"my, my Lord, the necromancer was too powerful for me to have noticed the mage." The mean squeaked out, his voice damaged from Kenji holding him up by his throat.
"I dont give a damn. Hell, I dont even blame the mage. No, this is all your fault. See, if you had just went with the plan rather than exchange chat with him before killing him, this wouldnt have happened. Shit, if you had bothered to SNEAK in rather than bust down a god damn wall, he might have never noticed." Kenji snarled, before twitching his wrist, snapping the man's neck. He dumped the body on the floor, before turning to the assembled vampires. "What the hell are you all doing? This dumbass got us revealed to the world, now we will have to deal with things far too early for my liking."
Kenji was thankful they had managed to convert a bit over three thousand people into Vampire Lords. About five hundred former vampires, five hundred former necromancers, while the rest were just power hungry mortals who could be used sufficiently. Glancing at his assembled 'generals', for lack of a better term, he was proud. The fact was, two months ago, none of these people could have challenged Harkon. As it was, each of his generals was more powerful than harkon used to be. In truth, Harkon was still much better now, but he had been training just as much. Whether due to his damaged pride, or fear for his life, Kenji didnt know. Not that he cared, it was simply observations made to pass the time.
Harkon stepped forth, proving to still be the second most powerful vampire in Kenji's army. Granted, most of the new recruits were weak, but that was to be expected. "My lord, have the plans changed any?"
Kenji sighed, this was going to be a pain. "Yes, unfortunately. We have enough men to take a city. My original planned involved capturing cities and turning everyone who wanted to live into Vampire Lords, under our command. Then we would have turned around and destroyed the empire, once the Stormcloaks were gone. As it is... I have a new plan. Harkon, I want you to take two hundred fifty soldiers to Solitude."
"My lord?"
"When the city is yours, come back to me. Since our presence has been revealed, we can be more active." _
Amina frowned. Kuro had visited Jorrvaskr, and spoken to nearly everyone, but barely to her. She had been ignored. Again. If she was honest, she was both angered and saddened. Angered because she loathed being ignored, but saddened because she felt like Kuro didnt see her as worthy enough for whatever he was planning. It was infuriating, but she had to look up to him, if just for his power. The sad fact was, Kuro was impressive, and she wanted to be able to impress even him.
"Something on your mind?" She heard from beside her on the bench in Jorrvaskr. Aela had just sat down apparently.
"I dont like it, being ignored." Aela chuckled at Amina's response.
"He is probably just protecting you." Aela shrugged.
"What... do you mean?" Amina was rather confused at that. Kuro didnt seem protective of her, hell whenever they came accross any bandits in their travels, Kuro often let Amina deal with them, so why would he suddenly turn protective now? Admittedly, Kuro had been training the entire time, so his magicka had grown to enormous levels, that of a seasoned sorcerer. Before it was that of a prodigy, but the jump between then and now was enormous. It was rather funny when the Court Mage noticed Magicka levels far above his own in the hall of warriors.
Aela sighed. "Have you ever seen someone you love die?"
Amina shook her head.
"Have you ever been in a large battle?"
"Well, when we were traveling, we ran accross a group of over thirty bandits, so I suppose."
"No, I mean the type of battle trained soldiers are in, not some bandits. Bandits are only dangerous to civilians, they are still fodder to any trained soldier."
Amina looked down at that. It made her biggest accomplishment drawing with Farkas. It was not a pleasant feeling.
"However... you arent weak." Amina looked up at Aela, glad there was someone in Jorrvaskr that was able to understand her. "Look, when I was your age, Skjor, my mentor, acted very similar to Kuro acts to you. He doesnt appear protective, does he?" Amina shook her head. "Then I want you to look at it this way, when has he actually stepped in?"
Amina thought about it for a minute. The first time they came accross a bandit camp, Kuro had destroyed it himself, but that was just him wanting to stretch his legs, so to speak. She couldnt remember when he had actually stepped in. "I... he never has."
Aela nodded. "I see, I take it most of what you two have encountered so far has been bandits?" Seeing Amina's nod, Aela continued. "He trusts you to be able to deal with bandits then. I probably shouldnt tell you this, but... what Kuro's been telling us isnt friendly, its bloody and dangerous even for us. There is something out there which Kuro does NOT want you to face."
"I can help!"
Aela sighed. "Can you honestly say that? If it makes even your Mentor nervous, imagine how powerful it must be. He doesnt want to see you hurt. I dont know your relationship with him, nor his with you, but I can tell he doesnt want you to die. I would trust his judgement, and let him worry about whatever it is. For now, you should train, so that eventually you can help him as equals."
Amina felt a bit guilty at sulking over something like that, but nodded. It was also funny how Aela mentioned her viewing Kuro as an equal. She didnt think she could ever reach that height, or that age. If she had thoughts like that, they were broken soon enough because of just how Kuro did everything. He held that certain power in everything he did, even just walking or talking. It honestly made her feel a bit unimportant. She sighed, but nodded at Aela. "Yeah... thanks by the way."
Aela stood smiling at the younger girl. "Your welcome... You remind me of myself at your age, so let me tell you something I should have been told so many years ago. Never take anything for granted."
_
Kuro grinned at Plague and Zane. "Holy hell its been a long time! How did you guys escape?"
Plague grinned "We managed to overhear that they had killed you, probably a planned conversation now that I think about it, and naturally we were angry. Needless to say, Akavir will be missing that building, and the boat we stole."
Kuro chuckled. "Right." Kuro became serious at that, his smile gone, and the 'Lord' attitude in place. "We have a much larger problem at the moment. The Akaviri are not keen to visiting Tamriel again. However... Have either of you heard of Vampire Lords?"
Plague shook his head, but Zane frowned slightly. "Among ancient Vampires, there was a myth. Said myth was about the progenerators of the vampires of today. These 'Vampire Lords' had secondary and more powerful forms. These forms were like giant hairless bats with arms. It is said that these vampires are pureblood vampires, made directly from either Molag Bal, or from another vampire lord. The myths about how they created the current vampires involved having children with the ten different races, along with those that are currently extinct, but previously common, such as Dwemer and Falmer. Why?"
"Because there is an army of them, last seen near solitude."
Plague's eyes widened. "LOC?"
"seven."
Plague sighed. Level Of Combat, or LOC, was a code they had developed in Akavir. One was a basic bandit, but ten was the combined might of two or more Daedric Champions. Not someone who simply gianed the Daedra's favor, but the type who, like Kuro, had been blessed by their specific Daedra from birth. The highest threat level Akavir caused was a six, to have a seven on their own continent was... frightening, even if no one showed it.
Alex spoke up. "So what do you propose we do?"
Kuro was about to answer, but saw the glint in Plague's eye. Oh no, he finally found an enemy he wished to test himself against.
"It should be obvious that Kuro was seen, if only in hindsight. That being known, it is very likely, if anything that Serana has told us is true, which I believe it is." Plague nodded at Serana, who smiled slightly. "Then we can expect this Kenjiro to attack Solitude, with maybe a tenth of his power. If any reports Ive heard are true, that means about three hundreds and fifty soldiers at most. Solitude is the closest city, and wont get any reinforcements in time, unless someone in the Empire sees the threat and understands. Considering no one but us even knows about the threat..." Plague trailed off, knowing the outcome would prove obvious.
Vilkas frowned in thought. "Then what do we do?"
Kuro snorted, standing from the table they were all sitting at. "I thought that would be obvious. We take the fight to them. Zane, Plague, I want you two to set up vampire specific traps around Solitude, you should know the placement better than anyone." He pointed at Alex. "Alex, I need you and your Companions on the front lines, with Aela providing support with her bow. Get your weaker members to guide everyone out of the city if you think you cant hold the Vampires back, even if it costs revealing yourself as werewolves." Kuro turned to Vilkas. "Vilkas, Farkas, Ive heard you two are great at teamwork, that right?" The two nodded. "Good, you two should be on the forefront, making sure no Vampire passes through Solitude's gates. I have an ally who may come to help, he will most likely bring a stormcloak army with him, so do not attack any stormcloaks you see."
Alex frowned. "Do you know what you are asking?"
"I know Im asking a lot, leaving the city unprotected for the most part. That was why I was about to suggest you leave any members who arent werewolves here, with Amina. Together, there is no doubt they can take down any Dragon threat that lurks nearby." Alex nodded, it was the best he was likely to get without indirectly causing Solitude's fall. "I will not lie, this will very likely be the most dangerous thing any of you have ever done, but I trust in you." Kuro turned without another word, and walked out of the room, the weight of the world showing itself on his shoulders.
Alex glanced at Kuro, then turned to Plague. "You spoke of LOC earlier? What is that?"
Plague sighed at having to explain it. "Basically, the threat level. We came up with it back in Akavir, but it changed over our years there.
One is a mere bandit level threat, easily beaten by nearly anyone.
Two is about as dangerous as a few giants, two or three.
Three is about the same danger as an Ancient Dragon.
Four is taking on a city on your own, guild and all.
Five was the level of the Oblivion Crisis.
Now come the more deadly ones.
Six is like facing down five Ancient Dragons on your own, with many fodder units as distraction.
Seven is a continental threat.
Eight is similar to fighting five trained guilds at once.
Nine is dealing with a false god, such as Vivec, Almalexia, Sotha Sil, or Dagoth Ur.
Ten is the absolute might of two Daedric Champions, full powered." Plague Explained.
"Hold on, how are two Daedric Champions more dangerous than Vivec, the man who taught the entire island of vvardenfell to breathe underwater?" Aela asked curiously.
"Have you ever fought someone blessed by a Daedra?" Zane asked.
"Yeah, plenty of times." Aela shrugged.
"No, comparing them to a Daedric Champion would be like comparing a dragon to a bandit. They are mere fodder for the Daedra, while their true Champions are generals." Plague explained solemnly.
Farkas scratched his head. "Isnt Kuro one of them?"
Plague barked out a laugh. "Oh yes, but also more. Even so, his power has dwindled so much he is an ant compared to his former self. Right now, Im sure most people in this room could beat him. In his prime however, we would be fodder before him."
Alex was interested. "Can you tell us more about him in his prime?" It appeared everyone, even Serana wanted to know, as no one moved.
Plague looked at Zane, who shrugged. "I suppose so. Does everyone here know the legend about him?" Seeing their negatives, they went on to explain about just how powerful Kuro had once been. No one noticed, or those who did simply didnt care, but Amina was eavesdropping, and managed to get away before anyone noticed.
_
Miraak sighed again. Lucifer, the dunmer who helped him escape, was an interesting man, easily more powerful than Miraak, but not nearly as sane. That was saying something as Miraak was pretty sure his time with Hermaeus Mora was more than damaging to his mind. Even so, the dark elf with an oddly Imperial name was not one he would care to battle. Miraak had resurrected several dragons, impressing Lucifer, if just slightly. So far, everyone on Solstheim except for people in three places, were his slaves. Raven Rock was protected by several unknown wards, so his influence barely touched anyone there. Even so, most people there were weak willed enough to allow him to make them forget about him. Neloth's tower held so much potential magicka that Miraak couldnt even hope to influence any of them. However, the Skaal village was blessed by... something. Miraak wasnt sure WHAT, but something had blessed that village so his influence went right through it, yet never affected any inside of it. It was intriguing.
Even with all those set backs, his own plans were moving at a marvelous rate. Soon he could be powerful enough to destroy Alduin, as was his destiny. He would much rather have Alduin as an ally, but the dragon was too prideful for Miraak to have him as an ally, the damn dragon would never accept a human as an equal. Perhaps Lucifer would be able to help Miraak resurrect Alduin as a servant, which would make their combined plans that much easier. If not, then it was no great loss. Alduin was powerful, the most powerful of the Dovah, at least to most. Miraak knew better, though. Alduin was merely the start of something much more dangerous. He didnt know what, but taking Alduin out was certainly the top of his to-do list. Too much of a threat, not enough of an ally.
Even so, what would happen to all the dragons Alduin had most likely resurrected? Miraak had no idea if they would ever be willing to follow him. Sure, a few wouldnt care, once he killed Alduin at least. The others would likely try to kill him, in their denial and arrogance, unless Alduin had become even more hostile to his own people while Miraak was gone. In all honesty, Miraak was more powerful than Alduin, but he was easily swayed, compared to the hulking arrogant and stubborn beast. It was that which caused him to be sealed. Hermaeus Mora sought Miraak as his Daedric Champion, and made a deal. Miraak would get insane knowledge if he acted on Mora's behalf. It was a great deal at first, but in the end it caused him to get sealed.
His musing were cut short by Lucifer. "So it is starting already... earlier than I was told, but not unprecedented." Lucifer turned to Miraak. "Gather your army, dragons and all. We need to hurry now, events are spiraling towards the collision too fast to dawdle. We are headed to Solitude, immediately." Miraak nodded and went to do as he was told. Once he was gone, Lucifer turned towards the black wall, before grinning. "Not long now, master..."
_
Harkon was no fool. The moment his stealth troops set off various fire and sun based traps, he knew their army was expected. Though the thought that made him feel actual fear was the fact that it wasnt the guards. No, these traps were made proffesionally. Dawnguard? Possibly, but unlikely, they prefer direct combat after all, which was hilarious considering the vast difference between Vampire Lords and mere mortals. On the other hand, these traps had taken out well over half his stealth troops, which meant he had already lost a fifth of his army. It also meant whoever had been expecting them was smart and tricky. Harkon was no fool, you dont stay a lord of a castle filled with power hungry vampires without having at least some cunning. He knew what would be expect, they were not expecting a frontal attack, judging from the lax attitude of the guards, no they expected either to have the traps works completely and decimate the incoming army enough for them to be forced to retreat. Harkon did what he expected they did not think he would do.
The large army of already transformed Vampire Lords had charged the gate, decimating the guards and destroying the gate. He faintly noticed an alarm going off, but it was so late that it didnt matter. They were halfway inside the city when arrows began raining down upon them. Most of them survived, but some had dangerous injuries, while others were powerful enough to shrug it off with their thick hides. Harkon watched as three people descended upon them, all three obviously companions. However, one was already in werewolf form, that disgusting bestial form that Harkon loathed. As one would expect, Harkon charged at the werewolf, and the two most powerful bestials began to battle.
_
Vilkas and Farkas were tearing through the hordes of vampire lords, though they were tiring quickly. Fighting this many enemies was not a piece of cake.
_
Aela was simply raining arrows down upon the vampires, from one of the taller towers in the city.
_
Kuro was launching spell after spell at the demonic forces which could not withstand his magical might.
_
Harkon did not know it, but he was being watched. Kenji had followed him directly, wishing to see if all the training of his vampires had paid off. The fact that his fodder vampires were being slaughtered was no shock. He didnt like it, but he could feel the powers of those in the city. His eye was on two specific people though. Kuro and Alex. Plague and Zane were next in line, but they werent like Kuro and Alex. Kenji could feel that. Those two could be very dangerous to his plans.
_
What no one noticed was a masked figure watching the scene through an invisibility spell. The figure was smirking behind his golden mask. His master's chance was finally at hand!
_
"We have gathered here today to discuss the events going on in the mortal realm." Hermaeus Mora spoke.
"We know, just get to the damn point!" Molag Bal snarled.
"Dont you dare get angry, it is YOUR race which caused this!" Boethiah pointed out.
Surprisingly, Sheogorath was the voice of reason. "Enough. This is more important than your petty squables."
Azura nodded. "Far beyond something like that. The fact is, if our plan does not work, we will all perish, even the Aedra. If HE is resurrected, it will all be over."
Merhunes Dagon was silent, strangely, but he was conflicted. On one hand, he didnt want to die, on the other it was a change, which he liked. Many of the Daedra and Aedra were just as silent.
"What of your champion?" Talos spoke up.
"He is far too weakened. That is one of the reasons I called this council meeting." Azura spoke. There hadnt been a group council between the Aedra and Daedra, or hell just the full group of Daedra ever since Lorkhan's Heart had been used by the Tribunal.
"Which need I remind you, is part of the reason this event is possible." Akatosh spoke evenly, one of the less emotional of the council. "We need not discuss what will happen, we all already know. The problem is how to counteract such an event."
Nocturnal glared at everyone. "This is your fault. Each and every one of you has had incredibly powerful Champions who could have been used to stop this before it even began! I am the only person here without a Champion, nor have I ever had one. Yet you all presume to include me in the fixing of YOUR mistakes?"
Azura leveled Nocturnal with a glare of her own. "If you wish to point fingers, the only person directly responsible for this is Akatosh, and I suppose you would point it out? Your response to the transgressions would have been the same, if not worse."
Akatosh spoke once more. "It is my fault. However, I have put forth motions to solve it long ago, yet I was constantly blocked by all of you. If HE is revived he will take the place of the void. Need I remind you the void is docile and flowing, not directly intervening except with certain groups. Do not forget, however, regardless of how peaceful the void is, it is also infinite. If HE took its place, none would survive. Alduin was my original creation, made for a similar purpose, however we would have survived, as beings far above Alduin. HE, however, is above most of us, and if he takes the place of the void, he will be above all of us."
Sheogorath finally spoke again. "I believe it is time for the secondary plan to come into effect." Murmurs broke out amongst the two divine groups, each debating the results of their secondary plan.
Azura shook her head. "NO! Look, we have well over five champions in play, if they can reach full potential, even HE will be unable to defeat them." It was truthful, most Daedra werent meant to battle, they were meant to have control over their specific domains, each becoming more powerful when their domains became more influential. It was why Akatosh and Sheogorath were the two most powerful dieties. Time never ceased, and Madness only grew over time. However, Daedric Champions were truly limitless, given time. It was only a matter of getting enough time for them to train.
Hermaeus Mora's rumbling voice echoed in the chamber. "We still have many months before the event happens. If the event takes place, we go with the secondary plan, any objections?"
Of course, there were none.
_
AN: Short Chapter, I know, but next chapter is the big one, with a lot of fights and plot advancement.
