A/N: So Kim came up with Killian... She is as obsessed with Diablo 2 as she is with Oblivion. When Killian says "shadow", she means something like the Shadow Master skill of the assassin... but with a twist. We later came up with a different explanation for Killian's existence... That she was the literal daughter of Sithis, made in the image of Kim and possessing her memories.

Chapter 9 – Nerevar Reborn

Turdas, 12th Rain's Hand, 3E426

— Turdas, 12th Rain's Hand, 3E426 —

It's taken almost ten years, but I'm finally qualified to take up the Moon-and-Star ring, which means I've finally found the place. Unfortunately, I am too tired tonight to continue on or else I would be there by dawn. Instead I shall make it by dusk and wait as long as I need to. I haven't seen Admia around, but I'm sure that she's stopped by a couple of times, since I've woken up every so often the past few months to something, only to find that there was nothing to see or hear.

I've heard no word of Kim either. I really hope she's alright, I don't think I could forgive myself if something happened… Great, I'm back at that point in my life again. Snap out of it J.R.; you need a clear head from here on in. The Temple is going to be after me as soon as I put on that ring. I can't afford any more screw-ups.

I've been traveling with my hood and facemask up a lot more recently, though I don't exactly know why since I've barely even been through a town upon my arrival back to Vvardenfell.

Nevertheless, it's late. I need sleep…

– – – – – –

Prophecies will be made and so they shall be broken. The Three shall meet again and together they shall avert doom for the worlds in which they must learn to survive. The Sword's life shall be cast as a die in the Game of Fate. He only may live if he can truly learn to embrace all that he is.

The Shadow too will perish unless she can find the ability to trust in all of her allies, instead of just the one she calls 'brother.'

If all this comes to past, then only the Star shall be left to right the wrongs of the world and to live with the full knowledge of having lived in two worlds.

– – – – – –

I woke up in another cold sweat, my Daedric Crescent clutched in my hand. Another dream, another prophecy. When will this nightmare end? I thought as I sat up and splashed some water on my face from one of the skins I carried in my food satchel. "It was only a dream, J.R. No need to worry about it." I tried to assure myself. The problem was that I wasn't being too honest. Despite this dream being like the last one I had, I could actually remember some parts of it in English.

'Prophecies will be made and so they shall be broken' and 'The Sword's life shall be cast as a die in the Game of Fate. He only may live if he can truly learn to embrace all that he is.' Great more riddles and I'm supposed to die. My day just keeps getting better and better… I thought, wanting to curse who or whatever made these prophecies. If possible I actually wanted to meet them…

Sighing, I stood up and put my Crescent back in the strap I used to carry it. I put the dream out of my mind as I began walking towards the Cavern.

– – – – – –

The sun was just beginning to set when I pushed open the door leading into the Cavern of the Incarnate, trying to ignore the voice of Azura which came out of nowhere the moment I pulled open the door. Once inside, I pulled off my hood and my mask as I walked forward towards the outstretched hands of the statue which I knew I would find the ring sitting in.

Picking it up, I studied it for a moment before taking a deep breath. Pulling off my right glove, I slipped the ring onto my ring finger and waited for the worst… though it never came. 'Azura would not have brought you here if you were not meant to fulfill the prophecies…' Admia had said and now I could not doubt her.

"Nerevar Reborn, Incarnate: Your first three trials are finished. Now, two new trials lie before you. Seek the Ashlander Ashkhans, and the Great House Councils. Four tribes must name you Nerevarine. Three houses must name you Hortator. My servant Nibani Maesa shall be your guide. And when you are Hortator and Nerevarine, when you've stood before the False God, and freed the heart from its prison, heal my people and restore Morrowind. Do this for me and with my blessing." I heard Azura say, though she didn't appear like I had expected her to.

"You're mistaken if you think I'm going to play along that easily…" I growled as I turned around, pulled my glove back on and exited the Cavern.

– – – – – –

"Excuse me," A red-robed figure said as he and a companion stepped out from behind a rather large rock. "You are Aodh Aillil, the one who claims to be the Nerevarine?"

I recognized their clothing instantly. "And what does the Mythic Dawn want with me?" I asked. An alarm inside of my head was going off rather loudly and I knew what the outcome of this encounter would be, even if the Mythic Dawn agents didn't. "Wait… no… let me guess… you- you wish to recruit me, is that it?"

My knowledge and guess actually caught them off guard and I had to smirk. "Well, so sorry to disappoint, chaps. But this Karanmer is not for sale." I said in a British accent before either of them could actually respond.

"Then, if you aren't with us. You must die." The second one told me, recovering. Just as they began a spell I had them by the throats pinned against the cliff wall.

"Okay, maybe you didn't hear me correctly. I said 'this Karanmer,' that means Armor Elf. If you haven't heard of them, then look at history, such as my past life." I said. I regretted saying anything as my head flooded with images and sounds of memories that weren't my own. But I knew whose they were: Nerevar. As my mind was occupied, my hands unconsciously tightened their grip, which led to me snapping back to reality as I broke both of the agents' necks. Fire flared up a moment later and engulfed both of the bodies. As they burned, I merely turned and walked away, catching a flash of red from a cloak, which caused me to stop and look around.

My senses told me to duck and I found a leg sweeping though the area where my head used to be as I leapt forward and used my left arm to turn me around. In front of me was a female Elf with blond hair that was split into two wild pigtails. "Frell! I missed." The Elf said in an accent I instantly recognized as one of Kim's.

"K-Kim?" I stammered in surprise. She appeared very different from the last time I had seen her. I dodged the next kick to my solar plexus, my mind trying to think of what was happening. "Kim, I'm sorry, I didn't know it was you until a few weeks after our last encounter."

"I'm not her, Aodh. I'm Killian – Kim's shadow," she responded with an evil grin. "And I'm here to knock some lumps into that thick head of yours." I blinked. This definitely wasn't my friend; sure, she could sometimes talk like that but I couldn't recall her speaking to me like that unless she was laughing at one of my idiotic moments. My focus faltered for a second, but I felt the kick to my chest, which was only more painful due to my ribs which threatened to break again.

I stumbled backward and blinked again in disbelief before I regained my footing. I didn't fully understand what was going on. Kim's shadow, what does that mean? The thought raced through my mind and I was as frightened as I had been when I saw Kim summon the dragon. "Shadow? As in-"

"Yes, her actual shadow. You can be really dense at times." I blinked again, though this time I deflected the punch easily. Killian seemed like a more… liberal version of Kim. Especially in her words. Leaping back once again, I hit my chest and disappeared in a flash of light, intent on escaping before Killian decided to use more than hand-to-hand combat. Even if Killian wasn't the real Kim, now that I knew she was here, I couldn't kill her. Hell, I'd be lucky to speak to her, I was still surprised.

– – – – – –

"Admia," I called from the room I had rented in Suran's House of Earthly Delights. It was the first inn, I had thought of and I was already regretting it once I remembered the exotic dancers at the end of the common room. Still, here I am.

"You choose strange places to meet people. I hope you don't mind if I brought a friend along." Admia told me from behind. I turned as she appeared only to be attacked from behind by a very familiar foot as the door slammed open.

"You've got to be frelling kidding me." I muttered before I realized what I had just said. Now I'm picking up certain habits again. But it is better than actually swearing. I thought as I rubbed the back of my head.

"You're getting rather slow, Aodh. You sure you aren't getting old?" Killian taunted. My gaze hardened and I sent one of my silver throwing knives right next to her head before she could even react. I didn't have to look to know that it was buried in the wall up to the hilt.

"Why, of all people, did you have to bring her?" I asked Admia who seemed to be enjoying the little scene. "I'm here for nearly ten years and my friend tries to drive me crazy by sending her." I groaned. Killian seemed to hear me as I heard her breath catch.

"Ten years? But we've only been here for five years and we saw you only the day before we arrived. How could five years have passed in the span of that time?" Killian asked, her voice going from crazy to something I wasn't very used to hearing.

"Narnia," came my response. I left it at that, not caring if anybody understood what I meant. I wanted to beat my head against a wall, but I resisted that powerful urge and instead turned my attention back to Admia, who was testing various appearances. "Think you can visit Kim for me? First off tell her to take her shadow back. Second, give her this letter."

– – – – – –

Kim,

I apologize for my actions when I was in Cyrodiil. I don't know if you've figured it out quite yet, but I'm here too and have been since the 28th of Second Seed, 3E416. I'm going to try and send this via Pony Express, AKA the Graviamer named Admia. She is like us, an Elf who, by logic, shouldn't exist. I would leave you with more information, but I'll leave for Admia to tell you. She's the one that saved me back at the palace.

So much has happened since I arrived. I've officially become the Nerevarine before I was attacked by the Mythic Dawn (the baka actually tried to recruit me!). Also, once you get a chance, ask Baurus how his stomach is doing and tell I said thanks for the sword. My Daedric is coming along great; all these prophetic dreams (I've had two to date) have helped me nearly become fluent. Frankly I'm getting to the point that I want to kill Azura.

Thanks for the gift by the way. Killian's already getting on my nerves and I've only met her once. By the way, it is 25th of Rain's Hand when I am writing this.

Your Friend and Fellow prisoner,

John R. (J.R.) Layton II

P.S. You can take Killian back now.

P.P.S. Have you seen my two amulets? One disintegrates all armor and weapons with a touch while the other allows for flight. You'll know them since the gems in them glow red and purple. I think I lost them after our last encounter.

I set down my quill and looked over my letter. I had to say that it looked rather good, considering it was only a first draft. Satisfied, I put it in the envelope I had made and sealed it with wax, taking the time to etch a wolf into it once it cooled. On the outside I wrote "To Kim" and walked over to the bed and sat down.

Now all that was left to do was call Admia or wait for her next check-up.

– – – – – –

"Sure, I'll be your letter courier, but I'll leave you to deal with Killian." I could tell Admia was adamant about it even though she didn't sound stern at all. In fact, she sounded a lot like Kim in some ways. "By the way, may I ask if you and your friend are-"

"No, no you may not." I told her flatly. "Neither she nor I respond kindly to people asking if we're dating or anything, because I can tell you right now that we aren't. That will be your only warning." Killian had a similar expression on her face, which was funny since she was so different from her creator. So there is more of a connection than just the voice and face. "Now, please make sure Kim gets that letter. Ja ne." My magicka flared again as I called it forth. The standard white light appeared and, as always, I disappeared.