RWBY: Reign of Alduin

by Aria of Ashes

After vexing fate, Alduin the Tyrant Wyrm, was cast from the Heavens and unto primeval Remnant. Stricken by defeat, body lying sundered, he seethes unending malice. Yet there is a young woman who would play nurse to the World Eater. She would give him the one thing he never had: Sympathy, from a human perspective. Will this one act of kindness save the world? Or doom it...

5. The First Step

Slowly did silver eyes flutter open as thin arms flexed outward. Ruth yawned as she rose into a sitting position. Her bare feet laid against something cold. She stared downward - between her legs - and towards... Glass? There was no soil but glass.

"Wh... Where's my bed?" Ruth felt confused and even bewildered at the sight of black glass beneath her. The entireity of the floor was glass. The girl slowly extended her arm as her fingers grazed against the hardened earth, "W... What happened last night? I remember..."

Ruth propped herself atop her elbows as she began to think. A gentle warmth emanated from behind her. Her back lay against something tough and hard. The air was cold. The girl did push herself further into the warmth as she relaxed herself. She was in no danger now and as such in no need to grow fearful.

Silver eyes scanned her environment. It was very dark... No stars in the night sky. It must be close to morning, then... Or maybe she slept through the day and now night has only just fallen? She wasn't certain. No moon either... Mayhaps it was late into the night?

"I... Huh! The Dragon..." She remembered then what had transpired. She did recall swearing her soul to him and he, in return, anointing her as his Chosen Prophet. Ruth did remember how the Dragon, her new God of worship, had tired of words. He slept... She recalled sleeping alongside him, too, "S-ser... Ser Dragon...?"

Her voice did echo slightly into the darkness of night. She could hear a muffled hiss from above her. She could see nothing, however, even as her eyes stared intently. She felt fear returning to her heart.

"S-ser Dragon! Where are you!?" Ruth's voice was small and meager even as a repressed need for another resurfaced after years of abandonment, "I... I-I... S-ser Dragon...?" Blinding red light did beam down from on high. Trembling arms raised to cover her eyes from the assaulting force, "Ahh!"

"Rrrrrnnnnnnssssss..."

"W-wha..." Silver eyes did gaze upon a great blood-star. It's shine did erupt from the inky darkness up above. It's rays cast an eerie light through the cracks of her fingers. Within the core of the blood-star did lie a great snow-white orb. Ruth's shaking arms lowered as her eyes adjusted to the crimson rays - and lo! She did witness the star's core thin and lengthen into a sharp slit.

"Grgrgrgrgrgr... Rrrrrnnnnngsgsgsgsssss..." A low and grumbling hiss did below from the blood-star, "Pyt... Pyt... Rrrrnnnnnssssss...!" The night sky seemed to quake before Ruth's very eyes as it echoed a strange sound. Tightly did her hand cling to her medallion as the blood-star shrunk in on itself. Cracks fromed in the darkness as blinding gold spilt upon her.

"Bbbbbgggggggrrrrrr!"

The ground did shake as Ruth cried out. Her spare hand grasped onto the solid, jagged, and unnaturally warm wall behind her. In her panic she ignored the burning pain as her palm burned and boilied. Her teeth chattered as her raven-black hair began flowing. The wind picked up.

"Hi vopraan zey. Druv?" A thundering voice boomed from within the blood-star, "Thou hath stirred thee. What is thou's penchant: foolishness?" At once did Ruth's fearful heart begin to slow. The voice... She knew that voice. It was the voice of her God... The Dragon known as Alduin. She did sigh as her fear gave way to simple anxiety.

"I... M-my apologies, ser Dragon. I did not mean to awaken you..." Cracks appeared in the darkness as it gave way to blue skies. She spied that the night was in fact the great serpent-neck of her new leige. He slithered as the true sky revealed itself where once his black scales rested, "O-oh! Bright..." Golden sunlight blinded her. Young Ruth did shield her eyes from attacking force subsequently. It did little to help.

"Thou art a noisy sleeper, Pyt,' Only now did her dainty fingers release the burning object behind her. Ruth hardly felt anything yet the sight of her hand brought disgust to her features, "Why dou'st thee dream such frights?'

The girl did frown as she inspected her injury. She couldn't help but half-heartedly chuckle when she realized it was the same hand she had burnt yesterday. Blisters had begun to take form amongst bright red and peeling flesh. She must of touched one of the Dragon's scales...

"My father, ser Dragon. I dream about the day my father died..." Crestfallen eyes did level themselves to glassen earth. She felt her heart ache as bitter memories returned to her. The young woman did sigh deeply as she began to stand, "I shouldn't darken our mood with such talk. My apologies."

"Do not apologize for speaking thou's mind. Thy recalls thou mentioning a late father. How did he meet his end?" The Dragon God's neck did curve much more swiftly and fluidly then the day before, Ruth noticed. Some of his injuries had shrunken, too. Gashes had been reduced to mere cuts or slices... The Hell-eye did peer upon her form from up high.

"He... B-burned. I was only a few winters old... I remember men in black robes taking him away. I don't know why they killed him," Ruth spoke sorrowfully as her words did pepper the keen Dragon. Her eyes were distant, "What of you, ser Dragon. Do you have a father?" She expected the answer to be nought. The girl was under no delusions; Gods exist. They always have... Like time. Or lightning. They were not born or created.

"Aye. My father, Bormah, is a petulant and childish oaf! His mind is scarce... He doth grow weary in his old age,' A long and sharp tongue did slither between massive fangs as the God spoke with vehemence, "He thought he knew better then me... Oafish dullard. He mistakenly thought he could challenge Zu'u, Alduin!" The ruby-eye peered upwards to the sun as the Dragon's body began to shift.

Ruth saw a great whip-like limb rise hundreds of feet into the air. It did resemble a long and black serpent as it whipped at the sky - thunder booming from each movement. The girl did clutch her ears at the invading cacophony. She could feel the scales against her back heating up.

"You art fool, Bormah! Zu'u fen nahlok dii viik! Hi fen aus! Nahkriin! Thou should of finished thy when thee had thou's chance..." The great Dragon did lower his gaze upon his frightened follower. Ruth had fallen onto her knees during the Dragon God's tirade. He cocked his head as his pointed tongue did lap at the air, "Thou art injured... Thee's blood is sweet tasting."

"S-ser Drag—"

"Call thee Alduin! Thy art Alduin, not a ser! Sers are Mortal... Human. Dou'st thee think thy so lowly?" The snout of the beast lowered as it's wing shifted above her. The girl struggled to not simply scream from fear as the Hell-eye blazed immense heat upon her, "Speak, joor." Sweat trickled down her skin. She could feel her fear growing.

"N-no, I-I... I was being polite, s-se... Lord A-Alduin... I—"

"Lord? Dou'st thee look a lord to ye?" Silver eyes did shine with confusion as the Hell-eye began to relax ever so slightly, "Thy art King! The God-King of kings... Call thee Alduin or call thee God-King, but never lord! Dou'st thee understand?" Ruth nodded quickly. The Dragon hissed as he suddenly rested his great maw against the earth. She avoided his malicious gaze. Ruth shivered when she felt the Dragon's tongue lightly proded at her form. Not a lick per say so much as it was a poke.

"Thee tastes of the All-life... No, like the All-life. Show thy your wound." Slowly did her trembling arm raise into the air. She extended her fingers to show her palm. The snow-pupil did narrow upon it as the Dragon huffed loudly. He did shift his serpent-neck so his maw may rest within arms reach of Ruth. His jaws were open slightly - his massive fangs showing plainly. The girl did swallow a dry lump in her throat. She did not like it when her God drew so closely... She could feel the immense heat radiating off of him.

As the God did spy her wound did Ruth dare to think. He claimed to have a father... Bormah? Was Bormah his father or merely a word to him? The girl was confused. All her life the village-cleric amongst others had said that Gods were not born - they merely exist. Yet this Dragon said otherwise... What did that imply about the Gods?

"Rrrrrrrrggggggnnnnnnsssssss..." The star-beast did drew a great bellowing breath as he rose upwards. Ruth felt the wind blowing against her hair as she trembled. She knew not what his desire was, yet she could determine he was preparing for... Something, "VAHRAAN!" Silver eyes shut tightly as a great wind blew against them.

A cascade of yellowish-white light emanated from the Dragon's now wide open snout. The girl clutched her ears at the booming of his yell, her teeth gritting, her heart pounding. Yet she could feel the pain within hee foot and hand subsiding. She felt a great and soothing warmth within herself; a feeling of... Assurance. The golden-emotion did swell within her.

Ruth was slow to react to the fading energies. Painlessly did her burnt flesh begin knitting together. Her torn foot suffered horrible shakes as it's purplish-blue flesh did flatten. Cuts, gashes, stabs all did disappear as new skin painted over them.

"S-ser... I mean A-Alduin, I... W-what was the purpose of that?" Her nerves did calm as the Dragon once more perched his head atop a mound of ruined stone and melted earth, "W-what... What was that?" The Hell-eye did shine with a sudden intrigue that was clouded by a hint of suppressed rage. The girl was cautious to meet his gaze.

"A Word of Power, Pyt. T'was but a taste of thy Thu'um... A simple Word meant to mend broken things," Ruth recalled him mentioning something about shouting the other day... She cupped her chin, "Thou hath experienced but a meager taste of thy power... Thy Thu'um is indomitable. Limitless, really," The God's voice was dripping with arrogance and hubris. His serpent-tongue did lap at the air once more, "T'was an easy fix, joor. A most easily accomplished task even in thine current predicament."

"Why... Why heal me?" T'was a simple question born of a genuine desire to know, "I-I do not mean offense of course, just... Why?" The Dragon did shift his head against ruined earth so his ruby-eye may directly perceive her. It's intensity made the young woman feel small and hapless before the all-seeing eye.

"Why? Because Zu'u, Alduin, desires it so. I will not let thee wither or rot... It would be unbecoming of thy Prophet, joor." Ruth nodded slowly. Yes, of course, her condition would reflect on him. And yet... She felt his words weren't entirely truthful. She doubted he lied, but she did believe there something more he wasn't mentioning. She let the thought fade as her belly did grumble.

"Alduin... May I ask of you a question?" The slight nod of his head did deign her answer, "What is a 'joor'? You keep using that word to describe me." The Dragon's long tail did raise into the air before falling opposite the God's form. She shuddered as the ground shook. Ruth, despite the Dragon's dangerous demeanor, felt her nerves relaxing. He was her God after all... A God would not harm his Prophet. Or so the girl had faith it would be so.

"Joor... In thy tongue it means Mortal," At that did the girl nod to herself, "Thou art a questioner. Thy seekth answers..." He noted with a prideful voice, "That is most fitting. Thy shalt nurture thee's curiosity... It is reflective of Zu'u, Alduin, and therefore renders thee more valuable then other Men too thy's will." The Dragon began to rise. Ruth felt the ground quaking as the great wing rose into the air. She stumbled back as it did darken Heaven. Awe and fear and a hint of pride did color her features as the Dragon's limb rose high.

"Bbbbbbrrrrrrrggggggsssshhhhh!"

Dainty hands clutched at small ears as the winged limb impacted against the earth. Smoke blew into the air as stone and glass were sundered. The star-beast's tail whipped. He began to shift further.

"Bbbbbgggggrrrrrrgggrrrgggrrrgggrrr!"

The ground shook and quaked as the great serpent-tail fell unto the glassen earth. Shards of dirt-glass sparkled as they flew about the enviroment. Ruth rushed to her feet as she did take refuge underneath her God's chest.

"S-ser Dragon!" Her voice was drowned in the cacophony of rending earth. The crater shook tremendously as a second wing did emerge from below the beast, "W-what are you doing!?"

"Kkkkkkkrrrrrrggggghhhhh!"

The second wing folded and planted against glassen earth as the Dragon oriented himself properly. The membrane pulled close to the limb it emerged from as the God began to stand. Two great raptor-claws became visble as the Dragon God began to push himself into the air.

"Rgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrnnnnnssssssss!" A growling hiss did below from deep within it's throat, "Dur hi Dovahkiin! Nahkriin...!" With great effort did the Dragon begin to stand atop his winged forelimbs. He did snarl as his tail did strike down an entire clumping of smoldering trees, "Zu'u, Alduin, alok!" The God did levey his three toed claws against the earth so to better counterbalance his weight.

Ruth was rooted to the spot in terror and fascination. The Dragon loomed hundreds of feet tall - greater than any spire, tower, or castle. His wings remained planted into the earth; small craters forming under their weight. The God's serpent-neck hung low as he did breathe deeply the ash-air. His eye had closed. Flowing red plasmas did seep once more from reopened wounds.

"S-ser Dra—"

"Joor! What did thy sayth about thou's usage of the word 'ser'?" The Hell-eye opened once more as his head curved to look upon her. Instantly did young Ruth clasp her hands before her chest as she fell to her knees, "Art thee a fool? Too daft to withold even basic orders?"

"M-my a-apologies! I am terribly sorry, might Dragon! I-I have a short memory... I am daft. My a-apologies!" Black hair did function like a mask. Ruth kept her eyes on the ground as she did submit; heart thrumming against it's cage.

"Do not kneel! Do not bow! Do not praise! Never apologize! It is weak and unbecoming of thee. Thine acts like thou art weak. Be strong! Like Alduin... Imbibe in thy's aspects, young Pyt. Joor ahrk niist nikrinaar... Sahlo. Humbleness is thy's weakness," The earth shook around the girl as the Dragon's wing rose and fell once more. In but a single movement his limb had already crossed the entirety of the crater. His tail did drag against the earth as he began to walk with thundering steps, "Follow, Pyt." And so she rose upon trembling knees as she did follow the Dragon as he wandered into the ruined forest.

Ruth was in the shadow of the great Dragon now. So massive it was that it's great bulk darkened the sky and sun from her view. He had many curved and jagged protrusions along his neck, back, and tail. The girl was careful to avoid his raptor-claws and his swaying tail.

Each lumbering step did shake the earth and leave behind a great pit not unlike a bird's footprint albeit much larger in proportion. His tail's sheer weight dug a deep trench into smoldering glass as he moved steadily. The Dragon used his forelimbs primarily to prop himself skybound and sturdy himself as his raptor-claws pushed him forward. His movements reminded the young woman of a snake's slithering... A snake with legs. It was an eerie sight.

"S-se... Alduin, w-what are you doing? What is your goal?" Her God did snarl as his right wing did crush a house-sized boulder to ruin, "What... What do you wish of me?" She had hoped being a God's companion would be less... Frightening. The woman felt guilty for fearing him and yet she could not stop herself. All it would take is one wrong move for him to crush her like an ant...

"Joor ahrik niist laan... Zok alunrinis. Zu'u, Alduin, desires to know thee's landscape," Ruth was to the titan-shape's right and ahead of it's wings now. She kept watching it even as her feet did grow cold against the glassen earth, "Thou shalt seek out a place of Mortal vestige. A... Village." His neck did slither between twin trees. His curved horn sliced one down, while the other - broken - horn did ram into the left tree. It fell, too.

"Why?" The question was so sudden Ruth hadn't the time to even consider her words, "Of what purpose do you have there?" The girl was careful to avoid the smoten trees and the dripping scarlet plasmas of her leige. The flowing energy burned all it touched.

"Worship. Thy requires more worship then ye could offer... Dou'st thee know of any such local? A settlement of joors so that thy may claim their faith thy own." The God did stop suddenly as his ruby-eye peered upon her. Ruth stopped, too. She thought for a moment... Hesitated. She didn't like the idea of others stealing her God's favor. She found herself hating that image for reasons she did not understand.

"Y... Yes, I do. There's a village not too far from here. A day or two's journey. But... They will not be like me. They have sworn their souls to the Brothers. I did, too, but... But... I... I'm different? I'm more open minded! They... They're not as trusting or as honest as I." The Dragon resumed his walk once more. Ruth followed behind patiently. A long silence passed. She did lie, yes, a little lie... She knew in her heart there were others like her. More who would worship Alduin. But she did not want that. Ruth wanted all of her God's focus onto her. She was the first to find him, after all... That NEEDS to mean something, "What will you do to those who refuse to follow you, mighty Dragon?"

"Those who would reject thy's Divinity must be purged," He spoke suddenly, "They will be our foe. They will die." Ruth felt a deep coldness settle in her belly. A shiver ran up her spine. She did feel her throat parch. She wanted his attention, yes, but not at the cost of others! No one needed to die.

"I-is... Is that wise?" A huffing hiss did emanate from the star-beast as once more his neck did curve so his eye could peer upon her, "I m-mean.. Isn't there another way beyond senseless death? W-why... Why not leave them as is? You have me, right?" The Dragon did snarl in response. His eye narrowed.

"Mey kiir! Hi fund lorot zey mey? Hi... What wouldst thee suggest then? If they refuse too bow, and they are nought for death, t'is my reaction too be? They will fight back even if Zu'u, Alduin, granted them peace. Bestow upon thy thou's sagely wisdom, Prophet, if a better idea thee birthed." The girl licked her lips as she felt irration rising within her. She fought to cage it away as she took a long and deep breath. The Dragon God's eye did beam restrained malice unto her. She hated his hate... She didn't want him to hate her. It made the girl feel so very useless when he glared.

"I-I... If I were you, mighty Dragon, I-I would... I would show them I am truly superior to the other Gods! If they see you as you claim too be - the greatest of the Gods - then surely they will follow your will!" Ruth beamed a smile as she felt a swelling of pride. The solution she provided was sound, logical, and undeniably brilliant! She did not think of herself as intelligent yet she felt this idea was so. Though she hated the image of others stealing away her God's attention. But it was preferable to getting them killed.

"Hhhhssssssshhhhssssshhhhhsssss... Dou'st thee not think that thy hath not tried this tatic before? Once all Mortals celebrated thy's perfection! But thou's ilk did grow daft and foolish... Why would thee's kind not do so again?" At that she did feel her joy deflate into brutal realization. Her thoughts had been short-sighted and rash... She felt sorrow. Ruth felt daft. Useless. She hated this familiar sensation with all of her small soul.

"I... Is there no other way?" The titan-shape once more resumed his long walk. She slowed as she fell under his all-consuming shadow, "I-Is mercy impossible?" The Hell-eye did widen upon her. Her features were betwixt the violet-emotion. The Dragon's malice slightly dimmed as silver eyes bleed pleading hope upon them.

"Rrrrggggnnnssss... Pyt, if thou can find a fitting solution to thee's quarry before our arrival to the Mortal settlement then I shalt adhear to it. If not..." His booming voice trailed off. Ruth knew full well what he was implying, however. Her eyes steeled. She need nought the reminder of verbality.

"I will! I just... Need a little time to think first," She sped up her walk as the Dragon's great wing flattened several flaming stumps, "I may not be the sharpest of blades yet I can be sharp when the need arises! I can be!" The God's tail did sway back and forth as it hovered above the doomed woodland. He did slow suddenly as his head rose high into the sky, "What do you spy, mighty Dragon?"

"Zu'u, Alduin, dreh sahlon lu. Thy sees nought, young Prophet. But thy can smell much..." The thin slits that formed his nostrils did breathe deeply, "Zu'u, Alduin, has been pondering something about thou for a moon or two." The God's stance lowered as he did turn to Ruth once more.

"Of what do you wish to know?" The young woman felt a swelling of warmth within herself. She would gladly take any opportunity she had for conversation - especially one with her newfound God, "I'm afraid I have few stories of intrigue. My life has been a dull one..."

"Thee's life? Nay. Thou's eyes are what peek thy's curiosity," The Dragon's limbs thundered as his body shifted to face her directly. Ruth felt a slight hint anger concerning his swiftness to avoid the topic of her past. She had hoped he would be more interested, "Thee sayth thou serves the... Demi-Wolf. And yet thou is no hunter? What is thee's role in Hircine's game?" At that the young girl did feel confusion moreso then anger.

"H... Hircine?" Her question did cause the Dragon's eye to narrow, "I do not know any hircine. What is a hircine?" She asked innocently. Her God did nod ever so slightly. He remained silent for a moment or two as his eye danced with consideration.

"Yes... It is as thy has begun to suspect," His ruby-eye seemed to peer through her rather then at her, "This is... Tiresome. Whom are ye's Gods by name?" At that did young Ruth feel ever lost. She did not know to what end these questions served. She hesitated... Mayhaps it is a test?

"I... They do not have names, great Alduin, only titles. They're Dragons, like you, but of Light and Dark rather then Entropy," Her God did absorb her words silently. He began to make a humming sound as he twisted his eye towards the Heavens, "Why do you wish to know? Are... Are they not your Brothers?"

"Mayhaps thou's quandary is closer to truth then ye envision," His serpent-tongue did slither between massive sword-fangs, "Thy suspects that a veil has been cast before thy's eye. A great deception is at hand... But too whom does the lie call master?" The Dragon ruminated unto his Prophet. His voice now lacked any hint of anger or wroth - but pure curiosity tempered by a cold and calculating intelligence, "Young joor, dou'st thee know of the name Akatosh?"

"No... Why?" Ruth's God did curve his neck as he peered backwards like a serpent preparing to strike. For a moment she felt fear swelling inside; icy veins spreading into her heart. And yet nothing did happen. The mighty Dragon remained stationary.

"Of magic dou'st thee know? What of thee's neighbors - those of the jungle lands to the south? The... Mortal Empire?" Ruth felt her fear slipping away into confusion once more as it became clear her God lacked any malice in this moment. He had no intentions of harming her, "What of the Elf stock? Dou'st thee know of the twin moons?" Ruth remained silent for a moment as she aborbed his words.

"Twin moons? Is... Is this a test, mighty Dragon?" The girl began to pry as her courage gathered, "Or... Or metaphor? What am I to glimmer from this?" Her eyes were curious. Her arms did spread as she gestured her confusion. The Dragon huffed as his head fell ever so slightly.

"Hi los ferviit gein, los hi ni? Zok ni med vorey joor. Nust fund kos zofaas... Thou seekth many answers. But to answer thee's quarry - no. Thy words are not steeped in any falsities or masques; thy art but genuine. And thee's lack of answer speaks volumes... Daar los ni dii junaar." The young woman did remain silent. She pondered the nature of his words... She knew not the answer to give. After a long pause did her new God resume his walk. So too did she underneath his great shadow.

"Bbbrrraaaagggghhhh!"

The thunderous boom of his foot falls echoed deep into the wounded forest. Any creature with ears would hear him for many leagues away. Even the deaf could feel the rumbling of the earth.

"Bbbbrrrraaaagggghhhh!"

The greatness of the Dragon's lumbering did make the act of concentration difficult for Ruth. She thought on much and more - the nature of the Dragon's words, his questions, and his declaration. He had given her an opportunity to spare those who would not worship him... She just needed to find a concvincing stratagem.

"Bbbbrrrraaaagggghhhh!"

The ground shuddered as the God-Dragon and his Prophet did walk through ruination. Much of the smoke and the fires had now cleared; ashes and smoten earth all that remained.

"Bbbrrrraaaggghhhh!"

The Dragon did levey a great forelimb unto a collection of oaken giants. The half-burnt trees were crushed like blades of grass beneath the night-black scales.

"Bbbrrrrrraaaaggghhhh!"

Ruth contemplated the nature of her God. He was angry, that much was obvious. Yet he was not without compassion - for if he was then Ruth would've been smoten. He seemed very wise albeit in a destructive manner. It was clear he had lost something of great importance.

"Bbbrrrraaagggghhh!"

He hinted that the Brothers are not his brothers. It was brief, and in the moment she failed to pick up on his words, but in hindsight it was obvious. She pondered why he would ask her about 'twin' moons. Initialy she assumed it to be a metaphor for the Brothers yet he was being literal when he asked. Her mind wondered on the posibilities.

"Bbbrrraaaagggghhhh!"

Dainty fingers cusped a silver medallion. Young Ruth had no idea of what the Dragon spoke of. But she knew the intentions of his goal: to be worshipped again. The village she came from, Gods Stone, would not be as welcoming of him as she was. In truth that made her heart swell with joy for it meant the God's favor was her's alone. Yet as much as it pained her she knew this was not sustainable... Not without the loss of many lives. Ruth would not abide by that.

"Bbbbrrrrraaagggghhhh!"

"Alduin!" The earth did shudder as ash and smoke were blown up in thick pillars. The force of the Dragon's footsteps left craters in solid stone that dug deep into the earth. His serpent-neck did twist as the Hell-eye peered upon her once more, "I have a solution! An idea!"

"Too what, Pyt?" His voice did boom as his body shifted. His tail did bring about a great fury of winds as it whipped through the air, "Tell thy what thou hath conceived."

"The people! I have an idea about how to get everyone to worship you!" She did smile as she felt a swelling of sudden joy, "The Gods - the Brothers - they're... They stay away from us. They do not interfere. What... Why not do what they won't? Heal the sick! Perform miracles... Like... Godly favors!" She awaited her God's answer with a growing sense of vindication. Surely she had it this time!

"Man is greedy. Not all will obey... What thou proposes would only convince a few." He spoke with scrutiny. Ruth's smile fell... She felt her hopes crumble. Yet she would not let him dismiss her idea so swiftly! Not when he hadn't considered it's merits in full.

"Yes, at first they will, but if more and more people follow you - and you prove to them you really are the superior God - then more and more and more will follow you! Like... Like a loop! Show them you can be a trustworthy God! One who will give them compassion and not silence... It's worth trying at least," The God did pause. His head tilted upward as he shifted neck to coil about the air. The wind did blow against Ruth's form, "Alduin?" A part of her hoped he would reject her plan... A part of her hoped that no one would worship him. That way the Dragon will be her's. Her friend... Her ally... Her God.

"Grik vahk lusvaan hi nutiid. Tul los... Zurun miik. What thee proposes may work on some; yet all? There will be those who refuse to bow. Pyt... Thine seekth to ensure survival for all Men, do thee not?" Young Ruth did nod. She bite her lip as anxiety rose within her, "Hsmsmsmsmsrrrrggggnnnnssss..." He hissed and hummed. It was strange... The sounds halfway between a man and snake, "By thy nature thy art destructive. Zu'u, Alduin, is Entropy... But thou art of life. Thou seekth nought death - only restoration. Rrrnnnnggggrrrrr..."

The God-Dragon seemed to contemplate something in silence. The girl dared not disrupt his thoughts. She lowered her head as silver eyes did scan the earth. Her bare feet left deep prints in the ashes and dirt below her. Her cloak did fall to the ground, however, and combed over her footprints to bury them. From an onlookers perspective it would seem as though a giant snake's trail rather then a human one.

So much had transpired over such a short timeframe. So many revelations and truths. Ruth had taken a strong liking to her new companion she had begun to realize. Why? She knew not. Maybe because he offered warmth and wisdom where others would offer only cold stares and harsh words. Maybe it was because her silver curse did not bother him. Maybe it was all of these.

"Grant thee..." The low and thundering voice of the Dragon startled young Ruth from her thoughts, "Grant thee human wisdom, would'st thou? How can thy ensure all Men worship thee without slaying those who will not?" For a moment Ruth felt uncertain. He looked upon her with a ruby-eye devoid of any malice or hate or pride. He seemed almost like a child asking for his mother's aid in matters he could never truly understand... It made Ruth feel a little warm inside. She liked this kind of attention. The kind that showed her the Dragon had placed faith his in her as well.

"Well... You could... Change their mind?" The God did twist his neck as his Hell-eye narrowed. He coilied about himself as the girl started to feel small once more, "I-I mean... M-Men are greedy, yes?" His snout did nod in response, "So... Play into that greed! Give them what they want most and they will never EVER leave you! Right?" For a long silence did the Dragon consider her words. For a long silence did Ruth feel a growing sense of anxiety. For a long silence did both Divine and Mortal reside in outskirts of the newly formed deadlands. For a long silence did red contrast silver.

"Is that why thou betrayed thee's Gods? Greed... Greed for thy's companionship? Rrrrrrgggggnnnnnsssss..." The young woman did feel her cheeks redden at his words. She hid her eyes as she clutched her medallion. Betrayal... Greed. Was she greedy for abandoning her Gods in favor of a new one? Did that... Make her evil? Or merely opportunistic? "In spite of thee's age, thou speakth true and strong. Greed is thee ilk's greatest weakness... Thee art wiser then thee's brothers and sisters. Stand tall, Prophet." At once did Ruth's smile beam up at her new God - all previous thoughts abandoned. She stared excitedly at the Dragon's ruby-eye as it did widen. Their roles had been reversed - now she was the child expectantly awaiting praise from her caregiver.

"Stand proud, Pyt! Thou hath given thee great thought. Thou should be prideful in thee's words! All Men will pray to Zu'u, Alduin, once more... Starting with thee's village. Dou'st thou's domain house any priests? Or sorcerers?" For a moment the young woman remained silent. She felt joy bubbling inside her - she had impressed her God! And potentially saved many lives in the process, too! She let her fingers fall from her medallion. Ruth made her God proud... That made her proud as well.

"Yes... Yes and no. There are no priests but there is a cleric! Everyone in my home possess the gift of magic." A fresh salty tinge did filter to her nostrils. The girl recognized the scent as she walked alongside the great Dragon. They were approaching a sizable body of water.

"Rrrrrnnnngggggsssss... When we arrive there thy shalt lay claim to thee's Mortal kin. Every last man, woman, and child will submit. Does this deter thou?" The Dragon half vanished beyond the trees as his neck stretched far beyond Ruth's gaze, "Thou must hunger. Come... Thy smells many a swimmer." Ruth still hated the idea of others stealing him away from her. No doubt he'd find a more suitable Prophet in due time... Unless she proved herself invaluable to him, that is. But how?

"No, I am content with it." She lied. The girl's stomach did gumble as she chased after the great raptor-claw. The three-toed foot did rise far above her and came crashing down unto... Soil?

Ruth stopped as she inspected her surroundings more intently. She could spy still living trees, freshly fallen leaves, and soft dirt. She could hear flowing water. She watched as her God's tail did dismantle many treetops above her.

"How long have we been walking?" She contemplated as she followed the Dragon God, "For miles?" It didn't feel like miles. She could spy sunlight shining through the great forest trail carved through the woodlands by her Gods. His tail was disappearing past fallen trees in the distance. She ran to catch up with him.

"Pyt..." She broke through the treeline and saw before herself a great lake. Her God rested near it as he laid against sand and gravel. His tail coilied about his body as he propped himself upon his right wing, "Tell thy the truth: dou'st thee fear thy?"

---

The Tyrant Wyrm did watch the girl from his perch of sand. Her small and silver eyes watched him with a mounting hesitancy. He could see doubt and a hint of hurt in those human eyes born of his question. He felt no malice towards the child in this moment - only the desire to know her answer. It was a queer feeling to the Eldest Elder... To not hate what his eye spied. The All-Devouerer's furnace-heart was but a gentle smoldering now.

"I... At times, yes. At times I am afraid... I mean no offense by that, mighty Dragon, but... I... I am afraid of you," His blazing Hell-eye did narrow into a slit as his gaze became a scowl. He could see her growing timid. The girl held herself as she shrunk before his gaze. Alduin knew not why her answer angered him so, "I-I... I... I-It is how I feel, m-mighty Dragon, I... I-I apologize. I am s-sorry... F-for my inadequacy." The child's features resembled that of a beaten dog. She looked as though she had been abused by his words alone. It made the Dragon angrier - albeit not at the girl.

"Ye are weak in flesh, though of a courageous heart... Most would shiver and scream in ye's position. Thou art a most brave-hearted child," He watched as she struggled and fell from the blowing wind his huff conjured forth. Merely him breathing too hard could kill her... Literally. She was so very weak. All Men are pitiful... All but him. The blasted Dragonborn! He was a threat that must be dealt with, "Zu'u gon wah med hi, Peyt. Hin tolaan wah mindok los peh fir bahlaan." He did speak the words knowing the child understood nought. He cared little for that trifle.

He turned his gaze outwards to the expansive lake. He watched the flowing waves as his furnace-heart once more burned bright. Malice writhed deep inside, as it always had and always will, but he had no need for it as of now. So, like the exiles of yore, it remains abandoned.

The Twilight God did watch the small and slow movements of the deep waters. It was but only a meager taste of the true oceans - yet it was a respectable manifestation of nature regardless. The Tyrant Wyrm remembered a time long, long, long ago when all the world was a great ocean as vibrant as Nightshade... In a distant epoch, in a previous cycle of Gods and Men, he did remember the Deep Things and Many-Eyed Ones as well as their dreadful Bale-Father sat upon his seaweed-throne encrusted by blood-drinking barnacles.

T'was an age of cold and dark waters... A time where there were no Heavens through which to sore. The Black Dread was forced to learn how to swim in that silent epoch. A unpleasant experience for his avian form, yes, but a necessity regardless. He could alter his shape into a more aquatic one if he wished, but why mar perfection? He had already devised the only form he would ever need. Adopting a new one would be tantamount to admitting inferiority.

Yet the Entropic God loosened his concetration on such thoughts as he did hear a muffle grumble. The God-Dragon did look upon his Prophet as she rose from her sandy fall. The Pyt did dusted off her shoulders and arms many grains of sand that clung to her. She eyed him hesitantly, he noticed, as her stomach did growl. Something lurked within her mind, he sensed, and it was not hunger. She was a curious one.

"Speak thee's heart, joor," As the All-Devourer spoke he did ponder a growing concern. The child, Ruth, was too meager. Too hesitant. Too soft, "Thy's Prophet shalt not hold her tongue before Alduin, let alone another." She must be brave and courageous. Prideful and arrogant. Bashful and strong. The black Dragon would not allow any form of weakness to fester within her Mortal heart - especially that of sympathy for her fellow Men.

"I... It's just... Your words, mighty Dragon, they confuse me... Hircine? Twin moons? I... How do you not know of your Brothers? I just... I do not understand. Could you... Enlighten me?" She did look upon him with pleading eyes like that of a young lass. Alduin would snarl had his perch not brought him such nastolgia, "Please?" He hated how weak those pleading eyes looked. How they cooled his furnace-heart... He found it easier to focus around the child. Her eyes had a way of snuffing his anger. That was a new weakness. One he must purge... But why not indulge in her for the moment? Only for a moment, of course.

"Hhhrrrrrnnnnnnssssss... Zu'u, Alduin, has begun to suspect this realm is not thy own. This world is a queer thing," Her face betwixt confusion. She did that often. He has much to teach her... The Dread Wyrm sensed that she would be a eager student, "From where thy hails there art twin moons. The great one of God-Flesh, and his smaller sister of God-Blood. Hircine is a God from one of thy Hells who hath the power to seduce the feminine moon to bleed beastial fury unto Men. Thee's previous Gods are enigma to Zu'u, Alduin, for thy knows not any Dovah of light or dark." The Pyt's features fell. Wise Alduin could tell she knew nought of what he spoke as her face betwixt confusion, fear, and hesitation. The child hesitated far too often. He must teach her to be precise.

"Y... Are you... S-saying the Brothers are not... Real?" She asked with immense struggle. Her features leaned ever closer to fear. The Tyrant Wyrm did shake his vast maw; ridged scales spraying sand in all directions.

"Nay. Thy sayth thee Gods are strangers to thy. This world... Thy cometh from a different plane," The God-Dragon spoke slowly for the girl's sake, "A world that harbours many Gods. Far more then two or three, young Pyt. Let thy ask of thee a question," The girl nodded. She thought it was a question, "Where doth thee originate?" The Twilight God did demand. He could spy his Prophet struggling with many emotions within her silver eyes. He cared little for what she felt - yet care he did to some extent. She was his Prophet, after all.

"Y-yes, uhhmmm..." She struggled to clear her mind, "I, ehhh... G-Gods Stone! I hail from a place known as Gods Stone. A small village, really... They get by on hunting or trading mostly," Her thin fingers cusped her chin as she thought deeply, "T... There is a church! And a tavern... A smithy, too! A small alchmey lab run by an old dear, Lady Gemini. I, ehhhh... There's a—"

"Tell thy of this church. Who is it's ward?" At that the Mortal did pause. Her smile was faint yet still ever present. She 'oft smiled... He did notice that, too. Perhaps more then anything else he did notice her smiles and how the joy relfected inside her eyes, "What form of sacrament is offered within it's confines?"

"Sacrament? None! Not physically at least. The cleric preaches that the only sacrament the Gods demand is faith. They... Granite the Wizened is the one who ensures the continuation of the church. He is it's warden, I suppose," The girl did walk towards the shore. Small waves of calm waters did darken the tip of the beach into muddy trenches. The Twilight God's weight shifted the sands about himself to slowly form a growing dune, "It is a small and decript thing, really. The church is grows rotten with it's extended age... Hardly worthy of being a place of worship anymore."

The God-Dragon did lower his great forelimb so he could rest against the lake's edge. His many jagged spines did dig deep into mud and sand and dark waters. He loosened his tail as it furled about his body.

"That must be amended when thy takes ownership of ye's lot. A mere church is pitiful... A temple will do. Or a cathedral. Hmmmmnnnnnrrrrgggsssgggssss... Mayhaps a barrow?" He spoke in the girl's tongue largely to hear her response - or lack thereof in this case. Her silence annoyed the Dragon, "Give ye's thoughts to thee, Pyt. Zu'u, Alduin, desires conversation." He opted to forego any pretense of self-discussion now. He wanted her opinion on ther matter regardless of whether she wanted to give it or not.

"I have little to add, great Dragon, I... My apologies, but I know nought of worship-grounds. If it is of the soil or the wood then I know it! But of... Of religious affairs I am ill equipped," The Dread Wyrm did huff at that. He came to levey his great snout against soft sand as he watched the child. She did step next to the Twilight God as her feet submerged beneath mud and sand. Her belly growled, "When I was young I use to dwell in a cottage... I remember my father and my brother 'oft went off on days long trips to hunt. I wish I paid more attention to their lessons."

"T'is an opportunity for thee to learn. Try and snare a fish... Thou must grow hungry from Mortal exertion." Ruth did look upon him with furrowed brows and an indignant expression upon her pale features. The God-Dragon found her expressions were 'oft varied for the standards of Mortal ilk. He was accustomed to fear and awe... She displayed so much more then that.

"How!?" Her voice came suddenly and spontaneously, "How am I to catch a fish without the tools to do so...? I have only my hands!" Her arms spread as she showed her palms to him as though to prove herself true. The Black Dragon did eye her flesh with a neutral and unchanging gaze.

"Hin meyr lost jos wah nir voth ruz hi. Druv vis hi ni prunt ol nust drey? Thee's forebears had only naked flesh and rotten teeth with which to hunt... Brought low they did many great beasts! Even a Titan did they fell. Why can you not do so as well with a mere fish?" Hesitantly did silver eyes avert themselves from his ruby-gaze. The Twilight God's other eye will soon heal... He can feel it happening now. T'was this natural process of feeding upon stray matter and particles that slowly stitched him together well enough to walk, "Art thou a craven? Fearful of a mere swimmer-beast."

"No! I fear them not, I just... It's only... I-I don't... How am I to hunt? Am I to simply grab them?" At that did the God-Dragon nod his head, "Really...? I... They're slippery! How can I even hold them?" Air whistled as Alduin's great serpent-tail did rise from the growing sand dune. It did fall upon several verdent trees near the forest's edge.

"Crush them to death! Sink thee's teeth unto their scales! Kill them with ye's fingers... Hunt now. Thy demands ye do so now. Surely thou art capable of scoring a measly swimmer or two? If not thee art nought more then a fool." The Pyt's face fell at his question - which, purposely designed so, was too ignite within her a fury! If, of course, she had any sense of pride with which to fuel her anger. She looked between the Black Wyrm's Hell-eye and the rolling waves of the lake. A great yellow sun hung on high and did cast glittering sparkles along the water's surface.

"I... I don't have much of choice then." The Entropic God's low grumble was her answer, "So be it! I... I can snare a fish! How hard could it possibly be...?" Her bare feet did disappear beneath the water's edge. She unclasped her cloak as she gently tossed it aside and unto dry sands. The God-Dragon noticed light burns on her cloak. It was likely from contact with his scales while she slept. He spied dainty fingers holding tight a shimmering wolf medallion, "C-cold..." She winced as she strode into the waters. It quickly rose higher and higher until she came to rest in belly-deep blues. The child's posture was one of uncertainty as she held herself in a warmth-preserving hug as her teeth chattered, "W-wh... What now? Just... Wait until o-one swims by?"

"Hmmmmnnnnnnnsssss... Yes," T'was the God's sole answer unto his follower. The girl was visibly annoyed by his statement and yet she did nothing to detest. She bent forward ever slightly as her hands did sink into the waters. She grumbled words that the Eldest Elder cared not to decipher. The girl ought to have her own privacy after all. She cannot depend on him for all tasks if she is to be his Chosen Prophet, "Be very still, joor. The swimmers are startled by any form of sudden movement." He offered advice unto the girl. She wisely heeded him as she steeled herself.

A single flaming eye did watch the Mortal with a lazy gaze. She patiently waited... And waited... And waited. Her gray tunic did darken from wet stains as the water soaked her. The girl's night-black hair hung over her face in thin strands.

Dread Alduin's ancient mind did wonder as he quickly bored of the sight. The God-Dragon thought of the epoch of deep waters - the age of Deep Things and Deep Ones. T'was an era of endless rain and storms and raging seas. The great and terrible Dragon did lair himself within the deepest of the watery chasms in those ancient times - his form like that of the Deep Serpents when he deigned time to swim.

T'was an era of sightless violet where Dread Wings did father many undersea currents and wrothful whirlpools. In that age of Deep Things did Alduin face off against the Fisher King and his wild brood of would-be Deep Princes; sundered was the ocean in the blood of the Demigod.

The Fisher King was split in twine before his court when he insulted the Tyrant Wyrm. None dared defend their King for they knew none could possibly match the fury of the Dread Wings as his maw did eviscerate the oafish Soul of the would-be King of the Deep.

It was not an uncommon deed for the Twilight God to encounter and battle many strange leviathans in that watery age. Some bore many eyes, mouths, and festering boils. Others did give life to acidic sludge, malevolent fungi, and flesh-eating bacteria as they consumed the carcasses of much grander predators. Others still did manifest as titanic shapes of unnatural blackness amongst the lightless depths; barley a flicker of form before their massive maws did vaccum all into their bellies.

Many foolishly challenged the black Dragon so they may lair in his chasm. None survived. The remains of the challengers were 'oft left to decay for their taste was foul even by the standards of the generally unbothered Dov.

"Ssssssppplllllssshhh!"

"Ssssssrrrrrrrnnnsssss..." A hiss escaped the All-Devourer's maw as he relinquished the memory. He cast his gaze back to the child as her fists smashed at the cold water. She strayed from her task, "Pyt, thou art impatient."

"Well... Waiting is weary! It dulls the mind. Surely, mighty Dragon, there is another way to go about this? Maybe... Maybe a way to lure in the fish?" The lass mused more to herself then to him. The Twilight God did not mind her vocalization of her inner thoughts. If there was one thing Alduin hated most of Men - especially the Atmorans and their Nord-sons - it was their vacancy. Their lack of any thought beyond the immediate. Their... Small and offly blood-oriented mindset bored him. The child, Ruth, was inquisitive. She was unlike the average man or woman of Nirn. Maybe all Mortals of this new realm would be as curious as she? She said her peoples had the talents of sorcery... The wizened folk were always more prone to obedience; Alduin's vast well of knowledge and innate Godly magics a mighty lure too them.

"Thee could slit thee's flesh to lure the carnivorous swimmers." For the second time did her silver eyes display anger towards him. The black Wyrm did enjoy the child's scowl; her anger a manifestation of her repressed pride. And pride she must possess for without it she embraces humbleness: weaknesses.

"That is daft! I-" The girl grit her teeth as she stopped herself mid word. Her features quickly calmed as she caged her anger and beat her pride into submission. Disapointing... "I-I... I do not mean to grow wrathful, ser Dragon, I—"

"Thy hath a wretched tendency towards submission," His deep grumbling voice edged towards a lazy sneer more then it did genuine rage, "Thy shalt not call thee a ser again. Nor daft; not without good reason, at least, thine Chosen Prophet," Something within the young woman's silver eyes flickered at his usage of her rank. The emotion gleamed something like joy before submission quickly rose to replace it. Was it a swelling of pride, mayhaps? Or maybe validation... Yes, validation. Ruth hungered for validation as he did domination. It must be why she abandoned her Gods for the Bane of Kings. They were silent Gods according to her whereas Alduin spoke freely. Mayhaps... Mayhaps his validation of the Pyt may begin the swelling of her pride? He did not want his Prophet to roll over like a hound but to act like wolf. Too be capable of her volition and individuality; not a mere slave like the rest.

"Y-Yes, mighty Dragon, I-I... Apologies for my daftness. I am 'oft victim to foolishness..." Her words lingered as she stood straight. Her dainty hands did clasp her own arms she grew to adopt a crestfallen visage, "I am unfit to be your worshipper, let alone your Prophet." Her eyes fell to the water. The furnace-heart began to flare. Alduin felt his anger and his spite rising as his neck drew high.

"Hi krilon ath dii-" The Twilight God's voice thundered into the world even as he cut himself off. His snout snapped shut with a great echoing boom as his neck drew high. The girl's face paled as she stumbled unto her rear end. The waters rose to her neck as her silver eyes widened with sudden fear. The furnace-heart slightly cooled in response to her fearful gaze upon him, 'Validation...' Dread Alduin did think to himself.

"Daft? Thou art daft - all Men are - but thou art wiser then most Men. Thou art reflective of thine's will - and therefore no oaf or fool," Great Alduin did rise up as he began to raise his left forelimb from the dune underneath his chest, "Thine's will is bereft of patience, yes, but thee's spirit holds true... T'is a simple plight of thee: the softness of youth," His folded wing remained low to the earthen shores as his thumb-claw extended out and into the waters. His talon quickly came to rest upon the soft lakebed, "Thou art without a proper God. Thou hath lacked thee a proper God for thou's brief spat of life. Thret not over thine choice, Pyt, for thy hath chosen thee for a purpose most Divine. Only one Mortal before thee could lay claim to such a grand and intoxicating fate."

The child's visage gave way to a silent thanks as her fear faded. A sense of bubbling pride sparkled in her eyes. The great night-black claw did dig deep into the lake's foundation as it begun to swirl. A serpent-tongue did slither between sword-teeth as Alduin's snout slightly hung open. He could feel weeds, mud, stones, and swimmers against his talon as a vortex began to form about it.

"Y... Do y-you really mean it?" Her voice was a soft thing, her face softer still. Cold waters flowed about her as they were devoured by the growing vortex - though it remained yet small and limited in it's size. Easily controlled, "Are your words genuine, Alduin? Or... Or attempts to dissuade my doubts?" The furnace-heart burned with a controlled fury.

"Thy loathe all manner of lies and falsehoods, Pyt. Thine words art always true and strong. If thou art in possession of flaws then thy shalt display thine displeasure openly and without false pleasantries," The Hell-eye did come to rest upon the growing whirlpool. Cold water did splash and begun to foam as he lured about a great bounty of fish a few dozen feet away from the child, "Thy art like a young cub. A wolf's pup. Afraid of all that surrounds thee yet so very curious regardless... Thou art yet to grow thee's fangs." And under the Black Dread's ever watchful gaze she will grow to be a great she-wolf - even if she hates it. All the better should she hate! Hate is the father of all the greatest strengths and powers. Empires have been raised and razed through the spirit of hate. Without hate there could be no ruthlessness or callousness... Only love and compassion; the iniquities of the weak.

"Y... I... You are... Thank you, Alduin, I... Your words mean a great deal to me," Her smile was a small and gentle thing. It displeased the Tyrant Wyrm and yet he remained silent. Under her smile he could not muster the malice necessary to reprimand her, "Few are as appreciative as you. Or... Or as kind. Thank you, mighty Dragon, I... Thank you." The girl did smile more brightly to him. A weak part of his being did endear itself closer to her in this one moment. It made the furnace-heart burn bright from self-contempt; Black Wings did rage at himself for feeling any such attachment. He would not let himself ever love a human again... Not when she had so easily betrayed her previous Gods. Why would she not do so once more?

"Yes, well... Thou must hunger. Thine hath gathered about a swarm for ye. Capture one." The Twilight God did order his Prophet to action. She obeyed. Slowly did the Pyt look to the vortex as the great night-black claw came to rest. He had been careful with the waters - enough suction to bring many a swimmer to bear and yet too weak to drown the child.

"O-oh, I... Uhhmmm... Y-yes, I... Yes," She was hesitant as she stepped deeper into the waters. She shuddered as her chest was quickly submereged - her small stature a hindrance in this endeavor, "T-the... Waters are d-deep. Very deep... I won't be able to w-walk there," She noted hesitantly, "I'll have to s-sw-swim..."

The God-Dragon did eye her percariously as she waded into the waters. The lake slowly grew upon her as it inched past her neck. The girl's movements began to slow as her feet struggled for purchase upon the lakebed. She gulped loudly. Her arms splashed againsr the waters as she tilted back her head.

"O-oh no... No!" She frantically writhed as the current began to tug her outwards. The girl fought against her quick descent, "Uhhh... P-paddle!" Thin arms did splash at the waters as she failed miserably in her attempts to swim.

Alduin eyed his Prophet with a growing sense of bemused irony as it quickly dawned on him why Ruth was so hesitant to enter the waters. Why she seemingly feared the fish. The Dragon tilted his maw as he slithered his neck into the waters. His jaws rested beneath the lake's surface as the Hell-eye peer upon the girl. 'The Pyt cannot swim,' He noted within his mind, 'Much like thineself in thee's previous cycle.'

"Uaahhhgg!" Her face diped beneath the waters as her limbs vainly struggled, "N-no! I-I can't- it's not- hhuuuhhhsss!" She struggled as her form became swept up in the waters. The Black Dragon did sneer as his ruby-eye vanished beneath the waves. His snout and horns cut through the lake's surface like a prowling shark, "A-Alduin!"

The child called out as she sunk into the waters. The vortex was too weak to corral her as it had the swimmers - and yet she fell prey to it regardless thanks to inability to swim. The Twilight God watched as the young woman floundered about as she was pulled closer to the vortex's maw.

"Thou hath lied by omission," Alduin's voice did boom even underneath the waves. He felt a swelling of disappointment, "If thy hath known this was a foolish exercie then thy would nought hath attempted it." He had maneuvered his serpent-neck to push the tip of his snout against her fumbling body and upwards. She writhed in the waters as her fingers clutched her drowning neck.

"Sssssssppppplllllllooooosssshhhhh!"

Waves and waters poole and fell as night-black scales rose from the lake. He brought with him the Pyt whom hung from his upper jaw - her tunic caught upon a fang. She clutched to his ridges of his snout with shaking hands as she dangled from his maw a would-be meal. Ruth's whole form was soaking wet - a blessing for the waters cooled the God-Dragon's otherwise blistering hot hide.

"Huuurrrgghh!" She heaved water from her lungs, "Huuuhhhh! Huhhhh... Huhhh!" She gasped through trembling lips. The flaming ruby-eye stared directly unto her soft yet pained expression as she convulsed in the air. Her eyes did stare back with that anomalistic gleam all Mortals develop when they believe their death is near. He found that glimmer was an apt addition to her otherwise peaceful visage - the desperation painting her in the light of frenzy.

"Thee must be honest with thou's weaknesses and vulnerabilities. T'is a trapping most Mortal ilk fall into... Rise above their stupidity, Pyt," The great Dragon lowered his jaws to rest against the sands. The shore quickly darkened around him. The child remained still as she breathed in deeply, her hands clutching at him ever tighter, and her eyes bereft of the joy that scant minutes ago rested there, "Thou's heart do slow in it's drumming. Thou art a fragile creature, joor." The girl's feet touched the sands. Her grip did not loosen.

"Huuuuhhhh..." Her breathing settled as she slowly rose to her knees upon trembling legs, "Y-you... You sa-s-saved me..." She spoke the words like she couldn't believe them herself. The Eldest Elder did ponder her sudden shock... Mayhaps merely the result of her drowning. Mayhaps a reflection of a deeper character? "I... I-I almost- ugh! Hrrk!" She heaves more leake-waters from pale lips, "U-uggghhh... A-apologies f-for my cur-current st-state. I-I'm sorry..." She grew repulsed by her instintive reaction. Alduin noted that even now she kept her politeness.

"Clearly," His sarcasm failed to carry through the deep and gravelstone thunder that was his voice, "Thine's water-spouting means nought to thy. Thy hath seen far more repulsive things..." And much uglier, too. Ruth was hideous to the God-Dragon - all Men are. Yet she was far from the most repulsive of the many creatures he had beholden... Yet ugliness is ugliness regardless of it's many visages. She would need a Masque to hide it, "Retrieve thee's silken cover. Warm thee in the sun and the sands. Zu'u, Alduin, shalt grant thee the boon of feasting." The Black Dragon felt the desire to crush her was a little easier to ignore when he peered unto her eyes. Their silver did remind him of the pure Lunar Transmogrify before Hircine's tainting of it into bastardized Lycanthropy. The new thought brought with it a swelling of ancient rage.

"I-I-I... Yo-you... I..." Her voice came stuttering and quiet. The God-Dragon hissed lowly the girl's grip loosened upon him, "T-thank you... F-for... For ev-everything."

The All-Devourer did watch his follower slowly shift towards her cloak. Small particles of sand clung to her. The Pyt's clothes did seep with dripping waters and a foul salty smell. He purposed that too be the result of her fear. She left small prints where her stumbling legs fell.

When she reached her cloak she did fall upon it. She held it close as she begun to cry into it. Small and quiet sobs did escape her mouth as she huddled against the night-black silk. Alduin's eyes narrowed yet he kept his silence. 'Repulsive sounds... Why dou'st she whine?'

"Bbbbboooossssshhhhhwwwwhhhhhh!"

The greatest of all Dragons did plunge his great maw into the vortex. His massive jaws did clasp about many countless swimmers; writhing serpent-tongue trapping the animals within the confines of his titantic mouth. Water did pool around him once more as his head rose out of the meager whirlpool with weeds clinging to his hide.

"Hhppphhah! I-I... I-I'm so-sorry..." The young Pyt did mutter between her sobs and gasps, "I-I... I am t-ter-terribly so-sorry!" Her hands buried her face as the Hell-eye gazed upon her. 'What a sullying sight. Doth she marry despair over her lack of swimming?' T'was almost a pitiable sight. The Black Wyrm knew his younger self would have shown the child mercy by now - if only for the sake of his silencing her cries.

"Bbbbrrrrssshhhhhh!"

A horde of water, weeds, stones, and fish spilt from the God-Dragon's maw and onto the sandy shore. The Eldest Elder's left forelimb did extend past the child with a shuddering effort.

"Bbbsssshhhhhkk!"

It crashed onto the beach and formed a great dune. The girl shuddered from the impact yet did little to acknowledge it. The Dragon's neck cast a shadow over Ruth as he hovered on high.

"I-I do-don't des-d-deserve yo-your f-faith!" He began to curve his neck so his head could slither nearer to the girl, "I-I'm sorry!" The ruby-eye did widen into a pupil as the furnace-heart cooled. Alduin hated how he could feel the empathy inside himself. Empathy... Weakness.

"For what dou'st thee apologie for, thine Chosen Prophet?" The Tyrant Wyrm took great care to keep his voice low and thrumming while he was so close to her. He did not desire to render the child deaf after all, "Thou's only flaw was thee's refusal to admit thee's lack of swimming," The girl did not look to him. She only cotinued to cry into her cloak. Such a vagrant display of weakness did disgust the Eldest Elder... Her tears were most repulsive to him, "Thou art a hideous thing when thee weeps. Stop." His disgust made it easier to ignore his budding empathy.

"I-I ca-c-can't!" Her voice came quickly this time. Hoarse and rough it was, "I-I'm sor-s-sorry! I-I alm-al-almost... I-I'm s-so-sorry!" Alduin did briefly ponder why she opten for sorry over apology. Her change in words was slight yet noteworthy, "I-I sho-s-should of... D-d-died!"

The Hell-eye did gleam unto her as the God-Dragon's neck slithered in such a manner that his scales came to rest against the wet flesh of her back. Or, rather, the damp tunic covering her back. Alduin felt ever so slightly uncertain; Ruth's childish whines were an oddity he was ill-equpt to handle. For as wise as the Eldest Elder was he had never managed to deduce a proper reaction towards the children folk. Her weeping, a gross display of her vunerabilities, was irritating his furnace-heart and yet he felt hesitant too act upon the mouting malice, 'Druv?' Why?

"Feed... Thee's feast is ready," His snout came to rest next to her slim form. Were she too reach out an arm her fingers would graze his lower jaw, "Many a fish awaits thee," The child continued to cry and cry and cry. The God-Dragon felt a growing sense of unease unlike anything he'd known before. It was an insidious feeling within the furnace-heart, "Dou'st thee hunger nought? T'was this a waste of thy's effort, Pyt?" It was as if she no longer heard him. The Black Dragon grew tired of this inaction. He expressed a sliver of his growing anger, "RRRRRRGGGGGRGRGRGRGRGSSSSSsssssss!"

"Hhrraaaahh!" The child released a gasping yell as the hissing snarl did frighten her, "W-wh-wha...!? I—"

"Pyt, listen to thee!" The God-Dragon cut off the girl's words. His eye locked with both of her's, "Thy art wasting our time. Thee are reflecting poorly unto thy. Shed ye's weakness and feast, or remain silent. Thou's weeping begins to anger thy immesnely," Ruth's eyes displayed hurt. A wounded sense of pride, deflating ego, and a growing sadness that edged into outright despair. The furnace-heart cooled, "Thou art Chosen! Act like it, young Pyt. Zu'u, Alduin, knowst thee hath great potential. Do not reject it by embracing fragile emotions... Thy bravery is commendable. Thou faced thee's foe - and even in defeat ye still faced ye's fear. Be proud of that, dii Pyt." Puffy silver eyes did lower as the child hugged her knees. She nodded to him slowly as she fought her tears.

The Black Dragon knew she did not heed his words true. She did not believe him. For a moment Alduin considered punishing the girl. Mayhaps killing her and reviving her unto Draugerdom will cure her frailty? Nay... That would only worsen her mental state. But... 'Validation.' A cold thought entered into the Dragon's abyssal mind.

"Hhhmmmmnnnnnnrrrrrrssssssss... Thou art thine, Pyt, and thine alone. Be aware that thou's life is Zu'u, Alduin's! Thou art thine crowning jewel," All Dragons hunger for a great treasure of their own. Mortals mistake this desire for gold and trinkets and enchanted metals when, in truth, only the basest Dovah are enthralled by such worthless objects, "Ye's survival is thy's priority. Thy will not let thee be slain by water... Thou art thine in flesh, heart, mind, and soul. Thee art more then a meaningless welp. Of all Men ye now hold the grandest of all destinies - too be thy Chosen Prophet. Ye are better then this. Stronger. Make thyself proud by acting so." Silver eyes looked upon him with bleeding hope. He could see the words already worming deep inside her. The girl's eyes shone now with budding pride; pride is the source of all confidence. She will need it. For a moment did the Eldest Elder's mind wondered. Dragons and their hunger for treasure are oft' the stuff of legend.

The Black Beast Laatvulon did hunger for destructuion as his treasure for he attempted to mimic the World Eater in all aspects. He failed at that when he fell into servitude to the lunar-Devourer.

Kalgrontiid, the Moons-Hungerer, did seek out the lunar light as his treasure during the darkest of nights. He was imprisoned in the moons for his blasphemy when he attempted usurp Alduin as God-King. He escaped after the Black Dragon's banishement over five thousand years ago. Kalgrontiid's fate remains unknown to the Black Wyrm.

Nahviintaas the Sun-Serpent did hunger for time itself. He did challenge the God-Dragon of Time, Akatosh, himself to the right of being the God of Time... He, like Kalgrontiid, was imprisoned. Albeit within the glare of the sun over the gaze of the moons.

Paarthurnax opted for meditation over any treasure he could collect through force. Though the Traitor-Drake did shelter many an aged monk and many would-be Heros as his crowning jewels. That Dragon had abandoned his true nature long ago yet vestiges of it remain to this day.

But of Alduin? He took it upon himself to collect but one treasure. That great crowning jewel of Alduin's now lies smoten upon Skuldafiin. And yet... A replacement for the dead Nahkriin had presented herself. Yes, indeed, Ruth would be the God-Dragon's newest treasure; the crowning jewel of his new empire.

"A-Alduin...?" The Eldest Elder let his eye slowly shut as his thoughts were disrupted. He felt dainty fingers grazing against his damp scales, "S-ser Dragon...?" He stifled his annoyance as her use of the word 'ser'. Her cool touch, he surmised, would be compensation enough for him.

"Sssssrrrrrrrnnnnnnnsssssssss?" A questioning hiss emanated from deep within. Her hand pressed against him fully as she slowly trailed her arm down his jaw. It soothed the All-Devouerer's furnace-heart. He enjoyed her cold touch.

"T-thank you... F-for taking un-under your... Haha, w-wing," Her chuckle was mirthless and forced, "I o-owe you m-my life." Her head came to rest against his own. Her body pressed against his snout as she sought comfort from the Dragon. The Eldest Elder for but moment thought of pushing her away - albeit he decided against it for reasons he knew not. For the first time since the anointing of his original Prophet did Alduin feel a flicker of that which his Rival fated he would never have - joy. Contentness. A feeling of belonging... It did not last long. Malice sought to erase the newborn joy under oceans of hatred and bitter betrayal.

"Will thee waste thee's meal?" He asked with a hint.of growing anger, "Thy's effort t'was for thou's sake," The girl did not move from him. Her breathing evened out as her small palms clutched at jagged scales like a babe to her father, "Pyt?" She drifted off to slumber as her energy waned. Her drowning left her drained. He could wake her and reprimand her, yet... Yet a part of him desired her to remain close. A part of the Tyrant Wyrm desired her to care about him. Her touch was a soft thing compared to the many arrows and blades that attempted to fell the Eldest Elder over many epochs, "Waste of fish..."

Alduin contented himself for this moment of rest with his Prophet. Later on today, once she stirrs, they will take flight to her domain of Gods Stone. The Mortals will submit and then he shall begin the process of recreating the Masques - nine there will be for the anointed Dragon-Priests, seven for those who will be Champions, and one Great Masque for the Prophet. Each one a gift to both heighten their abilities and hide their Mortal ugliness whilst granting them pseudo-immortality. Yes... Yes, he will construct new Masques for his followers. Stronger Masques... Crueler Masques... Hateful Masques that will ensure their loyalty.

Gods Stone will only be the first of many. All Men regardless of their role and stature will submit to Alduin. And when this world is conquered? He will return to Nirn. And when Nirn is conquered? Well... The Gods are a trifle. Mayhaps it is time they become slaves as well? Them and their domains. Especially those of Akatosh and Auriel - Alduin's twin brothers.

And after the Gods are forced into chains? All worlds and planes will falter. He will explore and master all realms that exist beyond his knowledge. All will rue the day they scorned Alduin the All-Devourer! Especially the Dragonborn! Eternal suffering awaits the Man-Drake... His soul will rot in Molag Ball's Azure Hell. The False-Dragon will be dominated and violated by the King of Rape for all eternity for his Sins. And then when his soul is so broken pain no longer effects him Alduin shalt show him the folly of Men; how quickly they turn against their heros.

"F-father..." The child spoke once more in her sleep, "Father, n-no... I'm not like t-that..." She clung so tighly to her God that her hands bleed. It was like he was the sole source of her protection and comfort. Good... All proceeds as the Black Wyrm desires. The child will need to rely on her God-King. She is his! His treasure... His Prophet... His child. He chose her for a reason, "Alduin!"

Ruth's muttering of his name in her sleep was most unexpected. She yelled for him like she was in danger... Mayhaps she was under threat in her dreams? She struggled and gasped against him as she kicked at his scales. What was she dreaming of? The Eldest Elder felt a tinge of pity. He hated himself for allowing weakness into the furnace-heart.

"Laag hahnu drem!" The Shout was more a whisper then a yell. White tendrils of misty energy circled the child as her movements stilled. Her grunts quieted down as her kicking ceased. Her nightmare abaited into sweet dreams as Alduin's Tonal Magic soothed her fears, "Zu'u los gon wah ulaak fah hi... Weak girl. Thy art mine forevermore."

As the Tyrant Wyrm watched his would-be Prophet sleep peacefully did his mind wonder. He was beginning too... Too feel things for her. Things like empathy, and mercy, and attachment. His furnace-heart was growing weaker because of Ruth. That would not do and yet he would not replace such a promising disciple as doing so would break his vow. A liar he was not. What a conundrum...

She desired of him companionship... Allyship. Maybe evem friendship. Queer. Maybe he needed that? A change in perspective? Yes... Yes, mayhaps entertaining this illusion of friendship will bring him a better understanding of Men and by extension how to control them.

For now the God-Dragon opted to think and ponder and test. His mind did silently toil as the girl finally slept in peace. Little of interest would transpire here for a time...

But afar? Afar there took place a Godly council. A meeting of Divine and of Mortal spirit... The formation of a hunt.

---

"Arise, my daughter of slumbering lethality," Charoite did rise from her knees as her violet eyes peered upong marvelous perfection; the Golden God, "Arise and greet me, my child." It was customary, of course. The kneeling, the use of the word 'daughter', the pretense of offical duty. It was simple pleasantries propagated by centuries of tradition.

"You honor me with your presence, Merciful One," Her voice was strong yet sedated. Charoite kept a fine control over all aspects of her being. She was obsessed with self-control, "What is thy's duty, thy master?"

"Please, child, I am no master. Merely a... Mentor," He is too humble, so the warrior-woman concluded. Moreso then his Brother of Darkness at least, "There has been a great disruption, my child. A horrid obstruction of the natural order is occuring." Of this the woman knew true. She would not be here otherwise. She chose silence as her response. The God did clasp his hands as he levitated above the Waters of Eternal Youth.

"There is a interloper. A creature assuming the form of a great and black-scaled Dragon," Her violet eyes did peek at that. A Dragon? She had never fought a Dragon before... No one had for all true Dragons are Gods, "His nature I know not. His desires I know not. The extent of his power I know not. What he truly is I know not."

"Am I too vanquish this interloper?" The God of Light did clasp his hands before himself. He did shone with a great and intese golden hue - as if sunlight itself were in a vaguely human shape. Staring at him for too long would blind any Mortal for life, "How am I to kill a Dragon?" His whiteish-gold antlers did sparkle as he tilted his eyeless gaze unto her own violet eyes.

"You can't. But that is not my desire of you either," Her red gown did flow in the warm winds as he spoke, "I ask only that you observe the creature. No direct action is needed of you." T'was a simple command if ever one was given. The woman, Charoite, did find the terms more then acceptable... If highly disappointing. Her hand did clutch at the whip resting upon her hip.

"Is that all?" Golden leaves fluttered from the Tree of Life. She was tempted to take one though she knew better. Too harness a leaf is not against the Golden God's will, but to keep it? To steal away it's healing powers for one's own selfish gain? That was considered a blasphemy punished by the Dark God; complete erasure of the very soul and mind.

"No. There is a child - a young girl of seventeen winters. I would ask of you to save her," Charoite's eyes at once narrowed. A child was in danger? And a young lass at that. She felt a fire begin to burn within her heart as old memories resurfaced, "The child, Ruth of Gods Stone, has fallen sway to the Dragon's temptations. Please show her the error of her ways, my child, and return her too my Light." The warrior did grip the shaft of her weapon tightly. She nodded as she suppressed her budding rage.

"Your will shalt be done, thy master," She rose tall as she did brave her features, "I will not fail you." Her voice came strong and determined. She was steadfast in her faith and of unwavering loyalty to her God.

Long ago did Charoite suffer the greatest of all human pains; slavery. She knew the pain of denial, of endless rejection, of violation of both the body and soul. She would not let another fall down such a path...

"You never have. Go now before darkness consumes the Heavens. The Dragon lies far to the north. Simply ask about the fallen star and you will find him... Or wait for the ashes of his growing rage to darken the skies. Regardless, I have utmost faith in you," Charoite did bow before her Divine mentor before standing. She turned to leave, "Child?" The woman's hardened gaze softened at her Golden God's tone.

"Yes, my master?" Her violet eyes returned to him. The Dragon God's body began to sparkle as he faded into particles of energy that were absorbed into the Tree of Life.

"I am no master... Only a mentor. Farewell, my child of endless sleep." He did flow into the Tree as he became one with it. Charoite did bow briefly before turning to leave. The woman contented herself with a slight notion of violence.

The warrior vowed to herself to find the girl. Too slay this Dragon if necessary. She will find this 'Gods Stone' and purge this land of all evil as was her destiny. Charoite would see all the wicked ones burn before her if she could... A Dragon's death is due! She was enthralled by the sense of danger! And thrill, too.

Yes... Yes, she must kill this Dragon! Rip out his black heart and put an end to his serpentine temptations. The Star-Fallen Beast was a wicked thing ensnaring the innocent down a dark and twisted path. Charoite felt thrill rising in her heart as she braved the steps leading down the moutain.

To hunt a Dragon? What an opportunity! An opportunity Chornite would claim with zeal... This Dragon will die.

---

Aria of Ashes here.

I know it's been awhile. Sorry for the delay, but... Problems occured. I don't want to discuss too much here - my other story, Black Stars, has a more in-depth author's note concerning this if you are interested.

But if you wish too know, then so be it: I was contemplating suicide. I didn't go through with it, obviously, but I almost did. I struggle with my mental health immensely and constantly. It is a uphill battle for me. My life is constantly deteriorating and I have grown so tired of it all.

But whose here for that? No one is. I'm not and your not. If you made this far you want fun facts and reply comments, don't you? Here's a few.

Fun Fact: The Godhead is the closest thing to a 'supreme God' in TES lore and is responsible for maintaining the Dream of Reality. Obtaining CHIM is realizing you exist inside the Godhead and yet you refuse to simply be apart of the Dream - hence why CHIM users are sometimes referred to as Dreamers in refrence to them, effevtively, being a mini-Godhead. Now my original point is that there are thousands of Godheads each containing an infinite series of multiverses within it's dream.

On a side note, I dislike how Elder Scroll Online retconned the cosmology from infinite timelines to infinite universes, but it is what it is. I feel this whole 'multiverse' concept has been HIGHLY overused in recent media and yet it's canon so I have to work with it.

Fun Fact: The Tree God of Rwby doesn't have a real name. It's never called a 'God' either. I, personally, like calling it Mama Goddess as she did create the Brother Gods. Mama God (MG for short) is the only entity in all of Rwby that is transcendental and can exist in multiple locations simultaneously. I will also say that the MG, like the Godhead, appears to be in a state of 'sleeping' according to the art designer of Volume 9. It is unknown what would happen if the MG were to 'awaken' but I doubt it'd be as destructive as the Godhead's awakening. She is also HEAVILY implied to be extra-dimensional and transcends liner time and has a as of yet unexplained connection to Summer Rose.

Fun Fact: Rwby officially exists in the DC multiverse. Canonically there are infinite Rwby universes in the DC cosmology... Which also means they are included in the Dark Mutliverse where everything that can go wrong does go wrong 1,000x worse. Canonically Marvel also exists in the DC omniverse (a omniverse is a collection of multiverses stacked together) meaning, tangently, Rwby is canon to Marvel, too. So it is possible for a DC/Marvel/Rwby crossover to happen officially yet it probably won't. Since Rwby is owned by Warner Brothers now (I think it's WB but I could be wrong) we could also get a live action Rwby movie at some point.

That's not all, either. Godzilla canonically exists in both DC and Marvel. Star Wars canonically exists in the Marvel multiverse, too. So does Conan and Scooby Doo. So, somwhere in the infinite DC/Marvel/Scooby Doo/Rwby/Star Wars/Godzilla multiverse exists a world where - canonically - all of these characters exist at once.

Funny fact: Chris Pratt, the actor who portrayed Star Lord and Mario, was at some point signed on to voice Ruby Rose. Yes, a 30 something year old man was going to voice 15 (maybe 17 depending on when in the timeline it would've happened) girl in a now scrapped Rwby film that will never see the light of day. I kinda wish that movie was released just to hear Prat's best Ruby impression.

Final fun fact: magic is different between Remnant and Nirn. Magic of Remnant has no fuel (Magicka/Mana) and is limited to exclusively flight, elemental maniulation, physical augmentations (Cinder uses magic to supercharge her Aura) shapeshifting and... That's it. The magic of the Everaftians is different, however, as that magic as seen by the Curious Cat is capable of mind control/possession and, to a lesser extent, telepathy. TES magic can literally do anything if your a powerful enough wizard. Wanna raise an army of the dead? The Wolf Queen has your back. Wanna destroy the world? Grab the Chaos Staff or do a Fate ritual to alter the nature of the Gods. Wanna be immortal? Become a Lich. Wanna be a God? Do what Mannimarco did (except the centuries of being raped/tortured by Molag Bal part for failing to conquer the world) Wanna just be a chill wizard cooking up some mead all day? Learn ice magic.

My point is Rwby is a lot more ridged with it's use of magic. For the sake of my story I will expand on Remnant magic's potential but I'm not under delusions of it being even 1/10th as powerful as Nirn magic. It is what it is, I suppose. The relics and Gods are exceptions to that, however. Comment time now.

Misfit Fox - Thank you once again! I hope each of my chapters will be better and better as time goes on.

vastoisshin - Thank you for the observations. I love the engagement. I'll say Alduin will be similar to Paarthurnax (as in both are wise and primordial Dragons) but Alduin by his nature is a being of infinite destruction. Like the Grimm yet far, far, far more extreme. It is a aspect of himself that can be suppressed but never forgotten. And yes, indeed, Alduin and the Brothers will have a inevitable confrontation.

I agree that I prefer Ruby as she is, but I would've liked to see a "What if?" style series exploring the "Proto-Rwby" era before they finalized their characters more. Yet it is as it is. I like your take on self-inserts. I never thought of them like that. It's honestly a very interesting angle - and looking at Jaune like that definitely does make him less hateable. But I still won't ever get over the fact that Jaune more often than not is stealing screen time that could've been used to develop other characters or plot points - but that's less of a Jaune problem than it is Miles refusing to write about anything that isn't Jaune.

I don't blame Miles for Monty's death (Monty was a fully grown man after all) but he did contribute. After all it was Miles who convinced Monty to stay. Of course Miles couldn't of known what would happen, but he still helped enable the relationship to continue which, undeniably, led to Monty's death from cat allergies.

I aslo do agree they should've double down on Ozpin being evil since they keep hating on him for something that isn't his fault.

Cmedina1 - Initially, yeah, but it's also undeniable that as time went on Miles worked more and more of himself into Jaune. Why do think Jaune starts out as a weak, pathetic, stupid, whiny, unlikable loser? Because that's who Miles is. As time went on I do agree that Jaune became less of a self-insert and more of his own character but to this day you can see aspects of Miles inside of Jaune: like his constant need for validation, his immense stupidity, his vapidness and apparently (according to volume 6) child abuse. Of course I don't accuse Miles of actual child abuse (albeit he does have several HIGHLY suspicious tweets concerning that subject) but rather that his self-insert hated and abused a literal child (Oscar who is fourteen) because he had a old man inside of him. I struggle to sympathize with anyone who actively harms a child in any form aside from discipline.

Unbid25 - I am not even surprised by that. Miles always came off as the materialistic type to me. Ever since Roosterteeth went under Miles has been radio silent on most platforms. Somtimes I wonder if he even has a job anymore. I kinda hope not after he shit on Monty's legacy for a quick buck. I can only imagine what he'd do once his funds run low. I have a feeling that getting a job at McDonald's is something Miles will try to avoid like the plague - especially after his time at Roosterteeth.

That is all and I hope you guys are doing swell. Have a good day/night and I bid thee farewell.

For now: I will return to the void and fade into ashes.