I? All I could see was blackness all around me as if I had stepped into the void of Sithis himself. Yet I could still hear that all so familiar voice calling my name as if from a far off distance. Almost as if they were calling to me through water. I tried to answer but found I couldn't speak or feel anything around me.
That all changed when I felt a sharp pain and almost instantly my vision erupted with light.
"Holy Talos!" I yelled as I jumped to my feet and held my ass that was at the moment in pain. Looking down I see Erane with her dagger out and instantly knew she was the cause for the literal pain in my ass.
"What in the name of Oblivion was that for Erane!?" I growl at her but upon seeing her hardened gaze quickly remembered what had transpired beforehand. That damn dwarven orb had done something and I blacked out. Looking around at my manor I see that numerous wall fixtures were scattered about the room, chairs were toppled over and various knickknacks were thrown about. This was going to be a bitch to clean up.
"Well now that your awake Raddin I think we can get down to the thick of things. Aranea has been checking our surrounding's and found that we are no longer in Skyrim. We aren't even in Tamriel anymore! That orb seemed to have teleported us somewhere yet we don't know where, all we know is that it is unlike anything anything we have ever seen on Nirn." Said Erane with a hint of fear in her voice.
"Wait how do we know we aren't in Skyrim or Tamriel anymore? How can Aranea tell anyhow?" I asked.
Instead of answering me she simply point's to a nearby window. Raising a brow at her in confusion for a moment I walk over and look outside. What I saw nearly made my jaw hit the ground. In the distance barely a stone's throw away was an immense city with one huge tower in the center. If that wasn't enough everything looked to be made of crystal! At that point I had to agree with Erane and Aranea, we definitely weren't in Skyrim anymore and most certainly not in any known land of Tamriel.
The opening of a door caught my attention momentarily drawing me away from the azing sight to see Aranea walking in wearing the robes of the arch mage only her robes were a midnight blue with black trim. I had given them to her as a gift and she became quite the force to be reckoned with when wearing it.
"Glad to see your awake Raddin, now I think you should get ready to go. You've no doubt by now seen the city in the distance? I had hoped for us to go explore it a bit and hopefully get some answers on where we are." She said while fixing her robes.
"Yeah, sure thing Aranea. Just let me go get suited up as we don't know who or what we may encounter out their. For all we know it could be a city filled with draugr." I say before heading over to my armory.
Going inside I finde everything still intact and undisturbed which I found strangely weird. Still I walked over to two secluded wardrobe's at the end of them room. Both of these wardrobe's had enchanted locks on them that needed a specific code of magicka in order to open that only I, Erane, and Aranea knew by heart. After unlocking the first wardrobe I open the doors to see the greatest armor set I have ever made and used. It was also the very same armor that I had fought and defeated Alduin with making it all the more special.
It was a Daedric set of armor that pulsed with magicka due to the various enchantments placed upon it by myself and Aranea. The armor itself took me nearly three months of non-stop work to complete with another week just to add the enchantment's. I had added various enchantment's such as waterbreathing, fortify stamina, resist magicka, fortify armor, muffle, resist posion, and a unique enchantment made by Aranea herself that allowed me to heal faster when wounded but to also mend my armor should it ever be damaged. Truly a masterpiece by any smith's standards.
After donning my armor I lock the wardrobe back up only to go the one beside it and perform the same process with that one. Only when I opened this one up all there was were two pieces of equipment, a shield and a sword. These were however the most powerful weapons in my arsenal that I rarely used. The first item I picked up was the shield. It was the most bizarre looking shield imaginable, what with it being made of circular disk's and curving outwards instead of inwards like other shields yet this one was stranger than any other shield by far.
This shield was made by the Daedric Prince Peryite and was named Spellbreaker. This shield could deflect any type of magic thrown at it including a shout from a dragon. Added to my current armors magicka resistance and I was practically immune to all but the most powerful of mage's attacks.
The sword was something else entirely. It was a unique dragonbone blade I had forged myself yet instead of being made entirely out of bone the blade was also covered with sharp black scales giving it a serrated edge. I had named the blade World Eater since the parts for it's creation came from the World Eater himself after I had slain him. Yet this was no ordinary blade as it not only was naturally enchanted to increase the strength of my shouts immensely, it also held the dragon soul of the first born of Akatosh himself. This presence made my dovah blood boil in a way I acted sort of like a dragon myself. I had a great sense of pride, killed nearly anyone who insulted me and had the desire to dominate any in my path that would stand against me. The last effect had gotten me many a night with various women across Skyrim weirdly enough so it wasn't all bad.
After making my shit was all together and in top condition I walked out the armory to see the surprised faces of Erane and Aranea as they looked at me.
"Damn Raddin I didn't expect to see you in that armor. You'll probably scare off everyone we come across looking like that. The Brotherhood would be proud." Commented Erane who I knew was smiling under her hood.
Waving her off I start to head towards the front door of my home with the other two following close behind. As we stepped out into the blizzard that was taking place I saw Aranea shiver from the cold a bit while Erane and I were fine due to our Nord heritage and natural resistance to the cold. Before we left though I made sure to lock up my home just to be safe and then we headed of to the city of crystals.
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Around half an hour later we had arrived at the gate's to the city only to find them completely barren of any form of guards and open for all. Seeing this as a bad sign I drew my sword and readied my shield while Erane drew her bow and Aranea's hands lit up with magicka. We slowly made our way through the streets of the city that were devoid of all forms of life. Though on occasion we did see a flash of movement in the surrounding buildings but never really got a good look at any of the figures.
"Their scared of something. Something obviously has them so spooked that they won't even leave their homes." Said Erane as she scanned the window's and roofs for any sign's of trouble.
"Well that's obvious Erane but that also means we need to find whatever it is that their afraid of and kill it. If we're lucky then we may be able to get some answer out of them after that and hopefully find a way back to Skyrim or at least Tamriel." I respond from the front of the group.
Suddenly we hear a commotion coming from one of the alley's and quietly make our way down following the sounds of what we assumed to be people talking. After walking a bit we come to the source of the noise. Needless to say I wasn't expecting what I was seeing.
There were two figures standing in front of a third who was laying on the ground shivering in fear. The two figures looked like the shade's I had fought when obtaining Dawnbreaker only these one's didn't float around and there armor was made of dark crystal's. They also had an equine like shape to their faces as well as their legs looked more like hooves than feet. Both were wielding blades made of the same dark crystal as their armor. They were shorter than myself though and at most only stood to about the middle of my chest.
The figure they stood over though was different from them yet similar. For one I could tell the figure was female due to her chest and the soft features of her face which actually did look very equine though with a shorter muzzle similar to the size of a Kahjitt's and those big orange eyes that were at the moment filled with fear as she looked up at the two shade's. Also was the fact that in place of feet she also had hooves. She had ruffled dark red fur and long ragged green hair that matched the tail I could see laying on the ground behind her twitching randomly, while she wore a tattered grey dress that I was sure must have been white at one time.
"P-p-please don't." She begged as the two shade's glowered down at her with their burning red eyes.
"You know the punishment for defying King Sombra. Now stay still and accept your fate slave." Said the one shade as he raised his blade to kill the now crying mare.
I couldn't just stand by and let them kill the women under the order's of this 'King Somra' figure. From what I was seeing she had done nothing wrong and was about to be put to death for no reason. So with a large battle cry I charge at the two shade's. Surprised by my shout they both turn to meet me but I had already closed the distance to my opponents and delivered a shield bash to the shade that was going to kill the mare.
The second shade charged at me and swung his blade which I easily parried before stabbing my sword into his chest. He looks at me in surprise for a second before I quickly pull my blade out and with a quick twirl I lop off his head watching as his body melts into black sludge.
Hearing a roar of anger from behind me I lash out with a kick that connects with the gut of the other shade sending him flying into the wall of the alley. Before he could recover I was on him and drove my blade into his sword arm pinning him to the wall as well as making him drop his blade. The shade looks at me in anger but once he see's the burning red eyes my Daedric helm gave me his anger was quickly replaced with fear.
"Now I'm going to ask you this only once asshole, who is King Sombra and why were you going to kill the women?" I growl out visibly making the bastard shiver.
"King Sombra is the ruler of the Crystal Empire and he has ordered all citizen's that are out after curfew to be killed. In fact the punishment for all crimes is either torture or death." He said fearfully.
Okay I may not know who this 'King Sombra is exactly but now I know what he is like. This bastard is a tyrant and treat's his citizens like shit. So being the hero I am it is obvious that I must now find and kill this bastard. But first I have to find out where he is and then deal with this piece of shit and help the women I had saved.
"Okay now last question and I'll free you, where is Sombra?" I said and could see the bit of relief in his eyes when I promised to release him. Poor fool.
"He's in the throne room in the spire! Now please let me go!" He quickly answered.
"Very well." I said before pulling my blade from his arm only to quickly drive it into his chest as he looks at me in shock.
"B-b-but you said y-y-you would f-free me?"
"And I did. I freed your cursed soul from your corrupt form. Now enjoy Oblivion!" I answer before yanking my blade out of him and watching him fall to the ground in a puddle of black sludge just like his comrade.
I then turn my attention to the scared woman and see her looking up at me in fear. Realizing how scary I must look to her I quickly sheath my sword and take off my helmet to show her my face. Quickly her look of fear is replaced by one of confused awe as if she has never seen a Nord before. At this time Erane and Aranea had walked up to me both looking disappointed that I took all the fun in killing those two shade's for myself. Oh well they'll get over it.
"Hey there no need to be afraid I'm not going to hurt you okay?" I say to the women with a friendly smile.
"W-w-who and what are you?" She asked timidly.
"I'm a Nord. My name is Raddin and I am the Dragonborn. These are my friends and comrade's Erane and Aranea. Haven't you ever seen a Nord before and what is your name?" I say and ask with a raised brow. Surely she must have at least heard of a Nord before?
"My name is Strawberry Delight and I am sorry to say that I have never heard or seen a Nord before. Actually I don't think anypony has in the history of Equestria." She said her fear of me now gone only to be replaced by curiosity.
For me and my friends though I knew we were in deep shit. Equestria? That was not any country I have ever heard of and I would know since I have looked at the world maps enough to nearly have them memorized. If that wasn't enough then the name she has is proof enough, no one in all of Nirn would name their child after a berry, except maybe Sheogoroth but that was beside's the point. Not even any plane of the Daedric Princes could fit this place. This only confirmed our worst fears, we were not on Nirn anymore and were in a new world that we know nothing about. I pushed those thought's aside for now and decided to focus on the present which included killing a certain King. Donning my helmet once more I stood up and began to walk towards the direction of the spire with Erane and Aranea following close behind me.
"Well thank you for your help Mrs Strawberry but we must go now. I have a KIng I need to kill so good day."
"Wait!" I heard Strawberry call from behind me making me stop and turn to her wondering what she wanted.
"Why? Why are you helping us? What's in it for you?" She asked in obvious confusion.
I tilt my head at her before answering in a sincere and honest tone, "because I want to. I don't want or need a reason to kill a tyrant. I hate seeing others suffer and won't stand idly by if I can do something about it. Just leave Sombra to me and soon you will never have to live in fear of him anymore. I swear on my title as Dragonborn!"
With that I walk off with my two companions following and hopefully leaving the women with the hope of a brighter future.
"Well that was a great speech Raddin. You really gave thatwomen some much needed hope." Said Aranea appraisingly.
"I just told her the truth Aranea. Now lets hurry up, we have a tyrant to dethrone after all and I hope to get it done before dinner!"
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Along the way towards the spire we encountered a few more shade's that we easily dispatched with a few arrows here, and some destruction spells there and a few decapitations. Nothing really interesting as these shades were a bunch of pushovers. Guess Sombra preferred quantity over quality.
Before long we had entered the spire and were traveling up to where we assumed the throne room to be. Sadly we quickly found ourselves totally lost.
"Great job Raddin now where so we go?" Asked a frustrated Erane.
"Oh bite me Erane! I don't see you with a map so don't act like you know it all." I responded annoyed. Before our argument could escalate any further a we all heard a feminine scream. We hesitated but a moment before rushing off towards the source of the scream. In the distance I saw two huge wooden doors being guarded on either side by two shade's.
I didn't even need to say a word as they were both killed with arrows to the head courtesy of Erane. The doors were then blasted off of their hinges by a firebolt from Aranea. The three of us quickly rushed inside and were appalled by what we were seeing. Shriveled up corpses littered the floor looking on with blank white eyes filled with agony and terror. Looking upon the throne I see who I can only assume was King Sombra with a mare hovering near him with a dark aura around her. To the side were a few other people who looked too frightened to move and severely malnourished.
Sombra himself was an evil looking guy in all regards. He was tall enough to reach my neck without the curved horn on his head that radiated the same dark aura that covered the mare, making me think they were connected. His fur was charcoal grey while his hair and tail were black and wild. His eyes were dark red with slit pupil's surrounded by dark green as a purple wisp flowed from his eyes. He wore dark steel armor with a headpiece that resembled a crown along with a large red and white cape that I supposed was to make him look 'royal.'
"Who dares disturb me!?" He demanded baring his fanged teeth as I stepped forward and raised my sword to him.
"I am Raddin the Dragonborn. Listener for the Night Mother, Harbinger of the Companions, Arch mage of the College of Winterhold and slayer of the World Eater Alduin. And I am here to claim your head tyrant!" I announce hoping to intimidate the bastard only for him to laugh at me! Oh this asshole was so going to die.
"Cute whelp. But now I think I will just kill you, and since you interrupted my noon feeding I'll be sure to make you suffer!" He called out before a group of shade's rushed into the room from the door Aranea blew off.
Erane and Aranea quickly went to work in dispatching the shade's as I charged straight for Sombra. The coward though threw the women in his grasp at me making me have to halt my charge in order to effectively catch her. Sombra used this moment to launch a beam of dark energy at me. On instinct I raised Spellbreaker to defend myself and the mare and watched as the beam dissipated before it even made contact. Seems that the bastard uses magicka and is a mage. Too bad for him Spellbreaker is the ultimate defense against magicka attacks.
Putting the mare down I tell her to go and hide as I once again charge at Sombra. Instead of firing his magicka blasts at me he starts making jagged spikes erupt from the ground to try and impale me! I push on though dodging most of the spikes and the few that do strike my armor protects me only receiving minor scratches and a small dent or two from where they hit.
As I closed the distance to Sombra I se him conjure a red crystal blade and leap at me from his throne. In response I slide under his slash to stop behind him. Turning around I shout out, "KRII LUN AUS!", and a purple wave surges forth to connect with Sombra. He seems unharmed for a moment before he gasps out in slight pain. My Marked for Death shout was ding it's job.
While he was trying to deal with the pain he was in I rushed forward to bring my blade down upon his head but Sombra raised his blade at the last second to block me only for a large crack to spread on his blade from where I impacted and him having to bring up both arms as he struggled to hold back my blade. Seeing his exposed stomach I kick him sending him sprawling onto his back. He tries to launch another blast of magicka at me only for me to block it with Spellbreaker.
Sombra used this moment to try and strike me with his sword but I was faster and parried the strike only to bring my own blade down to sever his sword arm off at the elbow. The tyrant cried out in pain as his severed limb fell to the ground and black blood began to leak from his wound. I didn't stop there as with a quick twirl of my blade I cut the bastards legs and brought him to his knees.
The fallen King looks up at me in a mixture of shock, fear and hatred as he asks, "how? How can some worthless freak defeat me!? I AM KING SOMBRA!!"
I had heard enough and quickly swung my sword severing his head from his shoulders.
"You were." I say coldly as I flick the corrupted blood off of my blade and sheath it. Erane and Aranea then come up to me looking a little ruffled with a scratch or two there but none the worse for wear.
"Well that was fun huh Raddin? You looked to be having a good time with the now headless asshole." Said Erane.
"Yeah he was more fun to kill than most but still wasn't as good a challenge as Alduin or that dwarven dragon we fought before. Still a job well done ladies." I say happily before a cough from behind me draws our attention to the group of people who were around when we fought Sombra.
I stared at them for a minute before the suddenly all bowed to me in unison. I was wondering why they were bowing to me and was about to ask when what the man in the front of the group says shocks me to the core.
"All hail King Raddin. The Dragonborn." He says which is quickly echoed by the others behind him.
Turning towards Aranea and Erane I can see they are just as shocked as I am. Then Aranea says something that pretty much sum's up this whole situation.
"Well fuck."
Truer words have never been spoken.
After hearing the ponies call me their new King everything sped by in a blur. My body was on auto pilot as my mind struggled to comprehend what was going on around me. How had retrieving a simple dwemer artifact lead to me becoming the King of a place not even in the same plane of existence as the one I came from? Sometimes I think the divines just love to fuck with my life.
So now here I sat in the throne that once belonged to Sombra with Aranea on my right and Erane on my left reading reports to me given to them by the ponies. Why aren't they as freaked out as I am with all of this!?
"The guards are only a third of what they were a thousand years ago and-" Erane was saying before I suddenly stood up making her stop and both her and Aranea look at me with raised brows.
"Is there something wrong Raddin?" asked Aranea.
"Something wrong? Of course there's something wrong! We've been in this world barely two days and yet in that time I have been crowned a King of these 'Ponies' and yet the two of you are acting like its the most normal thing on Nirn! Aren't you the least bit bothered by this?" I exclaimed finally letting out all of my pent up stress with my words rather than my sword.
Aranea and Erane briefly looked at each-other before looking back at me.
"Of course we're bothered by this Raddin. However we both know there is nothing any of us can do about it and have decided to just go along with what comes at us. Even if that means you being crowned a king. We'll need to get you a crown by the way." said Aranea before Erane then took over.
"She's right Listener. Plus can you really just walk away from these people? After reading the reports they won't last a week without some help and guidance. Now you and I both know that you wouldn't ever deny a single soul aid when they need it. Well they need it bad and the only way to give it is by being their king. Plus you wanted some excitement in your life so your getting what you asked for."
"Being a King wasn't what I had in mind at all. *sigh* but you are right Erane, I can't and won't deny them aid but I will be damned if I wear some damned fancy crown!" I declared making the two of them smile.
"Oh? Well then what do you plan to wear since your helm can't very well be your crown." pointed out Aranea with a smile that I quickly returned.
"Well for your information I have just the thing. Ulfric ended up giving it to me after the Civil War as a sign of thanks and it just so happens to be back... at the... manor." I trailed off as I had completely forgotten about my home that I had built with my own two hands and had lived in up until this point.
"Guards!" I called out and almost immediately twenty of them ran in and kneeled in front of me.
"Yes your highness." said the one in front as I rolled my eyes.
"Okay this isn't gonna work." I said with a shake of my head making the lead guard look up at me in confusion.
"Sire?"
"Listen buddy I can deal with the 'sire' and 'your highness' crap but the only ones I wish to bow before me are criminals and my enemies. You're my subject now and I will treat you with the same respect you have shown me. Now stand as I have an important task for you." I said as hesitantly all of the guards now stood at attention.
"Alright I want all of you plus a few volunteer workers to head to a manor just south of the Empire. I want you to bring everything inside that manor back to the castle but if at all possible I would like the manor itself brought inside the walls even if you have to tear it down and rebuild it inside. That place is very special to me so please be careful with everything." I said in a commanding yet kind tone.
Then with a quick round of 'yes sire's they were gone leaving me with my two closest friends and now advisors.
"So what needs to be done first?" I asked with a small smile. Maybe this was just the kind of thing my monotonic life needed.
2 months later
"By the Divines it's finally over...." I grumbled to myself as I collapsed face first onto my large, and quite comfy, bed.
Lacking my usual armor after being nearly nagged to death by Aranea I was now donned in an elegant crimson cape along with some brown silk trousers. Luckily I managed to get Aranea to let me wear some form of armor with it being a steel plated chest piece and boots. My most notable piece of attire however was the crown still on my head that was none other than the Jagged Crown worn by the first true king of Skyrim.
If I had known it would be this strenuous being a ruler of a kingdom I would have ran straight to Oblivion in an instant. Although, the job may be strenuous it was very rewarding. For every deed I did in helping the Empire grow it was always a pleasant feeling getting the thanks from my new citizens. I even heard they were making a statue for me already!
As I laid in my bed I lazily flipped over onto my back and stared at the sparkling crystal ceiling as I let my mind wander back to some of the things I had already accomplished in such a short time as a king.
2 weeks after becoming King
Sitting in my throne I was looking over the reports on the progress of the repairs to the city and they were sadly far behind schedule. It couldn't be helped though due to the small bit of manpower. Most of the citizens were still severely malnourished and weak thanks to Sombra and it would be another couple of weeks before they were ready to start working.
Thankfully the blacksmith's were in good shape but that's just because Sombra needed them healthy in order to make weapons for his army so it was sort of bitter sweet. Now I had to figure out how to get rebuilding back on track without working the citizens to death.
After an hour of thinking about it I had a crazy idea. It was a long shot at best but if I was right then I could kill two birds with one stone!
"Guard!" I called out and almost instantly a Guard was standing in front of me in a sloppy imitation of standing at attention. I silently made a note to improve the guards training as soon as possible. Otherwise this Empire wouldn't be around for very long.
"I want you to head to my private library and get me the book I have on the stand. I also want you to get another Guard to bring Aranea to me immediately." I ordered and with a quick salute the guard was off.
A few minutes later the same Guard returned with the book I had requested which I thanked him for and promptly sent him back to his post. The tome in my hands was the most prized one in my possession and one I kept away from Aranea whenever possible and for good reason. Now however though desperate times call for desperate measure's.
Just then the doors to the throne room opened to reveal Aranea walking in with a curious look on her face.
"Raddin, why did you send for me?" she asked as she stopped in front of my throne.
"I have an idea you would be most interested in Aranea. If this works than not only will we speed up the reconstruction of the Empire, but we may also upgrade our military power immensely. And it all has to do with you, me and this book." I said with a smile as she looked at me even more intensely before looking at the book in my hands. Upon seeing it her eyes widen in surprise.
"Is that the-" she started before I finished for her.
"The Ogma Infinium. The book of infinite knowledge as it were."
She was silent for a good while as I let her take in the fact I had the greatest source of knowledge in all of Nirn in my hands. Eventually though she began to regain her composure and now looked at me with barely restrained glee with her interest now peeked to the fullest.
"And what is this plan you have that requires such an artifact?"
"If this book has the immense knowledge that I am sure it does I want you to go through the book and find the info on the Dwemer. More specifically I want you to find the knowledge of their automatons and how they are made. Then put the smith's to work in building them with the materials we have. Are you up for it?" I asked with a hidden challenge in my statement.
Aranea's response was a smirk and crossing her arms before saying, "when do I start?"
Present
I laughed as I thought back on that day. Not even three days later and Aranea was already an expert on the Dwarven automatons. Granted we didn't have the necessary materials usually found in making them but we found great substitutes that actually lead to even greater advancements.
While we lacked the Dwarven metal it was found out that the endless crystal mines connected to and iron ore vein that was as near endless as the crystals! Instead of using the iron though we decided to use stronger metals which was made possible due to mine and Aranea's use of our transmutation spells which we had perfected and even improved upon to the point of changing iron into ebony ore.
The mass amount of such an ore needed was too much for just two mages to handle though and after a suggestion from Aranea I had a wing of the castle changed into the Crystal College where Aranea now taught those who were willing to learn our version of Magicka. She would teach them until they were at the adept level in at least three schools of their choosing before letting them decide where they could go from there.
They could either train to become battle mages in the guard, or continue their studies with her and one day become teachers themselves. Important thing was though that the more who learned how to use the transmutation spell the greater the ebony ore supply increased. We still kept the iron ore to sell or simply turn into gold and silver for profit to be sold at a later date.
Next came finding the power source for the automatons which was actually the easiest problem to solve. Upon examining the crystal's upon sheer curiosity Aranea discovered the crystals were very similar to soul gems only with a few slight differences with the main one being that they drew in magic straight from the crystal heart constantly making them an endless supply of power. A simple chuck the size of my fist was enough to power a Centurion for Talos sake!
So now we had dozen of Spider's helping in the building of the empire. Sphere's patrolling the streets and walls of the Empire and two Centurions guarding the gates.
While this had been going on I had personally saw to it that the guards received the best training possible. Did I train them? Fuck no! Instead I had a very good friend of mine do it for me.
After practicing my Call of Valor I discovered that I could summon more than just Gormlaith, Felldir and Hakon to battle with me. Turns out that with enough practice I could summon any hero from Sovngarde I wished. And that is exactly what I did by summoning one of my old mentors Kodlak Whitemane.
The old dog was more than happy to pass on his knowledge of the Companions to the guards but it went a little to well in my opinion. Damn ponies were so damn impressionable that after the first three days they were all calling each-other shield brother and shield sister respectively. They started calling me Harbinger as well instead of 'my lord' or anything of the like so I guess it wasn't all bad.
So with the guard getting back into shape it was time for me to remake something that can either make or break a kingdom... intelligence.
6 weeks after becoming King
At this time instead of being in my throne I was in my personal armory that the guards had generously remade in almost the exact same manner as it was in my manor. Good thing to so I didn't have to spend a good few hours trying to figure out where everything was again. Though right now I was holding a rather particular weapon that was definitely older than I was by a good hundred or so years.
"You called for me Listener?" asked Erane as she walked into the room through the doors I had left open.
"Yes I did. I needed to talk to you about something important that I know only you would be fit for." I said without looking at her.
"Well it's about time. Reading you reports got old real quick. So what do you need me for?"
Hearing this I couldn't help the smile that spread across my face as I turned to face her with the weapon still in my hands. When Erane saw said weapon her once curious face turned into one of awe as she recognized the weapon.
"B-b-but that's-" she began only for me to finish.
"The Blade of Woe. The weapon and symbol of the leader of the Dark Brotherhood. You see Erane the reason I called you here is because I want to remake the Brotherhood.... with you as it's commander." I said dropping the stone as it were. The sight of Erane's shocked face was nearly enough to make me burst out laughing.
"W-w-what! B-b-but I can't, I-"
"But nothing Erane. You and I are the only ones who knows the in's and outs of the Dark Brotherhood. I'm a king now and can't do it myself so that leaves you to do so in my stead. I need an intelligence division and I can find no better than a guild of assassin's to do the deed. As such you need the symbol of your new station." I said while holding out the blade to her.
Hesitantly she reached out and took the blade in her hands with care. I understood her reverence of the ancient weapon of the Brotherhood but that didn't mean it made me feel a bit awkward.
"Any strings attached with the job?" asked Erane after finally snapping herself out of her little moment of awe.
"Only that you answer to me and me alone as well as those you want to join have to be approved by me first and that's only if they accept alright?" I said laying out the terms for her which in my opinion weren't much of a problem.
"....so where are my first batch of trainees?" asked Erane as she slid the Blade of Woe into her belt. Gotta love a women who doesn't beat around the bush.
Present
And like that the Empire was well on its way to getting back on its feet. Strangely enough the farms weren't as much of a hassle as I thought they would be and the food stores had enough to last the Empire well over a year and a half giving plenty of time for the farmers to get back into the groove of things and supplying food.
If that wasn't enough then the fact that the snow around the Empire was starting to steadily decline revealing fresh grassland underneath. It took some explaining from one of my pony advisors to get me to understand that the Crystal Heart, the Empire's source of power, was the one behind it. The happiness of the citizens was reflected in the Crystal Heart's power and the happier the Empire the greater it would prosper.
I was broken from my trip down memory lane due to the entry of both Aranea and Erane who both gave me looks of annoyance at seeing me just lying on my bed.
"Raddin do you know what time it is?" asked/demanded Aranea.
"Ummm, time for dinner?" I asked not really sure what she or Erane were talking about. As far as knew I had gotten done with all of my work today so why were they still bugging me?
"No you skeever brain! Today's the day you make your speech to the Empire! You were supposed to do so at your inauguration but due to the detrimental state of the Empire it was put off. Now that things have somewhat stabilized you are expected to make up for it! Now get up and inspire your people!" declared Erane as she kicked me off my bed and onto the floor harshly.
I didn't even bother trying to talk my way out of it as I knew it wouldn't work with these two. So instead I sucked it up and with a quick swig of ale for courage walked down the halls towards the balcony where I would be in plain view of the citizens of the Empire and where I would be heard clearly.
Walking down the halls on either side stood guards now bereft of the traditional crystal armor and instead they now all wore the Wolf armor the Companions favored. As I said before, impressionable. But it was a much more welcome sight than those damned eyesore of crystal armor. They were more for show than anything else!
Eventually though I stepped out onto the small balcony where below me thousands of ponies who had blindly followed me these past months stood waiting to hear what I had to say. On either side of me stood Erane and Aranea with looks of encouragement that helped ease my worries somewhat as I wasn't much of a public speaker save for when on the battlefield.
Taking a deep breath to steady myself and collect my thoughts I step forward and speak loud enough for my voice to carry down to the ponies far below which was helped by the enchantments placed up to amplify my voice.
"Ponies. My citizens. For two whole months now you have followed me, a man whom you are only seeing and hearing from for the first time. I know some of you may still distrust me even after slaying the tyrant Sombra, that you wonder if you just traded one tyrant for another. I am here to say that I am nothing like that monster. When I came to the Empire I didn't come with the mind to kill Sombra and take his place. No, I killed him because the crimes he had committed against you, his own people, were worthy of death. Now I may look different and my customs may be different, even barbaric to you in some ways but I assure you that as long as I wear this crown as your King I will do everything in my power to ensure that this Empire continues to prosper as it has these passed couple of months. If you don't trust me as a person than trust in my beliefs that this Empire can and will become better than it ever has before! This is my oath to you not as a King but upon my very soul, that if I should fail or falter in this oath than let me be cast into Oblivion itself!" I declare proudly.
Almost as soon as I had finished the crowd erupted in cheers and shouts of joy making my heart swell with pride. Turning to Aranea and Erane I see them giving me smiles of pride while behind them stood the guards. Once I set me sights on them they all kneel in unison before the one in front says, "we are ready to follow you, our King."
And in that moment I realized just how lucky I was to be the King of such a place. Not for the riches, the praise or even the respect garnered from such a position. Rather it was the simple fact of knowing that these ponies trust me enough to follow me to whatever ends and the sheer pride of knowing that I can have them proudly call me their King. I had unknowingly made another promise in that moment. Not to just bring the Empire itself to glory but to also be a King that these ponies could be proud of.
On my title as Dragonborn I would not fail these ponies. No, not ponies, my people. My citizens. My Empire.
Western Border of the Crystal Empire, 1 1/2 years later
At the very edge of the Crystal Empire a group of nine individuals could be seen making their way through the snow in the direction of the city. These individuals were sent by Princess Celestia herself to end the tyrant King Sombra and reclaim the Crystal Empire in the name of Equestria.
The first of the group, who also appeared to be the one in charge of the mission, was a mare standing roughly six feet tall possessing an hourglass figure with high D-cup bust. She had bright pink fur with a long mane and tail colored yellow, purple and magenta but her most notable features were her horn and wings making her an alicorn. For attire she wore a light pink strapless dress with her crystal heart cutie mark stitched onto her hips along with her gold regalia. This was Princess Mi Amore Cadenza, or better known as Princess Cadence to friends.
Close by her side stood one of the only two males in the group. The stallion stood at six foot one and had a well built form, with white fur that matched the surrounding snow and an electric blue short, spiky mane. Poking out of said mane was a short horn making him a unicorn. He was wearing more appropriate attire for this mission as he had on dark blue pant's, black form fitting shirt under a dark purple chest plate, a black traveling cloak and finally a longsword sheathed at his hip. He was Shining Armor, Captain of the Solar Guard and husband to the aforementioned Princess Cadence.
Behind the two of them stood six mares and on young drake. These six mares were the bearers of the Element's of Harmony, while the drake was simply an extra who was a brother/son figure to one of the mares.
The lead mare of the six was a purple furred unicorn with a straight violet mane with a pink stripe through it. She stood at five foot six and had a rather modest figure with low C-cup breasts. What she wore was a pair of tight blue jeans, a dark purple turtleneck with a pair of matching earmuffs. Her name was Twilight Sparkle, personal student of Princess Celestia and the Element of Magic.
Standing directly to her right was a light blue pegasus mare, as indicated by her wings which she was using to currently hover about a foot off of the ground. She had a spiky rainbow colored mane and tail while her figure was more athletic than the others only possessing a mid B-cup for her chest size. She wore a pair of black track pants, a blue t-shirt under a grey windbreaker. This was Rainbow Dash, self proclaimed 'Fastest Flyer in Equestria' and bearer of the Element of Loyalty.
On Twilight's immediate left stood an orange furred earth pony mare, as indicated by her lack of extremities such as wings or a horn. This mare had a long blonde mane and tail done up in 'ponytails' and sported a very defined yet not unappealing muscular figure as she stood at five foot ten and had a high C-cup bust. Her own ensemble included a pair of worn faded blue jeans, a dark brown jacket and an old, but well taken care of, stetson. Her name was Applejack, owner of the Apple farm in Ponyville and bearer of the Element of Honesty.
Next to, but also slightly behind, Rainbow floated another pegasi only she had light yellow fur with a long pink mane and tail. Out of all the mares present she had the most impressive figure, she stood at five foot ten with flawless curves and had at least an E-cup bust. While her outfit was meant to be conservative it did nothing to hide her figure as she wore a pair of tight fitting skinny jeans, a dark green turtleneck, a fuzzy pink scarf and a matching pink beanie. Her name was Fluttershy, Ponyville's animal caretaker and bearer of the Element of Kindness.
Opposite of Fluttershy was another unicorn like Twilight as indicated by her finely manicured white horn. Her fur was a shining white that put Shining's to shame, while her purple mane was done in elegant curls. She stood a respectable five foot six and had a well cared for figure with a mid C-cup bust. The attire she had selected was as functional as it was fashionable as she had tight fitting purple pants, a white fur lined purple coat and finally a fur lined purple cap. This mare's name was Rarity, Ponyville's resident fashionista and bearer of the Element of Generosity.
The last of the mares was an earth pony like Applejack who was happily hopping all around the group. She had bright pink fur with a darker pink mane and tail that were very poofy. When standing still she stood at five foot eight and possessed a fuller figure that filled out in all the right spots as seen by her high C-cup bust and slightly more pronounced flank's. She probably had the most outlandish cold weather attire of all as she wore a pair of bright yellow pants, a completely fuzzy blue jacket and a white and red striped cap. Her name was Pinkie Pie, Equestria's greatest party planner and the bearer of the Element of Laughter.
Finally bringing up the rear was the last male of the group and the only drake. He possessed light purple scales with a short reptilian tail along with neon green spines traveling from the top of his head to the end of his spade shaped tail. By fare the shortest of the group he stood at four foot five and possessed a boyish figure. He wore a dark purple snow suit with a green scarf covering the entire lower portion of his face while on his back sat a ridiculously large pack filled with all manner of gear. This young drakes name was Spike, assistant/brother/son figure to Twilight Sparkle.
"How much longer until we reach the empire Shiny?" asked Twilight as she looked towards her big brother.
"It's still a good few hours walk yet Twily." he answered back kindly.
"Ugh I hope so, this weather is absolutely dreadful !" complained Rarity.
As the group moved and talked none of them noticed a slight shimmer in the air a bit away before giving way to reveal a figure dressed from head to hoof in black and red leather armor. (dark brotherhood armor) The figure was male by his body shape and he continued to watch the group until they were completely consumed by the swirling snow. Once they were out of sight the Dark Brotherhood member pulled out an oval cut, white crystal and pulled it up to his face. The crystal then began to glow before the figure spoke into it.
"This is the Western Border, we've got a company of eight ponies and one drake making their way towards the Empire, acknowledge." he said and waited a moment before a female voice responded from the other end.
"Acknowledged. Stand by and we'll take it from here."
Accepting the response the stallion pocketed the gem once more and quickly disappeared once more with the help of his armors enchantments.
Gates of the Crystal Empire
At the gates leading into the Crystal Empire stood two Crystal Guards dressed head to hoof in the Wolf Armor of the Companions that had now become standard issue amongst the guard. The Guard on the left wielded a large steel battle axe while his companion on the right favored a steel shield and sword combo. Stretching out before them was a few miles of beautiful grassy plains, a symbol that the Crystal Heart's power was well at work on restoring the land to it's once prosperous state before Sombra's reign.
On either side of the guards stood two Dwarven Centurions. Each Centurion stood fifteen feet tall and was made completely out of Ebony. Each one also wielded a giant hammer for the right arm while a large crossbow, with exploding bolts, made up it's left. Their eyes glowed with magic despite their forms standing as if they were mere statues.
Neither of the guards spoke as they waited vigilantly for the arrival of the 'trespassers.' They had been informed hours ago about the groups arrival and were given orders to not allow them entry until the King deemed otherwise. If and when they came they would send word to the King and he would come to decide what's to be done about this new development.
It was a few minutes later that the guards caught sight of the group of ponies that they had been informed of and with a quick nod to each-other the guard on the left knocked on the gates three times. This was the signal for a courier to be dispatched to the King to inform him of the situation.
The guards then watched with rapt attention as the ponies approached. The group seemed surprised to see them but approached nonetheless stopping when they were only a few feet away. It was then the guard on the left stepped forward with a raised hand.
"Halt! State your business in the Crystal Empire." demanded the guard before Cadence decided to step forward.
"I am Princess Mi Amore Cadenza and I have come, along with my companions, to rid the Empire of the tyrant Sombra!" she said with conviction but all she got was a snort from guard she was speaking to companion.
"Your too late for that. Sombra has been dead and gone for nearly two years now and he fell at the hands of our current ruler King Raddin. Seems like you came here for nothing." said the guard hoping his words would be enough to make the group just go away.
Unfortunately this had quite the opposite effect on the ponies. Since the Empire had been indisposed of for so long they were unaware that the term's 'King' and 'Queen' were now seen as titles given to tyrants and oppressor's. This meant that the new arrival's just thought that the Empire had traded one tyrant for another.
"What!? Then you must let us inside quickly so we can dispose of this so called 'King'!" declared Shining as he moved to step forward but was stopped once the guards brandished their battle axe and sword respectively.
"You will not harm our King! Rahinseten! (rise in the dragon tongue)called out the guard wielding the battle axe as the two Centurions began to come alive.
While the ponies, and the drake Spike especially, were surprised at the guard speaking in the ancient dragon language, they were ven more surprised at the walking centurions that they had thought previously were statues. They quickly back up and took defensive positions as they tried to come up with a plan.
"They must be brainwashed Cadence! There can't be any other explanation for why they would serve a tyrant so desperately!" declared Twilight.
"Than I reckon we gotta knock sum sense back inta th'em!" drawled Applejack as she reached behind her for her lasso.(please forgive me if I majorly screw up on her southern drawl)
"Now that's a plan I can get behind." said Rainbow as she threw a few punches in the air.
Before either party could make a move however to attack the other the gates began to open. As soon as the gates had fully opened a group of twenty guards rushed out forming an open aisle for a lone figure to walk through. This figure was none other than Raddin, the King of the Crystal Empire yet instead of being in his royal robes and crown he was now donned in his Daedric armor minus the helm. On his left he carried Spellbreaker while he had Worldeater sheathed at his side.
When he reached the end of the aisle and stood just mere feet from the Equestrians Raddin took a quick moment to observe them before speaking.
"What in Oblivions name are you followers of that pitiful excuse of a ruler Celestia doing in my Empire!?"
Author's Note
Okay first off sorry this chapter isn't as long but hey it happens.
As for the word in the dragon language I made it using the dragon alphabet from Skyrim so please don't hound me about it and just accept it please for the sake of the story.
Before the Equestrian's arrival
Raddin's pov
"Another day, another shit ton of paperwork." I sigh to myself as I sign another document and set it with the others I had already signed.
In truth though the past year and a half has been very prosperous. It was rough at first since the remaining nobility of the Empire had tried to kiss my ass to get in my good graces. Too bad for them I have become quite the politician during my time in Skyrim. In those lands you had to have a bit of political savvy if you wanted to get anywhere.
First was the various Dwarven automaton's that Aranea had made possible with her reading's of the Oghma Infinium. The Dwarven Spider's had become perfect builders as well as great tools for farming. In just a few short weeks the entire Empire had been repaired with their help and we soon had found other uses for them. The became standard civilian tools used by workers in construction projects as well as by farmers for dispersing seeds and carrying products to the market. Basically the Dwarven Spider became a tool for multiple uses by the citizens of the Empire.
Next was the Dwarven Sphere's. They weren't as versatile as the Spider's but they were still invaluable as foot soldiers and helped in the Guard's as a police force. Standard procedure now was one Sphere for every two Guards while out on patrol as it was better safe than sorry despite the peaceful state of the Empire at the moment. Even with the Sphere's serving mostly an the policing of the streets they were also regular wall guards almost twenty four seven. The one advantage over the Guards was their ability not to tire and to forever remain vigilant.
Even with the Spiders and Sphere's doing their parts however the Centurions were by no means slouches. Every critical section of the Empire was guarded by no less than two Centurions. While they mostly stayed still and just watched as things happened around them it was also due to their creation that we discovered a little side effect to using the Empire's crystals for their power source. It was found out that due to the crystals magical properties that mages in the presence of these crystals seem to gain a rather significant boost to their magical abilities. Basically the larger the crystal the greater the magical increase. That was why it was decided earlier on between my advisors and myself that the battle mage's would immediately be deployed to where Centurions were stationed in the event of an attack.
Besides the automaton's however came the fact that I agreed to mass publish the various books of my personal library to the public and needless to say opinions varied. While most found them a good read there were still a good few that took the books a little closer to heart. Those few had taken to adopting the beliefs of the races of Nirn though one particular race stood out. From what I had been told most of those adopting the belief's of the races of Nirn had taken up the ways of the Nord's more in reverence to myself than anything else. I didn't mind this much since it wasn't really bothering anyone so I let them do as they pleased.
Despite all the work on my part, what with reestablishing the Dark Brotherhood under Erane and the supplies for the new College under Aranea I still managed to find time for myself. I had taken this time to read the books in Sombra's library and better acquaint myself with pony culture, among the other races of this world. During my searches however I managed to stumble upon Sombra's personal journal, and what I found in there nearly drove me into a rage rivalling that which I felt when I fought Harkon alongside Serena.
Whatever could be said about Sombra he was very detailed in his descriptions regarding his exploits. Most prominent being his 'battle' with the Princesses of the Sun and Moon Celestia and Luna. How it was told was that despite having the power of this worlds 'highest beings' and with the aid of the 'Element's of Harmony', they still couldn't do much against him. Or rather they wouldn't . They apparently held the 'all life is sacred' mentality which prevented them from doing what needed to be done. Instead of slaying Sombra and eliminating a threat permanently from the world they decided to imprison him along with the rest of the Empire.
In my eye's they were nothing but a bunch of pathetic cowards willing to sacrifice the lives of thousands just to keep their own hands clean. I took no great joy in just taking lives needlessly myself, but that did not mean I wouldn't do so if it was for the greater good of the world and more importantly the people. When I gave copies of this journal for the public to read themselves any remaining support for the Princesses died at the fact the ones they saw in such a good light actually condemned them just to keep an image of benevolent and caring rulers.
"Ruby, how many more papers do I have to go over?" I groaned as I turned towards my secretary.
Her name was actually Ruby Skies but I simply called her Ruby. She was a crystal mare with sky blue crystal fur with a long ruby mane and tail. She was an attractive mare by all accounts, what with her five foot eight height and curvy figure defined by her red blouse and blue skirt. Her most astounding features however were in her filing abilities which was why she had been given her station as his secretary.
"Forty more documents your majesty. After that you have some meetings with Ladies Erane and Aranea." said Ruby as she took the stack of finished papers and began to file them away while I groaned in annoyance. Paperwork was a madness worse than anything Sheogorath could come up with.
Thankfully a distraction came in the form of a courier bursting through my chambers doors. The courier wore the standard grey cloak with the scroll insignia on his shoulder which signified his station. He was breathing heavily for a moment in which time I had been able to recognize him as the courier of one of the Empire's gates.
"Sire! Eight Equestrian's and one drake have just been spotted near the gates!" he exclaimed making my eyes narrow.
I knew on day Celestia would come back to try and reclaim the Empire for her own once more. The resources this land possessed were too numerous to count so it would only make sense for any ruler to want control of such a land. However I would not let her take advantage of my subjects once more and I fully intend to make this clear with these Equestrian's before I send them running back to those pitiful rulers of theirs.
"Ruby leave us! More important matters have just arisen that require my attention." I ordered and without another word she had left leaving the courier and myself.
"What should I do sire?" asked the courier as I moved towards my armor rack which held the armor and weapons I used to slay Sombra.
"Go alert the Guard's that I want a small contingent of them at the Castle doors by the time I arrive. We are going to greet these Equestrian's as soon as I have donned my armor." I order as I began to don my armor once more. The only indication that the Courier had left to give my orders was the quick opening and closing of my chambers doors.
A few short minutes after the courier had left and I now found myself fully armored and standing in front of the twenty Guard's I had requested. Giving them a brief once over I started to march towards the gates with my Guards forming up alongside me. As we passed through the various streets of the Empire the citizens would stop and give their greetings to us as we passed. I gave pleasant smiles and curt nods all the while my mind was drifting to how I would handle the situation regarding the Equestrian's. In the end I just decided to wing it as I had no clue as to what I was dealing with.
When we had finally arrived at the gates my Guards had gone through first in order to make sure the area was secure before allowing myself through to greet our uninvited guests. What I saw however left me sorely disappointed.
First off the six mares in question didn't look like anything special in the least bit.
The yellow Pegasus looked like her own shadow would send her running as soon as she saw it, the rainbow mane one from her stance alone had an air of arrogance and bravado that I had killed many a man for having. Then the Earth ponies, while the orange one with the weird hat looked strong in body I could easily tell she was a farmer and far from a professionally trained soldier, her pink counterpart however had this air about her that reminded me of Sheogorath when I had met him in order to retrieve the Wabbajack. Finally was the unicorn's, the white one was obviously a noble of some kind or at least trying to be one as she was more concerned about her looks than anything else, as for the purple one I could see great knowledge in her eyes but also quite a bit of naiveté so I figured her more of a scholar than anything else.
Next was the two ponies out front, the white stallion unicorn and the pink alicorn. The stallion was definitely a warrior of some kind and he reminded me of the Hold guards back home. Still he wasn't nearly as intimidating as he tried to make himself and I instantly knew that he was the only 'real' muscle for this little mission of Celestia's. The alicorn however I already didn't trust and figured her more of a liability than anything else. First off she wore a dress into a possible hostile territory, she possessed no weapons to defend herself and she radiated an aura as if she was on some 'noble quest'.
I didn't even bother to try and analyze the so called 'dragon' with them as he was nothing in my eyes. Compared to the dragons, especially Alduin, that I have slain the little milk drinker was nothing but a nuisance at most. It was then Id decided to address them in a way I found appropriate.
"What in Oblivions name are you followers of that pitiful excuse of a ruler Celestia doing in my Empire!?" I bellowed. Yeah, real subtle.
Unsurprisingly the Equestrian's were shocked for a few moments. The faces on them would have made me smile if not for the situation. So I opted to adopt what most have dubbed my 'dragon face'. They said when I have that face I look like an angry dragon rather than a Nord. That face had helped immensely when I needed to 'persuade' someone to see things my way in the past and I felt it appropriate for this moment.
It was then that the stallion spoke up having finally broken out of his stupor.
"Your Empire!? This Empire is to be ruled over by Princess Cadence under the authority of Princess Celestia! Not some freak creature who is nothing but a false ruler and tyrant!" declared the stallion only for one of my Guards to yell back at him.
"You know nothing! Celestia has no rule here anymore after she left us to rot alongside Sombra to save her own skin! And you, a mere trespasser dare accuse our King of being a tyrant? He slayed Sombra single handedly which is something your pathetic rulers were incapable of doing! So why don't you just leave us all be since you Equestrian's seem to be very good at that." growled the Guard as the other Guards quickly voiced their agreements.
"What the hay!? We came all this way to save your flanks and this is the thanks we get!?" said the Rainbow maned one in disbelief and a little anger.
For the next few minutes I listened on in silence as the Equestrian's and my Guards traded verbal blows. The Equestrian's kept trying to paint me as a tyrant and saying that my Guards were, 'poor brainwashed slaves that they were here to free.' My Guards however would just deny any mention of me being a tyrant in any form and trying in vain to get the ponies to believe they were in no way brainwashed or under any sort of outside influence.
Eventually I had enough of the back and forth argument and decided to settle things in the traditional way. Well, traditional for a Nord that is.
"Enough." I said evenly but my voice was somehow heard over their yelling and the two groups finally silenced themselves leaving me time to speak my offer to them all.
"Now that you are all quiet I believe I have a way we can settle all of this. You see my people had a way for dealing with disputes such as these in a way befitting of our culture. By honorable combat. So I offer you this, I challenge one of your party in one on one combat of their choosing. Should your chosen win then I will relinquish my throne to you," as soon as I had said this my Guards began to protest as the Equestrian's looked on in interest. Only by raising my hand in a gesture for silence was I then able to finish, "however if I win then you will become prisoners of the Empire until a time I see fit for the charges of trespassing and slander of my person. Do you agree? Cause if not then you can always turn around and run back to Celestia with your tails between your legs." I finished with a challenging smirk.
I calmly waited as the Equestrian's debated on my offer. I was unconcerned however since I knew they would accept. They were too confident in their abilities, or lack thereof, and too naïve to the fact that they were outmatched by myself. Soon the would learn however, the only real reason I wanted to have them imprisoned so I could gain more profit by trading hem off back to Celestia. Not only would this increase the Empire's treasury quite a bit, but it would also serve as a message that the Empire no longer follows her rule.
After a few more minutes of debate with the Equestrian's the stallion finally stepped forward challengingly as he glared at me.
"So I assume you have accepted my offer?" I asked with a smirk.
"Yes we have." he responded simply.
"Very well then! Now what are the parameter's for this duel?" I asked.
"Strictly swords. No shields or magic." he stated while drawing his own sword for emphases. What he didn't expect though was the laughing that came from my Guards while the Equestrian's gave them all confused looks.
"I don't get it, what's so funny?" asked Pinkie tilting her head.
"Hehehe, it's just that your friend there just made the biggest mistake of his life when he chose to cross blades with the King. Don't worry you'll find out soon enough." said a Guard making the Equestrian's feel a little uneasy if the looks on their faces were anything to go by.
Dropping my shield I drew World Eater from it' sheath and felt a small rush as my dragon blood began to boil at the thought of battle.
"Now before we begin may I know the name of my opponent?" I ask more out of curiosity than anything else.
"Shining Armor, Captain of the Solar Guard and husband to Princess Mi Amore Cadenza." he stated and I decided to reciprocate by introducing myself.
"Raddin, Dragonborn and King of the Crystal Empire." I say.
"Not for long!" declared Shining as he rushed at me with his sword raised.
As he approached I readied my own blade and when he brought his down my blade quickly came up to block his strike. We held the deadlock for a few moments as he futilely tried to overpower me. Finally I pushed him away and we began to circle each-other, eyeing one another up looking for any opening's. Then we clashed once more as sparks flew from our blades as we exchanged blows.
Almost immediately the difference in our skills could be seen even to a novice. My swordsmanship was forged by countless battles against beings that could be considered gods in their own right as well as being trained by masters of the sword all across the land of Skyrim and it surely showed. Shining's however was too rigid and lacked any creativity to his strikes since they were all textbook techniques. He may be Captain of the so called 'Solar Guard' but that only meant he was one of many mediocre trained swordsmen. I was truly disappointed that I had gotten my hopes up about actually having a decent fight.
Deciding to end this quickly on Shining's next overhead swing I locked our blades once more only this time I gave way making Shining fall forward and lose his balance. Before he could recover I quickly drove my knee into his midsection making him hunch over as he gasped in pain. As he was hunched over I then drove World Eater's pommel into the back of Shining's skull sending him face first into the dirt heavily where he then laid unmoving.
"Shining!" cried the alicorn, whom I assumed was the Cadenza, and the purple unicorn mare as they rushed to the fallen stallion's sides.
"He's not dead merely knocked out. Now however it is time for you to uphold our deal. I have one the duel fair and square and now you must accompany me to the castle as my prisoners until further notice, understood?" I asked as I sheathed my sword.
The two of them could only nod as my Guard's rushed in and placed the Equestrian contingent in shackles and, for this with horns, magic inhibitors. While the others were made to walk through the city to the castle however, Shining was being carried via telekinesis to the hospital to be checked for any lasting damage from our 'duel.'
Taking one quick survey of the area around the gate I give the gate Guard's a nod of thanks and walk through on my way to the castle to finish that damned paperwork. Was it really too late to go back to adventuring?
3rd Person Pov
As the Equestrian's were lead through the Empire's gates in chains they quickly saw Shining being carried away in a different direction via levitation by two Guards. Almost immediately Twilight and Cadence began to struggle in their binds forcing the Guards to hold on tighter lest their new prisoners break free.
"Where are you taking him!?" demanded Cadence as she was yanked back by the Guards. Before one of them could answer however Raddin had returned and decided to answer for them.
"They are taking him to the hospital to make sure there is no lasting damage from our so called 'duel'." explained Raddin with a bit of sarcasm when he said duel, which they all noticed but no one called him on it.
Without another word Raddin proceeded to walk directly to the castle while the Equestrian's were hustled along by his Guards. Yet while they walked Raddin could feel the ponies staring at him with varying emotions of fear, anger, suspicion and even curiosity. Years as a thief and assassin had given him great awareness to such things. Eventually said stares began to grate on the Dragonborn's nerves all the way up until he had finally had enough and looked back at them.
"Can I help you?" he asked suddenly, startling the ponies.
"What?" asked Twilight suddenly very nervous under the strange King's stare. In her mind she had every right to be afraid since he had easily defeated her brother who was said to be the best Captain of the guard in the last century.
"I asked if I can help you since you all seem to being staring at me for one reason or another and it's starting to annoy me." he stated plainly getting a few of the mares to blush in embarrassment while some just hardened their glares hoping to burn a hole through his very being.
"Well you can help us by taking these damn chains off and handing the throne over to Cadence!" demanded Dash and was nearly slapped by one of the Guards but a raised hand from Raddin stopped it.
"Sorry but that is not possible. We had an agreement and I won so now 'Cadence' doesn't get squat and instead you all get chains until I say otherwise. Anything else?" says Raddin in a bored tone angering the mare even more.
"Actually I have something, how about you let the citizens of the Empire free from your spell!" demanded Twilight as she glared at Raddin who now glared right back making her flinch.
"...you actually think they are under a spell? Some sort of magical influence that makes them obey my will?" the Nord asked coldly.
"W-w-well yea-" began Twilight timidly only to be cut off by Raddin as his eye's turned slit for a moment as his anger brought out some traits from his draconic blood. Something Spike instantly noticed with his instincts screaming at him to bow before this superior drake while his draconic pride wanted to challenge Raddin right on the spot. All Spike knew was that despite his alien appearance he was staring down a true dragon that put all others to shame.
"Wrong! They serve me willingly you stupid girl! Look around you! Does this look like a tyrant rules here!? Does this Empire look anything less than what it was always meant to be!?" roared Raddin as he gestured all around them and it was only then that the ponies actually took in there surroundings and were stunned at what they saw.
They expected the Empire to be a shambling mess of broken structures and statues of the lands ruler while malnourished ponies wallowed in despair and sadness. What they were seeing was the exact opposite to their previous delusions.
At the moment they were in the main square of the Empire and said Empire shined with life as immaculate crystal buildings gleamed in the suns rays, and dead center was a tall statue of Raddin donned in his armor with the Jagged crown upon his head and standing over the fallen form of Sombra. Meanwhile crystal ponies walked to and fro about their day talking, laughing and smiling as if they couldn't be happier. Occasionally there was a Dwarven Spider seen carrying some grain, pulling a cart or even having a little filly or colt riding happily on their backs.
The Equestrian's could only stare in shock at the feeling of peace that came from seeing such happiness from what they had assumed were brainwashed slaves of the so called tyrant. It was then they also noticed how many ponies had started to stare at them not too kindly. In fact some were outright glaring hatefully at them!
"Why are the so frowny wowny? Did we do something wrong?" asked Pinkie Pie sadly as she never liked seeing frowns on other ponies faces but being the cause of said frowns was way worse for her.
"You want to know why? Let me show you." said Raddin as he walked up to a street vendor selling some books, especially one in particular. Giving the old pony a bag of bits way more than what the book was worth and taking said book back to the group where he tossed it to Twilight who caught it despite her surprise when she saw the title of the book.
"The Journal of Sombra? What is this supposed to tell me?" she asked suspiciously.
"As the title implies it is the personal journal of Sombra, or a copy of the original really that I had published so that the entire Empire may learn the truth behind your Princesses." explained Raddin making the Equestrian's all the more suspicious. Even so Twilight opened the book and quickly began to red it's contents with her eyes widening with every line read making her friends worry.
"But.. t-this can't be true! The Princesses would never do something like this!" declared Twilight as she quickly snapped the book shut and glared at Raddin with utmost hatred, "lies! It's all a pack of lies you made up!" she accused but Raddin was unfazed.
"I do not lie woman. Bend the truth? Maybe, but I never lie. Everything in that book was directly from the twisted mind of the former tyrant of this Empire. Now if you asked Celestia than she would most likely lie in order to save face but Sombra had no reason to lie especially since it was in his own journal which more likely than not was meant for his eyes only. Better an honest foe than a dishonest friend." said Raddin and he looked on curiously as Twilight turned to Applejack with an almost pleading expression.
"Please tell me he's lying. Please!" asked Twilight hoping what she had read in that book was all just fabricated lies to turn the ponies of the Crystal Empire to his side. Yet her pleading only made the farm mare feel even worse for what she was about to say.
"I...I'm sorry Twi. Everything he has said since the beginning has been true." she finished with her head lowered and making all the other's gasp in shock at the revelation while Twilight was nearly in tears. Her mentor and second mother figure was responsible for the Empire disappearing all that time ago and for Sombra having reign over it.
Raddin could only watch on with pity as it seemed that the purple mares entire world had come crashing down at the sudden revelation. She was now being held in the pink alicorns arms as she sobbed and while he did feel bad for being the cause of her current state he knew it had to be done. Too long had Celestia been given the credit she doesn't deserve at the expense of others and now it was time to pay the price. With a sigh Raddin knelt in front of Twilight.
Cadence pulled her closer protectively while she glared at Raddin but the Nord ignored it in favor of staring at Twilight who now looked at him with teary eyes. She reminded him of a sad pup in that moment.
"What is your name?" he asked kindly.
"T-*sniff* Twilight S-Sparkle." answered as she pushed back another sob that threatened to escape.
"Pleasure to meet you Twilight. My name is Raddin. I know we may not have had such a good start but I hope that in time we can learn more about each-other. Maybe even become friends. I know this is a difficult thing to hear especially from a stranger but I only wanted you to know the truth." said Raddin and with a quick gesture to one of the Guard's the chains around the Equestrian's came free and clattered to the ground surprising them all. Standing up Raddin held a hand out to Twilight.
"I know you may not trust me now Twilight Sparkle but please allow me to earn that trust." he asked as he patiently awaited her answer.
Twilight meanwhile was a whirlwind of emotions as she took in Raddin's offer. For one she was beyond angry at him for showing her what her mentor had done, while on the other hand she was happy that he was honest with her and not some mad tyrant like Sombra was. She wanted to trust him but could she after he had shattered her whole view on the one that meant the most to her? Looking at his outstretched hand and then up into his sad yet hopeful eyes she made her decision.
Hesitantly she reached up and laid her hand in his much larger one which he then used to effortlessly pull her up despite the protests from Cadence. This simple action alone eased her friends but angered Cadence which Raddin noticed and was suspicious of the pink alicorn instantly, but he hid it with a kind smile towards Twilight as he began to speak once more to the still emotionally fragile mare.
"Now Twilight since you were kind enough to give me your name can you give me the names of your companions? It would seem rude to keep reffering to you all simply as 'Equestrians.'" asked Raddin which Twilight nodded to and gestured for her friends to introduce themselves.
The first one to step up to the plate was the ever friendly Pinkie Pie who appeared in front of Raddin in an instant which nearly had the Guards trying to impale her as they thought she may be trying to assault their King.
"HiI'mPinkiePieDoyoulikepartiesIneedtothrowyoua"I'mNotanEvilTyrant"partysoonandeventhoughyoumadeTwilightcryIknowyouragoodponyandIhopewecanbethebestestfriends!" she said so rapidly Raddin was having a miniature panic attack as he remembered one of the times he had encountered Sheogorath and he could have sworn Pinkie was one of his spawns of madness.
As she hopped away back to her friends Raddin quickly snapped out of his haze while making sure to remember to hide the Wabbajack from her at all cost.
"Sorry about her dearie but she is who she is. My name is Rarity your highness." said Rarity as she stepped forward to introduce herself. Raddin noticed that while she was polite and refined she was subtly looking him over for what reason he did not know but was not unfamiliar with such actions. In truth she sort of reminded him of Elesif in a way.
"It is alright she just surprised me is all. And it is a pleasure to meet you as well Rarity." replied back Raddin as he gently kissed the back of her hand making the posh mare blush.
"Well aren't you a gentlecolt." she said while fanning herself with her hand.
"I may be a warrior above all else ma'am but that doesn't mean I can't be civilized as well." said Raddin now thankful for those lessons from Delphine. He wouldn't have been able to sneak into the Thalmor Embassy so easily otherwise, yet she never told him where she herself had learned such things.
As Rarity stepped back Applejack took her chance to formally introduce herself to the not so evil King. Holding out her hand in a familiar gesture Raddin quickly clasped hands with her and instantly regretted it when she started shaking his arm so fast he was afraid it would fly off.
"Well howdy there Raddin! Names Applejack and it's nice ta' meetcha! Between us though I'm glad at whatcha did fur Twilight. Your a good apple in ma book fur that." she said the last part quietly and he gave a small smile and nod in thanks. He could already tell these mares cared a great deal for each-other and he respected that. Such bonds were rare to come by in his world.
As Applejack stepped back however he was met with the glare of the mare he already didn't like at first glance. The rainbow maned mare practically oozed hostility and arrogance as she stood before him.
"Names Rainbow Dash bub, the fastest flier in Equestria and the one whose gonna kick your flank if you dare hurt my friends again like you did Twilight." she said as she huffed up at him while he just stared down at her unamused.
"All I did was tell her the truth that her mentor denied her. As for your 'title', is it official or just something you gave yourself?" asked Raddin all of a sudden startling Dash as well as the others while the pegasus mare flushed in both anger and embarrassment.
"S-so what if I did! It's true!" she declared stubbornly. She didn't like this guy from the get go but now she was starting to hate him more and more. Who was he to challenge her title!?
"Because it is not true until you are officially given that title. If not then it just shows you are arrogant and how undeserving you really are of such a title." states Raddin simply making Rainbow gain a dumbfounded look while all of the others wince at the jab to their friend.
Dash meanwhile looked like the top of her head was about to blow off with how red she was. Her breathing got heavy and her fists tightened to the point she nearly drew blood. Her friends took a few steps back while the Guard's got ready to draw their weapons as they waited for Dash's oncoming outburst. Then all of a sudden Rainbow seemed to deflate as she looked down at the ground with a frustrated sigh escaping her.
"Fair enough. I guess it was kind of stupid to just call myself the fastest even when I haven't proven so yet." she said a bit sadly making her friends look at her in so much shock that their jaws might as well have been apart of the ground. Then Raddin surprised them even more with his next words.
"Yes it is, however that doesn't mean you can't prove yourself worthy of that title. Just don't calling yourself that without any proof alright." said Raddin with a smirk that Dash returned before giving him a slug in the arm.
"Yeah whatever. You know you aren't half bad man."
"Same to you Dash." responded Raddin as he to was seeing the mare in a different light after a few words. Maybe she wasn't as bad as he had originally thought?
"What the hay just happened?" asked Twilight.
"I think they became friends dear. Or at least they now respect each-other in some way." answered Rarity a little unsure as this was a new one even for her.
All that left was Fluttershy and Spike but Raddin already knew that the yellow mare wouldn't say a word out of some base fear of him, which was somewhat understandable. So he decided to just try and earn her trust so she would tell him her name when she felt comfortable. He was never really comfortable forcing answers out of others unless it was necessary. So before she could speak, or at least attempt to, he held up his hand silencing her.
"I can clearly see that you do not want to speak to me miss. So until you are comfortable enough around me I will leave you be for now." said Raddin as he then turned to address the sole drake in the group but was stopped when he felt a hand on his arm. Turning towards the owner of said limb he was surprised to see Fluttershy looking up at him still fearfully but also with a determined fire in her eyes.
"You helped Twilight so I'll trust you, if that's okay. My name is Fluttershy mr. Raddin sir." she said barely loud enough to be heard but still Raddin heard her and was honestly surprised she managed to push past her fear of him. Maybe she wasn't so helpless after all. These mares were just full of surprises.
With a smile and nod of thanks Raddin turned to stare down at the one who dared call himself a dragon. He was obviously nothing impressive looking but if Raddin had to guess then this one must be a mere hatchling. He had never seen a dragon hatchling before but Raddin felt it was a pretty good guess considering how young the drake looked as well as how small he was.
"And who might you be?" asked Raddin with a raised brow.
"I'm Spike and I'm a-" began Spike only for Raddin to cut him off.
"Dragon? Trust me kid I've slain dragons and even have the blood and soul of a dragon. As far as I'm concerned you haven't earned the right to be called a dragon. Your name isn't even that of a dragon but more of what one would name their pet, and until you show the true makings of a dragon I won't acknowledge you as one." said Raddin plainly. Spike's friends were about to protest Raddin's claim but before they could Spike spoke up with a serious tone that none of them had heard before including Twilight.
"I know. I don't understand why or how but I can just feel that what you say is true. I've been raised by ponies my whole life so I don't have any knowledge on how to be a dragon aside from the very few books about them in Twilight's library. So what I'm asking is...can you teach me how to really be a dragon?" asked Spike hopefully as he and Raddin stared at each-other intensely.
Then all of a sudden Raddin smiled and slapped Spike in the back hard enough to make the small drake face plant all the while Raddin gave a hardy laugh. The Nord man than yanked a stunned Spike back to his feet while laying a hand on the young drake's shoulder.
"That's the spirit kid! If you want to learn than I'll teach you what it means to be a real dragon." said Raddin happy that the kid had some balls and wasn't too proud to ask for help. Kind of reminded Raddin of himself in his younger years. Still if the kid wanted to learn to be a real dragon then he would teach him the same way Parthunaax taught him. Only with a lot less burns and broken bones...hopefully.
With all the introductions done Raddin sent the mares off along with most of his Guards save for Cadence as he still had some questions for the pink alicorn. While the others were nervous at what he wanted with the princess of love they trusted him enough to know he wouldn't do anything to harm her. He had a feeling she knew more about Celestia's actions than she let on and he was going to figure out how much.
"So Cadence-"
"That's Princess ." interrupted Cadence as she glared at him which he happily glared right back with an added draconic growl that actually made Cadence take a step back.
"Not here. You have no title here. Now how much do you really know about Celestia's actions for the Crystal Empire? I can tell from your reaction earlier when I revealed it to Twilight that you were already well informed of Celestia's actions regarding the Empire." said Raddin simply.
Cadence remained silent for a while in order to take a minute so as to gather what she would say. Her skill at hiding her emotions was no where near as good as her aunt's. Yet she had some skill at reading people and she could plainly see that Raddin wouldn't be fooled by any simple lie she could come up with so half truth's would be her only way out of this situation.
"Auntie made sure I was well informed about the Empire since I was meant to rule over it. Twilight had no need for such knowledge at this time and I was assured that she would be told when the time was right." she answered confident that he would accept her answer and leave it at that. Sadly that would not be the case.
"You mean until she started to think more like you and that pitiful excuse of a ruler? You were basically brainwashing her to follow the status quo! Sombra may have been a monster but at least he was open about it! You and that tavern whore are just as bad, if not worse than Sombra and as long as I draw breath you, nor Celestia will ever rule this Empire. Guard's get this... princess out of my sight." growled Raddin as a fuming Cadence was lead away by the remainder of his Guards leaving Raddin to cool off.
It took a few minutes for Raddin to collect himself but in the end it was well worth it. It seemed that Celestia's corruption ran far deeper than he had previously thought. Was she so desperate to maintain her public image that she would brainwash her own pupil to fit her mentality? At this point Raddin wouldn't put it past her yet now wasn't the time for such thoughts. After all, he had a letter to send and some guest to entertain with his Nordic charm!
Raddin Pov
'This day just keeps getting better and better.' I think to myself in amusement as I take in the various shocked faces of my 'guests'.
After taking them to the castle, all the while receiving death glares from Cadence, it was about time for dinner. At first nothing was amiss as I had some polite conversation with them as we all waited for our food to arrive. I was truly interested in the groups adventures in the past as well as some personal stories of theirs though I did find some a bit strange and dare I say, disturbing.
It was when dinner had been served that things had gotten amusing and admittedly entertaining. While everyone else's meals were what was normally eaten by ponies with them being herbivores, mine had been a nice mammoth steak with some steamed vegetables. This caused many questions to rise up, along with Cadence accusing me of being a cannibal, however it was thanks to Fluttershy and surprisingly enough Rainbow Dash that I was able to explain my eating habits and put them all at ease. After that things were pretty alright, thank Talos for Fluttershy and her knowledge of animals as well as Dash and her having been friends with a griffon named Gilda in the past.
Yet the real fun only began when I had asked for some Black-Briar Mead directly from my personal stash. It was well known that every Nord had his own personal stash of mead for certain occasions and I was definitely no exception. Curiously Twilight had asked what I was drinking and when I told her of the alcoholic beverage her and the others, save for Cadence once more, wanted to try. Still while most got some mead I made sure Rarity and Fluttershy had gotten some Alto wine upon their request.
A few minutes into the drinking it was easy to see that Twilight couldn't hold her alcohol and immediately started blabbing something about her 'college days' and 'experimenting' with a few mares. Needless to say we all stopped paying attention to her afterwards. The weirdest reaction of the group by far came from Pinkie Pie who after taking some mead started acting, well, normal! It was far scarier than when she was on some kind of skooma induced rush and I almost wished I hadn't of given her any mead. From there I began to regale them with some of my own tales, especially my drinking abilities, which lead to a challenge from both Dash and Applejack who obviously were the competitive bunch.
Two whole cases of mead later and Dash and Applejack were fighting to stay awake while I was only feeling a minor buzz. I wasn't too surprised at this however since one of the first thing's I learned was ponies rarely ever drank anything alcoholic and naturally had little to no resistance to its effects.
I was about to calmly take another sip of my beverage when the doors burst open revealing one of my guards and drawing everyone's attention.
"Sire! The Equestrian at the hospital has awoken but attacked the staff upon doing so. The guards have him cornered in the Intensive Care section but he has taken one of the nurses hostage!" declared the guard making the room go quiet as all eyes turned to me.
I calmly took a sip of my mead before slowly setting my goblet down with a small clank. Standing from my seat I turn to the guard an emotionless look on my face that I knew was putting the others on edge.
"Go get me my sword and shield." I order simply and with a quick salute the Guard runs off to complete his task. As soon as he runs off I whip around to glare right at Cadence who shivers in her seat.
"The rest of you should head off to bed, except for you Cadence. Your coming with me." I say leaving no room for argument. Yet while the others moved to leave Cadence managed to gather some courage to speak up.
"W-w-why should I g-g-go with y-y-you?" she questioned but flinched once I hardened my glare some.
"Because if you don't then your so called husband may just end up six feet under." I say coldly just before the Guard from before rushes in quickly handing me Spellbreaker and World Eater. I wasn't about to take any chances with so called 'Captain of the Guard' in his current state.
"You can't be serious! If you kill him you will suffer severe consequences of that I promise you!" screamed Cadence as she stomped right up to glare at me face to face. Imagine her surprise however when my armor clad hand lashed out wrapping around her neck and quickly lifting her off of the ground.
As she struggled feebly to release my hand from around her throat I growled out at her making her attempts to free herself come to a halt. I already new my eyes had turned into their draconic appearance but I could care less at this point. I had just about had enough of this mare and her thinking that her status or who her 'aunt' was had any merit in my Empire. Now it was time for a reality check from yours truly.
"Now you listen to me you meager worm! I don't give a damn who you or your husband may be back in Equestria because here in the Crystal Empire you are nothing but an arrogant foreigner who follows the rules and laws of this land! And in this land my word is LAW ! I can let many things go but your husband has clearly threatened the lives of one of my citizens which I do not take kindly to. So either you come along and try to get him to surrender peacefully, or I send you back to Celestia with your husbands head in a box! So will you come or not?" I growl out releasing my grip just enough so she could speak.
"I-I-I'll come!" she gasps out right before I drop her to the ground as she started to cough and take huge gasps of air.
"Glad we can reach an understanding. You better pray you can talk some sense into him whelp or the last thing you will remember of him is how easily my blade sent his head flying from his neck." I finish as I turned and walked out the doors to the dinning hall not even making sure the Princess was following me cause at this point I could care less about Celestia and even less for her kin who were obviously not any better.
"Right this way sire. The perpetrator is just through these doors." explained a Guard as he guided me through the halls of the hospital which were filled with nurses and doctors that were trying to keep their patients calm. Soon enough I found myself standing in front of a pair of double glass doors which were being watched over by no less than eight Guards on each side.
Looking behind me at a nervous looking Cadence I make a mock gesture for her to step in first. This was her husband after all and he was less likely to harm the hostage in his grasp. Taking a deep breath Cadence walks with her head held high through the double doors with myself following close behind.
As soon as we step inside I instantly take stock of the situation. Shining was currently against the back wall of the room near the medicines dressed in a standard hospital gown with some bandages wrapped around his head and a magic suppressor securely wrapped around his horn. The more pressing concern was Shining however but rather the mare he was currently holding against him with a surgical scalpel pressed firmly against her throat. Even worse was that this was a mare I recognized as she was my personal nurse whenever I was injured for whatever reason, which had happened more than I'd care to admit.
"Well nurse seems this time it's you on the edge of a knife." I couldn't help but comment making said mare glare at me in annoyance.
"Oh blow it out your flank Raddin!" she growled out making me smile. Even at the end of a knife Cracked Gem never lost her infamous snarky attitude.
Cracked Gem was a very petite mare who while only standing at most five feet tall had an attitude that made her seem much larger. She had a light purple crystal coat, as was typical of crystal ponies, and a white mane and tail done into a pixie cut with her horn displayed proudly on her forehead. As usual she was wearing the standard white nurses gear.
"Cadence! What are you doing with that monster!? Where is Twily and the others!?" yelled Shining as he glared at me hatefully while casting sideways glances towards Cadence.
"Please Shining just stay calm and let the nurse go. I assure you everypony is fine." she spoke trying to ease her husband but I could see the paranoia in the stallions eyes and instantly knew he wasn't going to give up willingly.
"No stay back! He's brainwashed you to hasn't he!?" cried out Shining as Cadence continued to try and calm him down without success. The situation was really getting on my nerves and from the look on Cracked Gem's face she wasn't too happy either. I needed a way to get the knife out of Shining's hand's before he ended up slitting her throat on accident.
The hand that I had free at the moment I currently channeled my Spark spell just long enough to show Gem what I had planned. She looked a bit nervous for a moment before schooling her features and giving a small nod. Seeing her unspoken agreement I quickly throw my hand forward sending a constant stream of lightning at the two ponies. Thankfully my half assed plan worked and the lightning sent both Shining and Gem into convulsions making Shining unable to move his hand properly to cut Gem.
Cutting off the stream I charge forward, despite Cadence's attempts to halt me, and pull Gem away from Shining. It was then he seemed to regain his motor skills and tried to cut me with the medical tool he had previously used to hold Gem hostage. With barely any effort I slap away the improvised weapon right before bashing him in the face with Spellbreaker and sending him into the medicine racks. He immediately crumpled to the floor unconscious with a small gash on his head.
Cadence then rushed to his side as I went to check on Gem who was dusting herself off and muttering curses on Shining and myself.
"Care to explain to me why the bloody milk drinker started acting as if Sheogorath had possessed him?" I asked her as Shining didn't really seem the type to lose his mind in such a fashion from what I had first seen.
"Damn fool had a violent reaction to some of the meds we put him on. Plus his concussion also had a part in it and the bucker went ballistic as soon as he saw us. He's just lucky he got the knife before I did or else he would never have to worry about having foals." she muttered darkly at the end.
"Ooookay? Well I'll leave you to settle things here as well as a few Guards so this doesn't happen again." I say as I make a hasty retreat from the mare. I sure felt sorry for Shinning now as Gem was not a mare to be crossed as I had learned the hard way.
All I could do now was pray that the poor bastard didn't have an innate fear of hospital's when she was through. Now however I had more pressing matters which involved writing a not so friendly letter to the solar wench herself.
"Now let's see how you do when odds aren't in your favor Celestia." I say to myself with a smile as I walk down the streets of the Empire as my citizens waved happily at my passing.
"Aaah now this is what I needed." I say happily after taking a breath of fresh air.
Two weeks had passed since the arrival of the Equestrian's and after the rocky start things had calmed down somewhat. True to my word I had begun teaching Spike how to be a true dragon. First and foremost he had been given the name Kiinus though only I referred to him as such, next I had begun teaching him the dragon tongue and some sword play which he seemed to lean more towards the sword and dagger combination style. Twilight was hesitant to let me teach him combat at first but with some convincing arguments from the two of us she eventually caved.
The Mane six, as they preferred to be called, were quite easy to get along with as well once I had learned of their professions. Rainbow Dash had taken to training with a few of my guards and slowly she had begun to embrace some Nord customs, most of them consisting of drinking. Fluttershy had become fascinated with Nirn's creatures and I was more than happy to regale her with a few tales of my adventures throughout Skyrim which Twilight had joined in on enthusiastically. Speaking of Twilight it seemed as if her and Aranea had become fast friends through their love of knowledge and when the mare had heard of my station as Archmage her respect for me, according to Aranea, had increased greatly. Applejack had as expected taken to the more agricultural parts of my kingdom and as a show of good faith I had given her some seeds from Skyrim that I had about for her to grow as she saw fit. Finally there was Rarity, that mare had taken one look at my wardrobe and basically threatened to strangle me if I didn't allow her to make me a whole new wardrobe which I hastily agreed to let her do.
The only problems I had suffered had come from the pathetic excuse of a guard, the wannabe ruler of my Empire and the solar wench who had sent them here to begin with.
After Shining's attack in the hospital I had Erane and her subordinate's keep a constant watch on him and his wife. Ever since being released from the hospital he had been trying to convince Twilight of how 'evil' I was to which she constantly shut the milk drinker down. Cadence hadn't faired any better when she had attempted either. After a few days of this they couple had stopped and rarely left their assigned quarters making me suspicious on what they could be doing but left them alone for the moment.
Finally there was Celestia... oh the words that were written between us should have turned the parchment to ashes with as much fire as we wrote into each letter. I had informed her of the situation and thing's as they had happened expecting her to give a violent reply and I wasn't disappointed.
She had responded calling me an 'usurper' and 'evil tyrant' all the while demanding I release her citizen's or she would march on me with an army of Royal guards. My simple response was basically telling her to bring it on. If Shining was the best of her troops then my own would slaughter hers no question about it. Needless to say she changed her tune real quick offering payment for the ponies safe return but I simply wanted a face to face chat on neutral ground so I can finally look the bitch in the eyes.
We went back and forth with her trying to have me go to Canterlot but I wasn't stupid enough to meet her on her terms. So we compromised saying she would meet me in the Crystal Empire as long as her sister and a dozen of her Royal guards were allowed to attend as well. I agreed and was now simply waiting upon her arrival which would be sometime later this day. I just figured I would take a small walk on the outskirt's of the city to clear my head in preparation for the meeting ahead of me while four of my guards were accompanying me. I did not mind the company but it was king of aggravating that they basically considered I needed protection which I clearly didn't!
Still I let nothing disturb my peace as I walked through the lush grass with my eye's closed just taking it all in. That was until I heard a sound I was all too familiar with, the sound of a bow releasing an arrow. On instinct I rolled to the side just missing the arrow as it instead found home in leg of one of my guards who gave but a brief cry of pain before snapping the arrow off.
In an instant I was back on my feet with my guards around me with their swords drawn. Damn sad time for me to be without any of my various weapons but it was a good thing I was never truly without a weapon. In mere moments we were assaulted by a band of what appeared to be bandit's given the rather raggedy armor they wore but I also noticed a few things that didn't make sense for a group of bandit's. For one while their clothes were none too appealing their fur was clean of grime meaning that these bandits didn't exactly rough it out in the wilderness like with most bands and also their weapons. They all had swords and spears that were identical to one another and if Erane's spy reports were correct then these particular weapons were standard issue for Royal guards.
I didn't have time to ponder these sights for long before the so called 'bandits' were upon us, a total of twenty if I counted right. While they may have been numerous my guards were obviously proving to be the better fighters as they beat back the bandits. I for one was more than happy to get in on the brawl as I used my fists to literally beat back anyone foolish enough to attack me which seemed to be the majority.
Mercy was not a part of my actions at the moment as I violently snapped the neck of one bandit before driving an elbow into the throat of another collapsing his windpipe and leaving him to gasp for air while he slowly suffocated. I was about to continue my slaughter when I hear a cry of pain and turned to see one of my guards fall to the ground as a bandit had managed to cut him in the side with a spear.
In that moment I felt rage well up within me. It was one thing whenever I was harmed or threatened as I was more than capable of handling whatever the world threw at me. However when someone threatened my comrades and now my subjects then they had crossed the line. So far I had been fighting as a man but now these fools would face a beast .
With a mental command I felt the beast blood gifted to me by Aela of the Companion's awaken. I felt my bones reak and rearrange themselves to assume my beast form. Midnight black fur sprouted from my shifting body as a tail sprouted from my tailbone, my face soon elongating into a muzzle filled with razor sharp teeth and my ears moving to the top of my head. In mere moments I had assumed the form of a werewolf much to the shocked and terrified faces of the bandits. My own guards however simply stared on in awe at my transformation.
With a howl filled with bloodlust I tore into the bandit's tearing them apart with claws and teeth. The taste of their blood filled my maw as I ripped out the throat of one of them. The feel and sound of my claws tearing through their soft flesh filled my senses. Some tried to fight back but their weapon did little harm to my much more durable form. In mere second's which seemed more like hours the 'bandits' had been reduced to pile's of torn corpses with me at it's center with blood fresh and drying caked into my fur as my bloodlust died down.
Seeing my enemies were no more I commanded myself to return to my human form. The process of turning back was much quicker than that of entering my beast form however I had forgotten momentarily the side effects of using said form which just so happened to be a sever lack of attire.
Now here I was out in the middle of the day stark naked before my guards for all to see. While three out of four of my guards were stallions one of them was a mare who upon seeing me in all my glory passed out much to my amusement. Taking a relatively 'clean' pair pants from one of the slain bandits I quickly hide my lower half before I started to trek in the direction the bandit's had come from.
"My lord where are you going!?" asked on of my guards as he was helping the now bandaged up guard along while his compatriot carried the unconscious mare guard.
"Seeing where these bandits made camp. If they have any valuables then they are ours to take since they won't be needing them anymore." I say with a grin as I continue on my way.
Shortly after we reach a small camp with a few militarily laid tents which made my suspicions rise once more on these so called 'bandits.' Walking through the group of tents I spot one that was slightly larger than the others and assumed this was where the leader stayed. So while my guards went to check the rest of the tents I walked into the leaders tent and growled at what I saw. In a corner of the tent sat some rather familiar gold armor belonging to a certain Princesses guard. I then spot a small table that held a folded up note on top of it.
Stomping over I pick up the note and open it to read what was written. What I read nearly had me ready to kill a certain alicorn.
Dear, Lieutenant Bronze Shield,
Your orders are to eliminate the usurper of the Crystal Empire under the disguise of bandits. My niece and her husband have informed me that this 'Raddin' plans to take a small walk before my meeting with him. You are to make sure he never comes back alive and to make sure that there is no evidence of Equestria's involvement in his death. Failure is NOT acceptable.
from, C
"Alright Celestia, I tried to be nice and diplomatic but after this you'll be lucky I don't mount your head on the wall's of the Empire!" I roar in anger. I was done with Celestia and I haven't even met the wench yet, but when we did heads would roll in some way, shape or form.
As I was thinking of the oh so many ways I would like to destroy Celestia for her actions thus far I barely noticed on of my guards coming into the tent until the called for me to which I turned to speak to them.
"Yes what have you and your men found?" I asked neutrally as the stallion stood at ease.
"Your highness we have found various pieces of Euestrian guards armor as well as quite a few personal journals we assume to belong to the now deceased. Every bit of currency has been collected as well. What should we do with the rest of the camp sire?" asked the guard as I thought for a moment before answering.
"Collect the wealth and journals to go over at a later date and burn the rest of the camp to the ground. Make it quick as well since I have a certain whore that needs to be violently put in her place." I growl at the end while the guard salute's me and run's off to relay his orders to the others.
I stand still in contemplation for but a moment before walking out of the tent with the letter still in hand. Soon enough Celestia would learn why I was the most feared man in Nirn. The dragons, the Thalmor and even some of the Daedra had learned to fear me in time and soon it would be Celestia's turn. The solar monarch has angered a dragon and would soon pay the price for her arrogance of that I would make sure.
"By Talos I swear Azura only sent those four here to make my job harder." I grumbled to myself as I was looking over the flood of reports given to me in my private study.
Seriously it had only been less than a week since those four had arrived and my workload had nearly tripled overnight! Despite this however, I could honestly say that I was happy they were here with me. Not only did I have some more familiar company, but now I had people I really trusted in positions of power which is what every ruler needed.
For one I had made Farkus and Aela responsible for training the guard alongside their deceased Harbinger, along with the fact that in times of war they would serve as my generals. Both of them were more than content with this but had also started dishing out mercenary work again to make some extra cash. The only real concern was what we were going to do regarding the beast blood Aela and I still possessed and if it should be passed on to the ponies, if they were even able to use it, but that would be debated on at a later date.
Brynjolf was given the task of making sure our treasury was well stocked and maintained, which he had no problems with whatsoever, as well as running another thieves guild for information gathering alongside Erane. This was because I had learned early on that both sides of the law were good at gathering information, and while you could trick one with false info tricking both of them was next to impossible.
Finally there was Serana who in my time away had cured her vampirism and become full human once more. While she may have no longer been a vampire she was by no means helpless and a very powerful magicka user as well as skilled alchemist, seems she had been taking more lessons with her mother before coming to this world. I had made her the ambassador for the Empire since she had the most experience being taught by her family at an early age how to manage such affairs, along with the fact she now worked alongside Aranea teaching Alchemy whenever she could.
Since then reports had been coming in daily about all the problems that were being fixed thanks to them being here. So while the extra workload and paperwork on my part was not fun I was thankful regardless for the fact that things were getting done better than I could have hoped.
I was broken from my musing when the door opened and in walked Twilight dressed as a stereotypical secretary with her mane done up and glasses completing the outfit. This also reminded me of the other decisions I had made regarding the Elements and what to do with them. Surprisingly enough they decided they would rather stay in the Empire rather than return to Equestria, where Celestia was no doubt waiting in order to punish them for 'siding with the enemy.'
I had no problem with taking them in but some special requirements had to be met beforehand, for one I had to hire quite a few of my workers and guards to travel to their hometown to collect their personal belongings and any family members that may have wanted to join them. This was mostly for Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow and Pinkie since all that was really moving with them was their family members or in Rainbow's case her pseudo little sister, while the others like Aj and Fluttershy were a little more complicated.
For the apple farmer and animal caretaker I had to literally move every tree and animal in perfect condition to the Empire which was going on even now but it would be damn well worth it in the end, despite the worker's complaining about a certain old mare who was personally supervising the move and was none too quiet whenever one of them screwed something up, and an apparent demon disguised as a small white rabbit. Not only would I have some powerful and influential figures on my side, but also Celestia loses her main weapon against the world in the form of the Element's of Harmony. Of course Celestia tried to stop this from happening but a little threat about exposing her to the public shut her right up, gotta love blackmail as it opens so many doors.
Since then Twilight had become a part of my staff while also running a library close to the castle in her free time in order to, in her words, 'make up for the sins of my teacher.' Not like I was gonna complain! Other than Twilight, Rarity, with my help, had opened up an even better store than the one she owned in Ponyville. With Pinkie I had moved the Cake's bakery and even made some new additions upon Pinkie's request. Rainbow had been given command of the Empire's air forces and was working on making her own version of the Wonderbolt's which I supported fully. Applejack and Fluttershy were just to be given their usual jobs though now, if they needed it, they could call for all the help they needed. I heard about how crazy Applejack had gone when she had to do a harvest all by herself and I wasn't ready to deal with that mess happening in the Empire.
"Ah Twilight! So what's on the schedule for today?" I ask, eager to get away from the paperwork currently plaguing me.
"Well we have a new addition though whether it's good or bad depends on your view." she said nervously making me raise a brow in curiosity.
"Oh? And what is this 'new addition' if I may ask?"
"W-well.. ya see..." she began to stutter while trying to find the words. This went on for about a minute before I had officially had enough.
"Oh Twilight please just tell me! I'm not gonna bite your head off if I don't like it!" I say with frustration and making her blush in embarrassment.
"Well its just that... an ambassador from the Dragon Lands is here and requesting an audience!" she yelled and honestly I froze in shock. I expected to meet and negotiate with some other species in time but I didn't expect them to come to me! Especially the dragons of all creatures since from what I heard they tended to keep to themselves.
"...ooookay not what I was expecting but whatever. Have them meet me in the throne room in a few minutes Twilight, and relax. I doubt their gonna try anything while in the Empire but be polite and try not to agitate them okay?" I finally managed to say after gathering my wits.
With a nod Twilight left leaving me to try and figure out what I'm going to do about this. This meeting could either go really good or really bad. Best case scenario, I form an alliance or even a trade agreement with the dragons. Worst case scenario, I end up having to go back to dragon slaying as a past time.
"Can I never get a break around here?" I finally sigh before heading to the throne room to get ready to greet my guest.
Sitting in my throne I waited patiently for the dragon ambassador to arrive. I had given specific instructions for the meeting to be with myself and them alone so as t show a sign of trust. Plus if a fight did break out I wouldn't have to worry about anyone else being caught in the crossfire.
It was a few minutes later when the door was finally opened and in strode my guest, needless to say as far as dragons went she was an odd sight. Sure Spike was different from any other dragon I have met being far smaller and actually being bipedal, but I thought Spike may have been a unique case, guess I was wrong.
The dragoness was about as tall as I was but with a much slimmer build similar to Rainbow's, though that can be due to the bronze plated armor she wore. Her scales were a sky blue with very dark blue spines but a unique feature about her were the two curved horns sprouting from her head.
As I studied her I could see she was studying me as well. Seeing each-other we quickly stopped and I decided it would be best to introduce myself first.
"I am Raddin the Dragonborn and ruler of the Crystal Empire. Who might you be and what is your purpose here?" I announced.
"And I am Ember, daughter of the current Dragonlord Torch and his soon to be successor. I am here on my fathers will to hopefully get you as an ally to the dragon's." she said calmly but I could detect the small hint of annoyance when saying her father sent her, guess she's not one for taking orders.
"That remains to be seen. Now how about we do this, you ask me some questions that I will answer as truthfully as possible and vice versa?" I suggested.
"As long as the questions are within reason I don't see why not." responded Ember with crossed arms.
So for the next hour or so it went back and forth between us as I learned more about her kinds culture, or lack thereof, and she learned of mine in turn. Apparently the dragons had no 'official' form of government save that the Dragonlord's word is law. Their legends however were a different story. I don't know how or why but her kind seemed to revere the Dragonborn as a bringer of lost knowledge on their kind. Weird to hear but can't say I don't fit the criteria, I was after all teaching Spike and from what I can tell despite knowing of the dragon tongue none of them know how to use the Words of Power and can only shoot flames that are nowhere near as powerful as when done with a Shout.
Needless to say, at the end of it all I had agreed to the alliance that would be written up the following day and made my off to bed. Hopefully tomorrow would be a lot more mellow and I could finally sit back and drink some mead.
I don't know how long I had been asleep but now I was wide awake but still pretending to sleep. The current time was unknown to me but that didn't matter as my senses were more focused on the intruder in my room. They had woken me the moment they had opened the window to my quarters and by that point I knew their intentions were less then pleasant.
Being the target of Thalmor assassin's for as long as I have had made me a very light sleeper and I had figured that my guest was just that, an assassin. Whether they were sent by Celestia or one of the nobles I threw out of power I wasn't quite sure yet but that would come later.
With my breathing even and my form still I listened to the approach of my would be killer as the clopping of their hooves drew them ever closer. Seriously this guy must have been an amateur as he wasn't even wearing anything to muffle his approach, rookie mistake's like that cost you, and that's speaking from personal experience from my time in the Dark Brotherhood.
Just when they had made it to the edge of my bed I heard the drawing of a small blade and internally had to smirk. Mistake number two, making noise when drawing your weapon, now I knew this guy was an amateur. An assassin was only successful when he was able to make the kill quickly and quietly and still manage to get away. He's already failed the first two, and he's about to fail the third.
In an instant my eyes snapped open and my hand lashed up grabbing the wrist of my assailant just as he was bringing the knife down. Then with my free hand I deliver a jab to their throat making them choke a bit as they backed away after I released my grip on their wrist. Throwing away my covers I stand from my bed to face my attacker.
Their a pony, that much I can tell, and male judging from the shape of the body. They were about a head shorter than myself and dressed in some dark leather armor with a hooded cloak concealing their face with the jagged knife still in their hand as the other was massaging their still hurting throat. Seeing them made me feel a bit underdressed for the occasion, mostly because I was in nothing but my underwear.
"So someone finally decided to try and assassinate me huh? Honestly it took longer than I had expected but sending just one assassin after me? Now that is just insulting. So who sent you? Was it Celestia? A pissed of noble?" I asked casually not at all threatened by the would be killer as I could practically feel him glaring at me under his hood.
"Does it matter? You'll be dead soon anyway!" he roared before lunging at me with his knife. His speed surprised me for a moment but I still managed to avoid the strike while lashing out with a punch to his jaw which sent him stumbling. I moved to continue the assault but had to leap back when he lashed out with the knife once more and lightly cut me along the chest where it began to lightly bleed.
Glaring at my foe I was surprised when they brought the blade up to their shadowed face and licked the blood that was on the blade. Weirder still was the hum of pleasure they let out from said act. It was reminding me of a certain creature of the night I had faced many a time back in Skyrim but that couldn't be right, as far as I've gathered vampirism didn't even exist in this world so this guy couldn't be one.
Shaking those thoughts away I just managed to dodge my attacker again and his blade that was aimed for my throat. Instead of punching him again however, I instead spun behind him and wrapped my arms tightly around his midsection. With nary an effort I lifted him over my head in a classic suplex which slammed him headfirst into the ground behind me where I finally released my hold and allowed my assailant to flop on his back and groan in pain.
Standing over him I kick his blade away and with a huff of annoyance I kick him in the side of the head sending him into Vaermina's realm. Just as I did this my door was bust down and a bunch of guards rushed in with weapons drawn and followed by the Element's and my friends from Skyrim.
They took a few moments looking between me and my unconscious assailant with some of the girls blushing at my state of undress. After a few moments of this I started to get a little annoyed, there was a guy who just tried to kill me in my sleep laying on the floor and their more focused on the fact I sleep in my underwear!?
"...well what in the name of Talos are you lot waiting for, a written invitation!? Get this milk drinker down to the interrogation rooms now! I'll be down within the hour to get my answers out of him personally so I want him up and ready by then." I finally say getting the Guards to get into motion as they grabbed the assassin and ran out of the room with the other's following.
"Things just never get boring around here." I sigh to myself as I go to get dressed at which point I see exactly what time it is.
"It's only three in the morning!? Oh to Oblivion with everything!" I shout in frustration. Today was not shaping up to be a pleasant one and I still had some clown to interrogate.
"What do we know so far." I asked the guard next to me coldly as I stared through the crystal mirror to the chained pony on the wall who was done in a spread eagle way. Even his wing's were chained down just in case. The pony was bereft of his armor and weapons showing the lithe form most pegasi possessed with nothing but a loincloth to cover his modesty.
"Nothing yet your majesty. He never answers us and whenever we get too close he tries to take a bite out of us." stated the guard as I kept my gaze solely on the bat pony for a moment before deciding on the next course of action.
"Then maybe it's time I have a little chat with him myself." I said and before the guard could protest I was already heading for the door and into the room.
As soon as I entered I caught the assassin's attention and he glared at me with his burning red eyes that looked oh so familiar to me but for some reason I could not place them. We never broke eye contact as I pulled up a chair and took a seat just a couple of feet from the chained up prisoner. For a few moment's neither of us said anything and just stared at each-other, as if testing the other's fortitude before taking the plunge.
"...you will die." were the first words spoken by my captive and honestly I wasn't impressed.
"Is that all? Usually someone likes to go into more detail on how they will kill me and then quote on quote, 'desecrate my rotting corpse.' Though I don't see how your gonna do that with your current situation." I reply calmly before the bastard actually had the audacity to laugh of all things.
He laughed for a good few minutes and I was content to wait for him to finish since this either meant one of two things, he was either just a crazed nut who wanted to take me out for shit's and giggles and I could just execute him here and now. Or he was so confident that he was going to tell me something important just to stroke his own ego. Either way I get my answer.
"You really are as confident as he said you were. He also said I would fail to kill you, but then again killing you was never the goal. Once he learns that I have failed he can then start moving forward with his planes." said the pony more to himself than anything and now I was curious on who exactly this he was that my captive was speaking of. Maybe somekind of assassin leader?
"And who are you speaking of that seems to have sent you to die with nary a care. Tell me and I'll be sure you see him in Oblivion soon enough." I say and instead of anger, resentment or even fear the bastard just gives me a fanged smile as his eyes shine with a sick glee that I'm finding a hard time trying to remember where I had seen it before.
"Oh I have no doubt about that, after all, you already killed him once."
Now my eyes narrowed in suspicion. As far as I knew most of the magic using races of this world abhorred dark magic which included necromancy. Plus the only person of real note that could have followers like this guy was Sombra but I seriously doubted the former ruler of the Empire was back. If he was he would have tried to take the city already as from the very first encounter I knew that the stallion was driven by his pride and arrogance and would not have waited this long before making his move to take back the throne.
"And who have supposedly killed? If you hold such reverence from them then they must be important, yet I can't seem to put a name to the person. So how about a name to refresh my memory?" I asked hoping he would give it to me.
Just then the ponies glowing red eyes grew brighter and his fangs longer as his smile stretched to levels that could match Pinkie's. The sight was unnerving and I felt my instincts screaming at me that something big was about to happen with this guy. I still could not have ever anticipated what his next words were, and even if I could have I still wouldn't have believed it.
"Lord Harkon." Was all the pony said before his body suddenly thrashed as it began to change.
His dark fur turned as pale as death and his eyes sunk in to become two balls of flame surrounded by darkness. His form grew to nearly seven feet tall with his muscles gaining some mass as well. Crown-like spikes grew from his head as his fingers became long, gnarled claws of black steel. Finally his face shrunk a bit and became more bat like with two slit's for his nostrils. It had been a while since I had seen a creature like this but the memory was forever ingrained in my mind from the very moment I first saw it, this creature was none other than a Vampire Lord, and he served the once dead ruler of them Harkon, Serana's father that I had slain in his very manor along with the rest of his coven.
The transformed ponies newly enhanced strength easily tore through his bindings as he roared and soon after lunged at me with claws extended to rend my flesh and his fangs bared in order to drain me of my life giving essence. Thankfully while I was still in shock my body's natural instincts forced me to move as I rolled to the side as my attacker smashed the chair I was in to bits.
The rushing of hooves sounded as the doors were flung open and my attacker turned to confront them but was tossed back by an extremely powerful stream of lightning that slammed him into the opposite wall. Turning to the source I saw Serana in the doorway with a look of insurmountable rage plastered on her face as she stared down one of her own kind with contempt.
"So the traitorous daughter shows herself. Now you shall pay for defying our master!" roared the pony turned Vampire Lord as he used his wings to launch himself at Serana, but was met with a wall of magic that stopped him cold, thanks to the two unicorn guards behind Serana with their steel swords at the ready and their teeth bared in anger at the face of the threat.
Before the vampire could make another attempt on my companion's life I decided to put an end to it and thought of the perfect shout to stop him.
"TIID KLO UL!"
The wave of blue energy extended outwards and time itself slowed before me before I prepared the second step of my plan and drew magic to my hands as they began to surround themselves in red hot flames. With a thrust of my hands I unleashed my Fire Wall spell but instead of making a 'wall' I formed a circle around the Vampire Lord. Just then the world sped back up just as I had finished my spell and extinguished the flames from my hands.
The vampire was still on his flight path but immediately stopped when his claws reached the flames and he pulled back with a screech of pain as he cradled the now burned limb. He quickly turned and glared at me as I smirked at him.
"Like it? Since you didn't show the more obvious signs of being a vampire aside from the eyes and fangs I assumed you were well fed, too bad for you that not only weakens your powers but makes you more susceptible to your weaknesses, namely fire." I said smugly as he began to growl.
"Are you alright?" suddenly asked Serana as she moved up beside me with four guards moving to surround the vampire with their weapons at the ready in case he made a move. I also noticed the fire enchantments upon the blades which made me smile at how prepared my guards were thanks to Aela and Farkas training them.
"I'm fine Serana, just a little surprised and a whole lot of pissed off. I don't know who brought your bastard of a father back from the dead but I'm gonna send his pale ass back to Oblivion along with the fucker who brought him back as soon as I find them." I growl as I turn towards the still trapped undead.
"Alright bloodsucker I want to know where Harkon is and the one who brought him back. Do that and I might just cure you of your vampirism and send you on your way without life imprisonment or even death." I demand and after a second of debate the vampire smiles.
"It doesn't matter. I was sent here to die anyways so I have no need for your 'offer'. But I will say that Lord Harkon wants revenge for what you two did to him, and he will have it if it is that last thing he does!" roared the vampire with an insane laugh before leaping into the flames that still surrounded him and letting himself be burned to ashes by the spell, all while still howling with his insane laughter.
I could only look on with cold indifference as hundreds of thoughts ran through my mind on what Harkon was doing in this world and who had summoned him as well as for what purpose. Then Azura's warning came back to me and now everything she had said made sense. But her words had indicated that there was more than one enemy of my past that would resurface. The mere memory of all the powerful foes I had faced back on Nirn made the blade of worry twist in my gut. This world, and by extension, my Empire were not yet ready for the level of terror that those people could bring.
After dispelling the flames from my spell I turn and face the four guards that were still in the room and awaiting for my next orders. If my enemies of the past were truly coming back for revenge then I would make sure that they met the same fate as back then, lying dead at the end of my blade. Only this time it won't be just myself and a companion or two, but rather an entire nation willing to fight back.
"Gather the guards and search every building in the empire! I want every inch of our lands searching for more of these bloodsuckers! Check every sewer, cave and basement and when you do use the 'Sunlight spell', if they are one of these bastards then they will burn from it. If they try to resist then put them down, but if you can then restrain them and bring them to the dungeons. Also from now on make it policy to have everyone, no matter their species, checked in the same manner if they want into the city. As a matter of fact infuse the barrier with the same spell. If Harkon wants to kill me then he is gonna have to meet me on my terms. Now go!" I commanded and with a quick salute my guards were off to spread the word.
"Aren't those orders a bit extreme Raddin?" suddenly asked Serana as she placed a comforting hand on my shoulder to which I let loose a tired sigh.
"You and I both know how Harkon is. I could care less if he came after me with an undead army, but now I have an Empire and citizens depending on me to keep them safe and help them prosper. I will not let him, or any other enemy of my past harm them as long as I am still breathing. I'm going to need yours and the other's help with this, are you ready to follow the Dragonborn into battle once more Daughter of Coldharbour?"
"When did I ever stop?" she replied with a smile before moving over to the pile of ashes that was once the vampire and began to gather them into a small jar she pulled from her robes. Guess I can't blame her as since with a lack of vampires in this world, vampire dust was a rare commodity so she wouldn't have many chances like this.
'If you want a war Harkon, then I'll give you war!
It had been over two weeks since the incident with the assassin and discovering Harkon had come back from the dead, or in his case undead, to try and get revenge on me. In that time I had really beefed up the security of the Empire and so far I have discovered something really concerning.
There had been about thirty other vampires inside the Empire's walls as well as four caves in my lands that housed about fifteen vampires each. All of them were crystal ponies from my city and while most of them were able to be captured and cured, a few of them had to be put down which I didn't like to do but it had to be done.
From there on, no one was allowed outside the walls without an armed escort and I had constant patrols going so if one of Harkon's servants wanted to make a play they would have about a snowballs chance in Oblivion of making it more than five feet before finding a blade from one of my guards in their chests. And while the guards were basically being run ragged they did not complain as they were informed of the situation and were very dedicated to making sure their home stayed safe from this new threat.
Now however I was dealing with a new type of threat, or an old one if I looked at it the right way. That didn't mean I liked it however as compared to this finding and killing Harkon was as easy as eating a sweetroll.
"...."
"..."
"...she can't be serious can she?" asked Brynjolf as me and my 'inner circle' as we were called, along with the element's and Ember stared at the piece of parchment before us bearing the seal of Equestria along with a few golden tickets.
"Seems pretty serious by the looks of it. Sensible? No. Serious? Definitely." pointed out Erane.
"I don't like this. I think we should decline this 'Grand Galloping Gala.' We still have a Vampire Lord running amok somewhere and while we've rooted out most of his insurgents I don't think it's safe to travel until he is dealt with permanently." suggested Aela with Farkas agreeing with her.
"But this is where a summit is also being held with other leaders of the world, to not attend would put us in a bad light with others. While we could care less for Celestia and her nation the other nations could still hold potential allies for us." pointed out Aranea.
"Well having the dragons as your allies already helps you out as at the very least any other nation would be hesitant to attack you. So that helps at least as we will be able to announce our official treaty at the summit as well." pointed out Ember.
And so the constant back and forth's on what we should do considering the gala/summit continued for a few more minutes before I had finally had enough and decided to make my decision. Cause in the end I was the one who would be going to the damn thing.
"Enough! I've already decided I'll be going, but if Celestia thinks I'm gonna follow her rules at her little 'party' she's got another thing coming. Aranea! How is the construction on our latest project coming along and will it be ready to take me to Equestria?" I asked the new head of the technology/Dwemer department.
"It should be, all we need is to put it on the main railway that connects to Equestria along with the instillation of the new Soul Gem engine we developed. Do you plan to make an entrance?"
"Hey if I'm gonna be meeting possible future allies and enemies then might as well leave a lasting first impression am I right?" I say with a shrug and a smile that everyone smirked at.
From there we went on to plan for the Gala that would be coming within the following weeks and who would be watching over the Empire while we were away. If Celestia thought that I would back out of this political opportunity then boy was she in for a big surprise. By the time I was through I expected to have made quite a few allies, but I was more than ready for a few enemies as well.
I must say me and my guards made quite the sight when we walked into the Empire. The Crystal ponies stopped and stared as they saw me in nothing but a pair of trousers and carrying a brown sack in hand while behind me two of my guards were pulling a wagon filled with the items we had taken from the guards camp and one of my guards helping along the injured one.
Stares followed my little entourage all the way up until we reached the gates of the castle where I stopped and turned to address my guards.
"Alright I want you two to take the loot to the treasury but make sure to bring the journals to Erane to look over for anything we may be able to use at a later date. As for you, take your Shield Brother to the hospital and get him looked at. You proved yourselves well today and you've earned a respite." I said proudly as I was being honest. With a small salute from each of them they went to complete their orders and then hopefully get some well deserved rest.
As soon as they were out of sight however my smile fell into an angered frown before walking into the castle and making my way to the throne room. I was officially a Nord on a mission and when the castle staff saw me they quickly made way. I ignored this however as I made my way to the throne room where I could hear raised voices and knew I was going the right way.
Reaching the door to the throne room I stop for a moment to listen in and maybe get some insight as to what the argument was about though I had a pretty good idea.
"Raddin isn't dead dammit! A few measly bandits would never be able to kill him especially when he was accompanied by four of his guard!" I heard Aranea shout and smiled at her faith in my skills and that of my guards. What was said next however made my blood boil.
"As I said we merely came across him and his guards bodies on our way here miss. I didn't want to leave him there but if I had been late for this meeting I would have been accused of the crime myself. But worry not I left a few of my guards behind to collect them and bring them here shortly. What is important however is how the Empire is going to continue after his death. The only one now qualified for the position would be my niece Mi Amore Cadenza." spoke what was supposed to be a kind and motherly voice but I wasn't fooled. The tone may have been sincere but one could detect the smug happiness underneath at my apparent death.
Finally having enough of this farce I announce myself by kicking open the door with a loud bang startling the rooms occupants. Inside I saw the Mane Six and Aranea standing by my throne while closer to me stood ten Equestrian Guards and with Cadence and Shining standing beside a new mare who I assumed was Celestia. Standing close enough I was able to see that she was just and inch shorter then myself without her horn, her fur was a pure white as her amethyst colored eyes gazed at me in surprise. She wore a matching white dress with gold trim that hugged her curvaceous form as her gold regalia glimmered brightly and her rainbow mane blew in a non-existent wind. As far as mares go I had to say she was indeed beautiful but even I knew a pretty face can hide the ugliest of people.
"Sorry but I believe you had me confused with someone else as my guards and I are clearly alive and well. However I am surprised you didn't bring your sister. Not a problem however. Now we have some very important matters to attend to but first I have a question for you." I say as I walk past them and take a seat on my throne with Aranea and the Element's looking at me happily while Celestia, Cadence and Shining looked less than pleased.
"Of course your highness what is it you need to ask?" asked Celestia calmly but I could see the clear distaste in her eyes at having to address me by my title.
"Oh nothing much I just need you to look at something and tell me if you recognize it ," I say calmly as I open the sack I had been carrying with me this whole time and reach inside, "now tell me princess.... does this look familiar to you?" I ask as I pull out the severed head of the Lieutenant that lead the assassination attempt on me. It took a while to identify the Lieutenant but luckily the bastard kept the symbol of his rank on his person even when he was supposed to be playing the part of a murderous bandit. Arrogance and stupidity are a truly deadly combination.
"Lieutenant!" yelled out Shining in both shock and anger making me smile and him freeze up at realizing his mistake.
"Oh so you do know this stallion? Funny you would address him as he was actually with the so called 'bandits' that attacked me and my guards. Though this would explain my findings at their camp. Especially all the Royal Guard equipment lounging around and a very interesting note found in this ones tent. Anything you have to say on why your guards would try and kill me princess?" I asked with mock curiosity as I tossed the head so it rolled to a stop before her. She ignored it however in place of glowering at me with barely suppressed rage while the Mane Six stared at their ruler in shock at what was being implied.
"P-p-princess did you really try to have Raddin assassinated just so Cadence could claim the throne?" asked a hurt Twilight. I'm sure that even despite the revelation I had given her sometime ago she still had some feelings for her teacher though even those feelings may be shattered with this knew revelation.
"Tried and failed Twilight. Not only that but your brother and his wife helped by passing information to her on when and where I would be going on my little walk. It would be a shame if the other rulers found out that the supposedly kind and humble Celestia was nothing more than a manipulative wench who would kill anyone that got in her way." I say with a mocking tone making the princesses' lackey's flare up in anger.
Celestia then smiled a little bit and I wondered what she was planning. Whatever it was it made me narrow my eyes at the solar monarch. She may be a bitch but she was a devious bitch.
"Oh I'm sure they won't be hearing of this. Cause I issue a challenge of combat between you and my guards here. They win you will renounce your throne to Cadence and be banished from the Empire." declared Celestia getting silence as a response for quite a few moments before I spoke with a bit of amusement.
"I see you have been reading a bit on my peoples laws. How you came by this info I can only guess is because of your two loyal fools. Very clever, foolish, but clever. I accept the challenge and my terms will be declared upon my victory!" I announce as I stand from my throne.
"What! Raddin are you crazy your facing ten Royal guards in nothing but trousers!" declared Dash as the other girls were voicing their own protests save for Aranea who already knew that nothing said would stop me. What can I say? Nords are as stubborn as shit and my blood was boiling hot and ready for a fight.
"I will be fine girls. Remember I am never truly without a weapon." I say as my hands light up with magicka making the others stop in their protest for a moment giving me enough time to stride forward towards the guards who were now pointing either their swords or spears at me ready to attack.
Smirking I summon two Bound Swords into my hands surprising the ponies with my unfamiliar magic. Nonetheless once my blades were in hand and the guards had gotten over their surprise, they began their attack and charged at me ready to kill.
The first guard to reach me thrust forward with his spear ready to drive it into my bare chest. Side stepping the obvious attack I bring one of my blades up cutting cleanly through the spear shaft before driving my other blade home in his chest. Seeing another guard coming up from behind the one still impaled on my sword I kick the now dead guard off of my sword and into the charging guard knocking him down.
To my left I see three guards coming and take a deep breath before shouting, "YOL TOOR SHUL!"
Instantly a wall of red hot flames burst from my mouth that quickly engulfs the charging guards. They didn't even have time to scream before they were turned to ashes leaving nothing but the melted piles of metal that was once their armor and weapons behind. Had to love dragonfire.
Enraged by the deaths of four of their comrades the remaining six rush me roaring their hatred and desire for my death. I almost felt sorry for this but sadly they had chosen to blindly follow a manipulative fool of a monarch. For that alone I would show them no mercy and make examples of them on why I was the most feared man in Skyrim.
"SU GRAH DUN!" I shout out once more before the guards reach me. My strikes become nothing but barely perceptible blurs as I strike with the speed and fury of a tempest cutting the guards down quicker than anyone else could see.
In mere seconds the six guards were dead and covered in multiple gashes bleeding out on my throne rooms floor. I stand for a moment relishing in my victory before I hear a cry of alarm from the girls and quickly whip my head around to see Shining trying to drive his sword into my back. Twisting my body the sword misses its mark but a long cut still appears across my upper back making me hiss a bit at the pain.
Angry that the pathetic milk drinker would dare stab me in the back I lash out when the Guard Captain tries to take another swing at me and the sound of my ethereal blade cutting through flesh was heard. After a moment it was met by the agonizing screams of Shining as his severed arm fell to the floor along with the sword it once held while he clutched his now bleeding stump.
"Shining!" shouted Cadence as she rushes to his side while the stallion passes out from the pain. I can't help but snort at this. I've fought with and against people who had lost limbs in mid battle and still continued to fight and he passes out almost immediately. This only reinforces how weak Celestia's forces truly were.
"You heartless beast! It was not enough you murdered my guards but now crippled my Captain!" yelled an enraged Celestia as her horn began to flow with magic while I stared at her with cold indifference.
"Me a heartless beast? Murder!? You challenged me you pathetic whore and now you pay the price! Instead of facing me yourself like a true warrior you sent a bunch of weakling in your stead, so who is really the heartless beast here Celestia!? As for the little piece of skeever shit bleeding on my floor he got what he deserved by trying to stab me in the back like the coward he is! I am Dragonborn and I will not submit to anyone, especially a spoiled little princess who believes she can do as she pleases without consequences!" I roared at her. I expected her to become further enraged and maybe attack me but instead I saw intense fear in her eyes as she shakily took a step back.
"D-dragonborn? YOUR DRAGONBORN!" she screamed in fear and it made me curious and surprised she knew my title as from what I recall there is no other who bears such a title in this world.
"Yes I am, now what does that mean to you princess? Have you met a dragonborn before?" I asked though my tone suggested it was more of a demand than an actual question. At this Celestia seemed to regain some composure before she began to speak in a tone filled with equal amounts fear and hate.
"Indeed I have. A few years after my sisters banishment a stranger appeared wearing a weird mask and robes. He claimed to be a seeker of knowledge and had come to our world to study our magic. At first I indulged his thirst for knowledge but when he had learned what he had wanted he tried to take my kingdom by using his magic to enslave the minds of my subjects." explained Celestia and I was getting a feeling that I knew exactly who she was talking about. After all there had only been one Dragonborn that was a glutton for knowledge and could bend the minds of others to his will, by Azura I could do the same but preferred not to for many reasons.
"Tell me princess but what was his real name? Not his title." I asked needing to know if my theory was correct.
"His name was Mirrak and he was one of the most evil beings I have ever encountered. Do you know him? Are you in league with him!?" demanded Celestia as she prepared to fight me but was stopped by my next statement.
"I knew him unfortunately Celestia. He was just as much a villain on my world as he was to this one and I am happy to say that he is now dead and by my own hands no less. Now take your niece and the coward and get out of my sight and out of my kingdom. If I see another Equestrian stepping foot into my lands without permission I will be sending you back their heads." I growled out as some of my guards came in to take the three away and also clean up the mess that was the bodies of the Equestrian guards.
I slumped back into my throne tiredly as the new revelation weighed heavily on my mind. It was hard to believe my former enemy Mirrak had once been to this world. But why and how did he come to be here? Out of all my foes Mirrak had been one of the most difficult due to his vast knowledge given to him by the Daedric Prince of Knowledge himself and the fact my shouts were virtually useless against him. Whatever the case the bastard was now dead and gone and nothing would change that.
Just then my vision began to swim and I could hear the girls calling my name but they sounded so distant. Blinking my eyes to try and focus I instantly found myself in a familiar place as all around me beautiful colors swirled and the air smelled of the finest perfume, in the distance I could see a large city of silver. This place could be none other than Moonshadow, the realm of the Daedric Princess Azura.
"It is nice to see you once more my Champion." spoke a beautiful voice from behind me. Knowing who it was instantly I turn and kneel before the Lady of Twilight herself.
"Lady Azura, always an honor to see you." I say with my head bowed low only to hear an annoyed sigh from her.
"Oh stand up Raddin, you know how much I hate it when you act so formal with me." she said with a huff which made me smile as I stood to stare at her. She looked just the same as always with her flawless pale skin, beautiful purple eyes and long black hair with her entire form clad in a silver robe that showed off her impressive figure . She may have been a good head shorter than myself but the power she radiated easily showed who was the stronger and more intimidating being here.
Smiling right back at me she pulled me into a hug which I returned gratefully. In all honesty she was probably my favorite Daedra even though I'm the Champion of a good few. Unlike the others she doesn't just call me whenever she needs a task carried out but also sometimes pops up in my dreams just to chat here and there.
Pulling back I take another look at her realm with a look of nostalgia before turning back to Azura who now looked a bit nervous making me curious on what she could want and more importantly, how could she still contact me despite being in an entirely different realm.
"So my Lady is there any particular reason for you visiting me? And how have things been since I've left Skyrim?" I asked casually.
"That's actually why I'm here Raddin, your arrival in the realm of Eques has caused a slight imbalance of power back on Nirn. With you not around to keep the peace things have gone a little off the rails and I've foreseen dark things in the future." she said seriously making me practically go bug-eyed in surprise.
"Wait, what!? Then I need to go back right away before they all kill each-other!" I shouted only for Azura to hold up a hand to silence me.
"No Raddin you cannot leave, while Nirn may need your help, this world needs you even more. The dark times in Skyrim will sort themselves out, however without you in this world even darker things are coming, things that you are very familiar with. I have conversed with your other Patron's and we have all agreed that you staying in Eques is the best course of action." she explained making me even more confused than before. What 'dark things' are coming and how do I know them?
"This doesn't make any sense Azura, I mean even if 'dark things' are heading my way in this world you can't expect me to beat them all by myself? While I have Erane and Aranea with me I'm not sure if they may be up to the task since I don't even know what we're up against since according to you it may be the most powerful thing I have faced to date!" I exclaimed in clear annoyance making Azura smirk in her usual 'I know something you don't know,' kind of way.
"That's why I'm sending you some extra help! They have already agreed to join you in this realm so don't worry about that, plus with what's coming you'll need all the help you can get. Now time to wake my champion and Akatosh says he wants many grandkid's to spoil!" she said with a small wave and before I could protest I was violently thrown out of her realm only to slam back into my own where I woke with a violent start in my thrown.
Looking around I noticed the Mane Six along with Erane and Aranea looking at me in worry. Guess I must have been pretty far out of it if their this worried.
"What in Faust name jus' happen to ya Raddin?" exclaimed Aj.
"Yes darling you were looking positively distressed for a good while." followed up Rarity with equal amounts of concern.
Before I could even formulate a proper response a small purple portal appeared at the end of the throne room catching everyone's attention. Looking at the portal suddenly four figures were tossed out and into a jumbled heap before us.
"Hey get off of me!" shouted one in a female voice I found quite familiar.
"I would if I could lass but someone's also on top of me!" shouted another familiar voice only this one was male.
This went on for a few moments before the mass of limbs managed to untangle itself and now stood all four figures which I now recognized without a doubt. Them being here was so unbelievable that I actually pinched myself just to see if I was dreaming. The action had not gone unnoticed by the new arrival's as they all laughed lightly at me.
"Well Raddin, looks like you really have stepped up in the world. I hope you haven't forgotten about your friends have you?" asked Aela with mock disappointment. Beside her stood my Shield Brother Farkas along with my money loving friend Brynjolf, and finally the vampire princess herself Serana.
"Well how could I forget you sorry lot?" I say with great cheer as I practically leap from my throne to greet my longtime friends once more. In my head though I couldn't help but thank Lady Azura along with my other Patron's for this glorious gift as I now had my most trusted friends and allies by my side once more. Whatever dark forces may come I know that they wouldn't stand a chance.