A/N
Hello everyone! Here's another update for you guys! This time I'm giving you another long a*s chapter (around 8k words). I hope you guys enjoy! And please (seriously) leave a comment/review on how I did this chapter. This one was pretty exhausting to write. :))
[Remus' POV]
"I may remain unparalleled among Dragons in Bel… summoning… and Alok-Dilon… necromancy… but with what you want to achieve… thy knowledge is… limited."
After discussing my business with him, Durnehviir seemed tired.
"So, in the end, I must meet these conditions at least…" I answered, "I am confident with my conjuration skill but I'm not sure if I'm able to satisfy the others..."
Immense magicka reserves and an unrestricted access to a plane oblivion. I'm not very sure about the last condition.
Unrestricted access to a plane oblivion? Would my journey to Apocrypha even count? I don't have the black books with me though.
Besides I swore I won't ever go back there.
"If I may ask, why do you wish to know… about these things?" Durnehviir suddenly questioned, interrupting my thoughts.
"Oh, it's just something I wish to learn. My teacher used to do it." I answered without much thought.
The dragon's eyes visibly widened in surprise, "There is a being in Vus capable of doing that at this time?"
"I guess so. But, I'm not sure where he is… or if he's even still alive."
"Hmmm… zofaas suleyk." the dragon grunted before briefly staring at me. "If you truly want to learn about this… I must suggest that you learn to project something from Vus to a plane of Oblivion."
Uhh, what? At first, I didn't know what to make of what he just said but then I got it. "You mean, I have to do something like a… reverse-conjuration?"
"Geh."
That's actually not a bad suggestion. I might be able to do it even if I couldn't meet the mentioned conditions.
I drew both my swords and focused on my conjuration magic. Surely enough, after a few moments, both my swords fizzled out of thin air.
It worked!
"The only problem would be is how you will get those back."
WHAT?! Dumbfounded, I shouted at the Durnehviir, "Wait…! You don't know how?!"
"Niid. I never said I did." the dragon replied with utmost nonchalance. "My time in Vus… is running short. I must return."
"Are you serious?!" I cried as I watched portions of Durnehviir's body slowly fading.
Ah, damn it! Why did I even try it on my swords?! Plenty of things around here and my bright mind chose to use my main arms as subjects. At least I still have my dagger… Wait—That's not the point! I just lost my swords!
"Qahnaarin." I heard the dragon call for me.
I raised my brow annoyingly. "What?"
"Do not worry, this one is certain you may do it. after all…" he paused, staring directly at me, "I can sense it in you… You and I… We are the same… both are bound… to a higher being. You might harness that being's energy."
Bound to a higher being…? Does he mean…
"Also… be wary. You will be met by terrible adversaries soon. Whatever you do… do not underestimate them."
"Adversaries? Hey, what do you—" I couldn't even finish my sentence as Durnehviir slowly disappeared in purplish fire.
I found myself alone in the huge plain. I looked up the sky. It was already dark… I was sure the sun was still setting moments ago.
This isn't going my way at all. Well, that's not entirely true. I managed to get my hands on some information about that conjuration ability. But at the cost of my main weapons and even more questions.
We'll be met by terrible adversaries? The way he said it was… ominous. That dragon should've been more specific.
I should probably head back and scout whatever I could find. Durnehviir's words kind of made me worry.
Remus was surprised to find Serana sitting atop a dead Vale Sabretooth once he arrived back at their camp. Serana already had a fire running up while she rummaged through their inventory.
"Oh, you're back." For a moment he saw a faint glint in Serana's eyes upon seeing him, but it was immediately replaced with an expression of cheerlessness.
"Uhhh… what is that?" Remus asked as he slowly rested himself beside Serana.
"Well, it seemed like this spot was taken and we stole it from this one. Was kind of surprised, too. I mean there were no left-over bones or anything, at all." Serana explained while she busied herself prodding the fire with a stick. "Anyway, you've been awfully ready. I searched our bags for food. This'll feed us for days."
Of course, Remus was ready. That was the whole point on why he chose to go back to Lakeview Manor back then.
He took his time to prepare food that would last them for days. He took the time procuring antidotes if they were ever ambushed by the Volkihar vampires again. Remus made sure they'd work against the strongest of paralysis poisons, even against a poison as strong as the ones concocted by his friend, Karliah.
This time he won't feel as useless as he did back then. This time, he won't put Serana in such an awful position again.
Remus glanced at Serana who was busy preparing their food. He admired how the fire's warm light carefully touched her porcelain white skin. He liked every little detail: how Serana looked so serious while preparing something so trivial and the way she tucks her hair behind her ear… she was truly beautiful. The man smiled to himself, reminiscing the day they first met.
He remembered sheathing his sword leaving the cautious Serana's mouth hanging as he did.
"Wha—"
"You could've killed me earlier."
"What do you mean?"
"... I caught you when you were falling from your coffin and right then you could've bit me and sucked me dry… but you didn't."
Truth be told, that was only a part of it. While Serana was recovering her strength in his arms, the moment their eyes met, he strangely found Serana beautiful. Calling her beautiful might even be an understatement.
She was otherworldly.
That moment, he felt blood rushing to his cheeks (thank the Divines he had a mask on) – his main arm had also gone numb before he finally recollected his senses. After this was when he started asking questions about her and Dimhollow.
"What's with you?" Remus' thoughts were suddenly interrupted by Serana's asking.
"Sorry?"
"You're grinning to yourself… kind of creepy." Serana remarked with a subtle smile forming at the edges of her lips.
This made Remus' eyebrow twitch, "You're being silly, just mind your own business."
Serana scoffed before her eyes darted towards Remus' back. "Wait, where are your swords?" the vampiress inquired dubiously.
Remus started to panic as he racked his brain for a possible lie.
"Well, I was hunting r-right? But, this one cat took off with my swords and—"
"You're lying."
"W-What?"
Serana sighed. "Your heart's racing. I could hear it even from here. Even if I couldn't, only a child would buy such an absurd lie. I've watched you easily dispatch animals bigger than this." Her lips briefly pointed at the sabre cat she's sitting on. She turned to give him a derisive look. "I bet you did something stupid."
Remus shuddered before looking away. She wasn't exactly wrong.
All of a sudden, something hit him after thinking about what she previously said, "Wait – you could tell?"
"Tell what?"
"If I'm lying or not? You said you could hear my heartbeat."
"On rare occasions, yeah. Most of the time, I couldn't. But that really doesn't matter…" Serana turned and subconsciously smiled at Remus "After all, I told you—" she abruptly cut herself off with a flushed face. Now conscious with her smile, she quickly put her expression on reset.
"—N-no, nevermind."
There are more important things than keeping secrets. That's what she thought back in their reunion at Heljarchen Hall. Aside from that…
"Don't worry. I'm content just being beside you. The only important thing right now is… I don't get you out of my sight."
Shivers ran down Serana's spine, cringing over the thought of saying it back then. But, she knew that behind those words was pure genuity. She could really care less if Remus hid any more from her. That part was over, and rather trivial now that she thinks about it.
Remus watched as Serana continued to tense up, trying to distract herself from her thoughts by cooking the food they brought over the fire.
He was starting to worry about her erratic behavior. They were on pretty good terms back at at the manor, but the moment they left, he noticed she'd been a little out of herself.
Remus thought little of it because of the task at hand, but now that they could take a breather, he could tell that the vampiress was having a hard time.
He started inching towards Serana as the latter remained busy.
"Serana."
"What—" Serana whips around in an instant but was surprised by Remus' close proximity.
Slowly, Remus lifted his arm and reached for Serana's head. Confused, the vampiress slightly flinched as his hand landed gently on her head. Carefully, Remus stroked her hair and gave her a pat.
Serana looked up to see Remus staring at her with warm eyes, the same eyes which renders her reasoning and speech equally useless.
"I don't have the same ability as you. I mean, I couldn't even listen to your heart even if I wanted to, so I really wouldn't know if there's something wrong." Remus said softly, "But if there's something bothering you… I'm right here. You can tell me."
Serana's mind was starting to spin. Her hands were starting to get clammy and her heart was thumping painfully against her chest.
She's finding it harder and harder to ignore him. At that moment, all she wanted to do was to just ask him all these sorts of questions.
Why does he seem so determined in ending all of this?
What's going to happen after all of this is over?
What is this 'normal' life he wants for her?
Could she still stay by his side even if she doesn't have any more reason to?
But she knew. She knew asking him these questions is impossible. These are concerns that aren't even worth addressing. What's the point of making plans for a future that doesn't even have a settled present?
But her primary reason for not asking him was because doing so would be pretty much be the same as confessing her love for him.
A vampire confessing her love for a mortal. It's absurd.
She knows this. If there was just some kind of switch she could pull down to shut off her feelings for him, she would've done so long ago. But of course, it isn't possible.
Right now, she wants to remain by his side despite her inevitable rejection. But the truth remains that it's extremely hard for her to fight what her heart wants. Not to mention that every kind gesture from Remus just makes her fall even harder for him. But she's also subconsciously trying to cast him away just so she could keep her feelings in check.
She was hoping he'd stay away from her because she's being difficult but here he is again, not minding the rudeness she put up like a thorny cover. Serana found it ironically funny and pathetic how her actions keep on contradicting each other.
Remus is kind. So kind, that as much as Serana hates to admit it, she once eyed the smallest possibility that there was something between them; the way he dotes at her, the way he goes out of his way just to help her, and finally, his willingness to even lay his life just to keep her from harm.
But Remus might as well be the same to everyone. After all, he is loved all throughout Skyrim despite how he despises the fact he's branded as a hero. His kindness must've had a huge role in all that.
It's true. He is a hero. All the more reason she cannot be with him after all this is over. He has a bright future ahead of him, surrounded by people who wanted to stand by his side – same as her.
But she's different. She has no value. She's nothing but a cursed existence that wasn't supposed to be mingling with mortals in the first place. It was the constant thought that lingers at the back of her head.
A constant, painful reminder.
Serana pursed her trembling lips. She could still feel Remus' warm hand on her head, gently patting her as an attempt to comfort her.
She felt the back of her eyes suddenly feeling hot. She knows what this means.
Serana carefully placed the food on a clear stone block and stood up.
"Where are you going?" Remus curiously asked as he watched Serana walk to a corner below the crag.
"I'm going to sleep." the vampiress answered without looking back.
Remus was confused, he knew that Serana didn't need much sleep. Is she not feeling well? "Aren't you going to eat?"
"No. I'm not hungry. Let's talk tomorrow." she briefly replied before settling herself on the cold ground. She faced the crag, away from Remus' scrying eyes.
Once she felt safe, tears started to roll down her cheeks. She made sure she didn't make a single sound as Remus worriedly watched over her that night.
Despite his good intentions, Remus' kindness was cruel for her.
Come the next day, Remus discussed their plans, including the information of the areas he scouted yesterday. His plans weren't met with any input by Serana as she only listened to him and nodded occasionally, but mostly avoided his gaze.
They managed to reach the nearby wayshrine guarded by the Prelate, Arthring. Once the wayshrine was activated and they managed to fill the ewer with water from its basin, there appeared no new portal that's supposed to lead them to a new area.
The only portals that appeared lead to the previous activated wayshrines. Instead, they were directed to a new direction as the prelate pointed at a large arching gate on a hillside.
Serana remained silent and was evidently keeping her distance from Remus. Furthermore, every time he checks up on her she would quickly look the other way, her eyes looking even more melancholic than yesterday.
Once they were at hilltop, halfway from where they're supposed to go, they were attacked by Frostbite Spiders. Remus immediately reached to his back for a sword, only to remember that he'd lost them.
He reached out for the dagger on his waist. He must've regenerated an ample amount of magicka from yesterday so he decided to summon a wolf familiar to back him up.
"Cover for me." he instructed to Serana as he readied for a fight. The vampiress, unbeknownst to him, nodded her head weakly as she prepared her spells half-heartedly.
Remus ran towards the group along with his familiar, easily dodging the poisonous venom they spat. He dispatched them one after another with incredible speed and skill, his dagger finding their vital points.
But, after doing so, more frostbite spiders dropped from a crevice at the hillside and Remus heard no spells coming from Serana. He didn't mind since he was used to fighting multiple enemies. Soon after, his familiar was taken care off by the Frostbite spiders.
Remus, however, was being kept preoccupied by a Giant Frostbite Spider, the leader and supposed mother of the cluster. He watched as the other spiders go for the backline.
Still focusing on his fight with the Giant Frostbite Spider, he called out to the vampiress, "Serana, they're coming for you! Be careful!"
There was no response.
Starting to worry, he glanced at Serana. He saw the vampiress staring blankly on the ground.
He called out once more, this time with a much more commanding tone, "Serana!"
Immediately, the vampiress snapped out of it and drew her sword. But she was too late, as she was pounced by one of the spiders.
Upon seeing this, Remus summoned his strength as he blocked one of the giant spider's legs with his bare hand. Seeing an opening and with his superior speed, he quickly thrusted his dagger on its head. Jumping atop the giant spider, he removed his dagger and repeatedly stabbed the creature until it was no more.
Upon finishing, he heard a lightning bolt spell being casted. Turning his head to face where the sound came from, he saw Serana sitting on top of the cold snow, recuperating from the attack. Her sword was stuck on one spider while the other one lay dead, burnt from her spell.
Remus quickly approached her. "Are you okay?"
Serana didn't utter a single word as she reached for her sword before placing it back in its sheath. Remus saw a wound on Serana's left arm.
"You've been bitten! We have to—"
Serana immediately stood up. She carefully looked at the wound and assessing how it felt to know its degree. She didn't even bother looking at Remus. "I'm fine. Let's just go." she gloomily replied as she slowly continued to walk the path down the hill.
At this time, Remus didn't want to say anything. Serana's at an even worse state just because he tried talking to her last night. No matter how much he worried for her, he opted to keep silent on whatever her problem was. He is hopeful that she'll talk when she's ready.
Upon crossing the hill through the path directed by the Prelate, they were met by an eerily wonderful view. Upon the thick snow were ruins of an ancient building. Further downhill was a long, flowing river.
Reaching the bottom, they started to go south since more ruins were littered that way. Further ahead was another large arching gate and beyond it was another wayshrine. As they walked, Remus looked over at Serana's arm and saw that the wound was already healing, much to his relief.
Remus talked to the Prelate who in turn activated the wayshrine. Just like the previous one, no new portal appeared aside from the others leading to activated wayshrines. Turning once more to the prelate, the latter pointed his finger to the opposite direction, from where they came… northward.
The snow was slightly getting strong, and the cold is piercing through Remus' armor, although he didn't mind. While the weather in the Vale is pretty much the same with the Skyrim he's known, this level of cold have nothing against Winterhold's.
He glanced back to Serana, and surely enough, the vampiress didn't appear bothered because of her natural immunity to frost.
It was a long walk alongside the river, but they finally managed to catch a glimpse of a waterfall ahead. They pressed on and saw steps ascending the hill on the other side of the river. Luckily for them, a part of the river has been frozen so they could use that to get across.
"W-wait…" Remus was a little startled hearing Serana speak.
"What is it?" Being upbeat should be the last thing Remus should feel given their situation, but it was the first time this day when Serana initiated a conversation.
"I hear something…" Serana uttered in a low voice.
"What do you mean?"
"Breathing… A beast maybe…" the vampiress remained thrifty with words, but Remus understood.
"Alright, let's just be quiet while we cross the river. If it's a beast, it would think twice before attacking us on ice."
Serana just nodded before looking away.
Still nothing, huh. Remus thought as they carefully approached the frozen part of the river, near the waterfall. Upon doing so, Remus saw what Serana was talking about.
The creature resembled a horned cross between a Frost Troll and a Giant. Its pale skin was covered with long white fur, particularly its extremities and legs.
A Frost Giant.
It was already cold, but Remus shuddered in terror. He remembered a previous encounter back in Solstheim. It was a different case than this one yet, seeing the same but living creature just gave him the creeps.
Serana saw it, too. But instead of having a feeling of dread similar to Remus', the creature rather piqued her curiosity. Of course, she wouldn't dare ask Remus questions. She just chose to ignore it as he followed Remus as they crossed the river.
Remus repeatedly glanced at the Frost Giant as they carefully walked on ice. It didn't seem to mind them at first, but once they were at the middle, it became aware of their presence.
Its four eyes stared deeply at them from a distance. Remus was slowly starting to be alarmed but to his surprise, the frost giant carried on with its business, rubbing its back vigorously with the club it's carrying.
Before crossing the river, Remus spied a weird-looking mechanism near the frost giant. Is it guarding it? The man decided that for now, it doesn't matter.
He drew a big breath once they were on the other side, which Serana found strange. They carried on and ascended the steps to the hilltop. It was nothing like the seven thousand steps, but it remained a little bit tiring.
They saw what seemed to be a natural stone bridge further ahead. Moreover, there was another dome-like structure on the other side… another wayshrine.
The skies were also starting to clear, revealing the sun off to the west preparing to set.
They were met by another Prelate who granted them access to the wayshrine. Once Remus was done drawing water from the basin, he waited for the portals to appear. Just like its predecessors, there wasn't a new one.
He walked outside the wayshrine and turned towards the prelate, in an attempt to receive some clues in which way to go.
The prelate was silent as he walked over the hillside they thread on, before pointing far across a frozen lake just below them.
Remus nodded in acknowledgment before he motioned to Serana that they'd be on our way. They hadn't even taken a single step to leave when the prelate suddenly said, "Be wary."
It was cryptic… just the way Durnehviir said it.
Remus didn't say anything more before he continued to walk down the trail, Serana following just behind him.
The clouds were once more starting to be prominent in the sky, blocking sunlight from passing through. Snow started to fall lightly. The two of them paused at the arching gate below the hill. Beyond the gate was a huge frozen lake – no, not huge – it was massive.
Serana is getting an eerie feeling about the place.
Something feels wrong.
In contrary, Remus continued to press forward, with the ewer in tow, as if there was nothing.
He feels it, too. But there is no other way.
Suddenly, a reverberating sound echoed on Remus' ears. A sound he's all too familiar with.
There is a word of power nearby.
Serana noticed that Remus' face suddenly turned dark. Without question, he instructed, "Stay close to me."
The vampiress has been actively keeping distance from him. But, given her hunch and their current circumstances, it's better to just comply.
On a distance, a stone was jutting out in the middle of the lake, with a staircase leading up on one side. A Dragon Stone.
Carefully, the two of them approached it. At this moment, Serana's guts was already screaming danger.
There's something out there. Lurking. Waiting.
Arriving unto the dragonstone, they saw skeletal remains and a strange chest.
"Please… wait." Remus muttered as he carefully placed the ewer on the ground before touching the stone, as if to read it.
He started to resonate with the words of power, his mind being overwhelmed with a reverberating sound as he tried to find the meaning behind the words.
Serana's ears perked up. She just heard a strange sound.
She heard something move.
Her eyes quickly paced around their vicinity, but she couldn't see anything.
Crack.
The vampiress heard ice breaking somewhere ahead of them. The sound wasn't loud, but with her enhanced hearing… it sounded alarming.
"R-Remus…" she whispered.
She heard movement once more. But this time she was certain.
It was underneath the ice. Something big.
Serana began to tug at Remus' scarf. "Remus! We have to get out of here!"
There was no response. She could feel Remus' body trembling as he continued to read.
CRACK.
This time she heard a large crack. Something beneath them was struggling to get out.
"Remus!"
The words of power appeared normal to Serana but to Remus, who was Dragonborn, they emitted a bright light despite his eyes being clothes.
LAH, HAAS.
Remus' eyes sprang open as he drew a big breath. It was a success. Finally, he had the full strength of this new shout. He'd been wondering where the other words of power would be ever since Dimhollow.
"Remus?! Are you okay? We have to go!" Serana said, as she shook the mortal.
"Y-Yeah." Remus stammered, his mind still a little boggled from the learning two words of power but at the same time, he was also confused why Serana's talking to him all of a sudden.
"Let's go! We have to get out of here!" Serana cried as she snatched up the ewer and motioned for Remus to follow.
Both had already started running, the vampiress with an evident headstart from the mortal when the ice beneath them shook violently, throwing Serana out of balance.
She almost dropped the ewer but dove down to save it. But at the same time, her fears had been acknowledged.
Two dragons burst from the frozen lake, right before her. Having orange scales and blue dorsal markings, one of them stared at Serana with its large, lidless, frog-like eyes.
Serana gaped in horror.
She has to get away! Fast!
She thought about scrambling up… but her legs… her legs wouldn't move!
The dragon opened its beaked mouth, flames evident from its throat. Serana quivered as she tried to move her legs once more.
But she couldn't. She was paralyzed with crippling fear.
"YOL… TOOR SHUUL!"
She watched as the dragon's all-consuming fire approached her before turning away and closing her eyes in submission, when she heard rapid footsteps approaching her direction before halting to a stop.
"FO… KRAH DIIN!" she heard Remus' ear-shattering Thu'um. She heard the clash of fire and ice while her eyes remained closed. In a few seconds, she felt safe, other than a singe on her shoulder.
"Get up, come on!" Her eyes flashed open to see offering her his hand, as they were enveloped by the mist formed by the collision of fire and ice.
The vampiress found strength in her legs as she got up, holding the ewer. Remus gripped her hand tightly before running, leading her behind the Dragonstone.
"Dovahkiin!" They heard one of the dragons hiss.
Remus placed his hands on Serana's shoulders. "Are you okay?" he asked worriedly.
He gazed at Serana's face, obviously rattled by the current situation. "I'm—I'm fine." Still, she seemed to be in pain.
To Remus' dread, he realized that he was touching Serana's shoulder, burnt from the the dragon's breath.
He quickly pulled his hand away, "You're hurt!", briefly remembering how vampires are especially weak to fire.
"N-No. I'll be fine. This isn't—"
Serana continued to justify but Remus wasn't listening. He planted the very image of Serana right now – hurt and helpless. This made him remember that night he carried her to Lakeview Manor from Pinewatch.
He'd carefully hoisted Serana's sleeping figure unto his back before leaving Pinewatch. Remus had carried her a couple of times in the duration of their travels (the first time was in Ivarstead), but it was the first time he had to for a long time.
The vampires possessed immense strength – ironically she had a lightweight body, making her easy to carry (which Remus found ironic). Still, as he made his way for Lakeview Manor, his heart was heavy.
As he walked that long road, he was repeatedly reminded of how Serana's body trembled non-stop, just as much as she cried. All he could do for her was to give a comforting embrace, reassuring her that he was there. Slowly, her small hands find their way to the back of Remus' shirt, curled into tight fists around the clothing.
It took Remus at least twenty minutes to finally calm her down until he was limp against his embrace. Her violent huffs mellowed down to deep breathing against his shoulder. It took another few minutes before he found Serana sleeping soundly in his arms.
He remembered tucking her hair just behind her hair, before carefully laying her down the bead. The latter was especially difficult, given how Serana, despite asleep, was instinctively looking for his touch.
"Remus…" he heard the vampiress say – taking him by surprise and at the same time, jolting him from his thoughts.
"Y-yeah…?"
A few seconds passed but there was no response. Was she… talking in her sleep?
Her sleep-talk went on for some time, the vampiress constantly mumbling his name, which was hard for Remus to ignore for each time she calls him, butterflies fill his stomach. He should get rid of those quickly, before they turn into an even deeper longing.
He remembered Lydia's words.
Stop running.
He knew she meant well. But he also knew that he still has sins to atone for.
He is absolutely in no position to ask for Serana's affection.
Suddenly, he felt Serana's arms tightening around him. The vampiress' body started to tremble.
"Serana…?"
There was no answer. Is she still asleep?
"Remus… Remus…"
Remus guessed she is. But the way she calls out for him, it gave his heart a numb ache.
"Remus… please… don't ever… ever… leave me alone."
Hearing those words made Remus' heart drop.
Deep inside his heart, he wanted to be with her.
But he always felt conflicted.
He was branded a hero. But he knew he wasn't, he was far from it – his hands remain soiled with the blood of countless innocent lives. He only managed to survive for the past few years driven by the need to atone for all the murders – for all his sins.
But he didn't feel any better. After all, all he did was a lot more killing. Even it was for the greater good, it was very much the same.
Then, in came Serana.
Serana was a dilemma for Remus. For starters, she never seemed like a vampire to him. Despite being one, she was kind-hearted and was surprisingly thoughtful of humans despite the thorny words that come out of her mouth.
For some reason, his heart felt at ease whenever he's with her. He found it nice how a smiling Serana felt like a perpetual reinvigoration – a place where he could cast away the walls he's built around himself.
He'd always thought of her as a close friend – a confidant. But for every passing day, a thin line between seeing her as a friend and as someone he admires started to appear. After that, for every smile shared, for every stolen glance, for every touch sent… that line blurred still.
Serana's words just now became the last straw.
Remus was no hero.
But at that moment, he decided to be one – for her.
That was the moment Remus decided to commit himself to another purpose other than his endless atonement.
That was the moment when he resigned himself to become Serana's protector. Forever.
It was a new promise he made to himself – and to her. An oath.
"I won't. That's a promise."
"— It's just a wound… it'll heal up. Trust me, I can fight." Serana reassured him but she was ironically seething from the burn on her shoulder. "I can—Remus?" Serana was at a loss of words when Remus suddenly knelt beside her.
"I'm sorry, Serana. I wanted to rely on you in this, too. But, can you leave this to me?"
Finding the words to say, Serana was left with nothing. Aside from the fact that she knew very well how vulnerable she is to fire (not even mentioning dragon fire), she was stunned by just how Remus could remain calm given the situation.
A soft smile escaped from Remus' lips before telling Serana reassuringly,
"I'll definitely be back."
Before Serana could even react, he drew his bow before running into the open in a burst of speed. Holding his bow with his main arm, he summoned a Dremora Lord to aid him in battle.
The two dragons circled over Remus and his summon.
Remus drew breath, his head turning towards the two dragons.
"JOOR ZAH FRUL!"
This was the first time in a while since Remus used Dragonrend. Ever since Durnehviir.
His terrible Thu'um had very good aim, but the larger dragon was exceptionally fast despite its size. The smaller dragon, however, was hit directly by the thu'um. Seemingly stunned, the dragon started plummeting towards the ground.
Remus' Dremora Lord was quick to engage the dragon while Remus ran to the other side, his eyes not leaving the larger dragon. It would take a while before he could use Dragonrend again.
Behind the Dragonstone, Serana was still feeling the sting of the burn, caused by a stray Fire breath. The pain was borderline unbearable.
Remus… was he always hit by this? She remembered the burn mark on Remus' left shoulder.
The one Alduin left.
Is she really going to let him fight two dragons alone?
She felt frustrated – she felt how insignificant she is and how incapable she is of providing anymore help.
Moreover, she was scared.
She knew Remus was peerless when it comes to slaying dragons. But it was innate to her.
No matter how capable he is, she always worried about him.
Serana started to pick up some trails of snow before placing it on her wound. It did help but resting while helplessly watching them fight was mentally exhausting.
She had to do something.
Wait— the chest! The vampiress quickly rummaged through the chest, not minding the pain on her shoulder. She found two potions and two spell scrolls.
She took her time appraising the potions' contents and assessing the spell scrolls.
"Yeah. This would do."
She placed the ewer inside the chest before getting ready.
Remus kept on shooting arrows at the larger dragon, waiting for the opportunity to use Dragonrend once more. Summoning the Dremora lord took quite an amount of magicka and that large dragon was agile despite its size – the beast was extraordinary.
Remus was caught in a stalemate. As of the moment, all he can do is distract the larger dragon while the Dremora Lord hopefully takes care of the smaller one. He could've dispatched the smaller dragon easily with the help of the Dremora Lord… if he had his swords.
Summoning Durnehviir to fight isn't possible… at least not in a few hours. But they cannot last that long. He must end this – fast.
Suddenly, the larger dragon roared from the skies.
"Dovahkiin! Your defeat will bring us great honor. Naaslaarum! Finish that one."
Remus turned his head to see the smaller dragon draw breath before unleashing fire all over his Dremora lord.
"Damn it—" Remus was about to string his bow back and draw his dagger when a lightning bolt hit the dragon Naaslaarum directly on its face.
It was Serana, sword drawn, running up to face Naaslaarum. She was now accompanied by two storm atronachs. She started to summon multiple Bonemen and Mistmen from the Soul Cairn. "Just keep on distracting that one! I'll handle this!"
"What are you doing?!"
"I'll be fine! I can resist fire at a certain extent!" Serana shouted back before tossing him an empty vial.
A potion of fire resistance? Remus thought to himself. If it was, then it is true that it'll be of great help to overcome dragon fire.
But still, no matter how much he didn't want to think about it, he feared for Serana's safety. Afterall, this is a dragon she is picking a fight with.
Maybe it was wrong for him to clumsily throw words like "I have to rely on you more" without fully acknowledging Serana's capabilities. He has been so used to protecting her, that there were a lot of times that he subconsciously pushed her to the sidelines
But right now, seeing Serana so determined and seeing how far she's improved, he acknowledges it.
He is going to stay true to his word.
"I'll leave it to you." he muttered. Serana seems to have heard his words even from afar, but the way he turned his back on her and faced the larger dragon hovering the skies gave her the reassurance that he's trusting her with this.
Remus drew a deep breath, going on full concentration. The moment he opened his eyes, he clutched his bow firmly before shooting arrows one after the other. Only this time, several seemed to hit his target no matter how fast the dragon was.
It wouldn't do damage, but the distraction he's providing is effective.
JOOR ZAH FRUUL!
The large dragon quickly hovered to the side, the Thu'um almost grazing his thick scales.
Remus clicked his tongue. Another miss.
"What twisted words! I, Volsaarum, will humble your pride! Prepare yourself, Dovahkiin!"
Serana kept the dragon Naaslaarum occupied. Several undead surrounded the dragon while the storm atronachs provided support spells.
"Foolish mortal! You think you can defeat me? You are no Dovahkiin!" Naaslaarum roared at Serana.
"True. But, I'm no mortal either." Serana taunted cockily. "Try me."
She wasn't raised a warrior. But, Serana had strong confidence in her intellect. She assumes that it would take time before the dragon could use its fire breath again.
She was right. Instead of drawing breath, Naaslaarum raised one of his wings to stave off the incoming undead, blasting them into pieces. But this attack provided Serana an opening. With a strong swing of her sword, she cut a huge chunk of the dragon's wing.
Success! This way he can't fly away – even if he wanted to. She was right on timing as the effect of Remus' thu'um on it was running short.
Naaslaarum roared in pain. "Beyn! Joore—" the dragon was immediately interrupted by multiple lightning spells shot on its face by the storm atronachs. The remaining undead were chipping off on its thick hide.
Frustrated, Naaslaarum let out a hideous roar before spreading his wings, knocking back the undead and Serana herself.
The dragon drew breath, "YOL TOOR SHUUL!" It unleashed a seemingly endless stream that turned the remaining undead and the atronachs into nothing – not even ash.
Serana was quick to move to the dragon's side as she attempted to dodge. Even so, she felt the stinging heat from the dragon's attack despite the fire resistance potion she just drank. She's still a vampire after all.
She quickly moved behind Naaslaarum, who raised its tail in attempt to squash her. Serana dodged before using the dragon's tail to climb up its back.
Struggling, she made her way to its neck. Gripping her sword with two hands, she slashed at the Naaslaarum's neck.
The dragon roared in pain, tilting his head up making Serana almost lose her balance.
Not deep enough. Once more, with raw strength she slashed at the dragon's neck before trusting her sword deep in the dragon's wound.
She jumped forward and off the dragon, leaving her sword behind. With two hands she channeled a Thunderbolt spell with all the magicka she has left while in midair – before releasing it square at the dragon's face.
Visibly stunned and hurt, Serana wasted no chance. She approached the dragon and pulled off her sword, spilling much blood. Summoning her remaining strength, she swung her sword downward, cutting deep through the dragon's flesh.
With a deafening death roar, Naaslaarum slumped down the ice.
The dragon was no more.
It wasn't long before Serana crumpled down herself. She was drained. She stared blankly at the dragon.
She did it. She actually did it.
Remus turned his head to see where the loud roar came from and saw Serana on the ground, looking at her defeated opponent. A huge smile was immediately painted across his face. But his expression was immediately replaced with terror when he heard the dragon hovering above him.
"JOORE! YOU WILL PAY!"
"Serana!" Remus immediately strung his bow and hastily ran towards the vampiress. While he did, he heard the wild flapping of dragon wings just above them.
He was on time to tackle Serana away from harm, as Volsaaruum crashed into the frozen lake, splitting it into two.
Remus was quick to carry the weakened Serana back at their hiding spot, behind the Dragonstone.
Violent bursts of fire erupted from beneath the frozen lake as Remus checked up on the vampiress. As expected, there were a few burns but not life threatening. It would take her a bit more time to recover.
"R-Remus… I… I did it." Serana proudly stated despite her weakened state. She was completely out of magicka and dealing with the dragon took a great toll on her body.
"Yeah, you did well." Remus smiled softly while moving the stray hair from her face. He was truly glad. Serana managed to overcome.
But he knew very well that they weren't out of danger. They are now at the brink of being killed by a crazed beast, determined to avenge its companion. Moreover, its will is to kill Serana more than anyone.
Of course, he wouldn't allow it.
It's his turn.
Remus was about to stand when he suddenly felt Serana's light tugging on his scarf.
"Please... don't go."
Remus was left with nothing but his dagger, his bow, and arrows so few the number could be counted with just her fingers. He couldn't possibly fight with just those.
Besides, she knew.
She knew that look on Remus' face.
It was the same look he had back in Morthal.
She didn't want to feel the same way again. That feeling of helplessness – and the feeling of not knowing whether Remus will come back to her or not.
"Serana, I knew there was something bothering you. I was really worried." Remus only gave her a gentle smile. "But after all this, can you do me a favor?" he sighed, but the smile on his face remained unwavering, "I want you to smile. Don't worry. I won't take long."
His words were supposed to comfort her – but they had an opposite effect.
His words scared her.
She weakly raised her arm in attempt to reach out to him, but the man's will was iron. He stood up and slowly walked in the open, not minding the dangers of dragon fire erupting from beneath the lake.
Suddenly the ice broke before him. Serana watched in terror as the angered Volsaarum hovered above him.
However, there is a strange dark crimson red energy crackling in both Remus' hands like lightning.
Volsaaruum was determined to take Remus through brute force as it very well knew that its Thu'um was no match against the Dragonborn's.
Flying at breakneck speed, the dragon rushed downwards at Remus, his claws set to kill.
"Remus!" Serana screamed, as she struggled on her feet. But the mortal stayed firm on his ground, the energy in his hands crackling even more viciously.
"Tiid… Klo Ul."
Volsaarum's claws connected on Remus' body and dragged him beneath the lake.
Serana's heart sank. She immediately dropped on her knees.
Is Remus…
No. It can't be. It's – It's not possible.
For a moment, she thought she heard what seemed to be another thu'um echoing from beneath the lake.
Serana waited for a miracle – with every passing second feeling like an eternity for her.
She hoped that Remus will somehow resurface and emerge victorious.
She waited – but there was nothing.
Serana felt her chest tightening up. With curled fists atop her chest, huge rolls of tears started streaming down her face. She felt her sobs wracking her already frail body.
This was when the ice started shuddering, much to Serana's surprise. Suddenly, the frozen lake infront of her cracked open and spat out the dragon Voslaaruum.
Out to the sky he flew, but he seemingly stopped mid-air.
Serana spotted a small figure atop the dragon.
It was Remus! In almost an instant, she was overjoyed. He's alive!
But to her dismay, Remus' body started to fall off the dragon, plummeting down towards the ground across the frozen lake.
So did the dragon Voslaaruum. Serana noticed how the dragon's claws were cut clean from its legs and its body riddled with deep gashes. Two swords were also stuck deep within its neck.
Summoning the remaining strength in her legs, Serana quickly darted across the lake to catch Remus.
The dragon was grounded first, breaking another portion of the lake with its massive body.
Serana managed to catch Remus and cushion his fall using both her strength and her body on cold ground.
"Remus!" she called, lightly tapping his cheek. He remains unconscious. The vampiress was quick to remove his armor.
With his armor undone, she placed an ear over his chest.
He isn't breathing! His heart's not beating either!
Vigorously, Serana pumped her hands unto his chest, trying to expel water that was supposedly in his lungs. Still, not even a slight reaction from Remus.
She tried to support his breathing with her own, through his mouth.
The moment their lips touched, Serana felt a jolt through her body. But this isn't the time for her own greed – her own longing.
She must save his life no matter what. But no matter how hard she tried, Remus remained still.
"Remus! Remus please!"
Serana started to panic, repeating the same process over and over again – with each and every try was the growing fear that she lost him.
By the end of it, Serana had stopped. Her arms wrapped around Remus still body – she felt helpless and insignificant.
"Remus… please… please don't leave me…"
In the woes of desperation, Serana pressed her lips against his.
Still, the ache in heart didn't stop. She had no words to describe the pain seated deep inside her. The clouds were starting to part in the sky, revealing the setting sun – its rays gently touching Serana's skin, which was supposed to make the vampiress a slight singe, but she barely noticed it.
Suddenly, Serana felt the Remus' lips move, taking her by surprise. Her eyes flashed open as she slowly felt a hand behind her head and an arm wrapped around her waist.
Tears started streaming down Serana's cheek.
He is alive.
She closed her eyes as she allowed herself to be swallowed by Remus' kisses. Serana felt like her body was placed in front of a warm hearth for each passing moment, for each shared kiss.
Remus' kisses were sweet and delightful – soft but firm.
Slowly, he pulled back and stared at Serana's face, her eyes all swollen with the crying, her beautiful face smudged with dirt because of those creatures that tried to hurt her.
He gently caressed her cheek.
"How can I leave you behind when you're like this?" Remus answered with a soft laugh. He gazed directly at her feline eyes.
Serana felt her shoulders slack with the weight she didn't know she had been bearing as Remus' warm hands cupped her cheek. However, her breathing remained the same, tense and narrow.
"I like you, Serana."
The moment she heard those words, her eyes widened in surprise – doing nothing but gaze back at him in disbelief. Simple words which seemed like a pipe dream becoming a reality – words she believed she'd never hear as long as she lived.
It feels like all the worries she'd been having has been washed away with one fell swoop. Tears started to well up in her eyes again – but this time – this time it was different.
This time… her heart felt free.
Hanging her head low, she gently pushed Remus away with her hands balled into fists pressed against his chest.
"I… I hate you…"
Remus didn't even have enough time to process the vampiress' words as rejection.
Serana suddenly tugged on his scarf, pulling him into another kiss as she completely threw the remaining bits of precaution out of the window. It was a simple kiss, but it was enough to make her insides flare.
This time she didn't care.
She is falling once more – but this time, she wants to.
A/N
I hope you guys enjoyed it! After this (exhausting) chapter, I will not be posting updates for next week. However, I'd be editing the earlier chapters (hopefully Chapters XI - XV, I've already finished Chapters I - X), reasons for edit were already mentioned in my previous notes.
Don't forget to leave a comment/review! Stay safe, people!
