Thank you to everyone who read and reviewed the first chapter. I very much appreciate it!

I hope you enjoy the second chapter. Again, things are a little AU, but still follow the DB questline.

Please R&R~

With power comes responsibility.

No, Karma mused irritably, with power comes distrust.

The Redguard woman had expected it, to some extent, but she hadn't expected it to be so sudden and so intense. She'd learned from Cicero that the Listener was supposed to be the Leader of the Dark Brotherhood, but she honestly had no desire to take Astrid's job. However, even though she'd tried to make that clear, the Nord still watched her like a hawk, as if she expected treason at any moment. It was tiresome and irritating. After all, Karma had been nothing but loyal to Astrid from the moment she'd been accepted into the Brotherhood. She'd thought that, because of this, the fact that she'd become the Listener wouldn't cause so much trouble.

Oh, how wrong she'd been.

To combat the increasing discomfort she felt, Karma chose to spend more time away from the Falkreath Sanctuary completing mediocre contracts. If she was at the Sanctuary, she was spending time with Cicero or tending to her bow. It quickly became a frustrating existence. But then the Night Mother spoke to her again and gave her a contract…and without telling Astrid, she left for Volunruud to speak to a man named Amaund Motierre.

It was the beginning of something bigger than she'd ever imagined. The man had preformed the Black Sacrament in order to contract the Dark Brotherhood into assassinating the Emperor of Tamriel.

It was perfect. Karma immediately took the contract to Astrid, handing it over without even unsealing the letter given to her. In her own way, it was a message to her leader: I don't want to lead the Dark Brotherhood; I'm fine where I am. Whether or not Astrid caught the message or believed her would have to be seen later. The Redguard could only hope. Not that she had much time to think about it…the Brotherhood was suddenly alive with activity. There was a lot of preparation needed and Karma found herself in the middle of it. She had the feeling that she was being kept busy on purpose, but the hostility was waning slowly and Astrid seemed to be convinced of her honest intentions. She completed the tasks given to her without complaint, and in the time when preparation was simply waiting for days to pass, Karma spent long hours with Cicero and the Night Mother. Even with as much trouble as it had caused for her, she wanted to be a good Listener, and Cicero had become a good friend to her.

Ever since the Night Mother had spoken to her, he'd begun to hover by her almost obsessively. He seemed just as worried about someone slipping a knife in her back as she was. Karma didn't really mind it. She liked him and genuinely enjoyed his company, and decided to look at his hovering as a secondary security system beyond her own senses. She didn't even really mind the way he liked to touch her—not anything serious, just tiny brushes of his fingers across her elbow or her shoulder or the small of her back. It was as if he was verifying her existence for himself, making sure that she was tangible and real. He called her "dearest Listener" which was a little frustrating, but something she could swallow. It must have been pleasant for him to use her title, seeing as he'd been searching for a Listener for so long. She was happy to fill the spot, to see him so enthused about it. It was always better to see him cackling and singing than tense and upset.

It was obvious that Astrid still didn't like her hanging around the jester, but Karma continued to ignore that not-so-subtle message, using her title as Listener as an excuse to visit with the Keeper. There was a strange connection between them now, different from before. The Night Mother had mentioned something in one of her sessions with her…about the Keeper and the Listener being two very sacred positions. The Keeper and the Listener were a sort of team, and Karma liked to believe that they could work together to achieve Mother's best interest. It wasn't at all depressing to know that while she had been chosen as Listener, Cicero was extremely close to Mother's heart. She was satisfied to have anything at all and have her secrets intact.

Which was why it was terrifying to have it ripped away.

Karma returned from a successful mission, quiver an arrow short thanks to the death of Gauis Maro, expecting to receive another contract immediately. What she was met with in the first chamber of the sanctuary was something far different. Gabriella stopped her before she could get further into the chamber. Karma opened her mouth to tell her the news but the Dunmer stopped her,

"Yes, I know, Gaius Maro is dead. You've done very well, but we have a more pressing matter to deal with at the moment."

The Redguard tilted her head to the side with a frown, watching as Gabrielle struggled to choose her words. She let out a heavy sigh before beginning,

"…It's Cicero."

Karma's eyes widened and she felt a familiar, cold stab of fear. Cicero? She ducked past Gabriella and hurried down into the main chamber of the Sanctuary, afraid of what she might see. It wasn't at all what she expected.

Astrid was kneeling next to a wounded Veezara, to whom Babette was giving a potion to dull the pain. Festus was nearby, possibly to offer healing magic or simply help get the Argonian into the sleeping chamber. Astrid looked up at Karma when she entered, and her expression was fierce. The Redguard woman's frown deepened,

"What happened?"

"The fool went absolutely berserk! He tried to kill me!" Astrid was livid, "It was only because of Veezara that I'm unscathed. He jumped in the way to stop the fools' dagger…But he's fled from the Sanctuary…I knew that little lunatic couldn't be trusted!"

Karma refrained from asking what had been said or done prior to the incident. Cicero was sensitive about the Night Mother and Astrid tended to disrespect her often, even if it was on the sly. Festus seemed to read her expression and spoke up,

"I'm afraid it's true. If he wasn't trying to murder us all, the way he was slashing around would have been rather funny."

"Don't forget all his ranting and raving about the Night Mother," Nazir said as he entered the room, leaning to help Veezara get unsteadily to his feet, "Talking about how she was the true leader of the Brotherhood and Astrid is just a pretender,"

Karma couldn't help but to put out her hands, wanting to assist the Argonian as well, but Astrid quickly got her feet and tugged her to the side. There was a dark fire in the Nord's eyes that Karma hadn't seen before, and it was genuinely frightening.

"This situation has to be dealt with immediately, and I want you to take care of it."

Karma immediately protested, probably the first, real, straight-forward reluctance she had ever shown towards her leader, "Why me?!"

Astrid's grip on her arm tightened and her eyes narrowed angrily, "Because I've been nothing but good to you since you've arrived here. You are one of my best assassins, and you were closest to the blabbering idiot, which means you might have an easier time of getting to him. If you really want to prove to me that you aren't in league with him in order to overthrow me…" and her grip tightened further, almost threateningly, "…then you will go after Cicero and end his miserable life!"

Karma scowled, feeling the beginnings of rage licking at her insides. She tugged her arm from Astrid's grasp. She couldn't very well refuse. She wasn't in league with Cicero to overthrow the leader of the Dark Brotherhood, but she didn't want to murder her friend…her dearest Keeper…She grit her teeth and nodded once, sharply. Astrid seemed to relax a little,

"…good. But…before you do that," her voice was suddenly softer, "Find my husband and make sure he's alright. After Cicero attacked, Arnbjorn flew into a rage and followed him when he fled."

Karma nodded again and turned away. She paced deeper into the Sanctuary to gather a few of her things, as well as to stop by the Night Mother's chambers. She didn't speak, even though the Redguard attempted to contact her. Perhaps Mother wanted her to figure this out on her own. It was a depressing thought. She quickly searched through Cicero's room, finding a number of journals that contained personal thoughts. It was intriguing to read, and the fourth one gave her answers. There was another Sanctuary in Dawnstar and the passphrase of the Black Door was written down. She knew where Cicero had gone.

"…I'll be back soon, Mother…" she'd closed the coffin and locked it, placing both of her hands on the gleaming iron doors, "…this is such a mess…"

It was so damn cold in the northern reaches of Skyrim. Karma sighed heavily as she flopped down onto her bedroll right next to her campfire, watching Shadowmere graze idly on sparse grass pushing up through the frost. Astrid had allowed her to borrow the demon horse for this mission…and while he really liked the steed, she wished she didn't have to do this. She curled up tight, wrapping her arms around her knees.

She couldn't kill Cicero…she just couldn't. He was her friend, one of her closest friends, and her Keeper…well, the Night Mother's Keeper. He was very precious to Mother…but also to her. Mad or not, he seemed to accept and understand her better than anyone else she'd met after the murder of her parents and the destruction of her home. To kill him would be like robbing herself of a piece of herself…as much of a mind-twister that was.

"There is murder on the air…I can taste it."

The voice startled her, and Karma rolled to get to her feet rapidly, sword freed from its sheath in one swift movement. She was shocked to find herself staring at the transparent, glowing blue figure of a man standing before her. A spirit…something she had witnessed only once before in the depths of a Nord crypt.

"…who are you?" she asked lowly, afraid it might attack her with magic or even an ethereal weapon. Instead it made a passive gesture with its hands and spoke, the voice far off and ancient yet, like the Night Mother's, somehow familiar to her,

"My name is Lucien Lachance. In life, I was a Speaker of the Black Hand…yet you have been named Listener. There is no higher honor."

Karma slowly put her sword away and stood upright, watching as the spirit crossed to Shadowmere and greeted the horse like an old friend. The horse didn't seem at all worried or even surprised to see him, giving a snort to acknowledge him but returning to grazing soon after. The Redguard watched him carefully, uncertain,

"…How did you know I was the Listener?" It wasn't as though the title was written upon her forehead or displayed by her clothing (which wasn't even the shrouded armor the assassins of the Brotherhood wore). Lucien faced her again, bright but flat eyes boring into hers,

"Because the Night Mother called to her beloved husband and the Dread Father sent me to speak with you. He knows who you are and the turmoil you are experiencing. He believed that I could be of help to you,"

If Karma wasn't staring at him right now, the idea would have seemed ridiculous, but she couldn't deny his words. He was obviously from beyond the Void, connected to her through forces she couldn't understand. The chance was almost once in a lifetime, and she stepped forward cautiously,

"…The Leader of the Brotherhood, Astrid, has sent me to kill Cicero, the Keeper of the Night Mother. I…I don't want to do it. Cicero is a good friend to me, and I know he is precious to Mother. But Astrid…she believes me to be in league with Cicero to overthrow her, so I must find a way to convince her otherwise…"

Lucien was silent for several long moments, watching her watch him. He seemed to mull it over from every angle he could before speaking, "…there was a disturbance in the Void," he admitted lowly, "The Dread Father does not wish him dead. Keeper is a sacred position within the Dark Brotherhood. Tell me, Listener, do you trust in our Lady's wisdom?"

Karma stammered to answer. Of course she did. From the moment the Night Mother had invaded her conscious, forever taking a back-seat within the recesses of her mind and becoming a deep part of her, she had never detected any deceit or hostility from the Unholy Matron. The Night Mother looked out for the best interest of her children, and those who gained special favor with her received other rewards, whether they be given in life or afterwards.

"I would do anything for the Night Mother," she admitted easily, whispering the words she had heard Cicero utter the first time she'd ever laid eyes upon him, "Because it is her words we follow. Her will…"

Lucien seemed satisfied with the answer, nodding his head. Karma heaved a sigh. Mother wouldn't want Cicero dead, and Lucien had said that Sithis did not wish it either. It was a dire choice now…go against the Dread Father and Unholy Matron…or disobey her leader. One option was far scarier than the other, and that one definitely seemed to have more serious repercussions. The Redguard flopped back down onto her bedroll,

"…I'm still not sure what to do. I guess I'll have to cross that bridge when I find him."

"I am certain that you will make the right choice, Listener," Lucien said lightly, as if it were obvious, "You remind me of another Listener I knew. It seems like ages ago,"

Karma looked up at the ghostly figure with a weak smile, "…are you here to stay, or do you have to go back to Father's side?"

"My time here is limited, but we are connected now, you and I, through the powers of the Void. If you need me, you will find a way to contact me," He came closer, kneeling by her side and holding out his hand. Karma reached back timidly, stunned to find she could grasp his forearm in the friendly gesture of hellos and goodbyes, "Your enemies will soon know the wrath of Sithis."

He faded from existence, leaving a cold air—colder than the frost—behind. Karma shivered and inched closer to the fire. Well…at least if she made the choice against Astrid, the Dread Father and Mother wouldn't hate her, right? She could deal with Astrid being angry, but Sithis? There really wasn't anything she could think of that would be worth stoking that sort of fire. If Cicero wasn't her friend, well…that probably would have been enough to convince her.

Cicero could hear the sounds of someone rushing through the Sanctuary, springing the traps he'd set and angering the spectral assassins he'd called up to guard the way. It was only a matter of time before whomever it was reached him, and with the large gash in his side, he was in no condition to fight. He was staunching the blood flow with his hand to little avail, and his extremities were slowly growing cold. He would meet the Dread Father in the Void soon…he was sure of that. The stupid hulking sheepdog had managed that one, well placed hit. He hoped that the mutt had bled to death—he'd surely sliced up the ignorant hound more than this!

The jester was mostly silent; muttering at the back of his mind, leaving Cicero free to think in what must be the last minutes of his life. The dying howl of the frost troll that had taken up residence in one part of the abandoned Sanctuary brought him back to consciousness and he watched the door, waiting uncertainly for whoever would come through. It was almost over now…perhaps once he was dead he would finally be able to hear Mother's voice…

Sickness crept into him when the door was pushed open and Karma stepped in. She was panting and obviously exhausted by the obstacles he'd set in her path, but she seemed mostly unharmed. Her sword was in her right hand and her hair was falling into her face, plastered to her forehead with sweat. It took her a moment to catch her breath,

"Cicero."

A simple statement, very little emotion behind it. The Imperial frowned. Of course Astrid would send her…dearest Listener…to do the deed! The foul witch! Perhaps she expected the two of them to kill each other! At the thought he let out a shrill little cackle,

"Okay so Cicero admits-! I attacked that she-devil, Astrid! But what is a fool to do when his mother is slandered and mocked?! Surely the Listener understands!"

Karma remained silent though, and his mind reeled with the possibility that she would follow Astrid's rule and kill him anyways. He had begun to believe that they had become friends in a way, linked through their connection to the Night Mother, but he knew better than anyone that people were quick to turn against those close to them if the incentive was tempting enough.

"You caught me," he said lowly, averting his gaze from her angrily, "I surrender," but he couldn't help the agonized sound that escaped him, "This isn't at all what Mother would want! You kill the Keeper or I kill the Listener? It's madness-!" In the moment of panic and mind-numbing pain, he continued to babble, "Killing me would be a mistake…Our Mother would be so displeased! She's your Mother too, isn't she, Listener?"

The silence from the Listener was almost painful, but he heard the sound of a sword sliding back into a sheath and looked up in surprise. Karma was advancing towards him, removing the glove on her left hand. Her expression was soft but concerned,

"…let me see that wound."

Cicero blinked at her rather dumbly, not understanding. The Redguard kneeled down beside him, carefully pushing his hands from the wound and examining it carefully. She sucked in a deep breath and placed both of her palms over the gash. Cicero twitched away from her, mostly out of shock. Under her hands an immense heat began to burn and then the strangest sensation—his muscle and skin sewing itself back together as if a knife had never kissed him. Even after the wound was healed, she continued, pushing healing energy into him until the warmth returned to the very tips of his fingers.

Then she pulled back, breathing hard again, doubling over just a little. Cicero watched her uncertainly, feeling terribly out of his element with the jester so quiet in the back of his mind. If he would start talking, singing, screaming, laughing, maybe he could process this easier. The pain subsided and slowly sat up. He could have leapt up and taken her life easily, one swift jab with his dagger, but he stayed still. Karma lifted her head and met his eyes, her own chocolate colored ones filled with a fierce fire he couldn't identify.

"By Sithis, Cicero…don't you ever put me in a situation like this again!"

Cicero was about to fire back a reply, but he didn't get the chance. The Redguard had thrown herself at him, wrapping her arms around him tightly and burying her face into the nook of his shoulder. She was trembling and he realized, with a slight delay, that she was holding back a wave of emotion. Was she close to tears? Such a thing seemed so out of place and impossible for the Listener…but she was human and capable of such. The jester giggled just a little, but Cicero was still left without his insane guidance for what to do now.

"I was so afraid that you'd be dead by the time I got here," Karma whispered lowly, her voice muffled by his shoulder, "And damn it, you put me in such a tight spot! I just can't do it…there's never been anyone I couldn't kill before!"

Cicero was the one silent now, listening to her sobbing breaths against his ear. He hesitated, but returned her embrace, something that seemed to calm her down a bit. The jester gave another few cackles, amused by their close proximity, by the warmth of her body and the softness he knew resided under her armor. He cleared his throat,

"Well, you're making the right choice, Listener, by sparing poor Cicero…after all, Mother would be…"

Karma cut him off, "It has nothing to do with Mother!"

At first he thought she was meaning to be offensive, and his body tensed with sudden fury—the Listener couldn't possibly slander dearest Mother!—but she continued softly afterwards, releasing him and sitting back to look him in the eye,

"Yes, Mother wouldn't like it if I killed you…and neither would the Dread Father, for that matter…but I'm not really doing it for Mother. Forgive me, Cicero, but I'm being selfish. I'm sparing your life because you're my friend, because you and I are a team of sorts and I don't want that to go away. I don't want to have to remember you, I want to be able to see and touch you, to speak with you, to…" she cleared her throat and dropped her gaze, "…so I'm going to lie to Astrid, that simple. You won't be able to come back to care for Mother, but I can do it in your absence, until I can figure out what to do…is that alright?"

Cicero stared at her in awe. The jester burst into glorious laughter. The Listener seemed more and more perfect all the time. His dearest Listener…

AN: The idea of receiving that summon Lucien scroll is sort of creepy to me. :I

I think it's a little more...cool...this way. Tell me what you think~