Danny looked up as well. There was a young female, who didn't look older than the half ghost. She was very attractive, with neck-long raven hair and short braids on top. There were an engraved choker on her neck, a black cape with red inners, reaching her hips and held by a golden badge. She wore black leather boots, bracers, and pants. Above it, but beneath leather corset-like piece of clothes, was red robe. It gave rather...nice view at the opened top of her chest. The person leaned against the wooden railing.

"Serana, come down here, please," Dave requested.

Serana obliged and went down. Only now Phantom noticed the most striking feature of hers. Her eyes had different, but vibrant orange-yellowish color. Either it was a trick of light or they really glowed a bit. Serana put a hand on her hip.

"So, where is my prize?"

With a deadpan expression, Dovahkiin took a small coin purse and threw it to her. Smirking, the strange girl looked at Danny. Now she raised her eyebrow.

"And who is this?" Serana asked.

Phantom smiled. "Danny Phantom at your service," he greeted, bowing theatrically. "Are you a vampire by any chance?"

Both people froze. "Oh, it seems you are more observant than most," Serana said without a note of enthusiasm. "What are you going to do about it?" She crossed her hands.

Danny shrugged. "I don't judge by what person is. It would be hypocritical."

He sat on the chair at the table and put his legs on it.

"What is he doing here?" Serana asked Dave.

"I am still here, lady," Phantom called. "And I am here because it is mutually beneficial. I need a guide, he needs to keep an eye on the potentially dangerous being."

The vampire only looked at Dave for explanation. The man who looked to be older than the others rubbed his temples.

"The lad is daedra...ghost...whatever."

"I am halfa. One of only two in existence," Danny explained. "Half ghost, half human. But you consider ghosts who live in what you call Oblivion daedra. I actually think they are a subspecie."

"So basically speaking, you are half daedra," Serana summed up.

"If you put it that way."

"Great, the list of your charges grows," The vampire said with a sarcastic enthusiasm, looking at the Dovahkiin.

"Dawnguard won't bother me," he dismissed the concern. "They have enough trouble as it is."

"But besides that...what's so special about him that you've decided to bring him along?"

"Well, I find it funny that such petty ritual can summon the being such as myself, while the Princes would need a lot of headache to get here," Danny commented.

"You are saying this like you are something bigger than them."

A white ring appeared around his waist. As it swiped up and down, Danny's white haired and green-eyed persona appeared, shining with ethereal light and grinning innocently. Serana stared at the display.

"This is my ghost form. Not really scary, am I?"

"Yes. But you haven't answered my question."

"Well, how to put it...I slayed the guy who had been beaten only once. Apparently by Princes of Daedra. So many discoveries."

"For them to unite sounds as unreal as Argonian with fur."

"Yet here we are. The main point is that by beating Pariah, and that's his name, I automatically became the claimant to rule the entire plane of existence."

"So, basically, you are in charge of Oblivion."

"Yep," Danny said curtly. "And now I'm stuck here. It's not within my power, even if I can fry people with a single look. Besides, I know a little to nothing about this world. That's why I'm going to this College of Winterhold. To get information."

"Funny, I actually planned to go there," Serana leaned back in her seat.

"So your search shows any results?" Dave inquired.

The vampire's lips thinned. "Yes, in a way. That damn monk is hard to find. I've searched in the Rift, but no one knows anything. I think it's logical that he would go to Winterhold."

Dave's stomach growled. He sighed. "Have you just returned?" He asked.

"I'm not your cook, you know that," Serana crossed her hands.

"Well, I can try," Danny volunteered, getting up.

"You can cook?" Serana asked.

"Try not to learn when your parents' food tries to eat you," Phantom walked towards the doors.

"Kitchen is on the other side," Dave noted.

Without saying anything, Danny turned around and went to the kitchen, blushing slightly. Serana found it cute and chuckled.

"Are you sure this is the ruler of Oblivion?" She asked.

"As far as I know, it was an accident," Dave shrugged.

Phantom had a hard time getting accustomed to the medieval instruments of cooking. Danny fired a small blast from his finger and he got himself a green ethereal fire. The food wasn't hard to make, but he needed to improvise. It seemed he volunteered only because the others were lazy. There was some beef. It seemed fresh enough to cook. It had been kept so with a use of frost salt - quite useful thing.

Danny started to fry it before a thought occurred in his mind. He peaked out from the kitchen, only seeing Serana sitting at the table four meters away, reading a book.

"Hey, Serana," Danny called, making her look up at him. "How well do you want the meat fried?"

In response the vampire only raised her eyebrow. Phantom decided to explain.

"You know...you are a vampire so I thought that you'd like the blood to remain there."

Serana huffed. Although she appreciated the concern. "Yeah, I'd like that."

As Danny disappeared behind the door, she decided to look at the work, because she was bored. Serana saw the salt cup moving on its own volition, surrounded by green glow. Phantom just sat by side, legs on the small table, moving his palm lazily. The smell was wonderful. He noticed her presence.

"Welcome to my humble abode," Danny grinned.

"Useful," Serana commented. "School of Alteration?"

"Nah, just my own powers. My biggest relief and headache at first. Where is Dave?"

"Who?"

"Well, Dovahkiin, Dave, he never bothered to tell me his name, so I just picked one."

The vampire chuckled. "A courier came by with an important message from the Jarl. He had to go immediately, grumbling and hungry, so I guess we will have to go alone."

"I'll leave him some," Danny responded calmly.

A silence settled between them, interrupted only by sparking of the butter. Then Phantom broke it.

"So, what brings someone like you here?" He asked. "Not to sound rude."

"The kind owner of this house woke me up from my thousands years old slumber. I'm still catching up with what's happened since then. He had been employed by the Dawnguard - the vampire hunters - to search into the creep I was buried in."

A plate floated nearby, with a smoking piece of meat on it. Danny put it on the table before Serana.

"Enjoy. Hope you like it."

The young woman carefully cut and tasted the food, and Phantom noticed her sharp fangs. It was rather obvious. She drank the leaking liquid just fine.

"It's nice," she commented curtly. "Thank you."

"You are welcome, I'll just wait a little longer for mine to be ready. You haven't finished."

"It's a long story, and I'd rather not to talk while eating."

She got up and carried her dish to the main room, preferring to eat in a proper place. Soon Phantom's steak was ready as well and he calmly enjoyed his own food. After doing so, Danny walked out of the room, putting another piece on the plate in case Dave returned. Serana was on the second floor, doing something at the alchemic table. She surely was quick. Danny went upstairs, and the vampire looked to the side with her vivid eyes. She then returned to her work.

"Please, don't interrupt me," Serana asked, holding a vial of purple liquid. "This one needs a stable environment."

The liquid turned green as she added frost salt there. Serana reached for the nearest table, but then found the ingredient missing.

"Curses. I'm out of ingredients," she muttered.

"Can I help?" Danny offered.

"If you can make ectoplasm out of nowhere."

Phantom grinned widely. "You underestimate my abilities. How much do you need?"

"A few droplets should be enough. Otherwise it will get unstable."

Danny smirked toothily, and now Serana could see his teeth being sharper than mortals'. He suddenly made a tiny bite at his finger. Phantom pulled a small cup closer and the vampire saw several glowing green droplets fall.

"Here you go. Pure ectoplasm."

Without saying a word, she carefully poured it into the vial. It became red. Danny didn't know how the color mix worked.

"What exactly are you making?"

"A poison," Serana said offhandedly. "Just in case. Thanks for your help," she smiled. "The spare bedroom is there," The vampire pointed to the right.

"Wow, that was quick."

Serana's pale skin reddened. "I meant that you shall sleep there. I'll wait until you are done."

"Why?"

"I'm a vampire. I don't need to sleep."

"Neither do ghosts. Being even half of one frees me from this."

Serana looked thoughtful. "I think we should go now, then. Don't you think so?"

Phantom nodded. "Okay. Do we need to take anything?"

"I think I have everything needed. Let's go."

Two young, or young looking people went out of the building, leaving a note to the owner. Danny had decided to change clothes, and, ironically, the only spare ones which fit him were that given to Dovahkiin by the Dawnguard. It was a black, light brigandine-style armor with multiple rectangular metal plates on the leather part. There were long sleeves and no pauldrons. It was funny that Danny wore a vampire-hunter armor while keeping company to the member of that kind.

They went to the stables, and Serana jumped on the black steed.

"There is a spare one," she pointed at the red horse nearby.

Danny was lucky that his aunt lived in a middle of nowhere. He knew how to ride horse himself, at least slightly. Thankfully it was compliant. So they set off, riding away from the household. The road was steady and quiet for a long while. Danny marveled at the red moon, which was extremely huge and close. At the same time he remained near his companion.

Serana meanwhile occasionally glanced at the half ghost. She couldn't deny she was curious about who was supposed to be the person of tremendous power. It was strange, Danny seemed sweet, yes, and she couldn't imagine seeing Molag Bal, for instance, casually riding on a horse. Yet again, she never heard of Daedra Princes roaming the world freely. Not to mention that his ice blue eyes and pitch black hair made him look rather handsome.

"Why did we stop?" Danny asked.

"Ugh, I don't remember directions. In theory we should go North..."

Serana dug in a small bag tied to the horse and took out a map. Danny approached her. It was way too dark, despite the moon being so damn close, so Phantom snapped his fingers and a green flame lit the piece of paper. Serana flashed a small smile of appreciation and looked at the map under the green light.

"Alright, come on," she urged them to go.

They continued going, getting to the wide open landscape. On a distance they could see a huge city based on a hill, gleaming in the night. Serana explained that it was Whiterun. It existed even when she was still a child, so she knew what it was. Since the conversation started quite well, Serana even told him the legend of Olaf One-eye, who subdued the great dragon Numinex in a duel atop Mount Anthor and brought him back to the fledgling town as a captive.

"Nice story," Danny commented.

"Yes, mother used to tell them," Serana said, with a strange note of sadness.

"Hey."

Serana's glowing eyes turned to him. Danny could see she wasn't eager to talk about the topic, so he tried to change it.

"What's that thing on your back?" Phantom asked.

There was a spine sized golden tube with two handles, engraved with many lines and jewels. The vampire took it out and showed it.

"The Elder Scroll," she said. "It contains a part of the prophecy, which will help us understand what we are looking for. This is why we need the Moth priest. They are taught to read them, while the others are in grave danger if they try. I'm not sure what effects it would have on you, but I don't think we should try."

"Yeah...Look, what exactly are we looking for?"

"Auriel's Bow. The prophecy my father is so obsessed with says that, combined with the blood of a Daughter of Coldharbour, which is me, shall block the sun itself."

"What is..."

"I don't want to talk about it," Serana said firmly.

"Alright," Danny shrugged. "Your secrets are yours. Wait, blocking the sun?"

"Relax. I'm not going to use the bow. I want to preserve it from my father. He will definitely do just that."

Phantom smiled. "You know, so far you are the nicest vampire I've met."

Serana rolled her eyes. "We aren't the most chatty, even now I'm thirsty. But it's tolerable. For a while."

"And what do you do when you can't hold back?" Danny asked slowly.

"I have to rely on animal blood. Except for the rare cases, when I was let to. Do you mind?"

Phantom was in two minds about what to say. "I guess the bad guys are going to die anyway, so...I won't say anything."

"Thank you."

The weather got colder. The snowy peaks were nearby, as they went through the narrow pass. Neither of the group felt uncomfortable. However, the sun started to slightly peak from the mountains' edges. Serana pulled on a hood of her dark cloak, grunting in displeasure. Soon they reached a settlement. It was called Winterhold, and the name spoke for itself. The town was bigger than most, but it was smaller than even Falkreath. No wonder, it seemed very cold, what madman would like to live there?

"So, where to?" Danny asked.

"The College is there," Serana pointed at the huge stone construction. She then hissed and removed her hand from the light under her cloak. "Damn it," she cursed. "Let's get out from here."

Danny nodded, but then they were stopped by a guard. He was dressed in cuirass with blue cloth parts. He was armed with a steel sword and a bow on his back.

"Hey!" He called. "Stop right there and go through the search procedure."

"What for?" Danny asked.

"Have you been living under a rock, lad? We are at war, you could be an Imperial spy, now get down."

Danny looked at his companion, who was glaring daggers at the man. She would have to leave her cover and get more burns. She noticed his wink and got curious.

"You see, good sir, we are in no way spies, just two people trying to get to the College."

His eyes glowed with a deathly green light. A split second later the guard's eyes became like this as well.

"Yes, you are right. You may pass."

Danny gestured for his companion to go further. They trotted past the guard, and Phantom's eyes became ice blue again.

"What just happened?" Serana asked.

"Possession," The half ghost shrugged. "I think you are forgetting that I can do a lot of things."

The vampire only stared at him. Yes, it was a bit strange to remember that that guy in front of her was supposed to rule over the godlike beings of twisted morals and wicked minds. He looked so...casual, for Daedra, and it wasn't only because of his looks.

They got to the stone path, leading to the castle-like structure, located on the separate cliff. Forced to leave their horses behind, the two undead went to the entrance - big iron gates to the bridge. However, they were stopped by a yellow-skinned elf woman, with two auburn braids. She was very tall.

"Wait, where are you going?" She asked.

"Uhm, inside?" Serana asked sarcastically.

"We don't just let anyone inside. You must first pass the test of your magical abilities."

"And what exactly?" Inquired Danny.

"See this panel on the floor? Shoot an Ice Spike at it."

Phantom grinned at his luck. This one he could fake with his powers. Suddenly the named spike hit the panel. With wide eyes he looked back, seeing Serana putting hand back under the cloak, smirking slightly. They were standing in the shadows from the stone archway, so she wasn't harmed.

"Hm, impressive. Are you here to begin arcane education?"

"No, we actually planned to use your library," Danny blurted, receiving a nudge from his companion.

"Why?"

"We seek the knowledge of the Elder Scrolls," Serana sighed, understanding that it was pointless to hide the truth now.

"It is true there are some here who have spent years studying the accumulated knowledge of the scrolls. But what you seek does not come easily, and can destroy those without a strong will. Alright, I'll open the gates."

The metal obstacle was out of their way, Danny and Serana went on the serpentine path between chunks of land.

"You didn't have to spill everything," the vampire complained.

"Well, sorry, I didn't know they could be so greedy for their information. But they let us through, right?"

"Yes, luckily," Said Serana grumpily.

Suddenly she yelped and fell, stumbling over the edge. If not for Danny's hand and reaction, the girl would have had a long flight down. He easily lifted her and put on the bridge. Only now they saw that the bridge was in a state of disrepair. The already pale vampire became even whiter.

"They bolster to be powerful mages and yet they cannot repair a damn bridge?!" She exclaimed.

"Priorities, I think," Danny shrugged. "You alright?" He asked in concern.

"I...I'm fine, thank you."

She rubbed her burned hands under the cloak, cooling them with her magic. The inner yard of the College was big, with a big statue of some person at the center.

"Do you know where to go?" Danny asked.

"I think we should ask the personnel."

They found a person quickly. It was a mid-aged lady in grey robes, with short hair, who was reading a new book.

"Excuse me, can you help us with directions?" Danny asked.

The woman looked up. "Yes? Do you need me to show you around?"

"Yep. Can you please tell us where the library is?"

"The Arcanaeum is on the second floor. Into the hall, the staircase is to the right. Won't miss it."

"I didn't know you are letting everyone now."

"Yes, Ancano?" The woman asked dryly. "Does your job as the Thalmor Overseer include pestering me for each action?"

She looked at another Altmer, who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. The tall yellow-skinned elf, dressed in the black spiky robes, regarded the visitors with an inquisitive look.

"I wouldn't call myself an overseer. I am merely the guest," Ancano said with a very thick irony.

Knowing that their exchange was going to last for a while, Serana pulled Danny towards the entrance. No one paid attention to this, although the elf watched them until they disappeared behind the doors. Sighing, the vampire took off her hood, happy that the sun didn't reach inside. But her eyes' glow was still a little to invisible. Without saying anything else, they went upstairs, up the spiral staircase. The library was a large circular room, filled with tables, chairs and, of course, bookshelves.

"I guess we should split up," Danny suggested, making Serana nod.

"Good idea, I'll go ask about the Moth priest."

She strolled off, leaving Danny alone with numerous shelves. They weren't even signed, for heavens' sake. He had to walk around and occasionally take a book to go over the articles. He needed something about Oblivion. There were some, but he couldn't find anything besides the information about Daedra and their Princes. However, there was an info about the so called 'Gates of Oblivion'. Through them, Daedric Prince Merunes Dagon entered the realm of the living. Before being defeated by the last member of the Septim dynasty, who turned into a freaking dragon and sacrificed himself.

"I guess I shouldn't expect a guide," Danny mumbled sarcastically.

"A guide to what?"

Phantom looked back and saw an old orc, with grey beard and hair tied in a ponytail, although the top of the head was bald.

"Who are you?"

"You are now in the Arcanaeum, of which I, Urag gro-Shub am I charge. You might as well call it my own little plane of Oblivion. Disrupt my Arcaneum, and I will have you torn apart by angry Atronachs. Now, is there anything I can help you with?"

"Oh, okay, I needed some books on how Oblivion is connected to...Nirn," Danny quickly added, using the data he had gathered.

"There aren't many works about it," the Orc rubbed his chin. "Mostly by some crazed nuts. Don't go anywhere, and if I see you stealing..."

"The atronachs, yeah, yeah."

The head of Arcanaeum went off. With nothing else to do, he sat on a chair, taking the nearest book about the Ghost Zone from another point of view. It was really interesting. Soon he saw Serana going around the corner.

"There you are," she said, approaching him. "Any luck?"

"Well, I'm waiting for that kind old man to fetch me what I need. What about you?"

"We are lucky. A few hours more and we would have missed. The priest is resting in his chambers. I think you should come along."

"Why?" Danny asked.

"Do you really think he'd believe me of all people?" Serana deadpanned. "And I don't really want to turn him in a thrall."

"I guess...alright," Phantom put away the book. "Let's go."

Suddenly they saw a pair - a woman and a man - enter the room. Danny wouldn't have paid attention, but Serana covered his mouth as they hid behind the shelf.

"What's wrong?" Danny whispered.

"Those are Salonia and Stalf. They are my father advisors' minions," Serana responded. "How did they get in here?"

"They want the priest," Phantom guessed.

"Yes. Father doesn't yet know about my...change of side. It'd be better if I remain unseen."

"You only had to ask," Danny grinned, before taking her hand.

Serana yelped, before they became invisible. She blinked and looked around, before being gently pulled forward.

"Watch your step," Phantom warned as they slowly went to the entrance.

The young vampire had no other option but to follow his lead. As Danny passed two visitors, he examined them more closely. They indeed had the same orange eyes as Serana, the most noticeable vampire trait around. They wore black leather clothes, with the same badges as the girl holding Danny's arm had.

"Do you smell anything?" One of them asked.

"Yes. Reeks of Draugrs."

Danny's lips thinned. It was starting to get annoying. Finally they got to the staircase and Phantom let down the invisibility.

"I suggest informing the mages," he said. "I still need my books, so you go tell them."

"Be quick."

With that Serana ran downstairs. Danny meanwhile went back. He observed two vampires, but was interrupted by Urag.

"Here you go, lad," the Orc put three books on the table. "Hundred septims if you want to buy them, plus ten for my effort."

"Thank you, sir," Danny said politely, before gesturing to come closer. "Are you aware that these two are vampires?"

The Orc blinked, before looking at the visitors through the empty space between the books.

"Are you sure?"

"Yep. Going to do anything about it?"

"I don't need anyone to burn down everything I've got here. Get them out of the Arcaneum and then we shall see."

"Nah, I'll just take my books. I think you can manage by yourself."

Phantom put a purse on the table. After quick counting, Urag let Danny go. The half ghost hurried to the first floor to catch up with his companion. Serana was waiting for him there.

"Finally. Come on, before the priest leaves."