These are just getting longer it seems, but it genuinely is challenging my writing skills for the long haul, even if a bit slow. Otherwise still having plenty of fun with this and even exploring a few parts I want to do much further down the line that really have me excited.

Dance With A Daedroth

-o-o-o-o-o-

Everything felt gritty, making her skin itch. She made to move her hands but they could only tremble, struggling weakly against the lethargy of their own body. Her mind rolled painfully in confusion. Echoes and blurred lights assaulted the senses, distortions of sound and shadow appearing before her as her mind teetered on the edge of consciousness.

"Kag—mi?" "—omething wrong -iss Hiiragi –ay be ill"

Oh yes, she definitely felt foul. Again the rolling wave of dizziness rushed through her and though her body was still, her heaving belly agreed the sense of motion was real enough.

"-ilt her head! Gently now"

Bitter fluid filled her mouth, the clenching and twitches arresting her body as wracking pain spread all throughout her frame.

"Yellow fever-eed to get her to the altar."

A wave of agony greater than ever before drowned everything of her senses, realizing that the others had begun moving her body. Brighter lights, stairs, rows and rows and rows and rows of benches passing. Line after line, stair after stair and bench after bench passing past her eyes; each accompanied with another sense of a wave washing over her fleeting mind.

"—rd of dead weight bef-ut this isn't even funny."

Finally a large bowl basin appeared before her face, but not for the bile rising again in her throat. Sore limbs struggled, frantically pushing herself away and below the rim. The body convulsed but nothing but air and drool heaved forth, already emptied of everything else. Head still faint, they eased her back up over the top and a refreshing glow of blue settled the tides within.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Once more Kagami breathed deep, letting the air fully clear out and ease her nausea. The fever has just about passed and she now sat upon a bench pew wrapped up in one of the cleaner wool blankets they could find. It was itchy and still made her sweat a little, but was necessary to keep up her temperature among the damp and cool conditions of the damaged chapel. Beside her rested the Blade armor, which only when stripped from her could she could see for herself how terrible it looked. No wonder she had gotten ill sleeping in such a thing, still soaked from all the rain and gore.

"You might be resistant against magic as a Breton, but that doesn't keep you from getting sick." Konata sat on the other side of her, handing over a bowl of stew and bread.

"Thanks, bless Kynareth." Kagami quickly intoned to the elf and for one of the Nine. It wasn't exactly warm but she dug into the meal in earnest, forgetting how such a simple thing could taste so good. Letting the first few spoonfuls settle, she thought on what had been happening lately while they had rested and what could be done next.

"Is it just me or did we sleep a whole day and it's night again? It's so dark yet." She asked, seeing how all the chapel was torch-lit but no sign of daylight was entering from behind the stained glass windows.

"No. It's well mid-morning, but the weather hasn't let up the slightest."

"Still that bad out there?"

"You can't tell? I'm almost going deaf with all the pounding."

"Must be the senses of an elf."

"Or yours are still recovering." Here Konata raised a hand to the Breton girl's forehead. Wrapped up in the blanket and the bowl still in hand, she had to yield to the elf that little bit of contact, which actually felt rather nice and cool.

However Konata didn't simply stop at that, now brushing aside a few strands and gently working the tangled bits out. Each caress a little harder for the lavender haired girl to resist leaning into those ministrations. She must have still been a bit disorientated. "Hey, you can stop that now…"

"It really could use a wash." The elf continued unabated.

"You're one to talk, with that long mane of yours."

"Bah, yeah we really need to get this…gunk out. The rain should do it as hard as it's coming down."

"I suppose, and clean our gear while we're at it." Kagami gestured to her grime-encrusted armor. "But um…have you seen any other clothes lying around I could wear?"

The elf slowly tilted her head to look down at the other's blanket covered figure. "Kagamin is just in her under-things~"

"Don't start that nonsense. Clothes – fetch." She ordered, adamantly returning to her meal until the girl came back with suitable clothing.

Konata simply crossed her legs up onto the pew, propping her head within her hands to stare contently while the Breton finished. "Nope, plus they'd just get wet anyway. Use the blanket as a robe or something for now."

-o-o-o-o-o-

"You guys came just in the nick of time to get in on the action. A bit late, but we'll be sure to put you to good use!" Kuroi barked to the group of heavily armed soldiers following her. They might have only been a small task force sent up from Anvil, but fellow members of the Legion would sure bolster the city watch's efforts in retaking the castle.

"The castle is just on the other side of the plaza past the chapel, but we're going by a secret route from there that leads into the gate house and let everyone in. So it will be sure one hell of a surprise for them daedra spawn!" The blonde halted outside the door and spun around facing them to finish her pep talk.

"Now remember, you're professionals - get in there and do what you do best! Got that? Because if you guys mess up in there – you'll ruin MY reputation as well!"

There were a few uncomfortable coughs that answered her. Several were turning their heads away while others had turned completely around. Peeking back over her shoulder, Kuroi found the reason as to why the troopers look a little flustered all of a sudden.

"Um…don't mind us teach, we're just washing off." A semi-naked Konata waved from behind the equally undressed Blade agent. It seemed the latter was trying to drown herself in a rain spout for being seen in nothing but her underwear.

"Right. Least you're all perfect gentlemen, moving on."

-o-o-o-o-o-

"Aw, come on, cheer up. It's not like you were completely naked."

Kagami sitting across the table paused in her vigorous scrubbing of her gear. Though she had rinsed off most of the filth, once back inside she had noticed the joints were still gummed up, all of it would need a serious oiling before it broke out into rust. Mostly the task was just to distract herself, as much as the fact that it needed to be done, yet the Bosmer had to remind her of that embarrassment again. She wanted to yell at her, but really it wasn't Konata's fault. Just a product of bad timing Kagami was trying to put in the past. Heaving an enduring sigh, she went back to scrubbing with even more intent.

The elf moped a bit at not getting a response, turning her gaze instead around the high chamber of the chapel. Though more ornate, her own gear was less intricate than the Blade's and had taken little time to get its golden sheen back. Not to mention that hers had only suffered a few scratches from rolling around while Kagami's was looking downright worn out.

However Konata was spared before boredom could set in, as a guard stepped in through the main entrance escorting Miyuki. The mage looked weary on her feet and was looking around as if searching.

"Over here Yuki-chan!" Konata waved to get her attention. Almost stumbling down a stair to the main chamber, the Imperial gladly sagged onto the bench beside the elf. But despite being so obviously worn out - from the way she continued to sit up, to how her pink hair remained in a relatively finer condition than the other two - she somehow retained her lady like presence. "…They sure put you through the wringer."

"Mm. I offered to help rid the castle battlements of Dremora archers."

"Oh so that's where you disappeared to, I was starting to wonder. Not too much trouble were they?"

"It was…an intense experience." Miyuki reached back into her quiver of arrows and laid before them a particularly narrow and long one. Though thinner than most, it was notably made of the solid metal the Dremora were fond of as it clunked to the wooden surface.

Kagami finally put down the rag in favor for the arrow. "This is more like a miniature javelin, about what – five times heavier than a Dwemer arrow? This kind of thing hitting someone…"

"That is what they were using. Went right through wooden barriers and iron shields, I was able to administer aid for most that were struck, but we still lost one of the volunteers." The mage looked a little pale mentioning the last part, to which Konata gave her a quick sidelong embrace.

"But the way to the castle is clear now right? We saw Kuroi leading a group of Legion soldiers that were going to take the gatehouse." Konata commented.

"Yes. Salvian has already pushed the offense inside with their efforts. Which reminds me, I am supposed to ask for Brother Martin to aid any wounded at the castle. It was also suggested we get ready soon to help with checking the rest of the city, so I will be resting as well for the time being." Miyuki stood to leave after having caught up.

"Alright, we'll see you then." nodded the Bosmer, pointing the way for the mage. "Think the priest guy is over there at the main altar."

For a moment, the Blade watched as Miyuki passed on the request to Martin and in turn was escorted out by the same guard. As he walked past, her eyes had lingered on his to gauge how he seemed to be holding up. They were still grim, yet set focused on the matter.

To her side though, Konata was watching the both of them, her eyebrow sinking with some thought. "Hey, Kagami."

"Hmm?"

"I wanted to ask you since last night, about what happened…back at the tower. Why you would st-"

"-I just realized something. You know who we haven't seen at all today? Your cousin and Minami, where…?" Kagami stopped in the middle of her own question, a slight blush to her cheeks.

Konata stared at the Breton a bit confused. Had she just pointedly changed the subject? "They went to escort the first group of those evacuating down to the camp, they should be back pretty soon."

"Oh."

"Hmm, why? What was Kagamin thinking just now~?" The elf teased, having an idea about what it was. Besides, if Kagami would rather be distracted about what had happened the other day, she was going to make sure to uphold that sentiment.

"N-Nothing…"

-o-o-o-o-o-

Another hour had passed before word came with Salvian himself, that apparently everything had gone over well enough. A man bordering on elderly beside him in what were once elegant garments fit for a noble's best, marking him as possibly the Count of Kvatch. The city guards had made it in time.

"It's a bit damp sir I apologize, but better than the state the castle is in."

"Nonsense, this will do plenty well Captain. This is not a time for comforts but practicality." The Count's tone was gruff and authoritative, like that of a general, even evident in the way the fancy furs he wore had been shredded and re-purposed as a simple battle raiment. "What is left to secure our city?"

The captain of the watch spying Kagami gestured her over as they converged at the table, unrolling a large recovered map of the city. Also joining them were Kuroi and Menien in what looked to be a short conference to get everyone updated and convene what came next.

"Miss Hiiragi of the Blades." Kuroi presented noting the Count's questioning glance. "She and her companions were the first to volunteer their services as reinforcements, which helped us close the last oblivion gate that remained open."

"I see… Privilege to have the empire respond so quickly, especially with the assassination mess." His eye remained on the Blade for a time before turning to Salvian to report as if nothing had happened. It had been a tad unsettling, but such a position probably warranted a natural sense to question rather convenient circumstances.

"Basically we have cleared a path right down the center of the city, from the gate through the market district including here and finally to the castle." Salvian traced the route with a finger. "So what's left is everything…but at the same time there really isn't anything left of it."

"Regardless, we need to search – we leave none of our people to suffer their end quietly without us trying. I know you had to commit all your resources to retake the castle, but all the more reason we need to start immediately. We'll need every last hand that is still able, break them up into groups of about five – at least two soldiers each to clear out any remaining daedra." Kagami found no fault with the Count's directions, the others nodding following his thoughts.

He then indicated several points across the city. "Try to keep several groups in close proximity to one another to serve as their backup, searching through the same street at a time. But keep these larger teams spaced out so we can cover the most ground, find as many as we can that are trapped or otherwise – we'll then get more hands over there to dig them out if that is what is required. Clear?"

"Understood sir." Both Menien and Salvian gave a quick salute as the meeting broke to organize the search, while the Count had a side word with the blonde forester.

About to go off to find Konata and a group to join, Kagami instead had Salvian tapping her shoulder. "Sorry that you'll be dragged into this as well, but we really do need everyone's help."

"Not to worry Captain. I doubt Martin will let me take him from here until they are all safe."

"…You're leaving with our one healer?"

"I'm not that heartless, but time is getting short if it's possible for this to happen again. I suppose we won't be leaving until no one is in a critical condition that needs him."

"Most we can ask for I suppose." He grimaced, turning back to his command duties. "Guards! Form up – localized search and sweep teams of two or three. Those that are volunteering, join them to make five. We set out in ten minutes."

Among the bustle, in walked Minami and Yutaka understandably with a little confusion. There had to be close to seventy or eighty troops and armed civilians now preparing for something big.

"Yoohoo! Right here Yu-chan!" Konata bounded over to them, also gaining Kagami's attention saving her the effort to track her down.

"Wh-what's going on onee-chan?"

"The bonus experience - taking back the rest of the city and searching for survivors."

"Oh! We can start looking for that mother's daughter then! It was Meli right?"

"Whoa – hold on, you said Meli?" Kuroi walking by screeched to a halt. "That's my neighbor's kid – Come with me!" The blonde reached out for Yutaka's hand and started pulling the little elf along.

The Nord Minami immediately followed as did Konata, probably to equally make sure her bold teacher didn't lead her cousin into too much trouble.

"Shall we join them as well?" Miyuki asked beside the Blade.

"We'd be a person too many, but knowing our luck it wouldn't hurt to have a few extra – especially since you'll be able to find anyone out there quicker." She eyed a pair of soldiers that were left as the odd group out. "You two! Follow us, we may know already where someone is trapped."

The two gave an odd look, but seeing that Kuroi was part of the group they quickly stepped to and followed them out the side doors.

-o-o-o-o-o-

The rain hadn't let up in the least though, the mud and debris just as bad as the night before. Poor Yutaka even had to be hoisted up onto the Nord's back so that she wouldn't constantly get stuck. Her older cousin thankfully on the other hand was nimble enough to follow her former teacher's path right on top of the scattered planks of wood, stone, and rails of metal. Kagami wouldn't have been able to do the same with the brat on her back, not that she would've allowed it anyway. However the most to be envied among them was the mage, she and her alteration magic enabling the soft surface to hold her weight alone.

"It was a tough fight, but you should've been there!" Kuroi huffed bounding over a collapsed wall, all the while recounting her part in seizing the castle. "There was even a flame Atronach – took me and several orcs to take it down and it sure did a nasty number – thing blasted the main hall to pieces!"

Konata almost tripped in surprise. "You're so making that up teach. An Atronach, really-"

"I so am not, go ahead and ask any of the other troops!"

One of the accompanying guards spoke up. "It's true, saw it myself and honest to Julianos, it was a being made of molten flame."

"And even after all that – you still seem to have so much energy for this." Kagami shook her head, trying to keep up and join the conversation.

Kuroi stopped for a second to unsheathe her silver sword, a slight red glow emitting along its edge. "I know, this thing has got me all pumped up! Think it's passing on the fatigue of the guys I've hit with it – I didn't even need to sleep last night."

"Eh? Careful how you say that teach, someone might mistake you for a vampire." Commented Konata, scratching her cheek.

"She already moves around and fights like one…" Kagami muttered, having almost begun to wonder. Seriously, there was something abnormal about that single fang that kept flashing through the older woman's grin.

"Bahaha! Come on now, that'd be silly! Vampires run in fear of me!" There was a small gleam within her overshadowed eye. "As do all undead."

The only one not to have a shiver run up their spine was her former student. "Still aiming to be a witch hunter then? Well all the same, I'm with ya when it comes to putting them to proper rest."

"I agree as well, the suffering of those unfortunate souls…" Voiced Miyuki.

"Then again I might actually be able to land myself a cushy job as the next Captain of the city watch, the Count was letting on that Salvian might retire after all this is over." Kuroi's expression became thoughtful.

"Pa~per~work~" Konata chimed.

A grimace came over the blonde's face. "Ugh, you're right – freelancing heroics is definitely for me!"

"Sure changes her tune fast…" Kagami commented under her breath.

"That aside, it's time to get serious here." With a hand signal, Kuroi motioned for them to halt. "This is the edge of the old arena, so my place should be right about…there, and Meli's…" Her pointing arm drifted lower catching sight of the rubble left behind that once was a row of homes. Never mind her own place was but ashes now, a child was supposed to be alive under all that?

Yutaka still on Minami's back let out a gasp. "Oh no…"

"Miyuki!"

"I understand!" The mage fumbled for her staff, activating it and began walking along the edges. Casting her eyes carefully in every direction where a crevasse could exist.

"Moment of truth, if we got three miracles in a row…" Konata intoned hopefully gazing toward her little cousin. However it was the Nord that looked the most upset. Her already pale skin was so clammy under the heavy rain, trembling again as if she were ill. Even noticeably keeping her distance from the still smoking ruins it seemed.

"…Minami-chan?"

She turned her head away from the sight, only to see more ruins still aflame. From all sides smoke and charred embers mixing with rain, surrounding, trapped.

-o-o-o-o-o-

A burning timber collapsed and along with it came the floor above.

"Mama!" cried a small voice, spluttering in the smoke-filled air.

Rough hands holding her back no matter how hard she fought to get loose. Searing pain all along her back, clothes burned away and exposing the raw flesh. Her home nothing but a roaring fire illuminating the night.

-o-o-o-o-o-

Sinking to her knees, Minami's breathing became heavier. "No…stop it, no more." The very air was oppressive, spinning all around her, dizzying and sickly hot. Until gentle arms guided her into the small form of Yutaka, who after getting down off her back now comforted the Nord girl as if waking from a nightmare, something that had flashed before her eyes for her alone to see.

"I-It's okay Minami-chan, we're all here." The elf coaxed unsure. However Minami did appear to relax some, the worst of her bout over with.

For the moment none of the others dared to interrupt the pair, but Konata let on a sad smile. "She's such a natural."

Kagami frowned noticing the blue-haired Bosmer looking her way when she said that. "Are you trying to imply something inappropriate again?"

"Just sayin' – a certain someone could learn a thing or two and take some initiative."

"I have found someone!" Miyuki's voice suddenly called from a nearby pile. "A young girl, curled up so I didn't see her very well. Approximately six meters down and sixty degrees at this angle." Her hand gestured the direction, indicating an opening in the rubble that must have acted as a vent.

"How is she?" Urgently asked Kuroi as she ran over.

"I am unsure as to her condition, but she is still alive." The mage explained. "Also, I noticed a second life presence a little ways off, so we should investigate that as well."

"Hm, lets split up four and four and we'll do what we can to dig her out here while you go searching for others."

"That should be plenty for both groups." Agreed Kagami, then pointing to one of the escorting guards, she began listing her team. "You, Miyuki, and Konata with me."

Konata pouted to the side. "You're completely ignoring what I meant by taking the initiative."

-o-o-o-o-o-

"Where did you see them at Miyuki?" Shouted Kagami, running through the old arena stands.

"Right here in the center, but no one is present?"

"Sure you saw them?"

"Positive, to the best of my abilities."

Konata however raced past them both, dropping down to slide over to a large metal grate where all the rain water of the arena's floor flowed to. "Maybe in the pit!"

The Blade looked down into the ink black beyond skeptically. "That's a lot of water flowing in there though for someone to not have drowned. Miyuki, think you could cast it again to make sure?"

Before the mage could comply, through the grate's shadow Konata saw a hand rise to the water's surface. "Someone's down there! Quick, find the lever!"

"Here! I think I found it!" Miyuki dashed over to Kagami and also placed her weight onto the mechanism. The metal bar lurched as the gear on its other end slipped, chains chinking through their axles as the counterweight somewhere pulled open the heavy grate.

The guard that had accompanied them reached forward into the pit along side the blue haired Bosmer, what reached out likewise however was far from any human or mer. Large claws just barely missed Konata and plunged into the guard, sending his body tumbling back into a wall with an audible crack. Even without checking to see if bones must have shattered, the gaping hole in his chest was clue enough to his death.

-o-o-o-o-o-

"Are you sure you can fit in there?" Kuroi voiced in concern, inspecting the progress they had made in clearing some space for the opening.

Yutaka answered with a determined nod. "That should be enough, and I can't really lift any of these heavy things so I'm not much help otherwise."

"Well we would've been deeper by now, if your friend would help out some…" The blonde Imperial woman glared toward the Nord, who all the while had kept her distance, also consequentially refusing to help dig out the child.

"Leave Minami-chan alone. She's... She's keeping a look out for us while we do this!" The tiny elf defended. A valid excuse, had Minami actually been standing guard. Still lost to her personal terrors, she sat huddled in the middle of the destroyed street and the least bit interested in gazing about their surroundings.

"Let's get a move on then, she's been down there awhile." The remaining guardsmen commented, hefting another stone aside that would let the elf girl slip through.

"Right"

Down below wasn't quite as dark as Yutaka had feared. All around her were little streams of rain water that dripped and flowed along the broken timbers and stone, pockets of burnt embers still aglow, and the twisted remains of decor and rooms once part of a home. Portraits, a half torn bed, shattered clay dishes, books, all tossed about among the mess, as though it were some sad mine of memories in which she was descending. Every now and then an ominous creak or falling pebble making her pause, lest she risk bringing it all down on herself.

"I-I can do this, I can do this-" She shifted her foot to better position herself and a floorboard suddenly fell away. "-EE!"

A sturdy wooden beam met Yutaka's stomach, saving her from falling into the basement. Not that the drop wasn't far, but what lay in the dark muddy water pooling at the bottom could have been dangerous to land on. Grabbing onto the beam and carefully preparing to climb down along the wall, a low groan echoed throughout the haphazard structure. For a moment she froze in place, despite her awkward position stretched out between the two spots.

"You alright?" Kuroi's voice called faintly from somewhere above.

"I…I think so?"

Honestly she felt more stuck than anything. Taking a deep breath to calm herself, specks of ash then caught in her throat triggering a series of rough coughs to tear through her body.

Hands weak from exertion slipped from the wood and she fell into the water below as the maze of rubble began to groan and shift dangerously. Rocks suddenly broke free, smashing into more support timbers in their path, the ruined structure collapsing into the flooded pit below.

-o-o-o-o-o-

From her position, Kagami couldn't help but freeze at the sight of the monstrosity climbing out of the pit. A crocodile-like daedra that walked on its hind legs, sporting large claws and a wicked long snout, full of gnashing teeth. Akin to a small dragon, renown for its tough scales and ability to spew flame.

"Tha-that's a Daedroth!"

"Ahh…Kagami you got this one?" Konata sweat-dropped at the large beast easily ten times her size.

"M—MIYUKI!" Kagami shouted over her shoulder to get the mage's attention. "NOW!"

Both of them dodged sideways of the daedroth's charge as an arrow met it head on. Though it did penetrate the scales, the daedroth barely flinched. Roaring in fury it took another swipe, this time striking Konata across the left shoulder, blood splattering across the ground as her small body flew and landed in a heap several yards away.

"KONATA!" screamed Kagami. Taking advantage of beast's distraction with Konata to jump up and drive her katana into its back. However it only became lodged in the spine refusing to budge. Pulling at the weapon for too long left the Blade exposed, as the daedroth used its tail to sweep her legs out from under her. Thrown to the side and now without her main weapon, she couldn't help but somewhat panic as it turned, bearing down upon her.

The two extra daggers she carried wouldn't do anything to this monster, especially as she would have to be at very close range to use them – the daedroth would rip her to shreds by then. So it would be left to a single spell she could remember, which unfortunately would take time she didn't have to form. But if she didn't stop the beast now, it would keep killing everyone who came before it. Even Miyuki wouldn't likely be able to do anything to it, since her flame spells shared its element.

Another arrow impacted into its neck courtesy of Miyuki, seeing it flinch but still coming at her, an idea came to the Blade. If the beast missed right as it attacked, she might have a chance…

-o-o-o-o-o-

"O-Oi! Don't be getting yourself killed!" Echoed someone's worried voice, as well as a grunt nearby.

The Bosmer realized the second must have been from herself, wincing as she lifted her head from a plank of wood that had been just under the surface of the water. Thankfully the rest of her body hadn't hit anything else and the water only came up to her waist. Taking a look around Yutaka found the beam she had been on moments before had snapped, as well as several other timbers that had fallen around her. But blocking those from crushing her was a tall lithe figure, another grunt of exertion coming from them as the beam on their shoulder creaked under the weight.

"Minami!"

"I... have this – Hurry!"

"But you can't-! It's too-!" Yutaka began, unable to bear the sight of her friend struggling so and placed in such a dangerous situation for their sake.

"Now!" The Nord practically roared, gaining a momentary advantage over the weight which she held back. Also sending some fright into the small Bosmer to quickly search for the child.

Scrambling about trying to find the right corner of the basement, Yutaka found the mentioned hiding spot. Behind a tipped over wardrobe and within the crack of the foundation stone beyond, sat the girl huddled and shivering. At first noticing she was no longer alone, Meli drew a breath of surprise and then let out a shrill scream – likewise the surprise got the better of Yutaka as well, letting a scream of her own slip as she fell back onto her butt.

"Shoo monster! Go away!" The child even retaliated with her feet, kicking wildly at the poor elf.

"I-I'm not a monster!" Yutaka whined back, her nerves already frazzled as it was and here she was arguing with the one she was supposed to be rescuing. And mentioning who was rescuing who-

"…Yu-takaaa!" Minami tried to call out, her strength waning as the mass above forced her lower and lower.

"Meli please! We need to get out of here – your mommy sent us!"

The girl ceased her struggles. "Mommy did?"

"Yes, she's waiting for yo-"

Another crash shook around them. A second surprise coming as the girl threw her arms around Yutaka, seeking protection. But with the debris tumbling down it wasn't any safer, so the Bosmer tucked them both into the hole as much as she could, her own back the only thing to shield them.

Finally the dust and ash settled, creaks reduced to low groans echoing through the timbers. Pulling themselves out, Yutaka's relief immediately switched to her friend.

"Minami-chan!" The sight that greeted her was that of mixed fortune. Oddly enough, the timbers supported by the Nord blocked anything from striking her, they however also served to collect more to their mass.

"Yutaka…I cannot - hold it much longer." Minami winced holding up the weight. "…You two, climb up first…"

"But if we do that!"

"…It will be alright."

"M-Maybe if we found something else to prop it up-"

"-Yutaka!" Minami's strained expression softened to show calm. "I will not fail you."

"Minami-chan?"

"Please…Yutaka."

Taking a shuddering breath of courage and trust, Yutaka tightened her grip on Meli's hand, and led on.

-o-o-o-o-o-

"Miyuki! Again – right before it hits me!"

Taking a step back, Kagami prepared the spell with sparks of lightning collecting in her hands. There would only be one shot at this and it would have to be from close up. Very close up - as in direct contact to ensure the spell was released in a vital spot. Claws rose to tear into her and the mage's arrow aimed true, forcing it aside, however the nasty snout lowered instead with flames ready to roast her. Suddenly the beast quivered and came to a halt, or more so a series of jerks as if… resisting paralysis.

"N-now Kagami!" Came Konata's voice from behind the daedroth. Flinching in pain as she held tight to the tail with her one good arm, all the while struggling to maintain the spell over the large beast.

Not wasting another moment, Kagami brought her hands up to the daedroth's throat – as it too struggled to bring its jaws down on her. She could feel the teeth scraping against the armor, enveloping her entire shoulder. But her spell found its mark. The lightning covering her fists tore through scales and muscle, and then blood. Lots of it. Thick, hot, and with a great burning stench, pouring down onto her.

-o-o-o-o-o-

Kuroi could only wait helplessly from above, too nervous now to try moving anything else that might trigger another collapse. And now with three potentially trapped down there, what was she supposed to do? The last to go in, that useless Nord girl, had finally jumped in during the first sign of the rubble caving in on itself. One moment she had been sitting pitifully out in the mud, the next diving down the hole faster than Kuroi thought herself capable of, even back in her prime.

Several more tremors were felt and the blonde forester couldn't help but worry each time, feeling more like atop a pile of pins and needles rather than scrap. Soon even she wouldn't be able to risk standing there, or else fall when it all did finally collapse. The worst to pass then came too sudden, a great crash of wood and stone crumbling in on itself and the outer layers where she stood began to sink. The guard forcing her to retreat as a plume of ash and dust shot out from the cleared shaft.

"Damn it no! Not all of them."

"Ma'am there's nothing we can do."

A fierce look crossed Kuroi's face as she turned to shove off the man holding her back. "Don't you tell me crap like that! We do not give up on anybody!"

Movement caught her eye from the dank ruin, that of some debris being pushed aside. Through the gap someone squeezed past, elven ears poking out on either side of grey hair filled with soot, soaking into red with the rain. Yutaka was shaken but reached to pull up little hands of a Redguard child, the same girl Kuroi had watched over and played with when time allowed after patrol rounds, her neighbor's child Meli.

Racing to them, Kuroi scooped the girl into her arms, hugging her tightly as she gave a cry recognizing the blonde. "Koko!"

"Hey there, kiddo! You alright?"

Meli only nodded seemingly well enough, but was taking in the rest of the destruction surrounding them for the first time. "…No more monsters? Where's Mommy?"

"Your mother is at the camp, she's okay, but you'll have to stay with us for now in case there are more. Okay?" Kuroi handed her to the guard then turned to help Yutaka up as well, however the elf was wriggling back below inside.

"Oi! Don't go back in!"

"I have to! Minami – Minami-chan was-!"

"Here..." coughed the Nord as she burrowed from another part of the rubble, covered head to toe in muddy soot. But that didn't matter as Yutaka leaped right into her torso. Completely sapped of all her energy Minami toppled over, able to only place a hand on the elf's head as she wept.

"Minami-chan! You – you were – you dummy! First Konata-onee-chan and then – then – stop keeping me out of danger like a kid! I can't keep going on like this," Yutaka's yells broke off to sob into the Nord's chest. "…if you're not always beside me."

Near them, Kuroi took in the scene in amazement of all they could accomplish despite the odds. "These are definitely my kind of girls."

The moment however was interrupted by a grinding roar of that of a mighty beast, Meli clutching at the blonde's leg in fear. Then immediately following that, a thunderous crackle though no lightning flashed across the ever raining sky.

"…What in the sixteen hells was that?"

-o-o-o-o-o-

"Hold still Konata-san, this - this will sting…" Miyuki tried coaxing knowing the elf was in no doubt tons of pain as it was. However alcohol always had the last say.

"A-A-AAAHHH! I-It HUrts! NNngg! K-Kaga-aaaAAHH!" Konata thrashed uncontrollably, even with Kagami holding the elf's arm in place as it received treatment. Risking her own hand to be broken in Konata's pained grasp. But as shredded as her left shoulder was, it first had to be cleaned of possible infection, with a nice big dose of the cursed liquid poured right onto the open wound. If it hadn't been for the armor to take some of the brunt force, there would not have been an arm left to heal…

"..It hurts…It hurts soo frIKIN BAD! This, K-Kagami this really h-h-hurts…"

"Shhhh, I know. Almost done. H-Hang in there…" Kagami reassured, barely able to look at the terrible wound herself. Along with Konata's tearful whimpering, it almost brought one to tears as well not being able to help the pain.

And for lying, seeing the sorry mage open another small vial of the cleansing liquid. "J-Just…one more time-"

"N-NO!" This time Konata fought to get away. But the Blade held her tight, hugging the elf's arms against her so she couldn't move. "Let it be! I don't care if I get sick! You can just lea—gaa-AAAHHH!"

Kagami could only grit and bear the girl's screams as she held on even tighter. Finally Konata began to calm down, now shuddering with a few sobs escaping that Kagami couldn't fault her for. The final vial, an actual healing potion went much better as it numbed the wound when applied and began regenerating the damaged tissues.

"Kona-nee-chan will be okay, right?" Yutaka came a little closer now that the trauma was over. The poor younger girl had been pale as a ghost, being able to only listen through the whole ordeal since they had come to investigate what trouble the other group had gotten into.

"Aside from some scaring, yes she will be alright." Miyuki reassured wiping away a few tears herself. "I will however recommend Konata-san that you do not place any strain on that arm for a few days."

The Bosmer nodded apparently heeding the advice, her hair still being stoked by Kagami as she recovered from the pain. "Glad you have my back, brat."

"Can't… I have… your front too?" Konata interjected cheekily still out of breath, but Kagami was too relieved to reprimand the elf and simply tapped her knuckles to her head in an endearing way. Konata would be Konata

"If you can make that kind of comment, I think you'll live."

"Heh, I suppose." The elf slightly blushed, leaning more into the lavender haired girl ready to drift off. Kagami still had yet to let go of her.

-o-o-o-o-o-

That night before Kagami could retire from yet another exhausting day of playing hero, she instead received a summons by the Count. Apparently it was a private meeting among his subjects and the other factions of the empire that had been of help; seeing as his Captain Salvian, Kuroi of the Legion, and even Menien were also called upon to head over to the city's castle.

For her, a member of the Blades to be included in on this, she had to wonder if perhaps this was to prepare a formal report to pass on through the empire and other communities of what had just occurred. And to properly warn others, they would have to compile any amount of details that may be of any use, and even that which was probably best left unknown abroad the public masses.

Entering the castle was far from grand as could be, the aged stone of one of the oldest human built fortified cities was dully painted mute black by fire and rain. Featureless aside its moat, the courtyard empty and wolf-themed banners burned away. The great hall beyond was in even worse shape, laid waste by scorches and broken columns that gave credit to Kuroi's earlier boast of their being an elemental Atronach, firesalts from its body still popping sparks across the floor. In the second chamber once a throne room they found the Count, flanked by a pair of additional guards attempting to repair one of the smashed tables where they would hold their meeting.

"Every one of you I called for is here, good." He gestured for them to gather around the lopsided table, even pouring several silver goblets full of some dark wine for them each. Looked like this was going to take awhile.

Though Kagami didn't doubt the man, she raised the cup cautiously waiting for someone else to take the first drink. Of course any poison or relaxing additive would be blended in without smell or taste if there was one, but the situation wasn't necessarily unsuspicious either. Menien beside her had no such qualms and took it all in one go.

"Strong vin'age there sir, Tamika 399?"

"Shadowbanish actually." The Count swirled his own after a sip.

Kuroi coughed a bit after a brave full gulp. "Ack- Is this even safe to drink when that old?"

"Only bottle I could find whole in here and it survived this long, must be for this reason so why not?"

'Great, the wine itself is the poison…' But to be polite Kagami took a light sip, puckering at the dryness and rather vinegary taste – like the time Tsukasa had mixed up balsamic vinegar for tea.

However the wine had secondary effects of old potions it contained, the shadows of the room melting away to crisp blue, the few torches among them suddenly a bit too bright, and a comfortable warmth overcoming the dampness. Setting down the bent goblet, she'd let someone else be the guinea pig and drop dead before touching the concoction again. Heck, where was Konata when you needed her?

The others too seemed to stomach all they could as the Count sat into the remains of his throne chair, half of which had been cleaved off. Still better than what they had, from old stools to chunks of stone.

"Now, let us get started. Captain."

"Around midnight two nights ago the portals to Oblivion appeared in these four sections from what we can tell – the plaza, outside the old arena, the market street, and the city gate. Most were immediately cut off and trapped by the daedra coming from them as they attempted to flee toward the walls. While the rest seemed to have been herded to the city's center as the three portals inside our walls formed this fan-shaped formation." Salvian pointed out their positions on the map.

"Strange, and how was it that a great many were reported struck down outside the gate? Along with your troupe stuck out on that end?"

"The fourth was last, appearing right as we were trying to get as many as we could to safety further down the ridge. I lost more than half the men I had left at that point alone while the rest of us attempted to push them back." The scorched plain outside Kvatch came to Kagami's mind, remembering the countless bodies of both people and daedra alike. "After realizing that we couldn't slip around the portal to get back through the gate, Menien here talked me into splitting our force to explore the portal."

The older gent nodded and reported his bit. "The though' was tha' as a coordinated attack, all these portals were linked to one place where we could walk back ou' another to the other side. Nothin' like tha' though and them boys were picked off while I was caugh'. The gals this one brough' with Kuroi made it through and pu' to use some things I picked up on how to shu' tha' one down ah leas'."

"Hold on a second." Kagami frowned. "Captain you mentioned to us that the other gates had shut on their own – but how could you have known that being stuck outside?"

"Ah, right. That came after Menien went in." Salvian clarified. "A lone mer escaped the city by climbing over the wall it seemed. Rambling mad as he was, we were able to gather by his account that 'it had ended, that it had stopped and gone back to the fires that hath forged 'E Norsa Tanwe ve Gurtha'"

"And that was what exactly?" Kuroi tentatively asked, a sudden sense of silence befalling the group as if on to something ominous. An uninvited voice answered for them.

"Death"

A/N: Now I know what the gate setup was for the Oblivion game at Kvatch for those that would like to nitpick it - I have my reasons for the change up. Originally three smaller gates, one blocking the city gate and the two flanking the large fourth gate. My argument being the walls were no where near damaged enough for the siege machine to have gone through - else that would negate having to mess with that last gate before entering the city. I'm changing it so that the great gate instead was summoned within the city walls - very few of the survivors thus even know about it as it tore about the city so devastatingly.