Chapter 10: The Halls of the Past

Serana wandered aimlessly through the castle, letting her mind wander to collect her thoughts about what happened earlier.

She still remembered when it happened, five years ago, when Serana and her mother reconciled. Even though they know that things wouldn't be the same anymore, she silently hoped that maybe, just maybe, it would come back. Her days of innocence, when her family wasn't tearing itself apart.

They shared thoughts about what happened when Jaune and her were at the Forgotten Vale and to her mother's surprise, she shared that she conversed with the only living snow elf now remained in the whole of Tamriel going by the name of Gelebor, the Knight-Paladin of the Chantry of Auriel.

But even so that they tried, they still don't talk that much. Serana visits her mother very seldom and Valerica is still focused on her research about the Soul Cairn, continuing where she left off. Both now have gone their separate ways due to the Dawnguard Crisis.

Regarding the Dawnguard, she still remembered the time when Jaune defender her in-front Isran, the hotheaded leader of the Dawnguard. This was the time when Harkon was finally slain.

5 years ago, Fort Dawnguard

The members of the Dawnguard are assembled together in a circle on the lobby of the fort. Them surrounding Serana and Jaune, holding their crossbows and swords at their sides. At their backs were Armored Trolls ready to smash their skulls in case both of them attacked.

Jaune was wearing his Archmage Robes back at the College of Winterhold and on his back was the Staff of Magnus along with Chillrend and Auriel's Shield on his hip. While Serana was wearing her standard Vampire Royal Armor together with the Mace of Molag Bal that Jaune gave to her.

Isran had his Warhammer rested on his right shoulder with an orb of light surrounding him, "Jaune, as the leader of the Dawnguard, I command you to slay that abomination on your side." He commanded Jaune.

Serana knew that Jaune was torn inside, he still has his mortality intact and never wants to give it up despite the temptations of the powers a vampire can bring. And the fact that he helped the Dawnguard and made errands for them like the Dwarven Crossbow that almost rivals its penetration with a Daedric Bow.

Even though that she trusts her, she knew that one day, she will be killed by his own hands due to his allegiance with the Dawnguard, but what happened next shocked her.

Jaune glared at Isran and without even thinking, spoke, "I refuse. Serana has been an asset to the Dawnguard ever since she was here and you know it, Isran."

"She is a vampire, Jaune," Celann said to him, wanting him to understand the situation.

"And what if she is a vampire?" He asked them and that question slightly shocked them, "Yes, she is a vampire, but did she harm any of you? Did Serana suck your blood? Did she slit your throats once you slept? No! She helped us! Without her, Harkon might've have won! And now you're going to kill her, just because she is a vampire?!" He screamed at them, but still letting his Thu'um not get over him. But those words fell unto deaf ears.

But Isran dug his heels and didn't relent, "If you're not going to kill her, then I'll will." The redguard said as he stepped forward

Jaune widened his eyes and looked absolutely mortified. He took a step back and shield Serana with his hand, "No... Don't do this Isran..."

"Stand aside, Jaune," Isran said as he took another step forward. The members of the Dawnguard then raised their weapons and aimed it at the two. He then raised his mace up high to strike down Serana.

She knew this would be the end but she isn't letting go without a fight, but when she was about to grab the mace, a loud "clang!" resonated on the fort.

Once she saw who caused it, she saw Jaune with the Auriel's Shield raised that had met Isran's blow. Jaune's face was now filled with resolved but also anger and disappointment towards Isran and the Dawnguard. She was so shocked that she stood there staring at him.

Jaune knew that he now made new enemies but still he will take the risk. Even though that Serana was a vampire, deep inside she is a friendly woman whose life was torn apart by her family issues. She helped him with other errands and they got their backs on each other, and often times are almost inseparable.

"DON'T YOU DARE LAY A FINGER ON HER!" Jaune shouted with Thu'um injected in his words, resulting in the whole fort shaking due to the sheer power of his voice.

Isran then gave the signal to attack but they were repulsed when Jaune used the first word of the Unrelenting Force shout at them. They staggered but the shout wasn't enough to disarm them.

It is with a heavy heart that former allies and friends now have to fight because of what of the reason they are fighting for. Isran and the Dawnguard were fighting to end vampirism all across Skyrim and if not, then Tamriel, even if it includes innocents. But Jaune is fighting to protect the things that he holds dear to his heart, and Serana is one of them.

Serana wanted to tear up and hug him as he chose to protect her without even a second thought.

They were about to rise up but Jaune shouted, " ! IIZ - SLEN - US ! " thus making them practically paralyzed and froze on the ground.

Jaune walked then walk forward to face Isran. His glared at him while Isran lied there as he felt intimidated by his dragon soul,"Try to kill Serana or even touch her, and I'll show you why Durnehviir calls me "Vanquisher."

Jaune then turned his back on them and Serana just followed him. But before he opened the doors to The Rift, he broke the silence, "Oh...and Isran? I quit." And with that, both of them left the Dawnguard.

She chuckled as she remembered that time. During the night where they slept at his house at Honeyside, she never let go of his hand and cuddled him throughout the night, sleeping within his warmth. Resulting him blushing uncontrollably and being awake for the rest of the night to the crack of dawn.

And at that time, she knew he is loyal to those people who he held dear, even if their circumstances are different. That gained her affection towards him and now trusts him wholeheartedly. Some people even tried to persuade him to get rid of her when he became an Emperor, but he stood firm. She isn't a harm towards anyone in Tamriel and just lives peacefully.

"I will protect you, that's an Arc promise!" She remembered him shout when they were alone during their adventure at Forgotten Vale.

She didn't realize that when she looked at her surroundings, she was at the Volkihar Cathedral where the Altar of Molag Bal was still flowing with blood after all these years. The place where she became a Daughter of Coldharbour.

The cold and dark atmosphere of the Castle was brewing into the stomachs of Team RWBY and NPR. They explored the desolate corridors and halls of the Castle, with their only light source being Jaune's Candlelight, making them stick close to him.

"I thought a Castle would be awesome but everything feels so...lifeless..." Nora said under her breath which Jaune heard.

"This used to be the home of the Volkihar Clan of Vampires here in Skyrim," Jaune explained to them, "They have been here thousands of years ago before the 3rd Era even began. But it all fell apart also during those years when I wasn't even born yet."

"What happened?" Ruby asked him.

"Her family, including her, before, are worshippers of Molag Bal, The Daedric Prince of Domination. And Molag Bal can turn a willing woman into a "Daughter of Harbour" on the day of his summoning, basically a vampire, but with a terrible price." He paused.

"Let's just say the ritual is very degrading," Once they heard this they got quite shocked. They knew what implied, except for Ruby, that it somehow enraged them who this Molag Bal is. Sure, they might not have interacted with her that much during their time in Tamriel, but they are Huntsmen, protectors of the innocent.

"Where is this Molag guy, Fearless Leader?! I'll break his legs!" Nora shouted as she unfurled her Magnhild, making the rest of them nod at her.

But Jaune simply looked at her with his right brow raised, "Really? Now how can you defeat a god?" He asked skeptically at her.

"A god? You said he is a prince!" Weiss said.

"A Daedric Prince," Jaune clarified, "Basically a god that rules a realm in Oblivion. And a Daedric Prince isn't something that you can defeat with just your semblances or even weapons. Let me remind you again, guys, Molag Bal is a god." He emphasized to them when he raised his finger.

Nora then dismantled her Magnhild, and every one of them just slumped their shoulders. Sure they tried to fight a dragon and failed, fight Jaune and still failed, and now a literal god? It feels like this world is more powerful than them.

Jaune then continued walking and they followed, "Well, after that ritual, she survived and became a vampire, along with her mother. But it was when it tore her family apart. Her father, Harkon, seeks more power and subjugate the whole of Tamriel. While her mother became distant to her and seek to destroy Harkon.

Her mother used to be the best of friends to her but due to Harkon wanting to wipe out the "Tyranny of the Sun" and use her own daughter as a sacrifice, Valerica made sure not to get his hands unto her. But both of them used Serana as an object. Never considering her feelings on that matter, that why she resented them both but inside she just wants to be with her old family again even though she is a vampire."

"That's terrible," Ruby said in pity and Jaune nodded. Her parents never did that to her, like using their child, let alone sacrifice it, to attain their ends.

"It is," Jaune sighed, "But everything changed when I was put on the picture."

Yang then snickered, "Let me guess. You are a hero and saved her from her father? Vomit Boy, at this point, you became almost a legend!"

Jaune chuckled, "Maybe, but before I even met her, I became a member of the Dawnguard first. An organization where they seek to kill all of the vampires in Tamriel. But I was only a member of their lower ranks when I met her," He smiled, "But even with our differing ideologies, we helped each other. Find her mother and stop Harkon from sacrificing her."

"Again, you succeeded," Blake said dryly.

"I did." They then stumbled upon the Throne Room, still desolate as ever and leaned over the balcony. "That reminds me. This is where I met her father. I met him after Serana said she wanted to go home."

5 years ago, Castle Volkihar

Jaune trod lightly behind Serana. He was nervous that he was now on hostile grounds, and a beautiful vampire wanted him to take her home. At first, he was a bit cautious, knowing what those eyes meant. But with her being non-hostile towards him, he lowered his guard. And the fact that they helped each other when they escaped the Dimhollow Crypt means Serana meant no harm and is just a girl who really wants to get home.

"Ahh! My long-lost daughter! You have returned, and you returned the Elder Scroll with you." Harkon stood up from his throne and open his arms wide with a wide smile devoid of love plastered on his face.

Serana just huffed, "I returned and that's the first thing you asked me?"

"Of course, I am happy to see you, Serana. I can't imagine the reaction your traitorous mother would make. If only she would see this wonderful reunion." The vampire lord then turned his head towards Jaune, "And who is this...stranger...you brought in this court?"

Jaune stood attention once he was noticed as now everybody's eyes were on him, "He is the one who freed me and protected me on the way here."

Harkon then pointed at him, "You, step forward."

Jaune nervously walked towards him, "For my daughter's safe return, you have my gratitude. Tell me, what is your name?" Harkon asked him.

"M-my name is Jaune Arc." He said stuttering which made Harkon smile.

"Then I am Harkon Volkihar, lord of this court. And by now my daughter has told you what we are?" He asked skeptically.

Jaune knew that even a single misstep or even an offensive word would make them start on a wrong foot and would trigger them to be hostile, "Y-you're vampires." He said.

Harkon then smiled deviously, showing his bloody fangs at his naivety towards the subject, "Not just any vampires, we count amongst the oldest and the most powerful vampires here in Skyrim.

For centuries, we live in seclusion due to the Tyranny of the Sun. And all of that changed when Serana's mother betrayed us," He closed his fist and gestured his hand towards Serana, with Jaune not knowing that gestured to the Elder Scroll behind her back, "And stole away which I valued most."

"O-oka-y?"

Harkon then chuckled and shook his head, "Of course. Were you expecting a reward? Adventurers like you always seek one when they explore these lands."

"N-no." Jaune retorted back, gaining a "hmmm?" from Harkon, "I'm just doing what I am told. And I never seek something in return." He said firmly, gaining a bit of confidence.

"Ohh? The noble hero who saves the princess from an evil villain? How virtuous of you. But, what if I were to tell you that I have a reward for you?" He asked him skeptically but Jaune stood in silence, prompting him to continue.

"You have done me a great service, and now you must be rewarded. And there is one equal gift that I can give to you for the return of my daughter and the Elder Scroll." He then spread his arms wide with pride, "I offer you my blood."

Jaune widened his eyes as he realized what he implied, "You will be a lion amongst the sheep. Men will tremble upon your approach, and you will never fear death again." The Dragonborn, of course, never wanted to sacrifice his mortality, even if gaining more power.

But still, there is a chance they might get hostile once he didn't accept it, so he asked kindly, "What if I refused?"

Harkon then frowned, "Then you will be banished from this court." He then began laughing, "Perhaps you still need convincing?" The vampire lord then curled up his torso together and red outline appeared on his skin. Finally, he burst out his hands but then it was like a reptilian hand and Harkon turned into another being.

He became a vampire lord in front of Jaune, "This is the power that I offer! Now, what say you?"

Jaune then closed his eyes, and in turn stared at the waiting vampire lord, "I refuse."

"So be it." Harkon then cast a sleeping towards him and the next thing that he knew...

"...is that I'm outside. To return to Fort Dawnguard." Jaune finished his tale towards Team RWBY and NPR who were listening intently to his story. They still couldn't believe that even a human can turn into a vampire such as what Jaune had described to them. That such a power even exists! And the fact that you can turn into an immortal is a very tempting request indeed. But still, even if they get the choice, they would refuse and retain their mortality.

And they knew to themselves that Jaune really never wanted this kind of power, especially that they knew he preferred a hard-working approach to power, just like what they did to themselves when they studied on an academy before even going to Beacon.

And the thought of him becoming a vampire was an entire thing on its own. They didn't notice, except Jaune, that Serana was behind them, listening as well. But it's time to let her presence known.

"You also forgot, the fact that when he gestured to me, he was also referring to me. Sacrifice, remember?" Serana deadpanned and shrugged. Making Team RWBY and NPR jump out in surprise as they didn't realize she was behind them all along.

Jaune snickered as he saw their reactions and when they noticed, Ruby puffed her cheeks, "Yes, I forgot."

Ruby then stepped forward and gave Serana a look of sympathy, "Umm we're sorry for what happened. Especially, you know...with your father," Then her eyes became filled with determination, "But don't worry! Even though you're a vampire, you're still our friend!" Ruby declared to Serana, gaining confirmation from the rest of them.

Serana just smiled at her and patted her head and she puffed her cheeks cutely in response which made Serana giggle, "Sure thing, Ruby."

Ruby gasped in glee, "So you do know my name! Well, we introduced each other back at Kagrenac so..."

"Jaune told me all about you when we were traveling so I got a pretty good idea what would happen if this thing was to even happen. Like what happened at your friend Blake when she revealed to you all that she isn't a human?" She asked them skeptically, which surprised them, "That's why I was angry at mother when he even accused you of killing us. And that part."

Ruby then downcasted her head and knew what she was implying, "I'm sorry...for you know? Your father. Jaune told us too about the ritual and we're sorry."

Serana knew Ruby is socially awkward too, like them before. But she knew Ruby just wants to comfort her. Serana sighed and put a hand on Ruby's shoulder, "Look, it's...in the past. You can do nothing about it. Still, thank you."

"And about your mother...!" Ruby was about to say sorry to that too but Serana interjected.

"I'm not comfortable talking about it." She said right away.

And Ruby then stepped backward in shame which made Yang angry for making her sister sad, "Hey! My sister is just saying-!" But then she herself calming down a bit and noticed a faint green aura surrounding her. Once she turned who caused it, she saw Jaune's right hand pointed at her.

"I cast a Calm spell unto you since you were about to burst out. But Yang, you should know it when a person is uncomfortable with talking about something, okay?" He said to her kindly.

"So, want to come back with your mother, Serana?" The Emperor asked her but he already knew her answer and just shook her head. "So you'll wait for me outside?"

"Can we just go somewhere else? We can return on Middas since you're also free on that day, right?" She said as he knew she felt uncomfortable. And she needs time to talk to her mother again.

Jaune sighed in defeat, "Alright. But we'll go on another trip, and the only other person I know that can help us."

"And where would it be?" Pyrrha asked him.

"Next destination to our field trip, would be The Throat of the World. Home of the wisest guy I know."

...And done. Now we got a glimpse of what Jaune did during his time in the Dawnguard. To be honest, I hated the Dawnguard, as in the faction since they are really against vampires who are just innocent and both sides are just basically the same. The only factor being Harkon is a megalomaniac.

Again, sorry for the short chapter since I'm a bit busy but still had the urge to write another chapter.

Regarding what happened to Uncle Sheo's entertainment, it will be on the next two to three chapters since there will be a time skip.

I hope this short chapter suffices to your liking, dear readers. Comments, suggestions and constructive criticisms welcome. Leave a review or send a PM, it helps since it gives me direct reader feedback on where this story is going! And thank you for taking the time to reading my fanfic, dear readers!