"Where did he go?" Serana mumbled to herself.
She shouldn't be surprised, the vampire guessed. Danny was a ghost, he could get anywhere, anytime, and if he wanted to be unseen, no power in the world could find him. Actually, there was something she could do. Thank Magnus for creating magic of all kinds. In Serana's palm appeared a tiny purple ball, which flickered with transparent flames. The palm unclenched as she muttered an incantation and the ball disappeared.
Immediately a small red smoking dot appeared in her sight, visible through every wall and ceiling. Serana then started searching for the ways to get there, because the place he was in was high above. Hopefully he wasn't floating in a middle of nowhere, otherwise she wouldn't be able to get to him.
She went up the staircases, through the corridors past the many curious students and teachers of arcane arts, all dressed in colorful robes, the teachers especially, according to their specialization. No wonder she stood out so much. The place was huge, like a real castle or palace. Not as big as her home, though.
Finally Serana made it to what turned out to be the outside. It was very accessible and the paths on the absolutely flat roof obviously were meant to be walked on. Serana looked around and saw Phantom leaning against the railing. It was snowing, but, as has been mentioned before, neither was worried about just standing there out at the cold. The thin crunching snow gave out the vampire's presence, but Danny didn't turn around.
"You are quick," he said, looking at the endless sea, paftially covered in ice.
"Magic," explained Serana curtly, before sighing. "Danny, what was that?"
"Honestly? An act of misplaced agression."
Pulling a hood over her head, she slowly approached him. Serana put a hand on his shoulder.
"You can tell me," she smiled slightly at seeing Phantom turn to her. "There must be a reason, I just want to help."
Danny smiled, too. But his eyes still showed his dissatisfaction with the fact that this conversation was even taking place.
"I...I'm sorry for what happened. I lost my control for a moment."
"Is it...because of what that elf said?" asked Serana, coming to the realization.
Phantom nodded slowly, drumming on the snowy stone railing with his fingers. He kept staring on a distance, where unknowingly to him was lying the frozen continent of Atmora. The wind of the northern edge of Tamriel was ever present, its noise was interrupted only by the furious waves far, far below.
"It seems that even in the world full of magic, with dragons, vampires and werewolfs, I am still out of place," Danny mumbled, crossing his hands. "One would think I am used to this, but...it hurts, you know?
"I know," Serana gave a sad smile. "Even if no one recognizes me, the living fear us nonetheless."
"I can tolerate the enemies. They can call me however they want, I beat them up in the end. But the usual people are another thing. I haven't done anything to them. Back home I even helped out the mortals and then what? They tried to hunt me down like an animal. The entire organization made me their top target."
Danny's voice became timid and pained, barely above the whisper. Serana took his hands softly, feeling him ease in her gentle grip and under a warm gaze.
"No one obligated you to risk your life for them, Danny, I told you. No need to pain over their decisions."
"Yet here we are. They still are afraid, they still want to rid the world of me - a mistake the nature made by giving my parents an idea for putting the switch inside the portal."
"Well, mortals are stupid."
Danny couldn't resist a laughter, and Serana then joined him. It was...nice to see someone so relatable, someone who could understand how it felt to be the beings they were. Smiling, Serana put a hand on his cheek. It was cold, but so was her slim and pale palm. For them, no chills had bitten their skin.
"And you are not a mistake," the vampire mumbled. "Don't let that idiots get to you, you are still better than all of them combined."
Phantom put his hand on hers. "You really think so?" His ice blue eyes turned hopeful.
Serana nodded. "Who else would travel with a stranger, abandoning all his plans just to help?"
"It's nothing, I told you."
"For you, maybe. I will always owe you."
"Well, you have already done something I would consider a reward," Danny smiled. "Maybe we should just repeat it and be even?"
The vampire's eyes widened. "You really want that?"
"And nothing less..." Danny flushed a little bit, looking away. "If you don't mind, of course," he rambled.
Both were a bit embarassed and reluctant, because it was not an impulse. By the irony of events, in the situations like this one there was much less confidence, despite their mutual consent. Slowly their faces moved closer to each other, making them feel the slowed breathing, before the undead kissed yet again.
But surprisingly it felt better than the last one. It was overflowing with passionate emotions and just as nagging questions. This time it wasn't an accident or momentary unthoughtful action. They both were willing to do that, and it had certain implications, the thoughts of which were filling their chests with immense warmth they had been unfamiliar before. They pulled each other closer, Serana dug her hand into the half-ghost's soft raven hair, Danny wrapped his against her thin, but elegant frame. After a couple of minutes they separated, looking into each other's eyes.
"There. Now there is no one to barge in," Phantom smiled.
"Yes," Serana put her hair behind her ears in a slight daze.
"Look," Danny suddenly started, rubbing the back of his neck. "I take it that we haven't done this because it is just a friendly sympathy between us."
The vampire felt a limp within her throat, and Phantom was actually speaking while trying not to pay attention to his. That was the moment for them to talk everything over. Serana could only nod.
"Tell me...do you like me to that extent?"
A pause followed.
"I do," she said quietly and took his hands, and put her head on his shoulder. Danny's lips turned upwards as he kept her close. Serana wasn't the one to talk a lot about these things. Everything was as clear as a day and without empty and pointless gibberish, preferred so much by many of those who thought of themselves as the greatest poets to ever roam Tamriel. And Danny loved it.
"I like you too, Ser. But...you know that I won't be here forever. I have to get home one day."
"We will figure out something," The vampire said with unwavering confidence.
"If only I was as sure as you are...but we can try."
Serana smiled, still relishing being in his strong embrace. After a couple of minutes under the snowfall she came up with an idea and smirked.
"Hey," Danny looked at her. "How about we...give a payback to that idiots?"
Phantom grinned. "I have already corrupted the first victim of my own future cult."
Dave was too late to the roof, not finding them up there. He groaned loudly, why did he even come all the way after them? Insufferable youth...Great, now the Dragonborn sounded like a cranky old man. Better find that lovebirds before they crashed something else. Despite the peaceful nature, Phantom so far had caused chaos wherever he went. Not unintentional one, but chaos nonetheless. Sighing, the exhausted Nord went downstairs. Maybe he shouldn't run around in a full set of iron armor.
"You ready?" Phantom asked his companion.
Serana smirked and opened a vial full of white liquid. "More so than you," she said and emptied it. The vampire disappeared from view. "It's going to wear off in a couple of minutes."
Danny nodded with a grin, before turning invisible as well. He took his new girlfriend's hand and they went through the wall. They looked at the studends - studying and practicing for the lessons, what a lovely scene of hard work. But the ghosts could hold their grudges forever and they were jerks. Not that the two would bother the ones who didn't do anything.
They sneaked in different directions, before Danny made up a small snowball in his hand. You have to begin from something. Seeing two students practicing destruction spells, Phantom deemed one of them a proper target. He threw the ball at one of them.
"What the...Jorleif, it's not funny!" The elf exclaimed.
"What? I have done nothing," the man seemed confused.
"Who else would throw a damn ball?"
"Quiet, would you?"
A crash followed. Several tables were flipped over and what had been on them was scattered across the stone floor. The students jumped from their seats immediately, shock evident on their faces. Then Serana simply approached one of them, still invisible. She put her leg forward, making the backing woman trip.
"What in Oblivion is going on?!"
Danny coughed, before speaking in a low, but loud baritone. "Foolish mortals! You have brought upon yourself a curse passed from generation to generation!"
Serana needed to conduct a complicated spell. Phantom knew that she needed time, so he continued.
"Wh-what have we done?" Someone asked in fright.
"You disrupt my peaceful slumber with your pathetic displays of magic! I have seen many wizards, but none so arrogant yet so worthless! Your behavior is not worthy of a true mage!"
"Who the hell are you?!"
The man's hood was pulled over his eyes, right down to the neck.
"Silence, worm! To you speaks Gandalf the Grey, the servant of the Secret Fire, wielder of the flame of Anor! I curse you to forever fear every shadow on your wake, for I will always be near, watching. If you come out alive."
"B-Back off, whatever you are!"
"You want to finsish your study? Pass the exams? Know that YOU. SHALL NOT. PASS!"
Serana finished the incantation, and several apparitions came from thin air, without legs, but with deformed faces, dressed in torn rags. The students were terrified, even if those were only the illusion.
"RUN!"
The vampire whistled innocently and cast another spell on the ground near the doors. The wannabe mages slipped and fell on the ground like a set of dominoes, one by one. The illusions were getting closer to them, but the young people got back on their fit and piled near the narrow door, but it proved to be a horrible idea. The old trick with a bucket worked perfectly. It was filled with wine the undead had borrowed. Now the students were covered in the smelly liquid, wet and scared. They ran off with screams.
When they disappeared out of sight the couple finalluy burst into unontrollable laughter inside the room. The illusions disappeared and the invisibility potion wore off soon. They could see the excited faces of each other.
"By the blood...it was marvelous!" Serana said between the laughs. "I never had so much fun!"
"I am glad," Danny smirked. "But wait, the best thing will be when they tell the teachers. Come on now, quick!"
The vampire eagerly followed him out of the circular room. The screams were a very good indication of where they were. The undead stopped near one of the rooms, and through the closed door they could actually hear everything. There was no need for phasing inside. The undead weren't the only ones to get curious and listen, so it wasn't suspicious at all.
"We're telling you, Ms. Erwin, there is a ghost in our dorm!" a histerical exclamation was heard. "Or Daedra! Call for the Vigilants of Stendarr!"
"Calm down, you all!" a snap followed. "There has been no wizard named 'Gandalf.' Nor it is a deadric name. Wait a second. Is it alcohol I smell?"
Now Serana understood why Danny insisted on pouring wine into that bucket. It hadn't been easy. She chuckled.
"What? N-no! It was dropped on us!"
"Get out of my sight. I have something more important to do."
The door soon opened and the unfortunate jerks found out that about twenty people had been eavesdroping. They didn't care, just walking away with dropped heads. Danny nudged Serana slightly.
"Let's talk with them."
"Why?" the vampire raised her eyebrow.
"You'll see."
They went forward, quickly getting to the group. Apparently they had been somewhat a clique from what Danny had seen. He coughed and got their attention. They turned to the young man, who was taller than a man in their group, but shorter than an elf.
"I am willing to hear about what happened."
They didn't need to be asked twice. Fear makes many people very talkative. Phantom made a thoughtful expression.
"From my experience such spirits can be easily pleased."
"What do we have to do?" Someone asked in hope, forgetting that that was the guy they had bullied during the lecture.
"By doing the opposite of what he was angry about. I don't know your reason, so that's for you to figure out."
Danny smiled and went aside. Serana followed, her eyes wide.
"So that's what all of this was about," she muttered.
Phantom kept smiling, seeing that no one was watching them.
"I have already scared them for pleasure when I lost my temper. Now we scared them to give a lesson. I believe in second chances, there is no need to humilate them any more. Maybe they learned, they might become better people. So," Danny shrugged. "We have combined fun with a valuable life lesson."
Serana was once again awed at the man who now was her lover. It hadn't been only some revenge she originally had in mind. He was just so sweet. Smiling, she pecked Danny's cheek, making him blush, but grin stupidly.
"There you are!" Dave exclaimed. "Where. Have. You been?"
The Nord approached them, looking obviously pissed. "You could have warned me where you were going, kids. But you didn't."
"C'mon, pal, you be pissed too. Serana just found me first and we went on to finish our things. Sorry for not warning you first."
The blonde sighed heavily. "I am not your father, lad. And I sure can't order the King of Oblivion. Just have some decensy, please."
Danny nodded.
"Anyways, there is something I wanted to talk about..."
The Dragonborn then proceeded to tell about what he had overheard.
"Huh, so that elf wants the Eye of Magnus," Danny mumbled.
That got him several confused looks. "A what?"
"The name was written on that thing," Phantom said as if it was obvious. "There was also a poem explaining its purpose."
"And you were quiet about this?" exclaimed Serana in shock.
"I didn't think it was that important. But as you seem so interested, we might take a look again. I haven't memorized the poem properly."
"Let's go now."
Serana took Danny's hand and the once reunited group went to the main lecture hall. It was almost empty now, but near the entance now stood the local security members - the armed men with blue hoods. Those were battlemages. They could either stab you or reduce to ash with a well-cast spell.
"Wait right there. The Hall is off limits to everyone but the staff."
"Well, damn," Danny cursed.
"Any way we can get a permission?" Dave inquired.
"You have to ask the archmage, but he must be very busy at the moment. That damn Thalmor representative is in his throat. If one of the teachers lets you in, that will do, too."
"Hm, maybe Tolfdir would allow..."
"Allow what?"
They turned around and saw the familiar old man, who was curiously looking at them.
"How convenient," Serana noted.
"All paths within this college eventually lead here, so it is not a big surprise. What can I do for you?"
"I can translate what's written on the orb."
Tolfdir's eyes were ready fo jump out of the sockets.
"You can?"
"Yes, it is obviously an ancient tongue. That language is changing like every other, but this time the letters are different from daedric, while the sounding is almost similar...but it can also be some other tongue from which daedric formed. Nevertheless, despite occasional strange words I can translate it. My knowledge is very specific."
"Amazing, come on in, let's see what secrets it hides."
They were let back inside, the artifact was still shining with blue light, the engraved letters were, too.
"Alright, I will need an assistance, sir," Phantom looked at Tolfdir. "I am not very familiar with the lore, so, please, clarify some details."
Tolfdir eagerly nodded, excited to see the results of the work. Dave and Serana sat nearby, watching two eggheads enjoying their time.
"This thing is called 'The Eye of Magnus', as I have mentioned to my friends," Danny read the words. "Now where is...damn, I can't read the poem exactly, because there is a game of words. Who is Magnus, please remind me."
"The god of magic," Serana shrugged.
"And the architect of Mundus, let me remind you," Tolfdir said in a teaching manner.
"It makes sense...this thing is supposed to...oh, dear. Tell me, did Magnus hate what he had built?"
"Hm...Magnus did intend to terminate the mortal plane after seeing how flawed it turned out."
"That explains why you have a doomsday machine here."
"You aren't saying..."
"The letters clearly state this. In a poetic form they announce the verdict, cursing Lorkhan for tricking the gods into making sacrifices for this world, weakening them as a result."
"How interesting...but how do we...keep this thing from destroying everything?"
"I would have put it where it had been and never bothered anyone. The dramatism here is equal to an executioner who engraves poems on his axe. But here aren't any instructions. I have looked over each side. Figures, why would the creator make one. Any ideas how this eye can be set off, so as not to do that?"
"No, we can't put it back. Thalmor wants it, the Imperial Synod desires it. In their struggle they will kill us all."
"Yeah," Serana muttered. "Not the best situation."
"Another day, another apocalypse," the Dragonborn grumbled.
"Mundus used to be so overfilled with magic that the mortals couldn't live there. Maybe this is the way the Eye works," Tolfdir noted, and despite the situation the old man was still fascinated. It could be that the lad was just thinking everything up, but all this made too much sense to be a ruse.
"Wait..." Danny walked around the sphere, "There are more writings on top."
Unexpectedly for the old man, Phantom floated higher, surprising the mage. Suddenly the half ghost laughed.
"Oh, that's what you get for taking things out of context. It's simple, there isn't top or bottom of the text. It is supposed to destroy the world IF not handled correctly, and the world indeed as corrupt and incapable of handling the power as Magnus fears."
"What does it do then?"
"Hm...that thing about Mundus you have mentioned...the Eye was used as a sponge. It absorbed all extra magicka to make the world possible to live in. Magnus wasn't able to take it with himself, apparently, wherever he went."
"He went to Aetherius, and accidentally left a hole," Serana grumbled. "The sun."
Danny chuckled. She obviously didn't have much love for the god who by extension caused her so much trouble.
"That explains why the Eye radiates the energy in such monsrous amounts..."
"In my home we call it radiation...you know, that tells a lot...so this world used to be a radioactive wasteland..."
Danny's rambling remained mysterious to the others. But to him it was a marvelous discovery.
"Though it doesn't quite explain spells...nah, the theory is ruined. Anyway...as long as you don't try harvesting magicka directly, or agitate the thing in any way, you should be fine. The orb has been untouched for many years and nothing happened."
"I'll tell the archmage. By the Nine, this is a groundbreaking discovery, my friend!" Tolfdir breathed. "The Dawn Era is so mysterious, yet now we have discovered something unique and unspoken! You deserve a reward and a fame. But how do you know the language?"
Phantom smiled. "I have a gift - an intuitive understanding of every language I look at or hear. We are currently speaking the different language from my homeland. But to me it feels like we are speaking mine."
"If only I have been able to do so..."
"Alright, you two," Serana approached them. "Please, stop feeding his ego," she looked at Tolfdir.
"What?" Danny pouted, before crossing his hands. "You are cruel, Ser."
The vampire smirked slightly.
"Nevertheless, the reward must be according. Do you want something?"
"Well," Danny rubbed the back of his neck. "Some cool enchanted robe would be nice."
The old man chuckled. "No problem, lad. Any specifics?"
"What might we need?" The half ghost looked at his girlfriend.
"Can you do double enchantments?" She asked Tolfdir.
"We have an expert. He teaches this art."
"Then...knowing how Danny fights...something for protection, maybe you can put an ebony flesh on it. And for magic protection."
"Why only protection?" Danny asked.
"Because you asked for enchanted ROBES," Dave explained, showing his sword. "Only weapons can be enchanted with something for offense."
"Okay. It makes sense."
"It will take a couple of hours. Please, don't go anywhere."
Tolfdir moved exceptionally quickly, leaving the group alone in the hall. Suddenly Serana looked at the half ghost.
"Hey, Danny. Want to learn magic?"
She decided that since the lesson hadn't gone so well, the vampire could teach him what she knew. Needless to say that Phantom was thrilled to learn it from his beautiful girlfriend. Dave wasn't interested in magic, but that was an interesting show. The Eye, even if untouched, increased the power of the mage standing nearby, or at least in theory.
"So, what do you want?" The vampire tilted her head. "Necromancy or illusion? You can destroy things and without magic."
"Hm...let's do illusion," responded Phantom, not eager to learn the art of subjugating the undead. He could do it willingly, no need for such drastic actions. Ghosts were afraid of necromancers, from what he had learned in the Ghost Zone. Back in the day he wondered where the necromancers had come from.
"Okay...maybe something easy...let's try the calming spell. The point is to concentrate the magicka in your hand. Sometimes the hard spells require both hands, or specific movements of the palm. This is not the case. Just think of what you are about to do, keep your palm opened and try to direct something but your...ghostly power."
Danny did as she instructed. It was hard. Usually when he directed energy in the hand he got ectoblasts. Phantom closed his eyes in concentration, before feeling tingly in his palm. He opened them, and the shining teal blue orb. Danny grinned, happy with his newfound ability. It had so much untouched potential.
"Good job," Serana smiled. "Now you should close it in a fist, push the hand until you meet the obstacle."
Phantom tried. Indeed, as he tried to make a fist, the ball became somewhat solid, preventing him from clenching the hand further, like if he held a rock in his hand.
"Now the spell is ready. Try it on me."
"WHAT?"
"Don't worry, it's harmless. Just shoot."
"If you are sure..."
Danny cast the spell at her. The teal glow around her appeared. Serana smiled.
"Looks like you did it," she said, suddenly really close to him. It caught Danny off guard when she kissed him. It was awfully sentimental of her, and Dave even dropped his jaw. He had not been aware that the two were already on that stage. Then Serana put her head on his shoulder, leaning on her lover.
"Uhm, Ser...it was just a simple spell..."
"But you still did it..."
Not that Phantom didn't enjoy it, standing like that for a good minute. Suddenly Serana pulled back, the glow around her had vanished, but a huge blush had appeared.
"Sorry...I didn't expect that the spell would work," she explained. "I am a vampire, usually immune to illusions. If it isn't a mage with enough power. It seems that you are."
It now made sense to the others. Under the brief effect of the spell Serana became more relaxed around him. And since she obviously harbored feelings for him it looked like some kind of seduction. Serana understood that too and was embarassed to no end.
"Don't you dare to use it on me again," Serana threatened.
Danny smiled. "But you are so cute like that," he teased, deepening the blush. Serana had a feeling that that was going to become a habit.
"I should have chosen another spell. Let's move on," she said in her usual calm tone.
They decided to try something more complicated, since Danny seemed quite capable. Maybe because of the Eye being so close to them, which was actually strange. Yes, it obviously made things easier, but shouldn't it ABSORB magicka around, not give off? Obviously there were things not mentioned on the engravings.
Phantom learned a couple of incantations. Among these were pale shadows - they attacked the person, but dissipated after the first blow. Perfect distraction. Also Danny learned how to enduce fury in his opponents, making them attack everything what moved. Of course such things weren't tested on each other, but the spells were obviously cast. Dave only observed, but sometimes his shield came in handy, Danny's control of directions was sloppy because of the actual recoil the magic had.
The undead couple had a lot of fun with doing magic. Serana was amused at the King's childish excitement whenever he succeeded in the arcane art. Maybe as the time came it would seem like something petty for his power, but at the meantime, they just enjoyed the moment. Dovahkiin easily noticed that whatever had happened in their absense, the two became closer, not even trying to hide anything. Guess that means that his lovebirds theory was correct. Somewhere, beyond the plane of mortals, Sheogorath had long since realized he won a couple of bets from his 'collegues'. Several valuable souls were now his.
Their prelude was interrupted when the gates opened again.
"This place is supposed to be empty," the Thalmor representative, Ankano was his name, narrowed his yellow eyes.
"Nope. Tolfdir asked us to wait until he comes back," Danny responded innocently.
Dave put a hand on his blade and went behind the column, being unnoticed by the tall elf.
"I find this hard to believe," responded Ankano. "Get out of my sight, brats."
"Who are you to cast us out?" Serana crossed her hands.
Both of the undead knew about his plans. The guy obviously wanted to get this thing to Thalmor. And since the Altmers were after them, they would rather give it to Synod. Or rather put it away where it could not harm anyone. And certainly not to the power hungry warmongers.
"I am Thalmor, you do not want to mess with us..."
"Already did, dude," Danny grinned. "We have slaughtered your entire fortress," he whispered.
"They begged to spare them," Serana added quietly.
"Get. Lost."
The elf obviously didn't believe their tale. Too bad, too bad.
"Nooope," Phantom shifted on his tiptoes with a grin. "How do I know you are allowed to be here? I recall the archmage has told you to back off," he said, remembering what Dave had told him.
Ankano sized him up and down, and Danny knew that look. He noticed that the elf's palm glowed green and his action was instant. He pushed the altmer backwards and the spell was discharged. The agent leaped to his feet and his eyes showed the rage within.
"How...dare you!"
Dave got behind Ankano, his sword at the ready. The elf somehow saw that one coming, the next incantation was swift, it surrounded him in bluish glow. After that he raised his hand and blocked the hit, as if the hand had some heavy gauntlets on it. Apparently that's what Serana had called an 'Ebony flesh'. Then Ankano's hand hurled fire at the Nord, making him make several steps back from the attacker, raising his shield.
"You think I am some kind of an amateur like you?!"
Another spell and he was surrounded by what looked like a small infernal storm.
"No, you are a babbling idiot," Serana commented dryly, swiftly taking out her dagger in one move.
Phantom snorted and his hands were covered in green energy, accompanied by the cold illusory flames of the same color.
The first to attack was Ankano. He threw a fireball at the two, but the green shield appeared on its wake. It nearly shattered, for the power of magic was still somewhat enchanced. They lunged forward the moment the flames were cleared out of the way. Phantom threw several blasts at the opponent, but Ankano held the ward and absorbed the energy, before having to defend himself from the attacking vampire. Serana had difficulties - the fire cloak would burn her shall she not be careful. Luckily it was an inconsistent torrent, she just needed the right moment.
The elf knew the flaw, obviously, so he avoided the occasional stabs. It was harder with the Dragonborn, because he was safe, the flames wouldn't get him while he was using a longsword. In addition Phantom kept pounding the elf with the blasts, making one of his hands occupied with maintaining the ward. It already left him without half of the spells. Ankano needed to get rid of at least one attacker. His hand sparked with electricity, before a lighting bolt was unleashed right when Danny was about to hurl more blasts. Nothing could surpass it in speed, and it hit the target, launching him into the column behind. It seriously cracked.
Phantom screamed in pain, but quickly regained his posture despite the pain which would soon disappear. Ankano summoned a wall out of nowhere, puns about firewalls aside, it cut the room in two, leaving Phantom to try freeze it, because the thing was reaching the ceiling. But Serana looked at him, and, whilst distracted, she got assaulted by a whirlwind of ice. In the last moment she jumped away from the torrent. Then, it impacted the Eye.
The arifact resonated with a powerful vibration, so much that all the windows shattered, the rays of evening sun poured into the room, much to Serana's fright. Her palm immediately got burned and she jumped to the poorly lit part. But the sunrays were pathetic compared to the shining of the orb. It had been agitated. Luckily without huge consequences.
Dave once again swung his sword and hit the magical piece of armor the Altmer put against him. Sick of getting nothing, he used a dragon shout at the opponent and launched him flying across the room with a thundering sound. Ankano landed in the shattered glass near the central window. How unfortunate that that was the moment when the ebony flesh wore off. The shards easily pierced the thin fabric of his dark engraved robe. Ankano got up, while the group was not separated anymore.
Without saying a word the elf cast a spell with both hands, and immediately three transparent illusions appeared. They were strong, but the caster had to maintain the things, keep the spell going. There was no choice but to fight them, but at the moment Ankano was defenseless. Serana graciously ducked under the swings of two illusions and stabbed the back of one of them. It merely spun around, Serana quickly pulled back a dagger, when Danny blasted another one, helping out his girlfriend.
He decided to try his newfound power. The similar shadow ran forward and attacked the elf. Ankano managed to kick the shadow with his unnoccupied leg, dissipating it. The concentration was lost and the illusions of his own flickered out of existence for a moment. The team used that time to get closer, but once again the transparent beings stood on their way. Ankano retreated to the side, going along the walls of the circular room.
Seeing this, Phantom kicked the nearest illusion, before outstretching his hand. Ankano was lifted in the air, his hands were bound by some invisible force, and the spell dispersed.
"Could have done this sooner," Dave grumbled.
"I am a clueless one," grinned Phantom.
"Release me, you fool!"
"Ah, here we go again. No I will not," the half ghost said.
"Why should he?" Serana added.
"What's going on here?"
Looking around the Eye, which partially blocked the view, the group saw the fancy dressed wizard. The grey skinned, red eyed old elf approached them.
"Oh, hi there," Danny waved his free hand.
"Archmage Aren, what's the meaning of this?!" Ankano exclaimed.
"I don't know myself," Savos Aren looked at the visitors, a question was evident in his eyes.
"The guy attacked first," Serana explained calmly. "We told him that from the observations it was questionable that he has been permitted here. Then he attacked."
"This thing is dangerous," Dave added. "The lad and that Tolfdir fellow have got this uncovered."
"Ah, so you are the one he speaks so highly of. Which is not a valid excuse from crushing my college."
"Aren, order them to release me at once!"
"Oh, I can do just that."
A little move of the hand and the elf was now hanging above the endless pit outside of the window. Both Serana and Dave knew that the half ghost was bluffing. Unfortunately for Ankano, he did not. He screamed, looking at the merciless waves and sharp rocks beneath.
"Put him on the ground this instant," the archmage ordered sternly.
"Watch out for hands," Danny warned, pulling the elf back inside.
Ankano fell on all fours and panted for breath after such a terrific experience.
"Now. There is a need for some explanation," the dark elf crossed his hands.
"It's already been told," Phantom shrugged. "The Eye is a dangerous thing. And Ankano obviously wanted its power. Either for himself or Thalmor."
"You little lying brat. I have wanted nothing but to conduct my own research!"
"And that's why you have attacked us," Dave snorted.
"Savos, it is not truth, they are the ones who started it, that was self defense!"
"I am not sure whom to believe...neither has enough of my trust."
"Tolfdir will confirm that all I've wanted was to hide the Eye of Magnus before it killed each one of you."
"And a robe," Serana reminded.
"Yes, a fancy robe you all wear."
"Guess we should ask him once he comes back. Until then we should..."
Savos didn't have enough time to finish the sentence, because by that time Ankano realized that the evidences were against him. And once everyone briefly looked away from him, which was a terrible mistake by itself, he cast another spell. He needed to replenish his energy. And there just happened to be one source of it nearby. It was in the last moment Dovahkiin saw that the elf was about to strike.
"GET DOWN!" he exclaimed.
But everyone mistook Ankano's intentions. What looked like a simple lighting bolt, turned out to be the magicka preying spell. It hit the sphere in the center of the room.
The ground trembled at the resonance. Its sound waves were painful for the undead's ears. Ankano let out the scream as he started to glow, still consuming the energy. Dave struck the elf before it would be too late. But it was, the sword dissipated into dust at the contact. Seeing this, Ankano laughed, still absorbing more magicka.
"Moronic human, I now hold the power of Aetherium at my fingertips!"
He was pelted by several magical and ectoplasmic attacks, but in vain. The shield around him was impenetrable.
"It is pointless," Savos mumbled after another of his spells failed to break the protection.
"Any ideas?" Serana asked Danny.
"Why are you asking me? I have no clue. The Eye doesn't specify anything...You idiot, you will kill us all! No mortal can handle such power!"
"The only ones who will get killed are you! My mind and body are impenetrable!"
This made Phantom perk up with an idea. The shield protected against attacks, it was like a flesh spell, combined with a powerful ward. Yet it was possible to touch him. But just to make sure...Danny sighed and approached him, narrowing his eyes.
"You want to play the game of gods, Ankano?" He asked in a strange tone. "We will see about that."
The blinding flash followed, and the ring of moonlight surrounded his waist. It passed up and down, revealing his ghostly persona, his hair thrashing around and his eyes blazing with neon color. Both elven mages watched with shock, while his companions noted something different. His glow was brighter, and it somehow induced certain...feelings. It was not intended, but while Serana and Dave felt relief and safety, Ankano's legs trembled. Something similar had happened during the lecture, but back then it was only terror.
"Now. Let's see if your pitiful mind can handle this."
His echoing voice - a daedric trait, as Savos noted, was the last thing Ankano heard, before the half ghost simply...jumped inside him.
The following scene was not the most satisfactory one. For seemingly no reason Ankano screamed.
"Get out of my head!" He shouted.
"It's quite comfy in here," Danny's response was only heard by the owner of his body. "Will you stop willingly or I'll have to claim this body? I'm tired of being polite near my lover. Last chance, mortal."
Even if he tried not to show it, Ankano's resistance was surprising. He had a hard time trying to take the wheel.
"What's happening?" The archmage asked.
"It looks like he is trying to possess him," Serana mumbled. "Smart move."
"Never thought the lad would do that," Dave could only observe, seeing Ankano thrash around, but still somehow managing to connect himself with the Eye.
"How can you be fine with this?!"
"Don't worry," Serana tried to calm Savos. "He usually doesn't do that. Hopefully he does that before..."
Another thundering earthquake followed, stronger than all others before it. They even lost their footing, falling on the ground, while the chunks of stone kept falling from the ceiling. Then the Eye started to vibrate, it expulsed a massive surge of blue energy around, it went far beyond the room.
"GIVE UP!" Phantom yelled in the elf's head, his shout trying to hide his panic.
"SHUT YOUR MOUTH, DAEDRA!" Ankano responded. "YOU WON'T STOP ME!"
The others got up, unsure what to do as the shield still stood. Soon the doors swung open, revealing a group of mages, led by Mirabelle Erwin.
"Archmage, Winterhold is under attack!" she shouted.
"We already have some problems," Savos pointed at Ankano, who kept mumbling or shouting, as it seemed, to himself.
"What happened?" Tolfdir asked.
"Trying to stop the madman in my own way."
It was said by Danny, with his words, his voice, yet Ankano's mouth. His eyes became green for a moment, scaring everyone. For a brief second the hand of the elf moved away, but immediately returned. Slowly Phantom was gaining control.
"What's going on in the city?" Inquired the archmage.
"Some strange apparitions, wisp-like. They destroy everything on their way. We must help them."
"What about this?" Savos pointed at the pulsating orb.
"You can't do anything about it," Dave crossed his hands. "Might as well help out the people in the meantime."
"I'll watch him," Serana volunteered immediately.
"There has to be an expert in the arcane field, lass."
"Oh, please, like anyone here knows what to do with the divine artifact."
"Neither should we help them Nords outside. The things are not attacking the college."
"This is wrong," Tolfdir argued. "They will despise us even more. We must help."
"Fine," Savos sighed. "You stay here too, Tolfdir. You know more about this thing. The others, follow me."
Dave decided to come with the mages. He would be of more use fighting that unknown things. Their team ran outside, leaving the vampire and the old mage alone.
"We have to contain the Eye's power," Tolfdir told her. "We can surround it with a ward. It is only temporary, but it is somewhat a delay."
"Uhm, sir, I can't do a powerful ward."
"You underestimate..."
"I am a vampire!"
The old man froze. "That...complicates things. But you should still try, I won't be able to keep it for long."
Serana nodded. She had to try, just to give Danny more time.
Meanwhile the group of almost every mage in the college, including the students, crossed the bridge, only to see the city on fire. And even if the sun had set, everything was as bright as during the daytime. The people were fleeing with screams and terror, past the mages and the Dragonborn. The latter picked up a steel axe from the nearest guard, smashed by the fallen support beam. He wouldn't be needing it anyway.
"Separate in groups, get the civillians from the fire and kill whatever comes attacking! Go!" Savos ordered.
The groups scattered around, trying to encompass as much territory as they could. Dave remained near the aged dark elf, looking around. Then something, or rather someone, ran around the corner. It was one of the guards, winded and exhausted.
"Run!" he yelled, before a blue beam hit him from nowhere.
Only his skeleton fell on the ground, smoking and lifeless. The two observants' eyes widened in shock and horror, before seeing what had done this thing.
It seemed so small. A blue ball was floating in the air, shimmering with black spots. It had a spectral tail, but that's it. And from the signs of it, the ball noticed them somehow. The thing steadily flew towards them, sparking with the blue energy. Aren threw a fireball at it. The being let out a hissing and screeching sound and avoided the sphere of fire. It responded with the blue beam, but the archmage protected himself with a ward.
Dave had enough bravery to approach the creature. With a raised shield he ran around, jumping from one piece of debris to another. Savos distracted the apparition, throwing bolts and balls of fire and electricity. Dovahkiin was behind the thing, taking a breath. Hopefully by killing it he wouldn't kill himself. He jumped over the rock and ran towards the sphere. Before it turned around, Dave roared and pierced the ball with an axe. It screeched and exploded, sending him flying backwards. Only a small blue puddle remained.
"Amazing...it appears they are made of pure magicka!" Savos breathed.
"If only I had your enthusiasm," Dave grumbled while lying on the ground.
"Is it working?" Serana asked.
"I have no idea," responded Tolfdir, still keeping a barrier around the Eye.
The vampire somehow managed to maintain a very thin layer, but she already felt mentally exhausted. It had only been ten minutes. All this time Ankano's mind had been splitting in two. It was obvious that the absorbed power of the eye was keeping Danny from taking control. He was growing sick of it.
"Just how much power do you need, you greedy idiot?"
"I will become a god, fool! And your pathetic attempts will do nothing."
If Phantom was visible, everyone would have been able to see a tick mark on his forehead. How good it is to be an idiot - you cannot doubt your thoughts. Suddenly a thought occurred in his mind. If the power of the Eye was protecting Ankano, maybe he could absorb it into himself. Was it risky? Yes. Did he have any choice? No. So far it was the only possible option.
Ankano screamed, suddenly feeling something on the inside.
"What are you..."
"This power is not yours."
Serana and Tolfdir watched how Ankano glowed. A wave of energy was expulsed, and the elf fell on his knees. Finally. His connection was broken. Where he once stood, remained Phantom. He was shaking from exhaustion, leaning against the column. Serana gasped and ran to him. Danny raised his hand.
"Stop!" He exclaimed. "Don't approach, it might be dangerous."
Serana stopped, watching him with fear.
"Are you okay?" She asked in concern.
"My form might help me. That's why we are still talking," Danny tried to smile.
Tolfdir watched in marvel. "Just what are you?" He asked.
"A god wannabe," Phantom joked and chuckled. "What about the Eye?"
"It is still unstable," The old man commented.
"I think we will take it from here."
Four people entered the room. They were wearing identical yellow hooded robes. Danny blinked, trying to understand who they were.
"Foreseeing your question," one of them looked at the half ghost. "We are the Psijic Order, Your Majesty. We have been watching you."
"You...you know..."
"Our mutual friend has advised us to assist, sir. And told us about you. We have no reason to distrust him. Our job is to maintain balance of power in the world."
"Really? So far you have only caused chaos."
"A chaos which eventually leads to balance, Nord," the elf beneath the hood noted. "The Eye will be safe in our hands. The world is not ready for its power and the proof is currently lying on the floor."
"I...I guess we don't have choice," Danny mumbled, looking at the others.
"Yes," Serana nodded. "Just take it away."
"We will have to trust you," Tolfdir sighed.
"NO!"
The damnable elf got to his feet. Ankano glared at his offenders. "You won't ruin my plans!"
The Psijics were strangely calm, as the Thalmor charged a lighting of extraordinary might, which, as Dave would have noted, was blue for a reason. However, the magic spinned out of control. With the screams of panicking denial the lighting went up his body. With a final scream and a blinding light, flesh and clothes left Ankano's body, and his dead smoking skeleton fell on the ground and crumbled across the floor. The main Psijic shook his head, looking at the stunned audience.
"It is one thing containing the power. Its usage, however, is difficult for us, mortals. And this is why your power will always be limited, Your Majesty."
"Yeah...Sheogorath told me," Danny mumbled, shocking Tolfdir.
"You will eventually get accustomed. For a while your mortality will be faint. Taste the power, but heed the warning. Do not let it consume you, like it did with Ankano. I bid you farewell, young King. Great change is ahead."
The Psijics surrounded the Eye, but Danny suddenly got a question.
"What do you mean 'faint'?" He asked.
"All in due time."
In the next flash, they vanished. So did the Eye of Magnus. Danny's glow dimmed with the artifact gone. He took a sigh, before feeling a hand on his shoulder. Serana smiled and hugged him. Danny hugged her back.
"That's the strangest day of my life," Tolfdir said.
Yes. In a single day he saw the divine power, learned an uncovered mystery, met the legendary Psijics, witnessed an incredible power and saw a vampire and daedra couple. He had tons of questions, but he knew the politeness, he saw that they all were exhausted. They were nice kids, no reasons to fear them despite their nature.
"Hey, Tolfdir," Danny looked at him. "Do I still get the robe?" He asked.
The old man chuckled. "Be right back. I have put it away."
As he walked off, Phantom grunted and stood straight, running a hand through his stark locks.
"Alright...now..."
Suddenly his eyes widened in horror.
"What's wrong?" asked Serana.
"I can't change back."