After 5 rewrites I'm done! Not so much being blocked by a lack of ideas, it's that I've got too many. Much like the game, there's so many places to go and things to do it's hard to know what order to put them in. Anyway part 3 done...

MattyEYD: Quite likely though that will be for another story and another time.

MrMarcz: No it's not just you as this chapter will make clear.

Bully056: It's the successors to the Mythic Dawn. They're no better trust me : )

Zarl : I did rush the last part a little out of frustration. Hopefully I can improve on things this part

Arklyte: Whoa, that's quite a review and too detailed to answer here. I'll PM a response.

Back to business, meeting the Companions and not one Daedra lord in this part but 3. Enjoy!

On the road to Whiterun

"Ok, so Ralof wasn't kidding when he said we wouldn't miss it," Sky joked as they walked down the cobbled road out of the tree line. "That's one big castle town with some good defences."

"But all of them useless if yesterday's anything to go by," Jaden pointed out. "What good are walls against a dragon that can fly clean over them?"

Lyra smiled. "An excellent point. One we can hit the Jarl with if he proves obstinate."

All 3 wastelanders winced at the dark elf's words as she strode on ahead. The same question was going through everyone's mind: did Lyra see everything as a combat situation?

"I know she's our guide Jaden but was this really a good idea?" Ashley worried. "I thought I was a tomboy but next to her..."

Jaden knew what she meant. "I know but we've no real choice for now. I don't think we're going to find any other guides who'll follow us here, there and everywhere and she knows where we came from."

"Not only that but you're looking to help her too, aren't you?" Sky asked knowingly. "I know that look; it's the same one you gave me when you bailed me out on the border."

Jaden nodded. "You think right. It's just that she reminds me of well me long before I met the two of you that is."

"When you were hunting Benny?" Ashley knew the answer to her own question.

"I wanted revenge so badly I could have tasted it," Jaden explained. "I had no friends, no memories to speak of and no other purpose with the Platinum Chip gone. If I hadn't met Boone, Veronica, Cass and then you I don't think I'd be much different from her right now."

"What makes you so sure this'll work?" Sky asked even though Jaden's words were having some resonance with him. He knew that if Jaden hadn't found Sky when he had, he'd now be on a revenge fuelled rampage through Legion territory or, more likely, just plain dead.

"I'm not but we'll never know unless we try. Who knows? Maybe a little walkabout might do her some good and ..."

"I hate to say it but she's found another fight!"

Ashley wasn't wrong. Lyra had waded into a fight with a giant that was engaged with 3 other warriors...

Lucky 38 penthouse

"YOU DID WHAT?!" Veronica's shriek echoed through the entire penthouse and brought all of Jaden's companions running to find she was in communication with the Think Tank. "Where did they go? You don't know? Oh shit...alright I'm coming out there myself. I'll use the Mothership and teleport in that way and when we talk again you'd better have some good answers."

"Trouble of some sort?" Boone asked in his usual cold manner.

"Oh you could say that. Those demented brains only blasted Jaden, Sky and Ashley out of this world!" Veronica held her hands up as the inevitable avalanche of questions came at her. "For now let's just get up to the Mothership and down to the Big Empty. Hopefully by the time we get there they can work something out to get them back."

"They'd better," Arcade muttered.

"Damn right they'd better or else there'll be an accident involving some brains and my shotgun when I get there," Cass spat.

Whiterun stables

Meanwhile Lyra was trying to placate her new friends as they walked past the coach station up toward Whiterun's main gate.

"I don't know what you're complaining about. The giant's dead, we've met some of the Companions and know where they live and they said we can try and join them so what's the problem?"

"You mean aside from nearly having my brains spilled?" Sky retorted frostily though he had to admit being picked up off the ground by the other group's leader, Aela the Huntress, had been a bit of a thrill for him.

They'd all rushed in to back Lyra up and had managed to bring the giant down through weight of numbers but not before Sky had been knocked flying by a glancing blow from the giant's club.

"We aren't going to stay together for long if you keep rushing into every fight we come across," Jaden chided. "We're looking out for each other now in case you'd forgotten."

Lyra sighed. "Sorry, but help and friends are not things I'm familiar with. I'm used to working alone."

"Well get unused to it, we're supposed to be a team. Anyway let's pick this up later, we need to meet the Jarl and get reinforcements to Riverwood."

"That's ok but where do we go after that?" Ashley worried. "We haven't got anywhere to stay tonight and we can't go back to Riverwood and impose on Gerdur again."

"We shouldn't have to," Lyra explained. "We're going to split up once we get in. While Jaden and I talk the Jarl into sending the men you get to go to this Jorrvaskr place and get us joined up with the Companions. We'll join you there after we finish."

The guard on the gate was reluctant to let them enter the city as it was on lockdown due to the Helgen attack. But a few persuasive words, and a sharp look, from Lyra and they were through.

The plains of Whiterun

The two watchers had turned away when they saw the party head up into Whiterun. Now they were headed out over the wide open countryside that surrounded Whiterun castle to the north and, coincidentally, straight through a small cluster of trees that happened to be an ambush point of a four strong bandit team. On spotting the two mysterious men they'd quickly snatched up their weapons and taken cover in the rocks nearby as usual.

The leader, a hulking bearded giant wearing steel armour, sneered confidently. "Just two of them and neither look like they can fight. This'll be the easiest mark we've had in weeks."

"I'm not so sure." The gang's only female member was a little concerned. "What's that they're wearing? Maybe they're hedge mages or Necromancers?"

"Feh, like a little fire is going to worry me!" the leader just snorted. "Now keep it quiet, they're almost here. Get ready to fire that warning arrow!"

By now the gang could hear some conversation from the mysterious duo.

"...didn't we go in after them, brother? I thought our lord wanted us to keep track once we'd found them."

"Not at the risk of exposing ourselves, Soren. We can't afford unwanted attention yet. We have others who can keep us informed of their movements but we cannot be lax in keeping our lord apprised of our progress. Speaking of which this looks isolated enough. Do it."

Soren clenched his muscles and concentrated as a red glow began to concentrate in his right fist. The sight took the bandits by shock and they completely forgot to spring their ambush. They kept watching in awe as the glow filled Soren's fist before he threw it into open air where it exploded and formed a crimson red portal.

The shocks weren't to end there as a towering figure emerged from the portal. At least 6ft 3, clad in night black armour with razor sharp spikes and most certainly not human. He had pointed ears like an elf but his skin was a mix of flame red and jet black, two small horns adorned his head and his mouth seemed fixed into a wide grin as if all life was a joke and it was on everyone else but him.

Soren and the other watcher were elated at the sight as they dropped to one knee and bowed to him.

"Rise Mallus," the Dremora ordered in an imperious tone. "This had better be important for your sake anyway. I was in the middle of a good entertainment session with another of you mortals when Lord Dagon sent me here."

Mallus and Soren rose to their feet trying desperately not to tremble with fear. Both had no doubt that the 'entertainment' he'd spoken of involved cages, spikes, flame, blood or all of the above. Despite being humanoid the Dremora were among the most brutal and callous Daedra that Oblivion had to offer and torturing humans or any other mortal race that came their way was among their favourite pastimes.

"General Nihalak," Mallus finally managed to say. "It's an honour. I'm here to report that our lord's prophecy has come to pass. The champion is here in Skyrim."

"Yes I know," Nihalak wasn't surprised. "Lord Dagon did have a hand in his arrival after all. Where is he now?"

"Whiterun," Soren's eagerness began to overcome his fear. "Has the moment truly come?"

Nihalak's eyes gleamed. "It has. Soon all of Oblivion will be seeking him so it will be up to you to help ensure Lord Dagon is the one to take him alive."

"Forgive my curiosity but why has our lord started this competition at all?" Mallus asked. "The plan will be for nothing if another Prince claims him as their own."

"The mortal we seek is as great a champion to your kind as I am to mine," Nihalak was not only a high general he was also a Valkynaz; a personal elite bodyguard to Mehrunes Dagon himself. "By unleashing all of Oblivion on him he will be worn down, confused and won't be able to, what is it you mortals say? See the wood for the trees?"

Mallus nodded in understanding. "So what is Lord Dagon's will now?"

"To begin with you can help me clean up the unwanted attention we have here, namely the four mortals stupid enough to still be looking at us from those rocks," Nihalak gloated as he drew his Daedric sword from his belt.

The bandits were jerked out of their enraptured ogling by Nihalak's chilling words and their hearts froze solid.

"And had they fled instantly I might have let them go but as I'm in the mood for some more entertainment..."

Mallus and Soren smiled nastily before they waved their hands in an incantation and both were covered in a red glow. When it cleared both looked like armoured demonic warriors.

The screams echoed for miles but were only heard by a few wolves and a sabre tooth cat...

Jorrvaskr

"Man and I thought the Thorn was violent!" Ashley said as she took in the sight of the brutal fistfight in Jorrvaskr's dining hall.

"Guess whatever world you go to some things stay the same like one on one fights being popular," Sky joked. "Guess we'd better find the guy in charge around here."

The elderly housekeeper, Tilma, happened to overhear Sky. "If you're looking for the Harbinger he's down in the living quarters. Just go down those stairs and go to the room at the end."

"Much obliged," Sky and Ashley went over to the stairs just before the beefed up female fighter, Njada Stonearm, knocked her dark elf opponent flying onto one of the tables unconscious.

"What was it Aela said? That Kodlak could judge people just by looking at them?" Ashley asked.

"I hope that's true," Sky muttered as Njada shouted a victory cry. "I don't want to find out the entry fee is a round or two with that one!"

They both walked down the well furnished basement corridor before arriving in a living room where a muscled black haired warrior and an older silver haired one were having a conversation.

"...my brother and I will go along with your plan. But I'm not sure about the others."

"I'll see to it. Ah, strangers have come to our home," Kodlak spotted Sky and Ashley first.

"Is this where we can sign up for the Companions?" Sky ventured.

Kodlak was intrigued. "Really? Come closer; let me take a look at both of you."

The other warrior, Vilkas, didn't seem so convinced. "Master, you're not thinking of having them join us are you? They look untried."

"I am no one's Master and, last I checked, there were still some empty beds in Jorrvaskr," Kodlak retorted. "I see some fire in their eyes. Tell me, how are you in battle?"

"We've both seen a lot," Sky answered for them both. "But we're always looking to get better."

"Good," Kodlak turned to Vilkas. "Take them outside and test them for yourself."

"Very well," Vilkas got to his feet. "Follow me."

He led them back up through the mead hall and out the back door to the courtyard. Once there Vilkas wasted no time in grabbing a heavy steel shield and sword.

"Alright, let's see your form. Hit me with your best shots and don't worry about hurting me, I can take it."

Of that neither wastelander was in any doubt. Both had fought strong Legion opponents hand to hand back in the Mojave but Vilkas was built like a brick house. Sky and Ashley swung their iron blades hard but Vilkas just blocked their strikes effortlessly and didn't seem to feel any of them. Five minutes later both of them were sweating, puffing and panting while he was still standing calmly.

"Not too bad but don't forget you're still just whelps to us. Here, if you want to start being useful, take my sword up to Eorland at the forge there, and be careful with it. It's probably worth more than the two of you combined!"

"Real sunny guy isn't he?" Ashley sighed as Vilkas walked out of earshot.

"Easy Ash, he's a real warrior and we're unproven to him. Don't take it personally," Sky advised. "Come on, let's go."

Still recovering they climbed the stairs to the Skyforge.

Dragonsreach

Jaden and Lyra were on their way out of the Jarl's palace by now after a successful meeting with him and his advisors.

"Not a bad start," Jaden was pleased by the way things had gone. "We got him to send help to Riverwood and we got a job to start us off."

Lyra snorted. "Don't know why you're so eager. That job is going down into Bleak Falls Barrow, that very same tomb Ralof showed us on the way here. Still I suppose it'll do you some good to get used to life here. You can't end up as soft as you look if you want to survive."

"What is it with you and my looks?" Jaden sighed. "You keep this up and Ash is going to think you're hitting on me!"

That got a slight smile from the icy dark elf. "She need not worry. The only things I'm intent on hitting on are the Thalmor when I get the opportunity again."

Jaden sighed as he knew getting through to this one was going to be a challenge. He stopped at the top of the stairs to drink in the view of the Whiterun countryside. He'd only known sights like this in dreams or from books.

"Nice view, eh?"

Jaden turned to the source of the Irish sounding voice and was in for a shock. The speaker was a white haired light bearded man with pale white eyes, almost as if he was blind. His clothing was eye catching too, namely a purple/red evening jacket coupled with purple trousers.

"Who are you?" Jaden wasn't sure what to make of this guy but there was definitely something wrong here.

"Who am I? Oh, come on little Jaden, don't tell me you don't know who I am. I'm a shadow on your subconscious; I'm a part of you. You know me but you just don't know it. But you'll get to know me soon enough. As I was saying, it's a nice view. Not as good as back home but still not half bad. Tell me though; you think it'd look better with a little more red in it?"

Jaden's blood turned to ice. "How the hell do you know about that?"

"That'd be telling, wouldn't it? If I did that I'd risk altering your past...or is that your future? I always get those two mixed up! Anyway been here too long. People to do, things to see...damn wrong way round again! Anyway be back soon, bye for now!"

"Jaden!"

Jaden jerked around at the sound of Lyra's loud voice. "Who are you talking to?"

"Well it's this..."

Jaden's words died in his throat as he turned back to find the strange man gone, vanished into thin air...

Palace of Mehrunes Dagon-Planes of Oblivion

The foul realm of Mehrunes Dagon, the Daedric lord of revolution, destruction and ambition, hadn't changed at all since his ill-fated attempt to enter Tamriel. The eerie red sky, the pools of lava, the hostile plant life, the coal black and blood stained architecture...all was the same. The only things that ever changed in this world were the intentions and machinations of its master and today those were very different. He'd invited another guest to his palace for a face to face meeting, a rare event between the Daedric Princes.

General Nihalak had returned from his sojourn to Whiterun and was making his way to the open air throne room of the palace where the giant form of Dagon currently sat on his equally giant throne. His terrifying appearance hadn't changed from when he'd invaded Cyrodiil.

"Welcome home General," Dagon greeted him as he entered. "I hear you had some opposition when you arrived?"

"More fun than opposition. Their hearts weren't in it!" Nihalak smirked as he dropped the disgusting trophies he was carrying, namely the four still warm and bleeding hearts of the unfortunate bandits.

"Has he arrived?" Dagon was pleased by his general's enthusiasm but this meeting was vitally important.

"He has my lord. He's outside now."

Dagon touched a button on his throne to open his own large personal door to the outside of his fortress. Even Nihalak was feeling nervous about what was to come and for good reason. Another Daedric Prince was entering the palace. Just as giant, ebony black, a hideous face with a mouth full of fangs along with two sharp tusks and a vile air about him. The Daedric lord of corruption and the father of vampirism was a terrifying sight to human and Daedra alike.

"So this is what you call home is it, Dagon?" Molag Bal asked in his usual mocking tone.

"I'm glad to see you accepted my invitation," Dagon replied as diplomatically as he could.

"Perhaps it was a foolish decision on my part," Bal mused. "Am I the only one you invited here or did you invite the others?"

"Why all the suspicion?" Dagon asked in mock innocence.

"You're the prince of ambition, why else? By your nature you're always plotting something. I have no intention of being a mere piece on a board of your design. Now answer my question or I will take my leave now."

Dagon laughed. "No I invited no one else. It was only you I wanted and I'm surprised you came willingly."

"Curiosity prevailed. I can only assume this concerns that young mortal that you informed us all of?" Bal was nothing if not perceptive but it didn't take much to guess that Dagon was plotting something big. It wasn't often he shared information with every other prince in the pantheon. He never shared anything out of the goodness of his heart. Like Bal he really didn't have one.

"You assume correctly. I only told you and the other princes of a part of his value. As a sign of faith let me show you why he is the most valuable piece on Tamriel's board right now."

A few minutes of explanation later and Molag Bal knew nearly everything about Jaden, his exploits and most importantly of all why Dagon was so fixated on him.

"You're as conniving as ever I see," Bal said with grudging respect and envy. "Waiting until he opens a portal and then pulling him within our reach. But why inform the others of his presence at all? Aren't you worried you might lose him to one of them before you get to him?"

"Given how many battles he's endured and how strong he is? Have a little faith, Bal. Also one must set a trap before it can be sprung."

Bal's instinct told him that his presence here had something to do with this trap and Dagon's final design. "First tell me why you need my help."

"What I have in mind for him will require both of our abilities to create," Dagon explained. "Even then it might not work as we hope. Nothing like it has ever been tried before and the effort will be immense."

"Challenging," Bal's curiosity had been piqued despite his caution. "But I need one thing settled before I agree to help you."

"Your price?" Dagon assumed.

"Correct. This mortal means little to me. He's strong in his own limited way but like all the other mortals he's just a passing curiosity. Avenging your past defeat and conquering another world is your obsession, obviously all of this would compensate you. What would I get?"

"Aside from Jaden himself, who will serve as my champion, all the other benefits of what we are about to do will be yours alone," Dagon promised. "Think of it, you would hold the ability to revolutionise any mortal or Daedra you touched. You could create an army even deadlier than those nightstalkers you sired so long ago. As a token of goodwill I'll send you all the mortal subjects you need from the next world I enter. As for the champion's friends...they'll be yours to do with as you will. Is all of that acceptable?"

Bal chuckled malevolently. "Yes. Provided you keep to this bargain of course, my talents and abilities will align with yours."

"Excellent. As you already know I have other mortal servants at my disposal, they will be able to introduce our future champion to whatever it is you create."

Bal nodded. "Then let us begin..."