Mora stood, arms crossed, facing Castle Volkihar. She cut an intimidating figure, with her robes whipping about her in the harsh wind that howled around them. Her sword was at its usual place on her back, sharp and ready for blood. Behind her, the mages of the college were gathered, looking nervous but determined. The Companions were perhaps less intimidated by the prospect of combat, each clad in full battle gear, Aela standing at the head. Valerica was next to Serana, as stoic and haughty as ever. The elf turned, surveying the unlikely fellowship gathered before her. Some of them gave her hopeful glances, perhaps expecting some sort of speech. Serana smirked.
"Stick to the plan," Mora said simply. She reached to her side and grabbed the dragon priest mask Nahkriin, fixing it gently over her face. When she next spoke, her voice had an eerie metallic edge. "Well?" She drew her blade smoothly, spinning it in her hand as she turned back to the castle. "What are you waiting for?"
They surged forward, and even Serana found herself caught up in the battlecries that erupted around her. The castle was too difficult to gain entry to anywhere except the main bridge, so they decided not to try a stealth attack. If they gained entry the same way Mora and Serana had before, they would be left with a far more difficult escape route should things go sour. The downside was that surely Harkon would know he was being attacked.
She had her answer a split second later, when six gargoyles jumped from their pedestals in a shower of rock. In the same instance, the main castle doors opened, and vampires came rushing out to meet them head-on. Serana was forced to fight the gargoyle blocking her path, easily dodging its clumsy swing. A quick blast of frost slowed the creature, its stone limbs grinding with the effort of movement. The bridge shook as one of the gargoyles crashed to the ground, dispatched by the mages who were much better suited to combat the stony constructs than the Companions. Serana sent the gargoyle in front of her toppling off the bridge with another blast of magic, quickly joining the Companions as they rushed to the castle. Two frost atronachs lumbered heavily behind her, conjured by Phinis, who was aiding the college students in bringing down one of the last gargoyles. Ahead, Serana could see Mora, her blade flashing gracefully as she lead the charge, vampires falling before her with each swing of her sword.
"YOL TOOR SHUL!" A massive wave of fire erupted into the entrance of the castle, spilling down the stairs and into the main hall. Triumphant cheers rang around Serana as they once more surged forward, trampling the still smoking bodies of vampires as they spilled into the castle. Serana pushed to the front of the charge, eager to join Mora, firing off spells into the room below. Arrows whistled past, fired by some of the Companions, who had taken shelter behind a crumbling bannister. The din of battle was loud in her ears, the scent of blood and burnt flesh already permeating the air. Serana was forced to take cover as the vampires began to return fire, ice and electricity sailing over her head. Behind her, she heard a cry of pain, but had no time to look as she broke cover to fire a salvo if ice, striking one vampire in the chest. The man collapsed, falling limply over a railing to land with a dull thud on the stone floor. Not taking the time to celebrate her victory, Serana's eyes scanned for her elf as she avoided the spells hurled her way.
"MID VUR SHAAN!" The roar reverberated around the hall, soon answered by battlecries of the mages and Companions. Serana rushed to the noise, suddenly feeling a surge of strength as the shout washed over her. Mora was back to back with Lydia, the women's blades slashing in tandem as they fought their way through the hall. Recklessly, Serana lept over the banister, firing off one parting spell before rushing to Mora's side, adding a magical shield to Lydia's own wooden one.
The vampires were pushed back, hastily retreating deeper into the castle. They began to follow, ignoring both the cries of victory and wails of anguish behind them.
The dead would have to be counted later.
They rushed up stones steps, suddenly very aware of how quiet it had become. Without warning, a ball of fire came hurdling at them, only to be deflected by a blast of energy from Mora.
"Isn't this a surprise," came the sneering voice. A tall vampire stepped from the shadows, a spell charged in each hand.
"Vingalmo," Serana said bitterly, building her magic in preparation for the coming attack. The vampire surged forward, only to be met by a massive bolt of electricity. He didn't even have time to scream before he died, his burnt body rolling limply down the staircase.
"I always hated that man." Valerica stood behind them, energy still crackling in her palm. She looked between Serana and Mora, rare emotion dancing in her eyes. "Go," was all she said.
They mounted the last of the stairs, turning a corridor before coming upon-
"The cathedral," Serana breathed. "I think...this is it." She gulped, trying to stifle the trembling that was growing in her hands. "If anything happens-"
"Nothing will happen," Mora said sharply. "Let's end this."
The doors swung open soundlessly, revealing a large crumbling room. Harkon stood facing them, already in his demonic vampire lord form. He towered over the women, his sickly grey skin stretched taut over muscle and sinew.
"Serana, darling, I see you still favor keeping a pet." His voice was a low rumble, coming about harshly from his gnashing fangs.
"You know why we're here," Serana bit out, already building her magic for an attack.
"Of course I do," Harkon rasped boredly, "You disappoint me, Serana. You've taken everything I provided for you and thrown it all away for this...pathetic half-breed." Serana wanted to scream.
"Provided for me? Are you insane? You've destroyed our family, you've killed other vampires, all over some prophecy that we barely understand!" She breathed, collecting herself. "No more. I'm done with you. You will not touch her." He laughed, the sound echoing eerily off the stone walls.
"That is where you are wrong, daughter. With the blood of the dragonborn, I will be unstoppable." Serana's eyes widened in horror. Surely he couldn't mean-
"I see you understand. Once the transfusion is complete, I will have her power for myself. Perhaps I will even gain that pesky voice of hers."
"You monster," Serana growled.
"Enough of this!" Mora roared, the walls shaking from the force of her voice. "Become dust, Harkon. YOL TOOR SHUL!" Blinding flames washed over the vampire, enveloping him in a swirling blast of fire. The flames slowly dissipated, to reveal a bored looking Harkon, one hand raised lazily as a transparent black shield enveloped his body.
"Such manners," he drawled. "I see you didn't bring my bow, either. No matter. I need Serana alive anyway. She will reveal its location. You, however…"
Harkon flapped his bat-like wings, gliding backwards as he fired a blast of bright red energy from his hand. Mora rolled to the side as it impacted next to her, scorching the stone wall. Mora's responding fireballs was blocked easily by his shield, as was Serana's own attack.
"KRII LUN AUS!" Mora yelled, a wave of purple energy crackling as it made contact with Harkon's defense. He was pushed back from the force of the shout, and Mora quickly pressed her advantage, hurling another fireball his way. It struck him in the shoulder, hissing as it made contact with his flesh. He snarled, summoning his own magic in his hand before unleashing it in a violent shock wave. Serana felt herself lifted off her feet for a moment, her back hitting the hard wall behind her. Mora had barely blocked the attack, but staggered heavily under the onslaught.
"YOL!" Mora cried again, and Serana was grateful for the bought time as the clambered to her feet. Again, Harkon deflected the shout, a sneer clearly visible on his face. He swiped his hand upward, tendrils of magic bursting from Mora's chest as if he was sucking it out of her. The elf gasped, staggering back before falling to one knee, her skin becoming gaunt and pale. Fury welled within Serana's breast, and she gave into the emotion, surging forward as she transformed. Harkon was knocked back by her wave of magic, cursing as he was thrown into the wall.
"Don't touch her," she rasped, her voice transformed into a primal growl. Harkon had no time to retort before Mora was upon him, her blade flashing in the dim light. She landed two strikes on his torso before she was flung back by a powerful kick.
"I will enjoy," he panted, "draining you dry." He lunged forward, only to be slammed sideways as Serana rushed him. The two transformed vampires grappled for a moment before breaking apart, each with deep gashes left from their claws. Serana readied another spell, intending to drain Harkon's energy, just as Mora engaged him again. Her blade spun faster than Serana could follow, but still could not land a clean hit on the larger vampire, despite Serana's draining spell. Mora disengaged, leaping backwards to avoid a bolt of energy. She landed in a crouch, her sword held firmly in her hand.
"WULD!" Mora shot forward in a blur, her blade flashing down before Harkon intercepted her with a backhand across her face, sending her spinning across the room, her blade and mask landing a short distance away. Serana could only grit her teeth as Harkon avoided yet another one of her spells, rage bubbling hot in her chest.
Mora screamed in frustration, picking up her fallen sword and rushing Harkon. Serana saw a brief flicker of a smirk cross his visage, before shadow surrounded him. He moved almost too fast for her to follow as he melded with the darkness, flowing smoothly to Mora's side. The elf had no time to react before his hand was around her throat, slamming her roughly into the wall.
"That voice of yours," he rumbled, "it's so...annoying. Let's see how you fare without it."
Serana could only scream as blood spurted from Mora's mouth, wide open in a silent scream of pain. Blood magic? He released his hold on the elf's throat, kicking her violently as she fell to the ground. Mora crumpled in a heap, clutching her throat as she gagged on her own blood.
"Bastard!" Serana shrieked, futilely attempting to drain him with her magic. He quickly deflected the spell with a flick of his hand, not even bothering to look her direction. He bent down, picking up Mora's fallen blade. The sword looked tiny in his hands as he inspected it, before he snapped the blade abruptly, letting the two pieces tumble to the floor.
"Your pet isn't so useful after all, daughter," he sneered. Once more, he melted into shadow, rushing her before she could move. His clawed hand struck her across the face, stunning her as she fell to the ground. In a mist of pain, she saw Mora try futilely to stand, blood pouring from her mouth. Tears dredged lines in the dirt that marred her face, and Serana could see an ugly bruise sprouting on her neck.
A cold fury overtook her, the likes of which she had never known before. It was like every fiber of her being had one intention. Kill Harkon. With a roar, she forced herself to her feet, an explosion of magic rocking Harkon back. She barely had control of herself anymore, of the magic gathering at her fingertips. She poured all of her power into a single thought, allowing her instincts to take over her every action. Destroy him. A pulse of red energy expanded outwards, enveloping Harkon for a brief moment, before disappearing into his skin. For a brief moment, it seemed like the spell did nothing, until a sickening splat filled the air. Harkon's knees buckled, and he only just caught himself before he hit the ground, blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. With any luck, his insides were hemorrhaging profusely as the twisted magic took root. He glared at her with newfound hatred, panting heavily as her blood magic took its toll in his body. The spell left Serana drained, and it was all she could do to stay on her feet. Still, she allowed herself a brief flash of hope that perhaps he was finally defeated. It didn't last long.
"It seems, my daughter, that we are not so different." He laboriously rose to his full height, despite the massive internal damage his body had suffered. "But your magic is...untrained. I will show you true power!" She screamed as she was thrown against the wall, her legs finally giving out as she crumpled in a heap. Whatever he had done, it left all her muscles burning with pain. A spasm wracked her body, her muscles tearing under the effects of the spell. She closed her eyes as Harkon approached her, trying to picture Mora's face. Then, at least, her little elf would be the last thing she ever saw.
"TIID KLO UL." The ground trembled at the sound, a broken and warped voice, holding power the likes of which she had never felt before. Serana's eyes flying open as she felt a wave of power wash over her. She looked up, her confusion mirrored on Harkon's face as they both stared at the clawed hand that protruded from his chest, blood dripping from its fingertips.
"W-what-" He staggered as the hand retracted, clutching at the empty space where his still heart used to be.
"YOL."
Serana watched as her father burned before her eyes, his screams slowly melting away, along with his flesh. Standing above him, looking down at his charred corpse, was Mora. Blood still dripped from her mouth, which had become more angular, her skin stretched taut over high cheekbones. Wings sprouted from her shoulder blades, gray and bat-like, tipped by sharp spikes. Muscle and sinew was easily visible beneath her greyed skin, flexing with each labored breath. Slowly, she sank to her knees, her body receding into its normal state. Serana reverted to her usual form as well, wincing as her ruined muscles warped under the forced herself to move despite her screaming muscles, crawling across the cold floor to the elf. Blood still dripped from her mouth as she stared blankly at Harkon's body, as if unable to comprehend the sight before her. Serana drew the smaller woman into her arms, ignoring the blood that coated them.
"It's going to be alright," she said into Mora's matted hair. They had done it. They had killed Harkon. She closed her eyes. It was over.
Mora began to shake, with such violence it felt to Serana like she was sobbing. Serana quickly turned the elf to face her, concern rapidly overtaking any other thought as pure anguish slammed into her through their link. When she saw Mora's face, dread chilled her to her very soul. The elf's face was contorted in a scream, but no sound was forthcoming. Almost frantically, Serana tried to heal the injury, but it was futile. Such intricate magic was unheard of. All she could do was hold Mora close as she sobbed, her silent tears soaking Serana's cloak. She could only stare blankly at the wall, the undeniable truth slowly setting in. The undeniable truth that the Dragonborn had lost her voice.
Well, there it is! I hope that was...intense enough. I urge you to review, because I am really curious what people think about the outcome of this fight. Maybe I hyped it up too much, but I was super excited to write this. It's been in my head for such a long time. Such a long time, in fact, that this whole story was almost titled "The Dragonborn without a Voice". But, I can't just put spoilers in the title. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed. Thanks for reading!