KrystylSky: Thank you dear.

Herelies: All good points dear. I too wanted to slap Vilkas a few times. Sex for the first time is always awkward. Next time, it probably won't be so bad. Vilkas feels like he needs to be the man in their relationship but now that Vincent is no longer the blushing virgin, he'll give Vilkas one hell of a run for his money. There is a reason for the silence of Vilkas' wolf and Vincent's spirit acting up. I'm not going to explain it here but all will be revealed soon.

Kogouma: I'm glad you liked the chapter dear. Yes, guessing time indeed. Good luck.

Chapter 19- The One

Born to push you around

You better just stay down
you pull away, he hits the flesh

You hit the ground

Mouths so full of lies
Tend to black your eyes
Just keep them closed
Keep praying, just keep waiting

Waiting for the one
the day that never comes
When you stand up and feel the warmth
But the sunshine never comes, no
No, the sunshine never comes

Metallica- The day that never comes-

Vincent felt like he'd been kicked in the gut over and over. He took in breath and felt his ribs ache. They felt broken… He was on some kind of stone floor. It was dark around him and his senses were failing him. He moved his hand to weakly palm his side through his clothes. Although his ribs hurt like they had been broken, Vincent found them in place and unharmed.

"Vincent…"

He groaned softly, just barely hearing his name. He moved his legs in a weak attempt to get to his feet but he ended up just flailing slightly on the floor. He felt like he was being stabbed in the stomach with a hot poker. That was talent he supposed…seeing as he hasn't felt actual hot or cold in nine years.

"Vincent…? Baby…?"

Was that…? His ears perked slightly and he wiggled about on the floor again. That sounded like his mother. He strained his eyes, looking around in the darkness and seeing nothing. He wanted to call out to her but he felt foolish at the thought. She'd been dead for years…Then again, weirder things had happened.

"Vincent."

Her voice was suddenly so close and so clear that Vincent's body tensed. He blinked and suddenly there she was. She stood in front of him, looking as beautiful as the last time he saw her. She was looking down at him with her kind, understanding blue eyes and smiled a loving smile.

"…Mom?"

"What are you doing on the floor, silly boy? Come on, get up."

The pain seemed to fade at her words and he found no trouble getting to his feet. Odd… He eyed her suspiciously. Something wasn't right…

"Why are you starring at me son? Come on now. I need help getting dinner ready. Your father and Grace will be home soon."

"Father…and Grace?"

"That's right. They are out on the boat. Your father said he'd bring us home lots of fish and he took Grace with him for the experience." She giggled. "so cute."

Vincent glanced down at himself and found he was dressed in his usual attire…that included the coat that Grace had made for him. She made this coat when they were orphaned… He glanced back up at his mother, who was waiting patiently.

"Dad died when I was young. I don't even remember him."

She frowned. "What are you talking about? He didn't die Vincent! What a horrible thing to say!" She tutted. "Knock off that insensible behavior and come help me make dinner."

It hit him suddenly and Vincent scowled deeply. "No."

"Excuse me? Vincent Renalt, don't you dare say no to your mother like that!"

"You're not my mom. You're not even real."

All expression suddenly faded from her face and she adopted a porcelain doll demeanor. Her full lips opened and closed as if she was repeating a silent mantra to herself before her head cracked violently and disturbingly to the side. A grin cracked through her doll-like visage. Her words were horribly distorted and low. "You're no fun."

Instantly Vincent's body exploded with pain and he toppled over. He fell to his knee's and grit in teeth. He was determined not to crawl into his normal fetal position and tried to hoist himself upright. The doll before him let out a high pitched cackle before crumbling to dust.

"Good morning, my little spitfire."

Vincent bolted up from the floor and cringed as searing hot pain exploded in his body. His vision blurred and swayed but he forced himself to stay conscious. He was here! He was close!

"you've been busy, I see."

Vincent whirled around to see Cadrian sitting in a chair behind him. He hadn't been there a moment before but now the vampire sat calmly as if nothing was amiss. A small light shined from above but Vincent could tell by the color it was not sunlight.

"You seem surprised." Cadrian folded his hands over his knee and smiled fondly at Vincent as if they were father and son, long apart and now reunited. "did you honestly think I would not find you?"

"That was low Cadrian…" Vincent coughed and grit himself against the pain. "How did you even know what my mother looked like!?"

Cadrian shrugged. "I have my ways. Now…tell me…DID you…honestly think…I would not find you?" Cadrian punctuated each word as if he was speaking to a child.

Vincent swayed slightly in place. He was caught between the instinct to fight or flee. Every breath was a pained labor so he stayed put and grit his teeth. "No…"

"No…? No what? I know it must be hard for you but try to use your words, my dear."

"I knew you would." Vincent snapped through his grit teeth.

"So angry…relax my boy and have a seat."

Vincent suddenly felt something bump against his leg and he glanced down to see a small wooden chair had appeared beside him. "I'm okay…standing…"

"No really. I insist. We will have a wonderful talk as soon as you sit down."

Vincent eyed him warily but took the seat. He couldn't feel the normal weight of his mace within his coat and he had no idea where he was. The last he remembered he was with Vilkas doing…things… Oh Vilkas…Where were you?

"Thinking of your friend?"

Vincent snapped back to Cadrian and scowled. "Leave me alone."

"You know I'll never do that, silly boy." He waved a hand nonchalantly. "but do tell me who you are thinking of."

"None of your business."

"Your business is my business. Tell me who you cherish most, Vincent…" He grinned and without missing a beat said, "…So I can have the pleasure of ripping them apart."

"Daric." Vincent spoke, crossing his arms. The pain was still lingering but it was not as intense as before. "I cherish him. Tear him apart."

"oh, you are not even trying to lie…although I am sure that Daric would be pleased to hear that you cherished him…lie or not." He sighed but still smiled. "It's not worth protecting filth."

Vincent raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"don't play coy with me, boy. I've kept an eye on you through my network. You couldn't have run to a different part of Nirn? I despise Skyrim. It's too cold here and the people are barbaric."

"I ran out of places to run." Vincent spat at him distastefully.

"I do love how you scurry away like a frightened rabbit." He eyed Vincent with a sharp, red eyed stare. "Where will you scurry off too next, little rabbit?"

"I'm…not going anywhere."

"…"

Vincent knew only a few things rendered Cadrian silent. Surprise and anger. He was guessing this was surprise.

"Come again?" Cadrian asked after a moment.

"I'm not running anymore."

"Ah…well…good. It has been a long time and although the chase has been fun, I am glad you are finally giving up. I've miss-"

"No."

"…no?" He asked again, sounding amused.

"I'm not afraid of you. I'm going to kill you for what you've done."

Cadrian cocked his head to the side curiously. "kill me? Oh my."

"you're mocking me."

"I am." he clapped his hands. "I know you are an idiot, my dove but I am pleased to see you are not completely hopeless. You do realize how futile this all is right? I always chase, I always catch and I will always get what I want."

"You didn't get your sister."

"…"

Vincent was guessing that silence was anger. "speechless?"

"I could come up with something cheeky like mocking how you failed your own but that would require her to really be your sister."

"She WAS my sister."

"Was she?"

Vincent scowled deeper if possible and stood up abruptly. He ignored the hash pain that shot up his spine. "Shut. Up."

"Oh yes, Vincent my love. Lash out. It is what you do best. Lash out a hurt the feelings of the ones who love you most."

"You don't have feelings." Vincent scoffed. "You don't even have a heart. You don't care about anyone other then yourself!"

"So true." He shrugged. "the road to power is paved in the bodies of friends and family. All expendable. All worthless. All things I am willing to dispose of. This knowledge is not a surprise to you Vincent. You know this about me, so why bother stating that I 'have no heart?'"

"You'd dispose of Daric too?"

"If needed. Yes. He is useful currently. That and I don't mind his company."

"You disgust me."

Cadrian laughed and shook his head. "You look so much like my sister. She told me that once….with that same look. Ah, but we are getting off topic, aren't we? So, how is Vilkas? That is his name right? Vilkas?"

Vincent swallowed the bile that started to rise in his throat. How could he be so foolish? How could he have thought that even for a second that Cadrian didn't know about Vilkas?!

"Ah, silence. that's fine. Enjoy your time with him Vincent, dear. Love. Have faith in him. It will make his death just that much more pleasurable to witness." he stood and walked over slowly, to loom over Vincent. "When I extinguish his small…pitiful…insignificant spark of life…I want to see you crumble inside. I want to see you broken like I did the day that stupid little girl died."

"You won't break me." Vincent spoke and managed to keep his voice steady. He feared Cadrian but he couldn't run anymore. He needed to stand tall and be a man. He wouldn't abandon the companions now. They needed him right now and he needed them. He needed Vilkas. "I'll kill you. I'll end this fear you spread like foul poison in the hearts of all men."

"Very poetic." Cadrian straightened out and folded his hands behind his back. "Enjoy the time you have left, my dear. I will see you soon."

"You're a liar…You'll send Daric to do it."

Cadrian laughed and easily strode away, not denying the claim. The space around Vincent began to fade and darkness started to sink in around him. He strangely had no fear and his pain faded at the encroaching darkness. He felt rooted on the spot and he could only glare at Cadrian's retreating visage.

Vincent snapped awake at the gentle touch on his cheek. His eyes darted wildly before resting to the owner of the hand. Vilkas sat beside him and withdrew his hand once Vincent woke. Vilkas was in his normal attire and had apparently been sitting by his side for some time.

"How long have I been sleeping?"

"Only a few hours." Vilkas moved his hand back to Vincent's cheek and caressed it gently. "You seemed tired so I let you sleep."

"I wish you hadn't…" Vincent shifted slightly and realized that he was naked under the covers. The day's events came rushing back and he blushed slightly in embarrassment.

He heard Vilkas chuckle lowly at his embarrassment. "Bad dream?"

"Sort of." when Vilkas lifted an eyebrow, Vincent sighed. "Stupid mage power. Don't worry about it."

"Don't tell me that. Explain." Vilkas scowled, his eyes narrowing in slight suspicion.

"It's…magic. Powerful ancient magic that allows two mages to communicate through dreams. A powerful mage can even simulate environment, physical pain and other significant properties."

"…"

"Yeah. Magic."

Vilkas huffed. "Magic…" He rolled his eyes. "I take it that it was Cadrian?"

"Yeah. He knows where I am but that's hardly a surprise." Vincent sat up in bed and instantly rested his head on Vilkas shoulder. He was actually relived when Vilkas' arms instantly wrapped around him and held him close.

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Vincent cracked a smile against the cool metal of Vilkas' armor. "No. I'll be okay. I'll just take precautions to safe guard my mind in the future."

Vilkas huffed and muttered something foul and profane about magic under his breath, but rubbed Vincent's back soothingly. He really was just a big softy… Vincent just sighed and closed his eyes taking in wonderful musky smell of his lover. He was almost giddy at the thought. They were lovers now…

He'd never imagined ending up with a guy like Vilkas. Then again, he'd never taken the time to fully think about it. With a crazed psycho vampire chasing him around Nirn, he really didn't have the opportunity to think of loving someone. Even before…he'd been so occupied taking care of Grace and doing what he thought was best for her, that he hadn't seen anyone or anything.

He'd read about love in books but he didn't think he'd ever find it himself. Who would want such damaged goods? Vilkas, apparently. He felt Vilkas' hand massage his nape gently and it made him coo slightly. He shut his eyes against the feeling and hugged Vilkas tighter. He felt…safe…for the first time in a long time. Even though he'd had a rather disturbing encounter with Cadrian in the blackness of his dreams, he still felt safe. He almost felt like Cadrian wouldn't be able to get him as long as he stayed in Vilkas' arms. Almost…

"How are your hips? Are you alright?"

Vincent blinked, coming back to reality. "My…hips? Oh!" He suddenly felt embarrassed again. "I'm fine. I heal quickly as you know…I shouldn't even limp."

"That's…good." Vincent couldn't see his face from his position but he knew Vilkas was hesitating. He pulled away from their embrace and Vilkas let him slide right out of it without a fight. Vilkas face was almost furiously blank. Great.

"Listen…I…" Vincent suddenly felt a bit awkward. "I'm sorry."

"…For?"

"I…err…well…" Vincent cleared his throat. "I'll do better next time…with the whole…sleeping together….thing."

It took Vilkas a moment but Vincent could tell he finally got it. He turned his head a muttered something about it 'being fine'. there was the smallest red tinge to his cheeks and it made Vincent smile. Aw, he was blushing…

"Didn't you have to do something for Eorlund?"

Vincent almost slapped himself. "Yes…I did." he had to go through Kodlak's things. He wasn't looking forward to that.

"Only an hour or so later. I'm sure he won't mind. Do you want me to go with you?"

"No." in truth, he wanted Vilkas there, but he felt like he'd already held him up enough. "Aren't the others expecting you in the under forge?"

"Aye, but they are also expecting you. You are a member of the circle."

"I'm a big boy. I can manage on my own. A little ache in the hips isn't going to stop me."

"Aye. Alright."

Vincent clutched the bed sheets beneath him. He wanted to tell Vilkas so many things. He wanted to tell him everything that the taller, yet younger man meant to him. He'd read numerous romance novels and poems of romantic declaration and yet all seemed like empty words on pages now. All he could think of was, "I love you…is that okay?"

Vilkas' icy blue eyes flicked back in his direction before resolutely staring at the wall. "Aye."

"Do you love me back…?"

"..Aye."

Vincent's smile grew a bit more. "Can you say it?" He couldn't pass up the opportunity to tease Vilkas a little bit.

Vilkas paused for a moment and turned his eyes back to Vincent. Vincent's smile fell slightly. Vilkas seemed…different. Not in a bad way, per say…but…different. His embarrassment from the earlier situation seemed to have fled and replaced itself with an air of confidence. It was the same confidence that Vincent had seen Vilkas display in the heat of battle.

Vilkas got up from his seat and leaned over Vincent's sitting form. "Aye. I can." He cupped Vincent's chin and tilted it upwards. Vincent's eyes widened slightly as their gazes met head on. "I love you…" He practically purred in a husky, deep tone. "My heart belongs with you."

He then closed the gap between their mouths in a chaste yet incredibly hot kiss. Vincent was completely dumbfounded and it must have shown on his face when Vilkas pulled away because he smiled in a slightly arrogant fashion. Then he pulled away and headed for the door. Vincent stared at his retreating form with his mouth slightly gaped open.

"I'll meet you in the under forge. Everyone is waiting for you so don't be long."

Then he was gone and Vincent was left in a state of confusion, disorientation, aggravation and slight arousal. That…dick! He thrust the covers aside, grumbling to himself and stood up. Then instantly regretted that as pain shot up his spine. He sat back down quickly and rubbed his aching hips. Okay…maybe he over exaggerated when he said it didn't hurt…But he was a man, gods damnit! He might as well act like one!

Vincent took a deep breath and stood up again. The pain lessened, most likely thanks to his soul passenger. Vincent grumbled under his breath and looked around for his clothes. He'd folded his shirt, coat and vest nicely but Vilkas had practically ripped his pants off him. After a moment of searching, he found them on the floor near a chair. When he put them on, his hips ached something terrible but he bore the pain well and got them on.

The pain reminded him of his dream. There was apparently no low that Cadrian wouldn't stoop to. Then again, Vincent really shouldn't be surprised. As he finished dressing, Vincent decided he would not waste time dwelling on the encounter or anything he said. That's exactly what Cadrian would want. He would want Vincent panicking and worrying. Nope. He wouldn't give the bastard the satisfaction.

Vincent smoothed out his hair and looked himself over in a looking glass that he pulled out of his knapsack. He looked a bit ruffled and flustered but he supposed it was good enough. He did seem like he was glowing…his hormones had been kicked into overdrive due to his earlier sexual contact and he knew that Aela would instantly pick up on it.

Damnit all…

He put the looking glass away and quickly rummaged through his bag to make sure he had enough potion ingredients to make more medicine. With what he'd gathered while he was out, he'd have enough for at least two months worth. At least there was that…

He left Vilkas room and made his way a short distance down the hall to Kodlak's room. He noted, with a slight sigh that he was slightly limping. The pain he felt was different…in a way he almost liked the sore feeling. It was unlike being beaten. That ache was terrible and kept him awake a night. This ache was from deep within and strangely left him feeling whole. Weird…but he could think of no other way to describe it.

He quietly walked into Kodlak's chambers and glanced around carefully. Despite this being Kodlak's room, Vincent oddly felt as if he wasn't intruding. He still didn't want to go picking through a recently deceased persons things…but it seems he didn't have a choice. Gods he missed the old man already. He hadn't realized how close he'd become to everyone here until it was way too late. Thinking of Kodlak made him almost want to cry but he bit back the feeling of sorrow and remorse. He was here for a reason…and he'd mourn Kodlak properly once Cadrian was dead.

"Now…if I kept a blade piece close to me…where would I keep it…?" Vincent instantly thought under a pillow. Not everyone was that paranoid…Vincent had slept with a dagger under his pillow for five years…and sometimes he still wanted to. He checked under the pillows first and found nothing. That was kind of relieving…

He then checked the bedside table and two objects jumped out at him. The first was the blade piece and the second was an old leather bound journal with nothing illustrated on it. Vincent pocked the blade piece and then hesitated before picking the journal up. It really wasn't any of his business…but something in him screamed at him to read it.

Kodlak had left so many questions unanswered…Maybe in this…he could learn of the things unspoken? Vincent breathed in a shaky sigh and slowly flicked open the cover. He supposed there was no turning back now…

"The old man had one wish before he died and he didn't get it. It's as simple as that." Vilkas scowled, crossing his arms and almost glaring at Aela across from him. Farkas stood behind her and slightly off to the side, wanting nothing to do with this argument.

She crossed her arms right back and huffed. :Being moon-born is not so much of a curse as you might think, Vilkas."

Vilkas' scowl deepened. Why couldn't she just get it! "That's fine for you, but he wanted to be clean." He sighed. "He wanted to meet Ysgramor and know the glories of Sovngarde…but that was all taken from him."

"And you avenged him." She stated plainly.

"Kodlak did not care for Vengeance…" Farkas finally spoke up. Thank the Gods he did...Vilkas didn't want to think of what he'd done to the Silver Hand...

"No, Farkas, he didn't and that's not what this is about." Vilkas shot his brother a slightly approving look. "We should be honoring Kodlak, no matter our own thoughts on the blood."

Vilkas thought for a moment that Aela was going to fight him about it but she let out a low, defeated sigh. "You're right. It's what he wanted and he deserved to have it."

Vilkas uncrossed his arms and thought hard for a moment. "Kodlak used to speak of a way to cleanse his soul, even in death." he tapped his chin slightly, trying to remember. "You know the legends of the tomb of Ysgramor."

"There the souls of the Harbingers will heed the call of northern steel." Aela responded almost automatically. "We can't even enter the tomb without Wuuthrad and it's in pieces, like it has been for a thousand years."

"And Dragons were just stories and elves once ruled Skyrim." Eorlund spoke entering with Vilkas' redheaded mage in tow. Vilkas instantly swung in his direction. He was glad to see Vincent up and walking around…although he did appear to be limping ever so slightly. It was almost too subtle to catch.

Vilkas ended up crossing his arms again. His dreams told him Dragons were real…if he could believe every word and vision that were shown to him…and Elves did once rule Skyrim to his better knowledge…

"Just because something is, doesn't mean it must be." Eorlund continued, smiling smugly. "The blade is a weapon. A tool. Tools are meant to be broken and repaired."

It took Vilkas a minute…he'd been so preoccupied inspecting Vincent for discomfort that he had failed to notice the giant weapon on Eorlund's back. "Is that…? Did you repair the blade?"

"This is the first time I've had all the pieces, thanks to our shield brother here." He patted Vincent on the back and smiled when the mage squirmed slightly in embarrassment. Eorlund pulled the blade out and walked forward with Vincent close behind him. "The flames of a hero can reforge the shattered."

Vincent slowly scooted closer to Vilkas side and smiled up at him. Vilkas noticed slight discomfort in the mage's face and he didn't think it had anything to do with the mage's aching hips. Before he could ask his love what ailed him, Eorlund continued…

"The flames of Kodlak shall fuel the rebirth of Wuuthrad…and now it will take you to meet him once more." He then turned to Vincent. "As the one who bore the fragments, I think you should be the one to carry Wuuthrad into battle."

Vincent's copper eyes widened slightly. "I don't think I could even lift that."

"Nonsense." He handed over the heavy blade and Vilkas almost had to bite back an laugh when Vincent almost dropped it. Vincent rested it against the ground and held on to the handle. The sight was almost comical. "The rest of you prepare to journey to the tomb of Ysgramor. For Kodlak."

When he turned and left Farkas walked over and smiled softly at Vincent. "Want me to carry that for you?"

Vincent let out a soft sigh of relief. "Yes, please."

Aela laughed gently. "So, should he head out right away?"

Vilkas glanced down at Vincent and then back up at Aela. "The sooner we do this the better."

"Alright then. For Kodlak!"

"For Kodlak!" Vilkas and Farkas both spoke at the same time.

Farkas, Aela and Vilkas drew their weapons instantly. Vilkas felt Vincent tense beside him and pull out the ebony mace from his coat. Aela ran out first, followed closely by Farkas. Vilkas followed him and heard Vincent following closely behind. They practically stormed out of the gates of Whiterun and into the dead of night. The air was cold but refreshing and Vilkas couldn't help but feel…hopeful.

"What's going on?" Vincent asked, grabbing hold of Vilkas' arm but not slowing their pace.

"We are going to go free Kodlak." Vilkas smiled at the thought. Freedom…

"This tomb we're going to…where is it?"

"Far up north. I will guide you."

Vincent huffed. "We're walking the whole way, aren't we?"

"Aye."

"Greattt…"

Vilkas glanced down at the currently sour temper of the mage and chuckled lowly. "Want me to carry you?"

"No." He huffed. "I can walk."

"Hey! Keep up you two!" Aela yelled from in front, stopping near the stables to wait up for them. "we have a lot of ground to cover! Let's move it!"

Vincent smiled up at him despite it. "For Kodlak then?"

"For Kodlak." Vilkas confirmed softly and made sure Vincent had a good grip on his arm before following his circle mates on the path to freedom.