Thank you all for the reviews and the critique. I am glad that there are still people who wish to read this story. I do hope you enjoy.
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The second quadrant that had escaped the vast wastelands of Oblivion had been destroyed, but not as effortlessly as the first. More guards had fallen and hope ran dry. Daelon held back a charging Dremora who wielded a great battleaxe. The Altmer stumbled back with widened as he whispered to the wind, "... how many... more bloody gates?!"
The bodies began to pile upon a snowy mountain terrain. The Hero turned and called out, "How are you holding up, Martin?"
The heir laughed uncertainly as he rolled his shoulders attempting to bring them back to life for they had fallen numb during his last fights. "I'm doing fine," his head turned to a side and he looked at Jaufree, "... and you, Grandmaster?"
"I'm not as young as I used to be," he huffed while wiping a coat of sweat from his brow. "However, I believe I'm holding my own."
"Good," Martin said while turning forward. He saw the still standing twins and he grinned while calling out to them. They stood so far away between the gap of the two defeated Oblivion gates, "How are you doing, boys?"
Orrick lifted his helmet from his head allowing the arctic mountain breeze to rush past his drenched hair. A few droplets of blood had crystallized to his face; nevertheless, he was not disturbed by this. "We're doing fine, milord!"
Caldwyn lifted his helmet as well with a scoff, "Speak for yourself! This armor is chaffing against areas I don't wish to speak of."
"Then don't," Orrick laughed while glancing over to his brother.
Daelon stepped over the fallen bodies with his long black cape draping over their frozen facades. His ebony armor gleamed with freshly drawn blood that was not of his own. He turned his eyes to Martin and questioned, "... shall we send for more guards, sir?"
"Why?" a nearby Cheydinhal guard questioned, "We've got them bastards beat! They outnumbered us and still we prevail! It looks like Tamriel has one this war."
The eldest Altmer tossed his eyes to a nearby puddle of blood and saw the contents beginning to tremor. His vivid amber eyes narrowed as he sneered, "... don't be so sure about that."
The wind began to bay and press down upon the somnolent soldiers as they stood motionless in the battlefield. Their eyes shifted about attempting to locate the next gate, if there was one. The ground began to quake and a few boulders from the nearby mountain plummeted to ground level. Daelon retreated back towards the other guards as the rumbling became far fiercer than the additional roar from the other archway. The Hero stepped forward with a creased brow as he slowly sheathed his tainted silver longsword and enveloped his hand around the hilt of the Daedric Claymore. Could it be probable that this was his gate?
The billowing clouds darkened even more so, turning the day into shadows allowing only the thundering firestorm to be the sources of light for the fighters of Tamriel. Orrick and Caldwyn felt their legs vibrate so harshly that it nearly knocked them off their feet. All of a sudden, before the twins arose two immense jagged thorns from the surface of the earth. These two structures were nearly ten times the size of the regular archways. From their sides came even more wicked thorns that pierced the mountain sky. A lake of fire burned from the earth as well and rocketed to the sky soon causing the entire horizon to turn into a hellish portrait. Caldwyn and Orrick stumbled back as they attempted to lift their eyes to see the end of this abomination; however, no matter how far they tilted their heads they could never see the end.
Martin's pupils disappeared as he gawked upon this gate. His hand loosened and he nearly dropped his sword as he wheezed, "... by... the Nines..."
The Hero steadied himself as he knew within his hardened heart that this was the gate Broga had told him about. He drew his Claymore and stood tall as he knew that he would be protected by Broga and he needed not to fear the monsters of this gate. Daelon was mesmerized for a few seconds until he saw the first wave of Daedra escape the gate. He tore his eyes away and suddenly he felt his heart fall.
From the dancing flames marched a fully suited Broga. He walked gracefully upon the drifts of snow as he approached the remains of Tamriel's grand warriors. As his Daedric boots came in contact with the snow it melted it instantaneously and turned it to a feeble steam. He ambled onward with a bloodlust lingering in his crimson eyes. Behind him, a wave of thirty greatly armed Kynmarchers with a few Markynaz hauling the heaviest of Daedric War-hammers advanced forward with the same lust that their Commander had looming in their black hearts.
Daelon tossed his eyes before the Great Dremora as he saw his own brother rush forward to welcome him with a strike. The Altmer's heart leaped up his throat as he bellowed at Caldwyn over the clamor from the opened gates and the shrieking wind, "CALDWYN! NO!"
The wind was too overpowering and Daelon's voice was far too weak to make it over to his brother. Caldwyn stormed forward with his rapier in hand. His grin began to falter with each step he took for with each step he came nearer to the monster and saw just how immense Broga truly was. He loomed a few feet over the young lad with no mercy at all for striking down a child. He was too close now to retreat. Caldwyn let out a battle cry as he lifted his sword and swung it down upon the Dremora.
His blade collided with Broga's hand and hadn't caused any damage to him. Caldwyn's eyes widened in dread for he put his entire strength into harming this Daedra and he couldn't even draw blood! Broga narrowed his eyes as he lifted Caldwyn off his feet by seizing his wrist. The Altmer cried out as his wrist was gripped even tighter and his arm felt like it was about to be pulled from the socket. He lifted his eyes and could see the detailed features of the Dremora's face. He could see the wicked maroon scar that lead down the left side of his face and the hatred that had devoured his soul.
The Dremora gripped even harder soon feeling his arm shudder. Caldwyn's face twisted in pain as he felt his bones snap out of place and jut through his skin. He bit into his lower lip drawing a few droplets of his own blood. Broga grinned and purred out to the Altmer, "You are very strong for such an arrogant child. You would have made a great warrior..."
He jerked his hand and forced the sword to fall from Caldwyn's grasp soon twirling across the air and settling motionlessly upon the land. Broga held strongly upon the Altmer as he walked forward for Tamriel to watch. The guards stood; apprehensive, for they were only allowed to watch now. Daelon felt his grasp tighten around the hilt of Umbra as the hatred from the rapier slowly began to seep within his gauntlets and into his very flesh.
Broga's gaze shifted between the guardsman and the heir as he had known he had received their attention. Now, he would need them to fear him. With his unoccupied hand he unsheathed his Daedric Claymore. It mounted perfectly in his hand and for his immense size it appeared only as a longsword. He placed the tip upon Caldwyn's chest and he questioned him, "... any last words before you triumphantly give your life for Tamriel?"
Caldwyn breathed heavily as he began to realize what was happening. His body began to tense and he knew that he could not allow himself to submit to the will of this Dremora. He lifted his eyes and snarled into the Commander's face, "... my brothers will skin your hide with your own blade, you bastard! The Asquerana family shall not be defeated so easily nor shall Tamriel!"
Broga's blade hindered as he looked upon this young man. As he looked upon the face he saw flashes of Elizabeth storm his mind. His grip tightened and he snarled to the young lad, "Be honored that it is my blade that takes your life, my son." With one great thrust, he plunged the waved jagged blade through the Altmer's armor and out through the top of his back. Caldwyn coughed up blood as he felt the cool sensation of the rapier pierce through his ribs and much of his internal organs.
Orrick felt himself weaken as he watched this horrific display. His face twisted and his hands rung the hilt of his blade as he attempted to run forward; yet, Daelon caught him and dragged him back. The youngest son thrashed about as he cried out, "T-That's our brother, Daelon! Damnit, he's killing him!" Tears rolled over his cheeks.
Daelon narrowed his eyes and held his last brother tightly as he whispered back, "He's too strong for you!"
Broga closed his eyes as he felt the energy from the dying Altmer flow through his blade and up into his arm. He sighed profoundly and tossed his blade to his side, allowing Caldwyn to slide off and roll across the snow leaving a trail of blood behind him like a crimson ribbon. The Commander advanced and just as the last of his men escaped the gate he bellowed to them in their native language. The Daedra scattered across the battlefield soon storming the guardsmen. Orrick ran over and fell beside his brother with misty eyes. He lifted his twin's head and attempted to snap him from the overwhelming sleep, "Caldwyn! CALDWYN! Don't fall asleep... g-god's blood... don't you dare leave me!"
Caldwyn laughed softly as blood rolled through his lips and fell cascaded down upon his armor. He lifted his narrowed eyes as he incoherently spoke, "... and here... I thought you were the ill-fated one."
Orrick laughed weakly as he grasped his brother's armor. His lips trembled and he shook his head, "... Caldwyn..."
"Go," Caldwyn whispered while glancing over to the battlefield. "...Tamriel needs you more then I do."
Orrick closed his eyes as he felt his heart begin to rip itself apart inside his chest. His frozen shell began to decompose around him for he had never felt so much fear and sorrow in his entire life. He gripped his brother's hand and grinned weakly, "... goodbye, brother."
Orrick attempted to grip back; however, his grip was lost and his hand fell idly by his side. The life slipped from his bloodied corpse before he even got the chance to whisper his goodbye. Orrick pushed himself to his feet and hurriedly he rushed to his brother's fallen sword. He lifted it and sheathed in place of his own sword. He gripped his sword and rushed off into battle hoping to bring his brother's death honor.
The Hero proceeded to the gate, chopping off a few limbs from his rival warriors for they had attempted to fight him; yet, he was far stronger then them. A claymore swung from behind the Hero and he swung around soon blocking the blow. His eyes lifted and he saw the Commander and he pulled his blade away. Broga narrowed his eyes and snarled out to the Hero through gnashed teeth, "... go... Xilivicus is within that portal."
With a nod of comprehension, the Hero turned and ran to the portal. Broga grinned brightly and turned soon decapitating a nearby guard. Standing nearby, Daelon watched with betrayed eyes. The Commander and the Knight...? Surely they couldn't be... The Altmer sprinted to the portal as well hoping that he could stop whatever treachery the Hero was committing against this war, if any.
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Elizabeth had snapped from her dream with perspiration gleaming upon her porcelain skin. Her eyes darted across the room as she pushed herself up off the slab. She leapt up and ran to the grand veranda to see no Daedra walking down below. Had her dream actually been the truth of matters? Her heart was burdensome, but she knew what she had to do. She ran over and pulled on her thick cowhide boots hoping that would be all the protection she would need. She was swift as she leapt the stairs and sprinted across the red sand of Oblivion. Her heart pounded like a drum beneath her breast. Her arms pumped up and down forcing more energy into her legs that pushed her forward.
She turned down a few corners, forgetting for only a moment where Xarovica's tower was. Her head pivoted about as she decided upon a path and directed herself down it. The mage's tower loomed over the other structures and she pushed herself to dash even faster. Her adrenaline coursed through her veins sevenfold. She shoulder blasted the door open ignoring the twinge of pain. Her feet carried her up the stairs as she called out desperately to the elder. She rounded the bend to the second level with fearful eyes.
Xarovica stumbled out behind his alchemist cupboard with a furrowed brow, "Elizabeth... w-what's wrong?"
"X-X... Xilivicus..." she wheezed.
The Elder's eyes widened and he limped closer with a trembling hoarse voice, "... what happened? Is he all right?"
Elizabeth furrowed her brow as she caught her breath and told the elder of her dream. She spoke of the clash of the Champions and the fear she held for their lives. "... I need you to send me to the Sigil keep to find Xilivicus before the Hero of Kvatch does!"
Xarovica's brow fell over his eyes as he nodded and quickly turned towards his cupboard. He rushed over and tossed the doors open while informing the girl, "... I fear that if the Champion of your world comes across Xilivicus that our young Churl shall be the first to fall victim to his blade. Without Daedric blood coursing through his veins, Xilivicus is no stronger then an average mortal man. He is condemned to death."
"I can't let that happen, Elder-Xarovica," Elizabeth argued while stepping closer. "Xilivicus gave his life for mine-- no matter how much he is pushing me from his life-- I shall return the favor."
"That is a very noble thing, my dear," Xarovica purred while pulling a freshly brewed Elixir of Death from the cupboard. "However, that is not necessary. If we can get Xilivicus to drink this vial then shall he be restored to his Daedric glory and be able to fend himself against the Champion of Cyrodiil."
Elizabeth's shoulders fell as she spoke lightly, "... but if the Hero dies... then inevitably my world shall perish, too."
Xarovica heaved a troubled sigh as he replied to her statement, "... and so comes the complexity of choosing which one you would rather have. You may live forever with Xilivicus in the land of the dead—or you may live forever with the Champion of Cyrodiil in the land of the living."
The Altmer's curved ears fell as her eyes narrowed and she questioned, "... can I not be told which answer would be right?"
"There is no right or wrong in this situation, my dear. You must let your heart decide for you." Xarovica told her while walking to her with the bottle in hand. "... I shall personally guide you upon the certain plane of Oblivion. I still have some magicka in this old carcass of mine. I cannot say how useful I will be to you, but something is better then nothing." A weak smile pulled across his lips as he questioned, "... are you ready, Elizabeth?"
"Yes," she said while standing tall.
Xarovica placed his hand upon her shoulder and a wicked cerulean energy overcame the couple and their bodies disappeared into a cyclone of smoke.
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The Hero fell through the Oblivion gate and rolled across the ground. The wind was blown from his lungs and he coughed for a moment as he lifted himself and gazed at the hellish sight of this Great Gate. His eyes widened as he saw an advancing Daedric machine come towards the gate. Four great blades were its head and its body resembled a mechanized spider. It crossed through the river of lava with great procrastination. The Hero lifted his eyes into the dark Oblivion sky as he observed each tower. They all crossed over onto the Sigil Tower. His eyes narrowed as he advanced hoping that before he reached that tower, he would rid his world of that Daedric abomination.
Upon one of the walkways of the towers stood the Churl, he made his round through the plane for the second time. His eyes fell down upon the gate and his heart cowered as he saw the Hero stalk towards the parallel tower. He moved closer and kneeled upon the catwalk with narrowed eyes. Could this have been Broga's doing? How absurd, the Hero was ordained to seal this portal for it was one of the final stages to destroying the connection between Oblivion and Tamriel forever.
Xilivicus reached for his blade with a hesitant hand. He finally gripped the hilt and tore it from its sheath knowing that it was his blade that was predestined to finish the Hero's existence.
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The power of Mara and Dibella seeped out through the battlefield and poured upon the warriors of Tamriel. Their blades were strengthened and their hearts were hardened as they brandished their enemies; callous. The Daedra were being beaten and a few had retreated into the portals. Broga stumbled back as the old Grandmaster Blade had nearly knocked him off his feet. The Commander turned his eyes to the Great Gate and just as he had he saw another man run into Oblivion.
His heart cringed and with agility the Commander leapt over fallen bodies and even bounded over battling warriors. He feared that this additional Tamriel warrior would be a nuisance to his well organized strategy. His eyes lifted to the scorching archway and with one great bound he leapt through to the other side.
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Xarovica and Elizabeth reappeared near the grand master door to the Sigil tower; however, pulling the Great Sigil stone from its pedestal was not the objective in mind. The maiden sheltered her eyes as she was nearly blinded from the lava. As her eyes reopened she looked upon the rear of the Siege Crawler and her body became feeble. She attempted to conjure a voice to herself; however, it was futile.
The Elder stalked down the limestone walkway as he looked upon the towers with narrowed eyes, "... if Xilivicus would be anywhere, he would be stationed in rather the east or west secondary towers."
Elizabeth gasped and rushed over to Xarovica soon grasping his arm and jerking him back. A fire tower had tossed at the couple a raging fireball that struck the ground and soon faded into nothing. The Altmer glanced over to the elder and questioned, "Not even Daedra are safe in this realm, are they?"
"No one is safe anywhere," Elder-Xarovica told her while hurriedly making his way to one of the towers, hoping to evade anymore spiteful encounters with those revolving carousels of flames.
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The Hero watched as the door in the tower's keep quickly slid back showing him Oblivion's wasteland. He rushed out upon the catwalk with his sword in hand. He focused upon the Sigil tower for surely Xilivicus would be there. Out of no where, an arrow was shot from on top of one of the towers. The arrow hit the Hero's enchanted claymore soon knocking it from his grasp. His eyes widened as he watched it flip through the air and soon land upon the back of the Siege Crawler. With hateful eyes, the Hero glared up in the direction the arrow had come from. Upon the tower's keep, Xilivicus kneeled with a conjured Daedric bow in his hand. As he released his grip, it disappeared into a violet swirl of smoke. A smirk pulled across his ashen lips as he knew that the Hero was now unarmed.
Out of pure lunacy, the Hero turned to the boiling river of lava and leapt through the air soon falling down upon the back of the Siege Crawler. Xilivicus' eyes widened as he could not allow his rival to do this. The Churl leapt from the tower's steeple and quickly sprinted across the ramp. With a deep breath, he leapt from the bridge and collided upon the anterior of the weapon of great devastation. He landed gracefully with his Daedric longsword gripped in his hand. His eyes narrowed and he called out, "... it has been a while, Champion."
The Hero looked upon the Churl with confusion as he thought him to be Daedric. He did not want to bother with mere questions of race and alteration. He leapt towards the Claymore and shoveled it into his palm. Just at that time, the Churl had bounded forward and swiped his sword down upon the Hero.
In a moment, the Champion lifted his claymore and blocked the blow. He shoved Xilivicus back and nearly made him loose his footing upon the machine. The Churl tossed his eyes for a second to the lava. If the Hero didn't end him, the plummet into the magma certainly would be. Upon the slender back of the Siege Crawler did they continue to clash blades. Their bodies flowed together as they came together so close it appeared that they had blended as one. Shards of metal came from their Daedric weapons for with each strike they summoned more strength to themselves.
"... not bad," the Hero huffed as he pushed his blade across Xilivicus'. He swung his arm around and pummeled his firm jagged steel gauntlet into the Churl's face soon sending him sliding across the Siege Crawler, dropping his blade into the lava below. "... But not good enough."
Xilivicus rolled to his left as the Hero brought his Claymore down in an attempt to finish the Churl. With a small smirk, Xilivicus spun around and tripped the Hero soon sending him falling upon his back. The Daedric Claymore slipped from his hand and teetered upon the end of the machine. With a chuckle, Xilivicus purred, "... I was about to say the same."
The Hero glared detestably at him as he spun upon his stomach and reached for the Claymore, his fingertips scarcely caressing across the surface of the rapier. The Churl pushed himself upon his feet and he attempted to seize the claymore as well. Just as he hunched down to pick it up, the Hero seized his leg and tore him backwards. The heavy body of the man fell upon one of the crooks of the Crawler and his shoulder was thrown out of place. He groaned in agony as he could feel the muscles and tendons pulling. His fiery eyes shifted back to the Hero as he seized his own shoulder and with one great thrust he forced it back into a place. A bloodcurdling snap echoing soon after the relocation. The Champion grasped the claymore and leapt up to his feet soon preparing his stance. The Crawler inched across the lava with quaking and jerky movements.
In front of the great gate, Daelon appeared from the hellfire. His eyes grew wide as he looked upon this hellish landscape. Never before had he seen the contents of Oblivion's realm. He stalked forward and wheezed through loose lips, "... God's blood..."
The raging storm lingering in the sky fell upon the realm as the wind lashed at the Altmer's back ripping his hair from its bondage and tossing it carelessly in the wind. As Daelon advanced he looked upon the great Siege Crawler with both interest and dread. Upon its jagged back he saw two wicked figures that moved so charismatically. He narrowed his eyes and purred gently out to the wind, "... Xilivicus...?"
A twinge rang through the Altmer's ears and hurriedly, Daelon spun around and lifted Umbra into the air. The clash of a Daedric Claymore rang against the soul trapping longsword sending out a few sparks that cascaded and vanished upon the sands of Oblivion. Daelon lifted his enlarged eyes as he beheld the beast before him. Broga's grand physique lifted into the air as he grinned down upon the Altmer. He pushed his claymore even further down soon forcing the Altmer to retreat a few steps. Daelon tore his sword away and leapt back soon preparing himself for rather a defensive or offensive stance.
Broga stepped back and removed his cuirass, gauntlets, and boots from his body. He pitilessly tossed the perfectly conditioned armor aside for he knew he would not need it. Instead, he would need much agility and speed to outmaneuver and outwit his opponent. The Dremora laughed gently as he stepped forward with the tip of his claymore dragging across the ground. "... I remember you... yes... you're Elizabeth's brother. You stood before me in Anvil. You have much courage and allegiance to stand opposed an enemy you can't conquer." Broga allowed his shoulders to fall as he cocked his head and looked upon Daelon with curiosity. "... You look as if you are inclined to challenge me. On what terms do you think you are worthy of confronting me?"
"You killed my brother," snarled Daelon who gripped the hilt of his sword even tighter. His knuckles turned pale as he bellowed out above the howling of the wind, "You killed him without mercy!"
"Oh please," scoffed Broga with a grin. "He walked into that war knowing the consequences of what may happen if he partook. It just so happened that it was I who killed him and not one of my brothers. Feel honored that he died at my hands! I would revere his spirit more than anyone else would have. Is that why you are fighting me? To bring justice to your family name?"
"Partially," Daelon replied.
Broga turned his eyes to the Siege Crawler. His eyes expanded as he saw the combating figures of the Champions. His neck stretched as he attempted to see further, alas, he couldn't. While storming toward the war gate; Broga snarled, "I do not have time to fight you, Altmer."
Daelon stepped in front of Broga with a glare. He lifted his sword and readied himself as he demanded, "Make time, Dremora."
The Commander's eyes fell upon the violet gleam of Umbra. Memories flooded his mind and softly a smirk pulled across his onyx lips as his throat sheltered a chuckle. Broga lifted his claymore while cooing, "... this may be fascinating."
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Elizabeth and Xarovica climbed the granite ramps up to the tower's keep with anticipation in their hearts. The old Dremora carried the elixir safety in a leather pack hanging from his shoulder. The old man wheezed for he hadn't gotten this much exercise in many years. However, Elizabeth was doing exceedingly well. She was reminded of the first day she spent in Oblivion and how tiring the ramps were back then. Today, she showed much more strength then she ever had. Her muscles were toned and firm as she sprinted up the ramps feeling the burn in her calves. They reached the keep and upon arrival, Elizabeth shoved open the doors rapidly and looked upon the great bridge that led out across the wasteland to another tower. The rampant winds swiped furiously at the couple as they rushed out across the bridge and stopped near the core soon turning their eyes to the Siege Crawler.
Elizabeth watched in dismay as Xilivicus' broken and bruised body toppled across the Siege Crawler and fell limply upon the beginning of the machine. The Hero huffed deep breaths as he walked forward with the claymore thirsting for its first taste of the Churl's blood. One strike, the Hero thought, and it will all be over. His golden drenched curls loosened and fell over his face as he stalked forward. Perspiration and steam from the lava burdened his body making his blood simmer. His eyes widened with lunacy as he gripped the hilt of the claymore so confidently that the steel of his gauntlets began to crush and hack into his knuckles.
Xilivicus groaned as he feebly pushed himself up on his trembling legs. Blood caressed the side of his cheek for he had been sliced there by one of the jutted sections of the Hero's gauntlets. The Churl turned to the Hero heaving weary breaths. Just as he was about to succumb to the Hero's blade, he heard someone beckon him. His eyes shifted to one of the bridges of the towers and he saw Elizabeth and Xarovica standing next to each other with gloom written on their poises. His eyes narrowed as he called out, "... Elizabeth?"
The Hero grimaced and turned as well to see the maiden. His heart swelled and he rejoiced in her safety; however, cursed her abrupt entrance for now she would have to witness the former-Dremora's demise. With a scowl, the Hero turned back to Xilivicus and lifted the claymore to strike. Elizabeth's eyes widened as she screamed the Churl's name. Xilivicus faced forward and in a moment's notice he dodged the wicked rapier by diving forward and rolling across the surface of the crawler.
Xarovica dug his worn hand through his pack soon lifting from the contents the Elixir of Death which would convert his brother back into his Daedric form. "... Xilivicus!"
The Churl tossed his eyes over and watched as the elder tossed the gleaming onyx bottle through the air. Just as the wind had kissed the bottle, the Hero turned and prepared himself. The Churl stepped forward reaching his hand out into the air arranging himself to seize it before it plummeted deep beneath the scorching magma's surface. All that the Hero could hear now was his own heart race within his head. He heard naught of the thunder looming in the bloodied sky, or even the Crawler stepping forward; only his heart. With each step he took forward towards the Churl, he heard his heart pound even louder until it was nearly shattering his eardrums.
Xilivicus' body stretched as he pulled himself into the air and reached his hand high into the heavens. His fingertips were trembling as he could feel the soft cold surface of the bottle kiss his fingertips. His eyes widened as he was sure that he wouldn't be able to grasp such a sleek item. Abruptly, the churl felt a twinge of pain in his side as the Hero dug his jagged steel shoulder into his side. Xilivicus felt his veins rush with fear as he toppled through the air. He couldn't remember much after besides watching as the sky grew farther away as he plummeted downward. He reached his hand for one of the mechanical legs of the Siege Crawler; however, it was far from his reach. He shifted in the air and turned to see boiling gasses of the lava explode and consume his body. His armor disintegrated and his skin turned black as he was charred. The life slipped from him as he plummeted into the embrace of the magma.
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Broga skidded across the ground with a chuckle. He lifted himself and turned towards Daelon with a grin as he lifted his knuckles and brushed away the few droplets of blood that rolled down from the corner of his lips. "... very good... very good."
Daelon clutched tightly onto Umbra as he steadied himself. He felt the energy rushing through his body as he gripped even tighter upon this soul-trapping sword. Broga's Daedric Claymore had been torn from his hands and tossed many feet away; lying beneath a boulder. The Dremora sidestepped while questioning, "... what was the deal, hmm? That is how you got that sword, right?"
The Altmer turned his head and spit a mixture of saliva and blood as he replied, "... it's... none of your concern, demon."
Broga laughed as he continued to pace around Daelon. He kept his senses alert as he stepped around the Altmer, hoping that he would not attempt to attack him. "... you think that you were exalted with this much power naturally? That sword is absorbing your soul as long as you hold onto it and demonstrate to it your perpetual fury. Considering as to how it is I who you are attacking, I would suppose that Vile wanted my soul as well. Also judging by the matter of circumstances, the deal was my soul for the safe return of your sister, am I correct?"
Daelon narrowed his eyes and held Umbra even closer to himself as he snarled, "... and here I thought all Daedra were imprudent murdering zealots."
"Oh no," Broga chuckled while stepping closer; "... that's just the majority of my Kyn. Release the blade now, Altmer. I do not wish to soil my hands with the blood of another Asquerana."
An ear-shattering scream shattered across the plane of Oblivion causing Daelon to swirl around with widened eyes. His ears fell as he looked up to one of the towers and wheezed, "... Elizabeth!"
Broga tossed his eyes up to the tower for a mere second. He soon returned his gaze to the Altmer and in a moment's notice he sprinted forward and tackled Daelon to the ground. The two figures clashed upon the sands of Oblivion. The Commander's immense figure nearly crushed the Altmer as Broga shifted all his weight upon him, attempting to free his grasp on Umbra. Daelon groaned as he felt his body compressing under Broga's weight. He finally freed his hand and watched as the Dremora lifted the sword and held strongly to it.
"Go ahead," snarled Daelon as he pressed his face into the ground. "... Finish me here!"
Broga pushed himself off the ground while forcing Umbra into a sheath upon his belt. He tossed his eyes down to the Altmer and with a snarl the Dremora hissed, "... it's not you who I have dealings with, Asquerana. Feel honored that I am showing you sympathy. Cross my path again and you will not be as fortunate."
The Dremora hastily turned his back and rushed off to the left tower. His heart hardened as he walked off for he knew that it wouldn't be much longer until his hands were soiled once more with blood.
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Upon one of the jagged cherry colored spikes did the maiden fall upon. Her arms were wrapped around the base as she heaved heavily sobs from her burdened chest. Her nails scrapped away from the thorn upon the bridge's side as she watched the magma with a faint grasp upon a dying hope. Xarovica wrapped his arms around her and quickly lifted her from the ground with a soft soothing voice, "... Elizabeth... he's gone. There's nothing you can do now. We need to get to the Sigil keep and close this gate before that machine breeches the portal and destroys Tamriel."
The Altmer held herself up as she looked down upon the Siege Crawler. Judging by its current position, they only had ten minutes or so. While wiping her eyes she turned to the Hero and called out in a faltering voice, "... sir k-knight..." The Hero lifted his eyes and looked over to the bridge to see Elizabeth. He frowned and remained silent. He didn't even know he had the courage to face her at the moment. Elizabeth swallowed the dryness in her mouth as she called out to him, "... accompany the Elder and I... to the Sigil keep. W...We will need your brawn."
"Yes, my lady," the Hero croaked as he stepped forward to leap from the machine and out upon the land of Oblivion. Suddenly, a figure caught his eye and he looked up to see creeping across the bridge was Broga with his sword drawn. The Hero's eyes widened and he called out, "Elizabeth! Behind you!"
The Altmer furrowed her brow as she spun around and all she saw was a purple gleam of an onyx blade fall down towards her side. She gasped and leapt back and saw Xarovica leap forward a purple swirl of magicka formed and elongated from his palm soon turning into a staff. Umbra dug deep within the wood of the staff; however, did not fully slice through. Broga grinned as he attempted to force the rapier to snap the staff in half. His crimson eyes were on fire as he looked upon the Elder-commander. "... you traitor," Broga scoffed with a sneer.
Xarovica narrowed his eyes for even within his own frail appearance he held much strength and energy. He held back the muscular Dremora while snarling back, "... I'm simply choosing the stronger side, Commander. I'm choosing the side which will win."
Elizabeth stepped back even further and with a useless disposition she inquired of the Elder, "... what shall I do, Xarovica?"
The Elder winced as he could feel the blade beginning to pierce even more of the staff. He glanced over his shoulder and snarled, "... you and the Champion shall dash to the Sigil Keep. Remove the Sigil stone from its pedestal and begin the last chapter of the journey to shut close the jaws of Oblivion evermore."
The Altmer narrowed her eyes and nodded obediently. She turned and began to jog away. Just as she thought of it she turned and called out to the Elder, "... thank you." With that, she returned to sprinting down the bridge. She looked upon the Siege Crawler and bellowed out, "Meet me at the tower doors, now! We don't have much time left!"
The Hero nodded and quickly ran down the spine of the machine. He forced all his energy into his boots as he bounded off one of the jagged legs and leapt towards the right bridge. He extended a hand and quickly seized one of the jagged thorns. He gasped and watched as he slid down slightly. His teeth gnashed and his brow furrowed over his woodland eyes as he pulled himself up and slung his leg onto the bridge. He crawled his way up and hurriedly sprinted to the meeting place.
Broga watched with narrowed eyes and a smirk pulling across his lips. He looked back upon his Elder and snarled, "How long can you hold me back, old man? Your fighting skills cannot even compare to those of mine."
"True," Xarovica hissed while arching an eyebrow as he questioned, "... but who ever said I was going to fight you? I am merely here to stall time for the maiden."
"She won't make it to the keep," Broga spat while forcing the sword even further into the baton. "I'll have her before she even makes it to the ramps."
Xarovica narrowed his eyes as he snarled, "... we'll see about that..."
Umbra broke through the staff and just as the wicked blade kissed the ancestor's skin, he turned to dark fumes and disappeared in the howling wind. Broga stumbled forward with a gasp as he became rather befuddled. However, Xarovica was a great sorcerer. His magic exceeded any being on either Oblivion's planes or Tamriel's. The Commander lifted his eyes and saw Elizabeth staring back at him. She had forced the inferior tower's door open with fear lingering in those pools of sapphire. Broga sheltered a smirk as he lifted himself and sheathed Umbra.
Elizabeth gnashed her teeth while sprinting into the tower and disappearing within its dark void. The Commander laughed and he became a dark blur as his body tore through the air and his feet pounded across the limestone bridge sending him even farther and faster forward. It wouldn't be long now until he caught up with the maiden and her knight. Not long at all.
-+-
A black spiraling smoke appeared before the pit of lava of which the great Crawler walked upon. Xarovica formed from this mist and his eyes had hardened to stone as he looked upon the machine. He lifted his hands and extended his jagged slender fingers outwards as a jade colored fog began to form before him. Sweat fell from his brow and he dug his feet into the ground as he tossed the spell at the machine. The advancing machine gave off a great metallic shriek as the Elder's grand telekinesis spell attempted to prevent it from escaping onto Tamriel. Its metal legs pushed through the lava; however, its jagged insect body did not move.
Xarovica gnashed his jagged teeth as he felt all the magicka drain from his core. He focused his mind upon the main parts of his body that gave off the magicka. He focused his concentration upon stabilizing those sections long enough that it would give the maiden and the Champion enough time to make it to the Sigil keep and stop this war before all hope for freedom and life was lost.
--TBC--
READ AND REVIEW! Also, just in case anyone cares-- I have a deviantArt site that has pictures of this fanfiction. I only have two I think, but I'll get more soon --The one I want to upload is a big spoiler for the next Fanfiction I'm going to do--. If you want to look at them just review to me that you want to look at them and I'll give you the URL address. Thank you all again. Much love.