"Perhaps we should go on our own separate ways for a while."

Remus's heart sank as he remembered Serana say those words. The dejected look that came with them made it even worse.

It had always been like this. He always wanted to work alone. This way, there wasn't a risk that his companion would wind up dead. He should've been desensitized to the idea of death, being the part of the Dark Brotherhood. But after what transpired between him and the Emperor, he had placed a great deal of burden on himself: a debt to repay.

He murdered innocents in cold blood before. This is why he swore to repay this debt by saving as many innocents as he can. He engraved this so deep in his heart that whenever he fails to save someone, no matter the circumstances, it made him want to throw up.

This is why he was alone. A lone wolf.

Until, he met the Companions. But that one was also short lived.

Then he met Serana. When he first met her, he thought that the time they'd be together will only be for a while. All he had to do was to escort her back to her home, and that would be the end of it.

But, while on their travels, he found the vampiress… peculiar. For someone who was considered by many to be a creature with a cursed existence, she was kind and seemed to be someone who wouldn't just hurt anybody. In fact, he found her… pretty lonesome.

Just like himself.

It made him feel empty when he had to leave her at Castle Volkihar. Then, he was unreasonably happy when she found him at Fort Dawnguard.

They way he thought of her became better and better for each day they've been together. Eventually, she became someone… precious to him. Someone he wanted to protect.

He wanted to call her as he watched her walk away, but no words would come out of his mouth. Even he was confused on why he didn't tell her about the scroll.

"… I didn't want to risk the success of the mission."

He wanted to kick himself upon remembering the things he said to her, just to get it over with.

But where did that even come from? Could she be right? Doesn't he trust her?

He doubts that's the case… but there was a tinge of truth in his words. But Serana… she's always been…

"Hey, are you even listening to me?" A voice suddenly erupted through his thoughts. It was Sorine.

He just remembered that she was briefing him through a mission while they sat at a table on the common room.

"Yeah, yeah." Remus aloofly responded.

"Really? Then what did I just say?"

"Dwarven things."

"Hmp. Lucky guess."

Remus didn't even know the answer, he just randomly spouted a word he's hearing from her in the background.

"You know, you can patch things up with your love-lass once she gets back. So it would be nice if you focused here for a bit.

Remus didn't respond. He even chose to ignore that "love-lass" comment of hers. Sorine continued to speak.

"Anyway, just to clarify things, I'd want you to check out certain locations and retrieve any crossbow and crossbow bolt schematics you can find."

"Schematics?" Remus asked distantly.

"I want to add some punch to our crossbow capabilities; I've done all I can on my own. I need a little inspiration." Sorine replied.

Remus stood up from his seat. "I'm sorry, I don't think I can. Besides I also have another scroll to retrieve…" he answered glumly. "I'm gonna go hit the sack."

"Hey, wait!" Sorine called, making Remus postpone his exit from the room.

"What?"

"Look, I know you're having a lot of trouble, but based on what I heard from your argument… didn't you just tell Serana that 'you didn't want to risk the success of the mission'?" Sorine recounted. "I know I'm dumb when it comes to social relationships and you didn't mean what you wanted to say back there but… there was a little bit of truth there, wasn't there?"

Remus paused. She might be right. The fact that Serana is no less important than the mission still stands but that doesn't make the mission not a priority.

Afterall, Serana came to Fort Dawnguard to stop her father. This was their mission.

Although, going back, he didn't expect Sorine to say things like this.

"… Besides I've also drawn you a map of the possible locations of the schematics. All of them's relatively near here."

That's more like it.

"Fine." Remus obliged. "Hand it over." He sat back down.

Sorine beamed at Remus's response. She quickly got up and ran out of the room. A minute later, she was back and holding a roll of paper.

"That map is all marked." Sorine said, a little out of breath. Remus unrolled the paper and started scrutinizing it.

"What kind of places are these even?" he inquired.

A cold sweat broke from Sorine's forehead. "Uhm… nothing much… unexplored ruins… bandit strongholds… whatever…"

Remus placed a palm on his forehead. "Are you sure these are worth it?"

"They sure are!" Sorine responded enthusiastically. "I already have ideas… I'll just need a little more."

Remus slid the map in his bag.

"The scrolls?"

"They're already somewhere safe." Sorine smiled.

"Alright." with a little bit of hesitation, Remus spoke once more. "I have another… unrelated question."

"Shoot."

"Serana… she'll be fine, right?"

Sorine smirked. "You're too worried about her. But she's no little girl. She's a vampire too, for crying out loud. Besides she isn't alone."

Remus scratched his head in uncertainty. "Fine. I'll see you in a few days." he got up once more and started walking out of the room.

"Weren't you just about to sleep?"

Remus glanced at her for a moment. "I guess there's no point in dilly dallying. Besides I wouldn't even be able to sleep." he replied before exiting the room.

Serana trod on as she occasionally glanced at Agmaer as they travelled. The latter tried his hardest not to make eye contact. It was proving to be hard, especially because all the horses were used by the other members of the Dawnguard… even Serana's was taken while they were inside. This didn't bother the vampiress. But for Agmaer, it's a really big problem.

They had to travel by foot. Meaning… the time he's stuck with the woman would be longer.

The vampiress let out a big sigh.

"I told you, you don't have to be that afraid." Serana stopped as she spoke to the man. Agmaer remained petrified.

"I- I'm sorry…" the young Nord cowered.

If Serana's eyes can roll out of their sockets, they probably would've. She's stuck on a mission with a stranger.

As they travelled, Serana found it hard to keep Remus out of her mind.

Where is he now? What is he doing? Did it at least bother him when she left?

Serana always knew that Remus was used to working alone. She did ask him before, back when she first arrived at Heljarchen Hall.

Do you… get lonely?

I try not to rely to others.

Does it bother you that I'm here?

No. As I've said before… I'm glad you're here with me.

When he answered her... she was sure that Remus wasn't lying. But the more she remembered his recent answer, the more she felt uncertain.

Surely, Remus didn't hate having her around. There were even times that she thinks he felt the other way around. Other times, she felt irrelevant. During their travels, she knew that Remus did most of the work. There were times she thought, she got on his way. That's why she wanted to become stronger… less dependent.

There were also times when Remus's actions became… confusing. When they first met, they were nothing but travel companions. Eventually, they became close friends. After the case of Morthal, it got even more confusing. She wasn't sure what they were anymore.

Serana may not be sure about what kind of relationship she and Remus have. But she is certain about her feelings. But this just further complicates things. She has no idea what to do with them. Afterall, Remus, despite his Dragonborn status, is mortal.

And she's… a vampire. An immortal. A cursed existence that shouldn't even be affiliated with mortals in the first place.

She was stuck in an endless loop of thought.

She planned on talking to him about it… about what happened back in Morthal. But the time just never seemed to be right.

She gritted her teeth as she remembered what Remus said in their previous encounter.

This is how I've always been, even from way back. I didn't want to risk the success of the mission. That's why I didn't tell you.

Those words resonated in Serana's heart. Hidden behind his words just might be the answer she's looking for.

Sure, they are friends. Close ones. He even promised to keep her safe from harm… and he delivered. It's just… deep inside her heart, she wanted something more between the both of them…

That was just her being selfish. It was a scum's wish.

"Hey, you're quiet?" Agmaer's voice suddenly barged in Serana's thoughts. She looked at the young Nord in distaste.

"Now you're suddenly talking?" she said with contempt.

Agmaer suddenly flinched back. "I'm sorry, I'm sorry!"

Serana closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "No, it's fine. I'm sorry, I'm just not feeling good. Maybe I'm just lashing out at you, kid."

"Oh… okay… I guess?" Agmaer replied in bewilderment. "I just shouldn't say anything."

"Yeah, maybe you shouldn't."

For a few minutes Agmaer stayed silent. But that silent was short-lived.

"What's wrong anyway? Is it about the thing before? With the Dragonborn?"

Serana shot Agmaer a stern look. "That doesn't concern you." They continued to walk on without stopping. After a few seconds, the young Nord gushed again.

"That was it, wasn't it?" Agmaer asked proudly.

Serana glared at him. How can a person switch from being someone who was so afraid of her that he couldn't even look at her in the eye, into someone so… annoying?

The vampiress let out an exasperated sigh. "Yes. So, can you please drop it?"

"Uhm. Okay."

They pressed on, but it wasn't even a minute until Agmaer started speaking again.

"Why were you guys even fighting?"

Serana didn't even bother looking back at the man walking behind her. "We weren't fighting."

Agmaer shrugged. "There were raised voices though."

"I still wouldn't call it fighting. Just… a little misunderstanding."

"About the scroll?"

Serana suddenly stopped. She turned towards Agmaer. "You know how I've been saying you shouldn't be afraid of me?"

A cold sweat broke from Agmaer's forehead as he instinctively stepped back. All of a sudden, an armored skeleton warrior was summoned behind the vampiress. It was making an aggressive rattling sound and its head was shifted towards him.

Little by little, it trod towards his general direction. Agmaer was starting to step back, but the closer skeleton got, the more he lost strength in his legs. Finally, the skeleton was close enough to Agmaer's face, and it made a loud rattling sound down his neck.

Agmaer slumped down the ground.

"I-I'm… please…"

"Oh, don't worry. It won't hurt you." Serana chuckled. "All I'm trying to say is… You should be a little afraid."

With a snap of her fingers, the skeleton crumpled down to dust.

Agmaer's knees were shaking and he couldn't even muster to speak a single sentence.

"All right, fine. Sorry." Serana apologized, trying to hold in her laughter. "Just, drop the Remus… thing. Alright?"

She lent out her hand.

Hesitant at first, Agmaer took her hand as she helped him up his feet. "I'm sorry." he started to relax as he shook down the dirt and snow from his pants. "But can I just tell you something?"

"Better make it quick." Serana agreed abrasively.

"First off, I'm sorry for our eavesdropping… well just for a little bit… of what you guys were talking about back at Fort Dawnguard." the young man scratched his head.

Serana crossed her arms.

Agmaer continued. "Thing is… I don't think the Dragonborn doesn't trust you."

Serana raised her brow. "What makes you say that?"

"I first heard about the Dragonborn a few years back, when I was a boy. I've always spent my time at the inns, listening to the adventurers' stories about him." he paused. "Amongst the stories of his deeds, they all told me the same thing… he was always alone. Didn't want anyone joining him during his travels, or quests."

Agmaer chuckled. "Well except to the time he worked with the Companions… if I remember correctly." he paused for a moment. "And you."

Serana pursed her lips. As much as she wanted to believe him, she just… couldn't.

"I told you, you shouldn't bother thinking about things like that. Let's try to move on." Serana hoisted her sword properly on her belt before starting to walk again.

"Oh, and…" Agmaer started to follow her. "… Not all of us in the Dawnguard don't trust you. You have Sorine, me, and… I'd say Gunmar, but he hates vampires just as much as Isran. Just give him more time."

Serana paused for a bit and looked back at the man. "I know you're just trying to be nice. You don't have to be." she smiled. "You're good in my book, kid."

"I… I don't think you should be calling kid. I-I'm 18."

"Oh, kid. I am a lot older than you than you think."

"Are we there yet?" Agmaer panted as he lugged behind Serana.

"Weren't you supposed to be the guide?"

"Well, to be fair I only know where it's supposed to be… not where it actually is."

Serana suddenly stopped.

"What?" Agmaer tiringly inquired.

"I feel something. I think we're near."

They continued ascending the mountain until they've come across what looked like a mine. A camp was also established right outside it.

"I—I think we're here." Agmaer said in between breaths before plopping down the camp.

Serana grew uncomfortable. There was something eerie about the place. "I don't like this. What were the Vigilants doing here anyway?"

"I don't know, Isran didn't tell us more – hey what's this?" Agmaer suddenly picked up a small book within the camp. "It looks like a journal owned by… Volk?"

"Let me see." Serana snatched the journal from his hands and started perusing through it. "They were digging… for something. Mystical energies… a temple… Too vague." she dropped the journal down the barrel.

"Anyway, I do feel some kind of energy, or magic. But… it's sinister. And familiar…" Serana muttered. She turned towards Agmaer who was still resting. "Before we go inside, tell me what you do."

"What I do?"

"I mean, that crossbow. Do you really know how to use that or is it just for show?"

Agmaer shrugged before looking at his crossbow. "I- I know how to use it, I guess?"

"You guess?"

"I—I know how to use it!"

"How about the axe?"

"My pa's axe? Well, you just swing it at your enemies right?"

Serana placed a palm over her face real hard. He was a complete amateur. "This is how this'll work. I'll be at the front and you cover for me." she eyed Agmaer's crossbow. "And… try not to hit me with that."

They slowly entered the mine, Serana with her sword drawn and Agmaer just behind her.

"I don't really like this place." the vampiress commented.

Once they came across the wooden column that supports the outer part of the mine they spotted a vigilant on a distance. He stood on guard.

"Hey, a person!" Agmaer hollered. He sheathed his crossbow and called out to the Vigilant. "Hey!"

The Vigilant turned his head towards their direction before aggressively shouting. He started to run at them, mace drawn… and with an angry look on his face.

"Uh-oh. What did I do?!" Agmaer started to panic.

"Just draw your crossbow!" Serana instructed. The young man did as she said and mounted a bolt on his crossbow. All of a sudden, the vampiress sensed a drastic change in the man's breathing as he aimed at the berserk Vigilant. From heavy breathing, it quickly changed into calm… and steady.

Just as she did, Serana also realized that there was something wrong with the Vigilant. He looked similar to Dexion when they first encountered him. The Vigilant's eyes glowed red… and was frenzied.

"Wait!" Serana cried before she nudged Agmaer's crossbow upward, prompting him to miss. The bolt just missed the Vigilant just by a hair strand. If she didn't interrupt, Serana guessed the bolt would've hit him right between in the eyes.

Serana quickly casted a Spark spell with her off hand to disarm the Vigilant. As the Vigilant howled in pain, the vampiress quickly grabbed him by the neck and held him up while he was still distracted. After a few seconds, the Vigilant was dropped unconscious.

"I knew it." Serana whispered to herself.

"Know what? Why did—" Agmaer started to protest but was immediately cut off by Serana.

"This man was under the influence of magic… Vampire's seduction."

"S-s-seduction?"

Serana sighed. "It's not what you think it—well, it might be a little like that. It's a spell higher vampires use to bend weak-willed mortals to their will."

"What did you do to him?" Agmaer asked while pointing at the unconscious Vigilant.

"I just dispelled the magic."

"You can do that?"

"Actually, I didn't use to… but there was a time that this could've been a better choice." Flashes of her first encounter with Dexion ran through her mind. She could still remember Remus shouting at her.

Remus. Again.

Serana shook her head. "I took my time to learn it. Though, my skill's limited. I need to be in contact with the target for a certain duration before I can dispel the magic." She knelt down to scrutinize the man. "He's dehydrated and basing on complexion… close to starved. I hope they still have rations up there. Anymore being subject to the spell, and they would've been turned into thralls. "

She stood up and turned towards Agmaer. "So, here's what I think." Agmaer paused to listen. "We're still going on as planned, but you just might be useless in this mission."

"Useless?! W-why?!"

"I underestimated your skill with the crossbow. Too bad I decided that we're aiming zero casualties while we're still in here." she turned her gaze on the deeper part of the mine. "If I can remember correctly, the vampire seduction spell can only be consistent when the caster is near the target. Do you see any vampires here?"

Agmaer shook his head.

"My point exactly. Even this… is unusual." Serana gritted her teeth. "Though, I think I might know who we're up against."

Serana sheathed her sword and started walking deeper into the mines. "If other Vigilants were also affected by the spell, this means…"

Surely enough, two more Vigilants were on their way as they got deeper into the mines. Both were armed with the standard mace.

"I can handle this." Serana told Agmaer as she gestured for him to stay back. With a burst of speed Serana ran towards the first Vigilant and disarmed him with a concentrated Spark spell on his weapon. Once disarmed, the vampiress placed a strong grip on the struggling Vigilant's head, pinning him down the ground.

While she was trying to dispel the the seduction from the Vigilant, she glanced at the other female Vigilant which was edging towards her. All of a sudden, a stream flame shot from the female Vigilant's offhand towards Serana. The vampiress set up a spell ward with her free hand, while trying to overwhelm the other Vigilant and dispel the magic at the same time with her other hand.

The female Vigilant is slowly creeping towards her, the flame spell still consistent.

"Just… just a little longer." Serana mumbled to herself as she kept the ward spell up. The vampiress was close to getting rid of the magic bound to the Vigilant when she saw the female Vigilant draw her mace using her main hand.

"Crap…" If Serana stopped now, she'll be back to square one in dispelling the magic. If she didn't, she'll be clobbered to death.

No… that's not the case. The vampiress already knew her next move so she continued on dispelling the magic.

The female Vigilant raised her mace. But before she could swing it on Serana, a bolt suddenly knocked the mace out of her hand.

"AHHHHH!" Agmaer screamed at the top of his lungs as he charged towards the female Vigilant, his axe at hand.

As Agmaer crossed weapons with the female vigilant, Serana was successful in casting away the Vampire Seduction spell holding the first vigilant.

With an obvious difference in skill, Agmaer was overwhelmed and was dropped to the ground. The female vigilant was ready to take her win when all of a sudden Serana appeared behind her and used a choke hold. In a few seconds, the woman was unconscious.

"You're welcome." Serana offered her hand out to Agmaer.

"Hey, I saved you first!" Agmaer cried as he took Serana's hand.

"No, I got it covered." Serana dismissed. "Good initiative though. Thanks." She proceeded to dispel the Vampire's Seduction on the second vigilant. "Anyway, I now know who we're up against." She looked at Agmaer. "I know no vampire who can cast a Vampire seduction spell of this caliber, not even my mother or my father." She paused. "Except for one."

"W-w-who is it?"

"Minorne."

A/N

Hello again! I'm sorry for the late update. By the way, I didn't notice at first, but it has already been a year since this work was first released. Yey happy first year lol.

Anyway, the updates will be continuous but sadly, just at this pace. I'd be very busy for the next few weeks so I have less time to write. This update was even written through "coffee-induced writing extravaganza", so if you saw mistakes, I'd be fixing them... maybe in a week... :))

I know that the quality is constantly dropping, but please bear with me. I'll try to make it up to you to the next few updates. Please keep on dropping them comments/reviews so I can see your opinions and thoughts.

See you next update!