A.N. Hey Guys.

Not much to say at the outset, but there'll be a second A.N.

Thanks for reading!

(I own OC's and nothing else)

I don't think it's possible to quantify how utterly fucked we are right now.

I knew this was a bad idea, but I just had to go along with it. It's not like anything too bad could happen right?

Turns out, it is Murphy's fault even if you expect to get screwed over.

We're so fucking dead.

The bald man tilts his head, and looks around our group. "I must say I was not expecting this when I woke up this morning. It's been a long time since anyone was able to summon me." He leans forward slightly, and clasps his hands behind his back. "Would you mind introducing yourselves? It would be rude of me not to address my hosts by their names after all."

Ok. I can work with this. He's in, 'this is fun' mode right now. So long as he stays in that mode, we've got a chance.

Just play along, and don't be an asshole.

I step forward. "My name's Dusk. That's Serana, Valerica, and Svar." I point to each woman as I say their names.

He turns to me with a cheerful smile, and gives me a small bow. "Gaunter O'Dimm, also known as Master Mirror, at your service." He rights himself, and begins looking around our surroundings. "Dreadfully sorry, but could you tell me where we are? I've been to this neck of the woods before, but never found myself in this particular grove."

"We are currently in the Soul Cairn." Valerica says calmly. "It is a plane of Oblivion ruled by the Ideal Masters."

Damn this woman's got a cool head. Either that, or she doesn't get what this guy is. I'm willing to bet it's probably the latter.

"Ah," O'Dimm says. "that's why it feels so familiar. I've been to a few different places like this one if what I've heard is correct." He brings his hands back around in front of him, and looks at each of us in turn. "I must say, the four of you make for quite an interesting group."

"Would you care to elaborate on that statement?" Valerica asks patiently.

Gaunter gives her a nod. "Of course." He motions to Serana and Valerica. "The two of you would make higher vampires, and mages alike jealous."

Serana and Valerica don't react in any noticeable way to his words.

O'Dimm motions to Svar. "A mortal woman without a soul who is also an immortal dragon. Although I would wager you are able to reacquire your soul. Not like that last fellow who brought me here."

Svar's eyes widen for a moment, but she schools her features quickly.

O'Dimm turns to me last. "And you."

His eyes seem to shine as he studies me. "Well, well… you are very interesting."

This can't be fucking good.

O'Dimm strolls over to me, and he leans in to get a better look.

Please no eye spoon! Please no eye spoon! Please no eye spoon! Please no eye spoo…

"You are unique." He says contemplatively. "I can't quite say what it is about you that's so intriguing, and that on it's own is intriguing." His smile is wide and bright as he speaks.

Valerica throws a short glance my way before she returns her full attention to O'Dimm. "I apologize Master O'Dimm, but…"

O'Dimm shakes his head. "Please dear woman, call me Gaunter."

Valerica gives a thankful nod. "Gaunter, I apologize, but while you gave us your name, you neglected to mention what you are. Would you be willing to share what manner of being you are?"

I hold back a wince as she asks the question.

O'Dimm smiles at her. "Why, I'm nothing more than a simple merchant of mirrors madam."

He turns away from her, obviously not willing to say more, and his gaze pans over the stone walls lining the room. "This place is rather dreary wouldn't you say?" He says after a moment. "There are so few bright colors. It's all purple, black, and grey." He scratches his chin, before he quickly shakes his head. "Oh, but you didn't bring me here to talk about the local scenery did you? Let's address the dragon in the room shall we?" He looks pointedly at Valerica as he finishes the statement with a smile.

How the hell did he… he's Gaunter O'fucking-Dimm that's how.

Valerica's eyes narrow. "You know why we brought you here then?"

He chuckles. "Good woman, I make a habit of knowing what trouble I'm getting into before I entrench myself too deep within it. You practically screamed your intent as I was crossing through the planes. Though, I will tell you right now, I've never done dealings with these 'Ideal Masters' you mentioned. So, you'll have to make it worth my while." His cheerful grin turns predatory. "If my assumption is correct, these beings deal in souls, and I am quite fond of the ones I possess. Why should I help you?"

The air seems to get much heavier, and our surroundings fall deathly silent.

I swallow a lump in my throat.

I think it's safe to say he just left fun mode. We're so fucking dead.

"We have items we believe will be of interest to you." Serana says, speaking up for the first time. "Do you know of Elder Scrolls?"

O'Dimm turns his grin upon her. "I do. I've seen them up close even. The first time I was summoned to this little collection of worlds, an upstart mage attempted to seal me away with one of them. I take it you are offering one of these little trinkets as payment?"

Serana turns to me, causing the entire room to follow her gaze.

My gaze is fixed on Gaunter though.

If I pull one of these things out, we have no guarantee he won't just kill us all and take it off my corpse.

I look at Gaunter, and nod. "We have an Elder Scroll, as well as a few other things we'd be willing to trade."

The oppressiveness in the air fades, and O'Dimm regards me with a grin.

"So," He begins. "you want me to barter with the Ideal Masters and take over your dragonic friends contract?"

"No." Valerica says quickly. "We want you to barter with the Ideal Masters to take Durnehviir's contract from them, and then immediately free him from said contract. We also need him restored so he may leave this place." She glares as she finishes her statement.

O'Dimm gives her a grin. "You can't blame a man for trying." He brings a hand to his chin, and thinks for a moment. "I possess few goods these Masters would be interested in trading for the dragon, and I am hesitant to part with them. They are quite valuable, and more useful to me than an Elder Scroll."

"What if we offered you two?" Svar asks. Until now, she has done nothing but study the man

He raises an eyebrow at her. "I would need all three on the table in order to continue negotiations."

I hear Valerica exhale slowly, and see Svar tense.

This guy really likes to lord things over people doesn't he?

"Say we trade you all three," I start. "would you then be willing to free Durnehviir, and restore him?"

He makes a show of scratching his chin, and shakes his head. "No, it's not quite enough."

Serana goes to speak, but Gaunter interrupts her.

"Don't bother speaking of the Staff." He says. "I'm not interested in it. While it is a powerful artifact, it is… incompatible with me. I would need something else."

Incompatible? What the fuck does that mean?

"What would you want in place of the Staff?" Svar asks carefully.

He considers for a moment, then speaks. "Oh, nothing too costly." He slowly turns to me, and a grin grows on his features. "A mere favor would suffice."

Fuck.

Fuck fuck.

Fuckity fucking fuck sticks.

"What sort of favor?" Serana asks suspiciously.

O'Dimm shrugs. "The sort that is, as yet, unnamed. To be utilized at a moment of my choosing."

"So you want three Elder Scrolls, and a favor from us?" Svar asks. "A favor that is likely to get us killed."

O'Dimm shakes his head. "I assure you, I will not ask something that is outside your capabilities, and I'm not asking for a favor from all of you. Just one of you." He turns to me with a hungry gaze.

I am so dead.

"There has to be something else you are interested in." Serana insists.

"I'm afraid not." O'Dimm says to her without looking away from me.

Svar growls, and starts towards him. "I'm not going to let you…"

O'Dimm claps his hands together, and Svar stops talking.

I look over at her and see her frozen mid stride. Glaring at O'Dimm.

Fuck.

I turn back to O'Dimm, and find him smiling at me.

"Since you are the only one of your group who needs to agree to this arrangement, I've decided to give us some privacy. Now, as I told the lovely dragon, I will not ask anything of you that you will be unable to accomplish. If I did, it would be a waste of a favor. Further, you will have some time to prepare before I require anything of you." He walks towards me slowly, and looks me in the eyes. "Do we have a deal?" He asks.

Heh, fuck no.

"You'll forgive me if I don't trust you right now." I say as politely as I can. "You've just isolated me from the only two members of my group who had prepared for this eventuality, and you're offering to make a binding deal with me without telling me what happens if I fail to comply. I need more details, and a lot of insurance, before I'll agree to anything."

O'Dimm's grin changes to a frown for a moment, before he starts chuckling. "The paranoid ones are always so fun to play with. Very well." He says, and throws his arms wide. "What would you ask of me?"

"For starters, what happens if I fail to deliver the 'favor'?"

"Why I get your soul of course, but you needn't worry. As I've stated multiple times, the task will be within your power to complete."

I rely heavily on Gamer's Mind as I narrow my eyes at him. "How do I know I'm not signing up to kill one of my companions? If I give you an open-ended favor, you could make me do anything. I'm not willing to take the chance you'll use me against people I care about."

O'Dimm nods understandingly. "A valid concern, but I assure you, I will have you act in my interests which should be far removed from your own. If, however, you find yourself in a situation where you are forced to choose between your mission and your loved ones, you may choose your loved ones. But…" His eyes narrow, and the crushing feeling from earlier returns. "This is not a loophole for you to exploit. I am offering you this because you have been most gracious. That, and of your companions, you are the only one who understands what I am capable of. I do not believe you would try to take me for a fool. Do not prove me wrong."

I swallow heavily, and nod.

The air returns to normal, and O'Dimm gives me a bright smile.

"Good." He says. "Now, are you willing to accept my terms?"

"How long will the favor last?" I ask. "I don't want to find out I've agreed to be your butler for the rest of time."

O'Dimm sighs slightly. "As amusing as this is, it is beginning to become insulting." He gives me a very unimpressed look. "I have existed longer than many worlds Dusk, and I have been making bargains that entire time. Do you truly believe I would be unable to manipulate this particular deal to suit my own needs if that was my intent? Wording can only protect you from so much after all."

Great. I'm damned if I do, damned if I don't.

He just flat out told me he can do whatever the hell he wants, and I'm screwed either way.

Or maybe that was reverse psychology?

Doesn't matter. I'm screwed either way.

"How can I be sure you'll be able to get Durnehviir's contract from the Ideal Masters?" I ask.

O'Dimm smiles, and reaches into his satchel. He rummages around for a moment, before he pulls out a large piece of parchment. "You mean this?" He asks jovially as he holds the paper out for me to read.

Protect the soul cairn…

Defend Valerica…

Contract will become null upon the death of Valerica…

Signed in dovahzul…

Holy shit.

I look back to O'Dimm with wide eyes. "How long have you had that?"

He shrugs, and begins rolling the paper up. "Did I not say I prefer to know what I'm getting myself into? I made some minor preparations before allowing you to bring me here."

Gamer's Mind has to be working overtime right now. There's no other way I can be calm after thinking over the implications of that.

He somehow figured out what we wanted, bargained with the Ideal Masters, got what he wanted from the Ideal Masters, and then brought it with him when he allowed us to summon him. He either had to know about this entire meeting beforehand, or he did all of that during the minute or so the summoning took.

"Have you been messing with us this entire time?" I ask.

He gives me another bright smile. "That would be telling Dusk. Getting back to business, do we have an agreement? Your favor will take no longer than a month, it will not involve hurting those you care for, and it will be a task that is within your capabilities."

If he's gone to this much trouble to prepare for this meeting, he's got something important planned. Which I'll screw up if I say no. Which will probably result in four spoons going into people's eyes.

I take a deep breath, and look O'Dimm in the eyes. "Fine." I say.

Somehow, his face lights up even brighter. "Wonderful!" He yells. He walks up to me, and holds out his hand. "The Scrolls please?" He says.

I pull them out one at a time, and hand them over. As I'm handing the final Scroll over, he grabs my hand, and doesn't let go.

He casually reaches into his satchel with his free hand, and pulls out the small hand mirror we used in the ritual. He takes my left hand and presses the hand mirror down onto the back of it.

I bite back a scream as the mirror lights on fire, and sears my flesh.

O'Dimm pulls the mirror away, and I immediately grab my hand.

There's now a circular brand from the edges of the mirror, with the letters 'G' and 'D' in the center.

Why the fuck did I agree to that?

"Done!" O'Dimm says with a smile. He looks back at Svar, and tilts his head slightly. "I'll let you explain our little deal to Svarline. She might try to eat me if I do it. I'll go and fix your other dragon up, then be on my way."

He begins walking towards the exit, but stops and turns around. "Oh, and be more creative with that sword of yours. I'd hate to have to retrieve you because you failed to transport yourself. Until next we meet!" He claps his hands once more, and disappears.

"...enslave my…" Svar looks around in confusion. "Where'd he go?"

"He's fixing up Durnehviir." I say as the events of the last few minutes of stopped time sink in.

"What?" Valerica asks. "What do you mean?"

"Deals done." I say, before narrowing my eyes at her. "And you fucking owe me."

"What did you do?" Serana asks as she slowly walks towards me. "What did you just do Dusk?"

I give a self-depreciating chuckle. "I made a deal with the devil." I hold up my hand and show the three of them my new brand. "I owe him a favor now."

I hear a growl just as Sixth Sense triggers.

I don't move, and take a full power punch from Svar.

"Are you stupid?!" She screams. "Do you have any idea what you just did?!"

"Yes to both." I say. "I told you guys I know who this guy is. He's terrifying, but he keeps his word so long as you don't try to screw him over. I have no intention of trying to screw him over, so I'd give myself fifty-fifty odds. Pretty damn good considering we could've gotten Cthuhlu."

Sixth sense triggers again, and once more I stand still.

This time, I receive a full powered slap from Serana, and stagger back a few steps.

"That was stupid." She says simply. "If you get yourself killed, I will soul trap you just so I can kill you again."

Wonderful. Now I have Molag Bal, the Soul Cairn, and Gaunter O'Dimm to look forward to when I die.

Fan-fucking-tastic.

"Let's just get Durnehviir and get out of here." I say tiredly. "I'm done with this place."

I begin walking from the room, when I catch sight of Valerica. She hasn't moved since O'Dimm left, and she's staring at me with an expression I can't decipher.

"You coming?" I ask. "That was kind of the whole purpose of this shitshow. We free your friend, you leave with us. Remember?"

Valerica shakes her head, and schools her features. "Thank you. I will remember this" She says.

Huh, that actually sounded genuine.

The four of us walk through the halls of the castle until we reach the outside once more.

A mighty roar draws our gazes as a massive golden and black scaled dragon comes in for a landing.

Guess GoD did his part. Now I just need to wait until he comes to collect.

Why the hell did I agree to this?

"Durnehviir." Valerica says quietly. "I can hardly recognize you old friend."

The dragon bares his large teeth in a smile. "I feel as if I'm only a millenia old again!" He reigns in his celebration, and turns to the four of us. "Thank you. Thank you all. I will never be able to repay you for the freedom you have given me, but I will never cease my attempts to do so."

I nod to him. "I'm glad you're free."

Serana turns to her mother. "May we leave now?" She asks terse.

Valerica quickly nods. "Give me a moment to gather anything of use from the keep, and then we will go." She turns around, and strides back into the castle.

I raise an eyebrow at Serana when she makes no move to follow Valerica. "You're not going to help your mom pack?" I ask.

Serana shakes her head. "My mother is able to be out of my sight for extended periods of time without consorting with abstract entities."

I give her a deadpan stare. "Ok, let's say our roles were flipped and you just watched the guy casually stop time, but in a way that lets him keep talking to you. Do you antagonize the extremely powerful whatever the hell he is, or do you take the deal and potentially save everyone's lives?"

"She never said you made the wrong choice." Svar speaks up. "She's just saying it was a stupid decision."

I raise my other eyebrow at her. "What contrived logic are you operating on here?"

Svar shrugs. "You did the least stupid thing. That doesn't mean we can't worry about you."

I don't really have a response for that.

Around half an hour later Valerica emerges from the castle with several satchels, and a large backpack.

"Let us leave this dreadful place." She says firmly.

None of us need to be told twice.

The trip back takes all of two minutes. One minute and forty-five seconds of which were spent waiting for Durnehviir to catch up because he couldn't fit through Serana's portal.

"The portal room is pretty large," I say up to the dragon. "but by dragon standards it's probably going to be cramped. Do you have a way to teleport outside?"

The great dragon chuckles. "Do not worry. I am able to look after myself."

Man, even his voice sounds better. It's like he just recovered from a month's worth of pneumonia.

The five of us make our way through the portal, and a short pulling sensation later, we're standing back in Sky Haven.

Quest Complete!

[The Soul Cairn!]

You have managed to obtain access to the Soul Cairn!

Objective- Free Valerica from the Ideal Masters(Complete)

Bonus Objective- Kill the Keepers before speaking with Valerica(Complete)

Bonus Objective- Free Arvak(Failed)

Bonus Objective- Kill the Reaper(Failed)

Bonus Objective- Free Durnehviir(Completed)

Rewards- [Soul Cairn Immunity], Gacha Coins x2

Bonus Rewards- Necromancy Affinity, Gem of Empowering, Gacha Coins x2

New Perk Gained!

Soul Cairn Immunity

Having traversed the Soul Cairn and come through unscathed, you have grown immune to its corruptive effects. This perk also negates similar negative effects of similar places.

Necromancy Affinity Gained!

You are at the level of a novice, but have the potential to grow to unprecedented heights.

Gem of Empowering

One time use item that permanently increases the power/skill of the user.(Must be below level 75 to use)

Level up x63

Gained 630 Stat points!

For reaching 900 STR you have gained a perk!

Generalist

You know the basics of how to use any melee weapon

For reaching 1000 STR you have gained a perk!

Pinnacle

All melee attacks are 30% stronger

You will receive no more perks for your STR stat

Flaw [Martially Inept] lost for reaching STR 1100

For reaching 900 END you have gained a perk!

Death's Door

The lower your health, the less damage you take.

For reaching 1000 END you have gained a perk!

Wolverine

You can regenerate from almost anything. No damage can halt your HP regen.

You will receive no more perks for your END stat

Flaw [You Smell Good] lost for reaching END 1100

For reaching 800 DEX you have gained a perk!

One With Shadows

You are able to meld with and travel through shadows

For reaching 900 DEX you have gained a perk!

Contortions

You are more flexible than the world's greatest gymnast.

For reaching 1000 DEX you have gained a perk!

Quicksilver

You may move at unprecedented speeds. The human eye will be unable to follow your movements. Can only be used for a short time.

You will gain no more perks for your DEX stat

Abjuration Mastery Gained!

Protection and defensive magics are yours to shape. Create your own!

[You have maxed out Abjurer!]

[Please select a new primary class!]

[Mage/Warrior/Thief]

Mage. I want to see what the more advanced magic classes are like, so I need to get one more regular one out of the way.

[Please select a specialization!]

[Elementalist/Illusionist/Conjurer/Necromancer/Diviner]

Eh, I need more versatility. Let's go with illusionist.

[Class] (Illusionist) - LVL 16/100

Gain 5 INT, 5 WIS, and 2 CHA per Level

[Minor Illusion]

Costs 20 MP

Create an small illusory image or sound

[Phantom Pain]

Costs 50 MP

Target will believe themself to have suffered a horrendous wound

[Disguise Self]

Costs 40 MP

Change your appearance to that of any other humanoid.

Dusk the Master of the Storm

Level- 314

Class- Abjurer - LVL 100/100 06%]

Crafting Class- N/A [0%]

Race- Vampire Lord

Tier- Immortal

Alignment- True Neutral

HP- 22020 [13212 per minute]

MP- 29600 [22200 per minute]

SP- 22020 [13212 per minute]

STR- 1174

END- 1101

DEX - 1000

INT - 1561

WIS - 1561

CHA - 682

LUK - 654

MP Regen= WIS x 15

MP= INT x 20

SP/Health Regen= END x 12

SP/HP= END x 20

Yay. We're back.

I don't feel as enthusiastic about that as I expected. It may or may not have something to do with the mark on my hand. I'm not quite sure.

Oh, I forgot about Arvak.

Eh, I can free him later. Besides, I can fly and run at the speed of lightning. I don't really need a horse that much.

I look around the group, and see Durnehviir missing.

Uh, what?

"Does anyone know where Durnheviir is?" I ask.

"He's moving that way." Svar says, and points at a wall. "He phased through the stone the moment we got back, so I'm guessing he's eager to see the sky again."

Svar turns to me. "Can I get my soul back now? I'm getting kinda sick of sucking at everything."

Serana nods. "Yes. We should see to that immediately." She leaves the room, and the rest of us follow her.

We wind through the hallways, until we come to the room where Svar ripped her soul out.

A cheerful bark greets us as we get closer.

I allow myself a smile as I look into the room.

Mr. Rogers is sitting a few feet from Svar's soul and wagging his tail side to side.

"Hey boy." I say as I enter.

He pants happily, and runs over to me.

"You possess a peculiar familiar." Valerica comments as I scratch my ghost dog behind the ears.

I raise an eyebrow at her. "I'm going to assume that wasn't an insult to my dog."

She shakes her head. "It was no insult. I was merely making an observation. I have never seen anything quite like him."

I smile, and turn back to Mr. Rogers. "That's because he's one of a kind."

"Not to interrupt," Svar cuts in. "but I don't know how to get my soul back, so could we focus on that for the time being."

I give Mr. Rogers one last pat on the head, and stand up.

"Like I said before," I begin. "we essentially just shove it back in. You'll probably want to sleep for a while afterwards, but other than that there shouldn't be any negative effects. If there are, tell us as soon as you notice them."

Svar nods. "I will, now let's get this done."

Serana and I move to either side of Svar.

Valerica goes to assist, but Svar stops her. "No offense lady, but I don't know you. I'd prefer it if you weren't molding my very being."

Valerica nods. "Understandable, I will simply watch to ensure nothing goes wrong." She takes a step back to give us some room.

Serana and I nod at one another, and start working our soul magic. The golden tendrils that make up the body of Svar's soul begin to unwind, then they slowly drift apart, and move towards Svar. The ribbons gently wrap around her body, and it's as if her skin absorbs them.

The rest of the ribbons move around her, and form a golden spiral that looks similar to a tornado. The ribbons spin around her for a moment as her skin absorbs them, and pretty soon the golden glow subsides as Svar's soul returns to her body.

"That felt fantastic." Svar says in a daze. "Now if you'll excuse me, I suddenly feel the need to sleep for a year." She starts towards the door, but stops at the threshold. She turns back around, and tosses Yamato to me.

I have a brief panic attack as the all cutting sword flies through the air, but I'm able to catch it without issue.

"Thanks for letting me borrow that." Svar says.

I nod, and hand Ascalon to her. "No problem."

Svar yawns, then leaves without another word.

I check her over with my soul magic as she leaves, and find no issues. She's back to full strength.

I turn back to Serana and say, "Go ahead and show your mom around. I'm going to go wrap my head around everything that just happened."

"Are you alright?" Serana asks, concerned.

I nod. "I'll be fine. I've just got to think some stuff over."

She looks like she wants to know more, but restrains herself.

"If you need anything, talk to me." She says seriously.

"I will." I say, and turn to leave.

"Dusk, wait."

I turn back around and find Valerica walking towards me.

She looks into my eyes, and says, "Thank you for what you have done. You are correct. I owe you, and I am unsure if I will be able to repay that debt. If you have anything you wish to ask of me, you need not hesitate."

I regard her for a moment, then nod. "Thanks."

I leave the room.

I take a bunch of random turns through various hallways, before entering a random room. I see a chair in the corner of it, and sit down.

I let out a long sigh, and look at the back of my hand.

I made a deal with Gaunter O'Dimm.

What in the ever loving fuck was I thinking?

Actually, to be fair to myself here, I wasn't thinking. Not about the consequences anyway. I was more focused on the fact that the bastard just casually stopped time in the Soul Cairn.

I knew he could stop time, but how the hell did he pull it off in a realm controlled by the Ideal Masters? Maybe that was part of whatever deal he made with them before he showed up?

Oh shit, I totally forgot about that.

The asshole may as well be the damn Simurgh for how well that plan went. He not only knew what we wanted, but he already had it when we called him.

I let out another sigh, and lean back in my chair.

We're all alive, so I'm going to count this as a draw. It sure as hell isn't a win, but things could have gone a lot worse.

I think that's the main reason I folded so quickly. The guy had us all hostage, and there wasn't a damn thing we could do about it.

The best I could do was give him what he wanted in a way that still benefited us. I'm not too happy about owing him a favor, but Durnehviir's free, so we've got that going for us at least.

Plus, in the game he was a perfect gentleman so long as Geralt doesn't do anything to piss him off.

I just have to do what I said I'd do, and not bother trying to save Olgierd's soul. Or whatever my equivalent of that is anyway.

All in all, this sucks, but it could be a lot worse. I'll deal with O'Dimm when it's time to worry about O'Dimm, and focus on getting stronger in the interim.

Speaking of which…

I smile as I activate Felix Felicis.

Been some time since I got any Gacha Coins.

The Bat Signal

Rare Item

Use this modified searchlight to let Batman know he's needed.

(The Batman must be able to see the signal, and is not required to answer your call)

How is this in any way useful?

Even if I was on the right plane of existence, which I'm assuredly not, I wouldn't get any use out of this thing. Sure, Batman is a genius, but why the hell would he help me with anything?

From his perspective, I'm an evil vampire. I've killed people, and eaten people now that I think about it. That's not something he could wrap his head around.

DC is weird. 'This psycho has killed continents worth of people, but if we put them down we would be just like them!'

I could never understand that logic.

Anyway, batman rant over. Back to the gacha.

Give me something that's actually useful please.

A Soggy Boot

Common Item

This boot was pulled from the bottom of a lake when a fishing hook got caught on it.

It is advised you wash your hands after handling this boot.

I let out a long sigh.

Yep. I've got Gacha Coins again. A glorified searchlight, and a potential biohazard.

I wonder if this thing could spread the bubonic plague through Tamriel? It would be interesting to see how a magical civilization deals with that.

Of course, I'm not a psychopath, so I'm not going to do that. It's an interesting thought experiment though.

I'm just gonna hurry up and waste the next two so I can go to sleep.

Revan's Lightsaber

Mythic Item

This purple bladed lightsaber has been at Revan's side for years. This weapon has seen wars from their beginning to their end, and taken many lives.

Deals STR + 20 Plasma Damage per strike

Is a lightsaber, and possesses all properties associated with such

I growl in irritation as I pull the thing from my inventory.

If I get one more toy I swear to… this thing's heavy.

Forcing down any hope, I hesitantly press a small circular button near the top of the hilt.

*Pssshhew*

A brilliant, violet glow lights up the room around me.

I stare at the beam with a gaping jaw, then slowly start to smile. In a few moments I'm laughing like a maniac.

FUCK. YES!

If I get a literal pile of shit with my next coin, I'll still be happy with how this turned out.

I got a freaking lightsaber. Reven's lightsaber.

I take a deep breath, and deactivate the blade before putting it in my inventory.

I can't keep the grin off my face as I use my next coin.

The Light of Earendil

Mythic Item

This phial contains water that has captured the light of the star Earendil.

Has a wide variety of uses.

My grin grows even wider as I pull out the small bottle.

Holy shit. I just got two incredibly powerful items at the same time.

I hold the little white bottle up, and inspect it.

The liquid inside glows faintly, and the bottle itself is beautiful. It has the elegance of something crafted by the elves. Lord of the Rings elves, not the racist snobs that exist in this universe.

The bottle is… comforting. Not in an obsessive way. It's just nice to hold.

Wow. I suddenly feel a lot better about the whole soul deal with O'Dimm.

I place the bottle back in my inventory, and stand up.

I feel really good right now. I'm going to take advantage of the clearheadedness to go to sleep.

I exit the room, and walk back towards our room.

I enter, and find Svar asleep on the bed.

I smile and lie down next to her.

O'Dimm's a problem, but we can handle it. In another month I'll have vizier available again, and I can use it to ask for advice.

We can figure this out.

I close my eyes, and drift off to sleep.

I wake up and find Svar gone.

I must have slept longer than I meant to if she's already up and about.

I stand up, stretch out a little, and leave the room.

No longer having to worry about information overload, I call on my soul magic and begin looking around the Temple to see where everyone is.

Svar's up at the top of the mountain with Paarthurnax, and another extremely powerful being. Must be Durnehviir.

Serana and Valerica are standing next to each other as they both inspect something on a table.

This should be interesting.

I walk towards Serana and Valerica.

I arrive at the room they're in, and walk in.

"Hello Dusk." Serana says without turning around. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm alright." I walk up next to them.

There's a small lead box on the table in front of them that they are both studying intently.

I raise an eyebrow at Serana. "What are you guys up to?"

"We are determining whether or not this item is safe to utilize." Valerica answers.

Item?

I look back at the box, and gauge its size.

Wait…

"Is the Orb of Death in there?" I ask.

Serana nods. "Yes. While we cannot determine if it means us harm, there is a power to it. If we could find a way to control it, It would be a great boon."

Serana turns to look at me. "You know the most about it. Would you mind sharing your opinion?"

I stop to think for a moment. "Well, my knowledge is kind of limited when it comes to this thing, but I'll tell you what I do know.

Serana nods for me to continue.

I think for a second, then speak. "I know it's useful to necromancers, and that it devours souls of the slain. The one guy I know of who actually used the thing was a crap mage, but with the orb he was able to raise two skeletal dragons."

Serana's eyes light up. "He was able to summon two of those creatures?"

I shake my head before she can get too excited. "They were different from the one we fought. They were immune to weaker magic, but didn't regenerate like the one in Labyrinthian did."

Valerica raises an eyebrow at Serana. "I thought you said you faced only one dragon."

Serana shrugs and turns back to the table. "One living one. The skeletal dragon was simple to defeat once we found the soul stone."

"Soul stone?" Valerica asks. Seemingly excited.

Serana's fangs become visible as she grins. "Yes. A soul stone that now holds the soul of a dragon priest."

Valerica's eyes widen. "We have access to the Soul Cairn."

Serana nods. "Yes, we do. However, we have plenty of time. I would like to decide what to do with this orb before we get lost in that project."

Valerica nods in agreement, and turns back to the table. "Is there anything else you can tell us about this orb Dusk?"

I nod. "There was one other guy I know of who held the thing. The moment he picked it up, the orb began to worship the ground he walked on. If the guy had told the orb to eat itself, it probably would have done it. Though, it's important to mention that he was a master necromancer. One that could probably best everyone in this Temple given enough preparation time."

Serana raises an eyebrow. "You would not make such a statement lightly." She remarks.

"No I wouldn't. The guy killed nearly one-hundred-thousand people with a single spell. A spell which was really a summoning spell. The people killed were the offering. He was able to call five of Shub-Niggurath's children to fight for him, and those goats proceeded to dismantle any and all resistance in their path. The guy was also the apex necromancer race. He was, what is referred to in his world as, an Overlord. Think an ultra powerful lich that's magnitudes stronger than a normal lich."

"So the orb admires strength?" Valerica asks after I finish my lore dump.

I nod. "When I first brought it through, it was impressed with me, and I wasn't even a necromancer at the time."

Serana tilts her head. "'At the time'? I was not aware you were one now."

I give her a grin. "Benefits of travelling through the Soul Cairn."

Serana hums, and looks me over. "We will see the depth of your ability later." She turns back to the box. "While we are not as powerful as this Overlord you mentioned, my mother and I are among some of the strongest necromancers in history. Do you believe the orb will serve one of us?"

I shrug. "I don't know. It might, but it also might say one thing, and do another. I'd say it's probably best if Valerica tries it, because unless you've hidden it from us, you're not telepathic."

Serana shakes her head. "I am not. Each vampire gains different powers upon their turning. Abilities that, more often than not, they inherit from their sire. Since the two of us did not have sires, our abilities are vastly different from one-another."

"Then I would recommend Valerica be the one to try it." I say. "She'll probably have a better idea of what it's attempting."

Serana nods. "Very well. Mother, if you are ready?"

Valerica nods, and Serana channels magic into the box.

I feel a ward break, and the box opens.

Valerica reaches her hand in, and picks up the orb.

Serana and I tense, as Valerica stares at the orb.

Valerica lets out a short laugh, and turns to us. "We have reached an agreement. It is mine to do with as I please."

Serana and I allow ourselves to relax.

"Just be sure to be careful mother." Serana says.

Valerica nods. "I will." She places the orb within her robe somewhere, then turns to Serana. "Now daughter, I believe you mentioned having the soul of a dragon priest…"

Serana smiles widely. She walks over and gives me a kiss. "If you need us, we will be in the portal room."

Her and her mother exit the room.

That was a mad scientist smile she just had. Should I be worried?

Nah. She's on my side. It's the rest of Tamriel that should be scared.

I walk back through the halls, and start to head up the mountain.

I reach the top and walk outside.

It's a pretty nice day so I have to have my hood up, but it's not too inconvenient.

I look up to the sky, and see two dragons shouting at each other.

Why the hell are they fighting?

Both turn their heads in the same direction, and let loose a stream of fire in the same direction. A blue glow emanates from the direction the dragons fired in, and the flames pass through a flying ghost.

Oh, they're training Svar.

I chuckle to myself.

That could have been really bad.

The three don't notice me, so I just sit down and watch the fireworks for a while.

Svar is looking really good.

I'll still need to keep an eye on her, but at the moment it doesn't appear as if there's any lasting side effects from our jaunt to the Soul Cairn.

I smile, and lean back against the stone wall.

We've got a large to do list, but we'll get everything done. When Alduin comes knocking, Serana and I will have Svar's back. When Harkon shows up, Svar and I will have Serana's. And when O'Dimm decides it's time to collect, Svar and Serana will have mine.

We've got this.

(Interlude: Jarl Elisif the Fair)

"How is she?" I ask Savos as he exits the room.

The old elf turns to me with a weary look upon his face. "She will live. I do not know when she will wake, but the danger has passed. Sybille saved her life."

I sigh in relief. "And what of Sybille?" I ask hesitantly.

The elf shakes his head. "I do not believe she has dealt with what has happened. In time, she will recover, but it will be a long road. Longer even than Mirabelle's."

"Can you help her at all?" I plead.

He sighs. "I have already ordered what artificers the College has to get to work on replacements, but they won't be the same. Especially to a vampire."

"May I see them?" I ask.

The elf regards me for a moment before he sighs. "Do not stay long." He disappears with a flash of green light.

I walk to the door, and knock gently. "Sybille?"

There is no answer.

I open the door and walk inside.

There are two beds set up in the small closet.

On one, Mirabelle lies. Her stomach is wrapped in bandages that have been soaked through with blood, and her neck is in a brace. Her eyes are closed, and she doesn't respond to my entrance in any way.

On the second bed, Sybille sits. Her red eyes find me as soon as I enter.

"Did we win?" She asks seriously.

I nod. "Potema has pulled all of her forces back."

My court wizard nods. "Good."

"Are you alright?" I ask.

She barks out a laugh. "Have you seen me?" She motions to her missing arm and leg. "Movarth tore me apart. If Mirabelle hadn't stepped in to help, I'd be dead."

"Savos told me his artificers are working to make you prosthetics."

She raises an eyebrow at me. "Will they have vampiric speed and reaction times?"

I shake my head. "He didn't say."

She smiles at me. "I'll be fine Elisif. I'm screwed up right now, but I'll figure something out. Tell Savos to save those for the soldiers."

Her genuine cheer surprises me.

"How can you be so relaxed about this?" I ask.

Her smile fades slightly, and she looks up at the ceiling. "There were some injured guards down there with us. I told them to stay behind us. To only engage anything that made it through us. Had they listened, Mirabelle and I would be dead. Movarth was the greatest swordsman I have ever faced. When I tried to compensate with my magic, he simply rushed me to close the gap. Mirabelle had to stop firing into the hole in the wall to help me."

She shuffles slightly. "The guards rushed past me to hold the wall with our elementals. It took both Mirabelle and I to fight Movarth, and I think those guards knew it. About the time I lost my arm all the guards and the elementals were dead. That should've been the end of it, but Savos showed up with his troops. He can tell you the rest."

She looks back at me. "The way I see it, I can either bitch and moan about how I don't have a leg while half the city is mourning our losses, or I can get over it. I might not be the greatest mage in the world, but I'm pretty strong. I've read several documents about various ways mages were able to replace limbs. I'll figure it out."

I look to the other bed. "What about Mirabelle? Do you think she'll be alright?"

Sybille laughs. "She'll be fine. It will take her some time to adjust to staying inside during the day, but I wouldn't have done it if she hadn't asked. Nor would I have done it if I thought she couldn't handle it. She'll be fine. And hey, now she'll live as long as Savos." She wiggles her eyebrows suggestively.

I allow myself a smile. "I don't believe the elf sees her that way."

Sybille waves her remaining arm at me. "A hundred years is a long time for that to change."

I allow myself a small chuckle. "I am glad you are recovering Sybille, but I am needed elsewhere. If you need anything, you need only ask."

As I'm walking from the room, Sybille stops me.

"Hey." She says. "If you're serious about that, do me a favor and put that bastard's head on a pike. It'll really pretty up the ramparts."

I nod to her. "I'll make sure it gets done."

"Good, now go play politics." She waves me away. "I did my job, it's your turn now." She lays down in the bed, and closes her eyes.

I close the door behind me, and take a deep breath.

I make my way to the war room with my political bearing back in place.

I have a job to do.

(Interlude: Potema)

I pace back and forth in front of the metal cage as the beast within thrashes about.

She has nearly served her full week's sentence, but I'm not sure whether or not I'm satisfied.

I stop, and study the cage and its surroundings.

The metal bars are welded very close together. They make it impossible to sit down, and nearly impossible to even turn around in the cramped space.

The cage itself is located within a small alcove within the hut I currently stand in. The alcove is without a roof, allowing the sun to shine uninhibited on the cage and its occupant. The cage is surrounded on all sides by fresh corpses with their throats cut open. The smell of blood is saturating the air.

The woman within the cage has been stripped naked, and has week old cuts and lashes across her body that have not been allowed to heal.

She has been starved, lashed, and left to burn in the sun for her entire stay in the torturer's care. Blood has been all around her, but she has been unable to feed and therefore unable to heal.

A being of a lesser mind would go mad from the experience.

My Crone won't.

It truly does pain me to have done this to her, but she needed to learn. My previous approach did not work. If she will not submit willingly, I will force her to.

Especially now that I am without my second general.

Remembering the loss of Movarth causes me to growl.

The city was mine. Had she not betrayed me, we would be planning our siege of Markarth. Instead, I was forced to flee to Morthal with only half of the forces I set out with.

The number of undead in my ranks has increased tenfold, but that is only because several of my necromancers died. For every defender we killed and raised, they killed four of our own.

"My Queen."

I turned around to find the scout I called for bowing before me.

"You are the survivor of the expedition I sent west correct?"

The vampire nods. "Yes my Queen. The others were slain by werewolves as you know."

"Where did you encounter the dogs?" I ask.

"We were a few miles south of Karthwasten when the wolves attacked my Queen. I believe I know the area they were protecting."

I narrow my eyes. "Where?" I demand.

"There was a large stretch of cleared land I believe to have recently been a camp of some sort. There was a large cave connected to the land that Nessa believed to hold something of importance, but we were unable to find anything."

I growl, and close the distance to the man. "Why did you not inform me of this the moment you returned?"

The vampire trembles, and fixes his eyes on the ground. "General Movarth believed the information to be unimportant to the campaign my Queen. He ordered me not to waste your valuable time with such nonsense."

"Leave me." I say.

The man practically sprints from the hut.

I sigh, and rub my forehead.

Movarth, as capable as you were on the battlefield, you were an imbecile in other areas.

I walk towards the cage, and break the lock holding it shut.

The Crone attempts to lunge out, but I grab her by the throat and slam her back into the cage.

The sun has long since set, so I need not worry about it scorching my arm.

The Crone bashes my hand, and tears at my arm with her claws. I pay it no mind. She is weak after her stay in the cage.

I lean forward, and grip her chin with my free hand. I force her to look me in the eyes. Blood starved she might be, but I know she is still in control. I wouldn't have chosen her if this was enough to destroy her. "You. Are. Mine." I growl. "I have tolerated your disobedience because I believed it to be amusing. No more. You will fall in line, or you will be disciplined. I am your Queen. I am your Goddess. Now, what is your name?"

The woman convulses in my grip, as the near freedom taunts her. "I… am Crone." She croaks.

I smile. "Good girl." I take my hand from her chin, and cut my neck.

The Crone's eyes snap to my wound, and I slowly pull her close.

She latches her fangs upon my neck, and greedily drinks. I stop her before she takes too much, and throw her down to the corpses. She moves from body to body. Draining every drop that remains in the corpses.

Minutes later, she is finally sated. The burns, cuts, and lashes begin to heal themselves, and she takes several deep breaths as she lays down on the ground.

I slowly walk over to her, and kneel down. I begin to run my hand through her hair, causing her to look at me in confusion.

"Do not force me to do that again Crone." I say. "It brought me no pleasure." I stand, and walk to the door. Over my shoulder, I say, "Clean yourself up, get dressed, then meet me in the castle's war room. We have work to do." I leave without another word.

Our forces have been decimated, so we must acquire more.

I smile widely.

An army of undead werewolves certainly holds appeal…

(Interlude: Farengar Secret Fire)

Useless! They're all useless!

How hard can it be to capture one woman?!

I reach up and scratch under my eye patch as the irritation returns.

The Blade is restored. Everything is in place, but I can't find him. Something is blocking my magic, and the interference is somehow strong enough to block the sword's power as well.

A seer could fix this problem, but the old lady had to die to restore the blade. That leaves only that insufferable innkeep, but for some reason an entire company of soldiers can't find her.

Patience Champion.

The city is ours. The exits are blocked, and you have men going through every structure. You will find her soon enough.

She's right. Irileth can't hide her forever. I'll find them, use them to find him, then I'll kill them. The Sword may be at full strength once more, but that doesn't mean it can't get stronger.

Yes Champion.

Kill all who once called you friend, and you will have power unrivaled.

Hmmm, I thought I'd killed everyone already. No, wait. Delphine got away. I wonder where the old blade ran to?

The seer can find her as well.

I smile.

Perfect. I'll kill her on my way to deal with him.

I scratch my scars once more as a plan forms in my head.

I let loose a laugh at its perfection.

He is going to die. There's no way to survive.

Even if he has a dragon, no, even if he has two dragons he'll die. There's no possible way he's strong enough to stop an Oblivion breach.

The beautiful voice of my mistress laughs as she comprehends my plan.

Perfect my Champion! Absolutely perfect!

Use my Blade! Open a path to this plane, and my armies will be yours to command!

Together, we will spread across Tamriel in a plague that puts the Planemeld to shame!

I smile.

It will be done my Lady.

A.N. Hey again.

As people who follow Shiro know, he decided to take a break because of personal reasons. (More power to ya Shiro, take all the time you need.) This got me thinking, and I started to look at how I've been spending the majority of my time the past few months. I didn't really realize how much I've been writing. I'm enjoying it, but I've cut out a lot of my exercise routine because of it. I've also cut out a lot of family time, which I'm not really ok with.

Classes are going to start back up soon, and I don't want every free moment to be spentin a word doc, so I'm probably going to slow down. I'm not sure how much, but this has been eating away more of my free time than I'm comfortable with.

The story isn't abandoned, but the chapters might be slower.

Anyway, now that the wall of text is out of the way, I'd like to say thanks for reading! I never expected this to get anywhere near the following it has. I'm not sure why I even posted this damn thing, but I'm glad I did. All the constructive feedback have really helped me to improve as a writer, and a storyteller in general. Also, thanks to everyone in the Discord who gives me tips and feedback. You guys help more than you know.

Just to be clear, The story is not dead, nor dying, I'm just slowing down a bit.

Thanks for reading, stay safe, and have a good one!