Hyperdimension Neptunia - Across the Multiverse
A HyperDimension Neptunia Fanfiction by Dumbrarere1
Chapter 2 - The Alduin Crisis
Morning came, and the early sun bounced off the snow outside. Andrew and Neptune awoke, before getting ready for the peace talks that were due in an hour. They activated HDD, before joining Gonnaer where the meeting was to take place. After roughly twenty minutes, the leaders arrived.
"So, Arngier is it? You know why we're here. are you going to let us in, or not?" A woman asked impatiently.
"Patience, madam. We are starting the meeting as soon as we are all ready." Andrew said as he sat down.
"Patience? My patience is being stretched thin enough as it is with this traitor in our presence." the woman spat.
"And all will be made clear once we begin. I am sorry we had to convene on such short notice, and with the knowledge that both parties are engaged in Civil War, but I assure you that this is very important." Andrew replied.
"Very well…" the woman finally said snidely, backing down. Arngier finally joined them.
"Now that everyone is here, please take your seats, so that we may begin." he announced. Everyone sat down, as requested. "I hope that we have all come for the spirit of peace and-" he continued, before being rudely interrupted.
"No! You insult us by bring that… Thalmor wench, to this negotiation?!" a Stormcloak shouted, pointing at a finely dressed Aldmer amongst the Imperial delegation.
"That didn't take long…" the woman from before muttered.
"I am merely here as an observer. I am to ensure that nothing that is agreed upon violates the White Gold Concordat." the accused woman said defensively.
"Everyone please! If we have to negotiate the terms of our negotiations for peace, we won't get anywhere!" Andrew said calmly. The room became silent at that moment
"Now, let's start from the top. Let it be on the record that today, on the Eighth of Last Seed, 4E 201, we convene in High Hrothgar for the sake of peace between the Stormcloak Rebellion and the Imperial Legion amidst a rapidly growing crisis. For starters, we begin by giving out our names and ranks within our individual delegations. I am Andrew Hawker, Paladin-Knight of the nation of Planeptune and husband of Neptune." he continued, addressing the delegates.
"I am Neptune, CPU of Planeptune and wife of Andrew Hawker." Neptune announced.
"I am Gonnaer the Unwavering, Dragonborn and ally of the Greybeards." Gonnaer announced.
"I am General Tullius, Supreme Commander of Imperial Legion forces in the Province of Skyrim." a man announced.
"I am Legate Rikke, General Tullius's second in command in the Imperial Legion." the nordic woman announced.
"I am Elisif the Fair, Jarl of Solitude." Elisif announced.
"I am Balgruuf the Greater. Jarl of Whiterun." Balgruuf announced.
"I am Elenwen. Imperial attache of the Aldmeri Dominion." the Aldmer announced.
"I am Esbern. Agent of the Blades." Esbern announced.
"I am Delphine. Soldier and Grand Master of the Blades." Delphine announced.
"I am Arngier. Master of the Greybeards, under our leader, Paarthurnax." Arngier announced.
"I am Ulfric Stormcloak. Jarl of Windhelm and leader of the Stormcloaks." Ulfric announced.
"I am Galmar Stone-Fist. Ulfric's right hand man in leading the Stormcloaks." Galmar announced. With the names out of the way, Ulfric began to say something.
"Before we continue, we need to do something about that Thalmor wench, before she fouls things up for us." he commented. Andrew could only shake his head in response.
"Believe me, Ulfric. Neither of us trust the Thalmor, given what they've done. But as we are dealing with a major crisis, it is in our best interest for us to let her remain as an observer. If she does actively become an issue, we shall see that she is peacefully removed from the negotiations, if only to ensure that they go smoothly. Is that agreeable with you, General?" he finally said. Both Ulfric and General Tullius thought things over.
"I shall agree to those terms, if only for the sake of peace." General Tullius finally said, though rather begrudgingly.
"Very well. I probably will regret this, but… I shall bow to your judgement. But, she will only remain as an observer, nothing more. We are not negotiating with her. Is that clear?" Ulfric responded in haste.
"Ulfic, why so hostile? After all, it's not the Thalmor that is burning your farms and killing your sons." Elenwen replied snidely, as if hoping to derail the negotiations before they can begin. Andrew could only pinch the bridge of his nose in disgust as the almost blatant sabotage ran its course.
"She's supposed to be on our side?" Rikke asked, annoyed with Elenwen's words. Neptune looked to her and nodded, agreeing with her that the Aldmer is already proving detrimental to the peace negotiations.
"You know FULL WELL that… no… no… I must not do this… not this time…" Ulfric began, cutting himself off.
"Alright, alright… now that that is settled, may we proceed?" Arngier asked.
"I have something to say, first." Ulfric announced.
"Here we go…" Rikke muttered.
"Go ahead, Ulfric. Speak your piece." Andrew said with a sigh.
"The ONLY reason I am here is because of the crisis that was mentioned. There is nothing more to talk about, unless the Empire wishes to renounce their unjust rule over the free people of Skyrim." Ulfric said.
"I knew he couldn't resist…" Rikke commented. Andrew and Neptune could only agree with the Legate.
"Ulfric, please... There is more to this than you or the Empire realizes. We need full cooperation from both sides if either of us are going to survive. Otherwise, there won't even be a Skyrim to fight over." Andrew finally said.
"Let us hear what this crisis is, before we decide on that." General Tullius said. Galmar nodded in agreement.
"Right, then. Gonnaer, being the one with the most knowledge of the situation at hand, will explain everything." Andrew said, handing the conversation over to the Dragonborn.
"Okay, so… General Tullius, Ulfric Stormcloak… I'll be honest with you both, the crisis is as he said. You both are aware that four months ago, a dragon attacked the city of Helgen, killing Stormcloaks and Imperials alike. That dragon was none other than Alduin himself." Gonnaer began. This brought gasps to Rikke, Ulfric, and Galmar simultaneously.
"The World-Eater… By the divines! Were the tales true?" Ulfric asked.
"I'm afraid so. He's since been reviving countless dragons around Skyrim. Ones that will no doubt leave the province and wreak havoc for the rest of Tamriel, unless we do something. And the longer we take, the more strength he gathers, feeding on the souls of the dead." Esbern said grimly.
"If what they're saying is true, then it is the end of Tamriel as we know it…" Rikke muttered to Tullius.
"Aye… I knew about the dragons, but… to hear that an ancient Nord prophecy is coming true… I never believed in prophecies, but this… there is no way the war can drag on, now." General Tullius said.
"On that, General, you and I agree…" Galmar added.
"Tell us more about this crisis…" Ulfric demanded.
"Right, well… Just a day or so ago, we nabbed an Elder Scroll from a Dwarven Archive deep within Blackreach, and I used it to relearn the long lost Dragonrend shout. When Alduin attacked, I used the shout, and we managed to cripple him. He has since fled to Sovngarde, and is gathering his strength for a return as we speak." Gonnaer reported.
"Sovngarde… What manner of heresy has Alduin commited…" Rikke muttered.
"You mean to say that the World-Eater has tainted Sovngarde with his presence?" Ulfric asked.
"I'm afraid so… The only way to end this is to go to Sovngarde and deal with him directly, before he becomes too strong." Gonnaer replied in haste.
"And in the meantime, it is likely that the other dragons and all manner of other evil creatures will be attacking in droves." Galmar added.
"Then, perhaps the Paladin-Knight is right. If we are to survive, we need to put aside our differences and fight as one, not as a divided province." General Tullius agreed.
"Shall we discuss the terms of this alliance?" Arngier asked.
"Right. The Stormcloaks need catapults, and the training to use them. We will also need swords crafted specifically to destroy the evil creatures that will no doubt attack us at every moment until Alduin is killed. I also wish that Markarth be handed over to us."
"General Tullius?" Andrew asked.
"The Empire will also need supplies, raw materials in silver, and manpower. If we can both find the men and materials to satisfy both our sides to the cause, it will go a long way to us helping each other out against the threat that we face. We will also need Riften, if only to secure communications with Cyrodil." General Tullius countered.
"Are these terms acceptable to both of you?" Andrew asked. Tullius nodded, but Ulfric looked like he was going to burst a blood vessel. "Ulfric, calm yourself. If there is one more term you want to add to the table, let us know. We cannot afford to have the negotiations break down while this world is under threat." Andrew reminded. This calmed Ulfric down quite a bit.
"We want Falkreath." he said. General Tullius thought about this, and nodded. "We can agree to that." he said.
"Alright. Now, Dragonborn. Do you have a plan for getting into Sovngarde?" Ulfric asked.
"Jarl Balgruuf. Dragonsreach was built to house a captured dragon, right? Does the trap still work?" Gonnaer asked.
"If you're asking for us to use it to capture one, give me one good reason that it would be worth the risk." Balgruuf replied.
"We're not using it on just any dragon. We're going to use it to capture one of Alduin's loyal allies, and gain the information needed to find the portal to Sovngarde." Andrew explained. This piqued Balgruuf's interest quite a bit.
"Ah. We will ensure that the trap works when we arrive. But the question is, how do we lure in any of those dragons?" Balgruuf asked. That was when Esbern spoke up.
"I anticipated this problem. While you guys were preparing for and arranging this meeting, I was busy in the library at Sky Haven Temple. An unguessed trove of lost lore…" he began.
"Sky Haven Temple, you say? I thought that place was long lost to the ages." Galmar interjected.
"Indeed it was, but after some research, we, meaning Gonnaer, Delphine and I, found the temple in the Reach." Esbern explained. Galmar nodded in response to this. "Anyways, the most important thing, is that the Blades recorded many of the names of dragons they slew. Cross-referencing this with Delphine's map of dragon burial sites, I believe I've identified one of the dragons Alduin raised up." Esbern continued.
"So… how does that help us? It seems like a detail you've forgotten to research." General Tullius asked, not too happy with where the discussion was going.
"Ah, you see. The names of dragons are always three Words of Power… Shouts. By calling the dragon with the Voice, he will hear the Dragonborn wherever he might be." Esbern added. General Tullius nodded once more in understanding.
"But why would he come when called? That seems a little far fetched if you ask me." Rikke asked.
"He's not compelled to. But dragons are prideful in nature, and loathe to refuse a challenge." Esbern explained. He then turned to Gonnaer. "Your Voice in particular, and the power radiating from the CPU and Paladin-Knight, are likely to intrigue this dragon after your victory over Alduin." he added.
"Which means it will be very likely that he will be unable to resist investigating Gonnaer's call. So, what's this dragon's name?" Andrew asked.
"Ah, indeed. I am no master of the Voice like these worthy gentlemen, but it is written here in this scroll. Od - Ah - Viing. "Winged Snow Hunter" as I read it." Esbern explained.
"I see. Very well, then. Everyone, this meeting is adjourned. Safe travels to you all." Andrew said, before everyone got up. Andrew and Neptune transformed out of their HDD forms, before following Gonnaer out of High Hrothgar. That is when they were stopped by Delphine, and Andrew could feel something amiss.
"There's one more thing. We know about Paarthurnax." she said.
"Yes, yes. He's a dragon, and the Grand Master of the Greybeards. But he's helped me. He's helped us all." Gonnaer exclaimed.
"That's fine. We needed his help. Now we don't, and it's long past time for him to pay for his crimes." Delphine responded.
"Crimes? What crimes? You're not pulling our legs, are you?" Neptune asked, pretty much mad at Delphine right now.
"He's not just any dragon. He was the right hand of Alduin. He committed atrocities so infamous they're still remembered, thousands of years later." Delphine replied.
"So what? That doesn't mean that he isn't capable of atonement. Work with me here, Delphine, he actively fought Alduin with us atop the Throat of the World." Andrew protested.
"He needs to die. He deserves to die. And it falls on you to do it." Delphine countered.
"No, Delphine! I know what you're telling us right now, and… just no! I have felt Paarthurnax's soul, he has redeemed himself. He is continuing to do just that. To kill him now would be murder." Gonnaer shouted, continuing to protest.
"Until Paarthurnax is dead, it would dishonor our oaths as Blades if we continued to help you." Delphine countered.
"Dreh ni fus dii haal! Do not force my hand, Delphine!" Gonnaer boomed. The room shook as he used the dragon tongue to speak angrily in warning towards Delphine.
"If this is how you want to play it, then our partnership is at an end, Dragonborn. I hope you can live with the consequences." Delphine shouted, before turning to Esbern. "Come, Esbern." she said, and Esbern complied. Gonnaer could only sigh as the two Blades members left. That was when Andrew spoke up.
"Something real fishy is going on… I felt a dark power emanating from her…" he said.
"Something's got her fixed… She may even try to kill Paarthurnax herself…" Gonnaer said, before once again following Balgruuf to Whiterun. Andrew and Neptune followed suit.
They arrived in Whiterun fairly soon after, and entered the gates. An Imperial soldier and a Stormcloak soldier were sparring to their left, with many onlookers watching. It was about as close as they'll get to the civil war they had just days prior. All in all, the city was bustling as they walked through, going through the Cloud District, and to Dragonsreach. The Jarl's children were playing tag, having finished their chores for the day. They walked up to Balgruuf and nodded.
"Are we ready to spring the trap on the dragon, my Jarl?" Gonnaer asked him, getting to the point.
"As I promised, my men stand ready. The great chains are oiled. We wait on your word." Balgruuf declared energetically.
"Then let's trap a dragon!" Andrew replied with just as much energy.
"My men know what to do. Make sure you three do your part. My city is in your hands." Balgruuf said, before standing up from his throne. They walked up the steps to a large balcony, where the trap lay before them in the form of a massive shackle. Neptune was in awe at the sight.
"Wowzers, that thing is huge…" she said to herself.
"Go ahead and call this dragon of yours. We're ready." Balgruuf said to Gonnaer.
"Right." Gonnaer said as the three of them walked to the edge of the balcony, before he called Odahviing with the Thu'um. Soon after, the roar of a dragon indicated its approach.
"Here it comes, boys. Nice serving with ya, lads." one of the guards announced.
"Divines bless us…" Balgruuf said. That was when Odahviing swooped down and caught one of the guards with his sharp claws. He screamed in terror as he was picked up so suddenly, before being dropped off the side and to his death, and Neptune cringed at the sight before she summoned her katana. Andrew followed suit.
"Shor's Bones…" another guard swore.
"Steady men! Wait until he's down!" Gonnaer shouted. It didn't take long before Odahviing landed at the edge.
Andrew and Neptune were the first ones to strike. Andrew used his signature attack, Dimension Blitz, while Neptune used Cross Combination. Gonnaer used his Thu'um with all his strength, sending a blast of fire towards the dragon. The archers were supporting them as best as they possibly can. Eventually, the three of them fled to the door, stopping just outside. Odahviing took the bait, and followed them.
"Hold…" Andrew said, commanding the guards. "Hold…" he continued, waiting until the opportune moment to drop the shackle. "NOW!" he shouted. On his command, the trap was sprung, trapping the dragon instantly.
"Zu'u bonaar. You three went to a great deal of trouble to put me in this… humiliating position." Odahviing spoke, the weight of the massive shackle keeping him pinned to the ground. "Hind siiv Alduin, hmm? No doubt you want to know where to find Alduin?" he added.
"We already know, through Paarthurnax. We just need to know how to get there." Gonnaer responded in kind.
"Rinik vazah. An apt phrase. One reason I came to your call was to test your Thu'um for myself. Many of us have begun to question Alduin's lordship, whether his Thu'um was truly the strongest. Among ourselves, of course. Mu ni meyye. None were yet ready to defy him." Odahviing said.
"Except for maybe Paarthurnax, his right hand, who outright betrayed him and mended his errors." Andrew replied. "So, how do we get to Sovngarde?" he asked.
"His door to Sovngarde is at Skuldafn, one of his ancient fanes high in the eastern mountains. Mindoraan, pah ok middovahhe lahvraan til. I surely do not need to warn you that all his remaining strength is marshalled there. Zu'u lost ofan hin laan… Now that I have answered your question, will you allow me to go free?" Odahviing replied. Neptune was clearly extremely confused with all the dragon talk.
"I will agree to letting you go on one condition, Odahviing. That you turn your back on evil, and give your life to serve me and protect this mortal realm, and others in the greater multiverse." Gonnaer requested.
"Aam? Serve you? ...no. Ni tiid. If and when you defeat Alduin, I will reconsider." Odahviing replied. "Mmm... krosis… there was one detail about Skuldafn I neglected to mention." he added with a measure of disdain.
"Tell us what you know, then." Andrew said.
"Only this. Dovahkiin may have the Thu'um of a dovah, but without the wings of one, you three will never set foot in Skuldafn." he replied.
"That's not a problem for me or my wife." Andrew countered, before looking to Gonnaer.
"Of course… I could fly the three of you there. But not while imprisoned like this." Odahviing said. Andrew and Gonnaer both thought hard about it, but Neptune was somewhat apprehensive about letting him go after they took the time to set up and spring the trap.
"I know I am awesome and all, but I'm squeamish about letting this big guy go." she said.
"Well… I don't feel like he's deceiving us. I know we can simply transform and all, but I'm not leaving Gonnaer behind, nor do I think he'd want us to carry him there." Andrew countered. Neptune seemed a tad annoyed, but knew her husband was right, so she kept her mouth shut. Andrew turned his attention back to Odahviing.
"Do you promise to take us to Skuldafn if we release you?" Gonnaer asked.
"Onikaan koraav gein miraad. It is wise to recognize when you only have one choice. And you can trust me. Zu'u ni tahrodiis. Alduin has proven himself unworthy to rule. I go my own way now. Free me, and I will carry you to Skuldafn." Odahviing replied. Gonnaer and Andew looked to each other, before looking to Balgruuf, who was anticipating him to say something.
"Release him." Andrew ordered. The jaws of every guardsman there quickly dropped at this order, and they looked amongst each other, thinking he was nuts to trust a dragon.
"Release him." Gonnaer repeated.
"Aye… Follow the Dragonborn's order, and release him." Balgruuf said hesitantly. The guards, who were equally hesitant, complied, and the shackle lifted back up into the ceiling, releasing Odahviing in the process.
"Faas nu, zini dein ruthi ahst vaal." Odahviing said as he was released. The dragon turned around and walked towards the ledge of the balcony, before stopping to let the three of them get on. "Saraan uth - I await your command, as promised. Are you ready to see the world as only a dovah can?" he asked.
"We're ready. Let's go to Skuldafn." Gonnaer said.
"Zok brit uth! I warn you, once you've flown the skies of Keizaal, your envy of the dov will only increase." Odahviing replied charismatically, bringing a chuckle from Andrew and Neptune.
"Neptune and I experience flight often enough to know what it's like. Ready to fly, Nep?" Andrew asked as he gently hopped on.
"You bet, flyboy." Neptune teasingly replied as Andrew helped her on. Gonnaer was the last to get on.
"Let's go." Gonnaer said, once everyone was on the dragon.
"Amativ! Mu bo kotin stinselok." Odahviing declared as they took flight.
"WOOHOOO!" Neptune cheered.
"Those three are either the bravest people I've ever met, or the biggest fools…" one of the guards muttered when they left.
"May Kynareth guard you while you pass through her realm." Balgruuf said as he looked to the sky, before he turned around to return to his throne.
It didn't take long, no longer than an hour, to reach Skuldafn. Odahviing landed, before letting Gonnaer, Andrew and Neptune off.
"That was super fun!" Neptune chirped childishly, causing Andrew to laugh a little bit.
"This is far as I can take you. Krif voth ahkrin. I will look for your return, or Alduin's." Odahviing declared.
"No worries, Odahviing. We can handle it from here." Andrew said with a smile. Odahviing rose up to the skies, keeping watch. One look around, and Gonnaer could tell they were going to have to fight their way to the portal.
"There's dragons here who follow Alduin… and a lot of Draugr…" Gonnaer warned.
"Draw… what now?" Neptune asked.
"Draugr. Undead Ancient Nords. They awaken and attack with sword and shield, and even the Thu'um sometimes, when disturbed." Gonnaer explained, unsheathing his sword.
"This chapter is going way too quickly…" Neptune complained.
"What's she talking about?" Gonnaer asked.
"She has a habit of breaking… that wall…" Andrew replied.
"I… I see… In any case, we should get moving." Gonnaer said, before they ran into the fray. Indeed, plenty of Draugr and dragons stood in their way, but the three of them cut down every single one. When they finally reached the portal, they witnessed it close, as a dragon priest removed a staff from its pedestal. It turned to meet the three of them head on, raising its staff to attack them. Andrew and Neptune both dived out of the way, before countering with a coordinated strike. It was not enough, however, as it quickly zapped them both away, only to be thrown back when Gonnaer shouted the Words of Power for Unrelenting Force. Andrew and Neptune both recovered quickly, and finished the dragon priest off with a synchronized attack. It turned to dust, its mask and staff falling to the ground.
"That was fast." Gonnaer said as he took both the staff and the mask. He stuck the staff in the ground, and the portal to Sovngarde opened once again. The three of them raced inside, coming back out moments later in an entirely different place.
"Sovngarde… Gods be damned, what did Alduin do to this sacred world?" Gonnaer muttered, staring in horror at the dark taint that lay ahead of them. All of Sovngarde laid in darkness, a thick mist covering the landscape. The mist seemed… wrong somehow.
"We've got to cross through THAT?!" Andrew asked. He and Neptune were just as horrified, feeling the dark taint all around them.
"Afraid so…" Gonnaer replied. All they could do was suck it up and press on. They did just that. He used Clear Skies on the fog, but it quickly returned, and the dark mist enveloped them. That was when a dead Stormcloak arrived.
"Turn back, travelers! Terror awaits within this mist. Many have braved the shadowed vale, but vain is all courage that guards the way." the soldier warned.
"Who are you, soldier?" Andrew asked.
"Near Giants' Gap, in the gloom before dawn, we marched, unsuspecting of the Imperials' trap. Then we stood and fought, our shield-wall defending until by Dawn's light the Legion's ranks wavered. But I never knew if nights-end brought victory - a swift-flying arrow to Sovngarde carried me." the Stormcloak said, telling his story from the Civil War.
"How heroic. So, what's the dealio with this mist-eo?" Neptune asked.
"I do not know… but none have passed through. Alduin, his hunger insatiable, hunts the lost souls snared within this shadowed valley." the Stormcloak said.
"A soul-snare…" Andrew muttered.
"Can you lead the way to where Shor's hall waits, beckoning us on to welcome long sought?" the Stormcloak begged.
"It should be at the end of this valley." Gonnaer promised.
"I saw it fair when first I trod this long-sought path. The pain and fear vanished, dreamlike, and a vision beckoned - Shor's hall, shimmering across the clouded vale. But quenched was hope by the shrouding mist - my mind is darkened. I've lost the way, and wander blindly. Hurry! Before Alduin your life devours bring word to Shor's hall of our hard fate!" The Stormcloak spoke once more.
"Stay close to us, Stormcloak. We shall lead you through the mist." Andrew vowed.
"I'll try to hold to your hopeful purpose. Quickly, before this encompassing fog once more snares me in the World-Eater's net." the Stormcloak exclaimed. With that settled, they were off, bringing the lost soul to Shor's hall with them. It didn't take long before they reached a large bridge with made of dragon bones. A nord gatekeeper stood ready.
"What brings you, wayfarers grim, to wander here, in Sovngarde, souls-end, Shor's gift to honored dead?" the gatekeeper asked.
"We seek Alduin, the World-Eater. Our worlds, Nirn and Gamindustri, hang in the balance. We must end this threat." Andrew said, explaining the situation.
"A fateful errand. No few have chafed to face the Wyrm since first he set his soul-snare here at Sovngarde's threshold. But Shor restrained our wrathful onslaught - perhaps, deep-counselled, your doom he foresaw." the gatekeeper replied.
"To say such about a bunch of awesome hero characters like us with no care in the world but peace, love, justice and pudding… I think the fanbase is having a nuclear meltdown." Neptune chided.
"We need entrance to the Hall of Valor, so that we may find a way to quell this threat. As Andrew has said, this world is not the only one threatened by Alduin, but Gamindustri as well, perhaps countless others." Gonnaer explained.
"No shade are you three, as usually passes… but living, and two deities… you dare the land of the dead. By what right do you request entry?" the gatekeeper asked, basically interrogating Gonnaer.
"By the right of blood. I am Dragonborn." Gonnaer countered.
"Ah! It's been too long since last I faced a doom-driven hero of the dragon blood." The gatekeeper replied.
"May we enter the Hall of Valor?" Gonnaer asked.
"The two deities are free to do as they will, but living or dead, by decree of Shor, none may pass this perilous bridge 'til I judge them worthy by the warrior's test." the gatekeeper said, before unsheathing a massive battleaxe. Andrew and Neptune stepped back and watched while Gonnaer and the gatekeeper duked it out.
"They're fighting like the world is ending… They're not going to kill each other, are they?" Neptune asked.
"Oh, how I wish you can see the irony in what you just said, Nep." Andrew replied with a chuckle.
"Whaaat?" Neptune asked. After a while, the even-looking fight seemed to turn in Gonnaer's favor in a flash, and soon, with both Voice and Steel, the gatekeeper relented, the warriors' test at an end.
"It is long since one of the living entered here. May Shor's favor follow you and your errand." the Gatekeeper said, letting them through. They went across the bridge, and into the Hall of Valor, where one of the ancient Nord heroes, Ysgramor himself, greeted them.
"Ysgramor." Gonnaer said with a nod.
"Welcome, Dragonborn. And to your friends as well. Our door has stood empty since Alduin first set his soul-snare here. By Shor's command, we sheathed our blades and ventured not the vale's dark mist. But three await your word to loose their fury upon the perilous foe: Gormlaith the Fearless, glad-hearted in battle; Hakon the Valiant, heavy-handed warrior; Felldir the Old, far-seeing and grim." Ysgramor said.
"Let's go meet them, then." Andrew said, and the three of them walked over to where the three heroes awaited battle against Alduin.
"At long last! Alduin's doom is ours to seal - just speak the word, and with high hearts, we'll hasten forth to smite the wyrm wherever he lurks." Gormlaith declared, unsheathing her sword.
"Hold, Comrades. Let us counsel take before battle is blindly joined." Felldir warned, his voice acting like a mediator amongst the group of three.
"I agree with the man. If we rush this, Alduin will be sure to seal our fates." Andrew interjected.
"The endless wait gives way to battle! Alduin's doom, his death, or ours!" Gormlaith shouted impatiently.
"For a hundred lifetimes, my heart has burned for revenge on Alduin too long delayed." Hakon declared rather darkly. The three of them, especially Gormlaith and Felldir, continue to argue for some time, before he finally won.
"Alduin's mist is more than a snare - Its shadowy gloom is his shield and cloak. But with four Voices joined, our valor combined, we can blast the mist and bring him to battle." Felldir declared.
"Blast away the mist, and Alduin loses his advantage…" Andrew muttered, understanding.
"Felldir speaks wisdom - The World-Eater, coward, fears you and your friends, Dragonborn. We must drive away the mist, Shouting together, and then unsheathe our blades in desperate battle against our black-winged foe." Hakon spoke, before unsheathing his weapon.
"To battle, my friends! The fields will echo with the clamor of war, our wills undaunted." Gormlaith declared as they rushed out of the Hall of Valor and across the bridge, into the gloomy night that covered Sovngarde.
"The eyes of Shor are upon you this day. Defeat Alduin, and destroy his soul-snare." the gatekeeper said, as if cheering the warriors on. The six of them stopped just in blade's reach of the soul-snare, and Neptune and Andrew both took the opportunity to activate HDD, their purple wings glowing brilliantly amidst the otherwise surreal, black sky.
"We cannot fight the World-Eater in this mist! He will have an undeniable advantage over us!" Andrew shouted.
"Clear Skies - combine our Shouts!" Gormlaith said. At once, all four of them shouted the three Words of Power to Clear Skies, dispelling the entire mist.
"Ven Mul Riik!" Alduin's voice echoed, and the work to dispel the soul-snare was undone.
"Again!" Gormlaith shouted. Once more, Clear Skies was used on the vale, clearing it away.
"Ven Mul Riik!" Alduin boomed again, and the vale returned. It seemed much weaker this time, however.
"Does his strength have no end? Is our struggle in vain?" Hakon asked pessimistically.
"Stand fast, everyone. His strength falters. One last attempt should be enough to break his might." Andrew said. With a nod, the four Nordic warriors once again used Clear Skies on the vale, and it is dispelled entirely. A few seconds of nothing, before Alduin approached, his fury burning hotter than the sun, fueled by negative energy as his unseen ally in the shadows empowers him.
"The endless wait gives way to battle! Alduin's doom, his death our ours!" Gormlaith shouted, as Alduin approached. As he flew overhead, the air became filled with the Shouts of the Nords, their Thu'um being enhanced by Share Energy.
"This power… My Shout is stronger… Is this the true power of a CPU?" Gonnaer asked as he was filled with an entirely new confidence, one that can only be gained by having faith. His faith added to Neptune's and Andrew's powers, making them even stronger.
"Use your Dragonrend, Gonnaer! Bring him down!" Neptune shouted. Gonnaer nodded, before shouting the words to Dragonrend at Alduin. Like before, his soul was lashed at, being torn asunder. He slammed into the ground at high speeds, before everyone charged in, weapons drawn.
"Your fate is sealed, Alduin!" Andrew declared in righteous fury, before charging in with all his might. Neptune, Gonnaer, and the three ancient Nord heroes followed, battle cries becoming a harmonious song harkening the ultimate defeat of the World-Eater.
"For Skyrim! For Shor! For Sovngarde's freedom!" Gormlaith cried out.
"Zu'u Alduin, zok sahrot do naan ko lein!" Alduin roared defiantly, the negative energy that fueled his rage starting to break down and vanish as Share Energy took over, weakening him significantly.
"That's it! We've got him!" Gormlaith shouted.
"He's yours, Gonnaer! Finish him off once and for all!" Neptune shouted. Gonnaer readied his sword, sparks flying out as the Dragonbane was held in position, before he charged. The sword pierced straight through Alduin's skull.
"It's over, Alduin! You have lost! No more will your evil threaten Skyrim!" Gonnaer shouted, before pulling the sword out from the head of his nemesis, a scene almost reminiscent of The Sword in the Stone.
"Zu'u unslaad! Zu'u nis oblaan!" Alduin shouted in loud, terrifying cries as his body began to glow a bright orange, like fire. Gonnaer watched as the World-Eater's soul began to splinter, a side-effect of the Negative Energy that he was given, before it finally shattered, energy exploding outward in a brilliant flash of light, until nothing was left of the proud dragon that they just fought.
"It's… it's over…" Andrew said, panting, before he left HDD. Neptune followed suit.
"Whew… that was intense… Who knew being a dragon sleigher would be so much fun." Neptune chided. Andrew would wonder why 'slayer' was misspelled, but dared not to question it.
"This was a mighty deed. The doom of Alduin encompassed at last, and cleansed is Sovngarde of his evil snare." the gatekeeper declared.
"He's right. The taint is vanishing… Sovngarde… in all its glory and brilliance, made pure once more…" Gonnaer said as a sort of sunlight began to fill the land.
"Andrew… It's so beautiful…" Neptune said as she wrapped her arms around her husband, staring at the sky with the gloominess gone.
"They will sing of this battle in Shor's hall forever. But your fates lie elsewhere. When you have completed your count of days, Dragonborn, I may welcome you again, with glad friendship, and bid you join the blessed feasting." the gatekeeper declared.
"Nothing would honor me more than to be accepted into this great hall as a friend and brother in arms when such time comes." Gonnaer replied with a nod.
"ALL HAIL THE DRAGONBORN! HAIL HIM WITH GREAT PRAISE!" everyone shouted at once.
"When you three are ready to rejoin the living, just bid me so, and I will send you back." the gatekeeper declared.
"We are ready." Gonnaer replied.
"Return now to Nirn, with this rich boon from Shor, my friends: a Shout to bring a hero from Sovngarde in your hour of need." the gatekeeper said, before shouting three Words of Power, and in another brilliant flash of light, they return to the world of Nirn.
Andrew, Gonnaer, and Neptune would be surprised to find themselves once more at the top of the Throat of the World.
"Well, this is a nice bit of Deja Vu, isn't it?" Neptune asked.
"Of all the places in Skyrim, I never expected to be back here." Gonnaer muttered. They then noticed a group of dragons gathered there. When said dragons saw the Dragonborn as well as Andrew and Neptune, they all declared in unity the defeat of Alduin.
"So. It is done. Alduin dilon. The eldest is no more, he who came before all others, and has always been." Paarthurnax finally spoke.
"He brought this upon himself." Gonnaer countered humbly.
"Indeed. Alduin wahlaan daanii. His doom was written when he claimed for himself the lordship that properly belongs to Bormahu - our father Akatosh. But I cannot celebrate his fall. Zu'u tiiraaz ahst ok mah. He was my brother once. This world will never be the same." Paarthurnax said mournfully.
"I know he was like a brother to you, but… perhaps now, Nirn can finally be at peace with the dov. You and the rest of Dragonkind are this world's protectors now. I do not claim to understand the Divines' goals, but deep down… I believe this is what Akatosh would want, for Man and Dov to be united in strength." Gonnaer told Paarthurnax comfortingly.
"Perhaps… Alduin was always the ambitious one… But alas, melancholy is an easy trap for a dovah to fall into. You have won a mighty victory. Sahrot krongrah - one that will echo through all the ages of this world for those who have eyes to see. Savor your triumph, Dovahkiin. This is not the last of what you will write upon the currents of Time." Paarthurnax declared. That was when a bright flash permeated the mountaintop, and the Sharicite fragment appeared by the Word Wall.
"The fragment…" Neptune mumbled as they looked at it. It looked like a whole Sharicite, but miniaturized, holding the power of the unconscious CPUs and CPU Candidates in Gamindustri.
"Fin rekrah viingolz. The Sharicite appears before us. Hold your hand out to it, and the Shares will return to their rightful place." Paarthurnax instructed. Andrew and Neptune did so, and the Sharicite fragment would be separated into the proper share frequencies and returned to their proper nations.
"Well… one down… It sure was a heck of a ride to get here." Andrew muttered. Paarthurnax would take flight, wishing them farewell.
"I say we return to High Hrothgar and speak to Arngier, let him know of our success." Andrew suggested.
"A flask of Mead to that." Gonnaer replied proudly, and they headed down the mountain, returning to High Hrothgar. Once inside, the Greybeards assembled.
"You've returned. And the corrupting shadows of Alduin are no longer present." Arngier said.
"That's right. Alduin has been defeated. And we have collected the Sharicite." Andrew replied, confirming Arngier's suspicions.
"Then it is done…" Arngier began, before stopping himself.
"What's the matter?" Gonnaer asked.
"It seems that the Blades are coming, with the interest of killing Paarthurnax…" Arngier replied.
"You're right… I can feel them approaching… their hearts cold as ice and hearts dark as night…" Andrew responded.
"Take great care. They are not themselves." Arngier warned, before all three of them ran out to meet their adversaries. Indeed, just outside Ivarstead, they crossed paths.
"Esbern. Delphine. I knew you would come back to try and kill Paarthurnax yourselves." Gonnaer said, shaking his head in disbelief.
"Dragonborn. You and your friends need to get out of the way. This is our battle, since you would refuse to fight it." Delphine replied spitefully.
"Listen to yourself, Delphine. I know the Blades started out as dragon slayers, but they're not murderers. Not like what you will become if you kill Paarthurnax in cold blood." Gonnaer shouted, trying to get through to her.
"You don't understand. Paarthurnax's evils against Skyrim long ago must be paid for in blood." Delphine countered.
"And you don't understand. Maybe back then, when he followed Alduin without question, this would be true, but things are different, now. He and the rest of Dragonkind are Nirn's protectors. He, the Greybeards, and Histoire, work closely together now, to ensure a balance in the worlds we visit as we work to find the Sharicite fragments and put stop to a situation in Gamindustri that is growing worse as we speak. Besides, without him, we wouldn't have been able to defeat Alduin at all." Andrew countered back, using logic to his advantage.
"If you three won't get out of our way, we will have to fight." Esbern said coldly.
"Come on, you guys, isn't this much? It would be better if we were all friends." Neptune said, in a hopeful attempt to make Delphine and Esbern see reason.
"If you are not with us, then you are our enemy." Delphine said coldly as she unsheathed her sword.
"We're not getting through to them… It seems they're being controlled somehow." Andrew said. He looked to his left to see a shadowy figure on the ascent to High Hrothgar, before turning back to Delphine and Esbern. With a sigh, Gonnaer shouted Unrelenting Force, knocking them over, before unsheathing his sword. Andrew summoned his sword and knocked Delphine's away.
"Look at yourselves. This is not what the Blades are meant to become. Whatever has twisted your minds, you have to fight it." Gonnaer said. Andrew would begin to glow brightly with share energy, acting as a conduit to disperse negative energy from Esbern and Delphine and restore them. After a while they finally got through.
"You're… you're right. Some girl in dark clothing and piercing, dark purple eyes approached us, told us of Paarthurnax. The things she told us, of how he was a threat to Nirn… to Skyrim… it is good to see that she was lying." Esbern relented. Delphine would relent as well. "If Paarthurnax and the rest of the Dragons are going to become this world's defenders… then perhaps there is yet hope…" she said. Gonnaer helped them back up. The removal of the darkness in their hearts reached High Hrothgar, and Arngier smiled from atop the mountains.
"We will send word to the rest of Skyrim of this development, and we can hopefully rest easy." Esbern said.
"And hopefully, soon enough, we can beat back the High Elves and restore the Empire to its former glory." Gonnaer replied.
"Divines bless you, Dragonborn. Until we meet again." Delphine said, before they parted ways. Once back at High Hrothgar, Arngier was the first to speak to them once again.
"I have felt your work. Esbern and Delphine have finally seen the truth. Perhaps, one day, they will work with us in full to restore peace throughout Nirn." he said. There was a moment of silence. "Andrew. Neptune. You have the first Sharicite fragment. Now your journey truly begins. To understand the nature of the Multiverse, you must understand this: monsters exist in many forms, but some monsters stand to defend humanity and what is right. In the next world, you will find such monsters, locked away for centuries by magic. It is there, that you will learn the true value of acceptance and understanding. I pray that you will stay your blades throughout your journey in that world." he continued.
"It's a promise." Andrew said with a nod.
"Making friends with monsters. Isn't it ironic that we've fought monsters in Gamindustri, now we have to befriend them in another world?" Neptune asked.
"A little, but I think this will give us a new perspective." Andrew replied.
"Go now, continue your journey. We're all counting on your success." Arngier said. Andrew nodded, before he waved his hand, opening a portal to the next world.
"I wonder why the author had to write this all in one chapter…" Neptune chided.
"A question for another time." Andrew replied as they left the world.
"Good luck to you both… and Divines bless you on your journey…" Gonnaer muttered as the portal closed.
Author's Notes:
-Nothing much to say here, aside from this being Part 2 of the split of Chapter 1.