A Dragonborn, Destiny, and Very Small Horses

Chapters

The Second
Chapter 3
The Fourth
Intermission
The Fifth
The Sixth
The Seventh
The First

The Second

A Dragonborn, Destiny, and Very Small Horses

Part 2: In Which I Figure Out Why I Was Hunted and What The Hell Is Going On

By DarrParrot

The members of the crowd unsheathed whatever weapons they had and all of them, at least 30, faced towards me and their fallen brother. I held Neck Taker to my side and turned to face the crowd, not betraying any sense of worry. I stared them down, daring them to try and attack me. A cold wind began to blow, definitely creating a sense of anxiety. Silence reigned for a minute but was interrupted when my attacker began to cough up blood.

I heard someone in the crowd yell, and then the crowd began to stir, motivated to attack me by the sight of their comrade in pain. A Breton in the crowd who was closest to me smiled, and ran towards me. Spurred by this sudden action, the entire crowd charged toward me. It's high time I made my exit I thought . I turned away from the crowd and began to sprint down the winding path that led out of the city. I got a bit of a head start before they all started chasing after me. The footsteps following me were thunder, providing incentive for me to move faster than I ever have. I could easily have killed all of them but I decided the effort was not worth it. They might even have been misled! I wasn't going to risk killing an innocent. Not this time. I continued down the pathway, dodging arrows, and assorted missiles, when I eventually arrived at the stables. I looked behind me and saw the crowd catching up as they passed the arch that separates Whiterun from the outside world. I knocked on the stable door frantically, but stopped when I realized that they already know where I am. I stood where I was while I watched the crowd stop moving and stand where they were. They knew I could not run, because it would be a useless exertion. They thought that I would give myself up. I don't think they knew that I, Darr-Ei, was Dragonborn. They should've known that. Things would've went a lot better for them. I took out Luna and approached the crowd that was standing still, patiently awaiting my surrender. I did a slight flourish with the scimitar, menacing the crowd, and that's when a thought occurred to me.

WHERE IN OBLIVION WERE THE GUARDS?! No sooner had I asked this to myself, I saw the captain of the guard come from behind the crowd, along with 10 other guards. This explained everything. Why there were no guards along the roads. Why no one sought to stop the crowd of people with that odd insignia. The captain of the guard, Caius, walked briskly towards me and stood at least a foot away from me.

"You may be asking yourself, 'why is Caius betraying me after I saved his city?' and you would be right to question me." Said Caius himself. He continued "Well, my lizard friend, I am betraying you because you seek to increase your own power over this city by intimidating us with your magical prowess. This I will not stand for. You may be a friend of the legion, and the jarl, but you are not my friend, nor are you a friend of the cities’ denizens." He turned away from me and signaled his guards, and they came forward weapons drawn.

"What are you even talking about you DAMN TRAITOR!?" I yelled at him. He did not reply, but he pointed off in the distance. I could see, just above where the Greybeards lived atop High Hrothgar, presumably on the throat of the world, a very bright light. "I fail to see the relevance of this.." I began to say, before I was interrupted by a white flash of light that seemed to come from the anomaly atop the mountain. I was still confused as to how this could be a horrible thing. This whole situation seemed far-fetched, and hardly warranting of the murder of a hero such as myself. "How is this my fault!?" I shouted to the crowd. A guard simply pointed with a grim look on his face towards the mountain once more. I was awestruck. The light somehow...projected an image of what looked like Black Marsh.

"So this is why you think it's me. I’m an Argonian and it looks like Black Marsh. Oh gods! That’s moronic! It barely makes sense!" I began to laugh hysterically, out of disbelief and anger, falling on the ground. I wouldn't stop laughing until an arrow hit the ground by my knee. One of the guards had a bow. Ironically enough, he was an adventurer in his younger years, before he took an arrow to the knee, disabling him. His leg wouldn’t allow him to journey for very long so he decided to become a guard, apparently. Another arrow from a non-handicapped guard struck the ground to my right. I promptly got up, and once again brandished Luna.

I prepared my Shout and ran toward the crowd of 40 or 50 people. If I remember correctly, a certain fear shown in the eyes of some of the crowd members. (This is where they realize their mistakes. Their fatal mistake.)

***

Caius saw me approaching and pushed through to the back of the crowd, leaving a random citizen to take his place. I did not care. I knee'd the citizen in the stomach, lifting him into the air. While he was still in the air, I took my scimitar and shoved it into his stomach, impaling him in mid-air. I felt the blood flow slowly onto the hilt of my blade, trickling downward onto my hand. I used his body as a shield for those trying to attack me from the front. His body took most of the blows, and for those that I had to parry, I simply used his body. If I recall correctly, his features were basically unrecognizable by the time I was done using him as a shield. I grabbed his leg and I used my right hand to grab Luna providing a good handhold to throw him into the crowd. I leaped back, leaving the citizens closest to me without a target to hit, and I turned his body sideways and threw him into the crowd. This subdued a few of the members of the crowd, knocking them to the ground and this left me my scimitar in my hand.

I was a few feet away from most of the crowd members, so I used the respite to figure out what to do. I must find the Jarl and protect him. He's done me well enough in the past. He should be able to tell me what to do about that portal on top of the Throat of the World. I decided to cut through whoever would resist and make my way to Dragonsreach. I would need to end this quickly or the Jarl might be dead. Despite what you may think, the Jarl is a good man. Sound decisions... and a general good man. The crowd started towards me, recovering from the blow I dealt them. I wished to break them, now. I would have just spared some of their lives, but now they would not get that. This has gone on long enough, and was just asinine enough for me to break into... murderous disappointment. I mustered my inner strength, my feelings, and my energy, to ensure he would hear me, wherever he may be in this world. and I let forth the Dragon Call.

"ODAHVIING!!"

***

I jumped into the fray once more and carried a ball of flames in my right hand. I did a vast sweep with my right hand burning the face of a Redguard beggar . He fell to the cobblestone pavement, writhing in pain and I swept the front lines of the crowd with the flame spell. The whole front line of the crowd was pushed back and I charged into them. My axe swung from left to right, as a harvester collects crops during the harvest. I find it important to mention that I was collecting body parts instead of crops. I must carry this point across. It is rather important that I do. Blood spattered across my face and armor and the crowd fell to me like... well, I can't use the harvester simile again, can I? I had murdered at least ten people with that assault alone, when a thunderous roar shook the skies. I saw a purplish-red dragon come from the sky and land on top of the arch where I was murdering those who followed Caius’ red plan. The dragon’s mere presence affected the villages as I thought it would. Most of the villagers, scared out of their fighting spirit and wits, ran past me and hid in hay bales or wherever a dragon could not find them. There were still the guards and some stubborn rebels to deal with. I took Neck Taker back out and me and Odahviing went to work. I decided to show the rebels what they would face. I advanced slowly upon a breton whose leg was broken. He laid upon the ground, agonized, terrified...vulnerable. He begged for his life and I simply raised the axe, and let it fall. It all seemed to happen in slow motion. His head rolled from his shoulders and the breton’s soul made the journey into whatever afterlife existed. It may have looked at me, for heads seem to keep some semblance of sentience when separated from the body. Oh dear. I seemed to have went into one of those tangents. I don’t quite care. Read on, friends.

***

I was rather bloody from the carnage that had just ensued. I walked onward towards the castle. Odahviing swallowed one of the rebels whole and looked at me. "Dovahkiin." said he, and Odahviing lifted off from the ground, off to roost wherever he felt was appropriate. I was disappointed. I always feel the urge to high-five Odahviing after we end a skirmish. Sadly, he always leaves before I can ask him, or even attempt to. Perhaps Dragons do not feel the need to high-five as men and mer do? I resolved to teach him the ways of human compassion, and high-fiving. I considered walking to the palace, but I figured time was of the essence. I ran to the palace doors, where a couple of guards were trying to break down the doors with a battering ram. They seemed to be consumed in their task to notice me. This would be an easy kill I thought to my self. I took out my axe and a guard just so happened to have put his body to the wall to try and push the door down or perhaps weaken it. My laughter almost betrayed my presence, so I decided to end it before I had to kill them with some amount of effort. I lifted Neck Taker and brought it down with as much force as possible, splitting his skull and lodging the axe firmly into the door. The guard surprised by the death of a perhaps, close friend, fell to his knees and struggled to unsheathe his sword. I simply looked at him and uttered this, "What is going on?".

***

He told me everything. The angry, unskilled mob thought I was behind the portal to what appeared to be Black Marsh. They were worried that I was trying to lead an Argonian invasion in Skyrim. They accused the Jarl of treason and tried to rebel against him. Those with the strange insignia were an anti-magic group called the Grounded, who just so happened to hate Argonians. Lucky for me right? They arrived in Whiterun some time after that portal appeared, apparently. No one has been to the portal yet, considering it is on top of a gods-damned mountain. I had heard enough of his traitorous words. I knocked the soldier out with the haft of my axe and yelled to the Jarl (or rather the Jarl’s door). "IT'S SAFE! YOU CAN UNLOCK THE DOOR!"

The door slowly opened and I walked into the hall of Jarl Barlgruuf. The atmosphere was shadowy, as was custom during wartime. His personal guards stared at me as I walked in. They watched me from behind pillars and menaced me, perhaps on the verge of believing the Grounded's lies.

I walked up the stairs and into the dining room. The Jarl was on his throne, with a sullen look in his eyes, and Orcish armor adorning on his body. I always thought that Nords, being the proud race they are, would only wear their weak steel armor. I digress. The dark elf, Irileth was by his side, and his advisor was standing right by him, oddly enough, dressed in armor as well. The imperial advisor, Aventus, his name was, seemed sullen as always. Irileth looked at me as I approached, hopefully in admiration. I... fancied her. She seemed like she had many a good story to tell, and would be a great companion. I have a thing for Dark Elves. And every other race. Except the Sload. Gods the Sload are disgusting. Yet so intriguing. Y’know, there was a famous Sload necromancer called K’vasta, if I remember correctly. He was very intelligent. Terrifyingly so. Hated pretty much everything. He was killed by a Redgaurd named- Oh, anyway, back to the Jarl. He stood up and gestured for me to come to him. I walked a little bit faster and I stopped in front of him.

"I feel dishonored for saying this so many times to the same man, but please... figure out what in Shor's name is going on, and why things keep happening like this. Go to the Throat and enter the portal. Tell us where it leads and if the denizens plan on invading."

I was slightly unnerved by the prospect of entering a mysterious portal. Who knew what could be inside that place, especially when it looked so similar to Black Marsh? For those who don’t know, Black Marsh is a horrible gods-damned place. Pretty much anything there will kill you. I voiced this opinion to him, which he promptly blew off, saying that I had faced worse. I had to agree, as much as I did not want to. I left the palace of the Jarl and headed to my home. I opened the door, surprised to find that it had not been looted prior to the events of this morning. Perhaps the Grounded were too busy chasing me. I opened my chest of items and retrieved my daedric armor, that I dubbed the Dark Aegis. It's appearance still gave me a feeling of power and a literal feeling of vigor. I wore my gauntlets of daedric origin and replaced my Neck Taker with my war hammer, the Onyx Soul Crusher. I felt I had prepared sufficiently enough for the difficult, trying times ahead of me. I opened the door, assaulted by brightness, cold, and blinding white light. Oh and lots of blood. Blood on the streets, flowing gracefully from the bodies, dripping into the grooves of the cobblestone. I became hungry.

Truly a special day indeed.

END OF THE CHAPTER WOOT WOOT

Chapter 3

A Dragonborn, Destiny, and Very Small Horses

Part 3: O Brave New World, O Beauteous Ponies

(A letter from Darr-Ei) Some of you will no doubt comment on the tangential nature of my story. Those who will comment on that are probably civilians. This is not just a tale of my arrival, but a little demonstration of how my mind works. Why? I'll explain this later, because telling you now would ruin the narrative potential of my story. I have enough free reign here to worry about narrative potential. No, that was not a threat. Why would it even be a threat? Not what I intended in the least.)

I stepped out of the threshold of my home; however, I as soon as my foot moved forward to take another step, it connected with the ribs of a dead guard. I decided to take a look around my environment further and I noticed that a lot of people were dead. I was a bit shocked at how much I had killed. I walked over the body and I surveyed the gore littering the battlefield. There were a multitude of limbs and innards strewn about the town square and the roads. Shocked would've been an appropriate word for how I was feeling. I was shocked at how ruthless and effective I was at... defending myself. I will not lie, by saying I felt no remorse. I will not lie, by saying I was not jaded at my constant murdering of living things. I will not lie to you, and to myself, by saying I was not proud. I was proud at how thorough I was, no matter how sickening it may be to you. It very may well be, but you may already have guessed that I am rather evil in some ways. You would not expect less of me. I do have a reputation to uphold in a certain land. I feel the need to say that if circumstances were different, I would be comfortable having a more positive reputation. Let's just say that mistakes were made. As I walked through the streets I thought about my task.

What would I encounter on the Other Side? Would the denizens be friendly, would they crave blood, would they look similar to those who reside on Nirn? And most important of all (at the time anyway), were they strong?

These thoughts pervaded my mind as I walked past the gate that led to the wilderness of Skyrim. I stopped and looked at the Throat of the World. The huge mountain rising through the cloud layer, with snow covering it's summit and point. It did not seem to be a huge obstacle as it once did. It seemed as if it was a part of me. Without it I just might not have been myself. A true Dragonborn. All of the most important parts of my life have occurred there. Perhaps even the saddest. The murdering of Paarthurnax. I hated thinking about what I had done. I could not even bring myself to warn him. Or even...apologize beforehand. There was so much I could have done, but I just could not. The Blades would not have me in their ranks if I did not kill him. "He may have changed and he may have helped us, but he still enslaved humans", they would have said. Their logic is something I despise. Everyone can be forgiven. They can all be shown the way...

***

I awoke. I had fallen asleep STANDING UP reminiscing about my past. I looked around me to see if anyone was sneaking around, perhaps another member of the Grounded looking to get a cheap shot in. There was nothing. Just the grass, the stars, the immense mountain ranges, and the moon. I am still taken aback at how beautiful the night is in Skyrim. I figured that now was not the time for reflection, that it was the time to hasten my progress towards the mountain. I stretched my arms, and twisted my neck slightly to get the tendons less tense, and I sprinted across the plain between Whiterun and the Throat. The wind whipped past me and the grass was crushed underfoot. I kept going until I saw the river that separated the Throat and Whiterun. I stopped just at the edge. This river was the bane of my existence. It always slows me down. I figured I might as well swim. I jumped into the water and swam towards the shoreline closest to the many-thousand steps at High Hrothgar.

***

I had climbed the seven thousand steps for the 5th time. I used to find it painstaking and laborious, but I began to see it as the builders wished. As a time to remember those who gave their lives to end the dragon menace. I also saw it as a time to reflect upon the Way of the Voice. Which is when I realized that Words should be able to be formed into compound...Sentences. I resolved to test this as soon as I could. I soon arrived at the Greybeards' home. I continued up the last few steps and looked at the statue of Talos. How could a man become a god? Absolutely unbelievable I said to myself.Yet I could still feel the truth of Talos’ godhood resonating within me. Mundus was a place where men could become gods. The statement still feels rather odd, yet it gave me hope for something I could not explain. I opened the door and walked inside.

***

The Greybeards' domain is very dreary and rather anticlimactic when you first walk in. However, when you stay there for a while, you begin to sense the pure power that emanates from within its walls. It fills you with a sense of pride and strength that is rivaled by very few places. You can feel the Words of thousands of Thu'um masters, and Dragonborn alike. The very power of the Voice resonates within the air. They are united by their traversing of the Way. It makes you cease whatever pointless thoughts you may have, and in the place of these extraneous thoughts, deeper ones sprout. It is an incredible place. I continue onwards, my footsteps echoing in Hrothgar's stone walls. I acknowledge the Greybeards' presence and I keep walking. I can almost feel the portal's presence. A part of me thinks it may actually be Black Marsh, when the other, more rational part says that it is somewhere else. Either way it is still dangerous to leave the portal unchecked. I arrive at the door to the courtyard. I throw open the doors. It snows harder and a cold wind wafts in through the opening. I am not cold. Okay, maybe a little. I step outside.

This is where another interesting chapter in my life begins

I say to myself as I continue onward towards the path to the Throat.

***

I'm almost by the end of the path to the Throat when a thought crosses my mind. How do I look? I realize that I may scare off the denizens in the Other Side. I laughed and I resigned to myself that it would be more interesting if they were terrified of me. That way I can test my speaking skills. I want to challenge myself in the persuasion section. That way some fights can be avoided. If I want them to be anyway. I continued onward, the snow and wind wailing, and the snow beneath my boots being crushed. I walk upwards and I climb up onto a rock.

I am so close to the portal and to a new realm. I am also close to Paarthurnax's remains.Too be honest, I dread coming here. It still enrages me to see what I did. I will have to move on at some point. Just remember Paarthurnax for his good deeds, and rationalize his death with his bad deeds. I keep climbing rocks until I see the Word shrine Paarthurnax used to perch upon. I look for the portal when I see it.

It is an oblong shape, shimmering like the surface of a pond. I can see a faint swampy forest within its confines. The swamp in general looks only a little bit like Black Marsh. It has the general black and green coloring, but this swamp is... more colorful. In a dark way. Even during noon in Black Marsh, it is as dark as night in most areas. It is perplexing. This swamp is almost beautiful. I found myself becoming wistful at its resemblance to my home. I walk towards it. I wonder what I must do to enter. Should I just enter in? Is there some sort of puzzle? Do I summon a daedra?. I will admit, the last one was sort of a joke. Most of those questions were just remnants of past experiences that annoyed the hell out of me. I took inventory of my items. I had Luna, the Onyx Soul Crusher, and my armor. To be perfectly honest, that was all I felt I needed. I had my assorted charms and trinkets, but those were nothing to take note of. At least not right now. I wondered what the best possible entrance to this new land would be. I would need to make an appearance definitely. Show the denizens what I was all about, representation of another land be damned. I wanted to show all of the magic and beauty that existed in Tamriel. I realized that I had to be sure how I would arrive when I got there. Depending on how the portal works, anything can happen. I might not even arrive where it shows, odd as that is. The best way to figure this out, I thought, was to throw an object in there and see where it arrives.

I tried to figure out what to throw in. I reasoned it had to be substantial, and a living thing. It also had to be neutral. Not evil or good. How I decided this, I do not know, but that is what I thought. I searched around for something to fit these criteria, when I heard "MEEEEEEEHHHRHHHHHH" or something like it. I knew deep within my heart what must be done. I advanced towards the place where I heard it. The goat saw me coming. It looked me in the eyes, and I thought I could see a hint of adventure, and perhaps even agreement. I nodded and picked it up. I ran towards the portal with the goat in my arms, and I threw it headlong into the portal. A large boom and shockwave erupted out of the portal and knocked me on my back. Dazed, I stood up and looked towards the image in the portal. The goat was standing in a clearing in the forest and was looking around confused. I erupted into triumphant laughter and began to cheer. That is when I heard the goat cry out "MERRH-" and it was silenced. I saw a brief shadowy flash snatch the goat up, and it was gone from my sight.

I WAS FURIOUS. Something had just taken that innocent goat away, no doubt to kill it. That goat was extraordinary. It seemed so intelligent, it was my comrade, and now it is gone. My partner in exploration murdered out of instinct with no rational thought. I did not approve. I roared to the heavens, and I backed up, sped into a run, and lept into the portal.

***

The experience is very hard to describe. A multitude of images flooded my mind. Space, Nirn's two moons, past events, things I have no words for, creatures I have never seen, walls with narrow, hollow geometry, daedric letters, and the face of a gold and blue elf-like creature. Words became apparent to me, that I did not know the meaning to and knowledge that only few know passed through my mind like the mirror-like film of a waterfall. I felt my body being replaced and rearranged and my scales were on fire. This fire did not hurt, but it was very uncomfortable nonetheless. I have cause to believe I blacked out multiple times due to the rush of information and sensations. I felt a pulling sensation and I opened my eyes.

Light.

***

It was very, very dark in this forest. The transition from seeing all of those different images in the portal to seeing this constant darkness jarred me. The colors of the swamp seemed to be outlined and defined so as to make them more visible. The dark greens and browns of the forest seemed more vibrant than what I would see in Skyrim. After marveling over the coloring of this realm I surveyed my environment. I was in a clearing surrounded by tall, gnarled trees, with hanging, fern-like leaves. They had a sinister look to them, that was actually kind of lighthearted. As odd as that sounds, it was closest to the truth. There was a dark mist surrounding the area, that further added to the unfriendly, swamp-like atmosphere of this area. I admit that I was kind of threatened in a "about-to-be-attacked-by-a-stuffed-alligator" sense. This didn't stop me from taking out my O.S.C. If anything I'd just scare off whatever tried to attack me. I assumed that my best course of action would be to figure out WHAT THE HELL TO DO NEXT. I looked to see if the portal was still there. It was, fortunately. The visage of the mountaintop displayed in the portal's surface. I figured that I could go back anytime I want. So I thought I would have some fun and explore this swamp. My stomach began to growl, and that is when I realized that hunting would be required for me to survive in this place. I took my OSC out and started off into a path in the forest. I walked onward and kept my eyes peeled for any movement that might signify, a rabbit, or... a goat. I sighed, realizing I forgot about my goat. I figured that I would have to track him if I wanted vengeance. I went back towards the clearing and I looked for footprints or some sign of him. I saw his little hoof marks in the mud and I looked in the direction they were facing. There was a straight path of broken tree limbs and assorted displaced foliage. I was exhilarated and sprinted off into that direction.

***

I walked for about an hour when the broken foliage and tracks began to drift towards the left slowly. I followed, for I was determined to reunite with that brave goat. The forest suddenly ended and I heard a faint goat vocalization from somewhere off in the distance. Somewhere above me. I saw my goat up on a mountain-top being tormented by some sort of...vulture. Hope filled my mind and I ran toward a path by the side of the mountain that spiraled upward. I ran up the path and kept running until the faint "merhhhss" became gradually louder. I reached the top and saw my goat. It was being pecked at by a winged beast. It had a scorpions tail with a large stinger at the end. It's mouth was tentacled, and the thing was covered in scales. I was surprised that such a thing could reside here. My goat was miraculously dodging each attempt the creature made at stinging it. I was so gods-damned proud. This goat was amazing. I felt tears well up. This goat would not let a stronger creature destroy it. It would fight on until it found what it wanted in its life. It would let its own strength carry it on. I cheered it on from the sidelines. The winged creature began to grow angry, it let out a deep-throated screech, and charged with its tail aimed at my goat like a lance. Time began to slow down, my breath caught in my throat, I saw the goat's visage turn into something defiant, and the creature's tail sped towards the goat prepared to stab it. My goat crouched downward, and it disappeared in a flash. My jaw dropped.

The creatures tail embedded itself in the ground, and my goat appeared behind it. The goat leaped back, and charged at the creature, goring it in the back with its horns. My goat took it's horns out of the creatures back. The creature screeched and it's back arced backward in pain. It fell to the ground, limp, and bleeding. I looked at my goat, in awe of its strength. It stared at me. I got to my knees and gave my goat a hug. I got up, and looked towards the horizon. The sun was rising.

Today truly was special

***

The goat, who I dubbed Mina-Ka (after an Argonian hero), and I went down from the mountain. I brought back the carcass of the monster so I could eat it later. I followed the path I took to get to the mountain and I followed it back to the clearing. I arrived and all was how I left it, except for some tracks in the mud. I decided that leaving the clearing would be best. If Mina-Ka could talk, I bet he would've agreed. I decided to explore further, and see if this land had any semblance of civilization. I lifted the dead carcass onto my back and trudged into the misty, dark parts of the forest. I walked for a long time, deep in thought about what occurred. And by deep in thought, I mean that I was a bit puzzled about what Mina-Ka killed, but promptly ignored. I figured that I would keep going until I reached either a city or village, or dry land. Mina-Ka and I walked onwards through the forest keeping an eye out for anything that might seem like a house. It quickly became nighttime when we arrived at an area that I quickly noticed had dry land. It was perfect to build a fire. It also seemed to be on the edge of this rather swampy forest. The smoke might rise rather high which would alert any civilized, or savage culture to us. It seemed like a great idea at the time.

Mina-Ka and I both sat down, and I took the dead creature from off of my back. I laid it upon the ground and I started up a fire spell in my right hand. I went to find some lumber to make a spit to roast the creature. I was looking about for some lumber when I realized that I wasn't even sure the creature was edible. I really shouldn't even take all this time to eat something that might just kill me. I would just eat it the old-fashioned Argonian hunter way. That is, to eat the heart of something to determine its poisonous contents. Oddly enough, only Argonians and those with Argonian attributes can achieve this. If you were to try this as a human, there is a good chance you would die.

I took my Luna and placed the point to the neck of the beast. I stabbed the point at least one inch into its flesh, and dissected the creature from its neck to what appeared to be its navel. I grabbed each side of the cut I had made and tore it open. I dug my hand in and reached around for the closest shape I felt to a heart. I tore it out. It looked surprisingly similar to a daedra heart. I noted this, feeling it may become useful, and I lifted off my helmet. I cleared my throat and put the creature's heart to my mouth. A silent prayer to our gods that shall not be known was said and I bit into the heart. Blood spurted out of the heart covering my face. The heart flesh was still in my mouth when the taste hit me. It was delicious. In fact it was quite delicious. I devoured it ravenously, appearance be damned, and I swallowed. I wiped my face off and sighed. I put my helmet back on. My hunger was sated, I resolved to explore some more, when I heard something behind Mina-Ka and I. I turned around swinging my sword but I stopped at what I saw.

A yellow-furred horse-like creature with large, blue expressive eyes. It seemed to have pink...hair and wings. You can imagine my surprise. It couldn't have been more than 4 feet tall. I noticed something else about it. It was terrified of me. I can't say I was surprised. I wore armor created from the hearts of evil creatures and black metal. My armor was a deep black, with glowing red lines etched into its ridges. Suffice to say its fear was perfectly understandable. We must've stayed in that particular position, my blade poised to strike its head off, her terrified gaze fixed on me. Suddenly, its eyes darted to the corpse behind me, and to Mina-Ka. Its countenance abruptly shifted into intense rage and she stepped forward. I pulled my blade away, and its wings lifted her into what it may have thought was eyelevel. It began to speak, a whisper quickly forming into a yell, "How could you have done this?!!" I stepped backwards to provide more room for it, which I now realized was a she, since I just heard her voice. She doggedly kept her face pressed to my helmet. I noticed that her eyes gradually became larger as she yelled at me "It was just trying to live!! YOU COULD'VE LEFT IT ALONE!" I will admit that me and Mina-Ka could've just fled from it, but Mina-Ka was dead set on killing it. It wasn't my choice and I would be glad to admit that I was wrong, and accept some form of retribution. However, if this horse-like thing wasn't yelling at me, and trying to get on my back, I might've been more inclined to listen. She pressed her face even closer to me and she began to stare into my eyes. I felt her gaze penetrate into the first layer of my mind. I felt terrible feelings of guilt. She was trying to guilt me. To flood my mind with images of those I killed, and the mistakes I have made. This was not something I would let happen to me. I can’t have regrets, nor can I feel guilt. Not now. NEVER.

I could feel her breaking down my mental barriers. I feel that if I was not shown those images I had been when I was transported here, she would've broken me. Her... Stare was deflected by a word, that I have now forgotten. This word reinforced the barriers of my mind and if I recall correctly, altered my mind. Altered how exactly? I cannot quite remember. All I know is that I felt very, very wise. Anyway, this Word was not draconic, nor any language I can recall. It seemed... old. Old in a terrifying sense. Unimaginably old. The image I see when I recall it, is a tower, threatening to break at any moment at the slightest lapse in concentration. I dare not recall it further because I do not have that much concentration. Using the Word was not even my decision. It was something else. When the Word was used her stare was momentarily broken. I used this time to grab her throat, firmly, but not enough to choke. Or so I wished. The sudden force around her neck, cause her to stop the Stare, as I will no doubt call it from now on. I wanted her to look into my eyes. I began to speak, "I do not appreciate the attempt to bend me to your will. No one has tried that, and they will never try it, because not many know how. I recommend that, if any of your kind, or any of your civilization will try it, that they prepare a eulogy, because I will murder them. In the coldest blood imaginable." I cleared my voice and began to speak in a softer tone. "I apologize for harming you and that creature. You see, I was hungry, and besides, I didn't really kill it. That was my companion, Mina-Ka. The goat you see by my side" I pointed at him with my free hand. "He was attacked by the winged-beast so I was trying to save him, when he impaled the creature of his own accord. Do you understand me?" She nodded, once again, terrified. I was kind of surprised. I found it odd how she understood my language even though I was a guest from another land. I released her and she fell to the ground. I felt rather bad and I felt like being friendly so I began to ask her name when she promptly yelped and fainted. I sighed and put her upon my back. I sheathed my weapons and headed off into the edge of the swamp.

I must've walked for at least another hour before I saw a light in the distance. I jogged briskly off toward the light, jumping over stray roots, and dodging overhanging branches. The light became more pronounced and I saw the abode that housed my guiding light.

I was confused and dumbstruck by the...rhyming. I didn't know how to respond. I wondered if I should rhyme in turn or just answer normally. I decided that answering normally would be the best. "Excuse me, but, I have a... injured...horse here. I think she might need medical attention."
I didn't hear anything and then the door slowly opened. In the doorway stood a black and white striped horse-like creature. This creature seemed familiar to me. I think they may have been called zebras. A miniature zebra just opened the door. The day was just getting odder for me.
Her mouth opened wide and she looked at me inquisitively.

"Your kind, I have never seen,

And you certainly look rather mean,

Where is the one that needs healing?

You do not seem like one so feeling."
And I took the yellow one off of my back and cradled her in my arms to show the zebra that she is in fact with me. "She's right here." I confirm. The zebra nods and she motions for me to follow her into her house. I am a bit daunted at the task of fitting into the house but I realize that it is much bigger on the inside than it seems. But not by much. The zebra motions for me to put her on a table and I do so, placing her gently down. The zebra quickly looks over the fainted miniature horse, gesturing oddly to herself, and speaking in her odd tongue. She sighs and looks at me.

"The yellow one has taken a rest,

But perhaps not at her own true behest,

I start to get a little nervous. I didn't quite feel like seeing the yellow one run away from me in terror. I just wouldn't be able to handle such guilt. I ask the zebra, "Are you sure that this is a good idea? Shouldn't she just get her rest? I mean-" the zebra silences me.

"We must know what affected miss Fluttershy,

Seeing her like this... I must know why, "
She rhymed, looking rather serious. I resigned to her plan, sighing. I then heard a "Merhhhh" right behind me, and that's when I realized that I had forgotten all about Mina-Ka. I nodded and gave him a little pat. Mina-Ka "Merrhhh"d again he pointed his horns toward the zebra and turned his head inquisitively. I knew what he meant. I had to accrue some info about where I am. And who everyone is. I already knew who the yellow one was at that point in time. That was something off the check list. I cleared my throat and started asking all of the questions I thought of. "Alright. I have some questions. I arrived here from another dimension. What is this place called? What are you called, name-wise and species wise? Who is she? Why does she have wings? What is this area we're in called? What kind of society are you built upon? What are your religions like? Do you crave war? Do you have the capabilities of war? Why are you so...cute?"
Her eyes widened in surprise. She looked at the ground, scraped her hoof against the ground, tapped against her chin. She began to open her mouth, and shut it. She yawned and said

" You have just spoken many a question,

But I am tired, and to my bed I go a-questin',

Fluttershy will be fine, or so I think,

She normally always faints, to a cause for this, I can always make a link."
I gave a short laugh, wished her a good-night, and took my armor off. the zebra left to go sleep somewhere else. I was suddenly overcome by exhaustion. I just realized how much I had done. The emotions felt definitely took a toll on me. I found a comfortable looking corner and put my back to it. I closed my eyes, when I felt Mina-Ka crouch right beside me. I felt as if I had a staunch blade-brother to join me in battle, to join me in mirth, and to join me in laughter. I was calm. Yet there was a part of me that felt regret over hurting...Fluttershy. It gave me a slight feeling of pain just thinking about it. I knew that I would have to make it right as soon as possible.

***

I awoke to the sound of the zebra's singing. I quickly stood up, awakened Mina-Ka, and walked over to her. I asked her, "How is... Fluttershy? Is she alright?" She replied

" Fluttershy is still asleep,

From her, you won't hear a peep,

At least not yet."

I was about to ask why she broke her rhyming scheme, but thought better of it. I prepared myself to ask her more about the general situation. "Excuse me, what is your name?"

She began, "There are those that call me Zecora,

I have a talent for potions and flora,

My species is defined as Zebra,

And my hometown is known as Zaroma"

I nodded and said "My name is Darr-Ei. My story is a long one, and I would prefer to keep it as that. A synopsis is not in order, as rude as that may be." That's when I heard a very quiet, very high pitched yawn. It was the most adorable thing I had ever heard. Me and Zecora both looked up from our conversation and she cantered over to where Fluttershy lay. I crouch walked over and put my hands on the table. She shifted slightly and opened her eyes slowly. She looked over at Zecora and said quietly, "Oh, hello Zecora, where am I? Why am I here? The last thing I remember was..." And then she looked over at me. Fluttershy screamed. Or at least that is what Zecora told me. She was screaming so high-pitched that I could barely hear her. She flew up into Zecora's cupboard and started shaking. It rattled violently. Zecora was awestruck by this sudden outburst. I felt absolutely terrible. I have never caused someone that kind of fear. This was completely new to me. I sat down. Zecora looked at me puzzled. She looked back at the cupboard and said

"Fluttershy dear, what causes you this fear?

Whatever it is, I would be glad to hear."

Fluttershy began to speak "I-i-i-i-it's h-h-him..." Zecora looked at me angrily.

"What did you do, O mysterious traveler?

Whatever it was, it sure did rattle her!"

Which is when I began to smell smoke. I ran to the window and looked outside. Out in the distance I could see fire. Bright, huge flames. I wondered what the hell it could be, when I realized that IT WAS MY FIRE FROM THE FIRST NIGHT. My jaw dropped, and I yelled "Zecora, do you smell that!? There is a fire outside, we have no time for this!" She was about to interject when I saw her nostrils flare. Her eyes widened in fear and I am pretty damn sure that is when she smelled it. She was about to go outside when I stopped her with my hand. She seemed offended, but I ignored it. I opened the door. I was about to run towards the direction of the fire when a large bright flash blinded me. I tried to cover my eyes but the damage was done. I stumbled a bit and tried to concentrate my vision back. I was confused. I thought I was blind to be perfectly honest. I began to heal myself, and that's when I saw her. The bright alabaster... pegacorn? Ah yes, alicorn. She dropped down from the sky covered in white light, and landed in front of me. The crown and horseshoes she wore made me feel a bit underdressed. Considering that I was naked. I looked behind me and I saw Zecora and Mina-Ka come out from the house. They were in awe. The alicorn walked regally toward me and eyed me stoically. She spoke to me in an even, motherly voice

"What has happened here?"

I replied, with a weary, smirk,

"O beauteous white horse, I Darr-Ei, have arrived. Now let me tell you what happened. That entire fire was my damn fault. I don't need to hear your mouth on it though. Leave me to take care of it or so help me I will leave and let it burn this forest to the ground. Are we clear? "

The End of Chapter 3

Atuhors Nose: Well well well, this ship was long as fudge. I enjoyed writing it, considering the fact that I consider it some of my best work. Except this piece is like, half unedited. As of yet anyway. Probably the longest thing I've written so far. Sorry about the whole Fluttershy thing. Deal with it. I felt very, very naughty while writing it. Regrets. Regrets. Regrets.

The Fourth

A Dragonborn, Destiny, And Very Small Horses 4
The Inferno, The Crater, The Prison, and The Piercing

(Note from Darr-Ei: You are no doubt still reading this. I have very little to say about this chapter, dear citizens. My actions speak for themselves. So does my narrative. If there is something you must ask a question about, you can direct it to whomever may take that question. I may not. Perhaps you are considering not reading this due to my somewhat gentle throttling of Miss Fluttershy. You know what? I will apologize. I will forsake my rule of no regrets. I do not regret breaking this rule. I am so sorry Fluttershy. I am a violent creature. My nature is never to be subdued. I cannot control myself. That is all. Onward.)

The white horse's eyes widened in surprise, and her brows quickly furrowed in anger. I looked at the other small horses, and Mina-Ka by her side. Fluttershy was hiding behind the white one, shivering slightly. Mina-Ka was looking at her, expression unreadable. Zecora was eyeing me suspiciously. I coughed. The alabaster one, opened her mouth to speak as I turned away from her and got ready to sprint. My legs lifted off from the ground as I heard her begin to speak. I sped off before I could actually hear what she said.

My boots kicked up dust and my arms pumped alongside me to provide momentum. The clanging of my armor echoed around me as I entered the deeper part of the forest. Frightened calls of forest creatures enveloped me as the fire spread. I continued my fast pace until I got to the main body of fire. The embers of flame provided an eerie red glow that contrasted with the drab green of the swamp. It was an interesting contrast to say the least. I continued running deeper into the forest to try and find the center of the inferno. I would have to find it if I was to take care of this fire properly.

I slowed down, when I saw a large wall of fire blocking any further movement. I looked to my left and right and noticed that those paths were also blocked by the pyre I had started myself. The heat started to become more pronounced and I noticed it spreading faster through the trees beyond. I looked skyward and noticed that the smoke was starting to drown out whatever sunlight the swamp may normally get. Things were slightly more serious than I had imagined.

This is about when I realized that I had no idea how I would fix this. I began to panic slightly, which was rather uncharacteristic of me at the time. Suffice to say, my entire day so far had been... uncharacteristic. During this inner turmoil, I began to hear a creaking sound and the slowly growing rustle of branches. I turned toward my left and that is when I saw a very large tree start to tip over. The bark was ashen and I could tell that it was on its last legs, so to speak. It must've been 40 feet tall. I laughed internally at my failure to notice the environmental hazards around me, other than the fire. The laughing ceased when the tree began its earthward descent. I jumped backwards as the entire mass of the damn tree hit the ground. The earth shook and I stumbled slightly. This is where my luck started to drain ever so slightly.

The fallen tree hit another tree on its way down and both trees blocked my left path and backward paths. I turned to head toward my right when at least two trees were knocked off balance by the impacts of both of the other trees and fell. I was trapped in a circle of trees and fire. The flames traveled along the tree-trunks and encircled me. I did not feel like jumping through the flames, on account of the fact that they burn. I hypothesized that the flames might burn harder, due to their magical nature. I forgot my fire resistant gear. I realized that solving this would require immense concentration and ingenuity. Or something like that anyway. I tried to think. What would destroy trees and clear the fire? Preferably all of it. I wanted to solve all of my problems. I thought to myself, Rain can clear out fire. So can ice, snow, earth, and many others. I tried to think of a shout that might work. Storm call might work, however, the lightning might hurt an innocent creature, which I really did not want to deal with. I've had enough of that. It seemed like none of my Shouts could do what I wanted.

The flames burned brighter and moved closer towards my circle. I could feel the metal of my armor almost drawing heat in, despite whatever natural resistance daedric metal has against fire. My life was in danger, and I ran the risk of dying in an unspectacular way. Which is when I had an idea. I normally only use three Words in my Shouts. They always worked just fine that way. However, I felt that something awakened inside of me. It awakened when those images flooded my mind. I could hear new Words, and I felt the call of a being greater than me. I realized that I could become him... or perhaps it. It was something ancient and powerful. I retrieved the knowledge from deep within my very soul and I resolved to try something
I would try and string together a Sentence in Draconic.
(Although, now I'd rather it be called a Verse.)
***

The flames sparked my adrenaline. My mind began to work faster as I remembered Words. I would have to make something powerful, and all encompassing. And it must clear out the fire of course. The Words came to me. This is how I remember it. I opened my mouth
"Evenaar Daar Yol Zind Graan Gut Iiz Wuld Viik Yol"
I took a breath before the effects could be felt
"Uznahgaar Suleyk Su'um Rahgol Rein"
My body began to grow hot. My entire body began to glow, and I felt immense pain. The Sentence was going to tear me apart with its power. My body might not be able to handle the pure destructive force of this...Verse. I had to try one more thing if I was to survive.
"Mahfaeraak Mul Thu'um Kopraan"
I felt the power condense into a small, singular part deep within my body. I had controlled it; however, I felt I could not control it for too much longer. I threw my head back, and struck an even pose. I would need to control myself. I opened my mouth and loosened my vocal cords.

The Thu'um came shooting out of my throat with a deafening rumble. Time slowed to a crawl. The power encircled me, extinguishing the flames in a cold, crackling, blue shockwave. The shockwave slammed the trees backwards, dirt being flung upward with the force of the trees being uprooted. The shockwave expanded into a dome of pure force, ice, and magic, that continued to expand, and seemingly, would continue to expand outward. I wished to look further, and marvel at my handiwork, when I blacked out from the incredible expenditure of force I used. My body hit the ground. I felt the area around me grow colder, and more silent than I had heard anything else before.

I awoke in a crater deep within the ground. The ground around me was a stony blue grey. It crackled with power, and seemed to shine ever so slightly. The entire forest was like this. Except for the trees. They were dead black, knocked backwards, tipped over from my Draconic Verse. I tried to get up, but was stopped by my legs giving out from under me. I fell to my knees. My armor seemed heavier. But slightly. I wasn't necessarily encumbered. There was definitely something new regarding my gear but I could just not explain it.

I took off my helmet. A look of surprise may or may not have caressed my face. The daedric helmet was cobalt, with spirals covering the entire base. The horns were pearl white and crackled with energy. I took off my cuirass. It was the same. Cobalt covered in spirals. I grinned and put it back on. I got up on my feet, found them to be steady, and looked around me. The sky was smoky gray, either from my Verse or the fire. An unintended side effect to say the least. The forest was silent. Or at least it was until I heard something behind me, only to find it was nothing. It sounded like the blowing of air, but only on an isolated point. Like a small draft overhead.

I instinctively took out the Onyx Skull Crusher. It was the same, except for the fact that the head of the hammer had protruding white crystals all over it. I took out Luna. It was the same as the O.S.C. I swung it through the air, seeing if it had any new effects. It didn't. It was the same old sword except for the new aesthetics. I threw it, annoyed, at the nearest tree and it turned white hot in mid-air. It spun through the air and sawed through the tree. I was dumbstruck.

However my magicka was instantly depleted, and Luna appeared back in my hand. I was cheesing. (Cheesing for those who don't know, is smiling very, very hard. It's an Argonian thing.) I was prepared to Shout in joy. "FUS R-" and then I coughed up some blood. My throat was on fire from the smoke and the Verse. Honestly, I was worried. What if I could never Shout anymore, as ludicrous as that may seem? It would be a definite disadvantage, to say the least. I tried to sigh and I realized that I could not use my vocal cords at all. They may've been shattered. I realized that now would be the time to use a healing potion if I had one. Which of course I didn't. What a damn shame. I realized that I would have to find a doctor or a healer. Or something like that. I looked around me and saw the path to Zecora's house. I wiped the blood from my lips, and walked through the blue grey forest.
***

I reached the outskirts of the marsh only to find that the cobalt ground ended right on the edge of the forest. Outside of the border was just "normal" ground. I arrived at the entrance to Zecora's house, but I saw no one outside to welcome me back. I saw no one inside either. I figured that I wouldn't intrude on Zecora. I probably wouldn't be welcome anyway. I surmised that I would make my way to civilization on my own. I decided to head north because, WHY NOT?

I took off running in the direction I thought was north. Now, I shall not bore you with the details of running through a large forest for a long period of time. I'm really not going to tell you all of the specifics. I was running, I took some breaks. That's how it was. I saw some birds and whatnot. Pretty odd. Or at least I thought they were birds. Seemed kind of large for actual birds. And they were flying in the direction of the blue gray forest-crater. I only state this as odd now. I didn't find it weird at all, at the time. Other than this there was not much else to be said. Actually I do have something interesting to say that I just now remembered. I was resting by my bonfire, and I heard this weird noise. It would phase in and out, and seemed to echo. I saw a bright flash off to my left and then it was gone. I chalked this phenomenon to simply being sleep addled and I lay down, prepared to sleep. For whatever reason, I could not sleep.

I continued on killing things, eating them, and hiding the bodies. And then after a day or two, I finally arrived at the border of the forest. The forest's dark canopy shrouded what lay ahead. I took the Onyx Soul Crusher out and walked outside. I was momentarily blinded by the appearance of the sun, which did not allow me to react quickly to what happened next. The white winged horse stood before me, at least 10 feet away, surrounded by at least 15 other smaller, armored horses.

I also noticed 6 peculiar horses standing in front of her. One of the six, I noticed, was Fluttershy, but she was wearing a necklace with an odd jewel within it. I also saw a rainbow-maned, cyan horse, an orange blonde-maned one, a white purple-maned equine, a pink, rather happy horse, considering the circumstances, and finally a purple horse. They all wore necklaces, except for the purple horse. She wore a rather elaborate crown. I deduced at the time that she was the leader of this little entourage. I stared at them, and I brandished my hammer. I swung it over head and, just for theatrics, I swung the hammer at the ground in front of me as hard as I could.

What I was not ready for, was the hammer hitting the ground and creating a small, sparkling, blue shockwave directly where it landed. The ground vibrated strong enough for everyone to notice. I prepared to try it again for a larger effect but I noticed the large white horse eyeing me, and stopped. I set my Soul Crusher to my side and judged the situation.

The guards looked at me in my imposing regalia and I could see the visible worry in their faces. I simply stood there stoically as the six looked at me. They all seemed very surprised. Except for Fluttershy, who was still terrified. The rainbow-maned one looked toward her questioningly and said, in a somewhat masculine voice, tinged with effeminacy, "Fluttershy, calm down! We'll protect you from him!". The rainbow one looked back at me and snorted defiantly and pawed at the ground, an expression of rage plastered upon her face. I realized that someone must of told the rest of this group about what I did to Fluttershy. They appeared to be looking for vengeance, which is something I completely understand. The large alabaster horse cleared her throat and asked "Darr-Ei, your transgression against our kingdom and the hearts of its denizens has not been overlooked. You are a creature of anger and things that we do not believe in Equestria. I am sorry. You will awaken when you are ready. "

I coughed and gestured toward my throat. I shrugged and shook my head. I was not sure they understood what I meant. So I just put my hands behind my back, and tried to whistle. I began to cough. Some of the horses looked confused and the large white one almost looked concerned. "Do it." said the large white one. The purple one's eyes began to glow and the other 5 began to rise into the air. They appeared to be channeling some form of beam. I couldn't even muster the strength to move. To be honest, at this point, I didn't even care. I wanted to see what these new creatures could do. I regretted too much. I deserved it. I broke my own rules, and their hearts. I held my arms out and gestured for them to do what they wish.

A huge orb of light gathered between them, and it slowly grew larger. It was the size of my house. The orb flew towards me and enveloped me.
***

The feeling of being enveloped by that orb is very difficult to describe. It was...amazing. I felt at peace. Tranquil. Serene. It was just incredible. Whatever dark thoughts I had were completely eradicated. I lost track of all time in this infinite bliss. I wish I could've stayed in this state for, well, ever. This must've gone on for a while. However, this ended when I heard a voice deep within my mind. I can still recall it.

"They hath subdued thee. They thought to keep thy heart live, but thy true heart dead. Cease their machinations. Break their hearts. Be with me in the deepest cold. To the Tahlvedimaa"

And I awoke. I could not see. I could not move. I could hear faint sounds outside. Wherever I was, it was not secluded. I wasn't very positive that I would enjoy being stuck here. I prepared my Voice.

"Bex Kren!" My prison shattered. Light came in from outside and I was temporarily blinded. I fell to the ground, unsure of the stability of my own legs, and I surveyed my surroundings. I was within a labyrinthine garden. Statues littered the area around me. All of more horses. And other oddities besides horses. Things I could not find names for. Weird patchwork creatures, and just very whimsical things. I continued onward, looking around, surveying my surroundings. I saw very little that was truly noteworthy. I kept walking until I reached the end of the path. I was facing a large steel door. On each side of the door was a banner with two horses encircling each other. In the middle of each was a sun and moon. 'Twas rather weird.

I grabbed the door handle and pulled. It was locked. The metal creaked under the pressure of my pulling. I realized that I had a lot of excess energy from my stay in the prison. I started hitting the door with my fists as fast and as hard as I could. The metal deformed under the force of my blows. I started hitting harder and harder as I saw the metal breaking and bending. I noticed cracks forming in the brick above the door. I walked backwards and I unsheathed my hammer.

I pulled it back and swing with what I hoped was the might of a mammoth charging. Alright, at this point, I admit, this was not a rational decision, especially after what I said before I was put into the prison of stone. The voices in my head probably had something to do with it. What happens next though, changes that probably into a definite yes. These creatures simply subdued a visitor. Positively shameful. I kind of wanted to punish some of them. I rationalized it as, the voice in my head told me to. The hammer smashed through the door; however, the crystal gave it the extra power to create a shockwave that permeated the entire structure.

The voice called once more from within my mind, "Show them your truest strength. Break their bones with thy power. Grind their flesh and show them their folly. Back to Tahlvedimaa they must go. They hath forsaken their creator and truest mentor. My disciple, hand me the souls of the weaker ones." This is about when I lost my head. I felt whatever this thing was saying. It's pure rage and insanity. It fueled my darker side and I completely lost whatever I felt I had learned. The bliss I felt in the orb's embrace was lost. Unchained and unbound I would wreak havoc.

The hammer's impact broke through the entire doorway. Not just the door, the doorway. It shattered most of the outside wall. The amount of debris and dust obscured my vision terribly. I walked onward swinging my hammer to and fro breaking through whatever may be in my way. I heard screaming and the shouting of many creatures. My blood-lust started rising. I ignored them entirely, however, knowing they would be no match, and I continued my movement onward. I came out of the cloud of dust. A guard saw me and charged me with a sword in his mouth. Right at this moment I stopped caring about equals, and matches. I grabbed him mid-air by the throat, and the sword flew out of his mouth. His fur was rather soft. Anyway, I put my other hand on the back of his neck. I raised my arms in the air and I jumped as high as I can. I wanted momentum for this next trick. I slammed him down on the marble floor as hard as possible. The marble cracked beneath him and... he went to sleep. He got knocked unconscious. Not dead. Nope. I'm actually sure he is not dead.

I looked at his unconscious face lying on the cracked marble floor and I began to sing a song I once heard.
" Beware, Beware, the Dragonborn comes.
For the darkness has passed and the legend yet grows.
You'll know, You'll know, the Dragonborn's come. "

And I faltered on the last note when I saw what was in front of me. A dark blue horse with wings and a horn. She was slightly similar in appearance to the white one. She looked directly at me. Her countenance was enveloped in fury. She yelled at me, "THOUST ARE A WRETCH AMONG SCUM, THOU ART!!" her voice hitting me with the force of a dragon's Shout. It tossed me backwards and I hit the wall. The wind was knocked out of me. I got to my feet and faced her. It would seem like this one would like have a shouting match I said to myself. I cleared my throat, "YOUR NAME?". She replied, rather loudly, "Luna, princess of Equestria, and thou art not welcome, beast!" Her name triggered something deep within my mind. She and I were connected. In ways I could not explain.

I shouted back at her, "I am Darr-Ei, I am a devil, I am a beast, I am what I wish, and I wish to break you! THE MENTOR CRIES FOR HIS CHILDREN! TAHLVEDIMAA!!!" I was slightly taken aback at what I said. I had no idea how those words even came up. I felt a similar feeling seep into my mind. The feeling of insanity.

"I KNOW NOT OF WHAT YOU SPEAK! NO MATTER! HAVE AT THEE!" the odd blue horse said. Well, after that brief respite in my stone prison, my Voice was aching to be set upon something. The voice in my mind was also aching to be set upon something. Both of these Voices would not be denied.

This would be an interesting showdown.

***

(Authors note: Yeah gentlemen. I felt obligated to create this chapter in a short amount of time. Anyway, the plot thickens. Gimme dose glaring grammar mistakes.)

Intermission

A Dragonborn, Destiny, and Very Small Horses

Intermission

***

(Editor's Note: The following is an excerpt from a police report regarding who we would like to call one of Darr-Ei's associates; however, Darr-Ei does not (apparently) know him. His name will be kept secret until we receive Darr's approval. We as a publishing company would never do such a thing, as is stated in our contract. We place the exact date this event took place to sometime before the Everfree was set on fire.)

(Author's Note: I didn't commission this, nor did I even remotely suggest approval of the publishing of this information. This was strictly personal and may or may not have jeopardized whatever operations may be going on at the time. At this point I have ceased caring.)

Unnamed subject of the interview found wandering on the outskirts of Ponyville by the dam. Interviewee clad in strange gold armor, carrying a large black axe. The following is an excerpt of an encounter between the subject and some guards on patrol. As written by a civilian reporter who just happened to be on the scene.

***
Guards walk along the path adjacent to the Ponyville dam when they spot the U.C.

Guard 1: By the power invested in me by Celestia, I demand to know what your business is here! Especially in a restricted area such as this.

Unnamed creature turns to look at the speaker.

Guard 2: You really don't have to be so formal. Excuse me?

Unnamed creature stumbles toward the second guard and fixes his gaze upon him. U.C. breathes softly.

Guard 2: *coughs slightly* Why are you here?

U.C. takes out axe and leans upon it.

U.C: If I knew, I would certainly inform you. I have no idea how I came to be here. I touched the Fire (U.C. exaggerates the pronunciation of fire) and I was covered in brilliant flame, as it were. And thusly, I arrived in yonder swamp, that oddly enough, was also on fire. Whether I made it as such, is yet to be determined.

U.C. points to "yonder swamp". That is to say, the Everfree Forest. Guards look at each other.

U.C: Yet, when I refer to yonder swamp... (He raises his hand.) I refer to the area above the swamp.

Both guards look at each other, perplexed.

U.C: I fell. And I think I died. (Puts arms around his back.) Which is a problem I thought I solved. Which, now that I think about it, I simply solved the cause of the problem. Perhaps this problem is now a benefit. Makes a noise of deep thought. Well, the problem is that I came back.

Guard 1 looks at the U.C. with a slight apprehensiveness, and then clears his throat.

Guard 1: We, the royal guard of the sun-princess, Celestia, request for you to accompany us to the royal court located in the uppermost layer of Canterlot.

Guard 2 sighs.

U.C. lifts axe into the air and swings it and sets it on his back. He stretches and raises his arms into the air, seemingly directed at the sun.

U.C: Sun, eh? Well. Seems like there are always certain constants within my "life".

U.C. mouths what seems like the words "Praise the sun." They head off into the direction of Canterlot.

(Authors note: I don't know this son-of-a-bitch. This is going way too far. I don't associate with zombies or necromancers or whatever he is. AND NO I DID NOT SUMMON HIM. WHY DOES EVERYONE THINK THAT?! I may not have met him, but he is a necromancer. Pure evil those bastards are.)

The Fifth

A Dragonborn, Destiny, and Very Small Horses: The Fifth

Being Torn Apart From The Inside

***

(Darr-Ei's Note: I honestly do not have very much to say regarding recent events. Let it be known that many writing utensils and other writing objects were thrown in the publishing house. A few walls had to be replaced. I will not take any responsibility regarding my actions. Especially under extreme emotional duress. Do not print things without my permission.)

(Publisher's Note: The following text is not to be taken as truth due to Darr-Ei's fanciful writing style. Certain parts of this literature may be taken as pure fabrication. Despite this dishonesty, we will keep it within our writing catalogue, simply for cultural relevance.)

(Assistant Editor: I certainly do not condone Darr-Ei's actions. I would never do such a thing.)

I looked deep within Luna's eyes and I saw pure defiance. The blue of her eyes had some unimaginable power. If I was in my rational mind, I would've been slightly more cautious. However, I was completely and utterly lost in the pure berserker rage I was experiencing. My heart was racing, my breathing was erratic, and I was hunched over, animal-like. I held my hammer in one hand, and my sword in another. She was at least 10 feet away from me head held high, matching my gaze. I could hear nothing but the vibrations of the blood in my ears. The screams of the terrified and wounded fell silent to me. I was concentrated on this battle ahead of me.

She inhaled.

I noticed this and prepared my own lungs for the vocal onslaught they would produce; however, she was slightly more agile in her vocals. She screamed at me.

A massive cone of pure sound erupted from her throat causing immense vibration in the dust and air within it. This became a massive whirlwind of force and debris that was heading straight towards me. My reflexes became unnaturally fast, and time began to lose its normal pace. Even with time slowed, I realized I could not dodge to the side, nor could I use my thu'um to retaliate. I planted my feet on the ground and held steadfast hoping to stave off some of the force that her voice was producing.

This was terribly foolish.

The wave knocked me off of my feet and lifted me into the air, propelling me backwards incredibly fast. The blast of wind disoriented me, removing any chance of thu'um use. My sword was knocked from my hands, but my hammer kept its place by my side. Her mouth was still open, continuing to exhale this whirlwind.

I suddenly hit the wall behind me. My entire body shook due to the impact. My ribs, I could tell, were bruised up, even with my armor on. I heard the entire wall behind me crack, despite its nature as stone. I bounced slightly off the wall, and I blacked out slightly. I fell prone to the floor. The whirlwind stopped. I heard her voice.

She laughed, a sonorous yet elegant tone. "Hahahaha! Thou art a common bandit, no skill, no patience, and nothing to guide you. I hath wasted mine time!" She advanced upon me, her horn... glowing. I felt my body being lifted into the air, covered in a purple glow. It seemed to me at the time that she was being overconfident. I was momentarily discombobulated. I felt my arms and legs being restrained invisibly. She simply smiled at me arrogantly as I started at her, uncaring.

By some stroke of the gods, she didn't restrain my mouth. I inhaled, and she looked at me as if I was about to say something, and I thought of a thu'um that might assist me. I was still berserk, yet my mind seemed to clear when I thought of draconic words. I recalled some words that might help. Ahraand Ahst Key, which vaguely translates to "wound at horse". I exhaled the words as loud as possible "AHRAAND AHST KEY".

A black smoke shot out of my mouth. I smelled sulfur and... death from the smoke. It spread and started to cover the entire fighting area. I heard her say, "What have you done, sorcerer?" and I could see her form outlined in the darkness I had corrected. My restraints disappeared as a result of her distraction and I grabbed my hammer in both hands. I prepared to strike her when I was distracted by something. I heard commotion on the floor above me. It sounded like more guards.

I suddenly heard cries of pain from Luna. The dark smog ceased surrounding me and it started coming towards her. The smoke started to close in around her and she started writhing and trying to dodge the smoke. She seemed preoccupied and I used the time to think of an escape plan. The hole where I came in was still there and all of the guards were gone or unconscious. I started to run toward the exit when my inner voice stopped me.

"Stay. Kill her. Do not disappoint me child. I have brought you here as a vanguard of my wrath. Show them. Break them. They will bow in time to what they cannot feel."

It held me in place. It directed back to where Luna was being assaulted by the smoke. I felt like I could not truly control my own body. It had directed as such. I would not be able to stop myself. I lifted the hammer, poised to strike, when suddenly a deep voice called out.

"Stop or we will be forced to use deadly force!" cried a guard wearing a set of large golden armor. His helmet had ram horns on each side of it, his armor was covered in spines, and it was adorned with spirals. He appeared to be a unicorn and was carrying a very large spear that was at least five feet long. It dwarfed him, to say the least. He was flanked by others dressed like him, wearing similar armor. They all carried various types of spears. At least half were staring at me, while the other half were looking at their princess nervously. They seemed ready to assist her, but were cautious of my presence. "We are going to take you into custody for crimes against the well-being of Equestria and assault against a princess. Henceforth, you will be banished to the Everfree. Do not resist." The guard-captain spoke.

I thought on his words. Apparently, thinking was not a luxury I would have at this moment for, once again, the inner voice spoke through me. "I WILL CRUSH YOU. EAT YOUR ANCESTORS' BONES AND USE THEIR SOULLESS CORPSES AS PUPPETS THAT SPEAK MY TRUTHS. COME TO ME AND BE BROKEN." I noticed the guards faltered slightly, and they glanced at each other. This is probably what they were thinking.

The situation had become desperate for the guards. A crazed beast had taken one of the princesses hostage, and was currently trying to kill her. They would have to defeat me.

This is when it all went to hell. His subordinates all ran to Luna and the guard captain charged me with his spear. I parried with the head of my hammer and he was knocked slightly off balance. I aimed for his neck with Luna in my left hand and raised my arm to strike, but was distracted by a guard that came from behind. I dropped my sword and I grabbed the guard-captain by the neck and turned my head to face the attacking guard.

The guard attempted to stab my leg, which I raised just in time for it to land under my foot. "Do not dare" I said, I stomped his spear in half, and in a second motion, roundhouse kicked the guard directly in the jaw knocking his helmet off. Since the guard was temporarily stunned, it gave me time to figure out what to do with the guard-captain I had in my other hand. I had an idea. I raised the guard-captain into the air in my left hand and I then swung him into the stunned guard which knocked both out.

I looked at the rest of the guards that were trying to free Luna. The unicorns with them were trying to use magic to free her. Every time they hit the smoke with magic, it would disappear and then reform. Interestingly, the smoke disappeared for longer each time, and I realized it would be gone soon, and I would have to deal with the guards and Luna.

I leaped over the subdued guards and ran towards the remaining guards, hammer out, and sword brandished. The guards failed to notice me until it was too late.

"Oh horseapp-" noted a guard as the hilt of my hammer hit him in the chin knocking him upwards. As he made his upward descent, the other guards heard the impact of my hammer and were distracted from their task of saving their princess. I grabbed the guard by his back hooves and slammed him into the ground. The guards all turned to face me and thrusted their spears simultaneously. I dodged backwards and grabbed the tips of two spears. I wrested them away from the guards and turned the points to the spears' original owners.

I looked at the rest of the guards.

"If you wish for these two to survive, I would suggest you drop your weapons and cease your assistance of Luna" I said. The guards backed down and dropped their weapons. Just as they did so, the Shout around Luna ended. She was covered in gashes and was breathing heavily. My shout did exactly as I said it would. Her eyes were glazed over due to pain and fatigue. She looked at me, and collapsed.

This is it. Time to kill her. Just another job. I resolved to myself. I quickly switched the spears around to the blunt side and knocked out the two guards I was holding hostage. The rest of the guards tried getting hits in, all of which I skillfully parried. My two spears were spinning clockwise, deflecting jabs and cutting spear shafts. My blades were flying incredibly fast. So fast I could not even see them. I could only feel the cutting and disturbance of the wind. And then the voice took over.

(Publisher's Note: We have debated as to whether or not we should keep the following in the text. We have decided it should suffice as Darr-Ei's penance. We apologize to the families of the fallen guards. May they rest in peace.)

I hate to write this. I have been told to. I have resolved to inform those who read this book of what happened in the castle that day.

The voice moved me. It made me aim at the guards. I began to lose control and I started acting aggressively. I would actively block and slash at the guards. At first I would simply aim for non-lethal blows, but the voice controlled my actions further. I aimed for their throats. They were skilled enough to block most of my blows, uncoordinated as they were due to rage; however, the remaining guards began to tire. Their blocks would become lazier and they would miss.

One guard in particular tried to thrust at me and I leaped forward and slashed his throat. Blood poured from the wound and he fell. The voice filled me with euphoria when he died and it pushed me further, penetrating deeper in my mind. It filled me with incredible power. I looked at my body and it was glowing a deep blue.

I felt my throat contort to form the words "Su Grah Dun" and my arms became a whirlwind of dismemberment. The guards could not stand my onslaught. Blood sprayed all around me, coating the spears, and my armor. The screams of the dying guards penetrated my ears, and were silenced.

The voice stopped me.

"You have done well. You have killed those who wish to cease the events set in motion. I will reward you in time, in Tahlvedimaa. You will become powerful and we will rule. Set upon them with fury and no mercy."

I looked at the maimed bodies of the guards. The bloody bent spears dropped from my hands, and I fell to my knees. I looked around me. My hammer was lying a couple of feet away and so was my sword. I picked both of them up and looked at what I had done. The guard-captain was still unconscious. I listened to the environment around me to see if there might be any reinforcements. The castle was oddly silent except for a thrumming deep within my mind. I felt I could hear joyous laughter somewhere deep in my brain. I saw Luna, still asleep. The wall was still destroyed and it was a bright day outside. I suddenly wondered why no one was even coming in to see what was occurring. I got up and walked to the wall.

Outside encompassing the entire castle was a gray film. The sky above me was a wintry gray as well. It was as if it was about to snow, yet the sun still shone from somewhere. I walked to the edge of the film just on the borders of the castle. I touched my hand to it. It was cold and my hand could not penetrate it at all. I looked around and went back to Luna. The voice spoke.

"No delays. No more. None whatsoever. Kill her. Show them. Do what I tell you."

For the last time today, I raised my hammer into the air.

And then, brightness flooded my vision. I heard a voice behind me. "WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?!". I heard someone start running towards me and I turned around just to feel a sword punch through my stomach and out through my back. I looked down, at the blade piercing my armor and my gaze was directed upwards to see a man in golden armor. He had a horsehair crest on his helmet and a huge black axe upon his back. The blade currently impaling me was gray and... carapace-like. It was spiny. It was abhorrent. Looked barely plausible as a blade. (Assistant Editor: Well, I will admit my blade is rather disappointing. This does not change the fact that I ran you through with such a blade.) (Darr-Ei: Bastard.)

Anyway, as I was saying before my narrative was interrupted. My blood started to leak through my armor and I began to feel weaker. The bastard pulled the blade out and I heard him sigh. "I feel we could've been allies, if you weren't completely batshit" he said. He shook the blade clean of blood. I fell to my knees and began to breathe heavily. The rage the voice left me in was fading. So was the resistance to pain.

He turned to his right and I followed his gaze I saw her. The white one. She cantered over and greeted the golden adorned man. She looked at her sister still unconscious. She grew visibly worried. "I fear that he is done. Despite what you have seen, he has committed far greater atrocities" he told her. She looked at me and then shook her head. "This was not supposed to be correct. I have looked into his eyes, and have seen no darkness this deep or irrational."

"Well you didn't look hard enough apparently, Celestia." said the gold-one as he raised his axe, preparing to kill me. "Oh, and lizard-man? My name is Valus Gwynbormah Volfaal. Valus for short. Know this in your death."

Celestia, as was her name, raised her hoof to stop him, when I was taken by the voice. My consciousness was forced back into darkness and I had no control over my body. I realized that I was looking through its eyes, through mine. Celestia seemed visibly disturbed and the golden one stepped back, poised to strike.

I started to see tendrils of pallid blue light emanate off of myself. I heard it speak, but it wasn't how people normally speak. It seemed to emanate from all corners of the room. The room began to grow icy cold.

"CELESTIA. You have forgotten. They all have. Your dominion has been left bereft of thoughts of me and the original land. You mock it in plays. You symbolize it in ways it was not meant to be seen as. You sought to escape what you could not know. The questions would've been asked. As all have. Few remember the Tahlvedimaa for what it was. "

Its voice was awful. It was a throaty whisper, full of malice, distaste, and oddly enough, apathy. It was strangely mesmerizing. You simply wanted to curl up in a ball and simply stay there. Its voice told tales of dark places and horror. It was absolutely terrifying.

Celestia spoke up. "I do not understand what you are talking about. However... Tahlvedimaa sounds familiar."

Suddenly, her eyes widened in revelation. "The winter land... No! How are you here?!"

It began to laugh. Hard. It kept laughing until the noise began to shake the room. All went silent. The golden one stood rooted to the ground this entire time. Perhaps out of fear. It began to scream.
"I HAVE EATEN AND I HAVE TRAVELED DEEP WITHIN PLANES UNSOUGHT. THE UNSEEN HAVE SPOKEN TO ME AND I TAUGHT THEM MY TRUTHS AND THEY SAW ME FOR A GOD. THEY SPOKE OF THE WHEEL, THE TOWER, AND THE SPOKES BETWEEN. I HAVE EATEN A DREAMER. THE ENDING OF THE WORD IS ALMSIVI."

Celestia's mouth grimaced in pain due to its incredibly loud voice, and due to the odd nature of its statements. The golden one shouted "Enough of this insanity!" and tried to decapitate it.

It grabbed the axe and threw it into the wall. It got up and threw the golden one into the wall. "This body cannot hold my glory." It said.

I felt my body start to convulse. Even without control of my body I could still feel. I felt my bones start to bend and I began to feel an incredible heat from within. The area around me began to glow hot. My skin was on fire and my ribs were being destroyed. I saw a blue left arm suddenly appear from within mine and tear through my arm. I screamed in pain from within my own mind. This eventually started to happen to all of my body parts. The blade flew out of my body and stuck itself into a wall.

The room began to shake and Celestia retreated backwards and her horn began to glow. Luna suddenly appeared on her back still asleep. Valus quickly ran to her, as if to protect her.

I eventually started to see lights form around my vision. I couldn't breathe as hard. My vision began fading just as I saw a blue horned head appear from within my chest tearing my heart apart. It tore out of my body and I fell to the ground. The creature began walking towards them. The two took on a more defensive position as it approached. It turned towards me and its faceless visage twisted into an unnatural grin. I gasped and could no longer breathe.

That is presumably when I died.

(AUTHOR'S NOTE, NOT DARR-EI: This was a pretty fucking fun ass chapter to write. This should make things easier to write. I was mad concerned about the fight scene and how that will work out. I think it turned out decently enough. Next chapter will prolly explain why Celestia and Valus (Sir gold motherfucker) are bros. We'll see. Next chapter might be soon or far.)

The Sixth

A Dragonborn, Destiny, and Very Small Horses 6

The Daedra Speaks and The Bridge Breaks

(Darr-Ei's Note on Nirn: I will take this time to explain something regarding my world to all of the readers. In my world of Mundus there exist Daedra. Although to be honest, Daedra exist outside of the mortal plane in a place referred to as Oblivion. I might get into that later. It involves the metaphysical and some concepts I have yet to fully understand, nor even find names for. As a matter of fact, these concepts are unknown to the majority of the world, as well they should be. Anyway, these Daedra are immortal, unimaginably powerful, and have barely any concern for mortals. Their lack of concern for mortals does not make them evil. It simply means they are not bound by any strict sense of morality. They simply do what will assist them.

Despite their status as primordial god beings, they still fall victim to mortal failings. There are sixteen Daedra in all, and they are all genderless; however, I will refer to their gender as how I perceived them. I shall also list their names and personalities just for clarifications sake. There is Azura, Prince of Dawn and Dusk. She is mainly benevolent, but when you do incur her wrath, it is painful and swift. There is Boethiah, Prince of Deceit and Betrayal. She is mostly seen as "evil", tormenting mortals and enjoying the pain she causes them. I hate her so much. Forced me to sacrifice a friend. Back to the narrative. There is Clavicus Vile, Prince of Wishes and Bargains, who is a rather treacherous fellow. There is Hermaeus Mora, Prince of Knowledge, who is absolutely terrifying. He pretty much knows everything. He is rather elusive. There is Hircine, Prince of Hunts and Man-Beasts, who enjoys bringing mortals into his plane to hunt or to hunt them. He is somewhat fair in his ways. There is Malacath, Prince of Curses and The Ostracized. He also enjoys watching mortals fight amongst themselves but he can still be respectful.

There is Mehrunes Dagon, Prince of Destruction. It is all in the name for him. He is probably the most evil out of all of the Daedra. He continually tries to destroy humanity, but somehow always fails. There is Mephala, Prince of Spiders, and identifies with secrecy; henceforth, not much is known of her. Another Daedric Prince, is Meridia. She is the Prince of Life, and the Enemy of the Dead. She hates necromancers and the undead, for she sees them as abominations. There is Molag Bal, who goes by the names of Prince of Domination, the Corrupter, Creator of Corprus, Corrupted Creator, Corner of the House of Trouble, Lord of Dominion. He is on the same level of evil as Dagon. Oh, Molag also goes by King of Rape. He is a massive ass-hat. Except his domain is completely and utterly terrifying. There is Namira, Prince of Ancient Darkness, and she identifies with repulsive creatures. She made me kill an innocent priest and eat his flesh as some sort of demented feast. I was so enraged I murdered all of those who attended her feast. There is Nocturnal, Prince of Night. She appears as a woman to most, and has dealings with the Thieves Guild. Rather kind. There is Peryite, the Prince of Pestilence. A rather disturbed prince. There is also Sanguine, Prince of Debauchery. Sanguine is a nomad of sorts. He does whatever he finds fun and chaotic. He may destroy you though. Might appear as one named "Sam". Don't try and out drink him. There is also Vaermina, Prince of Nightmares. I have yet to deal with her, yet she seems untrustworthy.

Finally, we have Sheogorath or Jyggalag. Sheogorath is the Prince of Madness. There is not much else I can say regarding this. Madness is a terrible thing. Jyggalag is the Prince of Order. Jyggalag was transformed into Sheogorath after Jyggalag fell out of favor with the other Daedra. No one knows much about Jyggalag of course, considering he was Sheogorath for as long as time can remember. with the other Daedra. No one knows much about Jyggalag of course, considering he was Sheogorath for as long as time can remember. Anyway, Sheogorath is incredibly unpredictable (as is his domain) and it is best not to talk to him. However, he may talk to you. You should not wish for such a thing.

Well. These are the Daedra. I have had dealings with the majority of them. I tried to gain their favor in exchange for power. Power that I needed at the time. I did things I wasn't proud of, but nothing really changes.

It is time for another explanation. The visions I had when I first arrived in this land of yours. Of the images I saw. The image of the Tower I had was the image of godhood. I did not know this before the events I will relay to you soon.

You may ask of Valus, but he will give you that information himself. I was ordered to explain some of what was occurring.

For Tahlvedimaa's significance and how I was controlled while under the influence of the Daedric gods, that will be explained soon.)

Well, my vision was completely dark since I was dead. I don't know for how long my vision stayed as such. Then I began to perceive a light coming from somewhere beyond where I was. I felt control over my body once again. I felt I could walk. I began to walk towards the light when I heard a strong, friendly, yet Irish, voice call out, "Hail friend!" and I turned around to see Sheogorath right behind me. He took me by the arm and said "What are you waiting for? To die again? Awful idea that. Follow me you delightful bastard!"

***

"So you finally kicked the proverbial bucket I see! How did you go? Stabbed, hung, crushed, burned, torn apart by a Melon Atronach?!" I opened my mouth to speak but he continued "BAH! Nothing you say will be as interesting as I can make it. This really isn't the point of why I'm here. I don't feel like claiming your soul just yet. I'd have to fight fourteen others for that!" He laughed "Here we are boyo!" and the area around us lit up with stars. I looked around us and I saw the two moons. So we were back in Mundus. Or, to be more specific, the area outside Nirn. The sky.

Sheogorath yelled to no one in particular "Come on ya smarmy bastards! Our delightful guest is here!" and around me appeared 14 ghostly portals. They were surrounding both me and Sheogorath. I decided to ask what the hell was going on because this was a bit too much. I had just died. Seriously. "What the hell is going on?!" I shouted at immortal Daedric Princes because I couldn’t care less at that point. The first to finally speak was Azura. "Greetings loyal assistant. We have called you into Oblivion because you have died." This was delightfully obvious.

"That explains a lot." I mumble sarcastically to myself. "You tell her!" goads Sheo. "And don't call me Sheo!"

I heard another voice that may have been Nocturnal "Sheogorath, calm yourself. This concerns you as well. It concerns all of us..." "So why does it matter that I died, and why do you sound worried?"

A booming voice spoke up "We are in danger. With your death you cannot destroy that weak thing that calls itself your master and the master of all. No one shall be anyone's master unless they prove they should be as such. He has not shown himself to be truly stronger or more worthy than anyone in this council. For this, he must be destroyed." This must have been Malacath.

"He wishes to corrupt the dead for his own gain. He will be stopped" said Meridia.

"The thing seeks to cleanse the world with cold. It shall not occur." spoke Peryite.

The rest of the Daedra all gave their own reasons as to why it should be stopped. Well all of them but Sheogorath.

I looked to Sheogorath for his opinion. He spoke up "It speaks of madness and such but what it really seeks is absolute order. I hate it. I won't have it." The statement seemed oddly clear for Sheogorath. Perhaps this truly was as serious as they made it. "Couldn't you have simply stopped him before he did all of these things?" I ask.

Mehrunes spoke "Equestria isn't our domain. It is beyond Aurbis. It may follow similar rules but we are weaker there than we are here." "Well, weak for the combined might of all 16 Daedric Princes is still very strong-" I began.

"Eh, not quite laddie. I killed Jyggalag as a mortal with an artifact and some simple weapons!" spoke Sheogorath. "Wait, a mortal? You were once a mortal? I have heard nothing about this" I asked, confused.

"That is a long story I am not going to tell you, boyo." Sheogorath replied somewhat soelemnly.

Azura spoke once more "Dragonborn. Go forth. Heed us and we will reward you immeasurably." I was not one to disobey Daedra so I complied with their orders. I turned around to leave when I realized that I had no idea how to get back. "Oh right! You're dead! Well, your body is in Equestria so I don't think we can bring you back quick as a snap. We do have a way though. Or I do anyway."

"WHAT?!" I yelled. The rest of the Daedra suddenly disappeared. Me and Sheogorath were left alone together. I looked at him and he shrugged. Suddenly the stars around us disappeared and I could see nothing. "Oh, this is odd" mumbled the mad god.

Then we were back at Sovngarde. Sheogorath looked visibly shocked. "What?!" He looked around us and then I saw the Hall of Valor. It looked normal, except just past it was a black cloud. This dark cloud seemed to be steadily encroaching upon the Hall itself. The warriors of Sovngarde were all outside of the hall watching it move ever closer. Me and Sheogorath both ran toward Tsunthe guardian of the entrance hoping to find out what was occurring. "Hail Dragonborn and... what?! How?!" Tsun drew his blade and faced Sheogorath. "Away evil thing!" cried Tsun. Sheogorath's eyes began to glow in defiance. “YOU THREATEN THE MAD GOD?!” Sheogorath exploded.

They were about to fight when the whale bone bridge shattered and me and Sheogorath were transported elsewhere.

We were standing on a beautiful beach that stretched impossibly far. All around us were Redguard. They looked at us. They seemed calm. It seemed to be around sunset at this time. I saw just to the left of the sun was a storm on the horizon. Behind us was a large jungle where, if I listened close, I could hear a symphony of laughter, drums, and music. This seemed to be the Redguard afterlife of the Far Shores. I turned to a Redguard and asked him what that storm might be. Just before he replied the area around me disappeared.

And then we were on a misty plane. Pure nothingness yet energy radiated here from all directions. I could feel multiple presences all around me. There was laughter in my head and beauty all around. I began to cry, for this was Aetherius. I have always longed to see it. I could always envision it, but it was nothing like I expected.

Suddenly a white dragon appeared from overhead and landed in front of Sheogorath. Sheogorath's voice became softer, less mad. "Martin?" whispered Sheogorath. The dragon nodded and became a black haired breton wearing an incredible set of ornate armor. Sheogorath's form began to shift into the shape of a nord wearing daedric armor. "Yes, champion of Cyrodiil" answered Martin. The nord bowed and Martin laughed. "There is no need for that friend. Why have you become the Mad God?"

"It was not truly my choice." Martin nodded and the nord got up from where he was. The champion looked at me and said "I wish I could've fought you some time. You seem formidable." The two friends walked off. Sheogorath appeared again. "Wait, aren't you him?" I asked the mad god.

"Well not quite my good friend. He simply took my mantle after killing me. I have to let him go now. His time as me was done a long time ago." The environment around us went dark. The stars reappeared and the daedra were back. "This is what we are facing. The destruction of the Aurbis. The very planes of existence. It is impossible to pinpoint why this is happening exactly the way it is. There are too many factors for such a thing. " spoke Hermaeus Mora.

Meridia began to speak "And now to bring you back to carry out our will. Or to show you how for that matter." A portal opened up beside me. Sheogorath called "Goodbye boy! See you later! Hopefully not! We'll see..."

I walked inside. I came into an enormous square room covered in different languages. Daedric, dwemer, and all the other languages I had ever heard of could be seen all over the walls. There were pillars in each corner of the room. It seemed built for a fight to be honest. At this point, I was tired. I had just died and experienced the different afterlives. I was not going to fight anything. What purpose would more senseless murder even serve? I was getting this solved right now.

"If you wish to fight me show yourself! I am in no mood for this retardation!" I yelled.

And around this time about 40 dremora appeared.

"MOTHERFU-"

***

Yeah. I completely destroyed them. I was up to my knees in conjured dremora ashes. It smelled damned awful to say the least. The northern space of the room opened up to a hall. I walked into the open entrance of the hall. I looked at the interior and noticed statues lining the left and right side of the hall. It was lined with gigantic statues of every race.

I noticed the face of one of the statues. It was one of the Greybeards. I realized now that these were all heros of immeasurable fame and power. I did not recognize most of these heroes. This hall was incredibly long. It was rather eerie to see all of these dead heroes staring at me, judging my sins and my past. Like always, I kept on walking.

I kept walking until I saw something at the end of the hall. It looked like another human being. I ran and kept running. The distance didn't seem to decrease between me and it. The room became a blur, colors blending into each other. Eventually I heard a voice within my head. This was not the terrifying presence my other one was. This was different. It was glorious. Godlike.

"Fellow Dragonborn. Show me your Thu'um." I stopped. I thought of a thu’um that would be sufficiently impressive and useful for getting to the human at the end of the hall. The room grew disturbingly silent as I did so. Finally, after some thought, I did as I was told. "Huld Na Kess" and I was launched forward directly in front of the human.

He was wearing the exact same armor as Talos. Talos' statues were always incredibly impressive, but in person, I could see why he was supposed to be an Aedra. "An Argonian Dragonborn? How interesting. Your land was always difficult to conquer. Be proud of who you are." said the Dragonborn god.

"Talos... I do not know what to say" said I. "There is naught to say my child. You have proved yourself many times as someone who does not falter in the face of adversity. I will bring you back to life, and in that life you shall protect and save. Think on what I told you here. Remember this, The Tower is godhood. It is CHIM. " I inhaled slightly and thought further on what he was saying.
"Oh, and here is a gift. From me to you. It will bring you to life and make you stronger as well. You will need this strength." He inhaled quietly and exhaled these words.

"Daal Fin Dovahkiin Wah Keizaal Meyz Nahl"

He inhaled once more and exhaled another set of words.

"Suleyk Staadnau Thu'um Meyz Norok Viik Vokul"

And at once I felt an incredible power within myself I had not even felt when the blue demon took me over. I had been blessed by a god. I felt my vision grow white and Talos smiled upon me and he disappeared. A humming noise filled my ear drums and all went silent.

***

I awoke to find myself completely naked and with no weapons. My wounds were still there but I felt no pain from them and they were not bleeding. My ribs did seem to be intact and all of my bones were as well. I was lain on a slab of metal in what looked like a jail cell. I heard someone coming so I acted as if I was still dead. I heard a female voice and an arrogant male voice outside of the door. The female sounded rather majestic.

Well, well, well. My killer is back.

***

Yes, well. This is an odd place to start my story. Thanks Darr-Ei. So Celestia and I were discussing what to do with Darr-Ei's body and how to solve the Tahlvedimaa conundrum when we decided to go visit Darr. She wished to check on his condition and I simply wanted to talk to her more. Anyway, I opened the door and walked in to the mortuary area.

I walked over to where he was on the slab and I thought I heard someone breathing. I quickly put my head to his chest to check for a heartbeat when I heard these words. They were spoken strangely quietly especially considering the contents.

"Hello, you back-stabbing son of a bitch."

***

(AUTHORS NOTE (NOT DARR-EI): Yeah. I wrote this a day after writing the other one. I am not proofreading it, despite how good of an idea that is. I am so tired with writing this. Im gonna finish it, but this is too much for me. I'm taking a temporary creative respite/vacation. Screw Prince Storm Wing and Valus Gwynbormah Volfaal.)

The Seventh

The Dragonborn, Destiny, And Very Small Horses:
The Seventh

Catalyst of the Journey.

(Authors Note: To be perfectly honest, I am unsure why we kept this chapter in the final publication. It doesn't have very much value as a part of the plot. My publisher wished for its inclusion just to spice it up. Which is unnecessary. And no, I am not mad at all regarding certain circumstances.)

As soon as I heard Darr speak those words, I tried to pull back but he had a hold on my helmet. I struggled to get away as he put me into a headlock. Celestia was too shocked to assist me at this point.

He suddenly rolled over the edge of the table bringing me along with him. My back slammed against the ground and Darr was standing over me.

Darr tried to stomp on my helmet. I rolled off to the side, quickly got to my feet and punched him in the ribs. Darr doubled over, and I knee'd him in the face. Darr fell back, dazed.

I decided to talk some sense into him given this momentary reprieve. "Ok, Darr, you really have to stop fighting us. It's getting old. We are going to need your help."

Darr looked at me and did not move. I assumed he was trying to figure out a way to take me off guard and kick my ass. Which probably wouldn't happen. Darr put his arms around his back, and looked off to the side.

I kept my guard up. I assumed that he was just going to try and pull some sort of trick when we weren't looking. He spoke.

"Damnit, you're right" and he turned to face me with what I hoped was defeat in his eyes.

I smiled beneath my helmet. Celestia interrupted my savoring of Darr-Ei's defeat with some words I really didn't want to hear.

"Enough. Luna is dying, and you both will need to work together to save my sister. Whether you like it or not."
***

Me and Darr-ei were sitting next to six other ponies in Celestia's main hall. We were currently seated at a 20 person dining room table. It was polished to the point of luminescence which I reasoned was due to magic.

Strangely, there was no food on these tables. I guess it was more of a ceremonial thing. I admit, I would've enjoyed any kind of food at that point, but I had to starve it out.

These ponies looked vaguely familiar, but then I realized they were Celestia's pupils. Well, respective pupils for the most part. She didn't make that clear when I arrived at Canterlot.

Y'see, while Darr-Ei was starting fires, I was already on my way to Canterlot. When I arrived, I told Celestia of my history as the Chosen Undead of Lordran.

I realize the majority of you, human or pony, have no idea where Lordran is, what it is, and what the Undead are. Lordran is a kingdom ruled by the gods that encompasses an enormous area. It used to be incredibly prosperous at some point in the past. It used to be incredibly prosperous at some point in the past. That all changed when the Flame that gave the gods power began to die out and the Undead began to sprout up. The Undead are doomed to go Hollow, which essentially means they go insane. The Undead also can keep dying indefinitely with access to bonfires. Not many know why this is. The history of the Undead is incredibly mysterious.

Now, this is where I come in. I am the... "Chosen Undead". This means I am fated to "link the flame" which resurrects the power of the gods. Now, I arrived at the kiln of the First Flame where I had to strike down the Hollowed Lord of The Gods, Gwyn. As soon as he was dead, I linked the flame and I felt the fire consume me. I felt death's embrace and I thought I was to stay in the abyss.

This is when I felt the pull of life and I arrived in the growing flames of Darr-Ei's campfire. I looked around and felt a presence, not like that of a fire keeper. I went in the direction of that pull and I arrived at Canterlot. An hour later Darr-Ei arrived. And that is when things went insane of course. But that is enough about my life. Back to the soiree we had going on.

Anyway, she told me of her pupil's friends and her pupil herself. T'was fairly interesting. Anyway, Celestia's pupils seemed generally content to be there, as I expected.

One seemed to be concentrating on Celestia the most, with a worried countenance. I shared her worry. Fluttershy was sitting as far away from Darr-Ei as possible. I reasoned he must have hurt her in a berserker rage. I made a mental note to bring this up and learn more at a later date.

I kept drumming on the table absentmindedly as I surveyed our guests. Wasn't much else to do at that point. Celestia wasn't saying anything meaningful which bothered me. Rarity kept staring at the both of us. She seemed to be taking notes under the table, which confused me. I decided to bring this up tactfully.

"Excuse me, you over there" I said as I pointed at her, " The sudden noise caused her to lose her concentration and the quill and pad dropped to the floor. The resounding impact seemed louder against the sudden silence of the room. I kept going. "Why are you taking notes?" She looked around, almost guilty. Her friends turned to look at her.

She stuttered, "Um, well you see-" but she was cut off by a sudden gasp from under the table. Pinkie Pie's head popped out from beneath the table cloth which revealed the notepad beneath her hoof. "Hey lizard-person! She likes your face!"

Rarity turned red. Darr-Ei's eyes widened and he put on a kind of grimace. Rarity yelled at the Pinkie, "PINKIE PIE! WHAT DID I TELL YOU ABOUT READING MY JOURNALS?!
"

And the pink one retreated under the cloth once more, giggling mischievously. Rarity kept her enraged face on and her friends tried to keep themselves from laughing.

Darr-Ei cleared his throat, which he has a habit of doing. "So you like my face?

Rarity, calmed down and decided to speak. "I am taking notes and both of your appearances because they are inspiring me. You see, I am a fashionista."

Darr-Ei nodded, believing her explanation. I noticed a look of relief on her face.

However, after this brief scene, the little meet-up became boring once again
.

I went back to observation. A few of the ponies seemed discontent sitting so close to Darr-Ei, which I could relate to, but one seemed to outright fear him.

Darr-Ei was stoic as always in his dreadful black armor. His two swords and his axe were all displayed on a rack far behind him. This was taken as a precaution. I, of course, was allowed to keep my weapons close to me. You never know what might happen in a place like this. Especially with Darr-Ei around.

The six ponies were just discussing random subjects with Celestia or amongst themselves. Pinkie Pie was discussing sweets and kept debating as to whether or not mints were candy.

Rainbow Dash was simply glaring at Darr-Ei. I was beginning to have a great idea as to what Darr-Ei has done in the short time he was here.

I sat waiting for Celestia to tell us why we were all there but she seemed content sipping her tea and surveying the 8 of us. I rested my head on my hand and I patiently waited. When I noticed Darr-Ei starting to doze off I realized what I had to do.

I clapped my hands together. I spoke in the most flamboyant voice I could muster. "Well, I see we are all having fun this day! How delightful! But I wish to know why we are here!" I got up and I crossed around the main table to Celestia's side.

I put my hand on her shoulder. "Celestia, would you mind telling us?" and she smiled at me. "Have patience valus, I thought it would be best if we rest before what I have to say, but oh well."

She got up and I moved back to get out of her way. "My little ponies, Darr-Ei, and Valus. We are going to venture to the Winterlands."

The ponies all gasped and began to ask questions. Celestia raised a hoof silencing them. "In case you didn't know, the Winterlands are the ancient lands that ponies lived in before we found Equestria."

Twilight spoke up, "But, the Winterlands never existed! It is just a...a moral!"

Celestia laughs. "Oh, my student, it is very real. And the 8 of you are going to journey there to save my sister."

The ponies jaws dropped, Darr-Ei grinned, and I kept the same facial expression.

Darr-Ei spoke up finally. "The Winterlands eh? You mean the Tahlvedimaa?"

Celestia nodded, just a bit surprised. "Yes, exactly. That is the...True name of the Winterlands."

Darr-Ei got up and started talking. "Well alrighty then. I suggest we get going. I have some scores to settle over there.
When are we leaving?"

Celestia spoke once more "You will be leaving very soon. A day or two. You will be leaving with my six pupils."

I laughed slightly. The ponies looked at me confused and so did Darr-Ei. I decided to explain why I laughed to them. The main point was, in a sense, these ponies are small, and I am large. I eventually changed this to Me and Darr-Ei are large, and the ponies are small. It would be dangerous for them to come with us.

Celestia completely disagreed with us, which I thought was strange. I tried to convince her that they would probably get injured, but she held confidence they would not. At the end of the debate, I put my head in my hands and I just resigned to having to babysit these ponies. Darr-Ei had the same reaction as me.

Finally, Applejack, with her strange accent, asked the right question. "Excuse me Celestia, how will this save your sister?"

Darr-Ei seconded the question and I did as well. I had no idea what the correlation was. Celestia once again, saved the situation I guess you could say.

"There is a dark essence seeping into the land directly from the Winterlands. I have not seen this particular type of energy in many centuries. I can feel it ruminating in my sister's soul. It is destroying her. You must destroy this source or she will die, and that will create chaos in the cosmos."

Darr-Ei opened his foolish mouth at this point. "So we have to travel to this land while you stay behind and do nothing?"

"Darr-Ei. I am staying here to keep my sister alive. My presence prolongs her. I am not so lazy as you think." Darr-Ei crossed his arms and nodded, angrily. Like always.

"Celestia, will Spike be coming with us?" And celestia shook her head. "He will be with me assisting me." Darr-Ei turned to Twilight, "Who is Spike?"

"He's my baby dragon." Twilight explained.

Darr-Ei's eyes widened and he scratched his chin. "A baby dragon? I have not seen one of those before. All the dragons I have seen are adults. And technically undead."

I was interested. "You have seen dragons? I bet you haven't killed any." Twilight's jaw dropped.

Darr-Ei sniffed in contempt. "I am Dragonborn. It is my destiny to destroy dragons. I have destroyed dozens." Twilight looked outraged but still wasn't speaking. Her friends looked very uncomfortable. Especially Fluttershy, for she was a veterinarian. Even though she was afraid of dragons. Oh well. I've seen stranger.

I laughed. "You've killed dozens? Very impressive. I give you some props for that at least. Although you should learn to control your rage."

Darr-Ei got up and slammed his hands on the table. "Do not talk to me of control! I have lost all of it when that thing from Tahlvedimaa took control of me. Shut up, and lets get on our way. I have had enough of this place."

Celestia looked down at the ground and she gave me a map. "Here Valus. This is where you must go. Follow this course and it will bring you to your destination. Stay close to my ponies and protect them. They will need your help, and you will need theirs. And please, save Darr-Ei."

I looked at her, not understanding what she meant. However, I nodded anyway. And the 8 of us walked out the door, toward our destiny.

END CHAPTER

The First

A Dragonborn, Destiny and Very Small Horses

By DarrParrot

It was a frigid day, as was expected, in the northern Tamrielic province of Skyrim. Skyrim, for those who may not know (which is to be expected due to circumstances I will explain), is currently home to a human race called the Nords, among others. ,Humans are a bipedal, mostly hairless race that reside wherever civilization may be found unlike in Black Marsh, where Argonians, a reptilian race live. Subspecies of Humans are Bretons, Imperials, and Redguards. There are, of course, the Elves. Some hate them, others tolerate them, and others treat them the same as they would any other. Their subspecies include High Elves (Altmer), Wood Elves (Bosmer), the Orcs (Orsimer), and the Dark Elves (Dunmer). Finally, there are the beast races, prejudiced and reviled. The Argonians, of which I am a part, and the Khajiit, a feline race. They all have their particular character traits which can be easily found out by looking at the names of each race. One of the most important parts of this story you may be reading, is my status as Dragonborn. A Dragonborn is not someone literally born of a Dragon. Unless you consider Akatosh himself a true dragon, instead of a divin- oh dear. Explaining all of these concepts will be very, very difficult. I fear I won’t have enough time to do this. Besides this story isn’t about my world now is it? It is about my adventures in YOUR world. I’ll make sure to bring a set of books about my world to bring to you. Perhaps as a companion guide. You will most certainly need it. I speak of things that my new acquaintances have never known, nor dreamed of. Read on, my little Ponies. Or my fellow men and mer. Do what you must.

***

Ah yes, it was cold in Skyrim. I believe a statement as painfully obvious as this was never spoken until now. I myself was sleeping in this morning, in my quaint home in Whiterun, a city in Skyrim. I? My brothers and friends know me as Dragonborn, among many other names, although I like to refer to myself as Darr-Ei. I am an Argonian, an attribute which is only known through appearance of my tail, for my head is protected by a helmet, and not many see my face nor do they hear the typical Argonian accent. This I do not quite understand, but my heritage as Dragonborn may help with providing an answer. Argonians rarely shout, so maybe the Nine took my true voice away so I could better do their bidding? I digress. I was taking a brief respite from my adventures that consisted of: ending a civil war, destroying an ancient being capable of wiping out all life, traveling through time, killing dragons, and generally being a savior of this province and perhaps even the world.

I awoke from my bed after a dream that I could not recount to you for its contents might offend. They do not consist of what you think they would. Let us just say that when one kills as much as I have, the mind tends to delve into very odd places. Perhaps it was not the killing, but it was the fact that I did the bidding of daedric lords to further my own power? I immediately rose out of bed and set my clawed feet upon the floor, wondering what I would do next. I looked at my armor from across the room. I felt a sort of longing for it, like I would not be myself without it, but I decided that being a (relatively) normal citizen would do for today, something I normally would not decide to do. Today was special I thought, for reasons I experience difficulty relaying to you. I simply felt it in my scales, as my brothers would say. Of course, I didn't feel safe being completely vulnerable, so I wore only my gauntlets and brought along my battle-axe, Neck Taker, that I... received from an anonymous executioner in his home. I mean I killed him in cold-blood. I’m not going to explain myself, this isn’t what this is about. Do you understand? As I was saying: I was about to walk outside and greet the day when I found myself gazing around my house looking at all of my armaments. And Thusly, the longing came back, in full force this time. I sighed deeply.

Hmm...Perhaps today won't be as special a day as I thought.

***

I ended up wearing some Blades armor I had received from the Blades themselves and some ebony boots that I had forged myself. A long amount of time was spent determining what I was going to bring as a weapon. I was debating between stylish weapon, a scimitar, or a terrifiying malicious presence borne of the King of Rape himself. That is to say, Molag Bal’s mace. I chose the Scimitar, Luna, partly because people would become nervous in the presence of the Mace. The name of the scimitar, Luna, also spoke to me in ways I couldn’t understand until now. Alas, I opened the door and I started on my way.

***

"HEED MY WORDS!" yelled the mad priest who I would normally find in front of a statue to Talos. Something in his voice made me stop and listen, unlike when I would simply ignore him, designating his gospel as pretty much useless.. He seemed more panicked and worried than normal. I stopped and smiled at the crowds gathering. As rude and dishonest as it was, I believed that there was some money and perhaps a moral boost to be gained here. I walked toward the crowd. The reaction I normally would get was nowhere to be found here. No mentions of my heritage as Dragonborn, nothing about my Thane-ship, and not even a disapproving look from the prejudiced. I ignored this, and swaggered toward the Priest when a hand grabbed roughly me upon the shoulder and spun me around. I turned and faced a Nord who was wearing a strange insignia on his clothes. He held a dagger clenched in his fist out toward my neck, and he wore a manic countenance. I waited for him to say his piece before I would violently behead him, and he opened his mouth and said "First Winterhold, and now this?" as he prepared to plunge the dagger into my chest "DAMN MAGES!"

***

I prepared my Thu'um, inhaling deeply, and unleashed it at full force, "TIID KLO UL!" and time began to slow down around me. I pushed his arm off of mine lightly with my right, and I pulled my left hand backward to knock his teeth out with my gauntlet. The hit connected. Spittle, teeth and blood splashed slowly out of his mouth, my punch having caused significant damage. He was stunned and in tremendous pain. Time was slowed by my Shout, so I had plenty of time to figure out what to do next. His slowed reaction time allowed me to punch him directly in the face. I felt his jaw break and the force knocked his head to the side. I kicked him backwards, knocking him towards the ground, and I unsheathed my Neck Taker. I advanced towards him as he hit the ground. I raised the instrument of judgment and prepared to do what my weapon was named for, that being painfully obvious. Suddenly the Shout's effects ceased. The crowd immediately became aware of what occurred. I recognized that the majority of the crowd had that strange insignia on them in some way. The priest, I realized was nervous the whole time throughout the speech and would glance in my direction. I began to think it was a trap. The crowd turned toward me and they reached into their clothing to pull out whatever they may have concealed...

And that is , so they say, when the fun really started.

***

Part 2 Of The Fanfiction

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