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...

6. Dragonfire

"Pyt! Thou art a sound sleeper..." Ruth was startled by the deep voice of her God as her eyes blinked open. She could spy swirling clouds on high, "Thine sleeping terrors subside?" Ruth had only just awoke. Her mind was hazy, foggy, and rugged. Her silver eyes were yet half-lidded, her arms still slow from sleep, and her tunic dirty with wet sand. The young woman had rises to seat herself upon the sand. Black scales encircled about her - a sense of safety exuding from their night-blacl texture.

"E-ehhh... Yes, sir Dra-" The girl caught herself as she realized her mistake. She coughed in a attempt to hide it, "Mighty Dragon! I-I meant mighty Dragon..." The young woman was freshly awoken. She did stretch her arms to rid herself of stiffness, "Yyyyyyyaaaaahhhh!" Her yawn was akin to a pup's yelping, "Did... Did you let me sleep upon your scales?" Silver eyes shone with a sleepy innocence as the girl met the Hell-eye's neverending gaze.

"Aye. Thou needth a place of rest so thy's hide was used. Does it disturb thee?" Ruth felt a soaring sense of protection. A sense of belonging. She relaxed into the scales that provided her support and warmth. She could feel the reverberations of his deep breathing against herself. She recalled now that her back lay against his lower jaw. All he need do is shift himself oh so slightly to crush her like an ant, 'I should be scared...' She thought without a hint of fear, 'But I feel... I feel safer with him then I ever did at Gods Stone.'

"No. Are you disturbed by it?" The words would go unanswered as the Dragon huffed like an elderly hound deprived of his sleeping matt. The Dragon would not speak as seconds matured into minutes. The young woman was not bothered by this. In fact she was thankful for his silence. Oft' and hard was it for her to find the proper words to express herself. A poet the girl was not, "You're kind friend, mighty Dragon. A really good friend." The truest friend she ever had. Her only friend...

"Before all else, young Pyt, thy art thee's God," The titan-shape spoke with a low and baritone voice. He sounded tired to the girl. Ruth shrugged at his words. There is no reason he couldn't be both. Like a God he offered protection, wisdom, and blessings. Like a friend he spoke to her on deeper affairs, he cared for her on a deeper level than the superficial, and he was understanding. To Ruth he was her only true God as much as he was her only true friend, "What hath thou dreamed, thine Pyt?"

"I-I... Haha. U-uhhmmm..." The young woman's cheeks felt a sudden surge of heat. She felt a strange swelling of fuzzy joy in her belly as his remark, "I, ehhh... I-I dreamed about... Y-you," She felt a growing sense of embarrasment. She pulled her right knee close to her chest as she hugged it, "A-apologies..." She felt like a fool child. She did not want to upset her God; the one who saved her life and took her under his wing. Both literally and metaphorically.

"Of what are the transparencies, thine Prophet? Of what did'st thy do in thee's dream?" The young woman pushed herself further into his ridged hide. The hardness of his scales felt like strong walls to young Ruth. It brought a comfort she hasn't known since her childhood. She breathed deeply... The girl did recall offhandedly something about a golden sword. A golden magic sword. T'was the one she plucked from the Dragon's maw that her mind wondered too. Was it still at the crater? Surely it must be. She pondered about retrieving it if only for the sake of having a magic sword as part of her collection of oddities, "Pyt?"

"O-oh... I was lost in thought, mighty Dragon, my apo..." She trailed off, 'No apologies,' She reminded herself, 'Apologies aren't for prophets.' The girl grazed her fingers against her medallion, "I... I dreamed about the day my father died. I dreamt... I dreamt that you burned the ones who burned him," She spoke softly and quietly. The girl did abhor violence - even if it was birthed inside her own mind. That isn't to say a part of her didn't enhoy the blood, of course. She felt the rumbling of low huff from behind herself, "I dreamt that you punished the wicked."

"Truly? Hhhhhnnnnnnsssssss," The hissing grew less worrisome over time Ruth noted. Each growl was less intimidating then his last. She adjusted to the threatening sounds swiftly to the point of no longer fearing them save a brief and instinctive flinch. However, as time continued on, the snarls came to harbor a more protective nature concering young woman. The girl was well aware of this gradual shift, "So thou doth possess a shard of true hate in thee's heart... Good. Very good." Ruth pondered the nature of the statement. It did not sit well with her. She felt a twisting inside her belly as explored the implication.

"Why is that good?" Silver eyes peered unto two ruby ones. Ruth saw two flaming eyes staring back at her, "W-wait! Your other eye came back!" Her thin arms did prop herself up as felt all sleepiness or fret subside. He had healed! Was it because of her herbs? Or was it a natural capability of being a God? Even if it was the latter then Ruth prided herself on at least easing the teansition from injured to healthy.

"Yes, thy eye hath returned. Too answer thee's query: hate fuels ambition. Ambition is the child of power; and through power the strong shalt be freed from the iniquities of weakness." The great Dragon's eyes did watch her intently. Ruth did not shy from them; her eyes staring back with an equal intensity. She felt a strange mix of offense and curiosity insider herself. She felt the emotions battling one another to determine which would ask the question her lips were now beginning to ask, "Hate is purer then love. Ambition is more noble then honor. Power is the highest calling any God or Mortal may claim lordship over."

"Why!?" The question came strong and fierce... As fierce as her light voice could be, that is. The Hell-eyes did thin slightly before then widening out into snow-touched pupils. The Dragon's head did shift causing Ruth's form to dig into the sandy dune about them, "I-I mean—"

"Rrrgggggnnnnnssssss... T'was that a query or a demand?" The girl's throat felt very sore suddenly. Her hand subconsciously grasped for her wolf medallion. She swallowed nought but air as she gulped reflexively, "Was it, Pyt?"

"U-uhmmm... W-well, I... N-no?" Her arms gestured far as far as they as if to prove her point. The Hell-eyes looked upon her skeptically. Sweat formed upon Ruth's brow, "I-I-I-I—"

"I? I? I? I? T'is ye's favorite word it appears," The Dragon's maw shifted against the sand to face her. Sharp fangs longer then men are tall gleamed from dark gums, "Thou art too meek... Too submissive. Thou must strengthen ye's heart if thou art too rule by thy side. Ye must not harbor any softness if ye art to be a ruler of Men," The words churned within the girl great conflict. A desire to impress conflated with the desire to argue otherwise. The great maw's rising silenced her inner conflict. The jaws of the Dragon did darken the light forming strong shadows that drenched Ruth's body in ominous shapes, "What doth thee think of thy?"

"I... I-I..." Ruth averted her gaze to the sands. She shivered as she gripped her medallion tighter. The girl thought for a long moment of what she desired to say, "I t-think... Think of you as a God. A God and a mentor. Is... Is it wrong of me to do so?" She spoke hesitantly and nervously. The fear of judgement inspired such trepidation.

"No. It would be wrong think of thy as anything short of a God. Thy art a God first and foremost above all. It is thine duty as a God to care for thy followers if they hath earned it," The Dragon God's voice came slowly and lowly. He tilted his head downwards so his snout kissed the earth and his eyes directly peered into the girl's silver onee, "Thou art thy follower first and foremost above all. Is is thou's duty as a follower to praise and worship thy with commitments or sacrifice. Stand, thine Prophet." And so Ruth came to stand as her God did shudder rivers of sand off his form.

"Bbbbbbrrrrrrgggggggghhhhhhh!"

The girl flinched and stumbled as the earth quaked. The Dragon had begun to move. His tail dug deep trenches as it rose out of the dune a deep sea serpent. The Hell-eyes never once broke contact with his prophet as the Dragon's winged forelimbs raised his chest high.

"Bbbrrrrrrrggggggggghhhh!"

A three-toed raptor-claw implanted against the earth ahead of the girl. The night-black Dragon's neck coilied as it drew high enough to tower over the treetops. A pointed tongue slithered between sword-teeth as it licked at the air. Ruth felt a sense of trepidation, yes, but she relaxed under the knowledge of that her God had so far proven benevolent. The girl watched as the Dargon came to rise tall upon his legs; his forelimbs functioning as props to hold him tall over the earth.

"Thee troubles yeself with irrelevant doubts. Ye think yeself weak so ye are weak. Thou must discard that undesirable aspect of ye art to fulfill ye's duties as Prophet," She felt a sting from those words. She tried to muffle the emotion. Ruth bit her tongue as she balled her fists, "Hath thee known of flight before?"

"Uhhmm... No? I... No, I have not. Others have flown but I do not have the ability too," The young woman questioned the words. She assumed them literal - her God nary dipped his claws into metaphor, "Why ask, mighty Dragon?" The star-beast did look upon her from from on high. He seemed... Somehow smaller then before. Had she been tricked into thinking him larger than he really was?

"Curiosity's sake. Thy shalt experience the soaring of the Dov on this day," The Dragon's voice came stronger and more potent then before. He puffed out his chest as his tail whipped back and forth into the lake forming large, crashing waved, "Thee shalt feel much pride today! Too partake in the joy of the Heavens cool embrace."

"Boooooggghhhh!"

"Hhhuuhh!" Ruth gasped as the Dragon's left wing suddenly impacted into the earth beyond herself. She saw the titan-shape's great neck amongst the air as he passed over her. Sand fell in thick streams from the Dragon's great hide.

"Booogghhh!"

A raptor-claw impacted into the sand beside Ruth. She stumbled back and into the crevice between two vast bird-like talons. Each one was the size of a great tree and blocked off her view of the leftern and rightern halves of the beach; solid night-black scales all her eyes perceived.

"Boooooogggghhhhhh!"

The great serpent-tail of the Dragon whipped into the earth with tremendous force. Ruth shook from the force of the shifting sands beneath her bare feet. The girl fell back against the scales of her God; so small compared to the digit she was unto a spec of dust by comparison. The foot's mere weight dug a deep deformation into the earth below.

"Pyt! Come towards thee's voice," The God did boom as his talon came to rest upon a boulder half sunk in mud. Ruth could scarcely spy his chest and neck from her spot of respite - only the darkness of his shape as it blotted out the sky. The girl stepped forward as she opted to obey. She oft obeyed the commands of another. Be it of old Gemini or the cleric. Before them she obeyed her brother. Before him it was her father, "Pyt?" And now... Now she serves a God. Who is also a Dragon. From another world. And he wants to be king of all mankind... Ruth sighed as she began to walk underneath the titanic shadow of her God. She couldn't say she expected this turn of events but she would be lying if she said she didn't enjoy them in spite of the oddness of it all.

"Coming!" She shouted to him, "Just give me a moment..." It was a short walk of mere minutes albeit it felt like hours. The young woman analyzed her God from below. The many gashes and wounds littering his shape were now only seeping plasmas over outright bleeding them. Many of the lesser wounds had healed completely. The young woman smiled at the sight; a warming joy enrapturing her heart, 'I did this... I saved him.' Her smile grew as did her pride, if only slightly.

"Goraan joor, hi los viintaas trimal. Pahvoth mu fen rel avok niin... Hath thee ever ruled over another?" Ruth considered for a moment. His words echoed into her mind... She recalled white fur and brown eyes. She remembered a beast she knew some winters back - a caring and protective creature. She nodded up to the Dragon with a solemn face.

"Somewhat. I once had wolf cub I raised and trained from birth... He's long since passed," The girl recalled the creature clearly. He was a loyal beast... He gave up his life defending her from brigands. It was a sorrowful memory, "It was a poultry experience compared to your's, I'm certain." Fresh stabs of regret pelted her soft heart. He died because of her mistakes...

"Then thee needs a most invigorating lesson regarding the matter. Hath thee dreamed of being a queen?" The Dragon's voice came strong and swift. Ruth was now nearing his maw. She could see the shape of his horns amongst the skies above herself, "Of ruling over a vast kingdoms with limitless wealth?" The girl pondered as she cupped her chin.

"No," Ruth hadn't ever entertained such idle fancies. It was foolish for a girl of her station to do so, "Why ask?" The Hell-eye - one of them - now peered upon the girl with crimson potency. She did not shy away from it, "Of what wisdom do you wish to depart, mighty Dragon?" She stood before his unblinking gaze with her own questioning eyes. Surely all these questions have a point, yes?

"Only that of truth; so oft' is it that ye's ilk claim kingship through lies. There are some who shalt claim to be the sons or daughters of a God. They will say it is their destiny to rule over the rest of their lot. Others wil claim they possess a natural intelligence or sophistication that renders them superior enough to rule. These are falsehoods, young Pyt," The great Dragon lowered his maw low to the earth as the young woman neared ever closer. His jaws were slightly parted as Ruth's pale hand came to rest upon his snout. The burning warmth or scalding pain did not deter her, "The truth is, thine Pyt, that Mortals are always consumed by power and driven into mindless ambition. Mortals cannont rule for they are too impulsive. Mortals will always doom their domains; Mortals are nothing but beasts of burden. Animals to be domesticated," The young woman shied away from his eyes. She clasped her hands together as her lip trembled. She felt as though he had stabbed her through the belly with nought but words, "Do not fret, Prophet. Ye are exempt from their beastly stupidity, thine child. Ye will become akin to the Demigods in due time: a true Lord of Men." Ruth felt the warmth of his maw against her hand; his words resonating deep inside with a darker aspect of her character. The woman repressed this dreadful anticipation; a part of her deep inside was already eager to dawn the mantle of Lord of Men.

"And... What of you?" The God looked upon her with a sense of annoyance in his ruby-eyes. Ruth stood her ground, "How do you know right from wrong? Is it because you're a God?" Long had the girl pondered how the Divines settle matters of morality. She hoped for an answer here - a true answer and not another riddle. The Dragon's eyes softened upon her as his annoyance melted away before her stubbornness.

"Thy dou'st know them from exerience, Pyt. Thy hath witnessed the virtues of good and the sins of evil; thy hath found them wanting," Ruth listened very carefully as her God did speak unto her words of learned centuries. She was always an eager student, "There art no true morality aside thine own; no natural rightness - only thy's enforced laws. Thy know'st good and evil truly for thy dictate good and evil unto all things." So the girl did process the knowledge within herself. She came to understand the words as a great serpent-like tongue tasted the calm breeze. Morality is deternined by the Gods through experience? She came to understand the words as expressing that rightness and wrongness were distinct only because Alduin wished them so. That thought did not sit well with her.

"Art thou ready for flight?" The Dragon pushed himself tall upon his titanic forelimbs as he resumed his movements, "The skies beckon strong and true!" The star-beast reared his serpent-neck tall as he looked upon the mighty sun. His black maw did dark the solar source and cast fell shadows unto the earthen forest ahead of them. His foot raised above the child as the God walked.

"Bbbbboooooggggghhhhh!"

"W-wh... What do I do? I... Should I climb upon your neck? The Hell-eyes peered to her with a sudden bleeding dismissal, "N-no? Then... Then what shall I do? I cannot fly on my own!" The earth shuddered as the Dragon God shifted forward. The girl saw a great shadow forming within the skies. Or was it merely his tail? The distinction was a difficult one to make.

"Bbbbboooooggggghhhhh!"

"Thy shalt carry thee in thine claws," The shadow did reveal itself to be a three-toed raptor-claws. It descended like a demon from the darkness; three great talons impaling the sandy earth just before the girl. The woman shuddered as each talon came to rest beside herself by mere inches, "Thee shalt experience the flight of a Dov... Ye's envy and awe of thine ilk shall grow tenfold!" Ruth remained still as a corpse as the foot of her Dragon God did grasp her tight. The talons raised the young woman upwards as they grasped her against their claws.

"S-sir Dra—"

"Bbbbrrrrrrraaaaagggggghhhhhh!"

The girl was cut off as the Dragon reared upward. He stood upon one claw as he used his tail to balance himself. He raised up his forlimbs skybound as leather wings darkened what little of the skies light remained. The Heavens looked like a starless night sky in that moment. The great Dragon puffed his chest as his stomach did shrink; wings spread aloft as he prepared for flight.

"S-sir Dragon!" The talons of her God's limb did not burn or even give off slightest warmth. It was cold. Not freezing, no, but colder then any object should be on such a sunny day, "I-I'm not sure about this!" The girl did not like being caged within the Dragon's claw - especially as she dangled over fifty feet above solid earth, "People aren't meant to fly!"

"Ruz mahlov nii jahrii, Pyt! Lok los dii wah nokraan ko!" It was then that the wings did flap for the first time. Winds howled and screamed as they were swept into a great frenzy akin to a thunderstorm's howl, "Fear not the Heavens vastness; it is thy's sacred territory!" Trees swayed and splintered as the wind currents strengthened to rival that of a tornado. The smaller oaken titans were ripped free of the earth entirely, "Hold yeself mightily, Pyt! These winds doth be treacherous to the meak!"

"Wwwwwoooooooossssssssshhhhhhhh!"

"W-waaaaaait!" And with a slight hop and a flap did the Dragon take flight. Ruth found her scream swiftly devoured into the howling currents. She fought against the surprisingly cool talons to no avail. They would not give before her meager strength. Her heart pounded within her chest like a hammer against a great drum.

"Wwwwwssssssshhhhhhhhhhsssss!"

From Ruth's vantage she spied nought but sand below herself. She felt the rushing winds as they blew her hair about. She flailed against the claws pinning her against the sole of the Dragon's foot. She felt a growing panic as the ground seemed to enlarge below her. The thunder of a whipping tail echoed loudly.

"Wwwwwwwsssssshhhhhoooooooooo!"

"Alduuuuuuuin!" Her voice carried to deaf ears as the Dragon shifted his legs downward until his claws camr to rest against the base of his great tail. The sun did shine forth a great shadow below the shape of the beast that darkened all below, "ALDUUUUUIN!" The treetops came to replace the visage of the beach. In a moment of deep fear the girk realized they were airbone.

"Wwwwwsssssssoooooooo!"

"Krosis, joor! Thy heart beats a fierce tune! Dou'st thee fear such heights?" Even against the screaming of the winds did the Dragon God's thunder-voice ring mighty and true - even to Ruth. A great black shape did darken the rolling whiteness of Heaven before the all-consuming wings of the star-beast, "Thee must slow thou's racing heart before it explodes within thee!"

"Wwwwwwssssssssshhhhhhhhhhh!"

"E-e-e-ex-EXPLODE!?" Ruth efforts regained vigor and might as she pushed against her claw-prison to no avail. She did not, however, consider what would happen were she to be dropped from her claw-prison... "I don't want my heart to explode! I WANT TO KEEP MY HEART!" Silver eyes peered pass the cracks in night-black scales to see an endless ocean of green passing by underneath. Thousands of trees and dirt pathways intermixing with the black death brought about by the crater, "I-I-I do-d-don't wan-want to fly an-anymore!"

"Wwwwwssssssoooooohhhhhhhhh!"

"Aaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhh!" The Dragon pulled his titanic wings close to his body as he dove downwards like a reptilian arrow with legs. Ruth felt a sickness growing inside her, "S-st-stooop!" Her face grew pale as she felt bile rising inside herself. She covered her mouth as she shut her eyes tight. She reached for her absentee cloak, 'My cloak... Where is my cloak!?' Another layer of panic furthered her fears.

"Wwwwwwwppppphhhhhhhhaaaa!"

"RRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAARRRRRSSSSssssssskkkkkkk!" A deep below rung free from the titan-shape's colorless maw as he did announce his presence for all to hear for miles to come, "Ont zos Zu'u, Alduin, los stin wah vaan avok suleyksejun do Gosvern ahrk gol! Zu'u fen dreh hond voth zaak do joor elskah... Pyt, hath thee any weight of thought to offer towards ye's kin?" The girl did pretend to be elsewhere. She fought the rising sickness inside with memories of dandelions, saw dust, and the smell of wet dogs. Such things brought her comfort in this moment of ill health.

"Wwwwwwwssssshhhhssshhhhssshhhh...!"

"N-n-not now! I-I fe-f-feel sick...!" The winds died down as the Dragon's wings evened out once more. The bellows or the winds became a monotonous hum. The sheer force of the flight declined alongside Ruth's sickness, "P-plea-please slow d-down... I do-d-don't feel well!" Ruth could hear the grinding of the Dragon's fangs as he thought over her words. She hoped he woule listen... He had so far been - mostly - kind to her.

"Wwwssspppphhhhhwwwsssssswwwww...!"

The steadying of the flight brought with it a more serene sight. Less wild colors and more concrete shapes. Ruth grasped at the talons as she took calming breaths. The Dragon had slowed his flight from a rapid dive into a calming soaring. It was almost tranquil. Ruth silently prayed to him as a form of thanking him.

"Wwwwwsssssshhhhsssssshhhhhhhh..."

In the distance Ruth spied a bell tower atop a church. From her vantage the girl saw several barns and many huts. Her eyes widened with recognition: "Gods Stone!" The flight had scarcely started and alas they had arrived! Or so it felt to the young woman as she felt her anticipation rising. They would see now... They would see how wrong they were about her! They would finally see her true resolve and capabilities; more then just her superficial attributes. She didn't expect them to like her, but... They will respect her now. Or so she hoped.

"Wwwwwwsssssspppphhhhhhwwwwwhhhhhhh..."

Ruth's smile fell into a frown when she heard the ringing of the bell. Confusion gripped her heart as she saw crowds fleeing from their homes and towards the church. Dread nestled deep within when she heard the screams, 'They don't think that...?' Fear did chill her blood as she saw the distant shapes of soldiers pouring free from the armory. The bell signaled the village was under attack; the solders were only responding to it, 'They think Alduin is a threat!?' Panic rose within her at the realization; lips spread to speak only for her voice to be silenced by thunder.

"Zzzzzzzzzzzzzbbbbbbbgggggggggghhhh!"

"Wwwwwsssssppphhhhhhhssssssswwwwwww!"

"RRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAARRRRRRRssssssssnnnnnnkkkkk!" The Dragon's sudden bellowing roar did threaten to deafen the poor girl. Ruth clutched her hands over her ears as the wind did pick up once more, "Joor krilon brandish lu wah zey!? Nust fen ag!" Silver eyes could spy a dazzling blast of blue energy originating from down below and assaulting her God. Tendrils of lashing blue struck at her Deity's side and wings. The Dragon pulled his limbs close as he began to dive downwards like silent and colorless lightning.

"Zzzzzzzzzzzzgggggggghhhhh!"

"Wwwwwwssssssppppphhhhhoooooowwwww!"

"RGRGRGRGRGRGRGRRRRRRRRRRkkkkkkksssssssss!" Ruth's silver eyes spied orbs of flame, boulders the size of carts, and crackling thunder being cast towards her God courtesy of the soldiers near the village's center. Her eyes widened as she realized the grave mistake she had made; she failed to account for the possibility that her fellows would miatske her Dragon God for a Demon. Whatever words she gathered the courage to scream were lost in the growing chaos, "YOL TOOR SHUL!"

"Sssssssspppphhhhhwwwwwwwww!"

The winds scream as the wrathful God released a torrent of crimson flames from his fearsome jaws. The Hellish plume was focused into a stream as iy channelled ever downwards unto the village below. Trees were consumed by the ravenous flames in moments as flaming barrier was soon erected. The Dragon strategically targeted the outskirts to frighten the soldiers into submission... Or to cut off any attempted escapes. Ruth wasn't certain.

"Bnnnnnooooooooooooonnnnng!"

"Wwwwssssssppppphhhhhhhhhh!"

"Bnnnnnnnoooooonnnnng!"

Ruth's mouth opened to plead with her God to spare the fools yet she found herself silenced by pure fear. A stream of scarlet death razed up entire huts in moments. The large barrecks from which the soldiers first roused was bathed in concentrated flames. A battalion of over a dozen men wwre incineraed alongside the structure; ashes flaking along the charred earth where once they stood. The sounds of screams emanated from within the crumbling ruins of fiery barracks.

"Bnnnnnoooonnnng!"

"Wwwwssssssssssssshhhhhhhhhhhhhooooooo!"

"Bnnnnnnoooonnnng!"

"RRRRRRRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGG"! The great Dragon truly roared as he dove towards the tall and exposed town hall with lethal intent. He drew forth a great breath as he plummeted through elemental bombaredment of spells, "YOL TOOR SHUL!" Ruth could only watch with growing horror as the town hall - the largest structure in the village and the seat of the mayor - was consumed by blood-red flames. She could imagine the peoples inside as their flesh blistered and melted upon their very bones...

"Bbbbrrrrssssssskkkkkhhhhaaaaa!"

The crimson blast of fire thundered like an earthquake as it rocked the world below. The sheer force of the flames created a shockwave that sent grown men hurdling through the air. Where once the town hall stood strong and mightily was a smouldering Hell not unlike the crater from which the Dragon God first arose. Ruth could see the growing shapes of men in armor running about like skinless hares as the flames of Alduin did devour their flesh into black, charred, husks.

"Bnnnnnnooooonnnnng!"

"Sssssssssttttttttttttrrrrrrrssssssshhhhhhhh!"

"Bnnnnnnnoooooonnng!"

"N-no..." The sounds of horses neighing and pigs squealing sounded over the growing screams. Dozens of men and women panicked as the fire soon spread to engulf the hay of the farms, the crops of the field, and their homes. Dark smoke grew to engulf the town as the Dragon neared the now collapsing town hall. Embers filtered the sky like red firebugs as the sky grew dark like a moonless night, "No! NO! STOP!" The earth grew frighteningly close as the Dragon began to extend his talons like an eagle reaching for it's prey.

"Bnnnnooooonnnnng!"

"BBBBBDDDDDDDGGGGGGGGKKKKKKK!"

"Bnnnnooooooodddddkkkkkkkhhhhhh!"

"SssssssssssgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrrrrRRRRRRRRRRssssssssss...!" The Dragon God's abrupt landing led to the church's bell tower crumbling into the foundations below - with it the entire roof collapsed from the quakes poduced by the God's landing. Hordes of panicking men and women poured free from the toppled church. Some weren't lucky enough to escape in time. The titan-shape held his wings close to his body as his tail whipped into a as-of-yet untouched tavern. The entire building was reduced to logs and straw in a collapsed heap.

"Dddddrrrruuuuuusssktktktktktktkt!"

"Nahkriin wah hi, joor! Zu'u, Alduin, fen naak hin rinik sil ol pentaar!" The Dragon planted his right limb into the ground as his upper half rose tall. His neck reared like a serpent about to strike - Ruth held close in claw - as a bolt of lightning thundered against the star-beast's eye. Alduin hissed as his ruby orbs narrowed unto the source of the Spell - a oafish warrior amongst the panicking horde, "FO KRAH DIIN!" A focused stream of arctic energies flooded from his gaping maw like rolling mists.

"AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH—"

"Wwwwsssssssccccccsssssssshhhhhhhh!"

The screams had grown so loud as to deafen the young woman. She clutched at her ears as the soldiers circled the Dragon's form. Alduin paid them no heed as maw spewed stream of cloud-white ice into the mewling horde before the church. Where once stood men clothed in tattered tunics or women in dainty robes now stood life-like statues of solid ice.

"Wwwwwssssscccccccsssssshhhh!"

Ruth's horrified eyes watched on as entire huts, the front facing section of the churcb, and the entire meat market were left kissed by ice and snow. Where once she saw would-be friends or strangers now dwelt the frozens fruits of her oafish efforts. Ruth could plainly see parted lips silently screaming, children staring on with terrified eyes now forever unblinking, and a soldier or two petrified in the midst of casting a Spell to protect their charge.

"BBBBBOOOOOOOOGGGGGGHHHHHHH!"

"Rrrrrrrraaaaaagrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrssssnnnnkkkk!" The God's roar was almost akin to metal rending metal as it deafened the surviving villagers. Soldiers brought forth axes and swords as they charged the Dragon's claws, wings, and tail. Hell-eyes glared hate unto them, "Rrrraaaarrrrnnnsssss..." Blades and axes and hammers and arrows proved useless; the night-black scales of the star-beast proved impenetrable against all attack. Alduin reared back his serpent neck as his maw parted to reveal great fangs...

"Tttrrrrrnnnnkkkkk! Bbbbrrrrrkkktttaaach!"

"Urrrgh!" Ruth grew sick as the sounds of crushing bone and ripping meat filled the air. She saw from her talon-prison the sight of bloody bones, torn limbs, and sacks of pinkish meat falling to the ground like visceral rain from the jaws of the feasting Dragon. The demonic flames grew into towering walls that encircled the village as the earth ran red with the blood of a dozon or more mangled bodies being eaten by the violent God, "Uggghhhh!" Ruth's sickness manifested as a stream of vomit. She felt her entire world crumbling before herself - Ruth was powerless to stop this chaos that she had helped to create.

"Bbbbbbbrrrrrrraaaaaaagggggghhhhhh!"

"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"DEMON! TARGET THE EYES!"

"Rrrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaaagggggggggggrrrrrrr!?" The Dragon's tail did crush a vendor's market as a rain of arrows pelted his snout. The serpent neck recoiled as a group of brave warriors summoned forth great winds to quell the flames whilst others continued the assault on the star-beast's limbs. The men wore leathers, rusted iron, or simple cloth - scarcely befitting even a sqire. Some helped those fleeing to escape into dark or obscure corners to hide. Others fled into the old Gemini's shack where there did lie a trapdoor leading into a secret basement. Some stared at the night-black Dragon with total fixation before his great wing crushed them into mush, "Ssssssssssssrrrrrrrrgrgrgrgrgrgr... RII VAAZ ZOL!"

"AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!"

A flash of purple light engulfed four or five men in a instant. Silver eyes watched in mounting dread as streams of blueish-white enegry drained from the quickly dying bodies and into the Dragon: "RRRRRRRGRGRGRGRGRRRRRggggggssssss!" The corpses of the five men rose from death. They began screaming gutteral cries as their bodies convulsed. They arose as one in perfect unison. Their actions were sudden and unwarned as they erratically slashed and grappled their fellow - though still living - soldiers. The corpses overpowered the living in a clash of steel and magic; the dead never ceasing even as heads were removed from necks or limbs were severed.

"Bbbbbbrrrrrkkkkkksssss..."

"AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH—"

"BBBBBOOOGGGHHHH!"

A three-toed claw did crush seven screaming men and four sobbing women underfoot as Alduin took a step forward. They were all silenced in but a moment. The Dragon's left wing extended forward until it came to perch upon the town well. Or, rather, it crushed the town well into crater. The God Dragon did watch ever onwards as the fleeing men and women were engulfed in animalistic panic. Many fled as the fires ate their flesh into boils and flakes. Others were frozen into forever screaming statues. The five walking corpses went on to maim and asaault and slaughter the others they chased down - be it soldier, farmer, fisher, or child. The deadly sting of their blades were indiscriminate in their slaughter.

"Aaaaaaaaahhhhhhhhhh!"

"Gods save us!"

"Demon! It is a Demon!"

Ruth could do nought but watch as three fourths of her home was burned into ash and crumbling ruins. The entire market, the crumbled entrance of the church, and over thirteen people were encased in unnaturally white ice. Those who survived were trapped with the Dragon - a ring of crimson flame circling ever closer as it cut off all potential escape routes.

Ruth wanted to scream, to beg, to fight to save them and yet she could not. The fear strangled her voice into silence; the claws of her raptor-prison unbreakable. All she could do was watch as the Dragon circled his maw about the survivors - his neck forming a barrier to pin them within the center of the village. Her view was a difficult vantage to maintain as her head angled unnaturally to see. Over forty people of the inital hundred had survived until now. They groveled and scream and prayed as the Hell-eyes cast red hate from the darkness of the surrounding smoke.

"Gods have mercy!"

"Aaaaaaaaaaaaahhhhhhhh!"

"Where's my son!? WHERE IS MY SON!?"

"I-in the name of the Life-Giver and the Life-Taker I—"

"Rrrrrrrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrsssss... RRRRAAAAAARRRGGGG!" The jaws snapped and hissed at the screaming crowds with ferocity. The men, women, and children were terrified into a single howling mass. Soldiers - the few who survived - dared not take up spell or blade as the fangs honed in on the screaming wretches. The night-black beast slithered forward upon a great muscular neck, "RRRRRRRRRaaaaaaasssssnnnnnkkkk! Sssssssssrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrggggggssssssss..." Great horns cast twisted shadows below unto the horde. A single elderly man stepped forth as he brandished a rounded object of gold in hand.

"S-stay back, Demon! Thy God's Light repells thee!" The elderly man shielded the terrorized horde from the star-beast's maw. He brandished a great hunk of silver that had been colored gold. The metal was constructed to resemble a shining sun, "Go back to the Darkness from once ye came!" Ruth noticed children were screaming. Girls and boys alike were clinging to their parents. Some of the children bore horrid burns across their forms. Ruth would of weapt at the sight had the acrid smoke not choked her.

"Darkness!?" At once did all go silent. The cleric's yellow robes fluttered from the great gale conjured by the Dragon's voice, "Thy was born of Void! Thy forebear was of Time! Of Inevitability! Of infinite potentials! Not of Darkness or of Light like ye's feeble Gods," The man held firm as the Hell-eye came to bleed flaming light unto him. Her glared back with conviction, "Ye are braver then ye's montley lot. Thy knows nought fear in thy's Divine presence. Ye shalt make a fine vessel for thine's will."

"Ye's lies have no effect here, Demon! The scriptures foretold of your deceits! A serpent ye are in flesh and in spirit!" Ruth could scarcely see the shape of the elderly man or his flock as a darkness befell them all. A snarling hiss did bellow from deep within the Dragon as he grew wrothful. His head alone blotted out the light of the Hellish fires, "We will not die as heretics! We are the faithful! I am faithful to the true Gods!"

"Indeed. Death is a soft sentencing for one such as ye. An example must be set then, hhhhsssssnnnngggggg?" Ruth began to grip and pull at her God's claws so as to better see the twisting shapes and pale figures. The belching smoke stung at her eyes and seared at her nostrils. She watched on as the cleric's sole response was his muttering of a prayer for protection, "Hath thee witnessed true despair?" Silver eyes squinted as pale fingers swatted vainly at the smoke. Intense fear rose up inside Ruth as her breathing became shallow and quick.

"Hath thee not given us uttermost despair already!? What more could you possibly take!?" Ruth swore she saw the Dragon's maw rise into a thin grin. The serpent tongue slithered out to lap at the air, "We are favored! Protected! You may lay claim to our flesh yet our souls are destined for the Tree!" The snout of the Dragon draw near as he huffed loudly. Ruth felt stunned as the cleric bravely - or, perhaps, foolishly - stepped forward to greet the titan-shape's unspoken challenge. The two were like bitter rivals as they came face to face.

"Thou art fool to worship false Dragons, old one. Thy's name be Alduin. Thy art the Consumer of the All-Life! Thy art firstborn within Padoma's Nothing-child! Thy art beckoner of truth through hardship and growth through loss; thy art the Destroyer and the Redeemer! Alpha and Omega! Thy art the Rapture through which the Endless will be born anew into the Finite! Who are you, a mere Mortal of finite existence, to question thy's Divine authority?" All beheld the Dragon with fearsome awe and dreadful fright. Some doubted his truth, others believed it, but none could deny his power and absolute authority in this situation. The cleric, ever nameless, shined great determination from his amber eyes. His white hair fluttered in the wind as he held high his precious sun; arms held together shakily.

"You besige thy mind with falsehoods, Demon! Y-you razed death upon us all! For what!? Power!? Ye art the Destroyer, but no true Redeemer! Thou art serpent! Thou art deceiver! Thou art a false Dragon! Thou art—"

"RRRRRRAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGG!"

"BBBBBRRRRRRRRAAAAAAGGGGGHHHH!"

"Aaaaaaaaahhhhhh!"

"No! No!"

"Get back! Stay away!"

"A-Alduin... N-no..." Ruth was disgusted by how soft and weak her own voice was. Her eyes spied the ground where once the cleric stood. Now only a deep crater of earth resided where once he did. There was a muffled scream sounding from the Dragon's maw... A horrid animalistic cry did sound out of the maw as the jaws shut tight; a loud and wet crunch echoing, "W-why...?" Voices screamed and pleaded from the crowd to no avail.

"Rrrrrrrgggggggsssssss... Do any of ye seek to continue questioning thy's Dragondom?" The Hell-eyes seethed unto the terrified towns folk. From Ruth's count there were thirty nine people left. Thirty nine people encircled by Alduin, "Step forth if any of ye wish to join ye's foolish shepard! If not... Bow before ye's one true God." So the Dragon gave his ultimatum: submission or death. Ruth could only hope that this madness will end...

"Y-you killed my son! Ate him whole!" A woman screamed with sobbing eyes full of agony. The Dragon tilted his head ever so slightly as if confused, "He's dead! You killed him! My son is—"

"Create a new one. Thou's ilk are capable of mothering many sons," The God said as though killing the woman's child was akin to spilling a cup of tea - a easily mended mistake, "Thy art not without mercy, joor. Thy shalt give thee a blessing of fertility... Thy can grant thee a thousand sons each stronger and wiser then the last as recompense for the loss of one," The woman, clad in tattered gray robes not too distinct from what the cleric wore, fell upon her knees. She had an expression of pure revulsion upon her visage. Her face was betwixt hate, shock, and disgust, "Stunned into silence? It is true. Zu'u, Alduin, possess innumerable potencies. Thy can rain blessings upon thee a hundred-fold! Or thee may pitter about as thy devour thou's youth from babe to man! Make thee's choice... ALL OF THEE! Make thee's choice now."

"T-the Demon speaks true!" A man seemingly oozed forth from the teetering flock like a shadow from flickering flame, "Why els-else would h-his magnificence choose t-to spare us otherwise?" Ruth recognized the figure's rubies and silver-tainted rings. He was Gideon of the South. He was step-brother to Caldicia of the North, Lord of the Changlings... Or so he claimed. He had a reputation for deceit and serpentine behavior, "O' mighty Dragon of w-what may y-your newest servant offer up? Wh-what tribute do you demand, Great One?"

"Grgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgr... Rrrrrrrraaaaasssssss... Ye's undying soul is a start," The God's neck did begin to unwind as he reared upwards and skybound. He gave them the illusion of a potential escape into the wider village, "Kneel. All of ye who value life shalt kneel before thee's one true God." So it was that the soothsayer knelt first and swiftly; a placid smile upon his lips. Others followed suit - hunters, farmers, fishers, soldiers. The young and old alike did kneel before the Dragon save a few.

"You are all fools!" Began the aging woman from earlier. Her burnt and scarred hands grasped at a nearby man who knelt, "The beast will burn you all! Like my boy! My little boy... The beast killed my boy! He'll kill you all!" Tears fell not only from the despairing woman but from Ruth's silver eyes, 'How many children died?' That was the primary question within the mind of young woman held captive by talons. How many lost their lives because of her foolishness?

"Be silent, you hag! He'll certainly kills us if you don't get on your knees, too!" The soothsayer, Gideon, spoke in a hushed tone. Ruth glared at him from her cage as rage swelled inside, 'If anyone deserved to die... It would be him.' Was her strongest thought as rage melded into a seething hate, "Kneel! Kneel before you get us all killed!" The man's face was one of terror, rage, and deep resignation.

"Yes, hag, kneel. Kneel if thee seekth to sire another boy into this world. Or do not - thy hunger waxes evermore regadless," A glare was all the woman had to respond with. The man, Gideon, eyed the woman with growing contempt, "Grgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgr... The Void it is then. Do not tell the Dread Father ye had no choice in this matter. Ye did. Rrrrrrrrrggggggggrrrrsssss...!" The great maw rose high as great fangs barred. The Dragon readied himself for blood with a bloodcurdling snarl. Ruth thrust her arm through a gap between the talons as fear, rage, despair, pain, and hope all melded into an indistinguishable mess of energy and confusion; her heart hammering against it's bone-cage.

"ALDUIN!" The Hell-eyes narrowed upon the girl; so to did all other eyes fixate upon her trembling features. The girl had no time to consider the looks of shock or confusion fluttered her way. It seemed as if no one had noticed her between the star-beast's claws, "L-listen to me! I am your Prophet! I know people better then you! There's no need to kill anyone else!" All Ruth's desperate eyes percieved were two firery red pits with snow-slits for pupils. The crimson eyes of the Dragon seethed malice against the girl's silver eyes of bleeding hope, "Please... F-for me. For your Prophet... Please."

"Ssssssssnnnnnnrrrrrrggggggrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrssssssssssss... Speak thee's piece, Prophet, but do so swiftly." The voice came low, demanding, and threatening though to the young woman it was hope incarnate: a chance to possibly mend some of today's destruction and pointless death. He offered her the opportunity of changing his mind... It was all she needed. One single chance, 'D-don't fuck this up!' She admonished herself.

"W-why... Why kill them? Why burn... O-or eat them when you could cage them?" Ruth was startled by the strength of her own voice. It did not match the raging emotions inside her heart. Even though she stuttered, and her tone was hardly a yell, it conveyed more inner strength than she thought she had, "Y-y-you can te-teach them then, right? Educate them o-on... On... Uhhh... W-worship! Or... Or whatever you wish of them!" The way the others stared provoked a deep need for isolation within the young woman. The scowls, wide eyes of shock or confusion, and accusing glares inspired a feeling of betrayal. Not from them but of herself; Ruth felt she had betrayed her fellows. She knew being imprisoned was far from ideal, but at least they would be alive! Even if they hated her for it they would still live... She had to ensure that much!

"Bbbbboooogggghhhhh!"

"Kkkkkkktttttrrrrsssss..."

"Ssssssssrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrnnnnnsssssss..." The talons holding the young Prophet hostage released. The maw of the Dragon neared the girl until his snout nearly touched her, "Thee doth protest too much, thine Pyt. Rgrgrgrgrgrgrgr... What benefit does Zu'u, Alduin, gain from the sparing of the heretical and the unfaithful? Surey thy reward will outweigh the consequences of a potential revolt, hhhhhssssssssrgrgrgrgrg?" The hissing growl was a question - not a threat. Despite his closeness Ruth held no fear of the Dragon; he would not hurt his Chosen One. Her fear was of what he might do to the others.

"I... Reward? I-I..." Control. The Dragon hungered for control above all else. He would kill, devour, burn, and raze all that sought to defy his Divine will. But... But what if there was more to the beast than this surface level reading of his character? Ruth had seen the cracks in his mask before. Hints of regret, loneliness, and even mercy. The girl swallowed nought but air as she made her gamble, "You... You almost killed me during our first meeting... But you didn't. Now I am your Prophet! What... What if killing these people is killing future Prophets? Or followers? What if one of them will become a knight in your name? O-or a champion of great might! Or a vassal lord?" Scarlet eyes remained unmoved by her questions. The girl steeled herself, "I-I'll... I will take them as my responsibility! Any flaws o-or problems they cause will be my responsibility... I will make sure they listen! I vow that I, Ruth, will never rest until they... They are as devoted as me! I'll imprison them until they obey! Please... Please trust me. I trust you..." Though said trust had been shaken tremendously today. So much needless death... So much chaos. Ruth didn't know if she could ever trust him as she once had...

"Ye would shepherd these oafish joors? Such naivity... Almost enviable. What an amusing prospect ye deigns. Grgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrnnnnnsssss..." The Dragon God did cast his gaze over to those who knelt and the few who stood. The flaming eyes of Hell did settle on a young monk who stood tall yet clearly afraid, "Ssssssssnnnnnnssssss... Prison? Yes, a prison. Ye who art loyal! Round up the dissonant ones and trap them away..." The great eyes of hate scanned burning structures and crushed barns. They found all lacking, "Somewhere. Once ye task is complete ye shalt take up shovels, pickaces, buckets, and hoes. Ye shelt dig for thy a great barrow deep into the earth."

"Bbbbbbbrrrraaaaggggghhhhh!

The thundering of a great winged forelimb crashing down on the burning armory was enough to spur action. The flock quickly overwhelmed the few non-belivers and wrestled them into submission. Punches were thrown, kicks unleashed, and even a few frenzied bites were made. Ruth watched with horror as neighbor turned against neigbor; even sons or daughters attacking their fathers and mothers. Gideon sought out the elderly woman - a punch from him knocking her to the ground as well as loosening her teeth. The faithful began to drag the bleeding bodies of the unfaithful towards a - mostly - intact barn.

"Prophet!" Ruth fixed her gaze onto the eyes of her dread God. He shifted his long tail to knock over trees and a guard tower. Their crashing fall barely registered to the girl as her focus was solely on her God's annoyed eyes, "Ye made a mistake with thou's proclamation; there will never be another Prophet. Only ye for all eternity. And, thine Pyt, a warning: if ye seek to council thy do so in private next time. Doing so before the loathesome Mortals implies to them they may do as ye have. Do not give them false hope."

"I... A-am I not a 'loathesome' mortal too?" The question gave the Dragon pause. Ruth could hear yells from afar. She glanced to the sole remaining barn as the newly initiated faithful were quickly barring the exit, "H-how am I any different from them?" At least those who remained steadfast to the Gods of Light and Dark would not parish now. Not anymore then already have, that is.

"Ye are different because thy hath deemed so," Ruth saw the faithful gather about tools and items needed for their task of digging. Even the children were fast at work. They were coughing, yelling, and some cried as the smoke and ashes caked their features, "These Mortals are mere animals. Ye are superior to their lowly lot by virtue of being thine Prophet."

"Is that all that seperates me from these 'animals'? A mere word!?" She dared to scowl upon the titan-shape. Her own wroth swelled high as the Dragon tilted his head. Ruth glared as rage swelled inside, "This... This isn't what we agreed too! You said you would spare them! You lied!" Silver eyes glared upon ruby ones from mere feet away. The beak-like snout of the beast was mere inches from touching the girl's chest; the breath of the Dragon smelt of sulfur. The smell, admittedly, made Ruth somewhat lightheaded.

"Thy said no such thing, Pyt. Thy said thee had given thy great thought, not that thy would employ thee's method," The words of the God stung the girl's heart. She felt betrayed even though she truly hadn't been been. He hadn't lied... No vows were broken. But it felt like a betrayal. She turned to the mewling flock to watch as they dig a hole not far from the ruins of the well, "And, yes, a word is all that seperates ye from the animals. Words hold immense power - especially the words of Zu'u, Alduin. Do not pity them... They are animals." The girl scowled at the Dragon with anger seething from her silver eyes. He had killed so many and on this day... so much needless death. Children burned, cows or chickens frozen, and men crushed into mush.

"W... Why did they have to die? Attacking the soldiers I can at least understand. They did strike first, but the farmers? The weavers? The fishers? Even those children?" The skies above the village were choking from smoke. Bloody lights were cast by hissing flames. Even now the fires continued to rage without any sign of slowing down, "They can't stay here! No one can anymore. The whole village will be nought but ash by nightfall..." Ruth's eyes fell upon the ruins of the church and it's once-great steeple. The symbol of a golden moon shadowed by a black sun was betwixt Hell flames...

"To prove a point. To trifle with a Dragon is to beckon indiscriminate death," Ruth had to bite her tongue as rage swelled inside. Rage and spite melded into something darker than either force on their own. Her fists balled as her eyes hardened, "Regardless, these joors can always produce more joors to replace the ones they lost today," To hear such carelessness for life wasted sickened the young woman to her stomach. How could anyone - even a God - be so heartless? She began to smolder in deadly silence, "Do not worry over mere fires. They art extensions of thine will - they will not tresspass where thy doth not desire of them. As to the dead, however... They have a role to play." The young woman found herself taken aback, 'They have a role to play?' Her mind wondered to the walking corpses. Did he mean he was going to create more walking dead? The thought sickened the girl.

"DILON ALOK NUKAAS!" From the beast's maw sprang mists of purplish-blue energy. They seeped free from the jaws as they melded into an orb-like shape. They flew through the air like ravenous spirits emitting mechanical sounding cries. The smoke-orbs did flow into the burning and mangled corpses of the dead with a voltile and almost demonic screech. The girl clutched her ears to shield them from the horrid whines. The Dragon turned his flaming eyes to the flock by the well. Many were startled by the sudden Shout into staring, "Dig! Ye shalt dig lest thee join ye's brothers and sisters in death." So it was that the living did labor as the dead awoke.

Ruth saw it within a frozen woman first. A pale bluish-purple glow emanated from her frozen eyes. Then her finger twitched causing a crack to form along the ice... Then her hand shifted shattering two fingers and a shard of skin half as wide as a plate from her extended limb. Ruth's eyes widened when she spied a burning priest near the church. Just moments ago his skull had been cracked open and bleeding on the lawn with a burning log crushing his neck... Now he stood tall with a bloody stump where a head should he. Purple smoke spewed from his decapitated neck as he took slow and stumbling steps forward. The sight was hideous; far more gruesome then the first set ot walking corpses. It was a horrid desecration of the dead's respite. Perhaps this was worse then the mere destruction of the village? Perhaps not. The sight of it revolted Ruth to her very core.

"Bbbbbooooggghhhh!"

Bbbboooooggghhh!"

"Ye dead ones! Thy's God hath given thee new purpose! Thy demands ye to master ye's living fellows. If they flee then destroy them. If they laze about then destroy them. If they avoid the labor then destroy them," The Dragon had taken a few steps towards the church as he eyed it with malice. He eyes the golden moon and black sun with contempt, "Flog the priests, the monks, and the scholars. Flog them, beat them, torment their spirits. Break them! Break them until it is thy name they call for and nought their feeble Gods," The girl fallen to her knees. Ruth felt her hope decaying rapidly. She had dared to trust the Dragon God and now he had taken from her the one place she called home. She had lost everything... Everything but the Dragon, "And ye! Ye fat one of muscle and of steel... Watch thy Prophet. Destroy any who deign approach her without thine approval," A shadow fell upon Ruth as she felt the burning heat of the Hell eyes. Maybe she deserved to lose everything? Maybe this was her punishment for her foolishness, "Pyt, stand strong! This a good day for th—'

"W... Why do you hate me?"

---

"Rgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgrgr...!? Grgrgrgrgrgrgrnnnnnsssssss...! Fool... Foolish child! Ye art oblivious!" Alduin's snout thrust into the child's chest to pin her against himself and the earth. The Prophet's eyes were ones of hollowness, of vacancy, and of immense guilt, "Hate!? HATE!? What doth thee know of thy's hate!?" The fool girl grasped at his snout even as his scales blistered her flesh raw. The flaming eyes narrowed into snow-slits, "You know nothing of hate! Of rage! Of malice! OF GODHOOD!" No doubt the Mortal was deafened into Oblivion based off the amount of blood seeping from her ears. She twisted in pain before him. The Dragon rose high as his eyes softened slightly, "VOKREN!" The white wisps of healing energy restored any wounds to her ears whilst nullifying her pain. Let none say that Alduin knew not compassion.

"Hath thee witnessed the rise of the first moutains? The fall of the first rains? The growing of the Mother Trees to whom the garden of earth owes it's entire existence? Hath thee witnessed Man's rise from apes into creatures of false civility? Hath thee witnessed the birth of the Divine Sin? Hath thee witnessed the rise and fall of all things fivr times over?" Alduin rose tall upon his legs as his tail did coil about the fallen steeple. He made sure to crush the wooden structure via his coiling tail, "Hath thou seen the Gods themselves as babes? Hath thou seen the Soul of the Void? Hath thou watched as the Many Angled Ones rose up and swallowed whole islands like grapes? Hath thou heard the Scream of the Murdered God firsthand?" Wings spread to kill what little light remained as Alduin toward over the child like the Daedra these Mortals oft' accused him of being. His chest puffed as his spines threatened Heaven. The girl's silver eyes brimmed with so many feeble emotions, "Was it thou who cast out the Red God of Ruin? Was it thou who ruled over the earth for thousands of aeons? Was it thou who birthed language and writing? Was it thou who gave Men the gift of fire? Was it thou who split Heaven and earth so the oceans may take shape? Was it thou who forged the armies upon which all kingdoms are owed their very lifesblood? Was it thou who was tasked with the duty of eating the very Gods?"

Silver eyes teared and weapt as crimson ones glared immense and ever growing rage. The God-Dragon felt only the contempt of knowing his Prophet had failed her test miserably. She was so disgustingly weak still... She concerned herself with the animals. She thought of herself like them still. Pitiful, really. Such weakness repulsed the Tyrant Wyrm - though he did not hate the child. He hated her weakness: her humanity.

"Think on thy's words, thine Pyt, and think tryr. Thee art no God - Zu'u Alduin is," The child's eyes were full of such immense pain. She looked like a broken doll in her current state; almost lifeless if not for the embers of rage within her eyes, "Do not look upon thy as a monster. This is for the greater good. Sacrificing a few meager souls to craft an orderly world is worth while, yes?" T'was the closest to an apology the Eldest Elder could muster as he raised himself skybound, "Thy ways may seem cruel yet they art necessary. Can thee truly judge thy actions without firsthand witnessing the results?" She breathed heavily, cried, and clutched at her medallion yet never did her eyes break from his. The God-Dragon could sense his words were having a effect. He just didn't know if it was a positive one, "Art we not companions? Friends in thee's own words. Ye must understand... Please understand." The utterance of the word 'please' felt dirty - sickening to the Black Wyrm. Yet such was his desperation he stooped to such a revolting word so he may equal himself to the child - in her eyes, at least.

"I-I-I... Y-you... Th-they..." She remained against the dirt even as Alduin came to encircle her with his serpent-neck. He did not want their words to be overheard; nor for her the Prophet to be seen in such a state of weakness, "I-I don't want to lo-l-lose you! But wh-w-what you d-did was evil!" The child slammed her fist into the ground before sobbing openly. Past the well the Dragon spotted the soothsayer and the flock from the peripheral of his right eye. Many tried watching as subtly as they could; chief of them the flatterer, "Y-yo-you... You killed almost ev-e-everyone! I-I-I... I... Yo-you... I-I have nnothing... N-nothing but you now..." The words sparked a deep and sinister delight in the Black Dragon. A wicked machination began to take root.

"What of a compromise?" Silver eyes looked upon him with desparation, rage, fear, and a deeply confused sense of attachment, "That Mortal - the one with the flattering words - would it please thee to kill him? Thy hath seen thee's glare towards him. He is a vile one... He enjoyed siring pain in the old woman," How easily her rage seemed to alternate from her rightful God to the doomed man. She could not see him, no, but she somehow knew which direction to glare regardless, "Yes... Thine ever faithful dead! Bring before thine Prophet the wretch known as Gideon! And a blade as well." She will kill him. She will channel her hatred into his flesh to expunge this moment of weakness. Afterwards she will return to her normal, inquistive self. The Tyrant Wyrm uncoiled his neck as hid eyes peered upon the workers.

"W-what ar—" The idiot man was quickly subdued by the zombies. A simple rock to his skull had him on his knees. The resuting kick to his back was honestly unnecessary. Two corpses took up the soothsayer by his arms and began dragging him towards the girl. Ruth rose to her feet as her fists clenched and her eyes hardened. The child's rage overshadowed her guilt... Good. That was a very good sign.

"Uuuugggghhhhhaaaa?" The half-burnt carcass of a fat and elderly man stumbled before the Prophet with a blade in hand. He held it before her. The Dragon spied the girl curiously as she stared at the ash caked weapon, "Ugghh! Rrraaggghhhhuuuhhh..." The problem with the walking dead is that they NEVER shut up. It oft' angered the Black Wings, "Rrraaagggrrrrhhh! Bbnnnrrrrllllhhhhaaaa...?" The dead man held the weapon like a holy offering.

"T-thanks... I guess," The Pyt took up the blade with a shaking hand as she stared into it. Her eyes softened, "Like father's..." The All-Devourer spied two dead soldiers as they dragged the moaning and bleeding charmer before the girl's feet. The fat corpse stepped away, "Gideon." The word was spoken like a curse. The girl clearly had no good will for the man. That would make what came next easier.

"Swiftly or slowly, thine Prophet? The choice of death is thee's to make," Alduin encouraged in a more gentle voice than he typically cared to conjure. He needed the girl to make the choice of her own volition, "Compassion for creatures like this one is a weakness they will exploit. He would gladly slay ye if the positions were reversed," His maw slithered to a stop next to his Prophet. The Wyrm's shadow fell upon both the would-be executioner and her prey, "Embrace the hate. Let it consume thee whole in this very moment; release thee's caged fury. Thy gurantee it will feel so very fulfilling... It is a release surpassing all other pleasures." To exact vengeance is a virtue regardless of it's source. Hate is always honest.

"R-Ruth... Please! I—" A corpse grabbed the man by his hair before pulling his head back. A charred fist punched the liar's throat, "Urrrgggaahh! Hhhhuhhhhsss!" Gasps and groans escaped him. The girl's eyes widened. Shock danced within her pupils. Shock and a dark, sadistic glee. The Pyt's arm extended the quivering blade. Alduin would smile had he lips to do so - if the girl can kill without remorse then she has the potential to become Nahkriin's true successor.

"Kill him, Pyt. Kill him... Hate him. Loathe him. Ye's God deems this human evil. Extinguish his flame; snuff out his pitiful soul. Kill him, thine Pyt, for he is truly wicked," The man stared up to his would-be killer with frightened, pleading eyes. The Tyrant Wyrm felt amused by his shock and confusion. Did he really think something like this wouldn't happen? What a fool. What a daft fool, "Kill him, Pyt... Avenge the suffering of the hag. This Mortal would kill ye without hesitation. Do it... Do it, Pyt, kill him..." The child shook and glared yet the blade drew no closer to killing him. Annoyance flickered within the Dragon.

"I-It's wrong... I can't!" And yet she did not drop the blade. It inched closee to the soothsayer's neck. The man tried inching away only for an undead to elbow him in his side. He spit and coughed as he doubled over, "I can't! I-I promised to n-never take a life! I can't!" Promised? That one is new. Alduin percevied her words as less of a 'no' and more of a 'maybe'. He liked the challenge presented, "E-even a man li-like this deserves to live!" The Dragon thought for a moment before settling on his chosen words.

"That is foolish. He has a killer's heart. He beat that woman without hesitation... If he killed her then that blood would be on thee's fingers. Her snuffing on ye's head. This man is evil..." The girl's eyes glared and cried at once. Tears fell as her mouth twisted and her spare hand grasped her face as if to shield herself. She was hurting inside quite substantially.. The pain was almost palpable. Alduin would be a liar if he said the child's weeping did not bring him some level of sadness, "Kill him, Pyt. Kill him for thy. Prove ye's loyalty and ye's resolve. Please, Ruth, for thy... For our friendship?" Silver eyes peered upon the Dragon with contempt, hope, adoration, and pleading desire. Her eyes gleamed like a confused child. Alduin nodded slightly as encouragement, "It is alright, thine child. Killing him will be a good thing - a righteous thing. Thy gives thee permission to kill him - to do so is the only correct choice. Kill him... Be a brave hero and save all those he is yet kill. Do it for ye's father's legacy." Something inside the girl gave in at that moment. It was like the floodgates housing her repressed hate were flung wide open. Silver eyes narrowed unto her quarry as both hands gripped the blade's hilt. She breathed deeply as rage, fear, despair, hope, and the undeniable urge to prove herself worthy all gathered within her like a volatile storm. Like all storms it needed a release; a victim to exercise it's power.

"Ruth, please! I-I was there whe—"

"AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRHHHHHHHHHH!" A scream tore through the girl's throat as she brought the sword high and swung at a downward arc. It whistled as it sliced through the air, "RRRRRRAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHH!" Her scream was ferocious - well, as fercious as such a small human could possibly be - as the blade severed through flesh and muscle. Blood spewed out in a foutain of red.

"Ssshhhnnnnk!"

"Gguuuhhhguugghhhgguughhh!" The blade was embedded deep into the man's neck. He sputtered and coughed and hacked as scarlet liquids began to pour from his torn throat. His eyes were wide and wet as his hands clawed at his neck. His efforts only further tore at his own skin, "Wwwhhhgguuughhhh!?" He attempted to form words that died in his throat. The Dragon took great joy at the sight of it all.

"Again," Ruth had an expression of elvation and deep realization. She pulled at the blade and struggled to wrench it free, "He still lives." The blade was freed with a great pull. Ruth's gray tunic was reddened as blood drenched her chest and belly. A solid two inch hole gaped within Gideon's useless throat. His spinal cord was visbile.

"Rrrrraaaaaaagggghhh!" The scream was less rageful and more passionate. The second swing dug deeper then the first; a collar bone splitting as the blade nearly sliced through his ribs. The sword had been dug deep into the man's loathsome chedy. She likely pierced a lung based off Gideon's gasping breaths. The sword came free easier then before "Y-you... You deserve this!"

"Sssshhhnnnnnk!"

"You! Deserve! This!" Another swing - this one horizontal - sliced open the man's silk robes and pudgy belly. Intestines spilt like red roots as a yellowih ichor seeped from his torn open stomach. Alduin briefly thought he saw a half-eaten hare inside the man's now gutless belly, "Die..! Die! DIE!" Pinkish-red sacks of meat fell from his exposed innards.

"Ssssshhhhnnnnk!"

The next strike once more slashed at his neck. This one severed through his spine and muscles until the head fell. It did not bounce... They normally bounced based off the Dragon's experiences. Blood gushed from the neck-stump and onto the Pyt's face as she swung again. And again. And again. The bodiless head rolled upon the ground.

"Ssssshhhhhnnnnnnk!"

"RRRRRAAAAAGGGRRRRGGGHHHH!" The corpse had it's left arm severed. The chest was slashed thirce over until a bloody slit had formed over the heart, "YOU DID THIS! NO ONE WOULD'VE DIED IF NOT FOR YOU!" That accusation caught the Dragon's attention. How? He had not caused any of this, "I HATE YOU!" And there it was at long last. Oh, how sweet her voice sung the word of hate. Her rage boils over and darkens her silver eyes to a dull gray. Blood stains her pale face crimson. The girl almost seemed to shine in the chaos. Or, rather, her eyes did. As the child hacked and tore at the dead man did the Black Dragon watch her petite features with growing satisfaction. How she twisted and contorted as the lake of malice bubbled up from deep inside... She was almost as beautiful as the carcass of the Trickster God. Yes, humans are hideous, but hatred... That is true beauty regardlese if it's origin. Alduin was a great connoisseur of wroth, malice, and vengeance. He needed to respect the hate of another. Who would he be if he didn't?

"Ye hath done very well. Prophet... Thine Pyt; ye hath committed a dead of great strength today. Ye hath taken ye's first life," The girl's arms grew slow and weary as she continued to assault the carcass of Gideon. She tore open flesh to expose muscle; tendons dangling as the sword impaled the space between the ribs; the corpse's neck stump was split in twine causing it to dangle like straps of meat, "Ye hath embarked upon the lonesome path of the executioner, Pyt," The God-Dragon's maw lowered so he may take in the scent of freshly spilt blood. His Prophet's tunic was pulled taught against her bloodstained flesh as her God took in a deep breath through his nostrils, "Ssssssssnnnnnnnnnssssss... How does it feel?"

"Hhhrraaahh!" She brought the sword down to split open the man's chest, "Hhhuuuhhhh... Huhh! Hhhhhuuuuuhhhaaa..." She breathed heavily and groaned from the exertion of her first murder. The Dragon's tongue licked at his non-existent lips, "I-I-I... Feel... T-tired..." The man's unbeating heart was visible.

"Look to our slaves, Prophet. Look upon their mewling expressions. They are afraid of ye - like a meager oak against the fury of a hurricane they quake and stink the air with fear," The girl's face seeped with a bright redness as her eyes pondered to the well. The walking dead ensured the living's constant work yet their freatures were betwixt pure terror. Some were wrothful as well. The girl looked upon them all as the sword fell from her dainty fingers, "Ye have earned their respect and obedience through violence. Death and dismemberment are the truest forms of might; do not thret to crush the weak. The weak live to suffer the commandments of the powerful."

"P-p-power...? Am... A-am I powerful...?" The question came between ragged breaths. The Dragon's ruby-eyes glinted with a sensation of curiosity; what a queer question... Had he not already answered that? Based off the girl's trepidation she was suffering from what the Mortal's called 'shock'. Alduin would call it weakness of the heart. Her eyes were wide and oblivious; her mouth agape as trickled down her features.

"Do ye feel powerful?" T'was a better response than repeating himself. It pleased the Tyrant Wyrm to see the child kill that useless Mortal. Indeed, the God-Dragon was half-tempted to raise the man as a Zombie just to see him die again but doing so would be a waste of breath, "Art thee regretful?" The child watched the slaves as the Eldest Elder watched her. What was she thinking? The Dragon could harness his Divine powers to know yet he felt doing so would be too much of a trifle.

"Y-yes...? No...? I-I don't kn-know..." The girl's chest rose and fell as her breathing came hard. The Pyt's voice retained a certain sense of netural passivity in spite of the constant shaking her body undertook, "Did I-I really j-just...? A-am I a...?" She looks upon her bloody palms. The girl smelt sweetly of death to the Dragon. The blood suited her well.

"Yes, ye did kill him. Yes, thee art now a killer. Killing is the ultimate form of domination; conquest of life itself. Ye hath done a good thing today, thine Prophet," The child did not react. She shook and quaked as blood fell from her features like scarlet tears, "Ye art most wise in ye's actions, Pyt. Do not let weakness deceive ye into believing otherwise," The girl remained steadfast in her silence. The Black Wyrm did grow increasingly annoyed at her continued silence, "Do not ignore thee's God, thine Prophet."

"I... Feel... S-sick..." The girl stumbled backwards and unto the ground. She held herself up with her thin limbs, "I-I... Do-don't f-feel well." The child shakily lays against the bloodstained earth. Her legs shook, her arms quaking, her belly rising and falling swiftly. The Dragon's eyes narrowed unto his Prophet's quivering form, 'Sick?' It must be the sight of the blood. Some Mortals were weak in their bellies when they found themselves in the presence of blood. He had hoped his follower to be stronger then that... Oh well, nothing that could not be mended in due time. He knew better then to believe one man's death to be enough to completely kill the child's human weakness. More blood will be needed...

"Rest then, Prophet, rest. When ye awakens ye will be taught the arts of intimidation and fear; how to rule these animals properly," A glare was enough to coerce a walking corpse into guarding the child as she stewed in her sickness. There was no telling how long this despondent attitude of Ruth's mighy last. It would be most unbecoming if a slave slit her throat during it. That would be waste of investment, "Sssssssssnnnnngrgrgrgrgrgrgr... Tekar joor. Sahlo. Zu'u praag muliik aar..."

"Bbbbbooooggghhh!"

"Bbboooggggghhhh!"

"Bbbooooggghhhh!"

"Kkkkkttttttrrrrraaaaaagggghhhttttssssshhhh!"

The crimson flames, blackened wood, and bell of the ruined church were all consumed by night-black scales as the Dragon came to roost upon it. His tail flattened an inn into logs, straw, and thatches. The Eldest Elder's talons dug deep into the pews, pillars, and stone foundations that once formed the innards of the now dead worshipping spot. Ruby-eyes scanned the horde of Mortals as they toiled to dig endlessly.

So many struggled. The soldiers and hunters were strong of arm so they had it the easiest. Yet even then many were drenched in sweat, gasping for breath, and trembling. Those who were too weak or injured to work had been killed and throw into a pile near the barn. The Pyt had been too busy killing the soothsayer to notice. Alduin hadn't cared to make a mental note of it until now. By the look of things an elderly man and his young daughter were soon to join the dead. They were growing too slow to keep working efficiently. Zombies were always useful for the small, lesser tasks like disposing of the undesirables. They weren't terribly smart, however, and thusly they were limited to only fulfilling basic orders.

Weak... So weak. The Mortals are so weak. Magnus was no true architect afterall... If he were than these sorry sacks of flesh wouldn't be so prone to tearing or crushing. They are so pathetic; stupid. They need a master - a God. How would they possibly survive without one? But they are too aggressive to be coddled for they will see it as weakness. They need a strict, wrathful, and vengeful God. They need Alduin.

Those in the barn, however... What to do with them? They are the rebellious sort. Alduin respected their courage - especially the hag's - but they would inspire a coup if left unattended. The child wished them to live so out of respect for her the God-Dragon obliged. But they must be dealt with regardless; though how? How to do so without endangering his companionship with the girl?

That was a query for the Black Dread to deal with later. From his perch he had sight over all the village and it's inhabitants. The girl was visible near the armory. Or, rather, what remained of the now incinerated structure. Ruth stared at her hands once more with vacant, hollow eyes. The Black Wyrm wished to speak to her yet he knew she needed time to process the recent events. The Dragon fixed his view on the slaves again.

No doubt some would attempt to flee. They will run as far as they can. They will run until their feet bleed and split apart if they could... They can't, of course, but if they could they would. The Black Wyrm pondered on the little ones. What to do with them? Those immture and stunted creatures are weak, slow, and stupid - moreso than the adults even. What use do children offer in the new, stricter, more dominating empire he will construct?

The Dragon would have them all killed if they weren't vital to survival of the Mortals as a species. The only advantage brought by the existence of children is the love it inspires in the parents. The virtue of that motivates them not to end up as another sacrifice before the alter of the Black Wings. Yet it also inspired many of them to defect in hopes of ensuring their child is raised in a soft and weak environment.

The God of Entropy had once ordained all children rounded up in camps or loyalist fortresses during that annoyong rebellion over five thousand years ago. The Dragon had hoped the removal of their presences - and therefore the implicit threat posed by their incarceration - would force the revolting animals back in line. It didn't. The children paid the price for their fathers and mothers foolishness in the end. That motivated many to fight even harder.

The weary and tortured faces of the joors tickled the Tyrant Wyrm's fancy in his dark mood. He had not always taken joy in Mankind's suffering yet he does now. He had enjoyed their pain since his humiliation upon the Throat of the World. The Black Wyrm seethes upon all men and women. He despised the way they move, breathe, sound, eat, and die. He took a great yet silent pleasure in the suffering of these Mortals as they dig a deeper, and deeper, and deeper pit. Soon the construction of the barrow will begin... Soon the raising of the Draugr shalt commence.

The scarlet light of the flame wall surrounding the village ensured none could ever escape. The fires will burn forever if Alduin so pleased - nor will they move from their stations without command. The flames will burn any who seek to leave or enter this place without permission. And if they didn't? The Dragon would devour them. He may even let them flee for a time. He enjoyed the thrill of the hunt almost as much as Hircine.

The Tyrant Wyrm hoped a few of the pesky animals would run...

---

Aria of Ashes here.

How are you all? Doing well I hope. I've had a rough past few days myself. Very rough. But we're not here for the personal details, are we? All I'll say on the matter is I fucking hate modern technology.

In other news, I am in the works of cooking up a third story right now. It's gonna be a Transformers/Rwby crossover set after Volume 9. It will detail the adventure of Megatron, Galvatron, and Optimus Prime from the Micheal Bay films in a post Fall of Atlas Remnant. I've never wrote a Rwby story set past Volume 6 so this will be new for me.

I am also assessing team Rwby's actions logically, not emotionally. What I mean by this is that I won't sugar code the selfish and objectively evil things they've done. For instance: Atlas fell because Ruby chose to lie to Ironwood. All those deaths are her fault. Yang and Blake murdered Adam - yes, initially it was self-defense but by the time they killed him he was disarmed and literally harmless. And Weiss did partake in lying to Ironwood and she has abused her brother for years without any remorse.

I am calling the story Twisted Metal so far. It's going to be, perhaps, one of the darkest Transformer fics out there. I am going to fully delve into the PTSD stricken veteran concept for Prime. Megatron will be a desperate, defeated, and raging warlord seeking to reclaim his long lost home no matter the cost. And Galvatron? Well... Let's just say Galvatron is gonna do some morally questionable things that will truly make the audience hate him. I always loved how G1 depicted Galvatron as an utterly insane and completely obsessed with death. Oh, he's also the Antichrist of the Transformers universe. I also like IDW Galvatron who is, essentially, a time traveling gladiator turned dictator. These two will be my primary inspiration for the KSI Drone dubbed "Galvatron".

So, if this interest any of you, keep an eye for it. I plan to have a Beast Wars moment where Megatron turns into a giant, fire breathing... Ok, I'm not going that far. It's a spoiler. BUT if you like war stories, Transformers, and darker takes on Rwby that are willing to allow the girls to be villainous than this is up your alley. Fact time, huh? I guess it's fun fact time.

Fun fact: Alduin was first referenced as far back as Morrowind. Arguably it's Daggerfall but they don't name him in that game.

Fun fact: The idea of what a true 'Dragon' is has changed in TES from Daggerfall to Oblivion. In Arena and Daggerfall Dragons were depicted as mere animals around the size of a bat or, in some cases, a horse. They were also purple for some reason. They also had a language called Dragonic yet - ironically - they never once spoke. Battlespire had a Dragon skull in it the size of a damn moutain, too. Said Dragon skull is never heard or seen after, though. Skyrim retconned these creatures into being a species of reptiles that evolved to mimic real Dragons as a defense mechanism. There's also "Black Dragons" who fight "Red Dragons" in Atmora yet they are different from true Dragons. The exact difference is never properly explained.

Fun Fact: The Battlespire is a medieval space station ment tp patrol Oblivion. All the Battle Mages stationed there are, in essence, space cops.

Final fun Fact: There's a character in Volume 8 of Rwby whose a sheep Faunus with the ability to store things in a pocket dimension. This Semblance was originally Roman's but Monty liked the idea of Roman not having a Semblance so it was scrapped. They later reused it for the aformentioned sheep lady.

I could continue on but I won't. I've said enough. Comment time!

Misfit Fox - Thanks for the kind words. I've had a hell of a month. I haven't contemplated making a Discord - mostly because I don't use the app - but if it could help then why not? No idea how many would join, though.

Canthurt - Living without regret is hard. I've done a lot of things I regret. Most of my (admittedly short) life is full of regrets. Missed opportunities, failures, and a lot of rejection from almost everyone I've known. I have to wonder if the problem is me. Maybe it is. Maybe it isn't. Thanks for the advice and I hope you do well in life.

Guest (Anon) - Yes, indeed. To give a more direct idea of when the story starts it would be about a week before Ozma saved Salem from the tower.

Cmedina1 - I did not know that. Thanks for the correction.

Antex-The Legendary Zoroak - I safely say the effects Alduin has on the world will be permanent. The Remnant you guys know is not the Remnant this world evolve into. Yes, the characters we love and hate will still come to be but they won't be exactly same. Butterfly effect and all that.

Thanks for the compliments. I try to give Alduin a more 'alien' feel. He's not a human - He wasn't born. He didn't grow up. He's a God formed in the exact moment time began to exist; a being formed of pure entropic energies and malice. To Alduin things such as 'death', 'life', 'time', and 'morality' have radically different meanings than it does to us. Indeed, faith is a very important aspect of this story. Faith and faithlessness are some of the strongest themes here.

I do hope this latest chapter is to your liking - and I'll say that there's a lot more fire and Dragon attacks up ahead. The new Dragon Cult won't build itself, now will it?

Gwynx - Yes, I suppose it is pretty bad. A lot of destruction will soon be sowed across the world.

vastoisshin - I suppose it kinda was largely buildup for this chapter, wasn't it? I'm not in danger. Well, I am in danger of my health issues but no one's gonna shoot me or anything. The pain part, though? Yeah. There's a lotta pain. Recently got bitten by a dog on my right hand. It was my own fault, though. The dog was fighting another dog and I broke it up but now without some scars. It was worthwhile far as I'm concerned.

I will assure you that I'm not gonna quit this story. Updates have been slow, yeah, but they're still coming along.

I wanna depict the Goddess of the Everafter as well as her sons as unique from TES Gods. Like they're all separate forms of Divinity though they do overlap at points.

I agree with your multiverse opinion. Most 'alternate universes' in fiction are just Earth but if X event turned out a little differently. I like alternate universe stories that drop the humanistic angle and go full Lovecraft. The Mist is fine example of a proper multiverse story even if the multiverse is never explicitly referenced there.

Kenny9x3 - Thanks! I've been thinking of branching out even further, honestly. But I'm gonna limit myself to only three stories at a time. I hope you do play Skyrim! It's a great game - especially with mods. Personally, between you and me, I'm more of a Vampire person than a Werewolf person.

That is all for now. I wish you all a wonderful day/night. Goodbye for now.

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