AN: Chapter one "A Cold Day in Hel..." has been updated and I urge those who have read, fav, and followed this story to please go back and re-read it. Minor changes to Naruto's character in this AU and more detail because yikes. Why on earth it had so many follow and favs at the time that I published it I do not know. In other terms- I am sorry for the long-awaited chapter two and the lack of writing in general. If you follow me, well this used to be normal. That has changed now that I am in a place of time where I can write when I need/want, there isn't much stopping me now. So enjoy my madness as I write and rewrite many of my published stories like The Lost Uchiha and One Fate in a few examples.

So please enjoy Chapter Two

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A Chosen Path...

Two Weeks ago

Thick clouds have been covering the skies for many weeks now. It was Sun's Dawn but it was nearing the end, yet the snow was heavy as the clouds above them. Sasuke wondered if there would be a cold front well into First Seed, which it appeared it would be as more snow fell gradually around his small town near Solitude. Even being far north of the world really, it would be warm towards Midyear. Living near Solitude, the capital city of both Haafingar Hold, and all of Skyrim had its pros of work and even intel when the clan or member needed it. Currently ruled by Jarl Elisif the Fair, widow of the late High King Torygg, it is the headquarters of the Imperial Legion stationed in Skyrim. General Tullius commands the Imperial army from the stone-walled Castle Dour, while Solitude's Jarl Elisif, resides in the Blue Palace. The Thalmor have an embassy hidden in the nearby mountains, part of the reason for this is the eminently defensible nature of Solitude itself. Set upon a great stone arch that towers above the mouth of the Karth River, the city is surrounded by the soaring peaks of the nearby mountains. Solitude is both a reinforced and breathtaking stronghold. It is also protected from attack from the west by the still-largely intact Fort Hraggstad overlooking the Sea of Ghosts. Solitude is also a major shipping port and important Imperial supply line. Solitude sits on a natural arch, giving its port much-needed shelter from the strong winds of the Ghost Sea. Most of the shipping in Solitude is run by the Imperial-financed East Empire Company.

Beautiful and amazing as Solitude is, the once self-claimed Dragonborn Followers, Uchiha Clan now resides just outside of it. It was by choice over a hundred years ago when the Dragonborns of Old had disappeared from the world as well as the dragons did. It was seen as a sign that the Dragonborns had removed the monsters and finally freed Skyrim from their destruction and chaos. Or so the legends go of course. Such things couldn't have existed right? The once-proud clan had fallen lost without the return of the Dragonborn and thus the leader of the said clan had decided to move the village of Uchihas outside of Solitude as to be more independent in their services. Again as the legends go, not much is known as to why they left the city walls and only now live next to it. Perhaps because their ideas and clan were growing from a few handfuls to now a few hundred.

So why the legends? Well, the story goes; they trained in magic being born of Dark Elves to fight the magic the Dragons provided against the mortals. Even more so the dangerous quests that lead them around the world they lived in following the claimed Dragonborn. It was often seen as an honor to serve that Dragonborn, even many proclaimed their life in servitude to Dragonborns and carried that sentence out wonderfully. Great honor came to the Uchiha clan every generation of Dragonborn. However when none came again, and the world of Dragons left behind, the honor of serving a Dragonborn was no more and forever seen as a cherished memory. After the move and after the proclamation that life was free of Dragons, Uchihas turned their services, skills, and others towards more practical, and even some less honorable ways. Guilds all-around appeared and many left the clan to join said guilds. Some even turned to the Imperial army to help in the upcoming civil war and bloodshed against the Stormcloaks. Many became mercenaries or single-contract assassins outside the Dark Brotherhood as they felt their skills lay there better.

The Uchiha clan turned their name into more of a bone-chilling than warm feeling once they left the city walls and made their village. None now believe that their proud clan served one claiming that swallowed a dragon's soul because that type of magic never existed. Sasuke however was not the usual Uchiha, in many ways he thought differently than his clan members. Turned more to books and magic than single combat skills. He was proficient in single combat, yes, but his take to magic excelled well above the clan leader's skill- his father Fugaku. However, his does not compare to his older brother Itachi's skills that are remarkable and deadly. Sasuke of course loved to challenge and work to reach his brother's level but he saw more of what he could do with it. Saw himself serving yet another great Dragonborn if one ever came. This quest was seen as foolish and wasteful because again a Dragonborn never existed outside of childish stories.

But why have such stories? Stories of people of all races in fear of dragons? These great beings that could bring fire, screams so loud that it shouts across the world to make it tremble? Why have such creative thinking only for it to be nothing more than a tall tale? Sasuke wanted to believe that it was real once, that they all existed and the battles were great and his clan was a part of these battles. Apart from that life. Was it so wrong of him to think such fantasies? To fight against the dragons and alongside the greatest beings that ever existed? According to many in his clan, indeed it was.

"Sasuke," came his mother's voice. Soft and smooth, much like her personality.

Sasuke looked to where she called, seeing her come down the stairs, and smiled softly. "Good morning mother. Snow is falling yet again today. I wonder if we'll have a frost into next month." he mused aloud as she came over to the table where the hot pot of stew sat waiting to be feasted upon. Sasuke was inside their manor, sitting at the oak table with a hot bowl of Beef Stew made with chopped carrots, beef, garlic, and salt to enhance the flavor.

Mikoto smiled at her youngest son's musings as she opened the lid and set it aside. Taking the wooden ladle, she dipped in the hearty stew made, stirring it around before pouring some in a bowl for herself. Sitting down, she thanked the servant that cooked this silently before looking at her son once more. So handsome, and young. Too young for the journey she was about to set on his shoulders? Mikoto watched him as he gladly warmed his belly with the food, knowing only this life. Life of their choosing to be honorable and great. Uchihas were trained in the arts of combat and magic starting at a young age thanks to their elven blood. From there, a fully recognized Uchiha would then choose their path of serving a guild or others like the army. Some did choose to leave the clan behind and become independent which the clan recognized of course to be honorable of themselves. Mikoto had chosen to be the chief of Uchihas life and serve as a mother to the next honorable generation. It's not as demeaning as it seems since it was her choice and she is treated with much respect, much as the other mothers that choose to serve as a wife and mother. Ah but before this, she served a different guild, one that had shown her path once before. The Nightingale Guild, serving Nocturnal and her shrine. Yes, a sweet serving mother once used to be a thief, how ironic. Even when she met her husband, even when swore her life to being a mother and wife, her dedication to Nocturnal did not change. She prayed to her often and even dedicated a smaller shrine in her name. This wasn't looked down upon as the clan has all members who pray to all different deities. Nocturnal is one of many that is prayed to in the clan and oftentimes is seen as the most beautiful of course for her mysterious side and name. How fitting since the clan is many Dark Elves, it just fits in with the aesthetic of ebony around here.

"Sasuke," Mikoto said again, seeing his attention come back to her with a soft smile. "Do you still believe in your honorable quest? To find and serve the Dragonborn?" she asked. Sasuke had made his choice known, and as feeble as it seemed Mikoto and Itachi were the only ones that never told him to choose differently. It only encouraged him further to progress his training and look more deeply into their clan's history. Sasuke nodded his head gently, giving her the silent answer. His mother and brother never strayed him away from his choosing. His father had tried many times, which led to a wall of difference between them now.

Mikoto hummed with a gentle smile. "You need to go, while the snow still covers the ground," she said before sipping her spoonful of stew.

Sasuke stopped midway through his bite, the spoon falling lax in his hand and back to the bowl. What was she saying? Was she forced him to abandon the clan? All because of his childhood path? No, she wouldn't do that or even think that. "Mother the path I have chosen is-" he tried to speak but his mother simply spoke again.

"True," she cut him off before swallowing another bite. She saw the fear in those dark eyes of his, knowing what thoughts he must be thinking when she told him to leave. Smiling gently to assure him, she put a hand gently over his to explain. "My Sparrow, Nocturnal came to me last night in a dream. She showed me fire burning high to the skies that swirled like an endless grey sea. Wings thick and cutting through these very clouds. Riverwood, Whiterun, even Solitude covered in burning fire. Chaos is coming and you need to be there." She explained.

To Sasuke's surprise, his mother not only confirmed that his chosen path was going to be plausible but as did Nocturnal. Chaos and fire never meant anything good, as she had said in her dream. Is that how the Dragonborn would come back to this world, through chaos and fire? Sasuke had to blink as the information settled in his mind. However, if the Dragonborn was coming as well as the dragon, then there would be more than just chaos and fire. Deaths and fear would ensue as the dragon made its way. A Dragonborn has not been seen for over two hundred years according to the tales, whoever was chosen would have very little, in=f none at all of the knowledge how to defeat such creatures. If one was coming, maybe more were following. Dragons may be solitary creatures in the books, but who's to say they don't travel in packs like wolves? Oh, there was much he would need to know and much to bring to the new Dragonborn and yet so very little time to find out who or where. Well, he did have a small foot on the path as to where to start, the towns his mother had seen on fire.

Taking another look at his mother, glee soared through him. A wide smile cracked his features as he rushed to hug his mother. "Thank you," he hugged her tightly, feeling her arms wrap around him before pulling away.

"You must go today to reach Riverwood," she cupped his cheek.

Sasuke blinked and shook his head. "Riverwood is too far. I know you saw it on fire, but Solitude is much closer to start the investigation," he explained, but Mikoto shook her head.

"Riverwood may become on fire much like the other places, but I just have a feeling. Your chosen path starts there. There you will find the Dragonborn." she patted his hand. "Gather your things, I will meet you up there soon," She cupped his cheek, giving him a nod.

Sasuke nodded and gave her one last hug before rushing upstairs to his room to pack. Finally, his chosen path would be followed and his chance of honor finally seen. If only his brother could see him now, would he be proud as his mother? Happy or fearful of what his mother had seen? His thoughts swam over and over as he tried to prepare as much as possible without putting too much weight slowing him down further.


Sasuke was debating on what he needed and what he could bring just in case. Of course, he couldn't go overboard despite the fact Pip is a Piebald mare. Even though bred for traveling through mountains and thick forestry, he still didn't want to put too much weight on her. Sasuke had his clothes folded as neatly and tightly as possible, an extra coin sack is hidden in the leather sack, paper, and wrapped charcoal to write potion vials and empty vials. His blade lay on the bedding next to his sack sheathed for the time. Sasuke turned when a soft knock came and saw his mother standing in the doorway, holding what appeared to be another set of clothing and ebony boots on top. He smiled at her as she came in, setting the clothing on the bed beside the katana.

"Mother I do not need more clothing," he started but she sat down beside the clothes and shook her head.

"Not just clothing, but Nightingale armor." she smiled softly as Sasuke blinked and rushed to look.

Picking up the top and held it out before him with two hands, admiring it with his black eyes. It was light, thick, but felt almost weightless. Ebony in color with an attached hood sewn in. Sasuke overlooked the ridged detail and stopped to see the crest etched in the center of the chest. It was truly Nightingale armor in his hands. Not only was it exclusive to guild members, but it was also enchanted to heighten one's stamina, boots to muffle one's every step, and to allow less draining of magic when casting illusion spells.

Sasuke bit his lower lip before smiling wide at his mother. "How did you get this?" he asked as he laid it back down and picked up the boots to inspect them.

Mikoto chuckled at her son's enthusiasm. "I had these made when I was first pregnant with your brother and later with you," she explained as she glanced at the near full pack he had. She could give him full rations to make a full week, he would need to hunt or buy his own for the remaining week. Of course, she had every faith in her son and knew he is very skilled in surviving the trip.

"Nightingale armor is only meant for members and is very hard to get. How did you manage to get two sets?" he asked as he pulled off his black tunic to see if the armor would fit him.

Mikoto smiled softly and folded her hands on her lap. "Oh I used to be a member of Nightingale, and an old friend owed me a favor," she said nonchalantly, of course only a few people knew where she had come from and her children were not privy to that until now.

Sasuke paused after he pulled the light armor over his head, feeling the clothing on him like a second skin almost. He could feel his body responding to the magic coursing through the armor, strengthening his magic in turn. However, learning his mother used to be a guild member had more shock than receiving the armor.

"You were a member? What caused you to leave?" he came over and sat down next to his mother.

Mikoto smiled down at her hands folded on her lap before looking up at her son. So much of herself in his features she could see. The shape of his nose, and the shape and color of his eyes. Even the pale skin, just as pale as her own. "I met your father on a mission and I just fell in love," she vaguely explained.

Sasuke gave a soft frown at this answer. What she saw in his father's rough and tough love, he would never understand. And the fact she left one of the most powerful guilds to be with his father, that made no sense. This was of course written all over his features that Mikoto gave a soft sound and cupped his cheek once more.

"When you meet someone, connections are formed and you just cannot ignore how much you fall in love with that person." She explained, her thumb rubbing his cheekbone. "I have chosen my honored path and I do not regret a single thing that has come with it. You and Itachi are my greatest honor," she pulled him down for a kiss on his forehead.

Sasuke inhaled and exhaled as she kissed his forehead, nodding. "I understand,"

Mikoto smiled, pulling back with a chuckle. "Good. Now let's finish up here before it gets too late and the snow comes down even more." she stood up and left him alone to dress and make rations.

Sasuke watched his mother leave and the door close behind her. He couldn't think of a world without his mother and being her son is a great honor to him. Knowing no matter his path chosen, she would never stray from him. His journey is just starting, who knows where that path would lead him.


Present Day...

"Which direction did you see it heading?" Sasuke asked the crying old woman.

"That way!" the old woman croaked as her boney finger pointed towards Whiterun. "I saw the dragon! I swear I did!" she yelled at Sasuke trying to calm her down. She wasn't having it and felt the need to drag others in... Sasuke was trying to get more from her as others looked at them when her finger moved from the sky and to someone behind him. "He'll tell you! He saw it too! Didn't you?"

Sasuke turned to see who she was talking about when he came face to face with a blonde Nord. And not a very happy one at the sight of the tense body language. The way his eyes narrowed in on Sasuke had him tensing ever so slightly. How wonderful, now he had to deal with a Nord.

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END

AN: And there is chapter two, hope you enjoyed it. Getting more people into this, hopefully, this isn't too slow-going for anyone. Just needed to knock this out before I could move on without trying to jam entire gaming lore and mashup lore into one chapter. Gotta space it all out. Leave a review if you liked it! Love hearing from you all! 3

Skyrim Calendar Reference:

Sun's Dawn- February month

First Seed- March month