Dragonborn 7

Serana couldn't help herself. She knew the situation she and the others were in. A race against time to stop an evil Dragonborn from taking over the world. And yet as she stood in the middle of the dwemer ruin she could stop herself from snickering at the sight before her.

Nero stood in front of her and the others soaking wet, with old mold and kelp hanging off of him.

Nero tried to glare at her but when a clump mold fell off his helmet and landed on the ground with a splat, Serana's snicker turned into a fit of laughter. Even Frea joined her.

Nero reached up and removed the kelp that hung in front of his face with an annoyed growl, "I'm so glad you two find this so amusing."

Nero walked past Serana whose laughter turned into a startled shriek when Nero dropped the large kelp down the back of her neck and into her top.

Walking up a winding ramp, Nero found Neloth standing at the controls for the water pumps.

After finding the wizard, he had agreed to help Nero find a black book he had discovered in a dwemer ruin. Unfortunately the book was locked away and in order to get it, Nero had to explore the ruin and find 4 cubes that controlled the ruins water systems. In the end Nero had been able to get the cubes, but it had required him to swim through the muck filled water of the ruin. Serana and Frea had declined to join him through much of the ordeal so they remained dry and clean.

"Here, this should do it right?"

Neloth practically snatched the cube away so he could examine it further, "yes, yes this should do nicely. With this the locks holding the book will open and then you will be one step closer to understanding what you need to know."

Placing the final cube into its slot, the gears caught and began to rotate. Around them Nero could hear large gears turnings and clicking into place before a loud clank could be heard from the floor above them.

Neloth looked, "I'd say that was the locks holding the book opening up."

Neloth quickly made his way up to the main floor. Nero was about to follow but was stopped when Serana whirled him around and threw some kelp into his face, with a loud splat.

"Ass hole." Serana said before she and Frea followed after Neloth, leaving a chuckling Nero to bring up the rear.

In the main chamber, a stand had risen from the ground, carrying with it the black book they had come searching for. While everyone else walked towards the book, Frea kept her distance. Letting the others pass here by. Neloth looked back at Frea in with a perplexed and somewhat amused look, "what is the matter girl? Didn't you want to find the book as well?"

Frea ignored the 'girl' as best she could as she spoke, arms crossed, "Just because we needed to find this book, does not mean I want to have anything to do with it. It reeks of black magic."

Nero who was now standing besides the podium with the book nodded in his understanding, "it's alright Frea, I'm not trilled about reading this book either. But, at least now we should be a step closer in finding a way to stop Miraak."

Serana mouth turned downward into a deep frown, "wait a second, you mean you plan on actually reading from this thing? I though next we'd find some safe-"

She was cut off when Neloth spoke, and pushed passed her, "wait, wait, wait. What's this about Miraak?"

Nero ignored the rather upset look Serana had at both the situation and the fact she had just been bulled over, to answer Neloths question, "Miraak is using the power he gained from these books to take over the minds of the people here, and bring himself back to or world."

Neloths eyebrows shot up, "really? Who would have guessed the name sake of that temple is the cause. I had assumed otherwise."

Serana tilted her head slightly, "who did you think is responsible for all the shit that's going on?"

"Why Hermaeus Mora of course."

Nero was alarmed by this, "Wait, what does Hermaeus Mora have to do with anything?"

Frea was just as alarmed, and just as scared, "Herma-Mora?"

Neloth shrugged, "Well these 'black books' as you call them are tomes of esoteric knowledge that old Hermaeus Mora scattered throughout the world. I thought it was obvious, the books do take you to his realm of Apocrypha after all. And I was sure you knew of it when we first met back at Raven Rock. You had the look to you."

Serana gave Neloth an even glance, "we'd never even heard about these books until we came here. The one we found yesterday was the first. What makes you think we had any idea about these books?"

Neloth waved her off, "I was only talking about Nero. He's got the look. I could see it. Dangerous knowledge is still knowledge and therefore useful. Usually turns out to be the most useful, in my experience. Strange then, that you claim to never have read one of these tomes."

Frea looked over at Nero, who she could tell was very uncomfortable with the discussion, and slowly asked, "Nero, could what the wizard be talking about, the 'look' he says you have, be connected to what Miraak said? He said you read from some book of flesh."

Immediately Nero turned away from Frea, but she had seen enough to know she was on the mark. Nero had looked ashamed. Serana saw this too, "Nero?"

For a long time, Nero said nothing. He wouldn't even look at the others. Serana walked over to him and placed a hand on his shoulder, "Nero please."

"I've read Hermaeus Mora's Oghma Infinium."

Neloth's mouth gaped, "Have you? The actual Oghma Infinium? That's... I've searched for it myself for many years without success...Well then, you should know better than anyone that Hermaeus Mora is not to be trifled with. But he is subtler than most of the other Daedric Princes, as you would expect of the prince of knowledge and fate. You seem to have escaped the fate of many who find themselves ensnared forever by the lure of his secrets."

Neloth stopped when he noticed the very angry glare he was getting from Serana. Frea looked over at the black book, sitting silently on the podium, "Or... perhaps not."

Serana let her glare shift to Frea who held her palms up, "I'm not saying he's under Herma-Moras control or comparing him to Miraak, but Nero is seeking knowledge the very same knowledge Miraak sought long ago. And if that knowledge came from Herma-Moras then you can't deny the similarities."

Serana was loosing her patience with the two, "so what if Nero's read some damned book." She turned back to Nero, "hey you've had plenty of dealings with the daedra before. Hell you became a champion for few of them, like Azura and Meridia. What makes this any different?"

Neloth seemed impressed, "that is impressive Nero. Very impressive. Though I suppose Serana to answer your question, those two are the few daedra not considered evil, while Hermaeus Mora is more often than not considered one of the 'evil' princes."

Frea let her gaze fall back on the book, "so what do we do now?"

Nero slowly took Serana's hand off his shoulder, "What we came here to do. Nothing has changed. I still need to learn what Miraak gained from these books."

Serana was still nervous about this, "you really want to just read this thing?"

"No, but we don't have anymore time to waste."

Neloth and Serana backed away as Nero picked up the book and opened it. Like before tendrils wrapped around Nero, but this time he was expecting it and was not caught off guard. And like before he soon found himself taken to another realm.

Neloth rubbed his chin, "so that's what it looks like when you read those books. Very interesting."

Frea had turned away when Nero picked up the book. She had not wanted to see the dark power it used to take Nero away. She didn't want to see the unmoving image of a man, left in some twilight of life and death. Everything about these books was wrong, and yet they held the key to saving her people. This path she and her people were making Nero walk could very well lead him to his own damnation, and she couldn't even face him when he took the risk. And it shamed her.

Serana sucked in a shuddering breath before she sat down next to the podium and Nero. Neloth raised an eyebrow at this, "you intend to just sit and wait for him to return? This could take some time you know."

"I'm immortal Neloth. I've got nothing but time."

Neloth just shrugged, "well we mortals don't have that luxury. You may wait. I want to explore this ruin a little more. What of you Skaal girl?"

Frea gave the wizard a withering look, but Neloth just shrugged it off.

A sudden boom coming from outside the main door to the ruin however got all three of their attentions.

Frea looked over at the door, "what was that?"

BOOM

Another boom, but this time not from outside the door, but from it.

Neloth frowned, "it must be some raiders or pirates trying to get in. They try from time to time. They must have brought some black powered to try and blow up the door."

Serana by now had stood up, "they done this before?"

"Yes, but it never works. You need a cube to open these doors and we have them all."

BOOM

BOOM

After the second boom, a large crack split the large doors, with several appearing around the large door frames. Before either two woman could ask Neloth about the cracks, a loud roar echoed into the main chamber. A roar Serana knew all too well.

"That's a dragon." Her voice held a cold note to it.

Neloth look both surprised and a little intrigued, "A dragon here? Interesting."

Another boom and the crack in the door got much larger. Frea pulled both her axes out, but was clearly not in any hurry for the dragon to break through, "why is a dragon here?"

Serana and Neloth glanced at each other before she glared back at the door, teeth bared in a snarl, "the very moment we get this book and Nero reads it, we get attacked by a dragon. That's not a coincidence."

Neloth agreed, "Miraak must not want Nero to learn or use whatever is in that book. So he must have sent the beast."

Frea gulped, "So…do we have a plan?"

Serana snarl was turning feral, "we kill it."

It was at that moment the doors finally exploded into shards of metal and stone, and the dragon reached its head into the room, breathing fire and death.

- Apocrypha –

Nero frowned as he made his way up the long path. Along the way he had run into several monsters but for the most part, he had been unopposed in this world. Most of the creatures seem more interested in simply moving the books from one place to another, or taking them away, when Nero had tried to read a few.

Now reaching the end of the path, Nero found what he guessed he had been looking for. At the end of the path stood a podium with a black book, exactly the same as the one back in the ruin. As he walked up to it though he heard a voice that sent chills down his spin, and caused his blood to boil at the same time.

"Well done, my champion. Your journey towards enlightenment has finally led you here, to my realm, as I knew it would."

Before him the air of the world twisted and melted as several eyes and tendrils seemed to ooze into existence. In the center a great eye opened and stared directly at Nero. Nero didn't flinch as he glared back, "I don't serve you Hermaeus Mora. Do not call me your champion."

Nero didn't like how amused Hermaeus Mora sounded as he spoke, "You will serve me, willing or not. All who seek after the secrets of the world are my servants. You have entered my realm. You have sought out the forbidden knowledge that only one other has obtained. You are Dragonborn, like Miraak before you. A seeker of knowledge and power."

Nero seethed, "I came here to learn what he learned, but I don't need your help to get it."

"All that he knows he learned from me. You could spend a hundred lifetimes searching my library, and you will never find what you seek."

Nero looked around, and knew that the daedra was right. There was just too much here, too many books and scrolls to look through.

"Here is the knowledge you need, although you did not know you needed it. The second Word of Power. Use it to bend the will of mortals to your purpose. But this is not enough. Miraak knows the final Word of Power. Without that, you cannot hope to surpass him. Miraak served me well, and he was rewarded. I can grant you the same power that he wields, but all knowledge has its price."

Nero swore under his breath, there was always a price.

-The Dwemer ruin –

Frea screamed as she was tossed across the ground by the dragon's tail. She landed near the edge of the large stone balcony outside the main door to the ruin.

Before the dragon could do anything else Neloth called down a hail of ice and lighting onto its head gaining its attention. The dragon snarled at the Wizard and screamed a jet of fire at him. Neloth jumped to the side, only just avoiding the flames. Unfortunately his leap had been on pure survival instinct, and he didn't look where he was jumping to. Which was off the side of the balcony and into the cold water below. While not a far jump, it would still take the wizard time to make it back up to be of any help. However while the dragon was distracted with attacking the wizard, Serana jumped onto its neck. Gripping the scales in one hand, she pulled her dagger out and began repeatedly stabbing him in the neck.

The dragon roared in anger, then with a hard swing, whipped its head around and slammed it into the nearest wall. Along with Serana.

While the dragon was unhurt by this, Serana tumbled to the ground, coughing up blood. To her side she could see Frea struggling to get up. Like her, Frea must have several broken bones. And with Neloth trying to make it back up, no one was left to stop the dragon from reaching Nero.

Serana was becoming desperate, and in that moment of desperation she began to do something that she swore she'd never do ever again.

-Apocrypha-

Nero frown deepened as he glared up at the monster Hermaeus Mora, "Tell me, why do I even need this word of power? I've learned several here, while exploring this island. What makes this one so important?"

Hermaeus Mora chuckled, "You have two parts of the word and with it you can bend the very earth itself to your will and now the will of the mortals themselves. But Miraak can bend the will of dragons with his voice. Without this power, you cannot face him. So say I, Hermaeus Mora, master of the Tides of fate."

Now it made sense to Nero. This word of power was what brought the wrath of the dragons onto Miraak. No dragon would tolerate the risk of their very will being bent to any man. But something still bothered him, "Why are you willing to help me defeat Miraak? Isn't he your disciple?"

"He has served me long and well, this is true. But he grows restless under my guidance. His desire to return to your world will spread my influence more widely. But it will also set him free from my direct control. It is time to replace him."

Nero blinked. Hermaeus Mora almost sounded worried. Could Miraak be a threat to the daedra prince?

"So what's your price for the final Word of Power?" Nero hated this. He really, really hated this.

"Knowledge for knowledge. The Skaal have withheld their secrets from me for many long years. The time has come for this knowledge to be added to my library."

"WHAT!?"

-Dwemer Ruin-

Serana could feel her body changing. From her back she could feel her wings forming. Her skin turned grey, as the muscles underneath tightened. Talons replaced her fingers and she could feel her body stretching as she grew taller.

Even before being sealed in her tomb Serana hated her vampire lord transformation. The feeling she felt during the transformation was more than a little unsettling. But it was the form itself that unnerved her most of all. Looking at herself she could only see the monster. Perhaps it was the last remnants of her humanity screaming at her. But after her first transformation she never again used it.

That is until today. Love and desperation can be a hell of an incentive to overcome past demons.

Serana felt herself levitate off the ground and she began to call upon her power. With a shrill shriek, her body dissolved into a cloud of mist and bats, which quickly followed after the dragon that was now entering the large room of the ruin.

The dragon was only a few feet from the still form of Nero when Serana reappeared in front of him. The dragon roared in annoyance, but in that moment Serana attack. Her hands glowed red from her blood magic and with the dragons jaws still open in its roar as she unleashed a blast right into its mouth.

Teeth and gore exploded from the dragons mouth as it stumbled back, stunned. Serana though didn't let up. She continued to blast the dragon with her blood magic, ripping off large sections of its hide, and covering the floor and walls with its blood. But Serana didn't stop. She was driven to keep Nero safe. In her mind she kept repeating the same phrase over and over.

You will not touch him.

Blast after blast she pushed the dragon back.

Blast after blast, more flesh and hide were ripped from the dragon.

Blast after blast, more blood covered the ground.

Then when the dragon reached the edge of the great stone balcony, Serana reached out with her telekinetic grip and with a hard twist, snapped the dragon's neck. She held the dragon steady for a few moments before letting it fall to the ground, dead.

For the longest few seconds, not a sound was made. Then Serana took in a deep breath and let herself slowly exhale it. Then she relaxed her wings and landed back on the blood soaked ground. Looking around she soon found Frea sitting several feet away from the dead dragon.

"Serana?"

Serana took a few steps towards Frea but stopped when she saw the Skaal tense at her approach. Looking down at herself, Serana had a pretty good idea what made Frea so uncomfortable. Not only did she look the part of a monster, but she was covered in blood. Serana tried to smile, but she doubted she really could in this form.

"Sorry Frea, I guess I'm not the most pleasant thing to look at."

Frea tried to smile too, but a combination of broken bones and the unsettling site of the dead dragon and Serana made it hard, "I didn't know vampires could…um transform like that."

It was Neloth who answered, as he had just made it back to the top in time to witness the dragon's violent end, "only a pure blooded vampire can, Skaal girl. And there are not many of them around anymore. I don't suppose you'd be willing to let me run a few experiments on you? Its so rare to see a pure blood."

A cold glare from Serana answered his question.

Frea looked at Serana for a second, "is this permanent?"

"No its not, I just don't have very much practice with this transformation power. Just give it a second and I'll be back to my-!"

An explosion of fire and light cut Serana off as the dragon began to burn away, and in the center of the light stood the form of Miraak as he absorbed the dragon's soul.

"Such a shame, really. If I had known that Nero kept such a monster in his company, I would have never sent this poor beast to such a slaughter."

Miraak's voice dripped with sarcasm, which infuriated Serana, "you really care for nothing but yourself."

Miraak turned as Serana walked over to stare Miraak down. The two glared at each other, but neither Vampire Lord not Dragonborn flinch.

"He's going to win. Nero has faced more dangerous monsters than you and he's always won. Pretty soon you'll be dead, just like the rest."

Miraak chuckled even as he began to fade away, "My, my, what Nero must do to inspire such loyalty and love. But how can you trust someone with a past like his? After the massacre of Portus Delphini I don't see how anyone would trust Nero."

Serana snarled, "Do you really think your mind games are going to work with me? Go to hell."

With one last chuckle Miraak spoke, "tell Nero I'll be waiting for him." And then he disappeared, leaving the three alone once again.

-Apocrypha-

"What do you want with the Skaal?"

Hermaeus Mora, giant eye narrowed, "For too long, the Skaal have kept their knowledge from me. I will no longer tolerate this. You will send the Skaal shaman to me. He holds the secrets that will be mine. After I have my secrets, you will have the last word."

Nero felt a cold pit forming in his stomach, "What makes you think the Skaal will give you what you want?"

"Miraak would have found a way to bring me what I want. So will you if you wish to surpass him."

"How do I know I can trust you?"

"My word is as true as fate, as inevitable as destiny. Bring me what I want, and I will give you what you want."

Then as Hermaeus Mora began to fade away, Nero felt himself being sent back to his world.

-Dwemer Ruin-

When Nero returned he immediately noticed that things were not as he had left them. The ruin's entrance was destroyed and the whole room was covered in blood. And Serana, Frea and Neloth were no where to be seen. Alarmed, Nero ran outside and found the skeletal remains of a dragon, along with Neloth and Frea. The former was busy healing the Skaal warrior.

"What the hell happened?"

Frea looked up in alarm, "Nero, you're back!" With Neloth's help Frea stood up to greet him. Both were nearly bowled over when Serana, now back in her normal form, rushed over and wrapped Nero in a giant bear hug.

"Serana what happened here?"

"Miraak sent a dragon to try and stop you."

Nero held Serana close, "I'm sorry."

The two stayed in each others embrace but Neloth not wanting to wait any longer, immediately began to ask Nero questions, "What happened? What did you see? Different people have very different experiences when reading these books."

Serana frowned, "Can you give us a second here?"

Nero sighed before he let Serana go, much to her displeasure, "no, it's ok. I don't think we have much time left anyway."

Nero took a breath, "I talked to Hermaeus Mora."

Neloth rubbed his chin, "You're still acting surprisingly sane, too. What did he have to say?"

Frea noticed the unhappy look that crossed Nero's face, "what's wrong?"

"He taught me the second part to the shout I learned at Saering's Watch."

"The first part let you control the earth, what does the second part do?" asked Serana.

"It lets me control people. Like Miraak is doing." The others could tell that Nero wasn't exactly pleased with the idea that he could take over the will of other people like the other Dragonborn could.

Serana frowned for a second, "I'm guessing there's another part to the shout, but Herma-Mora didn't give it to you."

Neloth added, "It would be unlike Hermaeus Mora to allow anyone to gain such knowledge without exacting a price."

Nero nodded, "You're right. He did have a price for it… and Frea I'm sorry."

"What? What does Herma-Mora want?" Frea asked.

"He wants the 'secrets of the Skaal' in exchange for teaching me the third word. And he wants your father to give them to him


Authors Notes:

Been asked a few times about what interactions Nero has had with the Dark Brotherhood, and the Thieves Guild. Nero is not a member of either group. He destroyed the Dark Brotherhood after he was contacted by them, and as for the thieves guild, while not a member, he does know of them and has had dealings….but that's another story. This was an interesting chapter to write since it delves into the area of 'the road to hell is paved with good intentions'. Which is something I've tried to really play with in the Dragonborn arc, and which I didn't think was touched on enough in the game. Also it was fun to have Serana transform and give a reason why she doesn't in the game or in any of my other arcs.

Also hurray for more hints about Nero's past. Portus Delphini and Nero's father Gnaeus are going to be key parts of the Past Sins arc after this one is done.

By popular demand I'm keeping the first Dragonborn chapter as is.

Anyway I hope you enjoyed the new chapter. There should only be about two or so more left to go. And as always, please leave a review and if you spot any grammar errors let me know. Just because English is my first language doesn't mean I know how to use it.